The bears were entertaining. The woman in the offensive pink hoodie has moved out of my line of sight. The lady who saved herself from electrocution is still giggling with her companions. I'm still wiping mirthful tears from my eyes.
Heading towards the Wood Bison. I kind of feel like I'm entering Jurassic Park. Thick metal fences, expansive acreage, trees that have been thumped upon by massive hides and that ever so pungent smell of hay eaters.
Heading towards the Wood Bison. I kind of feel like I'm entering Jurassic Park. Thick metal fences, expansive acreage, trees that have been thumped upon by massive hides and that ever so pungent smell of hay eaters.
These massive beasts are beautiful behind the fences, scary up close. Fur so dense if I had a brush, they'd thank me for making them handsome if only for a little while. There was one near the fence that brought to mind Justin Bieber. Same hair, arrogant attitude. "Bieber" did not like the shutter sound of my camera, he came to the barrier of the fence and grunted hatefully at me. I got the message. I stepped back, laid my camera upon my chest and held my ground. He watched me with his big left eye, stomping the turf showing his dominance. See? Arrogant. Curious as to how Bieber lost the tip of his left horn.
I'll trade you my lens for yours I say to a guy walking with an 'elephant' telephoto lens, at least that's what I call them. He smiled when he saw my 250mm zoom lens and said, "nice try". His had to be 750mm, carrying a mono stick to hold that bad boy. I'm not that serious about the photos to bring all that gear. Africa maybe but not a conservation park. To each their own.
I'll trade you my lens for yours I say to a guy walking with an 'elephant' telephoto lens, at least that's what I call them. He smiled when he saw my 250mm zoom lens and said, "nice try". His had to be 750mm, carrying a mono stick to hold that bad boy. I'm not that serious about the photos to bring all that gear. Africa maybe but not a conservation park. To each their own.
Anyone else hear the theme from Dances With Wolves?
Thought there were bees over the blooms, it's just their stamens. Very pretty and very sweet smelling.
Entering another area where the Momma Bison and their new calves were. There were forty new babies looking like little mud patties scattered in the grass. This little fellow below was born the First of May - our anniversary so I dubbed it May Pole. The larger male scratching himself on a dead tree (snag) had the attention of May Pole who came over to await its turn to scratch.
Looking at all the mommies, there was one who was pacing, stopping, grunting. I believe she was in labor. Caught some graphic photos. She either gave birth or was dispelling the afterbirth. I got so excited at one point I was yelling at Bob "I think she's gonna give birth - OMG!"
Here comes a serious looking Asian man, mid fifties with his tens of thousands of dollars worth of camera equipment. Seriously dude? He got close to the fence, had a hard time getting his lens through the hole (sounds dirty), and began clicking away at various momma bison. I swear his mono-pod was taller than he was. He ditched it for a crouching position.
To kill the mood of nature, a pompous Asian woman bumps into me as she passes in order to take the same photos I am taking. There is no one around us, the road we are on easily fits two cars passing each other. Why you wanna bump all up on my grill? She had her giant camera and get this, a fellow Asian chick who was her lighting and camera monitor person - really? You don't need a person holding a light meter on a five foot pole to take a great photo. All that crap is un-necessary. All showman, she almost went to her homeland with a United States Black Eye for not saying excuse me when she ran into me. That is why I always have my camera strapped around my neck. For pompous idiots like her. I can guar an-dam-tee ya my photos turned out better than hers. Heffa.
Looking at all the mommies, there was one who was pacing, stopping, grunting. I believe she was in labor. Caught some graphic photos. She either gave birth or was dispelling the afterbirth. I got so excited at one point I was yelling at Bob "I think she's gonna give birth - OMG!"
Here comes a serious looking Asian man, mid fifties with his tens of thousands of dollars worth of camera equipment. Seriously dude? He got close to the fence, had a hard time getting his lens through the hole (sounds dirty), and began clicking away at various momma bison. I swear his mono-pod was taller than he was. He ditched it for a crouching position.
To kill the mood of nature, a pompous Asian woman bumps into me as she passes in order to take the same photos I am taking. There is no one around us, the road we are on easily fits two cars passing each other. Why you wanna bump all up on my grill? She had her giant camera and get this, a fellow Asian chick who was her lighting and camera monitor person - really? You don't need a person holding a light meter on a five foot pole to take a great photo. All that crap is un-necessary. All showman, she almost went to her homeland with a United States Black Eye for not saying excuse me when she ran into me. That is why I always have my camera strapped around my neck. For pompous idiots like her. I can guar an-dam-tee ya my photos turned out better than hers. Heffa.
