tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79173996236397776682024-03-13T14:46:02.358-07:00Necessary Acts of DevotionAdventures of a Book-Fancier<p>
<i>"There is nothing that begins so easily and takes us so far as the collecting of books."</i> --A. Edward Newton<br>
<img src="http://www.quilldrivers.com/cimgs/SD4.gif"></p>Quillhillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07601080339912553168noreply@blogger.comBlogger287125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917399623639777668.post-10622856486196665772011-03-12T16:05:00.000-08:002011-05-23T15:58:56.326-07:00Time CapsulesBooks are time capsules. They store messages for a potentially endless period of time, and capture, like a photograph, the precise moment in time when they were created. And so, too, are they time machines. They wait upon the shelf for future generations to open them and receive the message. When they are opened, they transport the reader back to the time when they were created, as well as the time they depict.Quillhillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07601080339912553168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917399623639777668.post-43258837880503864802009-10-05T17:10:00.000-07:002011-05-23T15:58:56.327-07:00The Good BookThe digital signal on the television froze just as our favorite team scored the winning points in the final seconds of the game. The browser suffered some unexpected failure and had to shut down. We found a radio station that plays all our favorite songs, but the transmission only reaches us on cloudless nights when we hold the tip of the antenna. Equipment needs to be repaired or replaced, or becomes so outdated as to be almost useless. We couldn't help but feel frustrated. Thankfully, comfort is near at hand.<br /><br />A book is both the information on the printed pages, and the mechanism that delivers the information to us. Though printing was invented by the Sumerians, and the basic codex first appeared in the third century BCE, modern technology has not improved either form or function. <br /><br />The information we receive in a book doesn't come with commercial interruptions or advertisements that pop up from the pages. We can easily navigate through the book using the table of contents or the index. Even without a pricey gadget, the information is available to us on demand, always appearing quicker than even the fastest download speeds. We can start or stop reading at any time, and page backward to reread or forward to skip ahead. We can even record our thoughts in the margins and highlight the critical parts. Best of all, these functions are right at our fingertips -- no remote necessary.<br /><br />A book doesn't require any installation or set-up. There is no user's manual. Batteries, electricity, and gasoline are not needed; nor is an extended warranty to protect it against mechanical breakdown. Books are completely portable, without ever having connectivity issues or reception trouble. A bookworm might eat a tiny hole through some pages, but the book will never catch a virus that causes a loss of information or performance. And if a book does lose its cover, or if a few pages come lose, the information can still be accessed and used. A reader never need take a book back to the dealer for regular maintenance, or have a serviceman come to perform repairs.<br /><br />More than just a container or infotainment, books have a pleasing aesthetic that just can't be found in a radio, television, or computer. Those things have their advantages, but none can touch the soul like a good book. What will we read tonight?Quillhillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07601080339912553168noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917399623639777668.post-44051053647147159712009-09-12T10:14:00.000-07:002011-05-23T15:58:56.327-07:00Let's Roll! Ordinary People, Extraordinary CourageMarking September 11 seemed as good a reason as any to read <I>Let's Roll! Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage</I>, written by Lisa Beamer. Her husband Todd was one of the passengers who fought back against the hijackers of the United Airlines flight that crashed in Pennsylvania on that terror-filled day. This book, written in 2002, is their story.<br /><br />Mrs. Beamer comes across as honest and unpretentious, simply "a mom and a housewife from a small town in New Jersey." Though this is her first-hand account, much of the success of the book must go to the co-author Ken Abraham. It is structured well and presented in easily digestable chapters. Despite knowing the outcome, we wanted to keep turning the pages. We read the whole thing in just a day and a half.<br /><br />The book opens with the events of September 11, 2001. The narrative then shifts to the early life of Todd Beamer. The early life of Lisa follows. Their life together leads back to the opening of the book. The rest is Mrs. Beamer's experience following the death of her husband.<br /><br />Though she reveals as much as she knows about Flight 93, and the role her husband and several others played in bringing the terrorists down, there are other books that give more-detailed accounts. To our surprise, this book was rather a story of inspiration. This is an account of Mrs. Beamer's strength in dealing with the tragedy.<br /><br />Thanks certainly to Mr. Abraham's guidance, this turns out to be a story of how God operates throughout Mrs. Beamer's life. She did not discover faith as a way of coping. Her faith was the foundation that helped her weather the storm. She had always found God present in her life, and by her actions, just as her husband did, she honored that presence.<br /><br />Fewer than three months after Todd's death, Lisa faced his birthday without him. Even while she tried to carry on for her children, she struggled with pain and grief. Her oldest son was concerned.<blockquote><I>I attempted to explain. "Mommy is sad because Daddy isn't with us on his birthday," I said, wiping the tears from my eyes.<br /><br />In his inimitable innocence, David looked up at me and asked, "But, Mom, we can still have cake, can't we?"</I></blockquote>In many ways, this book is like another we read earlier in the year, <I>Leap of Faith</I>, by Queen Noor. They both are biographies of a sort about a deceased husband. The work of God is a strong theme in both. And though each deals with tragic events, the message of both Lisa Beamer and Queen Noor is one of hope, inspiration, and strength.<br /><br />Another special woman noted recently that we have to look forward to all the good things that we have right here with us and around us, not look back and think about what we might be missing. These stories teach us that life doesn't begin when we see each other, or when our debts are finally settled, or when we are home again. Life is what we make it right now.<br /><br />Let's all go enjoy a piece of cake.Quillhillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07601080339912553168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917399623639777668.post-73297021139340263282009-09-08T08:36:00.000-07:002011-05-23T15:58:56.327-07:00The President Goes to SchoolWhy are many people upset that President Obama will be addressing public school children today?<br /><br />Many supporters of Obama claim that this negative reaction is personal. They note that in the past, Presidents Reagan and Bush also spoke to school children. They recall no opposition to those speeches at the time, and so believe that people are not affording Obama with fair treatment.<br /><br />The answer for us is simple. We have found ourself paying more attention to political matters this year than in past years. The reason for this is that we have the distinct sense that the federal government is encroaching too far on our life, on our liberty. C.S. Lewis said, <B>"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive."</B> This is what many people fear today.<br /><br />Conservative voters naturally involve themselves as little as possible in politics. Government, for them, should be in the background. When government becomes too apparent, conservatives become suspicious. We have begun to question things boldly.<br /><br />We listened to the speeches of Reagan and Bush today. We read the text of Obama's speech, which can be found on the White House website. For us, the speeches all sounded remarkably similar. And we found almost nothing political, or objectionable, to Obama's speech. And we expect his presentation will outshine that of his predecessors.<br /><br />Obama suggests children use their critical thinking skills. We don't believe critical thinking is something which is being taught in grade schools, but which should be. It is these skills which allow people to weigh information and make judgements about that information, rather than simply accepting and digesting. Part of the uproar over the speech is the lesson plan that was initially produced by the Department of Education, asking children to think about how they could help the President. This, unfortunately, is not critical thinking. The lesson plan has since been withdrawn from teachers, although it can still be found online.<br /><br />Our only quibble with the speech is, at the end, the comment that the President is trying to get more computers and things for schools. The problem with this is that the Constitution grants no authority over education to the federal government. This is an example of how the federal government is encroaching on our lives.<br /><br />Aside from that one small complaint, we think this speech from President Obama to students is appropriate. And even if one doesn't agree, if one thinks Obama ought not address their children, this strikes us as one of those teaching moments. If this speech is not appropriate, lets allow the children to hear it and then figure out what makes it inappropriate. This is what a balanced lesson plan, with a focus on critical thinking, would involve.<br /><br />President Obama should get an A- today. We will continue to pay attention and be wary of government involvement in the future, as everyone should.Quillhillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07601080339912553168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917399623639777668.post-81257073616542891242009-09-04T08:43:00.000-07:002011-05-23T15:58:56.327-07:00Sorry For the InconvenienceAfter sending a private message to the Administrators of Critique Circle in response to them shutting down a thread and attacking me publicly, the website returned this message:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">This user account has been closed.<br />Your user account no longer has access to Critique Circle. We are sorry for the inconvenience.<br />If you have any questions please contact support@critiquecircle.com. </span>Quillhillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07601080339912553168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917399623639777668.post-20951042086621452832009-09-04T08:12:00.000-07:002011-05-23T15:58:56.328-07:00ReactionFor fun, we posted several threads on the Critique Circle forums concerning free speech and censorship, ranging from quotes from the Wizard of Oz to Milton's Areopagitica. The Moderators placed them all into a single thread, explaining that it was our intent to spam the forums. Apparently they know us better than we know ourselves.<br /><br />This morning the Administrators closed that single thread, with their own reply:<br /><br /><I>As to the content — it was very sad for us to see that a member would try to hurt our other members here at CC by trying to stage a "crit strike" in retaliation for a short-term forum ban he received over a month ago when he specifically chose to ignore CC rules and requests from the CC team to stop stirring up trouble.<br /><br />This is a supportive writing and critiquing site, where people should feel free to post on the forums without being attacked, and to critique as they wish—not to sacrifice credits they need or feel pressured to conform to a minority mob mentality over personal agendas. This is not a place where personal vendettas should be allowed to hurt members' chances to get feedback on their work—that goes against what CC is about.<br /><br />Anyone who can't live with CC's rules and style of administration is free to leave our site. They are in fact encouraged to so at their earliest convenience, rather than keep disturbing the peace for the rest of us. Anyone wishing to leave, just let us know, and we'll close your account and refund your membership.</I><br /><br />The thread they replied to had nothing to do with another thread they characterise as a retaliatory "crit strike". They were posted in two separate forums. We never chose to ignore rules over a month ago; we asked for clarification, in a private message as directed, and were never given any. We only knew we had violated the rules when we were told we were banned.<br /><br />Now we have been banned again, this time without any notification.