8 Mile Hike

Two weeks ago, Mike and I joined a local hiking club here in Fairbanks. This club is made up of people of all ages. We have scheduled hikes for Tuesday evenings and Saturday’s. Today, we hiked to the Granite Tors. It was an 8 mile trek through forest and wetlands.

We started the hike in 50 degree weather. The wind was out of the southwest with overcast skies. Looking at the sky, I thought to myself, “Well, it could be worse. It could be raining. It could be hailing.” So, with a smile on our faces, Mike and I set out with a group of people we hardly knew.

About 30 minutes into our hike, it started raining. I thought to myself, “It could be worse. It could be hailing.” Just as I finished that thought, it started to hail. One may consider hail a rather significant deterrent. It did cross my mind that we should promptly turn around and go back to the car. I looked at the others, including my most wonderful husband, and no one seemed to be bothered by the hail. So, I shrugged my shoulders and trudged up the trail.

Our group made it to the top of the ridge in about 2 ½ hours. We stopped to have lunch and enjoyed another round of rain and hail. After a short rest, we headed back down with very little interesting about which to write.

Fairbanks Hiking Club

This is before the rain and hail.

Mike is keeping dry and warm.

Kristie needs a snack!

We started out with ten hikers and dwindled down to five.

Mountains in Chena River Recreational Area

Kristie tries to catch rain drops with her tongue.

Amazingly, there is still snow is some places!

Okay. This is not from today's hike, but I liked the picture.

Earthquake! Round 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

Good morning!

We have been rocking and rolling all night and morning here in Fairbanks. We have had seven, yes seven, earthquakes in the last 12 hours! Many we have felt. Some we have not been able to feel. Regardless, seven is entirely too many.

Mike and I are going on an eight mile hike this morning to the Granite Tors out near Chena Hotsprings. Hopefully, we will not have any more movers and shakers while hiking near huge boulders and large rock formations. :-)

I will make another post this evening with the latest update on our hike and the quakes.

Earthquake, Round 2

Fairbanks is the big red dot in the middle of the state!

Well, it happened again. This evening (Friday, May 29th), Fairbanks had a 3.8 earthquake at 8:53 p.m. This one was a little different from last Saturday’s jolt. This one lasted for what seemed like a minute or two. However, it was probably only about 5 to 10 seconds. This one was more of a shaker. It even slightly rattled the picture frames over our bed.

During this event, Mike, as usual, sprung into action. He jumped out of bed and yelled for me to get in the doorway. I stood there for a second with my hands on my hips and said, “Well, what about the kitties! We can’t just leave them out from under the doorway!” By the time I finished that sentence, it was over.

I looked over at my precious cats fearing for their lives. A.C. was in the middle of a bath, Abigail was looking pitiful, and Francie was calmly looking out the window. Apparently, they were completely unmoved by the events that had just unfolded. Mike and I were the only ones “a little shaken.”

I suppose I should have thought about earthquakes when moving to Alaska. However, it never crossed my mind. I thought it was mainly a California thing. Obviously, I was WRONG!

Earthquake!

I have just experienced one mode of nature’s fury. If I were to really think about it, I have experienced tornadoes, hurricanes and blizzards. However, today was my first time to feel an earthquake. This morning at 5:31 ADT, Mike and I were awaken by the shaking of the earth beneath us. We both sat up out of a deep sleep and I asked, “What was that?” Mike said, “That was an earthquake!” I replied, “Nooooo. Someone upstairs must have fallen out of bed.” Mike retorted, “No, that was an earthquake.”

Having grown up in California, Mike has felt many earthquakes. I should have taken him at his word. Not being too disturbed, we quickly went back to sleep. When I awoke the second time, I searched on the USGS’s website and sure enough, we were rocked by a massive 3.6 quake. Okay, maybe “rocked” and “massive” are a bit exaggerated. However, this was my first one and I am a little excited! The center was approximately 4 miles from our hotel.

