March 24th
– March 30th 2014
We had “normal work week” - well, J. had her orientation at the
hospital and it was every work day more less between 8 – 5.
Mornings were really cold and unpleasant. Afternoons had sunshine and
were nice and pretty and enjoyable (still somewhat cold). We had to
do more practical stuff – get settled, completely unpacked, more
groceries – again, normal boring stuff. Quiet evening by fire (we
have real fireplace) on Friday. As far as I can remember we did not
do anything special during those work days.
Snow is slowly melting (even we were told that there will be one or
two more snow storms before summer). Mornings are cold (about 15 –
20 degrees), afternoons are warmer (35 – 39 degrees). However, we
saw quite a few people who are walking around in shorts (and some
type of jacket). But, one day while driving I saw a guy in the park
walking in shorts and t-shirts. In general, however, it is like
anywhere else, people are wearing normal winter clothes.
Saturday … there was 17th annual gathering on
Southcentral Foundation of Native people
https://www.southcentralfoundation.com/
in one of the Anchorage's convention centers. Stage, some art and
craft stands, and many organizations and initiatives run by SCF.
Music and dance by one of the tribes. It was interesting experience.
The top of the building had a terrace with some impressive mountains
views. A lot of activities showcased during the fair were affiliated
with Alaska Native Hospital (J.'s work place). After leaving the
fair, we walked through the downtown (quite small one), we got to the
sound's parks (and main trail: Tony Knowles), some nice views, snowy
and icy walk, Alaska railroad, Ulu (traditional knifes)
http://www.theulufactory.com/,
and Ship Creek where in summer people can fish for salmon. Back to
the town, main street, mostly souvenir shops, nothing really special.
We found (by some people in Phoenix) recommended restaurant/bar
Humpy's. It was late afternoon and we were hungry so we went in and
had fish and chips (pretty good ones). Back to the car. Drive by
Eastern European Deli and store (mostly Russian stuff) –
interesting but nothing really for me. Home. Cold is making us kind
of tired and slower (or at least it feels like that). When relaxing
after getting home, we saw on television that there was some type of
even at Alaska ZOO for Earth Hour. Looked it up.
http://www.earthhour.org/
Around eight o'clock we were at the Zoo. There were some people. We
listened to a short presentation and walked through the Zoo after
that. It was interesting, cold, and mostly enjoyable. When sun was
down, it got darker (still fine) but also colder (not so fine). There
was supposed to be something with polar bears by 9:30 pm but we were
too cold to wait for that so we went home. Fun day.
Sunday … cold morning (surprisingly). Slowly planning the trip home
– it will be middle of summer and accommodation will be limited. We
even booked the Alaska ferry for part of the trip. By midday or so we
drove north to the Thunderbird Falls in Chugach State Park.
http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/chugach/
Melting snow is showing gray ground and bunch of garbage all over the
place – it is kind of sad look. About half an hour drive, nice
views of the mountains around Anchorage. Mile long trail to the
waterfalls. There were some people enjoying the nature. Mostly packed
snow, few sport had sheet of ice on the ground. Viewing platform, the
path down and all the way to the fall. Mostly frozen, therefore
offering very different view of the fall. There was a small segment
in the middle that was exposed, also part of the creek was not frozen
so we could see water flow. Amazing picture. While catching sunshine
we were fine, in shadow it was quite cold. We drove through (bedroom
community) Eagle River (nothing there) and then home. Quiet evening.
Our first full week in Alaska. We also have a date when we will be at
home: July 10th 2014 (at 3:38 pm).