<br /><br />Our heart goes out to the saddened Administrator.Quillhillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07601080339912553168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917399623639777668.post-28918883436189834812009-09-03T18:20:00.000-07:002011-05-23T15:58:56.328-07:00Fanning the FlamesWe are an active member of the writing website <A HREF="http://www.critiquecircle.com">Critique Circle</A>. Recently the admins of the website sent messages to other members threatening them with expulsion if they did not refrain from voicing negative opinions on other sites like Facebook, Twitter, and personal weblogs. We believe admins have no business with what happens on another website. They are counting on people wanting their membership on CC more than on wanting what is right.<br /><br />We posted the following quote from a film in the public forums on Critique Circle:<br /><br /><I>There were those who understood what was happening, who knew it was wrong but who kept silent. And in the vacuum of that silence, order was imposed.</I><br /><br />It was removed and we were immediately banned from the forums, without any warning. When we questioned why we were banned for what we had posted, they told us that we know why. When we questioned their omniscience, they did not reply. <br /><br />On top of the censorship issue, what bothers us is that they refuse to discuss this, or allow discussion. Their rules say to send a private message to admins if one doesn't agree with something. We did this, several times. We asked for clarification of their new rule that "what happens on CC stays on CC". They said we know what the rule means. We asked for further clarification. They said they will not discuss it further. We asked what the guidelines for forum posts are. They did not respond.<br /><br />They have no cohesive plan. They don't consider how one decision effects the other. They don't apply their rules evenly. Their rules and judgements are purely subjective and arbitrary. They worry that members will be afraid to post things if they think those things will be ridiculed or quoted elsewhere. Well, members will be afraid to post things if they think those things will be monitored, censored, and possibly lead to their expulsion. But the admins can do no wrong.<br /><br />In one message, they let us know that they wanted the website to be "pink, fuzzy, and full of bunnies". We placed that phrase in the signature line of all our forum posts. They deleted it, and immediately told us to remove the words from our signature. Such action clearly indicates they now have a personal gripe against us, and that everything we do, like several other members, is being closely watched.<br /><br />They claim CC is supposed to be more than a critique site; it is supposed to be a community of writers. Our plight has generated much support from others. Why, then, if we have so much support within my community, are we being ostracized and even threatened with expulsion? What are the admins afraid of? Why can't they accept criticism of a critique website they constructed? These and other actions they have taken show they are not interested in the issues that real writers face and need help with; they are interested only in attracting and keeping hobby writers who find affirmation in purchasing a membership on a so-called writer's website.<br /><br />We are sure our membership will be revoked before we ever find the answers.Quillhillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07601080339912553168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917399623639777668.post-85170869900360332352009-09-03T12:46:00.000-07:002011-05-23T15:58:56.328-07:00Last Thoughts on the Last Frontier<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIH40yGLw6QlC4kQCViGWLfHSmc9LshU7D5XfJeKvR5s_FaQA2B6aPHXKVExTE8lxNzw4WCAff9l8XhYfZpKuTmTTvat-iIa25__1K4tiPeI_gkzmQiI-aA6kElfmek_ZUXkpI5Sb4JgQ/s1600-h/125px-Flag_of_Alaska.svg.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:left;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIH40yGLw6QlC4kQCViGWLfHSmc9LshU7D5XfJeKvR5s_FaQA2B6aPHXKVExTE8lxNzw4WCAff9l8XhYfZpKuTmTTvat-iIa25__1K4tiPeI_gkzmQiI-aA6kElfmek_ZUXkpI5Sb4JgQ/s320/125px-Flag_of_Alaska.svg.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377334711128581938" /></a><br />Alaska.<br /><br />We always imagined some day taking a cruise to Alaska. This was no cruise; we were not tourists for a day. Five weeks is a great way to experience a place. With the surrounding wildlife, Sitka is not the same from one day to the next. Come and leave on a rainy day, and never see the amazing colors in the sun. Come and leave on a sunny day and miss the clouds coming down from the sky and hiding the mountains. Be looking in the wrong direction and miss the breaching whale or the hungry sea lion. Stop to read an educational sign in a national park and miss seeing a bear crossing the path around the bend.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaewKVw7sZTVATNxZycPzuPQjs2sZvPBHwXWIzRcMkKXPJP47_lYehQcZIbTEKM7EAQCKCz9j-jVIWfGMHNMuOubs_gnjooGYiQ3e-6XlTHGcdTFUNiDDUG3lFt_dIyUfj5SudASanys/s1600-h/240px-Alaska-Size.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaewKVw7sZTVATNxZycPzuPQjs2sZvPBHwXWIzRcMkKXPJP47_lYehQcZIbTEKM7EAQCKCz9j-jVIWfGMHNMuOubs_gnjooGYiQ3e-6XlTHGcdTFUNiDDUG3lFt_dIyUfj5SudASanys/s320/240px-Alaska-Size.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377335534804935282" /></a>The name of the state comes from the Aleut word <I>alaxsxaq</I>, meaning "the mainland" or more literally, "the object towards which the action of the sea is directed". Alaska covers the same area as seven midwestern states combined. We saw only a tiny portion of the state's wonders, and all of it was coastland. What the interior offers we can only imagine.<br /><br />Sitka and the southeast panhandle is the warmest and wettest part of Alaska. The coldest recorded temperature in Sitka was zero, making it much warmer than Chicago in winter. And while Chicago's temperatures fluctuated between the fifties and the nineties, with lots of humidity, the temperature in Sitka hovered just above and below the sixties, with a mix of rain and sun.<br /><br />In our mind, Alaska represents not only a beautiful place, but also a way of life, a sense of self-reliance. Subsistence hunting and gathering remains a way of life for many. When we moved from the suburbs out to the country, we noticed that people seemed friendlier. When we arrived in Alaska, we felt that people seemed even more friendlier than in the country. And people showed more pride and ownership in their city and their state than those in the country or suburbs.<br /><br />In many ways, the state is still the last frontier. Fifty years ago, Alaska joined the American Union. Most people understand it is the northernmost state, but it also extends further west than Hawaii, as well as (technically) further east than Maine. In many ways, it will never be conquered or tamed. But even if one doesn't have a pick axe, or a rifle, Alaska is still open to being experienced and enjoyed and appreciated for its raw beauty.<br /><br />Thanks to everyone who helped make this amazing trip possible. And Alaska, thank you. We hope to meet you again.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_X8xSQseQ7YbhF2_NN9BXdbqgs1RoiF2e6QLcr-zV7kYbcaBdxR0YaUiV0-BIQhtIHC5CCmDZGX22HIcNfk1sYQ4Utb3YTNP_5iaIJRfKFZTdzXhd5S7I6gJbNY5-83EaWeE1gQKELY/s1600-h/824+003.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_X8xSQseQ7YbhF2_NN9BXdbqgs1RoiF2e6QLcr-zV7kYbcaBdxR0YaUiV0-BIQhtIHC5CCmDZGX22HIcNfk1sYQ4Utb3YTNP_5iaIJRfKFZTdzXhd5S7I6gJbNY5-83EaWeE1gQKELY/s320/824+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375241089548822626" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-DF5yydYh_FeskpYZ7b_KfxB_pGaOmvRKqL5e1xz1VhRYb5HRbKi9ZyLv-v3h4v0yDg061WS_e_XjCngbwzvLuVz813XwgyzlnpzPCAH7ICaAp5izspU4JxPwBX6vDIFcPrzjzR-GZc/s1600-h/826+055.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-DF5yydYh_FeskpYZ7b_KfxB_pGaOmvRKqL5e1xz1VhRYb5HRbKi9ZyLv-v3h4v0yDg061WS_e_XjCngbwzvLuVz813XwgyzlnpzPCAH7ICaAp5izspU4JxPwBX6vDIFcPrzjzR-GZc/s320/826+055.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375240946882962850" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLMNL2a5aUdrDmv72IfVzWEILi8XY8ZUP93NNnFNSsVo65pND6da41AB8eKwdlQ3We_4UjCToXfxfp8YdhXJigfkUPccnATnndNo3EsA1eDMxhyphenhyphenB3txAlOON6wEU1hQmgnJWCHOjp110/s1600-h/826+039.jpg"><img style="float:left; 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margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyL8L4U1KgiVIso_rl-Yk9BDxbmQqJAWMtGhWkljPO7wtqUzrM5ktIuQsSixcspgSKTVyA9JVYQhqlLxfYcp_yZ0Ns9aHOe-jdMuATcWZ-0J8DIxMqueLnJ59lIzm8vmCR6kqmZtqPSU/s320/7262+021.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375240675782291154" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXjUiC0ksBC1vwYsitAtUW5mWCvecaT17sisrfI97CmGBeWvwACDmdRbSIKboH-U78TbuVirz1pb2yGnNk9w5Msd0tSXkSkrvMObMdPf1gNiQRAJVp1mPdK4Az42Sg4iFwj1yqyf98PA/s1600-h/7262+018.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXjUiC0ksBC1vwYsitAtUW5mWCvecaT17sisrfI97CmGBeWvwACDmdRbSIKboH-U78TbuVirz1pb2yGnNk9w5Msd0tSXkSkrvMObMdPf1gNiQRAJVp1mPdK4Az42Sg4iFwj1yqyf98PA/s320/7262+018.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375240666674440018" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wTXapDsN0cdmyFUSV-JnGutlXH_HtthHPw5UqmefTzvvZ5VC9keCv0fPDsMH_eYIjwqPaWB7UA3wEqlIqta0tNPpbeI4wKLmu1dwMfihQf9iR1kPfl_CeqH5FitR2T2FH-NKOQTboEg/s1600-h/Alaska+Day+2+130.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wTXapDsN0cdmyFUSV-JnGutlXH_HtthHPw5UqmefTzvvZ5VC9keCv0fPDsMH_eYIjwqPaWB7UA3wEqlIqta0tNPpbeI4wKLmu1dwMfihQf9iR1kPfl_CeqH5FitR2T2FH-NKOQTboEg/s320/Alaska+Day+2+130.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375240660668429618" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBztp4GIjpEwOew2k4wr4-VRi9ZEcyjyAnYjAQZU-g3KUrUp40MBRqD3JSQ4Jt1O5FYeg1xqeWzmQXVXV9slN5__sJDftS3p9FPSPjsmruVNx1yNkAWiYu0KhMEJTX7giSGZ_-xduo3PM/s1600-h/Alaska+Day+2+045.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBztp4GIjpEwOew2k4wr4-VRi9ZEcyjyAnYjAQZU-g3KUrUp40MBRqD3JSQ4Jt1O5FYeg1xqeWzmQXVXV9slN5__sJDftS3p9FPSPjsmruVNx1yNkAWiYu0KhMEJTX7giSGZ_-xduo3PM/s320/Alaska+Day+2+045.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375240388195331138" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZhCU_iRcZnc1I9X5oN7G4m6WG8I60zaWiREEIGVnJwtwYlLPh2t2B9F1SRe9uqKmrqCkoVcIS_AL_8rGYiVCgdTx9q0LrMCw4pfiuKNp2HNZb6OSha9Ig39JWdqymy2p60_AJOrCk3Q/s1600-h/Alaska+Day+2+025.jpg"><img style="float:left; 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margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rcGvFWkbAaMYy8XRJ24XhziWH-UZQvln93BcbWQVAwimohoMI9zfIFGZ5Rp3Cl51LND6hOedExQkaO3CxILrwSK-97r4zLWuYBZDVjyxJh9F-Z0GuhQ1AZiFWja31hzXbzjqmuX5G-g/s320/819+051.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375240367198088194" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkK9g1k7I32h43D4A6Fk-edoHzyH54UEiLFsx2QS-liD3JHLNH6Tu0C42Hz5Hj3NOMI07tSiJemifIC7h714ewSfa0ijbqkNQSC_G-n6Oyz0PKSQ2I7BecHYXA81AvsEV9qW3l9sLlFUk/s1600-h/826+058.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkK9g1k7I32h43D4A6Fk-edoHzyH54UEiLFsx2QS-liD3JHLNH6Tu0C42Hz5Hj3NOMI07tSiJemifIC7h714ewSfa0ijbqkNQSC_G-n6Oyz0PKSQ2I7BecHYXA81AvsEV9qW3l9sLlFUk/s320/826+058.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375241082110552498" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXq6LSvjIraaCZWZQDAE3z3VEwYuI8kI_ySviHQFVVyF_S_IC43SpQJbI_bsyep7Tdwq0bKnDUs9_hh4SkaCrAJhrZSbBDSEuMNi-56GeurXN_A-dQUOaTAk3uL_Yf-AIQK6-Ma0C1rMA/s1600-h/826+043.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXq6LSvjIraaCZWZQDAE3z3VEwYuI8kI_ySviHQFVVyF_S_IC43SpQJbI_bsyep7Tdwq0bKnDUs9_hh4SkaCrAJhrZSbBDSEuMNi-56GeurXN_A-dQUOaTAk3uL_Yf-AIQK6-Ma0C1rMA/s320/826+043.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375240937659703314" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwjBuCU92hRIYuC6y7WVkCVQOhERmu3bTbVVcLb4orJUs08UmXUfS1m5hnUE3iPkQxWjPRsZOu7ETExg3uNftDVdaDGdkAEg906-tepaLvOHQnFYcGua7aHuuY7z5DGEyMj0gVTEVdvk/s1600-h/826+033.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwjBuCU92hRIYuC6y7WVkCVQOhERmu3bTbVVcLb4orJUs08UmXUfS1m5hnUE3iPkQxWjPRsZOu7ETExg3uNftDVdaDGdkAEg906-tepaLvOHQnFYcGua7aHuuY7z5DGEyMj0gVTEVdvk/s320/826+033.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375240687040795378" /></a>Quillhillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07601080339912553168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917399623639777668.post-82928954895187530652009-09-01T17:21:00.000-07:002011-05-23T15:58:56.328-07:00Free DayFriday we enjoyed an unexpected free day. Let's walk down to the dock and see what's happening.<br /><br />We saw a couple kids had crawled out across the breakwater rocks, so we decided to do the same. Halfway to the end we stopped and sat down to look for some wildlife outside the harbor. Then behind us, between the breakwaters, we heard some water slosh. Spinning around we spotted a sea lion less than fifty feet away. As we watched he popped out of the water again with a fish in his mouth. Then we followed as he bobbed up and down on his way back out to sea. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE39gsTPU2VjLzmPNqVP0QJJN8TxVzolf5895o20ozTZatpEx3cPvAEIpLRe6sWCPnIm8TAbAgkusbMD_2m7hzCZneEVbCl_GBKAw_UZkZjPztQnTphkRec75VGp_HB-eRxVw9NKLQabc/s1600-h/alaska+004.