My Alaska trip in pictures

[jimnyc]

This is my Alaska adventure. I have a shit ton of pictures and I'll do my best in uploading them as quick as possible. I think there's nearly 5gig worth though.

We went to "L5" and the red hat you see me wearing in many pictures was my new hat that Rick had made for folks visiting L5. My hat was a wall decoration with another blue one, until my fat head showed up!!

L5 is just heaven, 25 miles up the Talkeetna River from the launch. I read an article yesterday where they stated that the river is "impassible" after about 10 miles - but not when you have Rick riding the Duckworth! I couldn't even tell what was shallow and what was deep. And she was less than a foot in some areas! But not once did Rick hit bottom, VERY impressive! That's years and years of experience on a river that even the guides don't mess with, due to it's speed I suppose and what it could do if you EFF up!

We started here, just leaving the boat launch and that's the Alaska Railroad tracks

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[jimnyc]

Going to the cabin, with Rick, myself, Patrick & Teddy onboard - and all of the things we all packed. She was fully loaded and HEAVY, in the rain!

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[jimnyc]

This is Psycho, aka Riley aka Muffins. She sure knows how to get comfy!

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[jimnyc]

I know I've seen dogs before, but couldn't help myself, just LOVE all them little buggers!! This was Odin, this is Patrick's dog, and also a very smart one! He was using blanks to send a scented duck way ion the air and land somewhere in the river, and Odin brought it back each and every time.

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[jimnyc]

This is Frost aka Noodles. She is simply beautiful. She is older and her better days behind her, but she is a love bug, and follows Rick and Sharon everywhere!!

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[jimnyc]

So the first morning I woke up on NY time and everyone else slept a few more hours. I figured, COOL, time to go cruising the quad!! So I remembered what I was told and I went and found the creek. This is where you go to get fresh water. While there with 4 of us a day later, Cass was overwatching us with a rifle. That's when Rick told me that it was an area to be on alert, where you can maybe see a bear. That was the last time I adventured into the woods by myself!!

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[jimnyc]

Cruising up the Talkeetna on a much brighter day. Just non-stop beauty at every turn.

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[jimnyc]

On the shores of the Talkeetna. I think this is where we saw something red stuck in the shallow trees. I watched the boat while Rick went to retrieve. I was praying it was a bank bag. Rick was hoping for a .44, but turned out to be a lifejacket. But hell, was a nice one for free!!

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[jimnyc]

Looking across the river where we stopped.

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[jimnyc]

While Rick was gone, Riley protected me by biting back the bad water!! :)

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[jimnyc]

There were a few times where I got scared for no reason. Riley would walk all the way out and the current would start to yank on her, but she would either easily walk back or swim it. This dog has no fear at all!

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[jimnyc]

After you park the boat, you get to have fun riding a 4 wheeler back to the cabin. This is somewhere right after getting on the 4wheeler, not far from the cabin at all.

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[jimnyc]

We went downstream on day 2 to pickup Sharon as she worked one more day. This is back to the launch and the Alaska Railroad.

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[jimnyc]

This is Rick and Sharon in the boat. I was up on the hill with the anchor, having absolutely no clue what I was doing and just praying the boat didn't float away.

Sharon had that awesome smile the entire trip, even when cooking and cleaning!! Folks like that, the fun and smiles were contagious! :)

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[jimnyc]

There she is, my first sighting of Mt. McKinley. Man that was one hell of a view. Rick made a special trip for me to where the tourists go.

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[jimnyc]

McKinley

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[jimnyc]

All the tourists from the cruise ships stop there to take photos.

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[jimnyc]

The Alaska Railroad

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[jimnyc]

Upload some more in a bit, need a coffee break. :)

[jimnyc]

Alaska Railroad

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[jimnyc]

So Rick drove me through downtown Talkeetna, tourist central. I didn't get out and buy a 100 dollar t-shirt, so relax on Jim. :) Actually, I wanted to stop somewhere in town for souvenirs, but Rick saved me from myself!

So the next bunch of pictures are all of the downtown area, and I guess each individual place will speak for themselves.

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[jimnyc]

Downtown, Talkeetna, Alaska

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[jimnyc]

Downtown, Talkeetna, Alaska

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[jimnyc]

Downtown, Talkeetna, Alaska

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[jimnyc]

This is where you would schedule a crazy plain ride, which I would imagine would be absolutely fantastic. :)

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We went and filled up the gas jugs that would later kill me, and making our way back to the boat launch and back to the cabin.

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[jimnyc]

The boat launch pay area, where a psychotic looking nice old man came out before he realized it was Rick.

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[jimnyc]

Look at that MASSIVE nest off to the left of the photo. This is my first photos of Momma Eagle protecting her nest. The pics suck. But she flew out and did a full circle around the boat and checking us out, then back to the huge nest.

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[jimnyc]

Eagles Nest

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[jimnyc]

This is the small trout I caught on my first catch, not even enough for dog food. :(

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[jimnyc]

Some real ugly guy taking lame selfies on the boat!!

https://s4.postimg.org/5ffuwy5e1/20170706_125140.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/5ffuwy5e1/)

[jimnyc]

Rick out where that lost "red" object was.

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Rick's sweet boat!!!

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[jimnyc]

Awesome scenery going up river.