Now that I think about it, a 3.6 is about all I need to experience. Anything larger would probably be extremely unpleasant! Should we have any other natural disasters, you will be the first to know. I will update the blog in real time, as it happens. Thank God for protecting us!

Hike to Ester Dome

On Tuesday evening, Mike and I met up with a group of hikers to hike up to Ester Dome. On our hike we found a cabin that is lived in during the winter months and partially during the summer. It was a primitive cabin with no running water or out house. Since no one was home, our leader said that it would be fine to go in and take a look around. Apparently, she knows the gentleman who owns the cabin and assured us that it would be okay. Taking her word for it, we walked right in and were amazed at just how primitive the cabin was. It was just one room. It had a wood stove for cooking and two bunk beds. There was a small table and a line on which to hang laundry. Of course, I’m not sure how he does laundry since there is no running water. However, I don’t really care to know. That can be his secret. Below are some pictures of our trip. Enjoy!

Primitive cabin at Ester Dome

(When I say primitive, I mean primitive!)

Mike is excited about trespassing!

Kristie is hesitant, but gives in to trespassing temptation.

Are you kidding me? People actually sleep here?

Looks like to perfect place to have a meal.

Yeah...right!

Maybe he melts snow to do his laundry.

I will never know!

Hiking at UAF

Mike and I had a wonderful day of hiking at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. UAF has many hiking trails through beautiful forest areas and wetlands. We were blessed to see many interesting things, such as birds, ducks, geese and the eliminations of moose. Enjoy the pictures!

Spring has sprung and the birds are happy.

Are these milk duds or moose nuggets? Only Mike can tell you.

So happy together......

Way off in the distance, you can faintly see the Alaskan Range.

Does this UAF Nanooks hat make me look cool or what?

Smith Lake and Murphy's Dome

Are we almost there????

Amazing! Even in the woods Mike can't get away from his cell phone.

Can't a girl get some privacy!

Sattelites dot the UAF campus.

Watch out for water snakes or at least water vegetation!

Moving Sales and Bargains!

I now know how the kid in "A Christmas Story" felt!

May is the season for moving in Fairbanks. People are either moving in or moving out. Of course, this may be the case in most places. However, because the cost to ship things is so pricey, most people sell off their household goods and fly themselves to their new location. Trying to take advantage of these people, Mike and I have been busy hitting moving sales in the area.

Yesterday, we went to a moving sale. They were selling anything that was not bolted down. The man of the house greeted us at the door and took us on a tour showing us all of his treasured possessions. Since his wife was not home, anything was fair game. I grabbed five lamps and Mike went to see the lawn equipment. Mike bought a leaf blower and the man threw in the lawn mower for free. Considering it doesn’t run most of the time, Mr. Seller felt that asking for money would be too much. Hearing that we had just moved to Fairbanks and feeling sorry for us, he gave us another freebie. He handed Mike a super-duper ice scraper and snow brush combo thingie. This will come in handy next winter!

Today, we went to another sale. These people had even more stuff! Mike bought a thermos and a propane tank. However, I walked away with the real bargains! As I was rummaging through a closet, I found two winter coats that still had the tags on them and had never been worn. I asked if they were for sale. Looking a little uncertain, the homeowner’s son said, “Sure. Why not!” The first one was a Coldwater Creek, fur-lined suede coat. The tag said the original price was $150. I tried it on and it fit perfectly. I offered him $30 and he took it. I should have offered him less!

The second one was a feather/down coat. It hangs down about mid-calf and is good in temperatures to about 50 below zero. As I tried it on, I felt like a water buffalo. This coat made me look fat and it was Periwinkle Blue (not my favorite color)! I struggled with the fact that I looked like a pastel water buffalo. Then, Mike reminded me that when it is 50 below zero people don’t care what the heck they’re wearing. As I have been researching heavy winter coats, I have found that most coats can cost $200 to $500 (depending on where you get it). I decided that I would offer the guy $20 and see what happened. He took it! So, for $50, I walked off with two really warm winter coats.

