Spring?????

Well, it is winter up here in Cantwell once again! The wind is blowing, snow is falling, and drifts are getting bigger by the minute. I am not going to complain about it since I chose to live in Alaska and I love most every minute of it. The only minutes I don't enjoy are those that happen when sweat is running down my forehead from shoveling the deck. The deck may be one of my biggest green horn, cheechako, or tenderfoot moves here in Alaska. When I built the deck this last summer I wanted it to be plenty big, so that there would be plenty of room for barbecuing and hanging out on with friends and family. However, in hind site and since hind site is always 20/20 I should have made it much smaller. This would have cut down on the amount shoveling and sweat this winter considerably. Oh well, I suppose it makes for a good workout. I am sure this will not be the last cheechako move I make in this state.

With the snow starting to really pile up around the valley we are starting to see a few more critters close to the valley floors and near the house. The Caribou keep visiting every few days in the yard since the wind tends to keep some of the snow clear in the yard. The moose are really starting to congregate on the Jack River not far from the house. I did see a big, mature, bald eagle near the school the other day which is a sign that spring is near.

Caribou in the neighbors yard

 Locals are starting to return to their seasonal jobs in the park and residents that leave for the winter are starting to return around town. It is great to see those that left and hear their stories from time outside Alaska this winter.

I have been pretty busy these past two weeks. Jeni and I decided to install a new floor in our kitchen, along with replacing doors to the bedrooms and bathroom upstairs. As with all projects like this we ended up putting a new floor in the upstairs bathroom, moving a few cabinets, and moved part of the counter tops in the kitchen also. It turned out really nice, which is good since my knees and back may never be the same again. Now that the project is wrapped up for the most part, I plan on trying to focus a bit more on my photography and writing. I am thankful for all of you that read the blog because it keeps me honest to myself.

Here are a few pictures that I managed to capture these past two weeks while I was working on the house.

Northern Lights, I was messing around with this photo in Light Room and liked this rendition. It is amazing what the digital world allows us to do.

Northern Lights and the moon

Until next time,

Justin

Friends and Family!

Frozen Fish!

As I drove home from a fun filled weekend in Fairbanks with friends and family I started pondering how blessed I am to have friends and family that are spread all over this great nation of ours and how lucky we all are to be alive this day and age. I know things are not perfect right now with our government and our economy but, they never are. However, on any given minute, hour, or day I can pick up a phone, turn on a computer, drive the truck, or even hop on a plane and talk to or see those that bring happiness and joy to my life. It really is a wonderful time to be around even though I take it all for granted very often.

This weekend was a great example of what I am talking about. It all started last Wednesday when Jeni picked up the computer and saw that the Nanooks (University of Alaska Fairbanks) were going to be playing hockey against Michigan State in a best of three series to keep their perspective seasons alive. Well, we missed this matchup earlier in the season and we really wanted to go watch Grampa Mason's Alma Mater play are favorite hockey team the Nanooks. So, Friday afternoon we hopped in the truck and headed North. We emailed Steve and Bacon in Michigan to let them know we were headed to the matchup. Bacon told me to be sure and introduce myself and Jaydyn to the equipment manager of Michigan State. So, after the second game we did and Jaydyn got a sweet Michigan State puck. How cool is that to be in Alaska, have friends in Michigan, and be able to meet one of their friends here in Alaska! Jaydyn loves collecting hockey pucks from all the matches we go to, so this was pretty special for her. Thanks Ron!

We stayed with our wonderful friends in Fairbanks, Carla and Sue, who were wonderful hosts and great companions for the weekend. Jaydyn was very excited that Carla went to to the World Ice Carving Championship competition with us. This competition is really amazing to witness, it is a winter wonderland that is created by some of the most talented carvers in the world! Great fun for the kids and adults alike with all of the interactive carvings that are presented. I think that Carla's heart has recovered by now after riding the sled down the ice slide with Jaydyn!

