Friday, June 26, 2009
Fantasy Cruises
Norma and Robert Schafer
Alaska, June 2009
There are no words in the English language, or perhaps any other, to convey the beauty and majesty of The Great Land any better than these stunningly beautiful photographs shared by Norma and Robert Schafer, chosen from the more than 1000 they took. Norma and Robert have just returned from a small ship adventure to Alaska with Captain Jeff Behrens and his crew, aboard the Island Spirit.
A backdrop better than any on Broadway, for Johnnie's impromptu concert aboard the Island Spirit.
Friday, March 13, 2009
JoAnn and Doug Solberg's Iditarod Adventure - 2009
The Ceremonial Start banner on Fourth Avenue in Anchorage where it all begins.
JoAnn gets the adventure off to a flying start by getting this great shot with Iditarod legend DeeDee Jonrowe.
A special visit with Vern Halter at Dream a Dream Dog Farm starts off with a presentaiton and this great shot with Vern.
After the presentation the real fun begins with Doug riding the runners.
Doug, looking like a real pro.
Now it is JoAnn's turn to go for a ride. Notice her escort. That is one of Vern and Susan's pets.
Finally!!! Doug and JoAnn at the REAL Iditarod start on Willow Lake.
JoAnn looking like a local.
Back home in Washington state, JoAnn picks up her "kids" from "camp" where they have enjoyed their stay but were really glad to see their "mom" and "dad" home again. Time to start planning for next year!
(All photos courtesy of JoAnn and Doug Solberg.)
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Whale of a Tail...er, Tale!!!
Joe and Jane Carney recently returned from a wonderful Holland America cruise tour to Alaska with a whale of a tale to tell about their visit with some friendly and curious sea creatures.
A humpback tail.
Humpback near the boat.
Three Orchas checking out the tourists.
Everybody get in line now...Thursday, July 24, 2008
Ernest and Karen Matson Enjoying Alaska and the Yukon on a Holland America Cruise/Tour - 2008
Ernie and Karen at Bove Island.
"Larger that Life"...indeed!!!
One in Canada and the other in the US at the international boundary.
Visiting the Alaska PipelineOh my! Where to go next?
Karen visits with the "Alaksa state bird"...the mosquito!
Early spring in Alaska still shows some ice on the river.
Karen visits with the "Alaksa state bird"...the mosquito!
Early spring in Alaska still shows some ice on the river.Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Three Friends in Alaska
In late June, three friends, Pat Brighton, Ann Marinoni and Judy Webb, set out on a unique Alaskan experience designed especially for them. They arrived in Anchorage and then drove south along Turnigan Arm to Seward where they saw the first humpback whales of the season arriving.
Journeying onward to the Kenai peninsula, they visited friends in Sterling and Clam Gulch and spent some time in scenic Homer.
An Alaska Railroad trip north to the old mining town of Talkeetna and a visit to Wasilla to attend the 2009 Iditarod sign-up and volunteer picnic rounded out their adventure.
Pat has generously shared these beautiful pictures from their unique Alaskan experience.
Journeying onward to the Kenai peninsula, they visited friends in Sterling and Clam Gulch and spent some time in scenic Homer.
An Alaska Railroad trip north to the old mining town of Talkeetna and a visit to Wasilla to attend the 2009 Iditarod sign-up and volunteer picnic rounded out their adventure.
Pat has generously shared these beautiful pictures from their unique Alaskan experience.
Enjoy!
Nice catch displayed at the small boar harbor in Seward
Scene from along the Sterling Highway near Clam Gulch
Moose are everywhere in Alaska. This one is set beautifully in its element.
Homer spit with the mountains in the backround from the hillside above the bay
Pat visits with her old friend Per Osmar
Pat poses with Iditarod champion Jeff King at the 2009 Iditarod Sign-Up Picnic
No trip to Alaska is complete without at least one puppy cuddle
Riding with a team at the kennel of Iditarod champion Mitch Seavey
The three adventurers pose with Hobo Jim after his show
In summer Alaska is adorned with hundreds of fabulous hanging baskets of flowers
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Iditarod 2008 - Photo Book by Elena Healey
Photo by Pat Schue Elena has compiled a beautiful collection of visual memories from Iditarod 2008 that she has generously offered to share. If you have ever experienced the Iditarod in person, or just have the experience on your "wish" list, you will enjoy this wonderful collection.
The Iditarod is a truly unique Alaskan experience. Enjoy!
http://www.shutterfly.com/action/sharedproject/1CbuWrlwyYsMC/project/view
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Not Your Average Cabin In The Woods
Aspen Hollow - My cabin on the right
When I headed south toward Kasilof that Monday morning I could never have imagined the wonderful experience that awaited me at the cabin in the woods that I had rented from Evy and Paul Gebhardt (You may recognize Paul as the runner up to Lance in last year's Iditarod.). The slogan they use, "Not your average cabin in the woods" could not have been more fitting for what I found when I arrived.
I had a kitchenette, a cute little table and chairs, a sofa for stretching out on to watch my satellite TV. (I don't even have this at home!) I had a comfy lounger, a huge log bed with luxurious linens, and hot, hot water. Outside I had a small chest freezer (for the big catch) and a Weber kettle to cook it on.For me, however, the best feature of all was the doggie surround sound that eminated from the dog yard when Paul hooked up the team to go for a run or when it was feeding time. There is another Iditarod kennel a few driveways away that provided the full circle of sound. "Pick me, pick me!" "Over here, over here!" I love the dogs.
Evy and Paul's cabins are perfectly situated for day trips all over the Kenai. They are about 80 miles from Homer and very close to the Kasilof river and to Cook Inlet for some great fishing. Soldotna and the Kenai River are only about 40 miles away, and Kenai, with it's old town section, is only about 30 miles further. There is a beach a few miles further north where you can spend the day searching for agates. A day trip to Cooper Landing for some fishing in the Russian River or a trail ride at Alaska Horsemen is easily accomplished as well.
If you would rather just stay at "home" there are two hot tubs, a fire pit and wireless Internet available for your use. Perhaps you will get a visit from mama moose and her calf, or from one of Paul's pheasants as you sit and enjoy the evening light.
If you are looking for a real Alaskan experience at a not at all ordinary cabin in the woods you should check out Evy and Paul Gebhardt's cabins at Aspen Hollow. http://www.aspenhollowlodging.com/default.asp
