Endings

Is it really time to jump again on the blog wagon? I sure hope I stick to it this time. Because....I quit. That's right. I just resigned from my sweet gig up north. I have just about two weeks until I tie up the loose ends and head to a full time life-aka "year round life"-in Juneau. It is a bit of a bittersweet time, and I haven't felt such love for Skagway since my first summer here eight years ago. This spot of land has been my everything. I will always be in love with my Skagway, but the little village seems proud of me and the mountains are moving out of the way for me.

Suddenly I don't have any conflicts in the summer. I mean sure I have a job, but I don't have the intense obligation to dedicate six months of my life to a whorehouse. Literally. My love affair with Alaska is expanding, and I am inspired to explore my creativity with knitting, performing, and diving deep into the Juneau community.

I can't wait!

The Allisons Knit

Did you know that there are TWO chicks named Allison that live in Skagway just a down the alley from each other? Not only that, but they are BOTH thoroughly obsessed with knitting. And "they" are US.

Allison Haas works for the incredible White Pass Railroad here in Skagway. I literally get all giddy when I see the steam train in town. She is an award winning knitter, and together we love stalking all knitting sites online.

IF you knit (and I'm betting you don't, because I don't get many blog stalkers), check out her original knitting designs. I was lucky enough to test knit a pattern of hers over the winter, and she is beyond talented.

She has an awesome giveaway, and I dare you to check her out. But not too many of you, because I sortof want to win.

Ok, enough blogging....now for some more knitting....

Sturgil's Landing

We spent Jeff's last day in town hiking out to Sturgil's Landing. We hiked through the woods for about three miles...

...and the trail spit us out onto a little beach near an old sawmill on the water.

We had a lovely little picnic, and watched the storm clouds roll in.

We didn't eat Oscar for lunch.

Once again, I can't wait for another visit!

Solstice

Every year the city of Skagway throws a big Solstice party where everyone hangs out on the softball field to enjoy the midnight sun.

I am so glad I got to spend it with my favorite people.

"The Schmidts"...

...and "the Dudes."

Devil's Punchbowl

Jeff came to Skagway for the weekend. We climbed three miles up the mountain to "Devil's Punchbowl."

Oscar had almost no trouble.

View of Skagway from the summit.

Jeff kindly kept me moving.

Oscar loved the snow.

I struggled a bit at the top to keep going, but Jeff pushed me to the end.

I'm glad that we got to see a little bit into the "punchbowl."

I said, "Yep, there's the punchbowl. Let's go back down now."

Juneau Weekend.

My summer in Southeast has been glorious so far, and I am discovering my little granola side. That's right, Mom. You're daughter likes to camp. Last weekend I took a trip to Juneau to visit Jeff, and we spent almost the entire time outside. We hiked up to the Salmon Creek dam and went fly-fishing. Plus we hiked up to the Herbert Glacier and camped by the river.

I can't wait for more time outside with Mr. Rogers. I think this will be a perfect summer.

Two Cents

As I sit here at my only internet access in the Alaska State Capitol, I spend most of my free time devouring blogs. I am continually inspired, but obviously don't often post my own.

BUT I thought I'd shout hello to all of you and give you a little advice-READ THIS.

Thank you, and have a peaceful spring day.