Nikon

When life gets blurry adjust your focus.

Say hello to the newest arrival to the Bennett house.

Snow Caves

Brian & I ventured back out to the snow caves below Byron Glacier to get some fresh air before settling down for the afternoon to watch some football. These caves are ever evolving and changing. Thankfully they're less than 2 hours away and accessible for frequent afternoon adventures.

Merry Christmas

Wishing you sparkle, wishing you cheer, for a bright Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

xoxo,
Brian, Holly, Bosco & Bucket

Give Thanks

P.s. Only 100 days until Iditarod.

Oops!

...I did it again.

I played with your heart, got lost in the game
Oh baby, baby
Oops!... you think I'm

Whoah!

Sorry there. I got caught up in the 90's and forgot that I was trying to update the 'ole bloggaro.

Anywho... I broke yet another phone. Yes, that makes 4 phones in the last 23 months, BUT technically I didn't break it, the salt water in the touch tank at the Alaska Sealife Center broke it. I was merely the vessel that put it there. The point? Oh, yeah, well I once again have a new phone with no contacts. Hit me up soon and don't be mad when I ask who the heck it is.

Seward

The snow started progressing down the mountains in early October, but since then has stalled. Other than the occasional dusting, Anchorage and the surrounding low-lying areas have managed to steer clear of most winter weather. Although I'd much rather have snow right now, I'm not about to let clear roads go unused.

Neither myself, nor my friend Shieka have had the opportunity to travel to the city of Seward, AK yet. Our husbands work together and were gone this week on a mission, so we took the opportunity to travel together while the husbands were away.

Not knowing what to expect on our journey, we hit the road early. The drive is absolutely stunning and made the three hour trek seem like an easy 45 minute commute.

Once in Seward we headed straight for the Alaskan SeaLife Center for a little fish action. You won't get any photos from my time there since I managed to crack my LifeProof case somehow and then put my phone into the touch tank. Apparently you can dry a phone out if it's been in regular water but saltwater seems to completely erode the insides of an iPhone.

After sitting with the Stellar sea lion for about an hour, we took off to explore the town a little.

Seward was a smaller than even I was expecting, but we found a hidden dirt road tucked between the mountainside and the sea that took us out onto a peninsula jutting into the bay. Here, out of the corner of here eye, Shieka discovered the highlight of our entire trip playing in the water.

Halloweenies

Oh, hey there. Betty White & Taylor Swift just wanted to wish you a hauntingly good Halloween!

Ruff Life

Life isn't always fun and adventurous in the Bennett household. Sometimes life gets a little rough...

The White Stuff

It's official - the snow has started falling!

Therefore snowmen must be made. (then slowly eaten by Bosco)

Cat Scratch Fever

Much of our house sits unused and looks as tho no one has even moved in yet. Part of this is due to the fact that Brian & I are starting off in our marriage w/ not a lot of material possessions to our names (something I like as I consider myself a bit of a minimalist at heart) and it takes more money than we're willing to part with at the current moment to fully furnish a house this big. The other part is due to the fact that neither of us have wanted to take the time to decorate when there's so much to explore and only so many warm weather days. During some of my downtime at work I created a project folder that I'm calling 'Surviving the Darkness' and plan on using the long winter nights to make our house more of a home.

First on my list was a project that's becoming much needed as our little Bucket Cat grows - a more adult cat size appropriate cat scratch. Having never tackled any sort of project like this, I had to do quite a bit of research before tackling this project. How the heck was I to know what a mitre box was when the only reason I even own a saw is to cut down my Christmas tree come December? 

My first challenge, after picking a design and researching all the materials and knowledge needed to was finding a fence post in Anchorage. Since there aren't really many farms in Alaska there aren't many tractor supply stores either. After visiting 1 rebuild supply store, 1 feed and farm store, 2 Lowe's & 3 Home Depot's I finally found what I was looking for. 

Once home w/ all my goodies I set to work in the garage while Brian worked on his truck in there as well. It took most of the entire day, but when it was all said and done, I think I did alright. I think my Grandpap Walter, who maintained a very popular wood shop in his basement, might even be a little proud of me if he were here to see this today. 

