Eklutna Lake and Historical Village

 Greg got to work from home today so Mom and I got out and took a short trip up the highway. Our first stop was a visit to Eklutna Lake in the beautiful Chugach State Park.

Many trails traverse the area around this lake.

There were several people getting ready to kayak here. Hope they don't take a dip because the water in the lake comes from nearby Eklutna Glacier. Might be a bit cold.

 We journeyed on to Eklutna Historical Village nearby.

 The village has both Russian Orthodox and Native Alaska influences. The Athabascan people have lived in this area for centuries.

 This is the inside of the white church located in the village.

 Our guide gave us a quite informative tour of the two churches located here. Only the white church is still used for services. We were then allowed to go on a self-guided walk around the cemetery.  

 The grounds are filled with spirit houses which are quite beautiful. The colors are significant to certain families from the area. Many spirit houses are quite elaborate and detailed.

 I had always wondered about the onion tops found on many Russian Orthodox churches. The priest explained the shape was modeled after a candle's flame pointing toward heaven.

A few miles up the road we saw several people out fishing in a local river. The parking lot had several cars in it and most everyone was catching quite a few fish. We rode on home making it there just in time for dinner.

Mom Comes to Alaska

I have been down visiting family and friends in the South. Just returned to Alaska last week and my Mom came to stay with us for part of the summer! We've been asking her to visit for years and she finally agreed to the trip. This is quite a change in temps for her as we left the heat of the 90s for the coolness of the 50s upon our arrival in Alaska. The first few days were overcast and a bit chilly for this time of year. By Friday afternoon, temps rebounded and we have enjoyed a very nice weekend.

 Mom enjoys sitting out in the sun without the humidity or mosquitoes she has at home!

 We worked on arranging furniture and hanging pictures on the days when it was cloudy and cool. Sure was nice to get outside and work in the gardens yesterday.

 The Sitka rose has almost finished blooming for this year.

 Iris are beginning to wind down their season. We have a few of the beautiful purple blooms left.

This bloom is exciting for Greg because it is on one of his tomato plants! We enjoyed a salad from the garden last night made with two types of lettuce and spinach. Greg grilled up some chicken, hot dogs, and bratwurst to complete the meal.

 The ferns are looking good in the space between the greenhouse and fence. A big ole spruce tree provides the shade in which they thrive.
Mom and I got out and went for a short drive down the Seward Highway this morning. She got to see a Dall sheep on the mountainside along the inlet. Hopefully, she will get to see much more wildlife this week as we set off on some adventures.