While we were doing all this in the far North we were able to talk to family in Montana and get updates on wrestling, gymnastics, swimming, weather, teenage love, and a myriad of other things going on in the lower 48. It is amazing to me how we can all stay connected and informed about those that we care most about. We even got word that a good friend that we have not seen in years just made it to Alaska by hopping in his vehicle and driving from Montana. Can't wait to get together with Warren and catch up. 

Now, I know we all don't talk everyday, every month, or even every year but, I want you all to know that when I see your names on email lists, Facebook lists, phone lists or whatever else jogs my memory I am thinking about you and your families. I hope that this finds all of you in good health and good spirits having fun with all of your friends and family that you can connect with.

Justin

Yep, nightmares are made of this!

Banana putting the moves on a Carrot!

Fun!!!!!!!!!

Hellllllllllooooo!

Concentration!!!

Big smile for being so scared!

 

Nook!

Not completely true, but close enough! More like 44 years ago.

As the month of March moves on, those of us that are lucky enough to live here in Alaska start getting outdoors a whole lot more. The days are getting much longer and the sun is high enough in the sky during the day that it actually provides some warmth when it is up. Yesterday, I was able to get out during one of those sunny days and do what I love, click the shutter button!

I think the final count on moose yesterday ended up being 14. I saw a few on my way to Healy with Jeni in the morning, a few while running the dogs, and a couple near the house. They are huge critters that amaze me every time I see them. They survive deep snow, subzero temps for weeks on end, and avoid wolves and bears. Some folks think they are ugly with their long legs and big noses, they call them names such as bog trotters and bell noses, and after all this we wonder why they are cranky sometimes when confronted! We would all be cranky too if we were cold, hungry, and being made fun all the time. I on the other hand can not imagine the Alaska landscape without moose hanging around and think they are beautiful majestic animals. I have enjoyed viewing and hunting moose my entire life. Granted the Shiras moose in Montana is a much smaller version than the Alaskan moose found up North here. The difference in size between the two would be liking comparing a quarter horse from the Kentucky Derby to a Clydesdale from the Budweiser wagon. They all are just big whether your in Montana or Alaska. So, next time your out and about in the outdoors and see a bog trotter take a moment and enjoy!

In just a couple short years this cute little guy will be sporting a 50 to 60 inch rack!

Mama keeping her eye on me.

Feeding on a wind swept slope near Healy.

One more thing that moose have to avoid! OUCH!

 

The last great race is underway once again here in Alaska! I love following the Iditarod every year to see what the strategies will be and who will make it all the way to Nome. The excitement and buzz in Anchorage is infectious and you can't help but, get caught up in it. The best part for me by far is watching all the people that show up for this event in the last frontier. You can follow the Iditarod at http://iditarod.com/ it really is great fun and for all of you that are reading from Montana you can follow Jessie Royer from Darby, MT. 

Grandma Mason was able to join us this year for the start in Anchorage. Jaydyn loves having her here and is attached to her at the hip pretty much all day, everyday. Grandma wasn't off the airplane for more than a couple of hours and Jaydyn insisted they go swimming at the hotel. She is always asking to play babies, barbies or doctor with grandma, since she is a willing participant. It is great fun and we are glad she is here so, we can go create more memories and have some fun.

There was a lot to do in Anchorage while we were there and I tried to shoot some photos of things we were doing during the past two weeks. I hope you enjoy some of the photos of the events I captured these past couple of weeks. 

Worn Out!

Teddy Bear that is to big to bring home!

Sitting by the penalty box has its perks!

Snow Fun!

Trouble!

Hanging with Grandma.

If the roles were reversed! Scary!

Iditarod Start! Reminds me of St. Pats in Butte, MT without the corn beef and cabbage.

Getting ready to run a long, long ways!

Love!

Lets Go!

It is the start of the Iditarod not duck season! 

This plane was donated to the University of Anchorage for there aviation program.

Alaska Aircraft Museum

I wish this plane could talk and tell of all the adventures it saw in helping settle Alaska!