Night Hiking, Again

Last night, 5 humans and 3 dogs braved one digit temperatures to walk on O'Malley Trail.  Well, actually, we walked on crunchy snow, previously walked by someone, with over 2 feet of snow on each side of us.  The trees were still heavy with the white powder, and moose tracks were all around.  I wonder how they don't fall in like we do when our feet veer off the impressed path.  The sky was crisp and clear, and I could see many familiar constellations, something I rarely see in town.  The reflection of lights from Anchorage behind the hills made one think of Northern Lights.  Direct views of those same lights were awe-inspiring.  Sorry there isn't a picture, but perhaps you can create one in your mind.  The night was so dark I couldn't see Toshi without my headlamp.  This group of hikers is a wonder - while I wish sometimes the hikes were longer, the workout is likely enough with the stresses of cold, watching every step, watching for bear and moose (yes, there still is one Brown Bear boar in the area, according to the cameras at Hillside Ski Area), trying to wipe one's nose without losing gloves, mittens, or sticks, etc., and making sure we are all together.  The dogs, all with flashing lights on their collars, didn't stray far from the group this night!  I will attempt to attach the link to the AlaskaOutdoors website so you can see Toshi's picture of our intrepid group from 11/17/11.  www.alaska-outdoors.org

I think that worked!  Enjoy!

Alaska Flower

Found this 3 leafed Christmas Cactus on the floor under the main plant on the last leg of my ferry trip here in September, in the bar while waiting for my beer.  When I got to Anchorage, I put it in water.  Now, Nov 18, it still has 3 leaves but it also is sporting a flower!!!   What magic!!!  Made me wonder if my little cactus staying at Pam's in GA while I'm not there is blooming, too. 

More snow and some pipes, too!

We had about 6 inches of snow last night, on top of what was here. A picture is above. Made getting to church a bit tricky, but all went well. There are several rather serious accidents in town from not-so-careful-drivers, as well as some "ditch-divers" as they call them on the TV news. Despite that, I went to a concert this afternoon of bagpipe solos. There were over 100 people there!!! The pipers were pretty surprised, to say the least! Interesting music - not the typical marches, but 10-15 minute pieces for each soloist. (By the way, shoveling snow is good exercise! I looked pretty cute in my snowsuit - well, I might have!)

I must say that the music and the people in the church I am part of here are just amazing. The music is absolutely gorgeous - organ, piano, choir, all of it. The pieces selected are so beautiful, and they way they are played and sung is exquisite. It is very moving. The people at St. John's are so kind and caring I am continually amazed and comforted. Oh, when I left church, after donating 3 bags from my housemate for a family burned out of their home the other day, an eagle, my first this entire stay, landed in a tree for me to watch for a while. Here he is:




Today was one of those days where I just want to be here forever.