I don't drink water as a habit, even when a container is screaming at me. I will however drink water from the glaciers in the distance, which I will do tomorrow and later next week.
Snag Trees. Even in their demise I find them striking. These are Fireweed, the state flower in the foreground. These trees I may have mentioned suffered greatly in the area from the 1964 earthquake which dropped the land 6 -10 feet.
Off to see Bob's beloved Moose. Let's call him Buford shall we?
Some silly man not far from me was trying to get the moose to look at him. "Hey Dude - over here!" Like Moose understand Stupid. What you do is wait for them to look your direction. Poor Buford, putting up with human nonsense all day.
Some silly man not far from me was trying to get the moose to look at him. "Hey Dude - over here!" Like Moose understand Stupid. What you do is wait for them to look your direction. Poor Buford, putting up with human nonsense all day.
Tiny Bird. I like the stone to the right of him mimicking his look.
For the first time in recent memory, the Wildlife Center has female calves! Two
Musk Oxen were born on May 12th and 26th, respectively. They are growing
and thriving! The girls, Tsuni and Nami, have already grown
considerably since birth - and are now on display! AWCC
And here they are! Munching on their keeper's hair, playing in the water trough, cuteness!
For the first time in recent memory, the Wildlife Center has female calves! Two
Musk Oxen were born on May 12th and 26th, respectively. They are growing
and thriving! The girls, Tsuni and Nami, have already grown
considerably since birth - and are now on display! AWCC
And here they are! Munching on their keeper's hair, playing in the water trough, cuteness!
I think this is the lock to the barn.
Mom and daughter taking the easy route around the park.
Mom and daughter taking the easy route around the park.
We're at the end of the 200 acres. The view of the mountains...why does it get me? I realized, epiphanized, light bulb - - I was born in the mountains of Colorado, during a blizzard. This scenery reminds my spirit of my birth thus resonating with my soul. As a consequence, I am enchanted by the dance.
Ittik's poor feet gave out on her. Two hundred acres is a lot of walking for such tiny feet. Almost time to go, hang in there, hang in there.
“The Point”. This area is the piece of land where the Turnagain Arm ends,
and is the meeting point of 20 Mile, Portage, and Placer Valleys. From
the extreme tides of the Turnagain Arm, to salmon and other fish runs,
belugas, and various weather events, it is an area where constant
transition can be witnessed throughout the year. AWCC has recently
completed a unique visitor education experience including; a boardwalk out
to the point area with interpretive information, and coming soon, a gazebo
structure at the end to provide shelter to our guests and
some additional interpretive information. In conjunction with other
educational institutions in Alaska, this will be an excellent educational
addition to the AWCC Campus. (from the AWCC website http://www.alaskawildlife.org)
We were here during the construction of the Gazebo structure. Cute little backside working on the building...never saw his face to say Howdy. He had his music going, Bob Skaggs blaring, hammer doing its thing.
We headed back to the gift center to use the facilities, buy expensive potato chips and put some ice on Ittik's feet.
“The Point”. This area is the piece of land where the Turnagain Arm ends,
and is the meeting point of 20 Mile, Portage, and Placer Valleys. From
the extreme tides of the Turnagain Arm, to salmon and other fish runs,
belugas, and various weather events, it is an area where constant
transition can be witnessed throughout the year. AWCC has recently
completed a unique visitor education experience including; a boardwalk out
to the point area with interpretive information, and coming soon, a gazebo
structure at the end to provide shelter to our guests and
some additional interpretive information. In conjunction with other
educational institutions in Alaska, this will be an excellent educational
addition to the AWCC Campus. (from the AWCC website http://www.alaskawildlife.org)
We were here during the construction of the Gazebo structure. Cute little backside working on the building...never saw his face to say Howdy. He had his music going, Bob Skaggs blaring, hammer doing its thing.
We headed back to the gift center to use the facilities, buy expensive potato chips and put some ice on Ittik's feet.
Salute the flag on our way out, heading back towards Anchorage. It's been a full afternoon here. It is now early evening, around 6:00PM - look at the sky behind the flag - that's evening! I'm getting used to the daylight, will never be accustomed to the time.
