Last Skagway Summer

My last summer in Skagway was the most eventful and adventurous summer I've had. I feel so lucky to have an active boyfriend, who won't settle for just sitting around eating and watching TV. He keeps me constantly motivated and excited about new adventures.

Here are a few snippets of my favorite moments of my 2010 summer. I know there are a ton of pictures, but indulge me...

Jeff's handsome cat, Emile. He's very photogenic, even though he's a bit chubby.

Camping at Herbert Glacier.

The cold, roaring river and glacier mist felt refreshing after a hot, sunny hike.

Hike up to the gorgeous Salmon Creek Reservoir.

I'm pretty much pretending to fish, but it gave Jeff a chance to take some pictures.

Hiking all the way up to Devil's Punchbowl at the top of the mountain. Almost to the ice-fields.

View of my beloved Skagway.

Oscar got a little wind blown.

Holla! I did it!

After our incredible hike up the mountain, we celebrated Summer Solstice.

(I think this is a photo of us laughing at a three-legged-dog.)

Lovely hike and picnic to Sturgil's Landing, which is just south of Skagway.

Proof we were there.

My dearest friends, Aaron and Meredith kept me sane all summer.

We spent an evening wandering through Jewell Gardens, which is on the far north point of town.

Happiest 4th of July!

It was the modern day, 30th Anniversary of the Red Onion. Our float was a mini-false-front of the Red Onion building....and we won "Most Patriotic Float."

Oscar was an honorary madam. Or, I guess, "pimp."

He's a star.

My closest girls in Skagway. Margeaux & Meredith.

Southeast Alaska State Fair!

We fell in love with Haines.

I am so inspired by this sweater Aaron got at the fair. Check out that braid!

They're not the brightest geese. But are geese supposed to be smart?

Rain didn't stop us from enjoying the festivities.

After the fair we fished and camped at Chilkoot Lake.

Jeff caught a salmon, but he released it. This kind of salmon isn't very tasty.

Jeff woke up very early, and caught us breakfast.

We ate it with some scrambled eggs, and it was crazy delicious. Eating delicious breakfast outside is one of my favorite things to do.

Finished up our Haines trip hiking along the south shore.

The annual Red Onion Drag Show easily inspired the madams to dress in our own version of drag.

My friend, Don Nelson. The drag show is his favorite time of year. And YES-that's a blowup turkey attached to his head.

In Juneau, Jeff brought me to spot bears at the Mendenhall Glacier. It's like a zoo, but the bears are wild. I was scared.

Taking a picture break from spotting bears.

I am going to miss these ladies most of all. These are my dear ladies of the Red Onion. We posed for this picture right before we boarded the Carnival Ship for an end of the year soiree.

Jeff and I took a spontaneous trip to Atlin, British Columbia.

The drive was endlessly gorgeous.

Big puffy clouds and vibrant fall colors kept me wide awake and smiling.

The grizzly bear family on the side of the road made me very nervous, though.

Oscar loved the ride the most.

I have just two weeks left in town, and Jeff and I are still planning on hiking the Chilkoot trail. It is the 33 mile trek the miners took in the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush. I'm a little nervous, but I think it will be the perfect culmination of the Skagway era of my life. I can't wait.