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[jimnyc]

I took a shit ton of photos when that Eagle circled us, and a few came out if you look close enough. :)

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She's in the tree in some of them, but very hard to find!

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[jimnyc]

Another friend I made, a little Alaskan froggy!

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[jimnyc]

A few more beauty shots up the Talkeetna!

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[jimnyc]

More to follow.... only on July 6th still...

[Abbey Marie]

Another friend I made, a little Alaskan froggy!

http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10346&stc=1

Hey Russ it's a frog. Want to kill it?

[jimnyc]

This is Cassi and Teddy, the couple that were also at the cabin. She seemed to be about 125lbs soaking wet. She's a badass and I didn't want to get my ass kicked. 8 years in the military and muscle from head to toe. She caught the first King while there, like a 50 pounder! She was "the sniper" that carried the long guns while we went to the creek and fishing. One time, getting out about 10 feet in water to the boat, she leaned forward and gave me a piggy back ride to the boat. A grown man I'm supposed to be, and she carried me and tossed me on the bow of the boat like nothing. I felt like an out of shape fat slob. :( But another great couple. They also were very kind and nice to me for the duration, and treated me as if they knew me all along.

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[jimnyc]

This is Master Rick. Going through the canyon rapids with walls on both sides of you, and he cruised through as if it were no big deal at all.

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[jimnyc]

And of course, the highlight of my trip, 10 minutes after dropping a huge trout like a dumbass.

I'm told this is a rare fish, a White King Salmon which Sharon recognized very quickly upon slicing and dicing it. Apparently very expensive on the market.

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[jimnyc]

A few "evening" shots. This is about as dark as she got I think. This was right after fishing, and it was pretty dang late!! How awesome is that, that you can fish at night!!

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[jimnyc]

This was my future cabin. LOL This guy has this old cabin right on the water. Also had a huge stash of lumber - right on the water. I would imagine that both that stash and lumber are going to be downstream and a beaver house before long!

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[jimnyc]

All of my new doggy friends inside the cabin!!

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[jimnyc]

A couple shots of Psycho under the table nibbling on Sharon's leg. Look at that smile! :laugh:

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[jimnyc]

The cliff face across from where I caught my salmon, Disappointment Creek.

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Rick's awesome boat tied down and anchored down at Disappointment Creek

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The woman of the week and her awesome smile. Now I know why Rick made this one his wife. Everything about her is just great! But for me, she taught me a ton of stuff on how to survive. She was as sweet as can be. And she made me the best food and the hugest portions!! Just had a blast hanging with Sharon!!

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[jimnyc]

More of the crazy psycho muffin man named Riley!

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[Kathianne]

The Alaska Railroad

http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10288&stc=1

That is too cool! Remember when my brother was here and we took the train tour? Those old trains are from The Alaskan Railroad! NightTrain if you visit your mom, we'll have to take that tour!

[jimnyc]

I woke up at like 0 dark 30 while everyone slept. This time I just sat on a tree stump right outside the cabin in front of the river with a nice cup of java. Man, I could get used to waking up like this daily!!

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[jimnyc]

All right in front of the cabin, heaven on earth!!

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[jimnyc]

Now here we are, Welcome to "L5". I'll just call her the heaven home on earth. If you want to know exactly how they came up with L5, I'll let Rick better explain. But that's her name, and they have a telephone pole full of names to prove it!! And now it has my name too. :)

This is on the deck overlooking the river

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A little to the right, getting the Kawasaki 4wheeler in the shot along with the 3wheeler.

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[jimnyc]

A couple of sunrise photos. The sun was blaring in the background but I guess my phone somehow corrects the 'circle' of the sun. Not bad shots overall though. Again, just outside on the river in front of the cabin.

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[jimnyc]

The 'ol L5 telephone pole. Not sure why, but this I thought was great.

(I'll come around later and rotate any pics that are sideways)

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[jimnyc]

This is her in all of her glory - L5 - what a fantastic job Rick and family did. It's a cabin, and it IS roughing it, unlike the camping I did growing up. But hell, the greatest cabin ever, a full shed, a massive addition going up in the back and even someone was kind enough to build me a sauna on one side. Rick has her perfectly wired for the generator and mega batteries in serial and what not to keep a charge going.

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[jimnyc]

Not sure where the hell I am here. I think I may be on the back of the 4wheeler, taking a few shots while backwards on the way to the cabin?

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[Kathianne]

This is her in all of her glory - L5 - what a fantastic job Rick and family did. It's a cabin, and it IS roughing it, unlike the camping I did growing up. But hell, the greatest cabin ever, a full shed, a massive addition going up in the back and even someone was kind enough to build me a sauna on one side. Rick has her perfectly wired for the generator and mega batteries in serial and what not to keep a charge going.

http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10387&stc=1

http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10388&stc=1 NightTrain, that is sure one fine cabin! You built it yourself, right?

[jimnyc]

A couple more shots down on the water in front of the cabin

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[jimnyc]

This is where Rick built a shed on the side of the cabin. And off to the left there, you see the actual Headquarters of the DNC!!!

