Almost Camping

We almost went camping on Saturday.  We packed up, quite a lot of work for the whole family with the dogs.  Well, Jeremy did the majority of that.  We went out to Kalsin Bay where Mom and Tony and a number of their friends camp every year.  It was pouring rain.  We had a dry tent, but there was just nowhere good to go for shelter.  So after all of our raingear had failed us, even though we still had a dry tent, we decided to head home at about 9 pm.

The one exciting thing that happened involved bears and cattle.  We saw three bears upstream in the distance fishing, inland from our camp.  Our camp was along the top of the beach.  They seemed to be getting a bit closer and Tony had just cooked some steaks, so we were keeping an eye on them.  As Emmy and I went down the beach to check on the halibut Jeremy caught, we heard some commotion and realized everyone had jumped in their trucks.  Jeremy yelled to me to get Emmy in our truck, just as I saw a herd of cattle come barreling in from the side - they were chasing off the bears who had been running full speed towards our camp.   I never got to see the bears get close, but the cattle were imposing - they must have developed an instinct to chase bears off when they got too close to their grazing area.  The bears never came back that night, but there were some jumpy campers, rumor has it.

Romania Trip #2

It has been a while since I posted more photos from Romania.  Here is a nice selection.  There were so many great things to see and photos can hardly capture how subjects looked in real life, but these are some of the better ones...

Metalworking detail on an entry gate.

Outside of the house where Vlad Tepesh is rumored to have been born.

The nice lady who made the purse I got for Emmy.

Sign outside of Voronets monastary. Those wearing shorts, including men, were given long wrap skirts to wear inside the gates by the nuns.

"The Last Judgement" painting on Voronets Monastery.

Romania Trip #1

We had a great adventure in Romania! Here are some photos from Alberta's camera. I'll post more once I get mine uploaded.  Roving Romania was an awesome tour operator, and we saw so many amazing things...

On the Trans Fagarash Pass

Defense Tower at one of the Painted Monastaries

Exterior of Painted Monastary at Sucevitsa

After the long climb to Poienari Castle/Fortress (built by Vlad Tepesh)

At Bran Castle

In case you are curious how the weather is while I am in Romania...

Ben & Crystal's wedding

Our friends Ben and Crystal got married last weekend.  Jeremy officiated the ceremony. Here are a few photos from the event.

Crystal checks on their baby Ira.

Right before the ceremony. The bride wore a vintage 1960s gown.

"I do."

Our little family.

Defense

I passed!  It went very well, everyone was supportive, and it's done! Can't really elaborate because I am headed to El Chicanos to celebrate :-)

Defense

My defense is tomorrow.  I am nervous, even though I know I am prepared and it will be just fine.  I'll let you know how it goes after I am recovered!

Kodiak on the Cheap #2

Other great deals on Kodiak, that also taste good...

1. Martha's Place.  You can get a huge beef, chicken, veggie, fish, or potato taco (using two tortillas) for exactly 5 dollars, and it comes with chips and homemade salsa.  And topped with the best real guacamole ever.  Warning: you may spend some time standing in line, because Martha's Place is a van.  And you need to know where she parks for lunch and Dinner. And she's closed all winter, so get it while you can.

2. Java Flats.  Delicious sandwiches and breakfast burritos.  Not sure how much they cost, but its not much, definitely under 10 bucks.  They come with chips and homemade salsa, or fresh fruit.  Its hard to go wrong here.  They are crowded on weekends, so it is worth it to call in and then pick up your food, take it to the beach or out the road, and really enjoy. Disclosure: Java Flats is owned by a friend, and she's the best kind of people.

Also, check out Urban Spoon Kodiak where you can rate restaurants, see menus, etc.  I always go on there when I need to find the phone number for getting take out, you know, when I am not otherwise cooking my family a delicious homemade meal.

Double Rainbow Clip

 My Defense is this Friday here in Sun'aq, and what I am nervous about now, is that EVERYONE I know (well practically) is going to be there or are calling in. Why did I agree to this?  Because all those people are rooting for me that's why.  Nonetheless, I wonder what it would have been like to have it up at UAF like everyone else...maybe just a tiny bit less stressful? Knowing me I would have come up with a reason to be stressed about it no matter what.

In other news...

I know this is all over the internet, judging by the over 5 million views, but I just had to include it here. Wow. You have to watch it to understand.

Old Harbor/Nuniaq Camp

A few photos taken at my recent trip to Old Harbor's Nuniaq Camp last weekend to teach Alutiiq Language...