Hi there!
What a great day!
The truth is – after I write on the blog, I’ll come back into my room for a couple of days to see if anybody wrote back! Today I see there are three comments – but, unfortunately, before I could open more than the first one (Thanks, JANE!) the internet was OFF again and is still off 6 hours later.
That’s OK – It was so nice to know that somebody (including Jane) wrote back! Cool.
So, I get to answer Jane, anyway, and sometime , the internet will work again.
Did we feel the earthquake? I was already at work. Didi and her friend were on their way to Denali and I hadn’t gotten coverage yet to have a day off with them. The only person who could cover for me had been working for 7 days and was feeling a bit like having a day off. Further, the lodge was really full and we weren’t sure there’d be a room available –
Finally, Didi and her friend, Michelle arrived! My co-worker decided to give me his day off if I would take his shift the following Sunday – DONE. Then I received a call that they’d found a room available in Building 5 (There are 5 Buildings 5 – but that’s another story!)
Shortly after Didi arrived, the earthquake struck. I didn’t feel it – but my supervisor had enjoyed the morning off and was lying down. She certainly felt it. We all went into emergency mode – not knowing what damage had occurred – Trains were stopped. Guest departures were delayed. Roads were closed until bridges were inspected. I had planned to get off work at 5ish. I was finally able to leave at 8. It was wonderful because no one was reported injured. The tracks were not damaged. I watched employees being so careful for everyone’s safety.
Our guests are generally extremely nice and very patient – they’re on vacation, after all. One lady, however, came up to me to let me know that her train had been delayed by more than two hours. I explained that we had experienced a Level 5.5 earthquake earlier that afternoon and that all tracks needed to be inspected before the train could carry passengers.
She replied, “Well, that’s just unacceptable.”
I guess she really WAS on vacation. It is sad that life doesn’t settle down for people on vacation. Some people have been notified while on vacation that their parent or that their child was dying. They’ve been quickly driven to an airport and every effort made to get them to their loved one. At least two people have died during their vacation. Another woman fell and broke her hip. Yet another broke her ankle on the ATV’s.
Generally, though, there are thousands of people who come through, are treated like royalty and have a very fine time. As employees, we generally have a fine time too! Today I was helping a couple when the wife said to me very slowly, “I do not speak English.” She spoke FRENCH! Wahoo! We were able to talk in French – very simply and briefly – but it sure was fun and she was happy. Me too.
I am very proud of this employer. Our managers have real heart. The bottom line isn’t the dollar. The people who are in charge love this company and really enjoy the guests.
There are so many stories that I’ll forget if I don’t write them down.
My roommate just showed me pictures of wolves that she took the other day inside the park. There are signs posted on every door at the lodge – and at people’s rooms – there is a grizzly who is wandering through the lodges – and it’s important to look around before going outside – and to never walk alone. My supervisor says last year a grizzly hung around the parking lot. Keeping the guests away and preventing them from going up to the grizzly gave some of them headaches – and they’re hoping this distress doesn’t last too long. Evidently, somebody threw out some ice that had been chilling salmon. The smell attracted a hungry bear. No more tossing ice out.
I have a story about Stanna. It’s another moose story. Stanna and her husband, Bob, brought their pickup and camper up for the summer with a green canoe riding on top. They found a section of the Nenana River, about 17 miles upstream, that was calm enough for the canoe. They set the canoe beside the river and Stanna stayed there with the canoe while Bob drove down the road to park the pickup at their decided take-out point. Then he was to ride their scooter back up to Stanna. Stanna was enjoying the outside reading time by the canoe when a teenage male moose walked over to her. Teenage moose are the most dangerous. They have more power than brains. Stanna immediately tried to hide behind the canoe – crawling along on the gravel. The moose kept coming toward her. There were no trees around but there was a traffic sign. Stanna tried to hide behind the sign. The moose peeked around the sign as if to say hi. Then he returned to the canoe and rummaged through their supplies, finally wandering off again.
This is a great place to spend the summer. Those who travel through with one or two nights here are missing so much!
When Didi was here, we went all the way to Wonder Lake. That happens to be the lake that Martin put up on the picture above this blog. It’s beautiful. It’s 4 miles long and ½ mile wide, AND 280 feet deep. It’s a young lake with few fish, only some grayling and a few large trout that eat rodents unlucky enough to fall in (and I wonder who is sitting around Wonder Lake long enough to notice such phenomena!)
Ask Didi about the mosquitoes.
Thank heaven for DEET.