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE39gsTPU2VjLzmPNqVP0QJJN8TxVzolf5895o20ozTZatpEx3cPvAEIpLRe6sWCPnIm8TAbAgkusbMD_2m7hzCZneEVbCl_GBKAw_UZkZjPztQnTphkRec75VGp_HB-eRxVw9NKLQabc/s320/alaska+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376660513227317858" /></a>He appeared and disappeared so fast that all the pictures we took captured only the ripples on the surface of the water where he had just submerged. He can be seen in the water directly below the center of the three mountain peaks.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivW_qMMc4LwYNWraDg_v2EyuPejb4eYV-RooAaN1_5Xcsx_FR458T_T0UBhb2vfedvwpQoR4Zs-pUOlGoo8QtOInV4VcV8MEXDog5BgyPTIo_KD0fusA8GN7o4isdXS15quig1Cd1IcSk/s1600-h/alaska+008.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivW_qMMc4LwYNWraDg_v2EyuPejb4eYV-RooAaN1_5Xcsx_FR458T_T0UBhb2vfedvwpQoR4Zs-pUOlGoo8QtOInV4VcV8MEXDog5BgyPTIo_KD0fusA8GN7o4isdXS15quig1Cd1IcSk/s320/alaska+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376660523709710530" /></a>We walked out to the dock under the bridge to watch the tourists arrive. A bald eagle greeted them all as they came ashore. We kept an eye on the sea and saw several more seals and sea lions. From atop the bridge we saw hundreds of jellyfish floating just under the surface. We also spotted several starfish and an octopus clinging to a rock under water.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aqBsGU3_8YpGeRgv8yp2BN_DuOvghA4gWOcmllV1XjWUDzq8jB5wlJVYeZBvXISQ-mFExYkHLrM2Q2a9wLMVWYhbyWPKYWed4tlwgHIkTMZqV4I4v6XeMVppUyDcDyYBveiRi49U94I/s1600-h/alaska+009.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aqBsGU3_8YpGeRgv8yp2BN_DuOvghA4gWOcmllV1XjWUDzq8jB5wlJVYeZBvXISQ-mFExYkHLrM2Q2a9wLMVWYhbyWPKYWed4tlwgHIkTMZqV4I4v6XeMVppUyDcDyYBveiRi49U94I/s320/alaska+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376660530497073026" /></a>Then the sea lion (or another one) appeared again almost directly below us. He swam under the bridge, and we ran across the street to follow him on the other side. He did some spins and floats and then took a deep dive and disappeared again.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlLrA1IZuhPYyIt1ZSGcm0VWYO49lDBF3ThBZ17dJcWPxMCxKxnyOnZKM_Azkl6ho1b8ur8RLTsXYSlLI-a6ScTAB37xLZQ76OZl3KbQc1jXLhgMUF3_kUO694AXHbIpNcrYjoDpmOG0/s1600-h/alaska+011.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlLrA1IZuhPYyIt1ZSGcm0VWYO49lDBF3ThBZ17dJcWPxMCxKxnyOnZKM_Azkl6ho1b8ur8RLTsXYSlLI-a6ScTAB37xLZQ76OZl3KbQc1jXLhgMUF3_kUO694AXHbIpNcrYjoDpmOG0/s320/alaska+011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376660543241142370" /></a><br /><br />For the rest of the day the sea lions appeared and disappeared. The tourists slowly went away. We went home with the joy and satisfaction of having seen more marine wildlife up close, and not in captivity or on a tour, but all by our own luck and observations.Quillhillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07601080339912553168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917399623639777668.post-29180824599571614282009-08-28T10:51:00.000-07:002011-05-23T15:58:56.328-07:00Sitka Conservation SocietyBefore heading to the Raptor Center on Tuesday, we checked the weather forecast. Rain was predicted for every hour through Thursday morning. If we wanted to go to the Raptor Center, we couldn't wait for clear skies. And the marine tour we had scheduled for Wednesday evening promised to be wet.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMf533MRLt2MT3eFGRveFTDrgUJZ6oVAcemZYOyng93ILIFiwYRotPWQ33eOdSFmljkv360z3HL8Dz-nkO9XCwxHttl6HwJM6mzrUmDooKLoJ2wGdmWj1Yt6SLKdKPLghSPi4ycewq66M/s1600-h/826+001.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMf533MRLt2MT3eFGRveFTDrgUJZ6oVAcemZYOyng93ILIFiwYRotPWQ33eOdSFmljkv360z3HL8Dz-nkO9XCwxHttl6HwJM6mzrUmDooKLoJ2wGdmWj1Yt6SLKdKPLghSPi4ycewq66M/s320/826+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375074937114714274" /></a>Wednesday morning dawned with continued rain. When we set out for Whale Park, the rain had stopped, but the skies remained overcast. We wanted to looked for marine wildlife once more, but apparently the whales and friends didn't want to be seen. We saw lots of trees in the surrounding wilderness, some little ducks, and starfish.<br /><br />Thursday morning brought strong winds that rattled the cottage, followed by steady rains. Somehow, though, when we walked down to the dock on Wednesday evening, the clouds had cleared out and the sun had emerged, as if on schedule. The air was cool, and the winds would be whipping on the boat, but at least we would be dry.<br /><br />The three-hour tour had been originally scheduled for two weeks earlier. For some reason it had been postponed. This was the last tour of the season given by the <A HREF="http://www.sitkawild.org/">Sitka Conservation Society</A>. We had heard about the tour from a local bus driver, and at $30 per person, it was much more affordable than any of the offers from the tour companies we had researched. Most of the thirty or so participants were locals, and many of them had taken the tour before. We were thankful to still be in town to enjoy it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZw9R2Pd0j_B6sabNu2cjV_nzJkLMLVis3n2r2TJ4A5zEvkm3NdNGr00wopZQECVvcrnNo7i_3lSLLUyMW8quK6nPBez14mHJTwvn5asqipIKPtAoCSZYThQV61BjVFIwGB7j51IByHYM/s1600-h/826+006.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZw9R2Pd0j_B6sabNu2cjV_nzJkLMLVis3n2r2TJ4A5zEvkm3NdNGr00wopZQECVvcrnNo7i_3lSLLUyMW8quK6nPBez14mHJTwvn5asqipIKPtAoCSZYThQV61BjVFIwGB7j51IByHYM/s320/826+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375074943227462258" /></a>We boarded the two-deck boat and found our spot along the rail outside on the upper deck. The boat offered warm beverages and snacks, along with binoculars for use, and educational materials. Of course, there was also merchandise for sale, to help fund the Conservation Society in its mission to protect the temperate rainforest of southeast Alaska and Sitka's quality of life. Off to sea we went.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEz7cLqKzEz4wWqD6Gz-hErL7XXpLg9KSj33HrRKN8N8qCq_dKTgPfDakIEhDs-O46t4C7TU0gCUxRB_C94E9-q3H5fRMYnqBIgfqCDuKKLYF87itjFHazB_7wlce9_fypxKJJkJwUz1s/s1600-h/826+007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEz7cLqKzEz4wWqD6Gz-hErL7XXpLg9KSj33HrRKN8N8qCq_dKTgPfDakIEhDs-O46t4C7TU0gCUxRB_C94E9-q3H5fRMYnqBIgfqCDuKKLYF87itjFHazB_7wlce9_fypxKJJkJwUz1s/s320/826+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375075328980978178" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSApvwBHf111iVT_6AkePqzCSW_h60-8fdly-EznaT-0DXrnOt38xKQwopGPlH3IiPJOD6ERvHwOd-4XNxOKmmJtqiErAGH8N6w7uVOZoIr88FPjL12phD-zEajbVOjGeds0PhlA8lGMo/s1600-h/826+008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSApvwBHf111iVT_6AkePqzCSW_h60-8fdly-EznaT-0DXrnOt38xKQwopGPlH3IiPJOD6ERvHwOd-4XNxOKmmJtqiErAGH8N6w7uVOZoIr88FPjL12phD-zEajbVOjGeds0PhlA8lGMo/s320/826+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375075338497454994" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhn_gAMLKHsvmDlcbeuiG3r17My73IFB2ifG_G5oQn60RrtDeXUxpLBddtjgb-9uLe6afejHBG3XBtIG0ia8hxH441RtVbCXAKWaF7whQqAwCcu6_9kiP_mAxF-8Z_2udeFhRnm6kFAc/s1600-h/826+009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhn_gAMLKHsvmDlcbeuiG3r17My73IFB2ifG_G5oQn60RrtDeXUxpLBddtjgb-9uLe6afejHBG3XBtIG0ia8hxH441RtVbCXAKWaF7whQqAwCcu6_9kiP_mAxF-8Z_2udeFhRnm6kFAc/s320/826+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375075341521245490" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi250ysL5wpDvTryGYx60vhDXug93yKHtSkXYRmmHTunVKz4iXyH09hK-Q_BuA7UVoAzYzkP8p95bzFMPKlrc0Dkd6hHiDZyqvmGenNUcRuBdF0p1r5u0PWylytBBwxh39DW09OtrI_73c/s1600-h/826+010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi250ysL5wpDvTryGYx60vhDXug93yKHtSkXYRmmHTunVKz4iXyH09hK-Q_BuA7UVoAzYzkP8p95bzFMPKlrc0Dkd6hHiDZyqvmGenNUcRuBdF0p1r5u0PWylytBBwxh39DW09OtrI_73c/s320/826+010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375075347613756322" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunz_NSmFs-qgdwe9vgXiEKGKYdLR5t2DeejyZlWdXR5P-fcVm9mTS66jDB97FxqsZkq81ca3RpmFTwBZSQZPqDNnncS27DFrJQfRjDTTWegdVI2Lq88-dCZVIiHgiAuWZ3-SUihBEkAg/s1600-h/826+011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunz_NSmFs-qgdwe9vgXiEKGKYdLR5t2DeejyZlWdXR5P-fcVm9mTS66jDB97FxqsZkq81ca3RpmFTwBZSQZPqDNnncS27DFrJQfRjDTTWegdVI2Lq88-dCZVIiHgiAuWZ3-SUihBEkAg/s320/826+011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375075675398126514" /></a><br />Almost as soon as we were out among the islands, the boat slowed down and turned around. A small group of otters had been spotted, and the captain chugged back to give us a better look. They were difficult to see as they were among a patch of floating kelp, and they like to float on their backs. At one point, a harbor seal popped its head up and then disappeared.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieK0xYJln0ec1W_i4UqtJqArsVufaQM5uBYyGH0lJxSqYvhewFgJc5eyxLLLWUg4VycneqXC1pfnSgXtvPE556hr1kYNXoGUaEjvCfTKCYFp-zy-iKf7DH0MOfdO-pVqHEVG_yegqHplE/s1600-h/826+014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieK0xYJln0ec1W_i4UqtJqArsVufaQM5uBYyGH0lJxSqYvhewFgJc5eyxLLLWUg4VycneqXC1pfnSgXtvPE556hr1kYNXoGUaEjvCfTKCYFp-zy-iKf7DH0MOfdO-pVqHEVG_yegqHplE/s320/826+014.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375075686484034434" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSoHax0qzixZFRqpH2guG7dFWmAt7fWOetphzBrrKxWS0EcBVP00JtPQ7yxMyy7pDrqujAjnwvQYUG3XNrPpemJtMoLrU6DUGS-djXyw9I7Zoc-uBTQSYOckpR53ifNfaoF3icmohBG8/s1600-h/826+016.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSoHax0qzixZFRqpH2guG7dFWmAt7fWOetphzBrrKxWS0EcBVP00JtPQ7yxMyy7pDrqujAjnwvQYUG3XNrPpemJtMoLrU6DUGS-djXyw9I7Zoc-uBTQSYOckpR53ifNfaoF3icmohBG8/s320/826+016.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375079072549840034" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uRF9gciDRWcH9WHvOZ8_E-SSs8qyXzDiAAzspm6hcuJFS1cYi7R4gVkDLsrWkX7f8-6-TWu1UyG7ZySPuXJPGTzHqLqYR53GXm3UHglvZb53E7RH2TlZcSUnb8YxEhzgk3aYTWRAC4c/s1600-h/826+019.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uRF9gciDRWcH9WHvOZ8_E-SSs8qyXzDiAAzspm6hcuJFS1cYi7R4gVkDLsrWkX7f8-6-TWu1UyG7ZySPuXJPGTzHqLqYR53GXm3UHglvZb53E7RH2TlZcSUnb8YxEhzgk3aYTWRAC4c/s320/826+019.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375076124986876082" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNmj3-KIfcSk8G5Bc8dX60V8lpcPWf25TBQxSVsxyWs6gFVvVimJjiJIVgavNoPLzTovGZ087twfy5PGpUjM_9-qrhT1xnVEEtjjtJ6LvzuUOasbcXucM3Me1ohMaOarfTkuTftMTFfo/s1600-h/826+020.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNmj3-KIfcSk8G5Bc8dX60V8lpcPWf25TBQxSVsxyWs6gFVvVimJjiJIVgavNoPLzTovGZ087twfy5PGpUjM_9-qrhT1xnVEEtjjtJ6LvzuUOasbcXucM3Me1ohMaOarfTkuTftMTFfo/s320/826+020.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375076126594914754" /></a>The boat moved in and out around the islands. The views were similar to the ones from the ferry, but with a smaller vessel our captain had the ability to navigate into much tighter passages. The naturalist aboard provided an informational narrative about the features we saw along the way. Everyone was on lookout for wildlife. On a grassy beach in the distance we were lucky enough to spot through the binoculars a deer standing and observing her surroundings. Her colors matched the surroundings so well that we couldn't catch sight of her with our naked eye. <br /><br />The water in the sound and channel leading away from Sitka had what we would call a light chop. The boat was not greatly affected. The water grew calm through the interior passages. Then as we turned to head back into open waters, the sea began to roll. At high speeds, the boat bounced along. We clung to the rail to get down to the lower deck and sit in the front. Out the window the water rose and fell around us in great but smooth peaks and valleys.<br /><br />Back on the upper deck, we continued to scan the horizon for wildlife. We happened to be near one of the tour lookouts, who directed us to look in the direction she had spotted something. And sure enough, we saw the spout of a whale. After another moment, the captain cut the engines and turned the boat to move in closer. Another smaller boat had spotted the whale, and also pursued from the other direction. The naturalist counted six minutes, and then the whale resurfaced further to the left. Again the captain idled the boat closer. Everyone watched and waited for another six minutes to pass.<br /><br />We continued to look all around for the appearance of other wildlife. While gazing out to the right, we heard the spout of the whale close on our left. We turned to see its back almost right beside the boat. The first attempt at a photograph was a failure. We recovered just in time to capture its fluke on the dive down. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZhyphenhyphenNxvFrhDsMjKgfSThA2RK9xrF4v0Vpo3NB2ps-jJIc3uUcU8-ERouZdRsHnnUb56drE35YSwPuvbqRnGWl5HVR2-M8fnzo06Jw4YgpToj7AmWzw0-IWqjRbh48mUsptGkf5U6HpP0/s1600-h/826+022.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZhyphenhyphenNxvFrhDsMjKgfSThA2RK9xrF4v0Vpo3NB2ps-jJIc3uUcU8-ERouZdRsHnnUb56drE35YSwPuvbqRnGWl5HVR2-M8fnzo06Jw4YgpToj7AmWzw0-IWqjRbh48mUsptGkf5U6HpP0/s400/826+022.