The Pipeline Skate Park

These kids get a skateboard less from an experienced rider.

The Pipeline Skate Park reopened Saturday with a bang. The event was complete with a D.J., food, free lessons, and demonstrations. Some of the improvements include the completion of new ramps, resurfacing of the old ramps, installation of security cameras, walls primed white to cover the vandalism, which destroyed the murals, and a security gate. The “Friends of the Pipeline Skate Park”, a newly formed group, are hoping to change the park’s bad reputation and make it a safer place for people (including children) to skate. This summer the group plans to paint a new mural to brighten up the facility. The Pipeline’s new hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sun thru Thurs. and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fri. and Sat.

Parking Garage

Coogan Construction employees are working hard to complete the new parking garage, for the downtown transportation center, on the corner of Egan Drive and Main Street. The center will not only provide more parking, but it will also house a bus station complete with waiting rooms, public restrooms, lockers, vendors, and a police substation. Weather pending it could be completed by this summer.

Jason Sabin (pictured above) works on constructing a concrete form.

Harris Harbor

A thick layer of fog blanketed Juneau this morning. As I searched for something interesting to photograph, I decided to stop at Harris Harbor to look at boats. Much to my surprise was the name of one particular boat. Do you see it?

Skis

This incredible sculpture is located out North Douglas Highway.

Airport Dike Trail

Today is the first fog free morning in over five days, so I took a walk out to the Mendenhall Wetlands to see how the construction is coming along the airport dike trail. The trail will remain closed until March 27, however, it is open to the public on Sundays.

Common Merganser

The Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) is the largest of the mergansers. They can be seen year around in southeast Alaska. This particular one along is a female. She along with another female and a male (not pictured) followed the shore dining on small fish.

A look across the Mendenhall Wetlands

I apologize for not posting lately. A flu bug bit me Monday evening and I'm still recovering. I took this photo last week. It's too foggy out today to see much of anything.

Feels like Spring

Since El Nino is pushing the colder weather south, it’s feeling like spring here in Juneau.

Native Youth Olympics

Scott May and Joe Yates demonstrate the Stick Pull at the Native Youth Olympic Celebration Friday evening at the Mendenhall River Elementary School. The Stick Pull is a game of strength. It requires individuals to have strong hand, back, and legs strength. Students from Auke Bay, Mendenhall River, and Riverbend Elementary participated in the event.

Morning Walk

It was a bit chilly this morning, but I couldn't let it stop me from getting out and taking a walk.

If you would like to see more Sky Watch photos from around the world, just click on the link.

Carving Shop

The Carving Shop is a wood working shop located at the Gastineau Human Services half way house. The facility provides residence a place to learn new skills and express themselves through their art. In 2004, they had an art exhibit and sale, which I hear was incredible. Wouldn’t it be great if they had one every year?

Mendenhall River

The Mendenhall River is a glacial fed river. The color of the green, milky water is due to the glacial silt. The water level is much higher during the summer months making it nearly impossible to walk the shore.

Morning Walk

This morning after I dropped our daughter off at school, I went for a walk along Mendenhall Lake. The unusually warm weather that we are receiving has made the ice unstable. Last year at this time the lake was froze over and people were out on the lake cross-country skiing, walking their dogs, and hiking. Romeo, the lone black wolf, was also a common sight. Unfortunately, no one has seen him since September.

Last night we received a light dusting of snow, so I thought I would check out some of Romeo’s old stomping grounds for any sign of him. I’m sad to report there were no paw prints. His whereabouts still remain a mystery.

Auke Bay

I took a stroll down to Auke Bay this morning. It’s hard to believe its wintertime. I miss seeing the snow this time of year.

Mendenhall Towers

A few breaks in the clouds Sunday afternoon were a refreshing change to the overcast and rain. It felt like spring, but the reality is spring doesn’t coming to these parts until April or May.

Persevering

After much time away from my camera and many grueling hours of physical therapy, I've decided to get back to sharing Juneau with everyone. Physically, it's been a very difficult year, but so worth every step. I'll never be a 100%, but I'm okay with that. As long as I continue to persevere and do the best I can that's all that matters.


I will try to post a daily photo, emphasis on try. With the good days come the bad so your patience is appreciated. I look forward to our adventures.

Gwyn