Day Two of our trip

Day two we continued to our exploration from Anchorage. Our dilemma was "what to do". The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Alaska Botanical Gardens, Eklutna Native Village and the Alaska State Fair were all options that were discussed. Some more easily dismissed than others (state fair for example). However, our decision was to go to Hatcher Pass. This is a scenic drive through the Talkeetna Mountains. On this drive, you pass few people. At points, we were surprised at how quiet everything was...obviously, this was when we got out of the car. You pass an old mine that while in operation searched the mountains for the mother lodes that produced the flakes that other miners were panning for in the streams. It is now a historical park and has very picturesque buildings settled in a valley in the mountains. I did not get a picture, which I regret. At the summit, there is a place to stop. There were some workers there and they suggested we hike this trail that they recently had cut on the hill. They said there is a lake at the top and it is very scenic. I was not dressed warm enough and still sore from the hike the previous day and opted to not go which I think made Todd not go. I suggested he go without me but, he didn't. This is something he regrets and I do too now. It was a rare opportunity. I learned to dress better after that day. I just wasn't prepared for the wind. I needed a windbreaker actually. These are some pictures from our drive.

From alaska #1

I believe this river is Little Susitna. AND yes, the water is blue. All streams, lakes, ponds were blue. (By the way, I am guessing this is a river. What is between a stream and a river?)

From alaska #1

This is an Arctic Ground Squirrel. I was sure it was a prairie dog of some sort and for the longest time, the only wild animal we saw in Alaska. I was starting to believe they lied about the moose and the bear. Anyway, like typical squirrels, they are not too afraid of humans and are actually hanging around for some handouts.

From alaska #1

This is either from the highest point or looking out from Summit Lake. I am not sure. Summit Lake is just a little ways further on the drive.

This is at Summit Lake. I don't even think I attempted a picture of the lake. This was a stream feeding into the larger body of water. I just liked that little patch of red at the top. It was unbelievable how many flowers were blooming and the variety of colors that we saw on our trip. Many times we were surrounded by wildflowers.

Day 1-Sunny (or so it said)

Upon arriving in Anchorage, we looked at the forecast. Our best day was to be Sunday. The forecast said sunny. Todd and I had plans to visit Potters Marsh on Tuesday as we drove to Seward. Since it appeared our weather was going to be poor, we decided to move Potters Marsh and our hike to Flattop Mountain to Sunday. Sunday wasn't sunny...or at least not until 4 p.m.
Potter Marsh, at the southern end of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, is an easily accessible and scenic wildlife viewing area. To the south, Turnagain Arm sweeps out to Cook Inlet. Bald eagles, water birds, and spawning salmon are found here. A 1,550-foot boardwalk assists individuals in their pursuit of the plentiful birds. Spring is the best time to visit but it appeared we may be privileged to some shorebirds and swans. Here are some pictures from Potter's Marsh. Notice no birds, in my pictures at least.

From alaska #1

First, we drove past the main entrance and went down to another area...not as friendly to the visitor. No birds but I did find this "grass" wonderful. I really appreciated the purple horsetail affect.

From alaska #1

Here's the salmon. Where are the bears?.

For the second 1/2 of the day, we tried to hike Flattop Mountain.

Flattop is climbed more often than any mountain in Alaska, and that is a mixed blessing. It has a high trail head with plenty of space for parking, a mostly maintained trail (until you get to the top when you are already tired), and summit vistas from Cook Inlet to Denali. Alaska is famous for its beautiful wilderness, not for its crowds. Flattop has both. Flattop's peak is at 3500 feet. Hikers only have to climb the last 1300 hundred feet in 1.5 miles. Remember how I said the forecast was sunny. Well it was cloud covered most of the day including our hike. We couldn't tell how far we had come or how high we were. Sometimes we could barely see fifty feet in front of us. This may have been a blessing in disguise. I think Todd and I would have hesitated long before we did if, we could actually see our location or destination. We were almost to the top...the point where you have to use your hands in addition to your feet to reach the summit. This was where we both chickened out and both said we couldn't do the last stretch.

From alaska #1

Near the top looking over a ledge.

From alaska #1

This is Flattop Mountain after we came down. Notice the clouds/fog had burned almost completely away at this time.

Honey, I'm home.

Guess where I just got back from?

Black & White or Color

Todd and I have been to South River Falls Trail two times this month: May 3rd and again May 17th. Our goal was birdwatching, not actually going down to the falls. I do not have my hiking legs as of yet and that 3 1/2 miles is enough for me. I haven't captured too many fascinating items on film (disk that is) but, I did play with the black and white feature on my camera. Below is virtually the same photo in color and black & white. I do not think these are outstanding photos. Just a look at the same scenery, two different ways.