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375076468960596050" /></a><br /><br />The naturalist proclaimed that to be a final wave goodbye from the whale, and the captain turned the boat back toward Sitka. To the stern, the sun was setting behind Mt. Edgecumbe. As we watched the view, the whale made another sudden appearance. They are unpredictable and instantaneous, but once again we were able to capture its fluke as it took another deep dive.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKpiaaEJRFWQNTaFvFFQP-KsnJjHg_BNDSyT3nRPoUT6pIQ1dV53Oa7Z9e22I3T6ZHbQPvpiCD4MJEHiuX27n_HOM8F8WUsEUda4F0NrkQKRt2Tfi2ut4dVYYX1lrgF01KkChw77k1bA/s1600-h/826+023.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKpiaaEJRFWQNTaFvFFQP-KsnJjHg_BNDSyT3nRPoUT6pIQ1dV53Oa7Z9e22I3T6ZHbQPvpiCD4MJEHiuX27n_HOM8F8WUsEUda4F0NrkQKRt2Tfi2ut4dVYYX1lrgF01KkChw77k1bA/s400/826+023.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375076472569745826" /></a><br /><br />We turned into the harbor. Just before crossing the breakwaters, we spotted another more active group of large otters. We watched them frollicking. After disembarking, we walked around to the closest point overlooking the harbor to continue watching the otters as they twisted and twirled and dove and flipped around in the dusk.<br /><br />Like us, several other people climbed the bridge to admire the sunset. The great Raven had given us perfect weather for what had been a one-of-a-kind experience. Thinking back to the Raptor Center, we believe that it is not so much seeing the birds that people report is the highlight of their vacation; it is the up-close experience of any wildlife. Seeing the whales on the tour, and the ferry, even for just a few seconds, was the highlight of our vacation. The best had truly been saved for last.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZpsvnmsYl8xMUeJ2YRdbLD0ZLc2WtREhYOY7rA3blwi1OKccI3hjP9tGGuzgSco1WgIYphEaKGLiFjYR-pKoiGl4VvSM2DsIIjEIqiMzk7x-x392DbPU6_axX3g5sDY4f7alCHX3YZM/s1600-h/826+024.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZpsvnmsYl8xMUeJ2YRdbLD0ZLc2WtREhYOY7rA3blwi1OKccI3hjP9tGGuzgSco1WgIYphEaKGLiFjYR-pKoiGl4VvSM2DsIIjEIqiMzk7x-x392DbPU6_axX3g5sDY4f7alCHX3YZM/s400/826+024.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375076478970419298" /></a><br /><br />Tomorrow, we will have some final thoughts about our Alaskan adventure.Quillhillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07601080339912553168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917399623639777668.post-13206373894598868622009-08-27T16:50:00.000-07:002011-05-23T15:58:56.328-07:00Boat EtiquetteI learned that the polite thing to do is to allow the locals to dock their smaller boats closer to land. I parked my ship out beyond the breaker, where it won't get all dinged up.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSkyikX7OUCbaT5cD2Zk-zNswNr2LxvPZl5Z1J6U1SyyHb4XXzkpEfmw29ttzXYd7UwqWGKBEhSb9iu25sbD0EyxEvE696kejcHGPV6HwXLNMWyqUSLbh9Tfv3-jqkCKrMGSWAXk_JT8/s1600-h/7292+002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSkyikX7OUCbaT5cD2Zk-zNswNr2LxvPZl5Z1J6U1SyyHb4XXzkpEfmw29ttzXYd7UwqWGKBEhSb9iu25sbD0EyxEvE696kejcHGPV6HwXLNMWyqUSLbh9Tfv3-jqkCKrMGSWAXk_JT8/s400/7292+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374795443348462082" /></a>Quillhillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07601080339912553168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917399623639777668.post-49380300973139780742009-08-27T11:19:00.000-07:002011-05-23T15:58:56.329-07:00Raptor CenterIn the middle of a downpour we set off on foot for the Alaska Raptor Center. It is the only full-service avian hospital and educational facility in the state. Thankfully, we didn't have to walk more than a few blocks.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwI0qhswdtEjZh8yuTvAASXvGLGzI12JYheOwtn_bLWpcHytYQ2yL665dPi98ddYoWod9CCzmptCabHe1zo3-AmcfxVw0jdWIRQRwSWXcT7_xdydcwjo60IoFKKMYE7YGYrgL0OXWsb0/s1600-h/824+017.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwI0qhswdtEjZh8yuTvAASXvGLGzI12JYheOwtn_bLWpcHytYQ2yL665dPi98ddYoWod9CCzmptCabHe1zo3-AmcfxVw0jdWIRQRwSWXcT7_xdydcwjo60IoFKKMYE7YGYrgL0OXWsb0/s320/824+017.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374711638253354626" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjUGMsdpjFYi2d4KAnk-_VlFXvykG9hz__qluCt4_clDLP7o2vY7v2zNQ6k9QUok6cNYkyZG44W844YcOOkBBqr30rZiJo97hhn1DyKV2RRjeoCGuMER6SdNZ1sYrn5zyLlcQhOuO6-E/s1600-h/824+020.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjUGMsdpjFYi2d4KAnk-_VlFXvykG9hz__qluCt4_clDLP7o2vY7v2zNQ6k9QUok6cNYkyZG44W844YcOOkBBqr30rZiJo97hhn1DyKV2RRjeoCGuMER6SdNZ1sYrn5zyLlcQhOuO6-E/s320/824+020.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374711631289168002" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDU69ZVofyhDOHB-woO2AcNdajJHqSWq5Ietnfq_yjl-X9bcAHJ1NMvbz0NtwlzOuC_lRNxvGxTCKupFvZZs0olhlpOfQ3C9bn9zpBR_LQwUsJWEcLTo1fCAYp1uNq4-ZfxTcom6qkQeQ/s1600-h/824+023.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDU69ZVofyhDOHB-woO2AcNdajJHqSWq5Ietnfq_yjl-X9bcAHJ1NMvbz0NtwlzOuC_lRNxvGxTCKupFvZZs0olhlpOfQ3C9bn9zpBR_LQwUsJWEcLTo1fCAYp1uNq4-ZfxTcom6qkQeQ/s320/824+023.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374711622492760898" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5Ff9w_D52aLPjhyphenhyphenQJjYIGTCDCv_6S8jFUQN_pcprwBj2_T6_9-8kSuwfMByRZfGDbpATDm_P6l-DRWAllsyX9n5miuk8U-tnbf9R9stZ-15EZyhg3dYGGF5YUnkCIxRl_e0w55J8Lx0/s1600-h/824+024.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5Ff9w_D52aLPjhyphenhyphenQJjYIGTCDCv_6S8jFUQN_pcprwBj2_T6_9-8kSuwfMByRZfGDbpATDm_P6l-DRWAllsyX9n5miuk8U-tnbf9R9stZ-15EZyhg3dYGGF5YUnkCIxRl_e0w55J8Lx0/s320/824+024.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374711613767511234" /></a>There are several pens outside where the birds are kept, some in groups and some in isolation. Many of the paths through the forest where the birds are kept were closed due to bear activity.<br /><br />Inside we saw four or five birds sitting around the flight center. This is a large enclosed open-air space where the birds are left to stretch their wings. A few of them had lost parts of their wings and would never regain the ability to fly. These are the permanent residents, for they would never be able to hunt and survive in the wild. A couple were recovering from unfortunate encounters with automobiles and power lines, and these would soon be set free.<br /><br />We had seen more eagles in the evenings outside our inn at Eagle Bay. They perched at the tops of trees, hopped along the ground with the gulls during low tide, and floated in the breeze. Many were obviously large. Despite their injuries, the variety of birds at the Raptor Center are healthier and longer lived, thanks to regular feedings and medical care.<br /><br />The other main function of the facility is to provide education about the birds. We sat in a room to view a short video that showed active raptors in the wild. Then calmly we sat and watched as a young woman walked in and sat down with a bald eagle on her arm. The eagle, even when hunched on its human perch, stood half as tall as the woman. On stage, the eagle sat alert and watchful of every movement of the audience. The woman told us a little about this eagle's history, fed her some fresh snacks from a pouch, and answered questions. A few times the eagle spread her wings, but usually remained calm and still.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pIacRfwwzOze0rdBBLtlbRMslgEml7KJiq4-vEbYxo0leqSFFBZcxY97y2Ex09BFotIooXHdEfPAfiKrrB6vNRT4C7WowENEQpeU-sMaaO0gx2h5T1zpZ27K36lLgoxXIquxFhD2CT4/s1600-h/824+006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pIacRfwwzOze0rdBBLtlbRMslgEml7KJiq4-vEbYxo0leqSFFBZcxY97y2Ex09BFotIooXHdEfPAfiKrrB6vNRT4C7WowENEQpeU-sMaaO0gx2h5T1zpZ27K36lLgoxXIquxFhD2CT4/s320/824+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374712145571841458" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXWBNGj-YrcVshf54LgJOFpzo5KBhpyC_ggGS_XlwkbniTVZ0Nuuv1gzT-2ZnNqzok80nX8bSwVw883pZQtvuBy3Tn4eRaMFhK9VeO3xBwI8-y0LXMCG7ImlFmDE-EVrGk6SImfcuZwU/s1600-h/824+009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXWBNGj-YrcVshf54LgJOFpzo5KBhpyC_ggGS_XlwkbniTVZ0Nuuv1gzT-2ZnNqzok80nX8bSwVw883pZQtvuBy3Tn4eRaMFhK9VeO3xBwI8-y0LXMCG7ImlFmDE-EVrGk6SImfcuZwU/s320/824+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374712136285496354" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrr9yUUHobBOW8KQViyTRushqr2L8BVIm_F9fyaymhhwK2_NR1BH2dBKhKzoW7DTsLnKH6f7HQww36yjVdzw2JgvBBmxfQ3P26lQ6dwfN9TDX5N2uTfWKJpWuCNw_Ik5SbnrkPk9K1_o/s1600-h/824+012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrr9yUUHobBOW8KQViyTRushqr2L8BVIm_F9fyaymhhwK2_NR1BH2dBKhKzoW7DTsLnKH6f7HQww36yjVdzw2JgvBBmxfQ3P26lQ6dwfN9TDX5N2uTfWKJpWuCNw_Ik5SbnrkPk9K1_o/s320/824+012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374712134146948930" /></a><br />The informational pages published by the Raptor Center say that many visitors report "that seeing live birds close up is the highlight of their Alaskan vacation." We enjoyed it as well.<br /><br />Riding the bus home the next day, we talked with someone who works at the Fortress of the Bear. In our mind, the two places are easy to compare. The price of admissions is similar. People are on hand to give information about both creatures. Birds and bears are kept in captivity among natural habitat. But seeing the eagles was much more satisfying than seeing the bears. Somehow the experience of the Fortress was more like being at a zoo. Seeing the eagle handled directly in front of us was much more impressive.Quillhillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07601080339912553168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917399623639777668.post-4528777858932988572009-08-22T14:03:00.000-07:002011-05-23T15:58:56.329-07:00Mendenhall GlacierPreviously on the Juneau junket: <A HREF="http://beggarsofazure.blogspot.com/2009/08/juneau.html">Juneau</A><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLH4WAahjw2knW4cDp2QxB_5tnpBL_7aBzhn-mYlbaxbnZR5tSAUS0GvGpZGo1ZoDIt1d1xYjO9yZF44nL3CxG7-Yzmb3I7QDUuhWeBo0s8ZeLTKnFHoHJ87KLeNJkVKqoGP0129XXjs4/s1600-h/819+027.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLH4WAahjw2knW4cDp2QxB_5tnpBL_7aBzhn-mYlbaxbnZR5tSAUS0GvGpZGo1ZoDIt1d1xYjO9yZF44nL3CxG7-Yzmb3I7QDUuhWeBo0s8ZeLTKnFHoHJ87KLeNJkVKqoGP0129XXjs4/s320/819+027.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372897222972854354" /></a>Welcome to another part of the largest forest in the United States, the Tongass National Forest. Among these 17 million acres of temperate rain forest, we discovered the awesome Mendenhall Glacier.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcXfQ-PAGt9MBRKCvDdQmqlC9V0svirFhLFl1pnaTz8WZsB8weGfdWJrsGvwN3jiGd-3e-n5tPlKImZV_vw5Y-TWChzPfZ8j7mUgddqoQEG6rG2aFNbXmWuJnw0sdd9ImOtt4NfJW2nY/s1600-h/819+035.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcXfQ-PAGt9MBRKCvDdQmqlC9V0svirFhLFl1pnaTz8WZsB8weGfdWJrsGvwN3jiGd-3e-n5tPlKImZV_vw5Y-TWChzPfZ8j7mUgddqoQEG6rG2aFNbXmWuJnw0sdd9ImOtt4NfJW2nY/s320/819+035.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372897231587671362" /></a>The ice was originally know as Sitaantaagu or Aak'wtaaksit by the Tlingits. It has been steadily retreating, over two miles, since 1500, and is predicted to continue its retreat in the near future.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfdg3BEHHCDkVvXdPtI8Gc4Hrp2IzJTsYVyTq8vgvyeatKfJXu7bsy4xIA9c42e8B2msRfk52AOsZr4RkwxMMqvh_njcjJjh-9kKuQdZdzsO_rJELL1n4VJBdbC0DtYkQD1cCIrjE9nc/s1600-h/819+028.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfdg3BEHHCDkVvXdPtI8Gc4Hrp2IzJTsYVyTq8vgvyeatKfJXu7bsy4xIA9c42e8B2msRfk52AOsZr4RkwxMMqvh_njcjJjh-9kKuQdZdzsO_rJELL1n4VJBdbC0DtYkQD1cCIrjE9nc/s320/819+028.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372897506323231250" /></a>The ice first came into view as the ferry pulled into Auke Bay. Then as we approached along the road, around the bend the ice reappeared from behind the trees.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDygZ6m8C_PpR1kjas9ewiCyhy_d_XjJSzvTqjGdZVlJrmgvC80Hul20HCF3UdiF9INBJ_iy9Z18KAUiP0E4JM8IRIfnGx7ojgnpZsjrwhL5m3G5UIl4p7Pu4xc_j7JbQZSlxvVzSFkUk/s1600-h/819+045.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDygZ6m8C_PpR1kjas9ewiCyhy_d_XjJSzvTqjGdZVlJrmgvC80Hul20HCF3UdiF9INBJ_iy9Z18KAUiP0E4JM8IRIfnGx7ojgnpZsjrwhL5m3G5UIl4p7Pu4xc_j7JbQZSlxvVzSFkUk/s320/819+045.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372897855942143698" /></a>At the base of the glacier, chunks of ice are calved off and go floating in Mendenhall Lake. Also a small waterfall at the bottom right corner spews into the lake. Further off to the right, emerging from the surrounding mountains, pours a large waterfall. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHnL4f4Ux9aYOXxqPfPYf0joQgiLg03HkHx-V4e9y7Y-eQPmQVDm4pIdmjKg9h_zUEaHfcqvAwp4ANI1dSg5TXJqU1Na93jZ5CBfVbikw9w3b2VJXtRvAF9Yxt-hENPhJSaOz3Nz2szs/s1600-h/819+030.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHnL4f4Ux9aYOXxqPfPYf0joQgiLg03HkHx-V4e9y7Y-eQPmQVDm4pIdmjKg9h_zUEaHfcqvAwp4ANI1dSg5TXJqU1Na93jZ5CBfVbikw9w3b2VJXtRvAF9Yxt-hENPhJSaOz3Nz2szs/s320/819+030.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372897854460121106" /></a>The water is cold to the touch. The air temperature at the rocky point facing the glacier is noticeably cooler than near the visitor center, as cold air rushes down from the mountains and replaces the warmer air. We sat at the point for quite a while, waiting to witness some live calving, but the ice didn't oblige.