My next day off is Sunday – it’ll be the first day off since Didi was here. I’m thinking of going to Kantishna – go up on the bus and fly back out – but I have to stay rested or by the day off I only want to sleep –
Please write to me. Either on the blog or by e-mail or (thank you, Per) by letter.
I really enjoy the people here – but hearing from home is SO comfortable! And if I can’t open the internet one day, surely it will open the next – or at least in a few days!
G' nite friends and family! I miss you! Stanna loaned me a book she found in the library about an Eskimo woman of the early 20th century. I'll finish the last chapter tonight.
This is simply an amazing place. Wish you all were here.
much love,
barb
Martin - you would love this place! About the work - I tend to sleep more up here than I would at home - many of us have noticed that - we think it's from pure exhaustion - but it's good work and there's lots of fun.
Tracy - I'm glad you like your soap - I love the smell of that one! I'm sure glad you have the summer off and understant that this may not be a time for a family vacation up here - perhaps we can plan for NEXTsummer - ha, I think I want to do this again - if only I can! Hug each of the boys for me, ok? (including Will!) And have Will hug you for me.
love, Mom
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Air Traffic Control - on the ground in Alaska
We saw the mother and calf moose on the road in to work again this morning. The calf has grown to nearly 1/3 his mother's height. I believe it's the same pair we've seen repeatedly - grazing along the Parks Highway. It's a pretty smart place for them to hang out - the grizzlies generally tend to avoid proximity to the highways - and it's the grizzlies who pose the greatest danger to the calves. The first time we saw that pair, the calf's legs were so wobbly they didn't tend to move his body in any particular direction! It's pleasant to get to watch him grow up this summer.
In fact, a grizzly and a man (tourist) surprised each other this past week along my favorite trail. Both went in opposite directions, thank heaven!
Generally, hiking is invigorating and safe, but my work partner today was jogging along the highway and accidentally locked eyes with a moose who was also out jogging. The moose began a charge. The young man backed up. The moose continued to glare but walked off.
Didi was here! That visit was SO enjoyable! I have pictures. A friend will help me post them later when we have the same evening off again.
We did get up to Eielson Center and we hiked a bit - my favorite part is remembering that we sat on a ledge overlooking a canyon and watched caribou and a moose. The moose was lovely. The moose walked, posed for photo op's and then lay on the grass. I remember that Sharon & John MIGHT be coming in this direction but I don't have any idea when or if, for sure.
Today my job was "Expeditor". It was my first day in this part of the work. My partner (and leader!) was a young man who has his masters degree in Parks & Rec and who just moves from one national park to another - getting varied experience - very, very bright! (but same man who locked eyes with moose)
Our job was to facilitate the loading and unloading of busses. My partner refers to this job as - air traffic control - on the ground. I counted what I thought were 39 busses and two trains on our agenda - but quickly discovered those were only the ones we got to know about before they arrived - the actual number was half again more. Our day started 1/2 hour before the first bus arrival - 5:00 a.m.
I am only up that early if I'm going deep sea fishing.
usually.
In order to be at work by 5, it's necessary to get up at 3:45.
We worked fast and hard and the end of the day came quickly - but I needed a nap when I got back here. That young man will really go places in Parks and Rec within the next ten years. I learned a lot from him - and he's terrific with the people. If you figure there were about 36 people on each bus, well - lots of people were coming and going today. A few missed their rides and I got to drive a large van to get people where they meant to go but missed.
It was fun. I'm glad that tomorrow I'm behind the tour desk again and being cashier -whew, that'll be easier! But I hope I get to expedite again soon.
It's COLD up here today - and the north wind is blowing.
Yesterday was beautiful, almost 70 degrees and blue sky.
In fact, a grizzly and a man (tourist) surprised each other this past week along my favorite trail. Both went in opposite directions, thank heaven!
Generally, hiking is invigorating and safe, but my work partner today was jogging along the highway and accidentally locked eyes with a moose who was also out jogging. The moose began a charge. The young man backed up. The moose continued to glare but walked off.
Didi was here! That visit was SO enjoyable! I have pictures. A friend will help me post them later when we have the same evening off again.
We did get up to Eielson Center and we hiked a bit - my favorite part is remembering that we sat on a ledge overlooking a canyon and watched caribou and a moose. The moose was lovely. The moose walked, posed for photo op's and then lay on the grass. I remember that Sharon & John MIGHT be coming in this direction but I don't have any idea when or if, for sure.
