Arctic Road Trip

I crossed the Arctic Circle by air and by road.  One of the things I really wanted to do while in Alaska was to cross the Arctic Circle, it would be stupid not to.  I was so close, I just had to!  There were 2 options for crossing the Arctic Circle one involved a very LONG, day car ride.  The other involved a long car ride with a stop to see the Northern Lights AND a short flight.  Any chance to see the lights as many times as possible was our aim for the trip.  So we chose the flight up to the Arctic Circle and then a nice coach ride down the Dalton Highway to watch the Northern Lights in Joy, Alaska and then 'home' to Fairbanks.  It was a LONG day but so worth the beautiful scenery and clean air.  You know you have found an amazing travel companion when you can be up at the butt crack of dawn, return home at the butt crack of dawn the next day and still be smiling ear to ear.  Thanks Sylv, glad to have shared an awesome day with you!

World Ice Art Championship 2014

The day my sister and I landed in Alaska we planned on visiting the World Ice Art Championship exhibit.  What we failed to plan for was public transportation, the buses do not start running until 9.  So my sister and I decided to walk to the exhibit.  It seems a short 2 mile walk is just not something that is done in Alaska, we got odd stares.  And when people asked how far we had walked to the exhibit they were shocked because it was SO far.  It was a nice, brisk, walk first thing in the morning, by the time we got to the exhibit our faces were very red.  I guess it was a little cold but not so cold we didn't have a blast looking at ice sculptures.

Note to self: Ice is sharp.

 I managed to slice my finger open sliding down this teeny ice slide.  2014 started to warm up sooner than usual in Alaska, so we ended up catching the tail end of the displays.  Several areas were cordoned off or had just melted into strange unrecognizable blobs.  I actually cheated and peeked at the sculptures before going to Alaska so I knew what they were supposed to look like.  The link up top will take you to this year's sculptures.

A to Z Challenge: C is for Cockpit

I got to enjoy a cool ride to Coldfoot, Alaska on an 8-seater plane.  I got full view of the cockpit as there was no co-pilot.  I really enjoyed the flight, you could see out both sides of the plane and didn't have to worry about the typical flight problems people are hassled with.  You got the isle AND window seat, no standing room or bathroom so no one would have to disturb your travels.  You just sit back, enjoy the ride and take in the scenery.

While up in the air the pilot was nice enough to point out some places of interest as well as angle the plane accordingly to show us the spots he was talking about.  We flew over a village that has no roads going in and out of it, it's all done via planes.  I got to the the beautiful Yukon River, still frozen but still quite visible and HUGE!  We also got to see several of the different peaks and mountain ranges.

Given the chance I would love to fly in a small plane just for the chance to see the countryside at a lower level than a larger plane and the ability to see on both sides of the plane.  The ride was very smooth as well as the take off and landing.  I expected a rougher plane ride on a smaller plane than one you get on a larger one, I guess it was just a good day for flying.  It was scary when we got to Coldfoot because there was snow on the tarmac which worried me a bit but I guess it was ok.  For some reason I assumed landing couldn't be done on a snowy tarmac.  Live 'n' learn!

A to Z Challenge: A is for Arctic

Two days ago I actually flew into Coldfoot, Alaska.  It is roughly 60 miles north of the demarcation line for the Arctic Circle.  I have never felt cold like this before... and the sad part is, Alaska has had an unusually warm winter.  I hate to think how miserable I would have been IF it was typical Alaska weather. 

Layers:  Top was my supportive undergarment, tank, thermal, tee, light hoodie and the hoodie you see me wearing in the photo.  For the evening... which started really late ( darkness only came well after 10 pm)  I had a snowboarding parka.  I did shit for how cold I felt, in my uncultured mind, I assume Alaska was cold AND windy.  No Susie, only where you live does the wind howl at all hours.  SO yeah the parka was an added layer that did nothing.  Bottom was of course underoos, 2 long Johns, 2 pairs of knee high socks and a pair of ankle socks ( once me feet get cold I am done for).  And at night the snowboarding pants that sound amazing when I walk.  By amazing I mean it sounds like little Munchkins are having a zip tie symphony.  No joke!  Now I know what hefty thighs in cords sound like... well I knew that already but it was more evident since I wasn't boarding, I was walking

I hope to return to Alaska for the endless day light in the summer and the endless night in the winter.  Call me a glutton for punishment but I think it builds character to be subjected to -45 degree (F) weather.  If other humans have done it so can I!  This has concluded my daily ranting before I am off to enjoy a brewery in Fairbanks.... be jealous!

Lake Tahoe Photo Spam

Here are a some random shots that I took while exploring around Lake Tahoe during the first week of January.  I have one thing to say, snow is hard to photograph (and look at).  I had heard the term snow blindness but god damn!  Shit's bright.  I forgot my sunglasses one day and suffered, I was walking around hissing and squinting like .... well like a vampire. No not this kind, more like this.  Any how, here is what I managed between my hissing fits and my moments of cold.  I didn't realize how cold it gets once the sun goes down in snowy weather.  Also after one slip on the ice I learned how to be nimble.  I ass-planted really hard and managed not to spill my beer or tea.  Don't judge me!  I was cold but wanted a beer so I thought having tea as well would balance me out.

Eagle Rock Trail

Eagle Rock is a newer trail on the west side of Lake Tahoe.  You can go to this link to see the trail when it is not covered in snow.  It was a bit slick due to the snow but it is an easy hike.  Our group, which was family only ranged from a three-year old to I assume 60'ish-year old.  I am still new to using my camera and I had to fight my gloves off and on frequently to take pictures for the hike.  So this is what you get.  Enjoy!  If you are in a hurry to see the panoramic view of the lake scroll down to the last image.

Homewood Mountain Resort

Alternate working title:  First Time Snowboarding
I hope you enjoy the few photos I was able to capture with my phone when I wasn't too busy falling or too cold to use my phone without dropping it.