Until Next Time

The Holland America Line cruise ship Volendam docks at the Alaska Steamship Dock while a Wings of Alaska floatplane departs nearby.

I apologize for my absence. We've had family visiting from out of town. Unfortunately my mother, who is visiting needed to be taken by ambulance to the ER Monday evening. After multiple tests, the doctors believe she may have cancer in her brain. So, I'm flying out with her tomorrow. I'm not sure how long I will be away or when I'll be able to post again. Until next time, enjoy your day - you never know what tomorrow may bring.

Rafters

Rafters making their way down the Mendenhall River.

Sky Watch

The last couple days of sunshine have brought people out of the woodwork to soak up some Vitamin D and enjoy the outdoors. To celebrate the sunshine and cool off, I treated the kids to ice cream cones. While they enjoyed their treat, we looked for Mountain Goats above Juneau and watched the clouds. Ahhh

Visit Sky Watch Friday to see more amazing sky related photos from around the world

Juneau Youth Sailing

Juneau Youth Sailing (JYS) students practice their skills Thursday in Gastineau Channel.

Black Bear

We went for an early morning stroll near Mendenhall Glacier and spotted a Black Bear stopping at Steep Creek for a morning drink.

Streaming Water

My son and I went for a walk this afternoon after we dropped my daughter off at work. There was a fine mist of rain falling, but we were perfectly dry under the trees. We stopped at this waterfall so I could rest and of course I couldn’t resist taking out the old camera. The large, leafed plant swooping over the stream, and along the bank, are called Devil’s Club (Oplopanax horridum). They have horrible thorns along their steams and stocks. I would have much rather sat and watch the water tumble over the rocks than continue on exploring the Devil’s Club laden forest where my son wanted to explore. It’s awful when you grab whatever you can find to keep from falling and feel tiny, small thorns penetrating your palm(s).

Fourth of July Parade

The liquid sunshine didn’t keep us from enjoying this year’s 4th of July parade. The Ali-taptap Filipino Cultural Dancers (pictured here) presented another dynamic show for us. They often take home top honors and this year was no exception. They received 1st place for Most Patriotic and 1st Place for Best Musical Group. The Filipino Community gives so much to Juneau and is a wonderful example of our culture diversity.

Independence Day

Since rain and low clouds postponed the fireworks last night to possibly tonight (11:59p.m.), I dug around in my file from last year’s photos to find some sparkles. I’m not sure I’ll be staying up tonight since I’m not a night owl (and my back has really been bothering me) plus our daughter has to be to work early in the morning, and ma’s taxi service must be functioning. Happy Independence Day!


P.S. I apologize for my absence I’ve been recovering from our kid’s birthdays, which are both near the end of June, mountain biking, and out-of-town family visiting. Boy, am I feeling it. Calgone take me away!