Today my job was "Expeditor". It was my first day in this part of the work. My partner (and leader!) was a young man who has his masters degree in Parks & Rec and who just moves from one national park to another - getting varied experience - very, very bright! (but same man who locked eyes with moose)
Our job was to facilitate the loading and unloading of busses. My partner refers to this job as - air traffic control - on the ground. I counted what I thought were 39 busses and two trains on our agenda - but quickly discovered those were only the ones we got to know about before they arrived - the actual number was half again more. Our day started 1/2 hour before the first bus arrival - 5:00 a.m.
I am only up that early if I'm going deep sea fishing.
usually.
In order to be at work by 5, it's necessary to get up at 3:45.
We worked fast and hard and the end of the day came quickly - but I needed a nap when I got back here. That young man will really go places in Parks and Rec within the next ten years. I learned a lot from him - and he's terrific with the people. If you figure there were about 36 people on each bus, well - lots of people were coming and going today. A few missed their rides and I got to drive a large van to get people where they meant to go but missed.
It was fun. I'm glad that tomorrow I'm behind the tour desk again and being cashier -whew, that'll be easier! But I hope I get to expedite again soon.
It's COLD up here today - and the north wind is blowing.
Yesterday was beautiful, almost 70 degrees and blue sky.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
HO HO HO
Happy Solstice DAY
It's 12:10 a.m. here on June 21!
Special THANKS to KACEE who has taught me how to POST PICTURES!
There are parties everywhere tonight -
but this is as late as I can stay up -
That first picture, by the way, is the state bird. The Willow Ptarmigan.
There's a town of Chicken about 10 hours outside of Tok which is about 320 miles from here (a.k.a. 6 hours)
The people of Chicken wanted to name their town after the state bird, as the story goes - but no one could agree on how to spell Ptarmigan.
HAPPY SOLSTICE DAY
love,
barb
p.s. Kacee is pretty darn sure that I have not spelled Ptarmigan right either.......
p.s. Kacee is pretty darn sure that I have not spelled Ptarmigan right either.......
g'nite!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Didi's on her way!
Hi!
I talked with Didi this morning and she was on her way to PDX. By now she's here in Alaska! I'll see her Monday, somehow. My plans are a bit delayed since I caught a bad bug several hours after same bug caught my roommate. We've both been quarantined for a few days but today was a day of healing! Whew! The bug is still catching a few other people by surprise but I feel I've been initiated - and hope to stay resistant now for quite a while. Tomorrow I'm back to work. I'm still hopeful that I can get a day or two off with Didi but will know more after finally returning to work tomorrow to ask. urgh.
ALSO today all our team at LBCC received the NEWS that Parenting Time has been renewed until January. Hey, that's something! After taking life one day at a time for a while, a few months really is nice to ponder - and it gives everyone the opportunity to ponder their own life's pathways. Perhaps it will continue even beyond January - in some form or another - or perhaps this is just a short reprieve. I don't know. I still know only that I don't know where I may be going but I do know where I am.
For a few days the sky was overcast with smoke. I asked but no one seemed to know where the forest fire WAS!
I could barely believe their nonchalance. I suppose it's like Alaskan earthquakes. Unless they're of a certain size, no one even mentions them much. Yesterday the news announced 43 forest or tundra fires are currently burning in Alaska. They have lots of firefighters out there taking care of business. Everything here is so BIG or so plentiful - even the fires!
So, outside my open window today smelled like a campfire. Somewhere not so far away is yet another fire. Alaska is big enough to take all that in stride.
In the meantime, I've considered working at a nice hotel in Switzerland, at Grand Canyon, at Mammoth, at DHS, at Headstart and I've considered fulfilling my lifelong dream of teaching here in Alaska in the "bush". I enjoy having t i m e to consider all the possibilities while devoting my energy to working through each day one at a time.
I had three goals set for myself this year. One was to move the house from 5th and Oak to my lot as my retirement home. Another was to get a job with Princess in Alaska for the summer. The third is still not to be mentioned. The job in Alaska is everything I'd hoped and some things I couldn't have expected. The house has been demolished because I just couldn't swing it financially - no matter what I figured. That's the great thing about goals. If they were all easy and doable, they wouldn't be worth writing down and trying so hard.
I received two letters from my lifelong friend, Per, today. Letters are so precious. I'm opening them both tonight once all the hustle and bustle are done for the day. She believes in hand-written letters. I try to write back but am not so graceful and thoughtful. My letters sometimes look like scratches across whatever paper I can dig up and throw into an envelope. I keep trying, though, because my friend mails me real letters. And, sometimes we talk on the phone - and I find myself telling her things I didn't even realize I knew or felt. I hope she does the same.