Let's see what's on the table now. Shall we go right towards Portage and Seward - or left towards Anchorage? This false daylight has me wanting to go right, common sense says take the left. Darn......
Let's see what's on the table now. Shall we go right towards Portage and Seward - or left towards Anchorage? This false daylight has me wanting to go right, common sense says take the left. Darn......
Not wanting to end the adventure and listening to our tummies, I knew the perfect place to grab a quick bite. Nothing like McDonalds - eww. Something that stinks kinda pretty...with a view. Up a piece to a little place called Turnagain Arm Pit BBQ. Uh-huh, catchy name isn't it?
This is my second visit. Loved it the first time with Michelle and the boys. Now I get to enjoy it with my Sweetie and Ittik. The aroma from Seward Highway was maddening - couldn't wait to get inside. Already a group of seven, they all ordered The Bore Tide Sandwich - pork with a bacon plank, coleslaw, fried pickles and Orange sodas. Yum.
We wanted Ribs. I had St. Louis - Bob had Baby Back with his Barnyard Platter. You'd think all ribs were the same - Nu-uh. Mine were smoked & had a dry rub. Bob's were smoked and sauced. Both were really tasty. I don't eat hot links so couldn't tell ya about those. The thighs were oh so good, I could have eaten both of Bob's and two more. The beans have been slow cooked all day with a hint of jalapeño, loaded with bacon chunks, molasses and brown sugar base. The collards were old school goodness. We chowed for a long while, talking about our day so far, what we'd like to see in our remaining nine days.
We enjoyed seeing brothers come in - long and lanky, no denying they were related. One military, home on leave to visit family, the other getting ready to enter the service. Thank you both. They tickled me trying to eat ribs with a fork. They caught on soon enough. Had a family come in with their grandmother who wanted coffee - no coffee so she opted for a cup of hot water. Sounds so like my Grandma Mary. They were in to try the Fried Pickles, The Indian Hot Wings (smoked then deep fried), the Seward Hot Wheels (deep fried beer battered spicy jalapeños), Sweet Potato Fries and Fried Okra. I heard the price -$40 plus tax. That's not bad for double orders for five to share. Ours was $31 plus tax. Everything is pricey here, but with a view of my beloved mountains, the fresh air - worth every penny.
This is my second visit. Loved it the first time with Michelle and the boys. Now I get to enjoy it with my Sweetie and Ittik. The aroma from Seward Highway was maddening - couldn't wait to get inside. Already a group of seven, they all ordered The Bore Tide Sandwich - pork with a bacon plank, coleslaw, fried pickles and Orange sodas. Yum.
We wanted Ribs. I had St. Louis - Bob had Baby Back with his Barnyard Platter. You'd think all ribs were the same - Nu-uh. Mine were smoked & had a dry rub. Bob's were smoked and sauced. Both were really tasty. I don't eat hot links so couldn't tell ya about those. The thighs were oh so good, I could have eaten both of Bob's and two more. The beans have been slow cooked all day with a hint of jalapeño, loaded with bacon chunks, molasses and brown sugar base. The collards were old school goodness. We chowed for a long while, talking about our day so far, what we'd like to see in our remaining nine days.
We enjoyed seeing brothers come in - long and lanky, no denying they were related. One military, home on leave to visit family, the other getting ready to enter the service. Thank you both. They tickled me trying to eat ribs with a fork. They caught on soon enough. Had a family come in with their grandmother who wanted coffee - no coffee so she opted for a cup of hot water. Sounds so like my Grandma Mary. They were in to try the Fried Pickles, The Indian Hot Wings (smoked then deep fried), the Seward Hot Wheels (deep fried beer battered spicy jalapeños), Sweet Potato Fries and Fried Okra. I heard the price -$40 plus tax. That's not bad for double orders for five to share. Ours was $31 plus tax. Everything is pricey here, but with a view of my beloved mountains, the fresh air - worth every penny.
Bob is driving a bit below the speed limit to enjoy Turnagain Arm to the left of us. We're too late to see the Bore Tide coming upstream, that's the way it runs, against the current. I wouldn't mind driving to give Bob some rubber necking time but I can't drive and take photos at the same time.
We're going to make one more stop before heading back. Remember we are of the mind to do it now, you never know if you will return. Potter Marsh is only a few exits from The Jones House and it's in the way.