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[jimnyc]

My fat ugly mug looking tired in front of the cabin

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[jimnyc]

This is some aviation place off the highway, with a plane that was so awesome it was able to land in just the right spot! ;)

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[jimnyc]

Rick may have to help identify some areas for anyone asking questions. SO MANY beautiful shots of mountains, TONS of them at every turn. And I got them all! LOL This, I believe, is the views right in Wasilla.

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[jimnyc]

A couple of shots at (Lake Lucille?) testing my memory on that one. I do remember where we were though, as my dream woman is directly across the lake in that photo - that's Sarah and Todd Palin's home off in the distance. :)

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[jimnyc]

Heading out to the glacier, I think? Just beautiful scenery!! I think this might be off the "Matanuska"? Then again, maybe the beginning of Hatcher's Pass?

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[jimnyc]

Yeah, I think this is the beginning of Hatcher's Pass. But much of the time I had no clue where I was until Rick told me. I didn't know which direction was what since I got off the plane. :)

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[Abbey Marie]

This is where Rick built a shed on the side of the cabin. And off to the left there, you see the actual Headquarters of the DNC!!!

http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10393&stc=1


:laugh2:

[jimnyc]

Hatcher's Pass

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[Kathianne]

I know I'm being redundant, but the beauty is just awesome!

[jimnyc]

Hatcher's Pass... There's one photo there with Sharon near the water. Must have hit a wrong button as I somehow turned her blue!! LOL

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[jimnyc]

Gonna take a break. 3 -4 hours of uploading making me tired. Will upload the rest later. :)

[NightTrain]

@NightTrain (http://www.debatepolicy.com/member.php?u=89), that is sure one fine cabin! You built it yourself, right?

Thanks!

It's a collaborative effort by many friends over the years, but yeah... we started building it in '91. There's 32 telephone poles sunk a minimum of 4' down to hardpack gravel for the foundations, and I dug all but one of them back in the day. The gravel is compacted from when the glacier moved through long ago, and digging through it is amazingly tough - I had to beat it with a 5' long steel Spud Bar to loosen it up to get a post-hole digger to do any good. Then the new shop has 12 more that we'll tie into the existing foundation spread (and I didn't dig even one of them - yay me!), making it all that much stronger against floods, earthquakes and the like.

Some friends helped put the roof on, another batch helped build the Kitchen, another batch helped with the Sauna, others for the bedroom, various sections of deck, etc. But we always had fun, even when working our asses off.

Over the years I'd estimate there's been at least 100 different people that came up and helped on one project or another. But of the original crew of the 3 of us, one is passed on and the other is retired in Seattle now and can't come up very often due to medical issues.

[NightTrain]

Not sure where the hell I am here. I think I may be on the back of the 4wheeler, taking a few shots while backwards on the way to the cabin?

http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10389&stc=1

http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10390&stc=1


Yeah, that's halfway down the beach from L5 to where we park the boat - see the beaten 4-wheeler trail in the rocks there? It's kind of faint, but it's there.

[NightTrain]

That is too cool! Remember when my brother was here and we took the train tour? Those old trains are from The Alaskan Railroad! @NightTrain (http://www.debatepolicy.com/member.php?u=89) if you visit your mom, we'll have to take that tour!

Sounds good... especially since I'm officially Banned For Life from the Alaska Railroad!

Long story short : Stupid Boss didn't contact the railroad for a survey job & sent me out to do it on snowmachine, Railroad Shut Down, Pissed Off Railroad Cop, Homey Almost Went To Jail, Lifetime Ban.

[Abbey Marie]

Sounds good... especially since I'm officially Banned For Life from the Alaska Railroad!

Long story short : Stupid Boss didn't contact the railroad for a survey job & sent me out to do it on snowmachine, Railroad Shut Down, Pissed Off Railroad Cop, Homey Almost Went To Jail, Lifetime Ban.


You single-handedly shut down the railroad?!

[jimnyc]

Sounds good... especially since I'm officially Banned For Life from the Alaska Railroad!

Long story short : Stupid Boss didn't contact the railroad for a survey job & sent me out to do it on snowmachine, Railroad Shut Down, Pissed Off Railroad Cop, Homey Almost Went To Jail, Lifetime Ban.


You single-handedly shut down the railroad?!

I laughed for about an hour while I was told the story. Rick banned from Alaska Railroad!! Some funny shit right there!

[jimnyc]

Mountain scenery through Hatcher's Pass

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[jimnyc]

Heading into the clouds through Hatcher's Pass

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[Kathianne]

Sounds good... especially since I'm officially Banned For Life from the Alaska Railroad!

Long story short : Stupid Boss didn't contact the railroad for a survey job & sent me out to do it on snowmachine, Railroad Shut Down, Pissed Off Railroad Cop, Homey Almost Went To Jail, Lifetime Ban.

We'll do it, you can pretend you're home! LOL! I love it, 'banned for life!' :laugh2:

[jimnyc]

Getting closer and closer to the Summit, and was getting colder and colder!

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[Kathianne]

Getting closer and closer to the Summit, and was getting colder and colder!

http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10451&stc=1

http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10452&stc=1

http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10453&stc=1

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http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10455&stc=1

I'm sure it's more drastic with how high the mountains are in AK, but now you know what I mean about heading to Flagstaff or Prescott when it gets too hot here. 6-9k elevations are much cooler than 3k. ;)

[Kathianne]

I'm sure it's more drastic with how high the mountains are in AK, but now you know what I mean about heading to Flagstaff or Prescott when it gets too hot here. 6-9k elevations are much cooler than 3k. ;)

That last picture sort of makes me want to sing, "The Sound of Music!"