Obviously, I've been in bed for a few days and not talking much. Now I can't seem to shut up. Before I do, let me brag.
Maria earned 3 A's and 2 B's this term! That's remarkable. She and Laurie are adults in our home without me there to nag. What an achievement!
Laurie earned a 4.0 this term.
Perhaps I should stay away!
I'm very, very proud of them BOTH!
Laurie is preparing to attend OIT at Klamath Falls in September. Maria wants one more year of high school. Please keep them both in your thoughts and prayers as they move toward their goals.
The internet appears to be somewhat more reliable here now.
I always look for replies to the blog but am realizing that those are "public" . So, please, talk with me. If you don't want to write on the blog, please e-mail. It sure helps with any possible homesickness that might periodically appear!
My only working e-mail is bnewt46@yahoo.com
I simply can't open my old e-mail address anymore from up here.
I look at your names and your pictures and think of you. Thanks for being here with me.
It sure helps!
g'nite,
love,
barb
I talked with Didi this morning and she was on her way to PDX. By now she's here in Alaska! I'll see her Monday, somehow. My plans are a bit delayed since I caught a bad bug several hours after same bug caught my roommate. We've both been quarantined for a few days but today was a day of healing! Whew! The bug is still catching a few other people by surprise but I feel I've been initiated - and hope to stay resistant now for quite a while. Tomorrow I'm back to work. I'm still hopeful that I can get a day or two off with Didi but will know more after finally returning to work tomorrow to ask. urgh.
ALSO today all our team at LBCC received the NEWS that Parenting Time has been renewed until January. Hey, that's something! After taking life one day at a time for a while, a few months really is nice to ponder - and it gives everyone the opportunity to ponder their own life's pathways. Perhaps it will continue even beyond January - in some form or another - or perhaps this is just a short reprieve. I don't know. I still know only that I don't know where I may be going but I do know where I am.
For a few days the sky was overcast with smoke. I asked but no one seemed to know where the forest fire WAS!
I could barely believe their nonchalance. I suppose it's like Alaskan earthquakes. Unless they're of a certain size, no one even mentions them much. Yesterday the news announced 43 forest or tundra fires are currently burning in Alaska. They have lots of firefighters out there taking care of business. Everything here is so BIG or so plentiful - even the fires!
So, outside my open window today smelled like a campfire. Somewhere not so far away is yet another fire. Alaska is big enough to take all that in stride.
In the meantime, I've considered working at a nice hotel in Switzerland, at Grand Canyon, at Mammoth, at DHS, at Headstart and I've considered fulfilling my lifelong dream of teaching here in Alaska in the "bush". I enjoy having t i m e to consider all the possibilities while devoting my energy to working through each day one at a time.
I had three goals set for myself this year. One was to move the house from 5th and Oak to my lot as my retirement home. Another was to get a job with Princess in Alaska for the summer. The third is still not to be mentioned. The job in Alaska is everything I'd hoped and some things I couldn't have expected. The house has been demolished because I just couldn't swing it financially - no matter what I figured. That's the great thing about goals. If they were all easy and doable, they wouldn't be worth writing down and trying so hard.
I received two letters from my lifelong friend, Per, today. Letters are so precious. I'm opening them both tonight once all the hustle and bustle are done for the day. She believes in hand-written letters. I try to write back but am not so graceful and thoughtful. My letters sometimes look like scratches across whatever paper I can dig up and throw into an envelope. I keep trying, though, because my friend mails me real letters. And, sometimes we talk on the phone - and I find myself telling her things I didn't even realize I knew or felt. I hope she does the same.
Obviously, I've been in bed for a few days and not talking much. Now I can't seem to shut up. Before I do, let me brag.
Maria earned 3 A's and 2 B's this term! That's remarkable. She and Laurie are adults in our home without me there to nag. What an achievement!
Laurie earned a 4.0 this term.
Perhaps I should stay away!
I'm very, very proud of them BOTH!
Laurie is preparing to attend OIT at Klamath Falls in September. Maria wants one more year of high school. Please keep them both in your thoughts and prayers as they move toward their goals.
The internet appears to be somewhat more reliable here now.
I always look for replies to the blog but am realizing that those are "public" . So, please, talk with me. If you don't want to write on the blog, please e-mail. It sure helps with any possible homesickness that might periodically appear!