1,550 feet of boardwalk takes you into a part of the marsh and sedges (any rush like or glasslike plant of the genus Carex, growing in wet places) where you may see Yellow Leg birds, Canadian Geese, Muskrats, Moose, Chinook, Coho, or Humpback salmon, frogs, Eagles. we were too late in the season to see Trumpeter Swans. The items underlined we were fortunate to see.
It was a breezy kind of day, glad I kept on my jacket. Looking over the edges of the boardwalk, my eye captured four leaves rising from the blue waters. This photo will be framed and hanging in our family room. Simplistic Beauty. Walking back to begin the other side of the marsh, there was a lone birch tree with brown bark in the cluster of white birch trees swaying in the breeze. Hey Bob, I've gotta check out this tree. I don't know what possessed me to stop at this particular tree. The color? Naw, that's not it. I was compelled to place my hand on it's bark and close my eyes. I could feel the pressure of the tree swaying. Reminded me of being in a crowded train with people not meaning to bump into you, just going with the rhythm of the train. I was in rhythm with this tree. It had substantial weight for its slight girth, I concentrated on hearing only its leaves rustle. Its bark was smooth and soft as satin, contrary to what it presented. I could see where it's roots were in the water below, it was beginning to rot at the base. I felt this tree, actually got in touch with a piece of nature. It was giving me a part of it's essence, knowing in a short while it would soon be rotting on the marsh floor. I already have a love for trees. was this one making sure it would not be forgotten? Connected or crazy. Call me what you will. I wanted to cry, I felt poignant for this brown birch It was glorious.
We're getting in the truck to head to the house. There's a smattering of rain. Bob's making the loop to exit out when I holler "STAAAWP!!!" He hits the breaks, I'm out of the truck before the echo of the screeching tires reaches my ears.
God has answered a long standing prayer of mine.
I have finally seen the end of the Rainbow!!!
I'm afraid to blink.
Awe. Reverent. Wonderment. Flabbergasted.
Beyond the yellow flowers at the edge of the parking lot is the brightest rainbow these hazel eyes have ever witnessed. I take this one shot and praise God for answering my prayer when I was ten year old.. Forty five years later, which is a blink in God's eye, He has made my cup runneth over. There are no words for this gift. Not gonna lie to ya, I shed a few tears. I'm getting bleary eyed again writing about it. These photos do not show the full clarity. It is sprinkling behind me, but the sky is clear where the rainbow ends. The marsh looks as fresh as the morning, everyone in the area has stopped in their tracks to gaze at this marvel of nature. I wished Joseph was here - he would have enjoyed 'sharing this moment' with his Aunt Catz.
God has answered a long standing prayer of mine.
I have finally seen the end of the Rainbow!!!
I'm afraid to blink.
Awe. Reverent. Wonderment. Flabbergasted.
Beyond the yellow flowers at the edge of the parking lot is the brightest rainbow these hazel eyes have ever witnessed. I take this one shot and praise God for answering my prayer when I was ten year old.. Forty five years later, which is a blink in God's eye, He has made my cup runneth over. There are no words for this gift. Not gonna lie to ya, I shed a few tears. I'm getting bleary eyed again writing about it. These photos do not show the full clarity. It is sprinkling behind me, but the sky is clear where the rainbow ends. The marsh looks as fresh as the morning, everyone in the area has stopped in their tracks to gaze at this marvel of nature. I wished Joseph was here - he would have enjoyed 'sharing this moment' with his Aunt Catz.
I can't stop smiling. It has been a perfect day. I can only give thanks to the one I believe in. Thank you God for this day, Sunday, July 13, 2014.
We roll up to the house at what would be Dark Thirty in Texas - it's 9:35PM. We had not an issue finding our way back. Potter Marsh was two exits from home, a couple of lefts and a few rights - done.
The boys are playing in the neighbor's yard, Michelle is watering her garden.
