Maritini's, Otters, and Glacial Goodness

One day on a train and two on the ship with no WiFi. Am I a techno junkie or what?! The train from Denali was amazing. We were not looking forward to 9 1/2 hours on a train but as it turned out it was a spectacular journey through the wilds of Alaska. No nothing for miles and miles then bit by bit signs of civilization. We saw moose, bald eagles, trumpeter swans, gorges, old train tracks, abandoned cabins, mud flats, and more.

Gary actually has a Lionel train set from his youth that is just like our train.

One last look at Mount Denali. We couldn't believe it was out from behind the clouds again!

Our first two days at "sea" we're winding through the glaciers. Our attempt at seeing the Hubbard glacier was just that, an attempt. The visibility was too low to navigate through and our captain actually backed us out of the bay.

The ice bits range in size from ice cubes to small burgs. They break off, "calving", from Hubbard glacier at the rate of 16-18 per hour.

Our captain making the decision to back her up.

Our second day was beautiful as we sailed through Glacier Bay. There were sea otters galore teasing us at every opportunity.

Glaciers at every turn. Gary speculated at how much martini ice is there in a glacier?

By the way....they really are that blue!

Always the fashionista! Brrrr!

We were privy to a calving event. Very exciting.

A pretty seagull who visited our deck.

Another bald eagle on an ice floater.

One more caribou picture from our day in Denali Park.
Ciao babies!

Into The Wild

Today we went into the wilds of Denali National Park. We boarded a simple school bus and drove straight in. Our guide, Jen, was not only knowledgeable but had a great sense of humor as well. We made a few stops along the way. One was at a log cabin that served as a food depot for the men who built the roads into the park in the early 1900's. The next stop was to Inspiration Point where we met up with Carol, an Athabaskan woman who told us about her family's history. She proudly told us that her great grandfather, grandfather and father were all chiefs. Her people were found in the interior of Alaska. She finished her visit with a moving song.
On our return we were treated to a visit by a caribou. Outstanding. Before leaving the park we saw the sled dogs. They are still used today to patrol the park, take food to researchers and rangers, and building materials to their sites.
Denali National Park has retained it's sense wildness by insisting that it's visitors respect the surroundings. What a wonderful day.

Ciao babies!

As Much Fun To Make As It Is To Eat

My family and friends tease me because I love to pack. With a big trip ahead of me I pack and repack, I search the Internet for pertinent information regarding our destinations, I read novels based in the areas we are about to visit, and check the weather for weeks. I love the process. 

Today we awoke to Mount Denali showing itself in it's full glory; rugged and beautiful.

We headed north towards Denali National Park, passing miles and miles of forests, rivers, and of course mountains.

So here's your trivia question for the day....where did the post title come from? Check out the photos for your answer.

Mount Denali in all it's splendor.

We are having amazing weather. It is said only about 30% of all visitors actually see the mountain. It is usually shrouded in mists.

:)

Ciao babies!!!

 

 

 

 
 

A Mayor Named Stubbs

Gary and I found ourselves in Talkeetna today. Once voted the coolest little town in North America. The people are sincere, engaging, and as in the rest of Alaska, fiercely independent. We discovered that this tiny town was the inspiration for the popular tv show, Northern Exposure. The general store did in fact remind you of Ruth Ann's, the bar was reminiscent of Holling's, Brick. This place felt like home. True to the nature of Alaska the residents actually voted into the office of mayor, Stubbs the cat. They are proud to call him boss and take care of his every need. Thanks, Talkeetna for your hospitality. 

Early morning view of Mount Denali

Playing in the icy river waters. 

 An extended Checker Cab. Here's a trivia question for you....where were Checker Cabs made? Look at the end of this post for the answer.

 Lunch. Like I've said, it all comes down to the food. Amazing, and I do mean amazing, king crab!

 

 Ciao babies!  