[jimnyc]

The dirt on the mountain is an OLD mine WAY up there. It was apparently blasted and built many many moons ago, by guys with donkeys and bare hands!! But I'm guessing the gold haul made it worth it.

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[jimnyc]

Hatcher's Pass mountains - and then another old mine in the distance.

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[jimnyc]

Touching the clouds through Hatcher's Pass

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[Kathianne]

Jim, I'm so enjoying this mini-travelogue. I think I mentioned that my brother, Jim, became fascinated with the mining history of this area. It really was fascinating.

[jimnyc]

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What beauty way up in the mountains!!

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[jimnyc]

We've reached the summit!! And look, we found an ugly looking sasquatch at the top!!

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[jimnyc]

On our way down now... and another mine, they were all over the place.

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[jimnyc]

Was 59 degrees down below

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[jimnyc]

Snowmobile crossing!! Not many of those signs around here!

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Now this shot was pure luck, even if you can't make it out. Believe it or not, Sharon spotted a wolverine on the side of the road. I hopped out not even knowing what I was trying to get a picture of. Little bastard took off and this is the best I could get. Rick found some pictures online and you can tell it was the same bugger!

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[jimnyc]

Heading out of Hatcher's pass. And I think the rapids are the Little Susitna River?

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[Kathianne]

Was 59 degrees down below

http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10495&stc=1

Did you mention the temp at the summit? If so, I missed it.

[Kathianne]

Did you mention the temp at the summit? If so, I missed it.

Ok, my ability to see the small shots has proven me a nutter. LOL! Not that drastic, I was expecting more like 20's or 30's!

[jimnyc]

This first photo is at Sharon's Mom's home. Her brother has a wooden eagle in the brush. I went up close to get a photo. Not sure why, but this thing gave me the heebie jeebies, I think it carries a curse!

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[jimnyc]

Did you mention the temp at the summit? If so, I missed it.

That is it at 46 degrees, and then it was 59 when we got back to the bottom.

[Kathianne]

That is it at 46 degrees, and then it was 59 when we got back to the bottom.

You'll see I corrected my stupidity a bit ago. You are doing fantastic at getting these all up!

[jimnyc]

Lost again! LOL I think maybe on the Alaska Highway? And then some good 'ol drinking "Alaska Glacier water". This stuff was some real nasty rapids!!

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[jimnyc]

You'll see I corrected my stupidity a bit ago. You are doing fantastic at getting these all up!

Gonna take dinner break!! Hopefully get the rest up later. :)

[Kathianne]

This first photo is at Sharon's Mom's home. Her brother has a wooden eagle in the brush. I went up close to get a photo. Not sure why, but this thing gave me the heebie jeebies, I think it carries a curse!

The pics just keep getting better and better! I love that carving, does Sharon know who did it?

[jimnyc]

The pics just keep getting better and better! I love that carving, does Sharon know who did it?

Hmmmm, good question. I just know she pointed it out as I told her that I love all the carvings. I never thought of asking who made it.

[NightTrain]

The pics just keep getting better and better! I love that carving, does Sharon know who did it?


Hmmmm, good question. I just know she pointed it out as I told her that I love all the carvings. I never thought of asking who made it.

Her other brother, who you didn't meet, Jim, carved that years ago.

[NightTrain]

You single-handedly shut down the railroad?!

Yeah, all north and southbound traffic on the railroad was shut down. The other guy and I were discussing how odd it was that we hadn't seen any trains all day, shrugged and kept working. A few hours later my coworker called down to me out on the snowmachine that "there's some stupid hippie hiking down the railroad tracks! What an idiot!". We laughed - who can explain what a hippie does?

Turns out it was a railroad cop sent out from Anchorage and he'd been hiking in nipple-deep snow in his office loafers to get to us. And he was mighty cold, wet and pissed by the time he reached us.

I could tell he wanted to shoot us - but we were just a couple of working guys doing what the boss assigned us, we didn't have any part in the failure to coordinate with the railroad! He was going to arrest us, but cooled off and just gave us a lifetime ban on railroad property. I was glad to get it, the alternative was much worse.

[Kathianne]

Her other brother, who you didn't meet, Jim, carved that years ago.

It's wonderful, is that something he does for a living? A real artist!

[Abbey Marie]

Yeah, all north and southbound traffic on the railroad was shut down. The other guy and I were discussing how odd it was that we hadn't seen any trains all day, shrugged and kept working. A few hours later my coworker called down to me out on the snowmachine that "there's some stupid hippie hiking down the railroad tracks! What an idiot!". We laughed - who can explain what a hippie does?

Turns out it was a railroad cop sent out from Anchorage and he'd been hiking in nipple-deep snow in his office loafers to get to us. And he was mighty cold, wet and pissed by the time he reached us.

I could tell he wanted to shoot us - but we were just a couple of working guys doing what the boss assigned us, we didn't have any part in the failure to coordinate with the railroad! He was going to arrest us, but cooled off and just gave us a lifetime ban on railroad property. I was glad to get it, the alternative was much worse.


