Winter time

Direct sunlight ended for us valley dwellers back on Nov 19. We officially have only 5 hours and 46 minutes of daylight right now, it's not as bad as it sounds, twilight is long and the snow makes everything brighter. I sleep a lot though. The river is frozen in most places and is a great place to ski. We need a little more snow, the trails are ok but could use more. My cabin is cozy as are my down comforter and fleece sheets.. oh yeah.

My neighbor Barry.. a fishing enthusiast

I've been told this is a female, my sexing of Grizzly Bears is marginal at best.

This bear is getting a little too comfortable with people and if they catch it on the trail they may haze it. That's to say they shoot firecracker rounds at it or beanbag shot/ rubber bullets.... so the bear is a little more fearful of people. They don't want it to get into trouble. We all know what that would mean.

It was awesome to get this footage, the fish are just about done running so they may be looking for hibernation spots soon. Hopefully, before she gets herself into trouble.

Eagle River Nature Center

These are some shots from the Eagle River Nature Center, "termination dust" has fallen on the mountains. No it's not some killer volcano dust that snuffs out the living, it's the dust, or more accurately light snow, that signals the 'fair weather Alaskans' to flee south to warmer climates.

It's really beautiful with the birches and cottonwoods turning yellow, the mountain sides are red, orange and green. The colors are all very impressive. The moose are out in full force, bears abound, and silver salmon are staring their run. It's pretty nice to say the least.

The Lichen Lair

Home away from my other various residences over the past few years, tents, weather ports, my truck, forest service bunkhouse, my parents house, a medley of hostels, motels, and hotels..., and a random couch here and there.

I like the idea of living in something called a 'Lair'. Has a nice ring to it. "Would you like to come over to my Lair for some tea?"

Ram Valley... Chugach State Park

Pioneer Ridge... Chugach State Park

The hiking guide described it as a 'relentless uphill chug'. They weren't far off, it was worth it though, the weather was awesome and the view even better.

South Eagle River Valley... Eagle and Symphany Lake

Exit Glacier/ Harding Ice Field near Seward, AK

Chugach National Forest/ Kenai Peninsula

South to the Kenai Peninsula

South to Anchorage

Some shots from the road...

Denali on a cloudy day...

It was a little too cloudy to see Mt. McKinley but what can you do? It was nice anyway...

I made it!!

Back home in Ohio

Caroline finishing off the piñata, it was Josh's fiesta themed birthday.

More fun on the BIG ISLAND

Big Island = Big Fun

Pictures from the Big Island, Hawai'i

Back to Oahu

More mug shots