Glaciers and Borscht

Once again, the look of the blog has changed and I think it's pretty close to done at this point (unless you are a super awesome web developer and want to help me overhaul it into something unbelievable for free... ;-))

This post is a day early because tomorrow morning we leave for Valdez (pronounced val-deez) and wifi will be spotty at best. Valdez is located in Prince William Sound and is home to all kinds of wildlife, glaciers, and so much more. You'll just have to check back next week to see how it went.

We actually spent last Saturday in Prince William Sound too. Being the hybrid of local tourists that we are, we wanted to ride the rails and take a glacier cruise. Those are just basic must-do's when you're in Alaska. Especially if you're like us and love trains. So, we booked our trip with the Alaska Railroad and Major Marine Tours and headed to Anchorage to board the train to Whittier.

The train ride alone was beautiful. We've driven through Anchorage, along Turnagain Arm, and down the Kenai Peninsula several times since we've been here, but it's an entirely different experience taking the train. The rails go along paths where cars just can't go and you pass a lot more scenery that you wouldn't normally see, especially if you're the one driving. You're also able to hear some of the history about areas you're moving through from one of the high school student interns who make up part of the crew. They're a part of the tourism program at their schools and really have a unique local perspective on the area. Plus they are friendly and enthusiastic, and that really makes all the difference.

Whittier is one of the main hubs for marine traffic in Alaska but it is very secluded. Yes, some people live there, but not many. In fact, most of the people who go to Whittier never even leave the docks before they're whisked away by either train or ship. The ones who live there live in one of two buildings and really have to pull together for the months where food is scarce and the snow is high.

There's only one single lane tunnel, for both inbound and outbound traffic that is shared by both automobiles and trains. It's only open for fifteen minutes at the top of the hour for one direction, and fifteen minutes at the bottom of the hour for the other direction.

Once we arrived, we boarded the boat for our tour of Blackstone Bay.

A Chugach National Forest Ranger was there to greet us and promptly enrolled the younger two in the Junior Ranger Program. All along our ride, the ranger told us about the area we were in, what we were seeing, and the history surrounding the areas. She also had books about the wildlife and people could look through binoculars to see things like this Bald Eagle.

We took a cruise through the Inside Passage for our tenth anniversary and had seen Glacier Bay, so that was the experience I was expecting. Just being about to sit back and enjoy the scenery. Boy was I mistaken! Because this boat was much smaller than the cruise ship we were on in 2009, we were able to get a lot closer to the glaciers. It was so cool! Amazing and freezing at the same time. It was raining, so that's why the pictures are a little fuzzy, but you get the idea.

This one's for scale. See that boat in the water? These glaciers are massive!

At one point, one of the crew threw out a net and snagged a couple of floating chunks of glacier ice that had broken off and were floating nearby. One chunk was for pictures and close examination, and the other was for breaking apart for drinks! They offered alcoholic and non alcoholic options, so our whole family tried a drink with glacier ice in it. I ordered the non-alcoholic drink, which was a mixture of pineapple juice and something else (guava?). It was delicious! The glacier ice tasted just like regular ice, but was crystal clear, a little bit colder, and a little bit harder (more dense). Just the experience of drinking glacial ice while steering next to glaciers was an experience of a lifetime.

The captain of the boat was very skilled and when we were passing next to a glacial waterfall, he steered us up right next to it- like splashing on the boat close! Our youngest had a great time reaching out to touch that icy water from the deck. The water below us was that milky turquoise blue.

After our waterfall experience, the boat was turned around and we headed back to Whittier. Our kids finished the requirements in the Junior Ranger booklet and helped the ranger pass around animal pelts and a small vial with an ice worm in it. Then she lined up all the kids who were participating and officially swore them in as Junior Rangers. Each one received their own badge.

It was a great experience, and one I would recommend. You can even opt to purchase an all you can eat salmon and steak lunch, complete with dessert, which was wonderful and very tender.

