Isn't this what it's all about?
The sun is shining now, but it's still so cold. Aaliyah wakes up, "Mommy, I'm hungry." I don't want to leave my warm covers.
After the second request, I decide I better brave the cold and go gather food for my hungry children.
I think about pioneer women who crossed the plains, gave birth in the back of wagons and buried children under the snow.
As I sit up and put on my double-layered winter parka I reflect, "They never had warm clothes like this to put on. I have no reason to complain."
We're all up, eating fruit and bagels. We're entertained by the 'boaters' on frozen Skilak Lake. We walk right out onto the lake and explore the ice, the leaves, the mountains.
Boating in Alaska
A leaf in the ice
Frozen but beautiful nonetheless
Skilak Lake
The sun feels good as it warms our bodies and our minds feel alive as they're exposed to new things.
This is the experience we're after! This is why we're doing this crazy thing.
A morning visitor
Packing up, we drive toward Seward, our destination for the day, stopping only to take in the stunning vistas.
The day couldn't be more perfect. The sun is shining, the temperature is temperate.
What a day!
Though we've heard rumors that Seward is usually dreary and overcast, today she's shining in all her mountainous glory.
Seward, Alaska
Seward Boat Dock
Our adventure for the day is the Kenai Fjords Cruise of Resurrection Bay.
We'll be watching for gray whales, otters and sea lions, porpoises and more. (View the Photo Essay of that trip here.)
Our ship awaits
Our escapade is breathtaking, awe-inspiring and incredible!
We leisurely make our way back home in Homer. Wanting to hike Exit Glacier, we take that turn, but the road is still closed.
Kimball (5) and Daddy wants to do a hike. The baby's asleep, and I wish I was, but we stop anyway and unload.
Sloshing and sliding uphill through the snow, we reach a plateau with train tracks, snow free.
Natural learning at it's best, we walk the line, connect our new favorite song (I've Been Working on the Railroad) with actual events, learn about how sound travels through the metal track, discover new geological wonders, and learn about train safety.
Walking the line
Discovering how sound travels
We end the day tired, pushing on to home for now, wary and watching to avoid hitting moose at dusk (we spot 10), but are rewarded with a bright and beautiful moonshine.
With a better idea of what we're getting ourselves into, what 'challenges' we'll face, we're still eager to begin our Epic Expedition.
Greg holds the moon
The ending to a perfect day
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I am so glad you guys are doing this and I can tell you are going to do just fine and have such a wonderful time. Having the attitude that you only have to survive “this moment” is one of my favourite ways to get through difficulty and I smiled to see you write it. But, I do have two words for you, ‘down duvets’ and ‘hot water bottles’! That’s how we survive winter in our unheated New Zealand house, anyway:-)
Thanks Marie! I’ll have to try your advice.