The Alaskan Spirit and Scouting

Seattle weather has found it's way to Alaska and we've been experiencing gray, drizzly days. I'm not complaining in the least. With the rest of the country in the middle of a heat wave, I'm thankful for the cool nights. The mountains by Turnagain Arm near Anchorage have been experiencing wildfires and are smelling pretty charred, so I'm sure the bus loads of firefighters are thankful for the rain too.

Night has been returning. Here's a picture of sunset at 11pm. I'm hoping that with the darkness moving back in, we'll be able to see the Aurora before we leave. Will keep you posted on that one! I can't believe we're almost halfway through our stay here!

Last weekend some friends were down on the Kenai Peninsula at their cabin, so we met them at a nearby fish camp and spent the day exploring. We went to Ninilchik and played at Clam Gulch. Fishing season is in full swing on the Kenai Peninsula and it's almost comical watching the fishermen lining the banks and practically standing on each others shoulders just to get a bite. The water is this amazing milky turquoise color from the glaciers. It's quite a sight.

Fish Camp Boats

Fish Camp

The Kenai River

Clam Gulch

 Rocks, when you first access the beach

Clam Gulch in the other direction

We've mostly been home planning what we want to do next while my husband works. Yesterday we decided to visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. Let me just say this: If you plan to be in Alaska, definitely visit this place, and give yourself plenty of time to do it. The two hours we had just weren't enough. Here's a clip that will tell you more. Most of the year the center is closed to the public and only open once a week. During this time, native children come to the center to learn dances, languages, and everything else about their cultures. The Anchorage area boasts one of the most diverse populations in the world.

After we arrived, we headed to the presentation in the main hall. A native Alaskan woman was telling the audience about each of the cultures and answered questions. Then we were treated to several dances from the dance group. The singer told us the history about each of the dances, which really made them come alive. He said that when he was singing, he wasn’t actually saying words. He was chanting. The dances, themselves, told the stories. These are living cultures that are constantly evolving, but many of their traditions remain the same.

After that, we headed outside to the village replicas and made sure to stop to visit with the native artists who were selling their handmade creations. We bought an "Eskimo Yo-Yo" and later we were taught how to use it in one of the exhibits by a young man (that makes me sound old, doesn't it? ;-)). We were told that it can be used to catch birds if you are good enough.

Many of the clans use subterranean building methods because of the local climates. Each of the villages had actual items you might find, like seal oil lamps, canoes, and hand carvings. A native from each clan was also at the village sites and you could ask questions and touch things like furs and tools.

Inside the center you will find traditional clothing from each clan along with pictures and artwork. I can honestly say that this was one of the richest experiences we’ve had here in Alaska. I absolutely love how warm and family oriented the native cultures are. The center really goes all to give you a multi-sensory experience. Go , if you can. It's worth every penny.

Also this week, our oldest son and I visited our first Boy Scout troop of the trip. The local troop was very welcoming and they run their meetings similarly to how we run ours. The Scoutmaster introduced my son to a few other boys right away and they worked on fire safety while the rest of the parents and I chatted in the hallway. Everyone was very friendly and we had a great time. They also gifted my son a custom designed patch from each of the patrols so that he could show them to our troop back home. I was impressed by the leadership and hope to visit them again soon.

Hope you are all keeping cool!

- Jen