Such a Tease

Today is Saturday, March 4, 2017. The sun rose at 6:45 a.m. There is snow on the ground. The sky is blue and cloudless. A gorgeous day in the city and borough of Sitka.

Several hours into the day, sitting in the sun porch donning sun glasses, one needs to strip off layers of clothing to keep from over-heating. It must be 65, 70 degrees! However, a strange sight hangs just outside the single-pane sun porch windows: icicles. And they’re not dripping.

Luckily I can, and will, stay indoors. The sidewalks are icy from recent snow-then-melt. One good tumble was enough for me. I now realize why the native peoples further north walk a bit hunched over and take short shifting steps. 

When the sun goes down, the Sun Porch turns in to a Walk-in Freezer.  No loitering around the check-in desk and radio. The Walk-in Freezer gets closed off from the rest of the hostel and everyone heads for their warm rooms and cozy beds.

The light of the sun, and the warmth of the Sun Porch are such a tease to go outdoors!

Friends & Family - Support & Tolerance

Mid-February found me in Seattle for a week! Visiting in small gatherings or one-on-one there’s not enough time to visit everyone.
However, the relaxed, personal time spent with Emily & Chris, family members and a few friends was treasured.

Having lunch with the ‘Quijote Crew’ was inspiring and heart-warming. And spending a couple hours on Quijote, even tied in her moorage slip, had me desirous to be afloat again.

Except for missing out on seeing a few special friends, it was a perfect week.


In Sitka, choosing to volunteer or participate in activities & events which have personal meaning has provided a base to meet welcoming, engaging individuals of like-mindedness. Building relationships takes time but the rewards are ever-surprising. After just four months, there are a few good friends who would help if the need arose; from offering transportation to providing shelter or a safe place, to warning me of quirks or worse in individuals I’ve connected with. People are not alienated because of odd traits, or even illegal activity. In my small circle, the gossip is not damaging as much as it is ‘watch out for’. Incorporating that everyone carries ‘baggage’, people I’ve met appear to be a liberal, tolerant lot.

It is family and friends who give my life substance and depth. Relationships are challenging, yet at the same time they foster a foundation on which to grow. One thing for which I am deeply grateful is the lack of judgment on me stepping out of stability and normalcy to try something different and uncertain.

What would life be if traveled alone, without knowing there are people who care about you, or a safe place to land. I am a lucky woman. Thank you for your support  and tolerance.