We Made It

We made it out to the island after a very uneventful (but beautiful) flight. Last night was a frenzy of exploration and unpacking, with a warm welcome from the community in the form of a potluck.

So much to write about, but for now, I'll share some pictures.

Our first glimpse of islands... not actually our island, but some neighbors.

I'm pretty sure this is Kasatochi Island, a volcanic island that erupted in 2008, and is currently inactive. It is very close to us. Another neighboring volcano, Little Sitkin, is on eruption watch this weekend.

Our new home! The pile of stuff outside is about a quarter of what we brought. Most of our totes and other shipments-- including the husband's dipnet and fishing poles-- have arrived, though I am waiting on one more tote. I am extra anxious about it, because it has a jug of maple syrup... hoping it hasn't gotten knocked around too much.

After we got our bags into the house, we went for a walk up towards the beach. I'm excited to show you more pictures of the island soon. Above is the old landfill, which is quite nicely covered over now (though I imagine still off limits). Below is one of the beaches, with gorgeous soft sand and gentle, but very cold, waves.

 
On our way back, we saw the plane taking off. It was quite a feeling to watch it fly away, knowing that it won't be back until Sunday at the earliest. We're here, and we're not leaving anytime soon.

Goodbye Anchorage (Maybe?)

Looks like our flight is going to take off as planned, so it's farewell to Anchorage until December.

Last night we went up to the Glen Alps trailhead and out to the overlook at dusk (around 10 o'clock, the days are still long up here!)

It was a gorgeous night, and the whole city was laid out in front of us-- a city of almost 300,000, bounded by mountains and the sea, in the shadow of Susitna and, far away, Denali.

Anchorage is where we first lived together, where we got engaged, where he deployed from and redeployed to. It's where we've gone to school, taught in schools, and worked crazy odd jobs to make ends meet. It's where we've found communities of faith, political action, outdoors endeavors, and historical preservation. Someday, it's where we hope to put down roots.

We'll certainly miss it, and its conveniences (things like banks, Target, even Olive Garden!) But it's time to face forward and lean into this new adventure.

Goodbye, Anchorage. See you on the flipside.

Silver Linings / State Fair

The flight delay led to the opportunity to spend a day at the Alaska State Fair, and also gives us time to tie up some loose ends. I am thankful.

Quite a backdrop, eh?

Ferris Wheel

The cabbages (and everything else) are actually kind of small this year, due to a cold summer.

This beauty weighed in at 771.5 pounds (and won for best looking pumpkin). The overall weight winner was 900-something.

It was such a gorgeous day. High sixties and sunny.

Another kind of rat race.

Hello cow.

Hello rabbit.

Prize-winning wild berries.