Nipple deep in loafers! :laugh:

That still seems like a pretty severe punishment to me! Your boss should be the one who is banned. Want me to draft a letter to the appropriate office to get that overturned?

[Kathianne]

Nipple deep in loafers! :laugh:

That still seems like a pretty severe punishment to me! Your boss should be the one who is banned. Want me to draft a letter to the appropriate office to get that overturned?

I agree, you too should sharpen up those skills! ;)

[NT'sGirl]

This first photo is at Sharon's Mom's home. Her brother has a wooden eagle in the brush. I went up close to get a photo. Not sure why, but this thing gave me the heebie jeebies, I think it carries a curse!

http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10508&stc=1





It is cursed it was actually supposed to be a present for my dad from his friend in the Adirondacks but my brother had been carrying it around for years and his bad juju infected it. After my dad passed my brother claimed it again.... it has progressively moved farther and farther from the house.

[NT'sGirl]

Her other brother, who you didn't meet, Jim, carved that years ago.


NOPE he does not have that skill it is from a family friend in upstate NY

[Kathianne]

It is cursed it was actually supposed to be a present for my dad from his friend in the Adirondacks but my brother had been carrying it around for years and his bad juju infected it. After my dad passed my brother claimed it again.... it has progressively moved farther and farther from the house.

It is beautiful, I hope the curse finds a new home!

[NT'sGirl]

It is beautiful, I hope the curse finds a new home!


I hope one day my brother can heal, he has some deep rooted anger issues. The crack in it goes from the head to the heart, when my brother heals the bird will be freed from its curse.

I thought it was interesting that Jim picked up on the vibe. All I said was it is my brothers. Speaks volumes to me that he did.

[Kathianne]

I hope one day my brother can heal, he has some deep rooted anger issues. The crack in it goes from the head to the heart, when my brother heals the bird will be freed from its curse.

I thought it was interesting that Jim picked up on the vibe. All I said was it is my brothers. Speaks volumes to me that he did.

Yeah, he does have a deep, sensitive side, maybe that explains why it's so hard to get him to smile. ;) He's a keeper in the friend department, even if he can drive a saint, (me for instance), to an occasional hair pulling. :laugh2:

[jimnyc]

It is cursed it was actually supposed to be a present for my dad from his friend in the Adirondacks but my brother had been carrying it around for years and his bad juju infected it. After my dad passed my brother claimed it again.... it has progressively moved farther and farther from the house.

I don't know what it was, because I LOVE eagles and LOVE wood carvings as you saw. And this one was beautiful. But when I was up close taking that picture, I just got that vibe like "don't dare get closer or touch me, I will kill you" type of vibe. So I listened and backed off!!

[jimnyc]

It is beautiful, I hope the curse finds a new home!

Don't say that, it may have came back to NY with me!! It's got plenty of roam in Alaska to roam and not bug anyone! LOL

[jimnyc]

I hope one day my brother can heal, he has some deep rooted anger issues. The crack in it goes from the head to the heart, when my brother heals the bird will be freed from its curse.

I thought it was interesting that Jim picked up on the vibe. All I said was it is my brothers. Speaks volumes to me that he did.

I only met Paul, and he was very quiet. But I can tell he was a nice fella. You just know these things. And your Mom? Special woman!! When she started showing me around and showing me some artifacts, and then broke out the albums.... loved her!!! Like I said then, I could probably go through a few pots of coffee with her and just listen to her all day long! :)

[jimnyc]

Yeah, he does have a deep, sensitive side, maybe that explains why it's so hard to get him to smile. ;) He's a keeper in the friend department, even if he can drive a saint, (me for instance), to an occasional hair pulling. :laugh2:

Hey, I smile, just not for people and certainly not for cameras!

AS I told Rick, and referenced "Seinfeld" in the episode where Kramer smoked too many cigars - "Don't look at me, I'm hideous!" LOL

But I always wore the heart on the sleeve and was the first to hide and cry and get angry... yup, very emotional, but I tend to let the anger out easily and hide the softer side. Dunno why, just grew up and into that I suppose.

But you HAVE to smile when in Alaska, when with Rick and Sharon, just too much fun and happiness over there!

[jimnyc]

Ok, lets get some more of my dream vacation up here again!!

Rick will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think we're still going along the Matanuska River here?

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[jimnyc]

10521

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[jimnyc]

This was another special moment for me. I know you all saw the video already... we came across my first moose sighting AND she had a baby with her!! This was just too awesome for me - and Abbey!! :)

How depressing, and now I'm thrilled that those videos came out decent. I have like 15 pictures of the moose, seeing these for the first time myself, and all of the others just look like a brown blur. :(

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[jimnyc]

10526

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[jimnyc]

10531

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[jimnyc]

I forget the name of the highway. But we were along her and the water for quite a ways. I believe this whole last beautiful set was all along going to the Matanuska Glacier. I was so busy snapping photos of every mountain view, that I didn't pay attention to direction or road signs!

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[jimnyc]

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[jimnyc]

So this was my first trip into the Iditarod Museum. I didn't feel bad about going back a second time. This time, the doggies were tucked away, so we only went inside to visit the museum this go round.

