The Calvin's Go A Shootin'

In preparation for moose season, Mike and I went to the luxurious South Cushman outdoor gun range. Mike sighted in his 300 win mag that will hopefully take down a mighty moose in September. I got to play with the 12 gauge shot gun.

I have never shot a shotgun or rifle or pistol or even a pop gun. I did have a BB gun as kid and would shoot at "things." However, a BB gun did not give me any idea of the kick a 12 gauge would give me. Needless to say, my shoulder is a bit sore. Mike's shoulder has a nice bruisey area and red marks from his 300 win mag.

Oh, the fun we Alaskans have throughout the year!

Mike fires his 300 win mag (and hits the target)!

Mike shoots at the target with the shotgun.

Kristie aims for the target, pulls the trigger,

shoots the gun and then rubs her shoulder.

Okay, now Kristie needs some fashionable shooting clothes.

Ready, aim, fire!

Kristie says to Mike, "Hey! Let's go buy more ammo!"

Early Fall Fun

Mike and I enjoyed our Wednesday evening by taking a short walk, harvesting broccoli and working on the not-so-working weather station. Since, we had abundant sunshine and warm temperatures (63 degrees), I took the camera and captured some of the early fall sights!

Mike hangs a "piece" of the weather station.

Ooooo, what can that be? It's the sun!

Something we have not seen much of this summer.

Oh, just look at those petunias!

The sweetpeas are hanging tough.

The flowers probably have a few good weeks left.

Mike's sunflower was pretty pitiful, but I love the color!

That is one big cabbage.

I'm going to let it keep growing to see how big it can get.

I obviously planted the carrots too close together.

One of our few green tomatoes that I hope has enough time

to get a little bigger and a little redder.

Oversized Cabbage Update

Mike and I have been nurturing our over sized cabbage and it continues to grow! I took pictures this morning (August 10th). I've also included pictures I took just 21 days ago on July 20th. The difference in size is amazing!

The leaves are over 2 feet in diameter!

The cabbage head on July 20th was tiny.

The cabbage head on August 10th is getting very big.

Taken July 2oth

Taken August 1oth

Mt. Healy

On Wednesday afternoon, Mike and I spontaneously drove down to Denali. It was one of those spur of the moment ideas that led us to hiking Mt. Healy. As you can see from the trail sign, the hike ascends 1,664 feet. I felt every inch of the vertical climb! When we got to the top, it was a balmy 46 degrees with 20-30 MPH winds. Needless to say, we looked around and high-tailed it out of there!

It may only be 2.3 miles to the top, but it was a tough 2.3!

Mike and I braved the bitter winds for a quick pic.

The view from the top was breathtaking!

At this point, I had lost feeling in my hands

because they were soooooo cold.

Mike has a hard time standing up against the wind (not)!