Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Bus Stop View...

Not too shabby. Neither is the fact that it is currently nearing 10pm and it's still perfectly light out. Confusing. Kind of like walking through snow in shorts. I like it. 

Monday, May 30, 2011

Sunny, Snowy, "Summer" Day

Inspired by blue skies, delicious pancakes and a day off, my roommates and I headed to the trailhead right around the corner from our apartment. It was high 60s (really hot for Juneau folks) and we were working up a sweat, and then all of the sudden..SNOW! Lots of it. Our last leg was knee deep (if you fell through) in icy coldness...but it felt great. There is something confusing about being in shorts and a sleeveless shirt while walking in a winter wonderland. 
We took a breather to soak up some more sun on the boardwalk on the way down. Our hike was followed by a lovely dinner with a bunch of sun kissed friends. A testament to the fact that sunshine is always taken advantage of around here. 

Catchin' Some Rays

Juneau Style. Life is good. 

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Straight Chillin.

Just an average Sunday night at 301 Cordova Heights. Dog ears, aviators and homemade pizza. mmm mmm good. 

Bluegrass Music.

Reason number 488 why I don't want to leave Juneau, Alaska. 

Friday, May 27, 2011

Evening Stroll

There was lots of sunshine left after work today, so we took advantage! Can you spot my roommate, Cathleen, in the brush? She was going for the camouflage look but I don't think it worked. 

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Mountain Women

3 of my best friends from 4,000 miles away. An overcast day and an empty forest. The side of a mountain and an unmaintained trail. scrambling rocks and sliding down ledges. giant carrots and lots of chocolate. ice caves and a glacier. 
Perfect way to end "Spring Break, Juneau." 

Blessed, Grateful & Exhausted.

I didn't think that I could love Juneau, Alaska any more; and then these 3 clowns came into town. It was such a treat to watch them react to and experience this community and environment. Since they know me better than I know myself sometimes, they helped me to process what this experience has meant to me. They also understand why I cry more now. Our time was spent hiking, eating, laughing, crying and talking excessively about he aforementioned things. We wore "outdoor gear" for a week straight and showered only when necessary. To say we had fun would be an extreme understatement. I am so blessed to have them in my life and so grateful for their 4,000 mile trek. Now I'm ready for a nap :)

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Guest Blogger...Lauren Waldt

A post by Waldt (I might not get on the plane)...

"It's those damn mountains, they make me so emotional."
 Now I am sure for those of you who are reading this, it may seem like a funny way to start a blog post but this quote has been a running tag-line for our trip. I even got a little emotional the other day during our morning ritual, and for those of you who know me a little better, know that me getting emotional doesn't happen very often or very easily. Anyway, as has been previously described, Juneau is truly one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Every single view is breathtaking, from the view that's in front of you to the view that you left behind. It is truly awe-inspiring and evokes emotions from within that you didn't even know were possible.  This trip has been unbelievable and absolutely amazing and I encourage everyone take an adventure sometime soon and savor the experience!

Now it's time for the fun part....On Friday, we hiked Mt. Roberts Trail, which literally means that we hiked up the side of a mountain. As you can tell, it was pretty steep. As we got closer to the top, we ran into a few feet of snow, even though it's the middle of May. We were still hot and sweaty from our strenuous hike, hence the reason for no jackets or other winter gear. At the very top was the tram that all the tourists pay to ride up. Since we are true Alaskan women now and hiked up the mountain, we only took the tram down with a few extra goodies from the gift shop. 

On Sunday, we went sea-kayaking on the beach near where we are staying. We only have before pics because in case we tipped over, Nicole advised us that it would be best to not have our cameras with us (Luckily, we stayed afloat the whole time lol). However, we did see an Orca whale/dolphin (that's still up for debate about which is the correct mammal classification) swim by only 50 yards from us! Water spayed out of it's blowhole and the it's tail came up at the very end. The four of us were in awe and it was definitely one of the best moments of the trip!

