Justin Goes Outside

Denali in the distance.

Justin is the one enjoying the outdoors. Thankfully Anchorage is teeming with other outdoor enthusiasts. Justin and a fellow Corps of Engineers Officer, Matt, head out to enjoy the snow in the mountains above post. We've received some fresh powder in the last few days and the boys couldn't resist some after work indulgence in snow. I'm pretty sure they'll be out finding fresh tracks this Friday. You can check out Matt's blog with better pictures and descriptions here: http://www.eastcoastice.blogspot.com/

Justin is also testing his skills on the Corps racing team in an intramural league on Friday nights at the ski hill on base. He's inherited a new pair of racing skis that help him go a little faster.

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The Weather

Apparently the lower 48 stole winter from Alaska. Well I guess it's cold enough here, but where's the snow?? My thought is if it's going to be cold, it should snow - a lot! The snow we've received is still nice and white because it can't go anywhere. Snow makes everything brighter.

However, we got lucky and received about 4 inches on Wednesday/Thursday. Justin took advantage of the new snow and went out and earned his turn up in the Chugach mountains today. Burke and I chose to stay in and take naps.

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Justin Rides his Bike

The biking community in Anchorage isn't huge, but there are over 200+ miles of paved trails and tons of mountain biking trails for Justin to explore. Last weekend he rode in 3 out of 5 segments in the Tour of Anchorage. Here he is after finishing the Glenn Alps segment - he placed 3rd in his category.

Yesterday Justin decided to punish himself by riding in the Triple Hill Climb. 15 miles and 3100 vertical feet. He had some mechanical issues but finished 2nd in his category. I am very proud of him! Here he is on Saturday with Anchorage in the far background. It was a beautiful day for a torturous bike ride.

Justin's made some new friends out biking. We had breakfast at Snow City Cafe (amazing food) with new friends from England after the race yesterday. Earlier in the week we went blueberry picking with another couple that Justin met while riding in the Tour of Anchorage. The blueberries are small and tart but the amount of fun and gorgeous views made it worth the 1 1/2 cups we accumulated.

A blueberry picking blueberries









Look harder, they're there









Trying to eat Chinese take-out on the mountain with frozen fingers

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