Just FYI - I am where I am supposed to be (Sitka, AK) after a wonderful week to the far reaches of northern Alaska. I will do a quick update in the morning before joining the Wildlife/Glacier Cruise here. Just wanted to let those tracking closely know that I'm OK - just too tired tonight to post but will have some time in the morning to do so along with at least some pictures. What a crazy, wonderful week!!... read more

Just letting family/friends know I am in Talkeetna as scheduled. Denali NP was absolutely awesome!! I hope to get story and pictures out before I move on Sunday afternoon but we'll see how tomorrow goes. Right now, I am way too tired to post anything other than this quick note just so nobody gets concerned about not hearing anything. I included two pictures just so you know I was really there (sometimes I don't believe it myself). The first is much better represented by professionals taking this same shot from Reflection Pond. However I was there taking this one and that makes it the best Denali picture at the Reflection Pond that I will ever see ;) The other is explained in picture. It was a wonderful week but now simply have to do an early ... read more

Breakfast is going to give us all a kick start for our hike - eggs, bacon, cereal, juice, bagels or toast, and more. We’re going to need the hike to walk off the calories. We load in vans to our starting point about a half hour away. Bear and group hiking directions are given and we are off. Anna stops us quite a few times to point out and have us experience different plants, berries, trees, and lichen. Luke reiterates or adds clarity to the lessons for those of us nearer the back. There are two toxic or poisonous plants in abundance that gets pointed out to us and they make sure we all can identify them so we stay clear of them. The children do a great job of yelling back to the group whenever ... read more

There is an almost rainbow outside my window this morning as I rouse. I don’t know how much rain there was last night but it is drizzling yet this morning. I keep watch on the almost rainbow for it to become a full-fledged rainbow but that never happens. It is beautiful all the same. Breakfast is yet another delight – pancakes, sausage, and fruit on yogurt, coffee, and juice – virtually any benefit of hiking to weight loss is unfortunately offset by the wonderful food served every meal with very generous portions. Kate cooks, Jason serves and they work in succinct harmony accomplishing everything else. It has been my pleasure to get acquainted with them and a delight to partake in their food handiworks. Everything is packed up and I am ready to take on the ... read more

I awake fairly early and quickly realize day 17 is not going to go as planned. With the loss of sleep two nights ago, the additional all day in the car yesterday on sensory overload, I’m feeling exhausted and muscles again clamoring such that any hiking as I intended to do today is simply out of the question. Like it or not, a rest day is required. I open the drapes and lay back down with the most incredible mountain views as I just lay there looking out the windows. What a life! Breakfast is pancakes, sausage, fruit, juice, coffee and I am surprised I am easily able to eat it all. I head back to my room and while allowing bodily rest, work on blog pictures and writing. Lunch is not provided as a full ... read more