My only working e-mail is bnewt46@yahoo.com
I simply can't open my old e-mail address anymore from up here.
I look at your names and your pictures and think of you. Thanks for being here with me.
It sure helps!
g'nite,
love,
barb
Monday, June 15, 2009
tea and
Today I was off work!
I spent the day completely on my own, alone, but always among at least 40 other people. Up at 5 to meet the 6am narrated tour into the park, we went to Stony Point. The driver was very knowledgeable and I learned more about the history of the park. The tour completed by 3:30 so I went to the sled dog demonstration.
Home again, I guess the best part of the day was that the other 38 passengers were on a tour from Australia. So, there were lots of concerns by 10am that no one had gotten any tea.
Also, my seat partner needed "tea and teddy". Finally, I asked about teddy. The biscuits they like with their tea are shaped like teddy bears. of course!
Our lorrie drove us safely all day and we stopped for the lou (sp?) about every hour. Each time, there was more mourning for the missing tea.
All that regret about missing tea and it's only Lipton that they would have been drinking??!!
I suppose they were watching us yankees as well. One mentioned that at the restaurant she noticed that we have something we call a "bis cut" and we pour gravy all over it.
I believe I heard her say that was "revolting".
Didi is coming up next week - to stay at the lodge (if there's availability!) for two nights!
That'll be a treat. Suddenly I'm asking for days off - I hope I can get Tuesday off - we'll see!
There are so many things to do.
I'm thinking maybe she would like to go up to Wonder Lake - and to Kantishna? As far as the road can go into the park??? It just opened up that far a few days ago and our best chance to see animals close up would be there - down here, there just aren't the numbers of animals along the road since all the tourist busses started rolling several times a day.
Maybe we'll even hike around a bit??
It'll be so good to see her!
I spent the day completely on my own, alone, but always among at least 40 other people. Up at 5 to meet the 6am narrated tour into the park, we went to Stony Point. The driver was very knowledgeable and I learned more about the history of the park. The tour completed by 3:30 so I went to the sled dog demonstration.
Home again, I guess the best part of the day was that the other 38 passengers were on a tour from Australia. So, there were lots of concerns by 10am that no one had gotten any tea.
Also, my seat partner needed "tea and teddy". Finally, I asked about teddy. The biscuits they like with their tea are shaped like teddy bears. of course!
Our lorrie drove us safely all day and we stopped for the lou (sp?) about every hour. Each time, there was more mourning for the missing tea.
All that regret about missing tea and it's only Lipton that they would have been drinking??!!
I suppose they were watching us yankees as well. One mentioned that at the restaurant she noticed that we have something we call a "bis cut" and we pour gravy all over it.
I believe I heard her say that was "revolting".
Didi is coming up next week - to stay at the lodge (if there's availability!) for two nights!
That'll be a treat. Suddenly I'm asking for days off - I hope I can get Tuesday off - we'll see!
There are so many things to do.
I'm thinking maybe she would like to go up to Wonder Lake - and to Kantishna? As far as the road can go into the park??? It just opened up that far a few days ago and our best chance to see animals close up would be there - down here, there just aren't the numbers of animals along the road since all the tourist busses started rolling several times a day.
Maybe we'll even hike around a bit??
It'll be so good to see her!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
It wsas an earthquake!
The internet is down and I’ve just discovered what happened the other day – the landslide that spooked the moose, her calf and the hikers (INCLUDING me!) was due to an earthquake!
I’ve felt kind of silly after writing that – wondering what kind of exaggerated reaction we’d had!
We were so scared we didn’t even realize the earth under us was also moving. Another outfitter was on a tour up among the Polychrome Mountains – a single lane dirt road – part of the only road into the park when the earthquake hit. Their bus was already stopped – mountain on one side and cliff on the other – they were fine but a hill in front of them collapsed! None of the road was damaged.
So. That sure would explain all that.
Cool.
It’s one thing to read that Alaska has 1-2 earthquakes a day somewhere in its interior. It’s another to hear and feel a landslide, see a moose get upset and try to figure out what the heck was happening.
So…Martin told me I can just copy and paste anything onto the blog. This’ll be the test. I’m excited about finding out what had happened and need to write right now!
Perhaps I could add some pictures here too.
You’ll know if it worked.
Hmm. Looks like it’ll be there.
This is one of my FAVORITES ( I WAS back in the car by THEN!)
Gee
Gee, this is great! These are three of my favorites and if only internet comes back on in the next few days and this copies to the blog, why then I will have sent pictures!