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKCof0ShZmynf4G-RChyphenhyphenHctHfW4zZU3jr1mPXgqnaODrFtA2y-yKi35EHwDKoar2xZaNf-_s9STA-0vQAhC62FYE3bJ82DfcGzchly9fF3BEfcMp7OpuaR2apU_xPeT4R4TojsyWHXgg/s1600-h/819+031.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKCof0ShZmynf4G-RChyphenhyphenHctHfW4zZU3jr1mPXgqnaODrFtA2y-yKi35EHwDKoar2xZaNf-_s9STA-0vQAhC62FYE3bJ82DfcGzchly9fF3BEfcMp7OpuaR2apU_xPeT4R4TojsyWHXgg/s320/819+031.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372898172519146930" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhhBAwbRN-H0WuYW5Qs9CH0gtLCbMJvWjEF0vLok52hud4X9TfHwW6YqMxx_E6e4SWpWQZvg3eC61TJo2W9VASRnFKefoMdyWCBKhXa01bnyad1O1L7OjDdTHYaO4GAnk8tdhH2lOd1Y/s1600-h/819+034.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhhBAwbRN-H0WuYW5Qs9CH0gtLCbMJvWjEF0vLok52hud4X9TfHwW6YqMxx_E6e4SWpWQZvg3eC61TJo2W9VASRnFKefoMdyWCBKhXa01bnyad1O1L7OjDdTHYaO4GAnk8tdhH2lOd1Y/s320/819+034.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372898184378215250" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMYaLV25Fi9VFirqlkZ-8GNPrHIH8nP-RAIuC8FNACrL_tbWDcWijnEXiTAKEdv-MxYBoYQYCJV2j6GAgDjp5iwg9_K-A5Cq8nUaAOlgQ8bY4kGm4RrOYgVosYif89ZfiUHIVfqTXcaU/s1600-h/819+033.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMYaLV25Fi9VFirqlkZ-8GNPrHIH8nP-RAIuC8FNACrL_tbWDcWijnEXiTAKEdv-MxYBoYQYCJV2j6GAgDjp5iwg9_K-A5Cq8nUaAOlgQ8bY4kGm4RrOYgVosYif89ZfiUHIVfqTXcaU/s320/819+033.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372898189968331458" /></a><br />Many of the creeks in the area are full of salmon. The beavers have also been busy with their dam building projects.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKnhlvp6ZAkpOYMEexb485_TzobfKI5PCkrlbPnf37MB-LKFXQ5w1rVjGcrYcLRWRe8ctlpMtKK_cgJm_OLYNDVU9rZwRm9jCIl9Mwx_wA2ywErl_GYnJ-NtY7IzJFqVIJLCbRdJYoLs/s1600-h/819+044.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKnhlvp6ZAkpOYMEexb485_TzobfKI5PCkrlbPnf37MB-LKFXQ5w1rVjGcrYcLRWRe8ctlpMtKK_cgJm_OLYNDVU9rZwRm9jCIl9Mwx_wA2ywErl_GYnJ-NtY7IzJFqVIJLCbRdJYoLs/s320/819+044.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372898668055654402" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1n2gVCB_h7Em19PgF0_Fi2-d2WUeKXVNfKVtIQKMnZeiH69RrdCKUp9ZSnxxqlGyczEuskvyq1Evrl9Qep41Qb9ncbycbn7RVC7qwpm9y8pPp-PFygijs4AhuHKvF3TEi6oqM_eeNDo/s1600-h/819+046.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1n2gVCB_h7Em19PgF0_Fi2-d2WUeKXVNfKVtIQKMnZeiH69RrdCKUp9ZSnxxqlGyczEuskvyq1Evrl9Qep41Qb9ncbycbn7RVC7qwpm9y8pPp-PFygijs4AhuHKvF3TEi6oqM_eeNDo/s320/819+046.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372898677493660834" /></a><br /><br />While heading back to the bus, we followed a trail along the road, through the forest and over the creek, and were pleasantly surprised to see a bear cub fishing for dinner. He followed the creek further into the forest, and we headed out, not keen on encountering the mother who we assumed must be nearby.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfY48sqZVOqzwSb_Hc5NavBpyra67kgo17fRniWS2VVY-0dP2McA_XfDzAWCXJNYQhHlCsvGiq1nDRZ_z44q73-CRLK3YCxFlAHxaCiwNO-FX785K5dtlHptXc0WJBzcPnWe7cFHf3yw/s1600-h/819+042.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfY48sqZVOqzwSb_Hc5NavBpyra67kgo17fRniWS2VVY-0dP2McA_XfDzAWCXJNYQhHlCsvGiq1nDRZ_z44q73-CRLK3YCxFlAHxaCiwNO-FX785K5dtlHptXc0WJBzcPnWe7cFHf3yw/s400/819+042.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372898940967809682" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-drV7Uhbp3JbhAXCBY1vTvl7TwJoIAxpUIXSf6hd9uIYKt2r7LoOUum-TI7_9sbfJYDne8XswQqH2fdwv_m9DE25d-bTZ_ySwW7kaOiYGkX_pLKal7EKMhEFLe02XCM64nMeUvBm1kM/s1600-h/819+043.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-drV7Uhbp3JbhAXCBY1vTvl7TwJoIAxpUIXSf6hd9uIYKt2r7LoOUum-TI7_9sbfJYDne8XswQqH2fdwv_m9DE25d-bTZ_ySwW7kaOiYGkX_pLKal7EKMhEFLe02XCM64nMeUvBm1kM/s400/819+043.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372898943373985986" /></a><br />The newspapers and oral reports have been full of bear sightings, and we had begun to wonder if we would see one in the wild. Our Juneau junket not only resulted in the bear sighting, but also several whale sightings, and an up-close experience of a glacier. Despite the drawbacks of the city itself, the trip was great. Seeing Alaska by water is wonderful and definitely one of those things not to be missed.Quillhillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07601080339912553168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917399623639777668.post-43197787581078130092009-08-21T08:03:00.000-07:002011-05-23T15:58:56.329-07:00JuneauPreviously on the Juneau junket: <A HREF="http://beggarsofazure.blogspot.com/2009/08/alaska-marine-highway.html">Alaska Marine Highway</A><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Pgo3AmX7eY1DLg8gzuGi0YcgXfPHk7yMVZxUrxwumEiJGjgiaCTHew33LbPyYzsR2dhhOzC3iBinhRDL8llPIbfnTz-voLvpEDc_sWPkXawlOCic89OEwUHsUbNRYHL6cEKnzHLfIsY/s1600-h/819+023.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Pgo3AmX7eY1DLg8gzuGi0YcgXfPHk7yMVZxUrxwumEiJGjgiaCTHew33LbPyYzsR2dhhOzC3iBinhRDL8llPIbfnTz-voLvpEDc_sWPkXawlOCic89OEwUHsUbNRYHL6cEKnzHLfIsY/s320/819+023.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372433892785774610" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZw2b9RADVNdiSeIgiSH_FuV_Vc4cgBAo1_wLB02UFAVXk1N-cIdONHmTQfdnLsJ4YN1VO1XUWsCqrr_JoiW0w5mkn7rSm_c13X48CsQkYwLvFh8k4IYiOJvG0a2mAd6n79q87IQLKWQ/s1600-h/819+025.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZw2b9RADVNdiSeIgiSH_FuV_Vc4cgBAo1_wLB02UFAVXk1N-cIdONHmTQfdnLsJ4YN1VO1XUWsCqrr_JoiW0w5mkn7rSm_c13X48CsQkYwLvFh8k4IYiOJvG0a2mAd6n79q87IQLKWQ/s320/819+025.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372433897822071474" /></a>We stayed at The Breakwater Inn right near downtown. The room was large with a king-size bed, a table and chairs, a desk, a television inside a cabinet, an easy chair, matching nightstands, and a full-size bathroom. The walk-out balcony provided a view out across one of the boat harbors. Rooms on the other side of the hotel lacked balconies and looked back into the residential areas and beyond to the numerous streams of water running straight down the sides of the hills.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRp98ib0zO3E_XpeIDQreDpvrfx20ASDnkFt69xLcbI5edSJWYp1Jv7PC2FtuloYQUEGt_W0CIZVKDoaesg57xb2W2M13S1lQuC6CGdO_RzVXRGuyd75iTtBgkpcaht9N9YZsdvKO6NY8/s1600-h/819+047.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRp98ib0zO3E_XpeIDQreDpvrfx20ASDnkFt69xLcbI5edSJWYp1Jv7PC2FtuloYQUEGt_W0CIZVKDoaesg57xb2W2M13S1lQuC6CGdO_RzVXRGuyd75iTtBgkpcaht9N9YZsdvKO6NY8/s320/819+047.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372433910213086882" /></a>Several blocks away on the other side of downtown the cruise ships were docked. That was also the main tourist area of the city. We didn't explore that area, not because we weren't tourists, but because we ran out of time.<br /><br />The city had many large buildings, comparable in size to those in some suburbs of Chicago, but most appeared to be older 1950s-style construction. With the glacier over ten miles from downtown, the city has a sense of suburban sprawl. Malls and major big-box retailers are spread out along the route between those two focal points.<br /><br />The portion of the city we saw lacked the charm of Sitka. And the scale of Sitka is more appealing.<br /><br />Before we arrived, The Breakwater Inn did not respond to any of our emails inquiring about shuttle service to and from the ferry terminal. As it turned out they do offer this service, by appointment only -- if either of our two readers decide to stay there in the future, call ahead and make an appointment. You will save a lot of time, money, and frustration.<br /><br />The newspaper in Sitka prints all the calls that come in to the local police department every day. Recently half of those calls have been about bears. We had not seen any bears in the wild, which was disappointing, though good for our safety. But in Juneau we saw an interesting sign that seemed to confirm the bears were out there: Bear Xing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCGDQmdEWOnDO5p6VZE9TDBdalPMBdj_soU3qKKUhnw52jdrGKpCC79NXhjpkudYJ71emQkGAV7ZwaK-S9BhhCdoUmGof4Gt4HvSy0NS9T2qaDcJXVToI71CuaO3_0wY0LgSwbWsGCps/s1600-h/819+029.jpg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCGDQmdEWOnDO5p6VZE9TDBdalPMBdj_soU3qKKUhnw52jdrGKpCC79NXhjpkudYJ71emQkGAV7ZwaK-S9BhhCdoUmGof4Gt4HvSy0NS9T2qaDcJXVToI71CuaO3_0wY0LgSwbWsGCps/s320/819+029.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372433905140204066" /></a><br /><br />Next on the Juneau junket: Mendenhall GlacierQuillhillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07601080339912553168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917399623639777668.post-27114764489438365022009-08-20T15:34:00.000-07:002011-05-23T15:58:56.329-07:00Alaska Marine HighwayPreviously on the Juneau junket: <A HREF="http://beggarsofazure.blogspot.com/2009/08/transportation-terror.html">Transportation Terror</A><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmw5s46giALlMv1phtPxZ-HpDKPwhhujZFfHDR3Otj-3yndOC-uVRBPuXMglgvL0RopAGPeCfimMV0L1MPopNcSKhQEBBpeij_ye2bp1xih9ZWkbWvlH2acVtguKegOeE3EJj8_mFM5R8/s1600-h/DOTSeal-PR.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 57px; height: 57px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmw5s46giALlMv1phtPxZ-HpDKPwhhujZFfHDR3Otj-3yndOC-uVRBPuXMglgvL0RopAGPeCfimMV0L1MPopNcSKhQEBBpeij_ye2bp1xih9ZWkbWvlH2acVtguKegOeE3EJj8_mFM5R8/s200/DOTSeal-PR.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372180029353730162" /></a>Route 66 may have nostalgia, but the Alaska Marine Highway beats it for sights and the sheer joy of travel. The highway system has been in operation since 1963 and provides safe, reliable, and efficient transportation of people, goods, and vehicles among thirty Alaska communities, Canada, and the Lower 48.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JkipyiMB2inwOZ_4N-d54N9YFPhU53neis0LJ2wpQPytOJU0jiOtWkUFrMej0GtePUIKUfiyEhpvwwdPHlnupqBa_s5cdAD4q7s_U0l89sy8otHlsbIDTbyc6r9cyDyzyp6tX4ckdXI/s1600-h/819+022.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JkipyiMB2inwOZ_4N-d54N9YFPhU53neis0LJ2wpQPytOJU0jiOtWkUFrMej0GtePUIKUfiyEhpvwwdPHlnupqBa_s5cdAD4q7s_U0l89sy8otHlsbIDTbyc6r9cyDyzyp6tX4ckdXI/s200/819+022.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372179500652743618" /></a>Our trip to Juneau began just after midnight on the MV <I>Taku</I>. The vessel was built in 1963 and renovated in 1981. It had three passenger decks -- cabin, boat, and sun -- and one vehicle deck. We hung out on the boat deck, that had a recliner lounge, writing lounge, cafeteria, and a viewing area. While riding through the darkness, we curled up on the floor and tried to sleep. Once the sun started to appear, we sat in the viewing area to take in the sights. The sunrise was partially hidden by clouds, but the colors were wonderful. After breakfast at 7:00am, we sat back to relax.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKG67Mz8oQqXgOMae6sK08ZL_yLgdWLIw6Gzp0sNK3rmW0kzLEtvPGaYI08a2q5f_3G9AtjRJQC5Uefaofq1MQ9tkFX7Z8DdApOQ0Mz6oXWTMnHwZc9HnSpX5-YFHk9fgQXQJC7o77wQ/s1600-h/819+001.jpg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKG67Mz8oQqXgOMae6sK08ZL_yLgdWLIw6Gzp0sNK3rmW0kzLEtvPGaYI08a2q5f_3G9AtjRJQC5Uefaofq1MQ9tkFX7Z8DdApOQ0Mz6oXWTMnHwZc9HnSpX5-YFHk9fgQXQJC7o77wQ/s320/819+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372178417679734802" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlkm_mpEgexh8yqCxBoYi_VLouyvP_nVf8_Vj6eKvpu9-Nj-O0fWycZ2mCqvQ8PBpDPTjfJJ0t9gKroCEdg0PEypErOelgVBInKaBYYG2QWmGEkg8OEN8aHj08n1xauPF3599wGaih8k/s1600-h/819+007.jpg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlkm_mpEgexh8yqCxBoYi_VLouyvP_nVf8_Vj6eKvpu9-Nj-O0fWycZ2mCqvQ8PBpDPTjfJJ0t9gKroCEdg0PEypErOelgVBInKaBYYG2QWmGEkg8OEN8aHj08n1xauPF3599wGaih8k/s320/819+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372178422770793746" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdKdQfYyqluK55gL-LXpLOd7DaKkU6IBNoM4daoq1Tqsd6wEd3EObpeN35pEFLJjSVUr9Fd1MN2a009pooXgRRM2SxyjpnIXALFgxyj3xYi5MlbVJhwUXpgCR5TSLnbjQS0UEfdYJknA/s1600-h/819+012.jpg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdKdQfYyqluK55gL-LXpLOd7DaKkU6IBNoM4daoq1Tqsd6wEd3EObpeN35pEFLJjSVUr9Fd1MN2a009pooXgRRM2SxyjpnIXALFgxyj3xYi5MlbVJhwUXpgCR5TSLnbjQS0UEfdYJknA/s320/819+012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372178429899801922" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRg8hGc6vhIDyGNFwwrA6sLWP-YUkINO7QoRn6HK24Rcj00PijS-AGaVcu6cnucP_jh3kexe_tnQIXbxjoLvPXplNbQo0ZnCx5iCwI0oYcpkubZku0reZ6zFCEFb_n_fSPS6e8VpIRPbA/s1600-h/819+014.jpg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRg8hGc6vhIDyGNFwwrA6sLWP-YUkINO7QoRn6HK24Rcj00PijS-AGaVcu6cnucP_jh3kexe_tnQIXbxjoLvPXplNbQo0ZnCx5iCwI0oYcpkubZku0reZ6zFCEFb_n_fSPS6e8VpIRPbA/s320/819+014.