The rest of the week has been spent doing the everyday things that we all need to do, like laundry, cleaning, and grocery shopping. My daughter and I went to the local junk store (as we like to call it) yesterday and had fun checking out the offerings. After that, we walked the strip mall next to it and found an Eastern European market and deli. If you know me, then you know I love all kinds of food. Especially Mediterranean and Eastern European. This little shop didn't disappoint. We bought some hot borscht with warm, freshly baked, bread for lunch, along with pierogi and sour cream for dinner. Some gingerbread cookies and a few other sweets may, or may not, have made it into the basket as well....

Visiting this little store was part of a history lesson in itself. Alaska was once a Russian territory (and before you ask, no. You can't see Russia from Wasilla ;-)). This is a fact we knew from growing up in the lower 48, but being up here brings a whole new perspective and curiosity that we never had before. We have been learning about the history of relations between the Russians and the native people, the Russian communities that still exist up here, and the traditions and art that the descendants of these people practice today. It's really interesting and something I would encourage you to research for yourself.

Hope you all have a great weekend! As for me, on to packing!

- Jen

Exploring Our Surroundings

You may have noticed that the blog looks a little different today. A friend has been helping me tweak the look of it. We're not finished yet and it will probably even change again before you're done reading this. The good news is that messing with the look doesn't effect being able to read it. So thanks for bearing with me!

We've been sticking closer to home this week and not spending as much time in the car (which the kids love!). Last Saturday we drove to the Independence Mine, which is an abandoned gold mine that was mostly active in the 1930's. The scenery on the drive up there was amazing. Once we got up the mountain to the mine site, we could see all the way across the MatSu Valley to the mountains and glacier on the other side. The weather was in the 40's so I'm glad I made the kids bring an extra layer.

Everyone liked getting out of the car and exploring a little. After looking at the exhibits of artifacts and actual rooms in the main building, we had hot cider (I know, I know. Most of you don't even want to think about that yet.) and walked the grounds.

A few of the main buildings are still maintained, but most of the mine area is falling apart. There are safe walkways that you can use to get a closer look. My husband especially loved the mine train and the kids had a fun time beating us everywhere on the trails. Signs tell you about the people and activities that went on there, which was really interesting.

After that, we headed over Hatcher Pass, which was also a gorgeous drive. We saw people out picking berries in the meadows. I'm still not sure what kind. Maybe next time I'll get out and ask!

After our exciting morning driving around, we headed to the military base in Anchorage. Every other year they host Arctic Thunder, which is an air show where you can see all kinds of planes and helicopters and are treated to demonstrations. The Blue Angels were special guests this year. In fact, I'm embarrassed to say that it was the kids' first time seeing the Blue Angels. You'd think with Sefair (which is going on this weekend) in Seattle, we would have seen them several times by now. Nope.

They loved it! 

On Wednesday we visited the Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla. We watched a documentary about the history and science of the Iditarod and looked at the memorabilia and gift shop. Then we went outside and the sled dogs gave us a ride around the property. The kids were thrilled by the ride and adored snuggling with the puppies.

One of the perks of being able to spend time in one place for a while is being able to participate in local activities. I'm on a message board for our area and a native group advertised that they were hosting an Ahtna Athabascan Beading Workshop. What?! An opportunity to learn an art from the native people, themselves!? Of course I went. Not only did I go, but our WHOLE family went. I'm so proud of them.

Our teacher was very patient and kind. She answered questions I had about the local area and people. Our two oldest worked on their projects while they listened and I'm pretty impressed with how much progress they made. Especially since none of us had ever beaded before. The picture below is of some of the examples of master craftsmanship and historical beading that one of the teachers brought in. She saved a few items when she saw them at a local thrift store in the toy section. One of them was even an heirloom from her own family! If you ever find something that rightfully belongs with someone else, please do your best to return it to them. It will be treasured more than you can imagine. 

And this is what I made....Hey! I'm just a beginner! Baby steps. ;-)

This booklet was also available at the workshop. It gives information about the history of American Indian and Alaska Native cultures. It talks about what many have endured over time. It explains customs, how to interact with native peoples, and so much more. It's a wealth of information that has been put together by representatives from many of the tribes and clans themselves. 

My advice to you? Read it. Read it and share it. There's so much here that could benefit us all. Here's a link to the website where it can be downloaded or ordered for free.

I'm loving all these pictures you've been posting of your own adventures! Keep 'em coming! Have a great week!

- Jen

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