Yahoo!
(See why it’s so great here!?)
Tomorrow I’m heading back into the park on the Tundra Wilderness Tour. I’m feeling very happy that some ladies tonight asked me to join them at the end of this month on an escapade. They’ve rented a car (I’ll share expenses with them) and we’re heading toward Anchorage for
I’ve felt kind of silly after writing that – wondering what kind of exaggerated reaction we’d had!
We were so scared we didn’t even realize the earth under us was also moving. Another outfitter was on a tour up among the Polychrome Mountains – a single lane dirt road – part of the only road into the park when the earthquake hit. Their bus was already stopped – mountain on one side and cliff on the other – they were fine but a hill in front of them collapsed! None of the road was damaged.
So. That sure would explain all that.
Cool.
It’s one thing to read that Alaska has 1-2 earthquakes a day somewhere in its interior. It’s another to hear and feel a landslide, see a moose get upset and try to figure out what the heck was happening.
So…Martin told me I can just copy and paste anything onto the blog. This’ll be the test. I’m excited about finding out what had happened and need to write right now!
Perhaps I could add some pictures here too.
You’ll know if it worked.
Hmm. Looks like it’ll be there.
This is one of my FAVORITES ( I WAS back in the car by THEN!)
Gee
Gee, this is great! These are three of my favorites and if only internet comes back on in the next few days and this copies to the blog, why then I will have sent pictures!
Yahoo!
(See why it’s so great here!?)
Tomorrow I’m heading back into the park on the Tundra Wilderness Tour. I’m feeling very happy that some ladies tonight asked me to join them at the end of this month on an escapade. They’ve rented a car (I’ll share expenses with them) and we’re heading toward Anchorage for
Friday, June 12, 2009
Mosquitoes are here!
Hi!
First - a bit of news. Our internet is sporadic at best. I can't open e-mails often. That's when there IS internet. Also, cell phone coverage is intermittent. Oneof our Parenting Time families called here today to let me know they needed to get hold of Madeleine right away. Our call failed within seconds. I called and tried to leave a message for Madeleine. I think it went through but am not sure - Sometimes when I see that someone has sent an e-mail I'll call to find out what it said (since it wouldn't open).
Of course, I can't always call.
The other news is that sometimes both the internet and the phone are working!!
Martin & Trudy - Thank you again for this blog.
God has funny little miracles that are easy to see but hard to communicate. For some reason, if the internet works -at all - the blog does. And there some of you are - even with pictures! When I get a tad homesick, I look at your pictures. Thanks. It gives me the chance to journal and to hear from some of you sometimes - and that's GREAT for me. I very much look forward to hearing from any of you!
Today is almost a day off. I've slept in and still have hours before work! (11-8 today - EASY!)
About those mosquitoes:
I'd forgotten how large they are. They weren't out last week. We hiked two days ago and there they were - ready and huge. Now, in addition to my water bottle, tiny first aid kit and bear spray, bell and survival blanket, there is bug spray in the pack I carry with me at almost all times.
I was embarrassed about the following story and had decided NOT to tell you about it.
However, the story is now known by people from Switzerland and Australia to Great Britain, so I suppose it's not a secret anymore.
After work two days ago, Stanna (from Alabama) and I rode the shuttle into the park and headed off on the Horseshoe Lake Trail again. It's a simple, lovely trail where we'd seen moose and beaver lodges before. This time we saw new wildlife: mosquitoes! (and a swan)
We met people who had just seen a moose nursing her new calf. We were excited to sneak in further and see them too. As we were watching the pair, some kind of landslide started - it was really loud and we weren't even sure what it was - thought it might be an animal rushing at us - so we each hid behind a tree. More hikers came and went into hiding too - very hard to figure out what was happening, what the noise was! The moose and her calf became very agitated also. After a while, there were at least 5 people hiding behind trees and nothing was happening. So....I sneaked out from behind my tree. I told the others that I was sure the moose and her calf had left the area. I came into the clearing and could not see the mother. Suddenly Stanna motioned wildly to my left and urged me back. There on my left, in the tall grass were the calf's ears poking up just a bit. I had a pretty terrible feeling that the mother was much, much nearer than I'd thought. I backed slowly and resumed my position hiding behind my tree.
The mother moose was terribly agitated and we saw the pair rather closely a few more times as we all tried to get out of that area. I wouldn't call our exit "hiking" - we must have looked ridiculous moving quickly from tree to tree. On the way, we reminded each other how much fun this would be to remember IF we got out ok.
