First Visitor of the Summer - Anchorage Fun

My friend, Melissa, from Charlottesville, Virginia made the trek up to Alaska for some fun and sightseeing.

We had quite the adventure over the two weeks she was here.

Wildlife Conservation Center

Portage and Byron Glaciers

Ulu Factory Mushing Lesson

Lake Hood

Hiking Near Point Trail

2015 Scottish Highland Games

We're back for the 2015 games. 

Scotch Tasting was delicious. 

Pro Caber Toss

Not a bad backdrop 

Bird to Gird Bike Trail

Jernine, Jamie, Lindsey, Jakub, Steve and I took advantage of a gorgeous Alaska day to bike the Bird to Gird Bike Trail which follows the Turnagain Arm. It runs from Indian, AK to Girdwood, AK but the nearby Bird Point makes for a better trail name, hence, Bird to Gird. It was more challenging than it should have been considering there is only a 300 foot elevation gain.

Trip info collected with my Delorme InReach Explorer

 

There was a black bear on the trail, but he only poked his head out slightly. No one was able to get a good picture. Lots of bear scat seen on the paved trail.

 

 

Alaska Train next to the trail

Steve bouldering

Jernine and Jamie

 

Eagle River Nature Center Trails

Jernine, Jakub, Pixie, Jameson and I went for a leisurely trail walk along the Iditarod trail and Albert Loop trail to Eagle River. A grizzly charged hikers two days ago, but we didn't see him anywhere. We had a cute malamute mix join our group who must have been our guardian angel dog to keep us safe. His owners were to be called by the staff at the Nature Center. 

Seattle visit with my parents

Memorial Day long weekend trip south to Seattle

Pike Place Market

Space Needle on a typical dreary day

View from Kerry Park

Mom and I sick as dogs making the best of it - I had laryngitis and she had bronchitis 

Bainbridge Island Ferry headed to Olympic National Park

Cape Flattery hike with dad - Most Northwesternmost point of contiguous US

Hoh Rainforest