Trip to Valdez

Since we found out we had two more weeks together than we expected, we took an impromptu trip to Valdez to go kayaking. On the way there we found an area where we could access the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and had fun playing on it. Our kayaking trip couldn't have been more perfect. We paddled about 3.5 miles to Gold Creek where we went for a little hike in the creek to see a waterfall. We saw Dall Porpoise, many varieties of sea ducks, eagles, seals, otters, and even two wolves. After our little hike we had a picnic on the gravel beach and then paddled back. Valdez is lovely!

Wayne came for a short visit

Wayne received a mission to fly to Elmendorf this week and so we were able to hang out with him on a couple of occasions. He first arrived on Wednesday and we went to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center so he could see the animals as well as enjoy the beautiful drive to Portage. He had to fly to Eglin the next day but returned Friday night and spent most of Saturday with us so we took him to see the sights of Anchorage and try the local cuisine. It was great that Ian got to see him before going to Iraq.

Trip to Barrow, Alaska

Ian and I took a trip to Barrow this weekend. I've had a hankering to see the arctic and we decided to go before he goes to Iraq. The highest temperature we witnessed was probably -5. At night it dropped to -25 or so. It ended up being one of the best trips we've gone on. The people were so nice, we were able to watch women preparing seal skins for the spring whaling boats, and to top it all off we saw three polar bears! It's truly unlike anywhere we've ever been before.

Colin and Andrea joined me last Thursday for our fifth annual ski weekend in Salt Lake City. The weather could not have been any better. It was sunny and 20's on Thursday, Friday and Sunday and it snowed steadily all day Saturday. Since the kids didn't get in until Thursday evening, I skied alone on Thursday and on Friday, the three of us took an all day private lesson with Christopher, who has been teaching telemark and alpine skiing at Alta for the last 18 years. All three of us were telemarking (although one of us is considerably less skilled) and Chris did an excellent job of working with each of us on our skills. Apart from the pain from dislocating my shoulder early in the day, I really enjoyed skiing with the kids, even though they ski through moguls and trees that are beyond my comfort level. I'll try to get a couple of photos posted this weekend.

We stayed with Scott and Patricia Woller, who live at the base of Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, which is where Brighton, Solitude, Snow Bird and Alta are. This year, we did all our skiing at Alta. It would be hard to find a more beautiful setting or better snow.

Leah is considering enrolling in a college in Salt Lake City, which may mean that there will be even another reason to visit there next winter. If you haven't skied in Salt Lake City, I recommend it highly.

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Ian's promotion Ceremony

Ian's promotion ceremony was thankfully put off till they were back from the Philippines. It was my job to put his new rank on his uniform. Afterwards we had some cake and Indian food. It's nice to finally call him Captain Stroud!

Ian's back and we've been dog sledding!

For those of you who don't know, Ian returned from the Philippines on Friday which was two days early! We had a wonderful weekend involving dog sledding. We drove up to Trapper Creek yesterday (about 120 miles north) to go mushing with Francine again. We went with her last year when Andrea came up. We had a fantastic time, although my sled tipped over once and threw me off. I landed hard, but I'm ok. It's amazing how fast those dogs can run!

Ian had a good time in the Philippines and from what I can tell the experience was rewarding. He leaves for Iraq in the first or second week of next month. I wish I had him home longer, but at least he'll only be gone 7 months.

oops that was me, not Sam. He was signed on my computer.

Chilling in NY with Sam tonight.  I've been very busy with school and without a functional camera for several months now.  I will be done with my third year required rotations on April 21st, very exciting.  I will hopefully be able to tell everyone soon what I will be doing with my life.  Sam is most likely going to be accepted at Dartmouth for his PhD program, so we may end up in NH after I graduate.  That's all the news for now.  Its March, a great month for Birthdays of course....I will be 27 this year, wow!

PS - promise to get back on the ball with pics after I get my camera fixed.

Update from Alaska

I'm not sure if anybody still looks at the blog, but I'll continue to post anyway. The annual "Fur Rendezvous" started in Anchorage this weekend and I have uploaded a couple pictures of some of the events. These are of the Reindeer races (skijourning), "running of the reindeer" and the World Championship Sled Dog race day 2. It's loads of fun.

An update on Ian: his platoon has been ahead of schedule building the school in the Philippines. They are pretty much done, but he still stays until the 9th. He is now officially Captain Stroud and his promotion ceremony will be in the Philippines on the 3rd.

Trip to Homer, AK

Ian and I went to Homer this weekend and here are some photos from the trip. He leaves for the Philippines tomorrow and returns on March 9.