We DID!
Then at work yesterday, a couple from Switzerland came to ask me a question. Many plan to go hiking and I'm always giving basic hiking and safety information. This couple's first question: How do they protect themselves from getting in the way of a moose and her calf - I started to answer and then saw Stanna - having a laughing fit.
So Stanna enjoyed her day periodically sending couples from around the world to ask for information on moose safety.
She's a great friend and hiking partner and there is much summer left. Revenge will be sweet.
First - a bit of news. Our internet is sporadic at best. I can't open e-mails often. That's when there IS internet. Also, cell phone coverage is intermittent. Oneof our Parenting Time families called here today to let me know they needed to get hold of Madeleine right away. Our call failed within seconds. I called and tried to leave a message for Madeleine. I think it went through but am not sure - Sometimes when I see that someone has sent an e-mail I'll call to find out what it said (since it wouldn't open).
Of course, I can't always call.
The other news is that sometimes both the internet and the phone are working!!
Martin & Trudy - Thank you again for this blog.
God has funny little miracles that are easy to see but hard to communicate. For some reason, if the internet works -at all - the blog does. And there some of you are - even with pictures! When I get a tad homesick, I look at your pictures. Thanks. It gives me the chance to journal and to hear from some of you sometimes - and that's GREAT for me. I very much look forward to hearing from any of you!
Today is almost a day off. I've slept in and still have hours before work! (11-8 today - EASY!)
About those mosquitoes:
I'd forgotten how large they are. They weren't out last week. We hiked two days ago and there they were - ready and huge. Now, in addition to my water bottle, tiny first aid kit and bear spray, bell and survival blanket, there is bug spray in the pack I carry with me at almost all times.
I was embarrassed about the following story and had decided NOT to tell you about it.
However, the story is now known by people from Switzerland and Australia to Great Britain, so I suppose it's not a secret anymore.
After work two days ago, Stanna (from Alabama) and I rode the shuttle into the park and headed off on the Horseshoe Lake Trail again. It's a simple, lovely trail where we'd seen moose and beaver lodges before. This time we saw new wildlife: mosquitoes! (and a swan)
We met people who had just seen a moose nursing her new calf. We were excited to sneak in further and see them too. As we were watching the pair, some kind of landslide started - it was really loud and we weren't even sure what it was - thought it might be an animal rushing at us - so we each hid behind a tree. More hikers came and went into hiding too - very hard to figure out what was happening, what the noise was! The moose and her calf became very agitated also. After a while, there were at least 5 people hiding behind trees and nothing was happening. So....I sneaked out from behind my tree. I told the others that I was sure the moose and her calf had left the area. I came into the clearing and could not see the mother. Suddenly Stanna motioned wildly to my left and urged me back. There on my left, in the tall grass were the calf's ears poking up just a bit. I had a pretty terrible feeling that the mother was much, much nearer than I'd thought. I backed slowly and resumed my position hiding behind my tree.
The mother moose was terribly agitated and we saw the pair rather closely a few more times as we all tried to get out of that area. I wouldn't call our exit "hiking" - we must have looked ridiculous moving quickly from tree to tree. On the way, we reminded each other how much fun this would be to remember IF we got out ok.
We DID!
Then at work yesterday, a couple from Switzerland came to ask me a question. Many plan to go hiking and I'm always giving basic hiking and safety information. This couple's first question: How do they protect themselves from getting in the way of a moose and her calf - I started to answer and then saw Stanna - having a laughing fit.
So Stanna enjoyed her day periodically sending couples from around the world to ask for information on moose safety.
She's a great friend and hiking partner and there is much summer left. Revenge will be sweet.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
the moose calf
There's so much to remember and to tell but I have to be back at work early - gettingup at 5:30 to be there on time!~
Today was my day off!
I started to sleep in and then realized that if Ididn't get up I'd miss my trip into the park. 15 minutes later I was on the bus - We went 66 miles into Denali Park.
The story I want to remember involves a moose and her calf. We first watched them coming to a glacial stream. They crossed - but the the moose kept going back and forth. Finally we realized that the calf was not strong enough to climb back out of the swift icy stream. The calf lost it's footing repeatedly and was swept partly downstream. The driver reminded us that it was not appropriate or even safe to think about rescuing the calf - that it was the way of nature.
I thought the calf was gone - the water is so cold - the driver warned that it would be over shortly. Then the mother stood directly above the calf, and she somehow eased the current in just the right spot and the calf gave one final jump - onto LAND!!!!
