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!

Springtime in Alaska?!?!?

"When it's springtime in Alaska, it's 40 below..." That is a phrase from a song my Dad used to play a LONG time ago. Apparently times are changing. It hit the 40's again today and it was a beautiful day. Blue skies, snow melting, birds chirping. I might even have heard a bear yawning as he rose from his winter slumber. This is the view out of my back patio. What is that stuff under the tree? Is that grass? In January? On closer inspection, there is GREEN grass in my back yard. It's official, Spring has sprung. Now don't go crazy like Jess and start picking out new shorts and swimsuits. (I think I heard Brandon rooting around in the garage, looking for the slip and slide.) I have a feeling this too shall pass.

The kids are enjoying their 6 day weekend. They have been enjoying a Wii marathon like no other. They pooled their money yesterday, conned me into driving to Target, and picked out some new games. They remain happy campers. I guess we can call this Pre Spring Break. We hope you are enjoying our cold Alaskan weather down south. It's only a loaner. Next week will be be expecting it back.