Still Here

Although we have not posted lately, we are still here, alive and healthy exploring Alaska. Last weekend we went on another hike this time at the Chugiach National Park which is 10 miles away from our house. The outdoor atmosphere and opportunities are pretty cool here because everything is so close. If you want to cross country ski, hike, snowshoe, anything -- you just hop in the car and go. The snow is pretty much all melted with the exception of HUGE snow piles in parking lots and in some very shady spots on trails in the woods. 

Going down the path.

Standing on a frozen river, Eagle River to be exact, in April...no big deal! 

One view. This day was not particularly clear so the mountains look as though they disappear into the gloomy sky.

A bear print. Bears are waking up from hibernating last winter and everyone says to be on guard when hiking and stuff. Some trails are closed until the fall because of exceptionally high bear activity. We have yet to see a bear, which is probably a good thing because we are unprepared to protect ourselves. We need to buy a bear bell, bear spray, and Tyler can carry a gun. Most people just strap the guns to their chest for easy access in case a bear is coming -- no permit or license to carry the gun; you just do it -- weird, huh?!

This is an Alaskan Malamute and he is only eight months old and is HUGE!! He was so hot because of his double coats on this day, but I thought it would be fun to show you a native pup. These are strong and often used for mushing.