Flying over Glacier Bay National Park was one of the highlights of our Alaska trip. This is one of the glaciers that you might see from a cruise liner - but a very different perspective.
Firsts /
George Washington, “First in War, First in Peace, First in the Hearts of his Countrymen”
and the lessor known, First to Define “Hairline Fracture.”
George Washington - Mount Rushmore
Patience /
They seem to have endless patience to wait and watch.
“I wait quietly before God,
for my victory comes from him.” Psalm 62:1 NLT
Catch /
Salmon fishermen line the banks about as thick as the salmon in the stream.
Bee Hive /
This rock formation In Banff National Park towers over Lake Agnes and is reached by a 2.5 mile hike - the view is worth every step.
End of the Trail /
We hiked from Valdez a couple of miles past the end of the road on a thin trail. It eventually ended in waist high grasses and marshy footing so we turned back. The isolation was cool and the sounds were amazing.
Poor Photo - Great Birds /
I am standing on the soggy tundra about 100 yards from these darting birds in a pouring rain with winds gusting well over 40MPH shaking my camera. But then it was warmish, nearly 40. But the birds are great, a Parasitic Jaeger and a Long-tailed Jaeger, both firsts.
Birthday Girl /
Cindy, looking lovely yet windblown as she makes her way toward a glacier across this snowfield, celebrates a birthday today.
Yet, somehow, I am the one most blessed.
Short-Billed /
But only in relation to the Long-billed Dowitcher. This Pacific variation is still in breeding plumage. They have more orange tint and spots on the breast unlike the Atlantic or the Prairie variants that are grayer for the former and more clear orange for the latter. In the reeds in Potter’s Marsh south of Anchorage.
Somewhere, not over a rainbow. /
Missing data means all I can tell you is that the photo was taken in Alaska near the Moose National Refuge.
“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:7 NLT
Over /
We were flying in a small plane back from viewing the bears at Katmai National Park as we crossed a range of mountains we saw this frozen lake in the top of Mount Douglas. We were at about 9000 feet the mountain is about 7000 if I recall correctly. It was really neat to see this extinct volcano from the top.
I have set some time aside this afternoon to get photos back on track. I hope!
iPhone photo
Model Train? /
As we were landing from our flight over Glacier Bay National Park we flew low over this railroad yard to line up for the landing. This is primarily a tourist line that goes from Skagway north toward Whitehorse in the Yukon. They also have some other cars and line maintenance. This reminded me of the days I spent on model railroads years ago.
I should be back to normal posting by tomorrow or Sunday. Thanks for your patience.
Bit of a Set Back /
I had something go awry on my laptop - my current workspace for photos, and it is off the the Apple Hospital. So, I have to get everything reset on the desktop unit over the next couple of days. I do have a few photos however the planned start to 2020 will likely be on Monday! Thanks for your patience.
Enjoy today’s selection of Key Lime Pie that we had for lunch on the porch of the Kennecott Lodge in Wrangle St- Elias National Park on the Fourth of July. Nice presentation, good pie, amazing view.
MMXX /
Need a Resolution?
Welcome to the new decade. Wherever your path may take you, make the journey joyous. In faith, the Lord will support and strengthen you each step on that journey and you can absolutely trust Him where you cannot even see the next step in the dips and valleys or over the next ridge. Set lofty goals and work hard to pursue them, the pursuit is often the reward. Try something new, learn something new and travel somewhere new this year. Renew an old friendship and forge a new one. Seek a stronger relationship with your creator, spend more time in reading scripture and mediate on what you read. Be generous. Seek to live out Jesus’ words, the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5, 6 & 7) is a good place to start.
From Paul:
“Life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.” Ephesians 1:1b-4 NLT
Photo from Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit
Last Day of the Twenty Teens /
“Stay safe out there.”
Close Up! /
Another flower that I may or may not learn the name - it is however, red.
Future /
It is hard to know what 2020 will bring, just as no one really knew how the actual events of 2019 unfolded. What we do know is that it is not without purpose.
“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.” Romans 8:18,19 NLT
Billy Beer /
Some of you are old enough to recall President Carter’s rouge brother, Billy. He ran this gas station and become the favorite of the press - and he was able to use that for his advantage. Among the many things he promoted was Billy Beer. You can still tour the station as it is part of the National Park Service’s units for Carter’s birthplace. Enjoyed the day here.
Minuteman Missile National Historic Park /
This is the entrance to the main portion of the Minuteman Missile NHP in South Dakota. The park is made up of five units spread over several miles. This station controlled several missiles in multiple silo and was part of more than 1000 such sites across the US. Not what you first think about when talking National Park Service. This was similar in feel to the Nike base we visited in the Everglades last month.
December 26th /
I hope you. had a ball at Christmas!
