Alaska Lovin'

Although we have only been here less than 3 months, there are already things that I LOVE about Alaska.

In no particular order....

I love that the big dipper and north star are EVERYWHERE.  The flag, route signs, on the sides of company vans, on our drivers licenses, business signs, etc.  And, of course, hanging low and bright in the clear, crisp night sky.

I love the sea themes adorning clothing, jewelry, graffiti, posters, etc. Octopus, starfish, jelly fish, whales, salmon, halibut.

I love the big rack mammals!  Moose, Caribou, Reindeer, Musk Ox!

I love the signs of coastal living - Xtra Tuff boots, mud rooms, arctic entries, ice cleats, the constant talk of fishing, and of course the views of the inlet while running at the park or driving along the coast.

I love the mountain views from every window.


I love the feeling that I think this list has only just begun....

Meet Pugsley

His full name is Surly Pugsley. He took us on quite a New Year's Eve ride!

Fat Bikes were invented in Alaska (within the last decade or so)- originally for the Iditarod Trail, which, yes, bikers complete each year alongside mushers (and runners too)! The history is pretty cool - if you are interested, you can read a bit about it here.

I must admit it was a little silly to rent Fat Bikes on the iciest day in Anchorage so far....
We were falling left and right the entire time.  Even still, it was a blast and I can't want to go again with better conditions.

The kids were so pooped when we got home, they fell asleep while we cooked dinner.... and then we missed the fireworks, and two of us were back in bed before midnight!

It has been awesome to have Matt and Tara here with us.  Just a few pictures from snowboarding at Alyeska, and at the Aces hockey game.  More soon...