Arctic Circle, North Pole, Home

It should not come as a surprise to anyone who knows me that I have created a bucket list strictly for Alaska. Knowing that my time here is limited has kept me in a mind frame to appreciate everyone and every adventure I come across. Knowing that we're only here for as long as the U.S. Army wants us here gives me a hunger to explore as much of the Last Frontier as I possibly can as quick as I can.

A few items on my Alaskan Bucket List were crossed off after our adventure this past weekend.

Knowing it would be our home for the weekend, the car was meticulously packed Thursday night. Brian had Friday off, but I still had to work until 6 pm Friday night. As soon as I clocked out of work, I raced home to pick up Brian & Bosco, finish a few last minute details and we were back out the door by 7. The highway was calling. Unfortunately, the weatherman's prediction of freezing rain was also coming true at the same hour we started down Hwy 1. The going was slow, but seeing as how Brian had nearly totaled the truck earlier in the day, neither of us seemed to mind the slow, but safe pace we were setting down on the pavement. (He's okay, btw, just a little banged up. Thankfully the truck isn't totaled, but she's going to need some work.) We drove until we couldn't take it anymore and pulled over from the half frozen road into one of the many pullouts on the Parks Highway. I'd converted the entire back half of the car into a bed, something Bosco was so appreciative of on our drive. Needing only a few modifications to transform from storage space to bed, we threw on some pj's and nestled down for the night. The tap tap tap of the rain on the car roof lulling us to sleep.

Although the fog & rain eliminated all of the view the night before, I was very familiar with this area and knew the mountains surrounding us were stunning. Thankfully, in the wee hours of the morning, lit only by moonlight, they presented themselves to us before we parted ways. We continued north, watching the sun rise over the mountains as we drove.

Stopping only in Fairbanks for a fill up we pressed on towards the Dalton Highway. Around the time we reached the mostly unpaved Dalton Highway, the snow was just starting to fall.

By the time we reached the Arctic Circle the winds were blowing snow in all directions. The entire reason for driving here was to strip down to only our boots and take a picture in front of the sign telling you where you're at. Why would we want to do this you ask? Well why not?! And Charlie, if you think I'm kidding about the Christmas cards you might not want to open up the one addressed from us this year.

Once fully clothed again in all our winter gear, we cranked up the Jet Boil & made a delicious meal while Bosco enjoyed his time out of the car and in the snow.

Not wanting to be stuck on this particular road in a snowstorm for the night we turned the Subaru around and headed back towards Fairbanks. The North Pole was our next destination. Even though Santa is on vacation until November, I still had to see this magical town that Christmas threw up all over. The light posts are candy canes & twinkle lights are aplenty. After snagging some dinner, we quickly toured the town via car. As quick as we came we were back on the road home. We made it as far as the entrance to Denali National Park that night & turned the car down the park road. In front of the Denali National Park sign we peacefully slept in the back of the Subaru as the lower temperatures brought the snow down around us.

In the morning we woke to a blanket of snow. I was up first & moved us a little farther down the road to enjoy some breakfast with a view of the sunrise.

I was happy to be heading home. Excited to see Bucket. To take a hot shower.  But as I looked in my rear view mirror & saw Bosco & Brian curled up together, I knew that I would just as happily keep going like this for weeks. My whole life was in that car.

This road we're headed down... I couldn't be more excited for it...

Hold on to me as we go
As we roll down this unfamiliar road
And although this wave is stringing us along
Just know you're not alone
'Cause I'm gonna make this place your home

Cattitude

In life, it's not where you go - it's who you travel with.

For the Love of Snow Boots

My goal this weekend was a simple one- to find snow. Seeing as how the snowline has slowly been making it's way down the mountains (but still hasn't actually made in into Anchorage yet) I knew I shouldn't have to go far to complete such a task.

There's a road that goes straight out one of the main gates on base and right up a mountainside to a local ski hill. It was the perfect drive to find snow Saturday evening after an afternoon of shopping to equip ourselves w/ some new winter gear (my snow boots died last season).