A good thing Sharon was with me. I wanted to buy everything and anything that had a Husky on it!! I settle on a coffee mug, shot glass & a stuffed little doggy. :)

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[jimnyc]

I know there are some pictures that may seem boring to some, but I wanted to grab as many as possible, so that hjmick could get the best glimpse possible. A special feeling inside if you're a dog lover! :)

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[jimnyc]

There's Rick and a VERY impressive statue. Sucker is like 6-7 feet long, maybe longer, with all of the sled and dogs. Simply beautiful up close!

10557

Another from a better angle...

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[NightTrain]

I forget the name of the highway. But we were along her and the water for quite a ways. I believe this whole last beautiful set was all along going to the Matanuska Glacier. I was so busy snapping photos of every mountain view, that I didn't pay attention to direction or road signs!

Alaska Highway, heading East toward the Canadian Border. Roughly 250 miles from the border.

[jimnyc]

Still at the Iditarod Museum

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[jimnyc]

Just ignore the reflection of the ugly fat guy

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[jimnyc]

This was just across the street from the museum. This guys property - I can imagine when the lots get overloaded, and there are RV's and buses everywhere in the tourist areas - probably kept parking on his property. I got a sneaky suspicion some of them played the "No Habla Ingles" crap, so he got that covered!! :laugh:

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[jimnyc]

I think they saw that the fat NY guy was dwindling away. so Sharon and Rick tried to fatten me up a bit. First up was dinner. I never had Halibut before, but this won't be the last. Sharon made the Halibut, and homemade fries, and Jim was in heaven!! That was some of the best fish I ever had, and I'm not a huge fish eater. But man oh man was it good, and Rick kept loading my plate, and I was always taught to finish my plate. I finally gave up and Rick was like "I was just messing with ya, was wondering when you would tell me to stop!

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And then it was sleep time with a full belly. And then just when she recovered, and I got up in the morning, this was my breakfast!! Before you ask what was in it, just ask what WASN'T in it!! Man this was the best breakfast I ever had in my life!

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[jimnyc]

These were my buddies.

Frost is the VERY large Shepherd. She was old and graceful. BEAUTIFUL. She duped me a few times for rides though. I carried her out of the car, then was told she could do it just fine. Later, she was in the yard, which comes back up a set of stairs on the deck. I carried her up and she is HEAVY! Of course I was told she could do that too. But she was out front, and needed to come up the stairs to the living room - so she whined. I went down, went to lift her and she gave me a polite little grumble. Since she could eat me, I left that one alone. :)

10575

And then we have Milo. He was the coolest. He sat with me wherever I went, and was in the bed every night before I was even tired. And he didn't think of budging if I needed more room. And then when I used the facilities, Riley would magically appear and steal my spot. And also, NO budging at all. I didn't mind in the slightest to share!

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Then Psycho!! I renamed her from Riley to Psycho, as this dog has no fear at all. 17mph river? Nah, I'll give it a whirl! I came close to jumping in the water a few times! I was scared and she was fearless. The water, into the unknown in the woods, off the back of a 49mph moving boat, playing with wood - but what a great dog!

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[jimnyc]

How would you like this? This is damn Rick's backyard!! I was sitting on the back deck and shot this one.

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[jimnyc]

And it's not just their dogs that were so smart - the dang cat knows how to ride a snow machine!!

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[jimnyc]

We were heading back to the Iditarod Museum the next day. It's like 5 minutes away. This is the views if you go ANYWHERE where Rick lives in Wasilla. Need smokes? This is what you get to see. Grocery shopping? This is what you see!!

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[jimnyc]

Me having a blast with the puppies!! "Theft" was on my mind throughout!!

Damn, all sideways. I'll be back around to fix, or strain your neck in the meantime! LOL

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[Kathianne]

There's Rick and a VERY impressive statue. Sucker is like 6-7 feet long, maybe longer, with all of the sled and dogs. Simply beautiful up close!

http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10557&stc=1

Another from a better angle...





http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10560&stc=1



That is gorgeous! Carved out of stone?

[jimnyc]

Go to Arby's, see this!

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[jimnyc]

That is gorgeous! Carved out of stone?

She was sure solid, not sure of the material. But absolutely stunning up close. I recall telling Rick I would love to have that sucker!

[jimnyc]

Damn, can't remember the name now. It was "Point" something if I recall? This is the close and massive mountain near Rick and Sharon. This was the beginning of my last day.

I wish I could recall the names. We went on another just beautiful highway this day. We went along this massive waterway, where the Beluga Whales would be seen. I didn't get lucky enough to see them, but damn, I can't see every last inch of Alaska in one trip. But I'll bet I saw more of it that anyone else on earth in a quick 10 days, thanks to Rick and Sharon!

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[NightTrain]

Damn, can't remember the name now. It was "Point" something if I recall? This is the close and massive mountain near Rick and Sharon.
http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10591&stc=1




Pioneer Peak.

That mountain range there is the Chugach Mountains (pronounced chew-gash).

Hatcher's Pass is in the Talkeetna Mountain range, and McKinley (or Denali) is in the Alaska Range.

[jimnyc]

Pioneer Peak.

That mountain range there is the Chugach Mountains (pronounced chew-gash).

Hatcher's Pass is in the Talkeetna Mountain range, and McKinley (or Denali) is in the Alaska Range.