Farmer's Markets

It is that wonderful time again when the farmer's markets open up. Just around the Richmond area, there is the original downtown market open Thursdays and Saturdays. In Ashland, Forest Hill and Goochland, there are markets open on Saturday. Tuesday you can get to a very good market in Oregon Hill and just recently a market opened on Wednesdays and Saturdays in Lakeside.
Last year, I spent many a Saturday buying fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, local pork, chicken, eggs and beef. I only went to the grocery store for cereal, milk, and things like laundry detergent.
Last week was my first visits to the markets and this is my list of purchases: fresh asparagus (so yummy), strawberries, cabbage plants, and a cherry tomato plant at the Lakeside market. Saturday, I purchased pork bratwurst (raised in Farmville), hamburger meat (beef raised here in Powhatan), a Black Brandywine tomato plant, a basil plant, and freshly baked sourdough bread (that was very yummy too!)
I like that I know the individuals (or at least their faces) I am giving my money too. The Ault Family Farm is the man I buy pork and eggs from. He always has whole chickens but I have yet to be that brave. If he cut it up for me, I would buy it in a second. He also sells free range turkeys for Thanksgiving and is taking orders as early as now. The first year (yes this will be my third year) he brought beef but not since. However, I pass Brookview Farm on the way and they sell beef also from their farm. I have been stopping there to get beef or eggs. As I said earlier, there was a Powatan farm selling beef. I have yet to cook what I bought. I am very excited to have these wonderful resources open again!

Dutch Gap

Last Saturday (April 16th), Todd and I went birdwatching at Dutch Gap near Henricus. I mostly bird observe and point out birds as they fly by or flutter in trees in case he misses them. He tells me what I am looking at if I don't know. He actually is the bird watcher. Just being around a bird watcher though you pick up information: e.g. bird calls. I know some and can name the bird. Some I know I know but can't quite guess the bird. Examples: I will hear a tufted titmouse saying "peter peter" or today a Eastern Pewee saying "pee a wee". (That one was sheer luck.) However, as often as I hear a Carolina Wren out my back door, I never can guess it when I am out in the parks.

I didn't get any pictures of birds last week. Instead, I have two pictures of frogs and what I believe are iris pseudacorus.

Cuth, huh.

Not a great photo...but look how many there were.

Step 1

Alright so the flooring is down. I now have to wait for the countertops to come...this depends on Dad coming up so, it may be awhile. I can't paint the kitchen until the countertops are in. I guess I could repaint the cabinets...that doesn't seem too fun though. When Dad comes, the new microwave will go in along with a new stove. I think that is it in the kitchen. Stove, microwave, countertops, paint. Yea, that's it (said sarcastically).

I think I may need to get rid of my "sky" walls in the bathroom that now also has this floor. I kind of knew that already but I was hoping it might look good together. This bathroom will get a new light fixture and mirror (also depending on Dad). Then a coat of paint (some shade not decided upon yet.

Before

I am in the process of doing some work on my house. New flooring, new counter tops, new appliances, new sinks, new light fixtures, painting. I must admit so far, I have only done one thing on my long list of things to do. However, soon, there will be one more thing complete. I am covering my very "me" (awful to keep clean) flooring in the kitchen with something more neutral. This is the one room that will get a very complete make over. First comes the floor. Then there will be new counter tops and new appliances. After that, there will be fresh paint on the walls and cabinets. It won't look like my house anymore. I had to share my very fun and very retro kitchen before it all disappears. I think it will be fun to share as the projects go along so expect a picture of the new floor sometime soon...with these yellow walls!

Another favorite bird

I believe I have only seen these birds in Florida but I KNOW I really like them. I think my fascination is due to their pink legs. These birds are called Black-necked Stilts. This picture is from our trip in January. I can't remember ever seeing this bird out of water...for all I know it may have yellow feet.

Cedar Waxwing

Recently (Easter day to be exact), Todd and I went to Deep Bottom Park in the eastern end of Henrico. Being a Henrico County employee, I thought I knew all the parks (and had visited them) however, I was wrong. Unless you fish or canoe, there isn't much there. That day as I arrived at Todd's house, I had my camera with me. He always wonders should he take his camera. It was an unknown park, would there be anything to see, etc. Since I was taking mine, he decided to take his. He would have been so upset if he hadn't. We discovered a large flock of Cedar Waxwings eating left over berries. These are really beautiful birds and I can't say I had ever noticed them until I started dating Todd. This is the second time we discovered them feasting. These are not great photos but they show that bright yellow tip of their tail and the mask they wear. I had a very poor photo that showed the red on the tips of their wings but it wasn't worth putting on here.

If you look closely, there are three feeding in this shot. You can also see the yellow on their stomach (is that the right bird terminology?)

Note from Cornell: The Cedar Waxwing is vulnerable to alcohol intoxication and death after eating fermented fruit.