Winter Trip

A photo from the archives...


We are heading in to the cabin tomorrow. The snowmachine goes in the truck which goes on the ferry. We will travel via salt water for about 60 miles up to Haines then drive another 25 miles up the Chilkat Valley to the Tsirku River. The water in the river doesn't freeze so we cross it via a bridge that is installed every winter and taken down every spring. It is about 8 miles from the Tsirku to our cabin. Half of the route is a trail through the woods, then we hit the frozen lake and zoom in, pulling our food and gear in a sled behind us.

Snow conditions greatly influence how easy or difficult this sojourn can be. Last night we talked to our neighbors via satellite internet phone who gave us a good report. Here's hoping for happy trails!

Wolf Walk

A large black wolf has been living out by the Mendenhall Glacier for the last several years. I went for a long walk out there yesterday and saw the wolf for the first time. He is heavier now than when these pictures were taken and looks strong and healthy. He is always seen alone; his "pack" seems to be local dogs who are walked by their humans in his territory.

My friend has a dog and the wolf approached us because of Gypsy. He trotted up with friendly body language and there was sniffing. Tails were wagged, ears were up, fur was down. Named Romeo by the people of Juneau, the wolf stayed with us, about 50 feet away, for a mile or two. When we drew apart, he howled and howled - a haunting, lonely sound, even on a bright day with friends nearby.

The photographs are by Doug Jones. I found them here. Contacting Doug by email failed and he is not listed in the local phone book, so perhaps he has moved. His pictures are great (click on them to enlarge). The wolf is beautiful.

Pinewood Derby

Ray strode into the Boy Scout Pinewood Derby race last Saturday, expecting to win. At the practice event two weeks ago, his car dusted the competition and was never beat. But, alas, the other boys must have tuned up their rigs because this time, his car came in last every heat it ran. Oh, well, the crushing disappointment only lasted a few moments and when he left the event, clutching his prizes, he was happy.

Patty's Porch

Just a pretty picture, taken from my friend's front deck...

Battle of the Books

Ray, the fabulous student, participated in the Battle of the Books this week. He read 15 books and sat with 25 third and fourth graders, answering questions about the stories. After the final round, Ray was tied for second place! He made the team that will represent his school at the district level. Unfortunately, he had to withdraw because the next Battle is scheduled for the week that we are going to the cabin. He enjoyed participating and he really liked doing so well. Good job, Ray!

Dave's New Plane

Dave likes to say that I bought him a new plane for Christmas.

This is not the style of interior to which we have become accustomed. Where's the duct tape?


Obligatory shot of the instrument panel.

The real story? It is easier to get up to our cabin with a plane on floats. The seller of the plane, Charlie (guy in the top photo), had a perfect 180 that he had meticulously improved in the four years that he owned it. The owner before that had a bunch of money that he threw at the plane, installing a new engine and a new propeller. So when Charlie ran out of things to work on, he put the word out that he wanted to sell it. There were floats available in a nearby hangar and he agreed to install the floats. So we bought it. We have our wheel plane, the 172, for sale.

Weekends at the cabin are now on the calendar for the season. Dave has to work to pay for the plane, he needs the plane because he is working. It is sort of a vicious cycle, but the pilot in the family looks pretty happy. I think he is a 180 guy through and through.

Growing Up

Ray is packing a bag to take to a friend's house to spend the night.

Mom: "Do you have a toothbrush, some floss, a change of clothes?

Ray: "Yeah."

"Do you have your hat and some gloves?"

"Yep."

"Do you want to take Puppy or Carl?"

"Mom, I don't need stuffed animals for a sleepover anymore."

"OK, what about pajamas?"

"I don't need any, I'll just sleep in my boxers."