Bill is in the garage. Shane saw me and ran into the house, telling me to, "Come on - come on!!" He had been waiting all day to show me he found this sticker by the lower staircase. $5 paid, Texas Hugs given and accepted, shoes off, cocktail in hand. We enjoy a hearty Home Made Chicken Soup and Fennel Salad prepared by our gracious hostess Michelle. Talk turns to heading to Matanuska Glacier tomorrow - oh happy day - Yippee Ki Yo-Ki-Yay!!! Trying to get out by 9:00AM. I packed especially for this one expedition. You'll see it tomorrow. It is MY tradition. If we did nothing else this trip, I would be satisfied as I am going to walk on my piece of ice. FYI: I pronounce glacier the French way, Glay See Air, with my upper lip turned up in a haughty smile. The boys think it's how we Texans say that word. Bob got them straight with his version. Glay Sir. Yeah - we both talk funny.
Seems Michelle and I are starting a custom of talking on the back porch til the Moose bellow, the Eagle screeches or the neighbors holler out their windows "We're trying to sleep over here!". Bill let us know it was 3:30AM. We must have woken him up with our cackling, belly laughing, you know - girl talkin'.
I know I saw 5:00AM which looked like the Texas sky at 6:00PM - the sun riding low on the horizon, the moon making an appearance, fighting for my attention.
Everyone is settled, the boys and a sleepover guest have their eyelids watching the credits to Men In Black III. Bob's on the dark side of Sleep Ville, I'm reminiscing about today - happy as a baby taking that first sure step. I've seen God's creation, blessed with the Rainbow's End, shared it with my love. Bob's eyes wide with excitement of seeing a part of The Great Alaskan Wilderness. Great meals all day long, traveling grace, Justin Bieber Bison trying to pick a fight, Ittik asking for a foot rub, my mountains standing proud for me.
I asked King Azul and Queen Ruby Trolls if they want to go to the Glay See Air tomorrow - they declined getting their royal robes wet. Told ya they were stuck up little spastics. Snowshoe Sam, Ittik and Izzy promised to hogtie me to the bannister if they were not in my camera bag by 8:00AM. I believe them. You know trolls DO move on their own accord.
I climb deep into the covers, snuggling next to my mate. Not wanting to end the day even though it has become tomorrow, I begin drifting off to sleep with the thought of the day - Catz Wuz Here. Indeed.
The boys are playing in the neighbor's yard, Michelle is watering her garden.
Bill is in the garage. Shane saw me and ran into the house, telling me to, "Come on - come on!!" He had been waiting all day to show me he found this sticker by the lower staircase. $5 paid, Texas Hugs given and accepted, shoes off, cocktail in hand. We enjoy a hearty Home Made Chicken Soup and Fennel Salad prepared by our gracious hostess Michelle. Talk turns to heading to Matanuska Glacier tomorrow - oh happy day - Yippee Ki Yo-Ki-Yay!!! Trying to get out by 9:00AM. I packed especially for this one expedition. You'll see it tomorrow. It is MY tradition. If we did nothing else this trip, I would be satisfied as I am going to walk on my piece of ice. FYI: I pronounce glacier the French way, Glay See Air, with my upper lip turned up in a haughty smile. The boys think it's how we Texans say that word. Bob got them straight with his version. Glay Sir. Yeah - we both talk funny.
Seems Michelle and I are starting a custom of talking on the back porch til the Moose bellow, the Eagle screeches or the neighbors holler out their windows "We're trying to sleep over here!". Bill let us know it was 3:30AM. We must have woken him up with our cackling, belly laughing, you know - girl talkin'.
I know I saw 5:00AM which looked like the Texas sky at 6:00PM - the sun riding low on the horizon, the moon making an appearance, fighting for my attention.
Everyone is settled, the boys and a sleepover guest have their eyelids watching the credits to Men In Black III. Bob's on the dark side of Sleep Ville, I'm reminiscing about today - happy as a baby taking that first sure step. I've seen God's creation, blessed with the Rainbow's End, shared it with my love. Bob's eyes wide with excitement of seeing a part of The Great Alaskan Wilderness. Great meals all day long, traveling grace, Justin Bieber Bison trying to pick a fight, Ittik asking for a foot rub, my mountains standing proud for me.
I asked King Azul and Queen Ruby Trolls if they want to go to the Glay See Air tomorrow - they declined getting their royal robes wet. Told ya they were stuck up little spastics. Snowshoe Sam, Ittik and Izzy promised to hogtie me to the bannister if they were not in my camera bag by 8:00AM. I believe them. You know trolls DO move on their own accord.
I climb deep into the covers, snuggling next to my mate. Not wanting to end the day even though it has become tomorrow, I begin drifting off to sleep with the thought of the day - Catz Wuz Here. Indeed.