We had joy we had fun we had seasons in the sun...

But the sun seemed to last a bit longer down south. While Texas is gearing up for another hurricane, we are getting snow above 3000 feet. Looks like it will be a snow filled winter.

On the bright side, Sarah is back in Alaska so all is well. The billboards up here sing her praises. Kind of funny, like the mayor of Baytown, or Liberty, being on the ticket. If nothing else, it sure is interesting now isn't it. Obama or O Mama! Pays yo money and takes yo pick. Hillary is surely eating her heart out, don't you think? Bill, well thats another story.

Chilly Pete

Only had two days this summer over 70 so this is going down as one of the coldest summers in recent history. Spent Sat night sleeping atop Exit Glacier on the Harding Ice Field. Way below 70. Had hard rain, severe wind and the occasional snow flake....lovely weather. Felt good ...to get down. Saw bears, ptarmingans, marmots and the biggest porcupine I've seen. Pics to follow so stay tuned.

By the way, he was one of my favorite Rockets!

Sarah Smile

And she did!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

East bound and down...

Getting slowly settled into the old routine now that the summer guests have departed. By that I mean I am sleeping till 11 and then watching the tv all afternoon. Okay, maybe not quite 11 and not all afternoon as I am managing to get some wood cut as well. Way ahead of last year so I feel pretty good. Wonder if it'll be colder this winter than last. 40 below would be kind of neat don't you think.

Watched the Iditarod dvd tonight. Mackey is one tough customer, but then again they all are. Looking forward to seeing who wins in 09. Still a Mackey fan but I have helped train Jeff Kings dogs so my loyalties are split.

Rest in Peace Jerry Reed.

And then it was quiet...

Whew, what a month August turned out to be. Had a really good visit with the HJS group. A weeks worth of backpacking with Doc and Champ followed up by Denali and Seward and the fair with TJ and her brood. Last but not least David Paula and the story lady were mixed in for good measure. I enjoyed seeing everyone and hope all had a good time. Eight people in my one bath cabin and everyone got along....who says you need a big house. Just got to remember to be the first one up for the bathroom, shower etc...

After seeing everyone off (kind of) at the airport Friday night, Champ and I grabbed some much needed sleep and then headed for the quaint village of Hope AK. Climbed Hope point Saturday and had a really sunny beautiful day. Larissa and Jessica and I then camped out on the river enjoying a dinner of reindeer sausage and smores.

Enjoying the labor day holiday by doing mostly nothing. Getting everything clean and dry and ready for next weekend when I will spend Saturday night sleeping atop Exit Glacier on the Harding Icefield. Sounds cold just typing it.

One time at Band camp.....

A Box of Puppies







Got the old HJS gang here. Spent a week backpacking with Doc, and just returned from a Denali trip with David Paula TJ Schaey Jacob and Terry W. aka the story lady. Weather was unbelievably nice. Clear and sunny with just a bit of chill in the air. Of course, being from Texas they all froze.

Will try to update this later with more pics and stories. Will take the time now to mention our visit to Husky Homestead, the kennel of four time iditarod champ Jeff King. Got to meet Jeff and his middle girl Tessa, as well as a number of the dogs. Lots of fun and educational too. Who would have thought he trains mushing dogs by having them swim pulling a paddleboat. Of course they wear doggie wetsuits.

Mooseghetti

That was for supper last night. Very much like lean hamburger only with a richer taste. Tomorrow we will see how Moose Tacos compare, and then Wednesday it'll have to be Moose Burgers.

Today the sun is out so I cut and split wood. Should have one cord split and stacked by days end. Way ahead of schedule compared to last year.

The Highlands contingent begins arriving Wednesday night. It'll be two funfilled weeks of backpacking, car camping and fair going whilst they are here. Hope the weather stays decent.

How about those French? Gonna crush the Americans. HaHa.