Monday, July 07, 2008

How Dirty is Dirty?



Yesterday we went on a bike ride along the shores of Eklutna Lake. It was a bit damp with some showers for about the first two miles of the trail, but then it dried up. The sky was overcast, but there was no wind. We had a gorgeous reflection of the mountains on the turquoise lake.



We rode with another family, friends of Zoey's from Mighty Bikes. Besides having a fabulous daughter named Hannah who is Zoey's age, they have a nine year old daughter who can ride! She was great. Her name is Zoe, too. I didn't bring my camera on the ride, it was too bulky, so no pictures along the way.



Vivi rode on her sticked together bike and won the Dirtiest Biker Ever contest. Doesn't she look fantastic? A lovely patina of glacial silt can do wonders for the skin.



Tom is my hero for riding nineteen miles to the airstrip and back with a trail-a-bike and Vivi. We all rode the nineteen miles, just the rest of us did not have the add bonus bike and biker.



Believe it or not, all the clothes have come out sparkling! I was exceedingly doubtful when I started the washer, but have been pleasantly surprised.



This just in...our comrade-in-arms Gerry passed along these last three shots. We ALL enjoyed the ride.



I love how Vivi looks transcendent here. Despite all the mud she really enjoyed her ride. Thanks for the photos, Gerry and Kathy.

Friday, July 04, 2008

Twig Wishes You A Happy Fourth of July!

Here in Alaska we have a little zoo. They have interesting Arctic and boreal animals including Amur tigers and snow leopards. The zoo has a very folksy feel, with little split rail fences, gorgeous flowers and a lovely woodland setting.






They even have several kinds of birds, all injured and flightless now. There are two ravens who are a hoot to watch. One raven loves twigs, so Tom and Zoey will place twigs in a place where this raven can snag them. They have named the raven Twig. Here is Twig talking to us. Sorry for the guy who comes up mid-way through and needs to talk, too.

Thursday, July 03, 2008

Really, She Does Make Noise!



Sorry for the technical glitch on the last try. This is the musk ox momma calling to her cute baby. When I heard her at the zoo, my back was turned and I could not believe until I actually saw her make this noise that it was the musk ox. Check her out, I am sure you will be amazed.

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Momma Musk Ox





Have you ever heard a mother musk ox call to her baby? We got treated to this display when we visited the zoo on Monday.