There was lots more -
but if I only remember one scene from today,
that's it, hands down.
Today was my day off!
I started to sleep in and then realized that if Ididn't get up I'd miss my trip into the park. 15 minutes later I was on the bus - We went 66 miles into Denali Park.
The story I want to remember involves a moose and her calf. We first watched them coming to a glacial stream. They crossed - but the the moose kept going back and forth. Finally we realized that the calf was not strong enough to climb back out of the swift icy stream. The calf lost it's footing repeatedly and was swept partly downstream. The driver reminded us that it was not appropriate or even safe to think about rescuing the calf - that it was the way of nature.
I thought the calf was gone - the water is so cold - the driver warned that it would be over shortly. Then the mother stood directly above the calf, and she somehow eased the current in just the right spot and the calf gave one final jump - onto LAND!!!!
There was lots more -
but if I only remember one scene from today,
that's it, hands down.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Pictures?
Hi
With the help of my son, his smart wife AND my roommate, there may be pictures uploaded here.
I could have gotten more and closer views of the bear - but instead I was saying, over and over....
Let's GO Let's GO
Instead, my niece got some REAL close up pictures! (while I cowered in the car!)
Same thing with the moose. By the last frame I had moved back INTO the car.
I'm a woose - however one spells that word.
I don't know if you'll see pictures or not. I can't see any from here.
i sure hope they're the ones I THINK I uploaded and not some random others.
Life is not boring.
Feet are tired.
Brain is tired.
People are wonderful.
The woman who broke her foot in Ketchikan left here today - having had a pretty good time here even if in a wheelchair.
Two couple who had never met before became fast friends during a white water trip.
Somebody hugged me goodbye.
Somebody missed their bus.
Life here is simple, pleasant, full of adrenaline and fresh.
I don't know where I'm going but I know where I am.
love,
barb
With the help of my son, his smart wife AND my roommate, there may be pictures uploaded here.
I could have gotten more and closer views of the bear - but instead I was saying, over and over....
Let's GO Let's GO
Instead, my niece got some REAL close up pictures! (while I cowered in the car!)
Same thing with the moose. By the last frame I had moved back INTO the car.
I'm a woose - however one spells that word.
I don't know if you'll see pictures or not. I can't see any from here.
i sure hope they're the ones I THINK I uploaded and not some random others.
Life is not boring.
Feet are tired.
Brain is tired.
People are wonderful.
The woman who broke her foot in Ketchikan left here today - having had a pretty good time here even if in a wheelchair.
Two couple who had never met before became fast friends during a white water trip.
Somebody hugged me goodbye.
Somebody missed their bus.
Life here is simple, pleasant, full of adrenaline and fresh.
I don't know where I'm going but I know where I am.
love,
barb
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
New world
Hi
Tonight's blog will be different and also short since I'm back at work early tomorrow.
My job at LBCC ended. So did all our team's jobs.
I can barely believe it.
So this is what having the rug pulled out from under one really feels like.
I love our college and our supervisor.
I always knew our grant could suddenly disappear.
After 10-1/2 years, I'd begun to doubt it would end.
It did.
I refer to my LBCC job as my "real" job.
Suddenly, my Alaska job IS my "real" job.
What about Madeleine, Martin & Patty?
The meandering realities of life continue with or without my permission or even awareness.
I'm so proud of the team I've worked with
Today in Alaska, the weather was a bit warmer again today. It had gotten cold and windy.
Today in Alaska I met people from Bulgaria and Santa Clara, from Taiwan and Thailand.
There are people in Oregon reeling from new realities.
I reel too.
g'nite,
love,
barb
Tonight's blog will be different and also short since I'm back at work early tomorrow.
My job at LBCC ended. So did all our team's jobs.
I can barely believe it.
So this is what having the rug pulled out from under one really feels like.
I love our college and our supervisor.
I always knew our grant could suddenly disappear.
After 10-1/2 years, I'd begun to doubt it would end.
It did.
I refer to my LBCC job as my "real" job.
Suddenly, my Alaska job IS my "real" job.
What about Madeleine, Martin & Patty?
The meandering realities of life continue with or without my permission or even awareness.
I'm so proud of the team I've worked with
Today in Alaska, the weather was a bit warmer again today. It had gotten cold and windy.
Today in Alaska I met people from Bulgaria and Santa Clara, from Taiwan and Thailand.
There are people in Oregon reeling from new realities.
I reel too.
g'nite,
love,
barb
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
