The other side of Alaska

Friends, there are many beautiful things about and in Alaska.

There are also many ugly things and events.

Here is one that defies logic or words. I'd barely unpacked my suitcases in Dillingham when I heard the news of Pamela's death. During the nine plus months, I've missed her many times. She was not only my webmistress, but she was a dear friend. I'm known for mouthing off when mad. Pamela was the exact opposite. She was cool and calm during times that I fumed and cursed.

Losing her to an accident was bad enough. Now that the truth is finally out, I don't know what to say. She was murdered...by her son. As outraged as I am...as upset as I feel...there's one thing I can't ever forget...Pamela was his mother and knowing Pamela, I'm sure she died being his mother...trying to help her son. What a waste. The one person who loved him unconditionally, and would move heaven and earth to help him, is the one who ended her life.

Someone asked me earlier if I thought she was scared of him. I said, "No. I never detected her ever being scaref of him, only scared for him."

Keep your loved ones close to you.

Assorted pictures from Mendenhall on 5/27/2006

Around Mendenhall Glacier

Click on any image to enlarge.

Taken May 27, 2006

Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall

Click on any image to enlarge.

Most people go to Mendenhall Glacier to see the glacier. Their goal is to get as close to it as possible.

The glacier is impressive. But for some reason I'm drawn to the waterfall. I want to get closer and closer to it, but for right now, standing at a distance is fine. In time, I'll get as close to it as possible.

Even from this distance I can hear the water as it cascades down the mountain. One of these days, I want to feel the spray on my face.

To get an idea how large the waterfall really is, enlarge the picture and count the people. Those dots really are people.

The rocks around Mendenhall Glacier

Sunny days were made for glacier viewing. Yet there's so much more to Mendenhall Glacier than the glacier itself. The area surrounding the visitors center is the history of retreating glaciers.

In a perfect world, everyone who wants to see glaciers in person would have the chance. It's not a perfect world. The best I can do is use my camera to record what I see so I can share it with others who can't be here.

Yes, they're rocks, but these rocks tell a story.

Clicking on a picture will enlarge it.

Last weekend

Last weekend was a typical Juneau day. Rainy, chilly and very gray. This picture was taken from the Costco parking lot. Even on a day such as last weekend, there are plenty of photo ops. This represents southeast Alaska, if not more than, pictures of a clear blue sky.

Some think I'm nuts, but I find the rain as beautiful as the pictures most of the tourists love of clear skies.

The lush green trees are because we do have all these cloudy, rainy days. And after spending so many years in Homer and dealing with the fire danger there, I love seeing the rain here. There's a comfort when I here the sirens, and see the fire trucks. So far we've been wet enough I don't worry if a fire will get out of control.

Life in a rain forest

The waterfall is by Mendenhall Glacier and yes, those dots are people. I love listening to the water rushing down the mountain.

We had several days of sunshine. When it rained it only lasted for a few hours, a day at the most.

Then this past weekend arrived. Friday morning was gorgeous. By the time I got off work on Friday at 2:30 p.m. it was raining and the wind blowing. The wind has stopped, but the rain hasn't. Yep, that's life in the middle of a rain forest.

But...we don't let a little thing like that stop us. Nope, this is southeast Alaska where we play in the rain, snow and even the sunshine. All seven days of sunshine.

Saturday I went to downtown Juneau. In my vehicle. I'll never do that again. I looked for a nice street to turn on so I could go back down the hill. As I kept driving up the hill the streets became narrower and narrower. When I reached the top, I had to turn. Supposedly the street supported two way traffic. Oh, sorry, I'm still laughing about that one. It was bumper to bumper with parked cars the whole length of the street. Which meant traffic could only go one way on that street. I took my chances and made it to the corner where I could turn and go back down the hill.

I was really, really, really happy to see the street that is Egan Highway farther out. I made a right onto it, leaving the tourist (they have no idea that a red light has the same meaning in Alaska as it has in the lower 48) behind and going to flatter land. Lemon Creek to be exact. Costco if you must know. I rewarded myself by going shopping. I survived downtown Juneau...in the summer...in the rain. I think I understand why they've allowed the politicians and tourists to take over that area. Really. Honestly.

Life is good in Juneau.