Don't ever say Denali again, make me think of you know who. :(

I had the "P" right in the mountain at least! :)

[NightTrain]

We went on another just beautiful highway this day. We went along this massive waterway, where the Beluga Whales would be seen.


The highway South of Anchorage is the Seward Highway, named for William Seward - Lincoln's Secretary of State who purchased Alaska from the Russians.

The body of water along the Seward Highway is Cook Inlet / Turnagain Arm named after the famous explorer, Captain James Cook. While exploring Turnagain Arm, they initially thought it was a huge river and after frustratingly turning the ships again and again, they dubbed it 'Turnagain Arm'.

[jimnyc]

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[jimnyc]

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[jimnyc]

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[jimnyc]

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[Kathianne]

Jim, I'm thinking you might want to grab another trip to get the dog, bet the wife might go this time! It's all so, SO!

[jimnyc]

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Some place on the highway, and Rick's arm! LOL

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[jimnyc]

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The Alaska Railroad again!

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[jimnyc]

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[jimnyc]

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[jimnyc]

Now some truly fun stuff, a rare treat this was! This was the "Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center". This one I know I got right as I saved the entry receipt as a souvenir! :)

Some Moosies! :)

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[jimnyc]

Porcupine?

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Musk Ox

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[jimnyc]

Santa's Reindeer Elk again! :laugh:

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Awwwwwww, just a lazy deer!

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Musk Ox from a distance

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A brown bear off in the distance

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[jimnyc]

More of the Brown Bear

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[NightTrain]

Porcupine?

http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10633&stc=1

Yep.

I've noticed about half of all dogs will develop a hatred for Porcupines after getting a few hundred quills slapped into their snout, and they'll do it again and again, every chance they get.

The other half stays the hell away from them after one brutal lesson involving needle nose pliers, a cursing owner and an hour of sheer hell.

[jimnyc]

It was a little windy, and this Eagle was just chillin on this tree, I did the best I could!

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DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMMMMMM MNNNNN The rest are blurry. :(

[jimnyc]

Here's where I nearly fell over in excitement about the monstrous Grizzly bear! At times, no lie, this sucker was 10 feet from me. Then when he walked by, it was more like 5 feet away!!

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[jimnyc]

Dang, that's some big 'ol bears!!

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Wheeew, forgot I got more of the eagle!

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[jimnyc]

Back to the massive Grizzly!

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[jimnyc]

This is the informational board, I was taking this picture when the monster grizzly just appeared out of nowhere behind it and I nearly crapped my shorts. The video in the other thread was like 2 seconds after this photo!

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[jimnyc]

Perhaps Caribou this time? Man I suck!

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I think this is where the birds were, and a spectacular view!!

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[jimnyc]

Will need Rick's help with this one. Lazy little things in the background - maybe Bison?

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[jimnyc]

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Just another great view!

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[jimnyc]

Now we're at the beautiful white wolves area!

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[jimnyc]

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Now onward to the Black Bear!!

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[jimnyc]

These shots are simply the best!!

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[jimnyc]

Now I'm lost and suck again!! Reindeer or Elk or Caribou? LOL

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[NightTrain]

Perhaps Caribou this time? Man I suck!

http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10664&stc=1


Elk. Similar to Caribou, but the dark necks & heads with a lighter colored body give them away.

[jimnyc]

Back on the highway and the awesome views again!

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[NightTrain]

Now I'm lost and suck again!! Reindeer or Elk or Caribou? LOL

http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10688&stc=1

Caribou. :laugh:

[jimnyc]

I think here we're in the rich area and also near some world famous ski slopes that for the life of me I can't recall that name either!!

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[jimnyc]

Caribou. :laugh:

This was nearing the end of the trip, and Jim was getting more and more tired. Hell, didn't we even sleep on the way back. Oh yes we did, that's right, proof of that too coming before long! LOL

[jimnyc]

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This is the ski lift that brings you up a massive mountain. This sure as hell wasn't the Pocono's or Mount Vernon, NJ!!!

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5 star hotel at the resort (I believe I heard it calling my name for a future trip!!)

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Bunny Trail, still bigger than Mt. Vernon!!

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[jimnyc]

Just a "little" cabin you can rent at the bottom of the slopes. So close you could ski right to the front steps I'm sure.

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Scenery from the slopes out to the highway

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Back on highway I believe

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[NightTrain]

Alyeska Resort.

[jimnyc]

Some last scenery shots on the way back to Sharon and Rick's home.

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[jimnyc]

We stopped at Cabela's on the way home. I know they're around, but I've never been in one before. They had a stuffed EVERYTHING there, not to mention a massive fish tank filled with salmon and trout!!

Some HUGE moose!

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This is just a monstrous display of SO many stuffed animals that reside in Alaska. Thanks to Sharon and Rick, I saw the majority of them!!

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[jimnyc]

That's it, all that was after that was my video of leaving DFW and then arriving in NYC. Dallas blows of course. :) And EFF NY after that trip, it sucks here now. :(

But you all got to see pictures of most of what I was lucky enough to experience. There are a couple hundred photos I didn't post. Most are duplicates are extremely similar, so that I ensured I got some decent photos. And of course, while in Talkeetna, some things stay in Talkeetna. Fun was had by all. Jim had more fun. This was a bucket list trip for me. And then while on said trip, 30 other buckets got knocked off the list.