 
 
 The answer is Kalamazoo, Michigan

 

 

 

Lions and tigers and bears. Oh No! (Well maybe just bears)

Today we were on the road to the Mount Mckinley Lodge. We drove past endless miles of wilderness with beauty aboundant but where the heck is the wild life; not a bird, moose, dear, bear or anything else in sight. What's up with that?! The beautiful lodge was a pleasure to behold and after we were settled into our room, we had lunch. We were treated to amazing views with the mountains spread before us in all their majesty. We hiked a short but fun trail that skirted the property, taking in the beautiful vistas. While "chilling", yet again on the deck admiring the majestice Mount Mckinley AKA Mount Denali (they are one in the same as we learned today) we were graced by the up close and personal visit with a black bear. Evidently this is an infrequent occurrence but one we were thrilled to be a part of. Amazing!!! This is what we came to Alaska for; visits with our wild brothers and sisters. We also had the opportunity to meet a golden eagle. He had been in captivity since his youth but definitely a wild spirit just the same. Dinner of simply grilled salmon was spectacular, finishing with a mixed berry cobbler. After the views of the mountains and visits with the wildlife, it is all about the food, right?!

Heat Wave

It's all in how you look at things. What is hot to you is heaven to me. We arrived in Anchorage last night at 11pm to full on sunshine and 60 degree weather. Heaven. The Anchoragites swear they are having a heat wave. They are dressed in flip flops and t shirts. We, from the lower 48, have on our light sweaters and thank our hosts for such a temperate climate. We have escaped the blistering heat plaguing large swathes of the country.

Anchorage has a population of over a quarter of a million. It is surrounded by wilderness and boarded by mountains. It is the starting point of the famous Iditarod dog sled race.

The highlight of our day was enjoying local oysters at a restaurant that actually spanned across Ship Creek (no... Not shit creek). There were twelve or so fisherman trying to coax salmon from the waters with no success that we could see. My favorite angler was a father with his young son and daughter. What a sight they made. Casting patiently over and over again. A beautiful thing to witness.

Passione Per Vita

Passion...a very strong feeling about a person or thing. Wikipedia


The emotion that brings color and meaning to our lives. Without it we would go through our lives in shades of grey; drones going through the motions. With it we experience joy and yes, sometimes pain. Each day my family and friends leave bits of themselves with me rounding out my existence. I get those fabulous group text messages from my husband and kids. We are scattered across this great land of ours and those little "dings" on my phone bring me parts of them. I go to work and always look forward to my friends with our banter, hugs, tears and always laughter. Evenings and days off are for the love of my life, Gary. My best friend. As we look forward to our next adventure, Alaska, we pack, unpack, and repack. Actually that's just me, the fashionista extrodinaire. I must have just the right scarf for those jeans! As if anyone cares.

This entry is "Gina's Picks". The little things that bring color to my existence.


1. Top pick Norman Loves Pecan & Chocolate Caramel Turtles

The best hands down, without comparison, forgettaboutit Really, BEST piece of orgasmic good chocolate on the planet. I actually "budget" this confection into my diet (thanks My Fitness Pal)

Here's a link Norman Loves online


2. Favorite author (right now) ok, so ... I'm a bit embarrassed. I've been known to read a wide variety of literature. Seldom do I read anything as worthwhile as history or as important as self improvement. I mean really, is there much room for improvement? My dear husband swears I'm perfect, or did I catch a note of sarcasm in that manly, radio-talk-show-host-worthy voice of his? Anyway, I confess I've been reading romance novels. There I said it. Robyn Carr has written 20 books known as The Virgin River Series. They take place in the mountainous northern lands of California. She has brought to life a host of characters, introducing a couple with each book.  She has done such a good job of it I just want to sell my home and move to this small community, if it wasn't fictional. Damn.

Start with book one "Virgin River" and work your way through chronologically. I am currently on book 17, yes that's right 17 since February (plus I fit in a couple of Alaska set mysteries and of course Dan Brown's "Inferno").

3. Favorite online clothing stores ... I have two

www.purplepoppy.com check out the XCVI Double Rouched Skirt (Trace Skirt) I got the mini but I am only 5'1". Love this skirt. It runs a bit generous so take that into account. Here's the link

I got the grey. I also love the Lisette Leopard Pant. They advise going down a size for a good fit and they are absolutely right on with that. Lisette Pants. They are so good looking and very comfy (and in my suitcase).

My other fav is www.getdressed2.com

I am obsessed with the Deca Paris tunic (on me a dress) called Smadar I like this piece so much I got one in black and grey. Smadar tunic

4. Finally....my favorite lip stain is Chanel Rouge Double Intensite Ultra Wear Lipcolor
You can find it here online

I do have a runner up favorite lip treat,  YSL Available at Sephora online


Go forth! Have fun. Make sure there is color in your life. Passione per vita, have a passion for life! Ciao baby!