Who goes to Alaska in February? This is the time of year even Alaskans try to escape.
Well, my mom, for starters. And my brother. They’re both moving back to Alaska and decided to caravan together.
Last time I went to Alaska, it was in the middle of summer.
I took these photos on our last trip to Alaska. Mom was moving back up there that time as well, and Gem and I tagged along with her.
She was so little then.
This time, they are taking the ferry rather than driving the entire way through Canada, and they invited us along for the ride. The ferry leaves next weekend and it all hinges on whether Gem’s passport arrives in time.
I just returned from a quick, four-day trip to Washington D.C. for ProjectLEAD with the National Breast Cancer Coalition.
Coincidentally, my daughter’s kindergarten class has been learning about Washington D.C. in their social studies segments. She wanted me to be sure I got my picture taken with the President.
I got this close.
The White House is beautiful at night.
Our schedule for this trip was very tight: 7:30 am to 7:30 pm, so I did not actually see daylight, with the exception of one quick run to Starbucks, and then the cab ride back to the airport on the last day. But I wasn’t there for sight-seeing or picture taking, we had much more important things in mind.
I’ll be posting much more on this project in the near future.
It was a hot day in August, 98 degrees, and the heat was doing strange things to the light, and our moods, and my hair. But we had to get out of the house.
From the lower parking lot of Seattle’s Museum of History and Industry there is a little trail that leads to the lake, and a footbridge that leads to Marsh Island. The trees close in around you, the shade and the breeze off the water cool the air, lingering humidity makes the forest feel a bit dank, the path disappearing into the woods, the occasional park bench hidden in dark corners, makes the trail inviting, yet it also feels a bit mysterious or dangerous.
A tiny little island framed by Lake Washington’s Union Bay and the Evergreen Bridge, Marsh Island is aptly named. The path through the island is often muddy, regardless of the weather. I suspect the kids dripping their way back to the car from the swimming hole may be contributing to the texture of the trail. With the exception of the swimming hole, the island is surrounded by wetlands, water grasses, lily pads and the accompanying pond scum, or what ever that scary green bubbly stuff is called. I’ve asked what it was before, but didn’t stick around long enough for the answer. While I like looking at lily pads, the green stuff grosses me out.
Nearby, UW’s Water Activities Center rents kayaks and canoes; boaters can quietly slip under the bridge to the Arboretum on the other side.
The area is rich with wildlife, particularly waterfowl and beavers. There is a huge beaver dam nearby. We didn’t see any beavers this time, but the place was teeming with ducks.
It’s so nice to be able to get to a quiet place in what’s left of nature. Especially if you can find it in the city.
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