As I walked to the car with my treasures, I began to realize just what we’ve gotten ourselves into. Reality was setting in. The light bulb went off. Mike and I live in Alaska. In fact, we live in Fairbanks which is located 160 miles south of the Arctic Circle. By September, it is going to be getting cold. By December, it is going to be even colder and very dark. By January, people are either booking trips to Hawaii or finding a psychiatrist to visit. By February, people are visiting psychiatrists in Hawaii. By March, people who have not visited their tropical therapist resort to one of two things. Number one, they put their house up for sale and buy a house in Arizona. Or, number two, they check themselves into a mental institution. Recently, I have learned that Alaska has the most mental hospitals of any state in the U.S. Alaska also has one of the lowest populations of any state. Does this throw up a red flag to you? Next Spring, check back and you will see in which category Mike and I fall.

It will be a cold day in Alaska before I walk out in public wearing this thing!

This Coldwater Creek coat is a great buy.

Hike to Angel Rocks

Since Mike and I have been traveling so much with our move to Fairbanks, we have not had a chance to see some of the sights. So, yesterday, we decided it was time to get out and have some fun. We started with the Fairbanks Farmer’s Market. It was the first day that they were open this season. There were not any fresh vegetables, but there were plenty of things to see and buy. They had all kinds of vegetable and herb plants for sale. They also had arts and crafts, as well as, baked breads and jams. It was great to see all the vendors out with fresh smiles and happy faces. Mike and I walked away with two pieces of fudge (one chocolate and the other peanut butter).

After visiting the farmer’s market, we drove out Chena Hot Springs Road to a place called Angel Rocks. There is a 1.2 mile hike up to Angel Rocks. Needing a little exercise, we felt up to the challenge. One thing I failed to mention was the weather. When Mike and I were getting ready for our day, we did not read or listen to the weather. So, in our feeble little minds, we thought, “Well, it’s May 9th. It should be nice and warm today.” So, Mike put on a pair of shorts and I put on a pair of capris.

Now, back to our hike… We got out of the car and the temperature was 45 degrees and the wind was blowing at about 20 MPH. I don’t know the exact wind chill value, but it was COLD! For about two seconds, we thought about getting back in the car and finding a warm fireplace in which to curl up in front of and read a book. Common sense did not prevail. Personally, I think it was peer pressure. Several Alaskan cars pulled up beside of us. They got out of their cars with their summer clothes and everyone looked happy. I thought to myself, “If they can do, so can I!” With bravado in my voice, I said to Mike, “Sure, honey. I’m up for it!” And, off we went.

About ¼ mile up the trail, it was completely covered in snow. We tromped through like real Alaskan troopers. I only slipped and came close to falling no more than ten or twelve times. Mike was better than me. He only slipped a couple of times. At this point, I did not feel like a trooper any more! I was sliding just a little too much and I found myself getting a little whiney. I looked at Mike and said, “If I slide into the river and they can’t find my body, enjoy the money. Oh, if they don’t find my body, give me at least five years to turn up before you declare me legally dead. Oh, one more thing, if they can’t find my body and you have a memorial service, make it a good one.”

After huffing and puffing up the hill, we finally made it to the top. We sat for a few minutes and ate our fudge. It was at this point that we crossed paths with another couple. They had their dogs and a couple of guns with them. This made us feel really safe. If there were any bears in the area, these people would protect us. We waited for them to start back down the hill and we quickly followed.

Once we got back to our car, we drove out to the Chena Hot Springs. The hot springs is just that a “hot spring.” Basically, it is an area where the water comes out of the ground at 165 degrees. Thinking that we are completely insane, Mike and I walk outdoors in our swimsuits in 45 degree weather. It was definitely cold. However, once we entered the spring, we never felt cold again. In fact, after about 20 minutes, we were too hot. We got out and cooled off in one of the regular hot tubs.

