The idea of a vacation is supposed to include time for relaxing...unwinding...unplugging...
We have certainly done that in addition to some memorable times with our son, Dave and Jena, our sweetheart of a future daughter-in-law. Shared breakfasts, lunches and dinners (and unfortunately, sharing the nuisance of annoying colds that we came down with - but all 4 of us seem to be recovering)
Tried my hand at halibut fishing - let me tell you, there is a reason why that is a pricey fish in the market...hauling even a small halibut up from around 200 feet with a 3 pound weight is hard work! It sure humbled me - and brought home, very uncomfortably, how arthritis has affected my right hand. But I was able to claim 3 on the hook with one going back into the depths to grow larger. Two is the Alaskan limit per person on any given day. Mr. Outback & I had four and then he went out again a couple of days later to land 2 more. They will be shipped home when the weather turns cold...which according to reports from home might not be for a while.
Jena and I spent a day together in Anchorage - this future mother-in-law had not been into a bridal salon for many, many, many years...how about 1966?? My, oh my, - how things have changed!!
Selection, decisions, accessories, decisions, veils, shoes, decisions - what a fun time we had - photos were taken of the bride-to-be in various gowns to send back to Jena's Mom in Wisconsin. No final choice yet - but a definite idea as to the style and look she wants.
Next stop was a lunch of freshly made crab cakes at Phyllis's in downtown Anchorage and then with happy tummy's - off we went to find The Quilted Raven. It did not take long to decide on yardage of heavenly, softly colored, batiks...how easy is that!! Jena & Dave favor quieter, more natural colorways - and there is a definite leaning towards soft blues & uncomplicated designs. This is the fabric she chose -
For the quilt top -
For the backing - so very Alaskan - whales!
I plan to start this after Christmas - only if I can keep my hands off of it...well, maybe a little prep work - cutting strips...maybe piecing a couple of trial blocks...
The grandeur of the mountains we have left behind has given way to rolling fields of newly cut hay and herds of cattle - The Canadian Rockies are off in the distance...
We have arrived in Cochran, Alberta and tomorrow will go through Customs prior to entering the US - there are many boxes of cool Alaskan and Canadian air which we have packed away - hoping the officials allow us to bring them through...at home, the temperatures are in the upper 80's and 90's so I know this gift will be appreciated!
All for now dear readers - have a good holiday weekend and if you are on the road like us, wishing you safe travels.
....along the Cowboy Trail in Alberta Province, Canada
Hello from Palmer, Alaska dear readers - the sun is warm on my shoulders and the view of the surrounding mountains tells me I am far from home - yet, somehow, I feel very much "at home" - this being our 4th trip to the 49th State, the rivers, roads and mountain ranges are becoming more familiar. When seeking a particular place, we can say - oh yes, we remember how to get there!
Since our arrival in the Palmer-Wasilla area, we are having an ongoing family reunion with Dave and Jena - sharing dinners and a Sunday "brunch" - driving into Anchorage last Saturday to visit the wonderful Anchorage Summer Market - here you can see an impressive array of locally grown fruits and vegetables - and yes, the cabbages are bigger than a basketball.
This is what caught my gardening eye -
Aren't they gorgeous - Coral Sunset peonies from EagleSong Family Peony Farm.This is a new marketing venture in the area and I have discovered they ship plants nationwide....trying to get more information and set up an order...sigh...
Once I was pulled reluctantly away from the peony booth, we had to check out the variety of food vendors...Mr. Outback chose Halibut cheeks while the rest of us headed to our favorite Salmon Quesadillas booth -
ALL of us were very pleased with our choices...
We have also visited the Musk Ox Farm in Palmer -
These are sweet 4 month olds - aren't they cute...
This is Storm - a full grown male...being fed grasses by Mr. Outback...
Apparently, the musk ox were native to Alaska but almost became extinct in the 1800's. They were reintroduced and are doing quite well back on their own turf.
The fibers collected from the musk ox are the 2nd rarest in the entire world, with vicuna being in first place. Qiviut ("kiv-ee-ute") is the name for the fur used to knit exquisite hats, scarves and sweaters. It is incredibly soft - like a cloud...at the farm, all the fibers gathered are sent directly to First Nation knitters at a cooperative. I have found a couple of places in the Anchorage area that also sell the yarn and want to check them out later this week. I might be able to afford enough for a headband...but then how special it would be to wear something made by these gifted artists. For more information, visit www.qiviut.com.
The last two days have been "maintenance days" - oil changes, tire rotations, laundry, groceries...a necessary part of any trip involving an RV. Friday, Jena & I head to Anchorage for an entire day of Girl's Stuff - looking at wedding gowns, a little shopping, a little lunch and lots of wonderful talk and planning...
Following that, we head to Homer and Mr. Outback hopes to replenish our home supply of salmon and halibut - oh yes!! Hikes along the beach and looking for rocks,wildflowers, mountains...good times.
All for now...
We have traveled far in the last few days since my last posting and the saga of our truck transmission. From Fort St. John to Watson Lake and on to Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon Territory. Not far from there, I spotted my first grizzly bear ever. With beautiful dark cinnamon fur, the bear peacefully munched on some roadside vegetation. Unfortunately, the drawback to pulling a large 5th wheel, is that you can't just stop on a dime and pull over. So no photo to share but I will remain ever vigilant.
From there, it was an easy and scenic drive...snow capped mountains...
We have settled in for the night by the shores of Lake Kluane and have taken a leisurely walk looking for interesting rocks (being ever watchful for local grizzlies which are numerous).
The discovery of this quiet little nook overlooking the lake has brought me such a sense of peace and quietness - listening to the water as it moves against the rocks and the soft sound of the wind...
I will sign off for now and end with this quote that is posted on the camp office door...
"In God's wildness, lies the hope of the world..."
Certainly, the wildness of this beautiful place brings hope to me...
How often we search for a place where our hearts and minds can just be calm and at peace with each other...