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372178439571597858" /></a><br /><br />After a while we began to see the evidence of whales -- spraying and spouting of water in the distance. Watching closely, we could see the backside of several. They would alternate several times, spraying and then showing their backs, and at the end we would see the tail as it dove back down. In a stretch of ten minutes we saw about ten whales, and the spouting of many more. Never knowing when or where they would appear made photographing difficult. Later one appeared almost directly in front of the vessel and we saw it close along the side.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EHxS4fil3IjQwhyGp_pdtephmZrUAbcHTV0TV8dPSyIxs7VBfvLptvx3q0xXnR_ZEj8ffQVJzhyQs0N5XKBwtjol9lS-R38Vi0h8OgJHgcptWV2VYUFFZyY-bv8bhTwZN4QG78bHp18/s1600-h/819+018.jpg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EHxS4fil3IjQwhyGp_pdtephmZrUAbcHTV0TV8dPSyIxs7VBfvLptvx3q0xXnR_ZEj8ffQVJzhyQs0N5XKBwtjol9lS-R38Vi0h8OgJHgcptWV2VYUFFZyY-bv8bhTwZN4QG78bHp18/s200/819+018.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372180041638313554" /></a><br /><br />As we approached Juneau, the first thing we noticed was the Mendenhall Glacier nestled among the mountains in the background. The photograph doesn't really do justice to the view, especially the color, even in overcast skies. The ice is directly in the center of this image. We docked after a nine-hour journey, about thirty minutes ahead of schedule.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSNSpcVxsFEPTM5NJA6kz7KqrId2ctJK26RagruP2w8XYOnSz2GBQUxuw_PMnbkUBoH0NbouRiwxTC_IjLepVsEjLYEfJPk_TG5qr4QzCvwz6CZxExpOy0XQ3I9qvJu_-pk7y5TI2CrE/s1600-h/819+019.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSNSpcVxsFEPTM5NJA6kz7KqrId2ctJK26RagruP2w8XYOnSz2GBQUxuw_PMnbkUBoH0NbouRiwxTC_IjLepVsEjLYEfJPk_TG5qr4QzCvwz6CZxExpOy0XQ3I9qvJu_-pk7y5TI2CrE/s320/819+019.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372180666538967410" /></a><br /><br />The next morning we rode the FVF <I>Fairweather</I> back to Sitka. This vessel was built in 2004. Though it was smaller, with only one vehicle deck and one passenger deck, it offered more modern conveniences. A playroom for children also showed movies. Seating was arranged in areas with tables, bistro-style settings around the food nook, and airline-style seats in the viewing area. Throughout the deck a series of screens showed a map of our journey with accompanying information and statistics.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqymXG1AC-8WHHfvxELX4SzzmTri3I_6LfnYvDGs3mlHvTI6rmU0f6wKJD_o2bkb0LQb-nFNnw6ig8aBkZ6SLTFhHq_vl38x8doJVKbmSF2gY3K7Qpj-ALXRkm2Y1KWrLF9pbGfJeuSY/s1600-h/819+013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqymXG1AC-8WHHfvxELX4SzzmTri3I_6LfnYvDGs3mlHvTI6rmU0f6wKJD_o2bkb0LQb-nFNnw6ig8aBkZ6SLTFhHq_vl38x8doJVKbmSF2gY3K7Qpj-ALXRkm2Y1KWrLF9pbGfJeuSY/s320/819+013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372182430598407250" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHf4UsB71r8l6HvzC7-HxJo5O6-zAQc_uWJV5QeBZ4BvSxAnP_Gj3YhfVglnfjiY9xidLtmCFDJpNnA7S9i4hoQlDMTQp6xQBG7eBe63DnBFavEWgngy5h-ztfxELfZR08X75di0kC7U/s1600-h/819+061.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHf4UsB71r8l6HvzC7-HxJo5O6-zAQc_uWJV5QeBZ4BvSxAnP_Gj3YhfVglnfjiY9xidLtmCFDJpNnA7S9i4hoQlDMTQp6xQBG7eBe63DnBFavEWgngy5h-ztfxELfZR08X75di0kC7U/s320/819+061.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372182442250884290" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjMBWsnN52kXIc2tu5CIRLrNnVOjEIMV6Y80i-nzk6HSoPST8U17avsU9-PeTFUXTlhLdPE-tA_b-fxSWMnNfsfN1Hn-FxK1idIQBOk2e2opeC-9pvji3KtKzUmgEwIQYvUPW6s6RkEY/s1600-h/819+062.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjMBWsnN52kXIc2tu5CIRLrNnVOjEIMV6Y80i-nzk6HSoPST8U17avsU9-PeTFUXTlhLdPE-tA_b-fxSWMnNfsfN1Hn-FxK1idIQBOk2e2opeC-9pvji3KtKzUmgEwIQYvUPW6s6RkEY/s320/819+062.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372182447459559538" /></a><br /><br />Again we were able to spot the evidence of many whales spouting in the distance, but only saw the backs of two up close. But what was in the dark on the leg out we could now see: lots of pretty views through the tight straights and channels. We crossed lots of other leisure and fishing vessels, as well as passing one barge. At one point the mountains and islands parted and the highway opened directly to the Pacific Ocean. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgok-qHjvyhwB4po-Iuo9eiWZR0FDNohrXiaHyblRu56qm4Ec3IcwLF8h4s_niPzVfA3jruyClxg4m18YEirqTSOrISArdTEuO3TI-RUT0gLyJ4O6q61yUqwItrNWq5BH6-9koQj-CghGU/s1600-h/819+064.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgok-qHjvyhwB4po-Iuo9eiWZR0FDNohrXiaHyblRu56qm4Ec3IcwLF8h4s_niPzVfA3jruyClxg4m18YEirqTSOrISArdTEuO3TI-RUT0gLyJ4O6q61yUqwItrNWq5BH6-9koQj-CghGU/s320/819+064.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372181608911863794" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdAp0t40NGfTk6CnsuYv0W4DEy_4Cm2-YolYaQ118wMuDmxgv2TyVEyOG9A-H1abaIZ_n39QpfuUBgX_YRFt9NSkETtZmF99JYfcLMWafloF7ViQToYJFaSLXkD3fm-cC5XUuPkK7-IU/s1600-h/819+054.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdAp0t40NGfTk6CnsuYv0W4DEy_4Cm2-YolYaQ118wMuDmxgv2TyVEyOG9A-H1abaIZ_n39QpfuUBgX_YRFt9NSkETtZmF99JYfcLMWafloF7ViQToYJFaSLXkD3fm-cC5XUuPkK7-IU/s320/819+054.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372181596565003938" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfDvpHVCvGwjdTzJ5v8wlhxklZpzlxoh-4UzfhXgyo6vY7yC8F8B4EydP6Ww47Om8_NYN1OCbatE7rt3M48Nfc3PfO-f6va5XP6Hb08z7ZJMOhtcmfzhUYayTdRHQoVHQ3Lrxjt3G96M/s1600-h/819+060.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 575px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfDvpHVCvGwjdTzJ5v8wlhxklZpzlxoh-4UzfhXgyo6vY7yC8F8B4EydP6Ww47Om8_NYN1OCbatE7rt3M48Nfc3PfO-f6va5XP6Hb08z7ZJMOhtcmfzhUYayTdRHQoVHQ3Lrxjt3G96M/s320/819+060.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372181617040132162" /><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLSkq1BGuUA7_YQI2W96LAiHFycVmPxZfUo6QTYBw6mItijkhUqNrpxvnbZr__UZsrk-ba08_bNM6kt0O6yg7417E2lC1U9pm_SKJ_cVpFYlJnJSYmginFxDsHmVZNzuDR4fzaolLEy0/s1600-h/819+068.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0; display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLSkq1BGuUA7_YQI2W96LAiHFycVmPxZfUo6QTYBw6mItijkhUqNrpxvnbZr__UZsrk-ba08_bNM6kt0O6yg7417E2lC1U9pm_SKJ_cVpFYlJnJSYmginFxDsHmVZNzuDR4fzaolLEy0/s320/819+068.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372181277763823378" /></a>It was pleasing to us to see that there are still a lot<BR>of wild places that man hasn't yet conquered with concrete. And it was great to be back to our own little home away from home in Alaska.<br /><br />Next on the Juneau junket: Juneau.Quillhillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07601080339912553168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917399623639777668.post-58955533836072447542009-08-20T12:03:00.000-07:002011-05-23T15:58:56.330-07:00Transportation TerrorWe are going to recap our Juneau junket in parts. The first part will cover the disappointments.<br /><br />Warning: Terror Alert for this blog story is <B>Red</B>. The likelihood of a terrible experience is guaranteed.<br /><br />As the ferry pulled into the dock, we spotted numerous busses pulling in and out of another dock just up the road. The map had shown the bus terminal to be near, but not at, the ferry terminal. We walked there and discovered it was a private dock for tours. We kept walking up the road. When we are walking, everything in Alaska seems to be just around the bend.<br /><br />The bus terminal was probably about a mile away. We had to wait thirty minutes. The express bus, which went directly downtown, was supposed to arrive two minutes before the normal bus. We boarded the first bus, and then found out it was not the express. So we tried to enjoy the ride, and all the stops along the way.<br /><br />The first thing about the stops is that they are not all marked on the route map or the schedule. The second thing is that, unlike the community ride in Sitka, the driver doesn't stop if no one is waiting to board, unless a rider rings the bell. The third thing about the stops is our young lady driver really enjoyed using the gas and brake to their fullest extent. All the violent starting and stopping churned our stomach and made us sick.<br /><br />The stop nearest our hotel was about half a mile away. We missed the stop right in front of our hotel, because it was not indicated on the map or schedule. We had to walk back to the hotel, even passing an additional stop along the way.<br /><br />Once we were settled, the task of reaching our destination began. The cab fare from hotel to ice was $35. The bus fare to the nearest stop was $1.50. So, experienced walker that we had already become, we boarded the bus. It was crowded outbound from downtown. At each stop along the way it became more crowded, until all the seats were filled and the aisle was unpassable with people standing. In order for others to get off, people in the aisles had to get off and then back on. Finally, at the transfer stop at one of the malls, the bus decongested. We continued our ride and then got off at the stop on the map that was closest to the ice. Of course, as we walked the rest of the way, we found that two more stops -- not indicated on the map or schedule -- were much closer to where we wanted to go.<br /><br />On the way back from the ice, we had to run the last half-mile to the bus, because at that time of day the next service did not come for another three hours. We successfully navigated our way back to the hotel.<br /><br />Our search for dinner began. We skipped the hotel restaurant to find another establishment we had seen earlier in the day. We walked into town where we thought it was, and didn't find it. We asked, and followed directions downtown for several more blocks, and didn't find it. We circled around and found no places to eat. On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at a local sandwich shop. It was closed. We returned to the hotel tireder and hungrier than before. We settled for the restaurant after all, which had good food at a relatively inexpensive price.<br /><br />At the hotel, we discovered they offered shuttle service to the ferry terminal, but only by appointment. We immediately made an appointment for the next morning. We were glad not to have to ride the bus again. We were even more thankful we don't have to rely on mass transit in our daily lives.<br /><br />We had been up at midnight to catch the ferry, and it was now after 10:00pm. So ended our longest Tuesday ever.<br /><br />Next on the Juneau junket: Alaska Marine Highway.Quillhillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07601080339912553168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917399623639777668.post-8613983823211790082009-08-16T17:03:00.000-07:002011-05-23T15:58:56.330-07:00NovoarkhangelskThis is the name of the city established on the Tlingit site claimed and seized by the Russian-American Company in the early 1800s. The company was instructed to exploit everything they found in order to increase the wealth of the empire. With rain yesterday, we decided to explore inside some of the old buildings that have survived from the era when the city was the capital of colonial Russia.<br /><br />First we found open one of the local shops that had been closed every other time we passed by. It was inside one of the huge log buildings built by the Russians. Each timber measured about eighteen inches across, notched at the ends, and stacked horizontally. Most of the exterior of the building is covered with modern siding, but inside this store, and on the outside behind plexiglass, the original logs can be seen.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzdWjBHKL5kVnzmSiBw-6xjeWmG1tuhJs2IhDG_rBKmwXrkl_J4zjOeniHpIk8e7WQaf8QjK3MH6LDJKQ5VrKkOjh4-oodZ8jVO4mxjQy7GUAHmFwZluuWpSxdUbwmPeURIlfbh4vLkU/s1600-h/RBH_Exterior2_1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzdWjBHKL5kVnzmSiBw-6xjeWmG1tuhJs2IhDG_rBKmwXrkl_J4zjOeniHpIk8e7WQaf8QjK3MH6LDJKQ5VrKkOjh4-oodZ8jVO4mxjQy7GUAHmFwZluuWpSxdUbwmPeURIlfbh4vLkU/s320/RBH_Exterior2_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370727066522279298" /></a>The Russian bishop's house is a similarly-constructed log building. Here there are even more insights into the method of building. Spaces between the ceilings and upper floors was filled with sawdust for insulation. Floors likewise had dead space above the foundation for insulation. Walls and ceilings were covered with cloth and painted. The stove walls were constructed with brick to radiate the heat to other rooms. A few spots on the walls show the writing of former students who were bored with their lessons. Another large model reconstruction shows Sitka in Russian times. The guided tour of the upper floors cost four dollars. We skipped it and were satisfied by the displays offered on the ground floor for free.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60XAh_D9pG7bKWeghITG-G-4gb3BX0uMTqVCtljU3t3aisufMAkpPl3ogVX_5NOa4vx2hzHfX-l7cpM9ZuesiNEe4YW8QWNh1xj7PH1gyzgFen-77RjsSm1O84A_eeClwB4TJAIbAscw/s1600-h/Alaska+Day+2+011.