Overall, we had a lovely day. I am including some pictures of the moose we were able to see, as well as, some of the hike. We hope you are doing well and God bless!

Mike and Kristie

Snow covers part of the trail up to Angel Rocks.

Mike is feeling ice cold water flowing down from the hills.

In the winter, the Chena River is frozen solid.

This moose is checking Mike out to see if he is safe.

Moose are looking for fresh vegetation this time of year.

Staying warm during the Alaskan winters...

As you may know, Alaskan winters can be very cold. There can be days that get as cold as 50 below zero. As you can imagine, Mike and I are not the least bit prepared to handle this type of weather. When we left Chicago, we disposed of all of our winter clothes. I could care less if I ever saw another sweater, heavy coat or snow. I was happy to move to the Sunshine State of Florida and live in tropical bliss for the rest of my life. Ohhhh, did God have other plans for us! Less than two years after leaving Orlando, God brought us to Fairbanks, Alaska.

So, Mike and I decided to use some Godly wisdom and shop for some warm clothes. We took advantage of the bankruptcy sales at the ONLY real department store in Fairbanks. Have you ever been to a store that is liquidating their stock due to bankruptcy? Normal, everyday, sane people begin to act in very strange, extraordinary ways. Their eyes glaze over and then they think that they cannot live without that pair of socks. If you even look at the socks they have in their hand, you might as well have threatened to kill them.

Before we could ever enter that kind of environment, we needed a strategic plan. Mike and I sat in the car and devised a plan of attack. First, we would head straight to the cold weather section. Then, if anyone was looking at something we wanted, we would elbow them out of the way and take it. If they put up a fight, we would tag team them. I know that sounds a bit crude and cut-throat, but when you need warm clothes as badly as we do, anything goes! Third, we would stuff our items in a shopping cart before anyone else could even think about taking it. Finally, we would pay for it and get it in our car before someone mugged us for our bargain buys.

After rehearsing our plan of attack, we entered the store. We made a bee-line for the “long underwear” section! There it was! It was a sight to behold. Racks and racks of long underwear! Small, mediums, larges and all other sizes for all shapes of people. They had black ones, white ones, pink ones, blue ones and even gray striped ones! We were in “long underwear” heaven!!!! Almost immediately, our eyes glazed over. We began snatching up long underwear at the speed of light. We must have looked like crazed hoarders.

When all was said and done, we each had three complete sets of long underwear, all at 50% off. We did not have to wrestle anyone for their picks. There was plenty to go around. You will be happy to know that we will be warm and toasty on these long winter nights in the Last Frontier.

Cuddl Duds will keep me toasty warm!

Keeping your legs warm is very important on long winter days.

Mike will stay warm with this new thermal shirt.

Mike's legs will stay toasty in these!

Hanging out in our temporary Digs!

Move over Santa, the Calvin's are moving to North Pole!

Well, we did it, again. We made ANOTHER offer on ANOTHER house today in North Pole. Praise the Lord, it was accepted and we are set to close on June 5th. The home was built in 2006. Therefore, we should not have the problems with the inspection that we had at the other house. We are praying that God will keep the process going smoothly. We will keep you updated as we move into our new house.

God bless!
Mike and Kristie

The front of the house has a nice lawn that should turn green in another week or two.

If it doesn't, I hope it feels guilty!

The living room has plenty of space for our furniture.

Dining room has a great view of the woods.

Living room and dining room have vaulted ceilings.

Kitchen has ceramic tile and plenty of counter space.

The kitchen has a large walk-in pantry.

Master bedroom is spacious with plenty of windows.

Master Bath has a jetted tub and separate shower.

All the windows are triple pane which is great for saving energy.

Plenty of room for barbequing in the summer or watching snow pile up in the winter.