Reminisce . . .

Summer 2020 - Homer, walking among the fireweed

The temperature is in the single digits and snow is projected for the next couple of days. This coming week, friends and I are driving down from Anchorage and over from the Peninsula to meet up at Exit Glacier to cross country ski together and to share a brumal picnic in Seward. I love winter’s quieter pace and cozy feel. And though I embrace this season and I enjoy the amenities it offers, on cold, grey days, occasionally, my mind wanders back to the joys of warmer times. 

The recollection of last summer’s trek up Peak II, hikes on the Gull Rock, Resurrection, Eklutna and Skilak Lookout trails and venture up Exit Glacier stir anticipation over our plans to climb up a select few of the 120 Peaks in the Chugach and along Kesugi Ridge this upcoming summer. 

On a salubrious afternoon, a group of us motored out of Whittier’s boat harbor. We dropped anchor in a cove and made our way to the beach where we laid strewn on the shore and baked in the sun. And I smile at the memory of the feeling of swimming in the ocean. 

Parked on a homestead high on a bluff overlooking the Kenai River, I enjoyed waking in my motorhome to look out over a vista. Sipping my morning mocha I gave thanks for kind friends, for God’s provision and His awe inspiring creation and for the occasional visits from my granddaughter’s fur babies. Grand-puppy duty with Betsy and Beau filled the days with snuggles and beach walks and companionship. In spite of the work and poop patrol (yuck), I miss these loving little beings.

The most heart warming memory of summer past, was time spent with my granddaughter. 

We crammed my car with pillows, sleeping bags and blankets, swim suits, towels, food and drinks, bags with gear and electronics, three preteens, two fur-babies, dog food and dog beds and dog dishes and laughter, music and fun conversation and we drove 75 miles north to our cousin's home on Nancy Lake. I lounged on the deck and watched while the kiddos received fly fish instructions. We paddled on the water, swam in the lake, watched movies, ate and let the puppies frolic and roam the property. 

When in town, we biked Anchorage's extensive trail system and cycled to restaurants and lakes and parks. I followed behind my granddaughter and her friends trying to keep up with their youthful lungs and legs. They’d stop and visit while waiting for me to catch up; I’m grateful they let grandma tag along. 
​
I cherish these memories and numerous others and I look forward to creating more, starting with today. So, here is to warmth and light and also to single digit temps and white, winter days.