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60XAh_D9pG7bKWeghITG-G-4gb3BX0uMTqVCtljU3t3aisufMAkpPl3ogVX_5NOa4vx2hzHfX-l7cpM9ZuesiNEe4YW8QWNh1xj7PH1gyzgFen-77RjsSm1O84A_eeClwB4TJAIbAscw/s320/Alaska+Day+2+011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370721726393618610" /></a>We also visited another Russian landmark that charged a two dollar entrance fee. St. Michael's cathedral in the center of town is a reconstruction based on the original which burned in a fire in 1966. Inside are numerous icons on the wall. While we were there, a small service was taking place on the right side of the cathedral. Very little of the cathedral was open to visitors. One could also purchase candles inside, to light and place inside in veneration. Odd that this place of Christian worship should be collecting money, when Jesus tossed the moneychangers out of the temple. The iconography also is interesting, but makes the Orthodox worship seem a little comical or cut-and-paste, more artistic than holy. The example below is not a flat panel, but an image enhanced with surrounding elaborate multi-dimensional metalwork known as rizas.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeRmKrhgHe_qzTPsuv9NltOlyNMgOke7T4C2P41Zk4HDz51eo2g7A4DFHXRea5YZ5U2S4Sm-3JqF71nfYhGUHKa8I5s7A7j7kArTj2GegDxJ1emiyzVeZyX5qdCv3NDzdIcuiO3Q_z9k/s1600-h/811+003.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeRmKrhgHe_qzTPsuv9NltOlyNMgOke7T4C2P41Zk4HDz51eo2g7A4DFHXRea5YZ5U2S4Sm-3JqF71nfYhGUHKa8I5s7A7j7kArTj2GegDxJ1emiyzVeZyX5qdCv3NDzdIcuiO3Q_z9k/s320/811+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370721719163528834" /></a>Quillhillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07601080339912553168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917399623639777668.post-12607112405807567912009-08-13T14:50:00.000-07:002011-05-23T15:58:56.330-07:00Now You See ItIn a little over one hour last night, the clouds rolled in...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TLfUph8B9QgwibhCp3VqQP7X0iokIDMaGAR9baMCGKWkW72xquenWfNemlWWnow22YLXMoMhAno9_k4FDxP08-9tuzF_aHuww8Y6iHiyIsxiCv6dc-Bauv-M8DqT7vfP479F0wcPb6A/s1600-h/810+001.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 370px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TLfUph8B9QgwibhCp3VqQP7X0iokIDMaGAR9baMCGKWkW72xquenWfNemlWWnow22YLXMoMhAno9_k4FDxP08-9tuzF_aHuww8Y6iHiyIsxiCv6dc-Bauv-M8DqT7vfP479F0wcPb6A/s320/810+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369569517695843698" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdgvMAcUjd6fiC_TAAtSJmnvvD06mfyw8y4KUXkHF77zLIPQRupcpMgMIdOgDHdtKXMbFIa6zcxx7f7rHx-DHHqkC9Nqkdep8dx9_k6v5wWj6Y2YsAuCVVH-xxTRkh5-shw1RTLaAhzA/s1600-h/810+004.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 370px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdgvMAcUjd6fiC_TAAtSJmnvvD06mfyw8y4KUXkHF77zLIPQRupcpMgMIdOgDHdtKXMbFIa6zcxx7f7rHx-DHHqkC9Nqkdep8dx9_k6v5wWj6Y2YsAuCVVH-xxTRkh5-shw1RTLaAhzA/s320/810+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369569536919844034" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmk8yidiyL0fFbOoNGsZkKh5jBILKTpF5seL4Zc-DB4hXL1wooE0yQkbjNZpYi-hohmv6PvrN4MKEK0Clu9hWII7KxLt_U5Q_Yk-Oerttd8jUU-UJZddv7iwbQRGLHBq7bTOCmiKGGrOc/s1600-h/810+002.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 370px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmk8yidiyL0fFbOoNGsZkKh5jBILKTpF5seL4Zc-DB4hXL1wooE0yQkbjNZpYi-hohmv6PvrN4MKEK0Clu9hWII7KxLt_U5Q_Yk-Oerttd8jUU-UJZddv7iwbQRGLHBq7bTOCmiKGGrOc/s320/810+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369569518527262994" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1bsMRri2bfrdpIEa7iHrZiQlI2qL-inv1o527sC7Pa_KZE90CTFeEuipv3CsbWy-g9yoyJrUJyCcMR3LEsvqKYPfCVmMNgqIMzPslHtDZqyzNs541IwgrOD08RkMSxyluQi_iD3CviOA/s1600-h/810+003.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 370px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1bsMRri2bfrdpIEa7iHrZiQlI2qL-inv1o527sC7Pa_KZE90CTFeEuipv3CsbWy-g9yoyJrUJyCcMR3LEsvqKYPfCVmMNgqIMzPslHtDZqyzNs541IwgrOD08RkMSxyluQi_iD3CviOA/s320/810+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369569529388171026" /></a><br /><br /><br />...and the city across the sound completely disappeared.Quillhillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07601080339912553168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917399623639777668.post-72672310484052061022009-08-12T15:09:00.000-07:002011-05-23T15:58:56.330-07:00It Pays to Live in AlaskaHere is something interesting I discovered here in Alaska.<br /><br /><IMG style="float:left; margin:0" SRC="http://www.usmint.gov/images/mint_programs/50sq_program/states/AK_winner.gif" float:left; margin:0 border="0">Alaska is the only state that does not collect state sales tax or levy an individual income tax. In fact, living in this state pays dividends. Last year the state paid over $2000 to every single citizen. On top of that, each person received a one-time energy dividend of over $1000. These are not tax rebates, or tax cuts, or economic stimuli -- they are distribution payments of the state's earnings.<br /><br />Illinois income tax rate is 3%. That means $990 of earned income for the average citizen will be taken and given to the state. And the governor next wants to increase the state's tax rate by 50%.<br /><br />Admittedly, the dividend in Alaska is expected to be less this year than last year. But any payment seems better than a debit.Quillhillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07601080339912553168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917399623639777668.post-32314969840087428972009-08-12T14:18:00.000-07:002011-05-23T15:58:56.330-07:00The Genius and the Goddess, by Aldous Huxley<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061724904?ie=UTF8&tag=thebeggarsofazur&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0061724904">The Genius and the Goddess: A Novel (P.S.)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebeggarsofazur&l=as2&o=1&a=0061724904" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><br />Written in 1955, this is advertised as the "unforgetable novel of a beautiful, amoral woman, her brilliant husband -- and the man she loved."<br /><br />We were not familiar with Huxley's work beyond <I>Brave New World</I> and <I>Point Counter Point</I>. The content and style of this novel reminded us a little of Graham Greene's <I>End of the Affair</I>. The beauty of both books is the way they describe love, through the affair of a married woman, and its effects.<br /><br />The author/narrator listens to "a little orgy of reminiscence:" a story of a friend, nearing the end of his life, who, many years earlier, was employed by a genius -- a moronic baby with a giant intellect. While this friend handled the affairs of the genius, and tutored the children of the genius, he also fell in love with the wife of the genius, who he considered a goddess. What he did not predict and could never have imagined is the effect his actions would have on the genius.<br /><br />Since that experience, the friend has learned that wallowing in the past makes for good literature, but poor wisdom. "If you want to live every moment as it presents itself," he says, "you've got to die to every other moment." But this is a lesson he seems not to have learned. Or perhaps he has since forgotten. For it is in the recounted moments of the past that he comes alive again in the novel.<br /><br />The blurb above, though, does a poor job of describing the novel. The longer description on the rear wrapper does a better job. The titular goddess is actually a matchless woman, a well-spring of life and a wealth of tenderness. She doesn't seem to be amoral, nor in love with another man. Perhaps that is the essence of the friend's self-deception. Or maybe the story he tells is meant to be deceptive. As he notes in the beginning: "I'd rather entrust my daughters to Casanova than my secrets to a novelist." <br /><br /><I>The Age</I> published a rather beige review of the novelette. They found it both lacking and derivative of his earlier works. Over fifty years removed from the novel, and more from the novelist's heyday, we thought the novel quite pleasing, and an easy read. It has a strong literary style, and deals with its subject with a 1950's restraint. There is little politics or social commentary. <I>The Genius and the Goddess</I> was a pleasant surprise from what we expected from Huxley.Quillhillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07601080339912553168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917399623639777668.post-84684318581135039342009-08-10T08:47:00.000-07:002011-05-23T15:58:56.330-07:00Inspired ThoughtsHow great is Alaska?<br /><br />This experience is difficult for us to put into words. We are lucky for this opportunity. We are blessed not to be tied down to a job. We are grateful to our loving family. We are thankful for a few true friends.<br /><br />We looked around yesterday and tried to figure out what makes this place seem special. Walking across the bridge, looking at the downtown, the channel full of boats in the foreground, tree-trimmed hills and snow-capped mountains in the background, we realised that the views play a large part. There are no picturesque views of a town in the middle of a cornfield. Here, everywhere we turn, the view is spectacular.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDurYrlc_1Ybf3e6IuRiOTU78KWwmA0IC8Rdb97m_32sgCPjsUH_TpMpYDz3i6sqPYqgipN99AkYYtRAjJEGPrv8jUjjcW7vGjNNKg6_aBcI_pqIMM3cWDLoFpfaQuc7kQF5laW5axwLc/s1600-h/728+011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDurYrlc_1Ybf3e6IuRiOTU78KWwmA0IC8Rdb97m_32sgCPjsUH_TpMpYDz3i6sqPYqgipN99AkYYtRAjJEGPrv8jUjjcW7vGjNNKg6_aBcI_pqIMM3cWDLoFpfaQuc7kQF5laW5axwLc/s400/728+011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368364847989211122" /></a><br /><br />Perhaps an anecdote will better convey our feelings. We woke up one day to find clouds, fog, and mist running in strands around and between the mountains, like garland decorating large, snow-topped trees. The next day we woke and the mountains were gone, the clouds had hunkered down to the tops of the trees. We could jump up and touch the bottom of the clouds. Almost like being in heaven.Quillhillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07601080339912553168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917399623639777668.post-71228114449424419442009-08-09T14:09:00.000-07:002011-05-23T15:58:56.331-07:00Cottages on Monastery<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5Naxkprhu5nbxNEPB4CYbFZY4spYhhGyE91iEnFH2vK960tC3sJt_APM-8OL00QVDBV1WRVXUpSb9XlJM-uNV5AHssWTbehyv9o2KOE92Q5tiQFdd1m9_LIhMQAOuV0snGchozlerVc/s1600-h/808+001.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5Naxkprhu5nbxNEPB4CYbFZY4spYhhGyE91iEnFH2vK960tC3sJt_APM-8OL00QVDBV1WRVXUpSb9XlJM-uNV5AHssWTbehyv9o2KOE92Q5tiQFdd1m9_LIhMQAOuV0snGchozlerVc/s320/808+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368074394715673666" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHsTd6PcELV0_DQCz2LRN9tBLdV6l0xO9lTvYpZ9255wLCxlK-F3qWovGOuj25sE4tikNX4Jw4cn-5YNCFekkJcYGjucavGSdYBx4BMRgmbKORyMFCnJo2pbjfuIrI-dklXw5GRYJE0Q/s1600-h/808+002.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHsTd6PcELV0_DQCz2LRN9tBLdV6l0xO9lTvYpZ9255wLCxlK-F3qWovGOuj25sE4tikNX4Jw4cn-5YNCFekkJcYGjucavGSdYBx4BMRgmbKORyMFCnJo2pbjfuIrI-dklXw5GRYJE0Q/s320/808+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368074398107348274" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig04lSpPOzXfjjY4UEq2OYrvK9EPwaCLKrC-SeYj6YG8ssMbfPz-3prO628TOUkqZQYXV23MV-5bYqNlq_bS6E1X3zeXXg8tn7ko5Rio2jlDwkySLkrmL_gfqOpCfxF2nYL0DwUEeh9Qw/s1600-h/808+003.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig04lSpPOzXfjjY4UEq2OYrvK9EPwaCLKrC-SeYj6YG8ssMbfPz-3prO628TOUkqZQYXV23MV-5bYqNlq_bS6E1X3zeXXg8tn7ko5Rio2jlDwkySLkrmL_gfqOpCfxF2nYL0DwUEeh9Qw/s320/808+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368074407877400146" /></a><br />New views for us in Alaska, out the front door and down the street. On Friday we packed up and moved everything from the inn to a tiny cottage only one block from the dock and downtown.<br /><br />There are some advantages and some disadvantages. First, the space is smaller than the hotel room. There is no service to bring in fresh towels every day. The view of the school playground is not as pleasing as the bay with cruise ships and eagles. There is only a twin bed, with a trundle bed underneath. There are no dressers, only a few shelves in a wall nook. And there is no bathroom sink.<br /><br />On the positive side, the location is much more convenient to everything. The market and laundry are each a block away. There is not the regular noise of trucks outside the window. There is a complete kitchen, with sink and stove. Tableware and cookware are provided. Internet access is available and reliable. And the walk to the hospital is only twenty-five minutes, without the need to pass through the bear-infested national park.Quillhillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07601080339912553168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917399623639777668.post-34210424396246787942009-08-07T22:25:00.000-07:002011-05-23T15:58:56.331-07:00Grin and Bear ItThe community ride driver on Wednesday morning told us she awoke to find a bear relaxing in her drive. He disappeared long enough for her to leave for work. But he reappeared and prevented the children from being taken to their sitter. Little did we know that we would have our own close encounter later in the day.