As always, about 5 years melted off Bosco as soon as his feet hit the snow and I was staring into the eyes of my little puppy once again. Bosco goes ga ga for snow and although I still dearly miss Missoula, he is truly loving Alaska more than either myself or Brian. I can't wait for the snow to start falling in town so I only have to go into my back yard to watch my aging dog revert back into the puppy he once was again and again.

Bird Ridge

The Steeler's were losing. To the Buccaneers! Despite still feeling worn down from a head cold this week I couldn't sit on the couch any longer and continue to watch terrible football.

I packed my Ruger and the Bosco into the Subaru & we took off for a hike just a few miles south of Anchorage.

Reed Lakes Trail

Short on time, but still wanting to get out and hit up a trail for a few miles, Bosco & I took off in the Subaru for a trailhead halfway up Hatcher Pass the week before. Despite the rainy drizzle the skies continually let loose on me (this is nothing new for Anchorage. As I've said before, it rains here. A lot.) it was a stellar decision. Fall is an amazing time to be in Alaska as the tundra is showing off her color palate like no other. Fiery oranges, deep reds, stunning golds, and a splash of green swirl and dance all over the earth in on a landscape built like no other. The valley we were heading down paralleled and even crossed over several beaver dams. It looked stunning at every angle and it made the hike seem effortless.

I was so enamored with this place that the very next weekend, even though I now was diseased with the same sickness Brian had contracted the week before, I drug my tired, loopy butt back out into this canyon so I could show my [now healthier] husband. Despite the misery I was feeling this time around, we trekked further into the canyon to be able to sit and relax next to the shores of the lower of the Reed Lakes. A storm forced us back down and out to the car before we could reach Upper Reed Lake, but we will meet again. (Although I can't say I wasn't happy to turn around with how crummy I was feeling.)

Oh, and Daddio: Bucket wanted to say Hi. She hasn't made an appearance in forever.

Hatcher Pass

Three day weekends! Woohoo! This whole no work on Monday thing is still something I'm getting used to. Oh, did I mention my job asked me to start full time in September? Well they did and I'm back in the saddle as a full time working woman. I am so thankful for the job I have as well as the co-workers and boss I have now too. They're amazing. A perk of my new hours is only working 4 day work weeks. So after Brian heads off to work for the day on Monday morning, Bosco & I usually try and get ourselves into some sort of adventure.

Some days are only filled with domestic adventures - mowing the lawn, weeding the flowers, tidying up the house, etc. This morning I woke up w/ the sun in my eyes and an itch for driving. (Sometimes I like to drive, in case you haven't noticed.) Despite having a to-do list a mile long, the need to go somewhere overtook me. So I packed a day bag, threw some clothes on and the beauceron in the car and off we went. 

I've heard a few people mention a place called Hatcher Pass in my few months here so despite the oncoming rain, we headed in that direction. Even with the overcast skies I could not have picked a better drive to soothe my restlessness. 

Up, up, up, we climbed along a winding road until we came to an old abandoned mine tucked in the mountains. Independence Mine, as I learned it was named as we strolled along the walking path, was Alaska's 2nd biggest load mine in Alaska's history. It flourished in the 1930's-1940's but many of the buildings still remain as historical and educational markers.

After fully exploring the mines many trails, we hopped back in the Subaru and finished the trek up to the top of the pass. On a clear day one should have a spectacular view of the mountains, but we had no such luck with our grey skies and intermittent rain today.

We wound our way back down the mountain opposite the way we came and finally picked the Parks Highway back up in Willow. I'm most certainly going to have to explore the top of this pass further under more favorable weather.

Mt. Baldy

I finally made it out to Eagle River to hike up the notorious Mt. Baldy. Not that ER is terribly far away or anything, but until my friend Lydia gave me the street name to get up to the trail head, I had no idea how to reach the well known peak. The skies were crystal clear on this particular day and Denali was view-able even before I stepped foot out of my car.

Sadly, as this was an impromptu adventure on a restless Sunday afternoon, I did not grab my camera or have very much charge left on my phone. It died about 1/2 way up the mountain but trust me when I say the view from the top was incredible. My camera or phone probably wouldn't have done it justice anyways.