Lasts B

On the 24th of September, I went out to Capt Cook State Park and the Swanson River Bridge. I wanted to drop the last of mom's ashes off the bridge mom used to fish from. Unfortunately, I got out there a bit later than I thought I would and it was rather dark. So, this post are lasts on the 25th. 

Chickadees. 

I was even visited by a nuthatch, although it didn't land for a snack. 

Good bye!!!! 

This evening, it was brighter and I'd gotten out earlier. It is not easy to photograph ashes as they waft/pour to waters below!!! I had to laugh when the last picture turned out the best!!! Mum spent a lot of time out on this bridge. She and Ma Nik caught quite a few silvers from this spot. I'm glad we went out there the year Jon visited. 

Nancy Mae Egbert September 2017, Swanson River Bridge..which has a different name that I don't remember!!! 

I will always love sunsets at the park. I didn't visit the beach, there wasn't time! 

This was taken on the way home one of those last days. This spot is always when I know I'm almost home. Just a few more miles and curves and lakes to pass and I'll be there! 

I had a chance to visit Arness Dock for one last sunset and this cow was placidly hanging out by the side of the road. So, I stopped to take her photo! 

Sunset over the heliport at Arness. 

This is the last of 44 years of debris and stuff in mom's house. (minus a bunch of blankets and my luggage and things that needed mailed!!) 

Optical Indigestion

In one of my favorite Alaskan stories, a visiting character to the state of Alaska said during a trip up the Inside Passage that he had 'optical indigestion.' I've never done that trip, but I can see it might fit almost anywhere up north. 

This is a mom and a calf close to the old Lamplight Bar Mrs. Mika used to own. I didn't get  a good photo of the calf. It was kind of annoyed with the hackles up! 

A friend and her husband and brother arrived to get a work bench from the shop. Dad would be glad to have it go to someone who really could use it. 

When my friend, Julie B, arrived from ANC to help me, we came upstairs to find another pair of moose in the yard! Right outside the window. 

It was neat to see them swim the lake. That isn't something you get to see very often. Even if you live on a lake! Bulls will swim it, but calves are a bit more nervous. They went across and were scared back to 'our' side by dogs at the neighbor's house. 

 Fall was so beautiful this year. The colors of red aren't as prevalent as gold, but they combined to create stunning tapestries of autumn. 

Dad had a hat in the garage and in it was a tall white feather. Probably eagle, not sure. I left it under the trees with the colorful leaves. 

Moose and more- September

 How silly. Once again, blogspot has posted the photos BACKWARDS from how they were supposed to be. So, the first photos are really the last ones. 

Physical distancing bull and cow! A couple of teen girls on an ATV scared them off the road as they blew down the easement in a cloud of dust and laughter. 

I was so glad to see a bull with tattered velvet. They look incredibly regal as their antlers are being prepared for beauty. 

The little boat, all alone on the water. 

I stopped at the look out point just outside of Nikiski proper (just before Miller Loop S) and enjoyed the amazing sunset on September 12, 

One of the moose who wandered by on the 12th after everyone left. The calf was with its mom, but they moved fast and I was absolutely unprepared to take pictures of anything! But, that is how animals are. 

Catch Up- August

Was rather startled by these moose. I was reading outside and heard something in the woods and spied this one. 

The bugs over their bodies was rather gicky!!! 

Then, I noticed there was a mom with twins! At least, I am pretty sure there were only two. 

This one looks like a young bull. 

Later, I went out on the lake and revisited my favorite tree spirit who was still standing. 

There were so many reflections in the still waters. Still waters that restore the soul. 

Near the end of August, I was able to visit a friend who lives on a side of the inlet I rarely visit. I love how this Mountain can be seen from everywhere! 

Back out north for more sunsets. These are from different evenings. 

The house in Nikiski with a smidge of the garage and a glimpse of the shed. 

These were unknown ashes. The gold ring inside made me certain they were not dad's or the cat's. I figured they could be scattered near Arness Dock anyway. It is a good place to hang out, dead or alive! 

These two young men helped load up furniture to take to Janet's. Of course, it happened to be one of the first days of serious rain in weeks!!! I was entirely grateful for their help.