<br /><br />We rode to the far side of the island, out beyond Thimbleberry trail where the most recent bear attack had occurred. Reports in the newspaper said that last Friday's event involved a biker who was surprised by a bear from behind. After rolling on the ground in an odd ball of human, bike, and bear, she was able to stand with the bike between her and the bear, stare at him and scream, which prompted the bear to slip away into the woods, and people to come to her rescue. She suffered scratches on her back, and was out the next morning at the Farmer's Market.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrf-puVn2vcN7nDgLr0lJaWHH1pCjq5bWfx4m2MP1gbfbNyWItStgxZBIQxXXt-WlsGDr_NndspDC_3ob1kvKwOZoW9vLD49HlGjvpCuqJ4JF-z3gJwjwFYEy9Q7AowQrgFY8xnkh1K08/s1600-h/807+040.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrf-puVn2vcN7nDgLr0lJaWHH1pCjq5bWfx4m2MP1gbfbNyWItStgxZBIQxXXt-WlsGDr_NndspDC_3ob1kvKwOZoW9vLD49HlGjvpCuqJ4JF-z3gJwjwFYEy9Q7AowQrgFY8xnkh1K08/s320/807+040.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367460262087156306" /></a>Our stop was the end of the bus line: Whale Park. It was deserted when we arrived. There are two viewing spots that overlook the bay. Information there says everything from whales to sea lions to sharks can be seen. At this time of year, we saw nothing but waves and a couple boats. Just to be safe, we sprayed ourselves with Bear-B-Gone -- wait: there is no such thing. So we just set off on foot for the two-mile hike to the end of the road. Along the road that wound back and forth through the hills, the water always at our side, we whistled and sang off key so as not to startle any bears. We saw a big pile of fur at the side of the road and wondered if a bear had been scratching itself there. Eventually we came to another trail head, then a fishery, and finally our destination: Fortress of the Bear.<br /><br />This is a non-profit operation constructed on the site of an old city works. Two old water reservoirs have been converted and built upon with all donated and reused junk, to create a habitat for chickens, rabbits, pigs, ducks, sheep, goats, and, of course, bears.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwLFcBXwmc1IYCFAeIF3IMJD4RHh_qiKMNGBFT7nyUc6kATbSi34J5MYTFl_NC9QARjF5-ybXpsoaN1hzHnW4lBwsJ2eiGY7BYe03bWeogsVVi9hQwDNyRTC-e0VLUOD0KeMcRxFFRRM/s1600-h/807+042.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwLFcBXwmc1IYCFAeIF3IMJD4RHh_qiKMNGBFT7nyUc6kATbSi34J5MYTFl_NC9QARjF5-ybXpsoaN1hzHnW4lBwsJ2eiGY7BYe03bWeogsVVi9hQwDNyRTC-e0VLUOD0KeMcRxFFRRM/s320/807+042.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367460258151431458" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6aVN9JzRpxz9RMYKbvJDkRVESUnuvruIdQPBraiXNrJoxBtq94sRBv9FXsV61CpDTV7AGA6JEpr6GsaQRIZfDDiGkA48MmAkot1yeHoni0hGZhkOdcX-25kI8jSCP-JVEWSiImeUOcE/s1600-h/807+043.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6aVN9JzRpxz9RMYKbvJDkRVESUnuvruIdQPBraiXNrJoxBtq94sRBv9FXsV61CpDTV7AGA6JEpr6GsaQRIZfDDiGkA48MmAkot1yeHoni0hGZhkOdcX-25kI8jSCP-JVEWSiImeUOcE/s320/807+043.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367460253427607842" /></a> The bears are brothers who were abandoned by their mother two years earlier. They share one of the reservoirs as their permanent home. This is the best and safest way to encounter a bear. We also were able to pet the sheep and the jealous goat, as well as feed the pigs what they had gluttonously shoved out of reach under the fence. The entire setting is literally pieced together out of reused stuff, like an under-budget Mad Max film set. Entry fee per person was $10. The experience was not really worth the money or the two-mile walk. But the project is only two years old, and the efforts are admirable.<br /><br />Meanwhile, updating a previous story, the fish are making their way upstream. We still have not received any rain, and meteorologists have declared Sitka to be suffering a mild drought. The past couple days the sun has been filtered through a haze of smoke from Canadian wildfires. But the indomitable salmon have nevertheless made it from the bay, through the estuary zone, to mass below the bridge over the Indian River. In the photo below they are the large splotch of black shaped vaguely like the Big Dipper. And several intrepid ones can be seen making their way among the rocks toward their happy spawning grounds. Each day we take a few minutes to watch and cheer them onward.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvm4kmm6XOmoGHuZ4J8M1HylhbrpfGm3qeOxTB4jCYq47jWrLa_oShnJXiW5ENLiIusDTeKoTO_CsM37Am-s_XTVIU7lzq07-Jt7WGF5suOxdxHOMSVrLu2T3hZPs8-Kw98Yt1X31UXd4/s1600-h/807+001.jpg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 620px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvm4kmm6XOmoGHuZ4J8M1HylhbrpfGm3qeOxTB4jCYq47jWrLa_oShnJXiW5ENLiIusDTeKoTO_CsM37Am-s_XTVIU7lzq07-Jt7WGF5suOxdxHOMSVrLu2T3hZPs8-Kw98Yt1X31UXd4/s320/807+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367460264975340082" /></a>Quillhillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07601080339912553168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917399623639777668.post-52105654091557603232009-08-07T22:01:00.000-07:002011-05-23T15:58:56.331-07:00Dance Fever<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAbboVwjNxSNYT9WdUntpOJ98LS9KKj7ANPv2Sx_q_fBEtwmwgw1fSVK9VhcL5xtTM98JXtp0yKdJaVT-iufJ0rnY31wFjwQ3dTgX8arbUm5ynZ2Lxqg2i6dM81JX2fmfWV1HKXF4Ffw/s1600-h/807+003.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAbboVwjNxSNYT9WdUntpOJ98LS9KKj7ANPv2Sx_q_fBEtwmwgw1fSVK9VhcL5xtTM98JXtp0yKdJaVT-iufJ0rnY31wFjwQ3dTgX8arbUm5ynZ2Lxqg2i6dM81JX2fmfWV1HKXF4Ffw/s320/807+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367454425754382450" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBU7t8JLUD5MUPLDb0erDz0pxaJVfPRBNJ3O4gZIFFEYK1-T2trt1mNqqItPA4fZpzjWFxT9OcJ1TaUO1ssLh2QFygel02WDUqnyFlJIji8xHXoqz1K4clnoZJpcsrz5M6goAk4SV3dDs/s1600-h/807+006.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBU7t8JLUD5MUPLDb0erDz0pxaJVfPRBNJ3O4gZIFFEYK1-T2trt1mNqqItPA4fZpzjWFxT9OcJ1TaUO1ssLh2QFygel02WDUqnyFlJIji8xHXoqz1K4clnoZJpcsrz5M6goAk4SV3dDs/s320/807+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367454427932044562" /></a>We had Tuesday's events planned in advance, and we were looking forward to them. So in the late morning we walked to Harrigan Centennial Hall to see the Russian dancers perform.<br /><br /><A HREF="http://www.newarchangeldancers.com">This troupe</A> of six ladies performed Russian folk dances in period costume that research suggested would probably have been popular during Sitka's period as New Archangel, the imperial capital of Russia in the new world. They danced to pre-recorded music and some lyrics. Three dances were followed by a short interlude about the Alaska state flag, and then three more dances. The moves involved lots of stomping of heels and leg kicks that would inspire break dancers. A serene and regal circle dance was done completely on their toes.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlsAzdlDhTDvoZEVuL0y5FJXQu_qGlyN2zqAAauySPfh3JdBe7CzyRZdA0BCvPMYI4mVPVY_qRmesECiPsJ50JdIqcU16VT9UecHsJMAQ9c-OJu6TKNh_lBZL-_9DQ7uNfnE_r5eXnw8/s1600-h/807+008.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlsAzdlDhTDvoZEVuL0y5FJXQu_qGlyN2zqAAauySPfh3JdBe7CzyRZdA0BCvPMYI4mVPVY_qRmesECiPsJ50JdIqcU16VT9UecHsJMAQ9c-OJu6TKNh_lBZL-_9DQ7uNfnE_r5eXnw8/s320/807+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367454436144796434" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgclvtYveNQf682lzHpz_Qss5B73lT1VEWTgD1VGeqjDXH1Oh8mnhf_-qUJcAVXNVrtpmGSiGdy-I9PHKL8aFnTiiJjfQZ2Xesy-P8x9af8LWE8B3t5gSy84vTEflCoGEHL1tvpTaPhP0/s1600-h/807+020.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgclvtYveNQf682lzHpz_Qss5B73lT1VEWTgD1VGeqjDXH1Oh8mnhf_-qUJcAVXNVrtpmGSiGdy-I9PHKL8aFnTiiJjfQZ2Xesy-P8x9af8LWE8B3t5gSy84vTEflCoGEHL1tvpTaPhP0/s320/807+020.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367454443775139890" /></a><br /><br />None of the dancers were professionals, and none were Russian.<br /><br />After passing a few hours, eating Chinese takeout for lunch, we arrived at the Sheet'ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Community House for the next dance troupe. This was the native Tlingit dancers.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKr_JkUY7qmqV-Ny8YcAGI4uIL2M2ZdxnThBbIpeXDHmyd_y7giGvGpdz8m7vHE8w7mIbb54igbsQAfl1A8FaNtSKAc0J5RSuPXfNncRzo9sI6txcdDhbltt_bmhAqOqibE7gbi_2MS8/s1600-h/807+027.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKr_JkUY7qmqV-Ny8YcAGI4uIL2M2ZdxnThBbIpeXDHmyd_y7giGvGpdz8m7vHE8w7mIbb54igbsQAfl1A8FaNtSKAc0J5RSuPXfNncRzo9sI6txcdDhbltt_bmhAqOqibE7gbi_2MS8/s320/807+027.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367454445869368802" /></a>Perhaps a dozen members of various clans performed native dances in tribal costume that have been passed down through the generations of Sitka's native population. They danced to the beat of their own drums, and chanted lyrics in their native tongue. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyO0w9A_JRm1SJDGh988y_eRElFX_xdztEdW3u9a6Zl5VlLAPjvGqMqKlKBBexHUgpHzuWPb7PBSgYowEpk4EJRb5xU_k4_CqM7fXzcWdDPKxiTsBUP_9X71fBTcqALfhWculcE3H5Xs/s1600-h/807+023.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyO0w9A_JRm1SJDGh988y_eRElFX_xdztEdW3u9a6Zl5VlLAPjvGqMqKlKBBexHUgpHzuWPb7PBSgYowEpk4EJRb5xU_k4_CqM7fXzcWdDPKxiTsBUP_9X71fBTcqALfhWculcE3H5Xs/s320/807+023.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367454832851882770" /></a>The dancer who portrayed Raven, and the young woman who led the dances and related their significance to the audience both performed well. The final dance allowed members of the audience to step out and join in mimicking Raven. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdR7QgDmSicvSD6lhlh8-34bqcxUlYD8MB4mqhn5KWEyTVQ62V7_2-Jqx9Y8LgImRNm1v3vdVd0mEiqsKVB-xxBupj-Ch6igKA3-Fm4jLFbtmdiPF6_6kWg1Y3gCqU_B7Rhl94uMWB3sM/s1600-h/807+030.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdR7QgDmSicvSD6lhlh8-34bqcxUlYD8MB4mqhn5KWEyTVQ62V7_2-Jqx9Y8LgImRNm1v3vdVd0mEiqsKVB-xxBupj-Ch6igKA3-Fm4jLFbtmdiPF6_6kWg1Y3gCqU_B7Rhl94uMWB3sM/s320/807+030.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367454837056106722" /></a> The dancers ranged in age from a young child to an old woman, all native Tlingit.<br /><br />While we enjoyed the emotion and genuineness of the tribal dance more than the folk dance, we were impressed that both types conveyed stories. While we are not versed in the art form, we are not aware of any stories being told by the Charleston or the Sprinkler.Quillhillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07601080339912553168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917399623639777668.post-33244768283290984732009-08-06T21:40:00.000-07:002011-05-23T15:58:56.331-07:00Being GreenHow easy is it being green? Let us tell you a few things we have done in Alaska to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Our intent was not to be more eco-conscious, but our choices have been made as a way to cut many expenses.<br /><br />First, we traveled without a car. The reasons were due more to time constraints (the long drive and the wait for passports) than to cost. When we arrived at the airport, we hired a taxi, because we had no idea where our inn was located, and none of the complimentary transports went there. We have used the taxi only two other times since then: our first day of work, again because we had no idea where we were going, and to get to work on the weekend when the community ride did not operate. The other days we have worked we used the community ride in the morning, and walked back to the inn in the evening. We also used the community ride twice to do grocery shopping. For everything else we have walked. Even if one could not do so much walking, the community ride operates during the week from morning to evening. Taxis are always available and quick to respond since the city has so few roads. Bikes can be rented, most of the roads have designated bike lanes, and there are bike racks almost everywhere.<br /><br />Second, we traveled without any tablewear or cookwear. The inn has a microwave oven and a mini fridge. Since the cost of dining is so expensive, we would have to eat most meals at the inn. We bought fruits and vegetables, but we would need to prepare some meals as well. Our first meal was a microwaveable dinner which came in a plastic tray. Washed and reused, these trays have been used to warm, cook, and serve everything else. The inn provided two pastic cups, from which we have drank, and bottles of water which we have refilled. We also added larger cups from a lunch at the local fast food restaurant. Though we purchased a small box of plastic utensils, we also have acquired those from the lunch. A package of napkins serves all purposes of wrapping and wiping. The meat and fruit we needed were packaged in containers and bags that we emptied and reused to store foods in and carry them to work.<br /><br />Third, we traveled with several canvas bags. These serve as our tote bags to carry groceries, but also on our walks to bring along water, sandwiches, camera and binoculars, and anything else we might want to have with us.Quillhillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07601080339912553168noreply@blogger.com0