It Harley Looks Like Spring Here!

Today is officially the first day of Spring! Yipee! It's that time of the year when a young man's fancy turns to...motorcycles. You southerners might not understand it, but up here on Elmendorf there is an official "motorcycle season". You can't get them out until the ice melts and the gravel is cleared. Not exactly today, but it won't be too long. Normally it's around middle of April. The Commander will call "All Clear!" and the motors will start to rev.

These pics are from this past summer of fun. One of my favorite places to ride is on a windy road on the back side of base. We always stop at the lake to enjoy the scenery. Of course, it always help when you take along a super model. She tends to make her own scenery. Whose kids are these anyway? I think I've ruined them with the camera. They strike the strangest poses now in hopes that I will give up and not take their pictures. Tough break. This is great bargaining material for later in life. This is the pic that I'll pull out in a few years when Brandon brings home that girlfriend.

Alaska is the most beautiful place in the world to ride. There are lots of windy roads that travel around lakes and through mountains. Russ and some friends often cruise the area down along Turnagain Arm to Aleyeska, and sometimes on to Hope. That is one of the most scenic drives in the United States. You have mountains on one side, and the water on the other. Eagles drifting over head on the breeze. The occasional group of Beluga whales popping their white heads up out of the water while chasing a school of fish. If you are into motorcycles, you can call our local Harley and rent one for the vacation of a lifetime. Plan ahead, though, because they are usually booked up at least a year in advance. Enjoy your first day of spring!

Harley & OCC

You'll be happy to know that so far... no eruption. "Seismicity levels have risen", but for now, Mt. Redoubt is behaving itself. It is a gloriously beautiful day in Anchorage, so we went out and hit the town. We ran some errands, and then ended up at the House of Harley. They have a motorcycle from Orange County Choppers on display. The boys from OCC built this chopper to celebrate 50 years of statehood for Alaska. The bike is being raffled off to raise money for the Children's Hospital at Providence, Alaska. The tickets are $100, and they are only selling 10,000. Do the math, and you'll see what a nice donation it is! If you want more information, here is the link. http://harleydavidsonraffles.com/2009/03/occ-chopper-raffle/ The bike is absolutely beautiful. The pictures don't do it justice. My only complaint is that I didn't know the fellows from OCC were here in December to present the bike to the hospital. I had a chance to meet Mikey and didn't??? I'm seriously bummed.

The names of all of the Governors of Alaska are engraved on the wheels. I thought that was a nice touch.

The tank was beautiful, too. Sorry I didn't get a better picture of it, but the lights put a glare on it no matter which way I turned.

The whole time Russ, Jess and I were looking at the OCC chopper and other bikes at Harley, Brandon was checking out something totally different. He loves motorcycles like his Dad, but his preferences are a little different. He has his eye on this little Buell beauty. He even asked me to take his picture with it. If anyone wants to buy him a little something for Easter, he'd like one of these. Only make sure it's green with white trim. He's a young man who knows what he likes.

Be The First On Your Block To Own One!!!!

OK, guys, it was just a matter of time before these really started popping up everywhere. I had heard rumors of some Sarah Palin shirts being printed in local stores in Wasilla, but this is the first picture I've seen of one. Our local Harley dealership came up with this one. I'm sure it will be a collectors item. Of course, I am going to get one. :0) I would have preferred a different slogan. (I'm not so keen on "Attila the Mom", because it makes her sound mean, but oh, well.) I'm back at work again, so I haven't had a lot of time for adventures the last couple of days. That's OK. I'm so used to volunteering at the school that it's a nice change to actually get a paycheck again. It will help support my camera/die cut habits. Happy adventuring. Don't order all of the Harley shirts---leave one for me!