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.