Had I just had fun I would have been thrilled. Then all I wanted was to catch a fish, and I caught the little trout, but then I caught my record fish!

I would have been happy with the one Eagle I saw, but then ended up seeing man many of them. I LOVE our national bird and can't get enough of her!

The moose snuck up on me on the highway and I was smiling from ear to ear and giggling like a retarded monkey when they backed up to let me see the moose!!

The grizzly. Well hell, anyone else get within 5 feet without getting eaten by one? One hell of a feeling when you're that close to a killer!

The rides to anywhere and so much beautiful scenery. The boat rides up and down the river had me laughing, worried, smiling and having a blast! The 4wheeler rides, even if only 2-3 minute rides, just so much fun.

Rick put my ass to work and I hope I wasn't lazy and helped enough, it ain't no joke roughing it so far away. But they were gentle, explained everything to me and I think were probably just nice to the NY'er at times.

I was nervous when I found out another couple would be there, and then some crazy forestry guy. But everyone was amazing and so dang friendly. I couldn't get enough of literally just sitting in front of the cabin and enjoying the experience.

And then of course Sharon and Rick. Treated me as if I were family. Demanding I get the seat in the boat (Sharon refused on like 300 different occasions. Same with in any of the vehicles. They wanted to show me Alaska, wanted to ensure I got to see all of her beauty and fun. I was treated like an ugly King that was on vacation from NY. Even their Doggies treated me special.

So it was one hell of a 10 days! As stated before, forever grateful and will forever be cherished. They may live this life and maybe even get used to it a little, but for me it was an Alaskan Adventure and time like no ever.

Sharon. Rick. I know I said this many times already. But I sure wish there were a way to repay you guys. Coming to NY won't cut it, as after seeing all of that I would feel bad pushing NY on you guys!! LOL Not sure if you guys know just how happy you made me!! You guys rock!!!

[jimnyc]

Btw, I forgot, I'm not done yet!!

Rick is giving me all of the photos that him and Sharon took, including a few videos! Once I rotate a few, I'll post that as well!

[Abbey Marie]

This was just across the street from the museum. This guys property - I can imagine when the lots get overloaded, and there are RV's and buses everywhere in the tourist areas - probably kept parking on his property. I got a sneaky suspicion some of them played the "No Habla Ingles" crap, so he got that covered!! :laugh:

http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10570&stc=1

http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10571&stc=1

That would be me. I love that doormat that says "Go Away".

[Abbey Marie]

How would you like this? This is damn Rick's backyard!! I was sitting on the back deck and shot this one.

http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10580&stc=1

How would I like this? I'd love it!

Every year when we get home on our 10 hour trip from Maine, I feel like it's just dirty where we live. You didn't drive home, but did you get that same feeling?

[Abbey Marie]

Just a "little" cabin you can rent at the bottom of the slopes. So close you could ski right to the front steps I'm sure.

http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10704&stc=1

http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10705&stc=1

Scenery from the slopes out to the highway

http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10706&stc=1

Back on highway I believe

http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10707&stc=1

http://www.debatepolicy.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10708&stc=1

The mountain in the 4th & 5th pixs is gorgeous.

[jimnyc]

How would I like this? I'd love it!

Every year when we get home on our 10 hour trip from Maine, I feel like it's just dirty where we live. You didn't drive home, but did you get that same feeling?

Don't even get me started. I feel like I live among filth now. :( Everyone is an ahole too, and they deserve and have earned that title. I don't know if it's coming back from Alaska, or I woke up on the wrong side of the bed, but I'm in a foul mood - and "I" think it's because everyone around here are aholes. I felt like slapping a few people at the grocery store. :( :(

[Abbey Marie]

Don't even get me started. I feel like I live among filth now. :( Everyone is an ahole too, and they deserve and have earned that title. I don't know if it's coming back from Alaska, or I woke up on the wrong side of the bed, but I'm in a foul mood - and "I" think it's because everyone around here are aholes. I felt like slapping a few people at the grocery store. :( :(

No, it's not you. I get more and more down the closer we get to home. Maine is full of forests and lakes and wildlife. Home - cars everywhere, dirt in the curbs, crappy people. The air evens feels dirty. Some of the reasons we are planning to move to New Hampshire. And why I felt that Rick lives the way we were meant to live. Trees, water, wildlife and clean air. And maybe most of all, not wall to wall people.

ETA: cool air!

[aboutime]

No, it's not you. I get more and more down the closer we get to home. Maine is full of forests and lakes and wildlife. Home - cars everywhere, dirt in the curbs, crappy people. The air evens feels dirty. Some of the reasons we are planning to move to New Hampshire. And why I felt that Rick lives the way we were meant to live. Trees, water, wildlife and clean air. And maybe most of all, not wall to wall people.

ETA: cool air!


I agree with Abbey jim. It's not you. The entire country has become a WORLD FULL OF A HOLES, and Being here is like being the last tube of PREPARATION H, and the Tube is empty.
So many people just do what they want, ignore rules, laws, and being kind to one-another is a thing of the past for Most. You got a feeling of what life should be like, and I can't blame you for feeling like you do. Sad thing is...It's gonna get worse.