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Guest Blogger..Maeve Rafferty

A post by Maeve (just visiting too, although I'd be lying if I didn't think about moving here)

It's another peaceful morning in Juneau.
Our mornings seem to have a sort of ritual or tradition to them.  
Nicole is first to wake (of course) and I stumble downstairs a few hours after, 
 with few words and eyes fixed on the coffee pot.
Dre tells stories & makes us breakfast.  Today was breakfast burritos, made with leftovers from dinner the night before.  
Waldt wakes to our chatter and noise in the kitchen.
I could get used to these mornings.

As Dre so eloquently wrote, Alaska invites you to slow down.  
From the moment we arrived I have felt a call to be still.  
A call to be quiet and just listen.  
When I choose to be quiet and listen, I begin to hear more in the silence.
The air smells better here- 
somehow all the elements of nature fuse together to make one, fresh aroma.
I remember taking my first deep breath in and feeling clean, 
feeling as though I just inhaled all of earths beauty. 
 Feeling as though I wanted more of it.
I wish I could take a little bit of it home with me in a jar to keep 
and share with others when I get back.
We enjoyed an afternoon in Nicole's office for lunch, 
and were lucky enough to meet the amazing women she works with.  
After lunch we found a fellow Duke and made sure to take a photo 
proudly holding our JAC cards,  before saying goodbye.


Each day we explore a new trail and I am in awe of the view.  
Each way I turn welcomes something powerful, 
something overwhelmingly beautiful that it is almost intimidating.  
I have fallen in love with hiking- the rocks and soft dirt trail, the infinite challenge, your heart racing and endorphins bursting, the views-beautiful views over and over again, the trees, making it to the top - 
can I do this everyday?
Alaska has reminded me that nature deserves my full attention, 
being outdoors and dirty is way more fun, 
our bodies are designed to move, 
taking time to smell the roses or mountains and glaciers is a priority, 
coffee in the morning with amazing friends should be savored 
 and finding adventure in each new day is possible.                                  

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Guest Blogger...Andrea Mellonakos

A post by Dre (Don't worry- I didn't move here, I am just visiting!)

Alaska is remarkable. 

I love words. I love writing and finding the most perfect way I know how to describe something. (And if you know me, I think you know that it isn't usually a problem for me to find something (anything) to say) But Alaska has left me with no words to properly justify how freeing, refreshing, and necessary it is to feel small. The mountains are surrounding us, the air is crisp and different, and the pace of life is slow.

 Every time I turn around, the view is better than the last. Our time here has been so life-giving and restoring. It's hard to describe. In Alaska I've felt so small that's made me emotional (well, more emotional), thankful, and energized. Like I said, it's hard to describe so I will stop trying to find a way to describe it. This place and the feeling it evokes in me has been a gift. I've been pleasantly surprised. I'm in awe of the natural canvas we are given as a backdrop on which to paint our lives. 

So. I encourage you to go get dirty. There is a lot to see out there. I'm glad I was reminded this week that we are a small piece to a big, wonderful, beautiful puzzle. 

I am reminded of a Kerouac quote I simply love. 

"Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life."

Here are some photos from the first two days of our adventure. We visited a glacier, did some hiking, and enjoyed the warm sunshine! 

Monday, May 16, 2011

Excited!!!

Beautiful day in Juneau. Ready for the arrival of 3 of my favorite people in the world TOMORROW! 

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Sweet Life, Sitka

I'm back! This past week consisted of a quick trip up to Anchorage for a ceremony and then to Sitka, Alaska to celebrate Americorps week! Our adventure consisted of blue skies, rooftop sunsets,  a service project, bananagrams, trainings, humpback whales, bald eagles, hiking, beach bonfires, row boats, ferry rides, totem poles and more. Here are some highlights captured on film. 

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Shopping Spree!

Pictured below is 1 of 2 carts we filled buying summer toys as an end of the year gift for Head Start families to encourage them to get outdoors this summer. Now that's my kind of shopping!
Off on some adventures to Anchorage & Sitka. See ya Sunday! 

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Happy Mothers' Day!

A special shout-out to my favorite dancing queen, phone machine, bananagrams champ and best friend a girl could ask for. 

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Mickey Mouse Is Here!

Tourist season in Juneau has begun. The first cruse ship came in yesterday and Disney Cruise is in today! Downtown is hustling and bustling and the grocery store is open 2 hours later! Wild. 

An Afternoon Well Spent