80 Meese + snow = Winter in Alaska

I took Wrigley for a run yesterday along the Chester Creek Trail. About 10 minutes into his run and my being pulled along behind him we rounded a corner and BAM! there was a bull moose (no. 80) blocking our path! He'd already lost the rack off his right side (so I didn't feel like I could tell him he has a nice rack, something I've been waiting to do for a long time), but still looked intimidating! Wrigley didn't notice Bullwinkle right away, but as soon as he did he clearly didn't know what to make of him. This was his first moose sighting - he's got a lot of catching up to do! Wrigs half growled and barked, and then started to pull on the leash as though he was going to show this moose who's boss, but then he decided he'd better sniff the leaves and behave like a dog instead. Eventually Bullwinkle moved out of our way and we were able to continue our little trot. Then today Wrigley experienced another first: snow. He seems to dig the snow and likes slipping around on icy patches while chasing a tennis ball. Wonder what tomorrow will bring...

Alaska State Fair

Ron, Val, Brent and I went to the Alaska State Fair while it was still "summer"... just got some pics. In addition to a 1,019 lb pumpkin, there was this prize winning 4.7 lb carrot and 73.4 lb cabbage...that's farmer Brent there with the cabbage. Looks like he's gearing up for next year's competition. :)

And what's a state fair without a little ferris wheel action? Here Ron and I are enjoying a few spins of the wheel after we stopped by the demolition derby, "rat race" betting table, a crazy hippie selling things you can apparently buy at any hardware store for 1/3 of the cost, and Hobo Jim's performance at the Sluice Box (no yodeling, bummer). I wish I'd taken some photos of the backdrop to the fair. Palmer, the host city, is surrounded by jagged mountains. Needless to say, the setting was MUCH more impressive than the Illinois State Fair in Springfield (sorry Mom and Dad).

By the way, the moose count is up to 78 - I've seen 7 "meese" in the last week in my neighborhood! Bet they're looking for that cabbage...

Ready to Hit the Trail Again

After some good sleep, Wrigs was ready to go again the next morning. Here he is annoying the heck out of Siku, who was already unhappy because he wasn't into carrying his own pack. You can see Wrigley's slow growing hair on his back leg (the surgery leg) in the bottom photo. I'm just a touch biased, but isn't he cute?!

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Here is Ron with the yellow dogs after our trip to the Cabin. Think they're zonked?!

Resurrection Trail/Fox Creek Cabin

So here we are at the Fox Creek Cabin. As in we, I mean Ron, Tom, Jen, Siku, Lady Lou, Dakota, Wrigley, and myself (WHEW!). These photos were taken after a grueling mountain bike ride from the Hope side of Resurrection Trail about 12 miles to the Fox Creek Cabin. The ride wouldn't have been so tough had we not had to slog through thick mud. B.L.E.C.K. I wish I'd taken a picture of my bike, that's it on the left on the first pic, because it was oozing with mud, grass, and chunks of who knows what. Also, I should clarify that the ride was tough only for yours truly. Tom and Jen, along with Tom's dogs, hiked into the cabin. Ron, Dakota and Wrigley made the trip look like a leisurely stroll down a paved bike path. Don't let my smile fool you. So that left moi all alone in the deep mud, also deep in bear country. I was lucky to make it through a muddy section without being either kicked off my bike (proper pedals and shoes are ordered and on their way, yipee!) or burying my back tire in enough mud that I had to get off the bike and wade through the rest of the section. Needless to say, I was getting frustrated, very frustrated. Thank goodness no one was around to witness it...let's just say that I almost broke into the stash of Crown I was carrying in my backpack. But, as my third grade teacher used to say, I turned my frown upside down, glanced around at the breathtaking scenery (maybe not the best idea since my breath was already taken for most of the ride), and finally made my way to the cabin.