Spring bicycling in Alaska

I'm so ready for spring to mean outdoor activities without being bundled up and no snow or ice.  Last Sunday we drove to Palmer and saw people using the Glenn Highway bike trail.  People were riding bikes; others were jogging and walking.  We have talked about biking between Eagle River & Anchorage but haven't done it yet.  On the way back into town we checked out the Hiland Road trail access and parking lot.  It looked like lots of people were using it.  We also checked out Davis Park, where the trail originates in Anchorage.  This end of the bike trail was still covered with packed snow and not at all inviting.  So, eager to start the bike riding season and with Monday off work, we decided to pack up the bikes Monday afternoon and try our first adventure of the season.  We waited for afternoon so any water that froze on the trail overnight would have time to melt.  The temperature was in the mid-30s when we headed out.

At the Hiland Road trail access.

Ready to head out.

Not far into the ride we found the only serious patch of ice.  It was on an uphill stretch and I walked the bike part way.  Once we got past this section we rode more than five miles, past the Arctic Valley/Fort Rich gate, to the next road entering the highway from JBER before turning around.  The majority of the trail did not have snow or ice on it. Some sections were definitely wet.  I made sure to stay far enough back to avoid the shower coming from Alan's fender!

We could still smile at the end of the ride.  We enjoyed the sunny afternoon and a welcome opportunity to spend time outdoors again!  Maybe we'll even have an opportunity to ride more of the trail when it's in better condition.

Here's some photos from March 1st when I was downtown with Kara and Ron.  We watched the ceremonial start of the Iditarod and Fur Rondy's Running with the Reindeer.  I wasn't able to get reindeers and runners in the same photo.  So you'll see a photo of running reindeer and a photo of runners.  There were lots of runners: some were in costume and some weren't.  Everyone was having a good time!

Thanks Ron and Kara for inviting me to join you at Iditarod and Running with the Reindeer!

One of the 73 dog teams that started the Iditarod.

Two of the celebrity reindeer runners!

Just a glimpse at the variety of costumes worn by runners.

March Snowfall!

Mother Nature must have been laughing at us thinking spring was so close!  When I came home from work Friday it was somewhat windy and I noticed the porch and driveway area closer to the house were dry and clear from snow or ice.  In less than an hour, surprise!  It's snowing outside.  Not only did it snow - it snowed with a fury.  Blowing wind and fast falling snow created whiteout conditions and it kept coming.  Even a relatively short drive to south Anchorage and back was challenging.  Still at midnight it was snowing.  By the time Alan went out on Saturday to dig us out, he measured 14 inches of new snow.  We don't get 14" very often in such a short time.

Fun with Joseph and Laura

I've had several visits from family this summer and enjoyed every one of them.  This time I'm trying to post a few photos before life moves on.  Joseph and Laura were here to visit family and friends.  We visited Grandpa Wilde at his home and at the Alaska Veteran's and Pioneer Home.

We also found time to have fun.  This was a "short" game to fill the time before leaving for the airport and the trip back home.

And, they endured the noise and inconvenience of pile driving and the beginning of some construction. 

We're hoping to have a great addition to the house by the end of the week.

Mother Nature's April Joke

Last night I felt prompted to do my usual Saturday errands even though it was Friday evening, when I usually like to relax. Snow was expected Saturday afternoon and evening and I didn't want to be on the road in what could be slick spring conditions with crazy drivers.  So three hours later I had potting soil for dahlias purchased, the car fueled, and groceries in the house.  Surprise!  When I looked outside at 8 am today snow was falling.  It had already covered the cars and the driveway, that just yesterday was nearly half clear of snow and ice due to the pleasant week of breakup.

Every time I  looked outside for the rest of the day it was snowing-maybe lightly, maybe heavily-without letting up.  Hour after hour I was happy to be inside.  Watching Conference, cooking, relaxing,and knowing I had no need to leave home.

 Finally after 8 p.m. the snow let up.  We even had a interesting sunset to watch until about 9 p.m.  I'm grateful I did not procrastinate errands until today and curious what tomorrow will bring.  Will it be the additional snow included with the weather advisory that goes through the afternoon? When will it clear for the digging out to start again? If I'm lucky it will be the last time this spring. Fingers are crossed!

An Edible Car!

Finally, a fun car to race!  After years of watching sons and grandsons make cars and race them in the Pinewood Derby, I actually made a car.  Hours and hours of planning, changing ideas, and debating changes consumed all available time.  Well, at least the past three nights.  (I may have burned up my mixer motor last night trying to whip up that royal icing!  This morning I added more confectioner's sugar to thicken it.)  The bunny and eggs were added during my lunch hour today to give the icing time to dry and set. 

Tonight was the big race!  With the help of an able pit crew after track mishaps, the car raced in several heats and won second place in the Edible Car Division.  For those of you who haven't tried it, making an edible car is a lot of fun, but getting it down the track may be the trickiest part.  It was so much fun, I just may try it again sometime.  Any suggestions for next year?

PS  The wheels are not edible, but the Ghiradelli chocolate car, bunny, eggs, and grass are!

Finished in July!

Many years ago I started a loon embroidery project.  My Dad had enjoyed birds and loons and my goal was to complete the needlework and frame it for him.  Then in the summer of 2002 he told me he no longer liked loons--one had recently taken a fish off his line when he was fishing in British Columbia.  Loons were now scoundrels and out of favor!  On top of that, Dad and Janet were downsizing and didn't want any more for their walls.  In fact, they were already having to make choices among their favorites.  Well, what was I to do?  I put the embroidery aside until I could come up with a good reason for working on it again.  But it sat there haunting me. 

Finally, I brainstormed with Claudia. Ah! the embroidery could be used as a pillow top.  And, Dad had mellowed.  Then the race was on.  Could I get the embroidery done and make a pillow before visiting in June?  Not quite.  Try again for a visit later in July.  Yes! The embroidery was finished, the pillow made, and here's a photo of me and my Dad.