Heart and Lunger

Joined the Anchorage Adventurers last evening for a cool hike from South Eagle River Trail to Artic Valley Ski basin. Very steep at first (hence the heart and lunger designation) then cool ridge walking for a mile or so with awesome views.

Swimming Lessons

With the weather staying darn near perfect we joined the Mat-Su Valley Hiking Group for a Sunday afternoon stroll to Redshirt Lake. At the end of a very easy 3 mile walk through mostly birch forest, we arrived at our destination. I had Champ's tennis ball, thinking I might tempt him to actually go deep enough to swim. No dice. Sadie, the chocolate lab, had no such qualms and fetched the ball several times. Champ simply waited till she brought the ball back to shore and then snatched it. So a few minutes later I was surprised when he swam after Sadie as she fetched a stick. After that, he went into beaver mode swimming quite well as far as you pleased.

Bodenburg Butte

Tackled this easy 900 foot climb just outside Palmer on Thursday. Trail was very dusty due to the lack of rain the past two weeks. I'm always amazed at the views one is rewarded with on the Butte.

Finally got some much needed rain on Friday. A slow drizzle most of the day giving way to sunshine by 5 pm. Actually lit a fire in the morning as I finished reading a silly novel about lady accoutants, OPEC and the fountain of youth.

BIRD RIDGE

Well, we made it to the top this time. Absolutely beautiful. Alaska is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Farm living

The weather here is fabulous. Sunny and mild. Put down a row each of carrots, lettuce, spinach and two rows of peas. Keeping my fingers crossed. Did a hike yesterday out of Wasilla near the Palmer Hay Flats. A real mellow trail with some nice views. Plus lots of dogs for Champ to play with. Saw the biggest bald eagle of my life.

Bird Ridge

Finally tackled Bird Ridge, a hike I've been wanting to do for some time. Located about 30 miles south of Anchorage just off the Seward Highway. Those of you who have been here know how scenic the view is from that road looking out over Turnagain Sound and back at the city. Views only get better the higher you climb.

Weather was absolutely perfect. Sunny with temps in the low 60's and just enough breeze to cool you off from all the hard work. Very much like Pioneer Ridge in that it is uphill, uphill. uphill. Stopped at about 3000 feet for lunch and a few pictures then headed down. Downhill was tough with my legs feeling like jelly by the end. Today the soreness is intense. Just shows you that all the gym time in the world can't beat the real thing. Will do this again this summer for sure

Farm plans

As you can see the temps are staying nice and warm up here in Alaska. Decided to try my hand at gardening so I'm planting peas and spinach this weekend.