It's been an unanticipated delightful winter in Sitka. Arriving in October with a place to live and an open mind, I am grateful and count myself lucky to have met some special individuals who are now friends, and to have explored this little 'city' on a rock on the edge of the continent. What a pleasure to walk out the door, down the street, look out over Sitka Sound through the islands to the open ocean, then turn around and view majestic snow-covered peaks and have access trails to lakes and muskegs, rivers and wildlife, saltwater, bays & inlets. Enjoying evenings of local and regional talent, reading local and regional authors, art gallery walks, artisan fairs, community parades, Univeristy lectures on history, wildlife, flora & fauna and on and on. Winter has been a never-ending opportunity to meet, enjoy, learn and participate. And now, as Spring unfolds with the scent of skunk cabbage and low tides in the air, buzzing activity on the docks, downtown sprucing up for the summer tourists, I am packing up to leave Sitka and the Rock (Baranof Island)
A new and dear friend, CT (short for Chris Todd) is an adventurous soul. Back in February, when explaining my summer plans for seasonal work at Sheep Mountain Lodge her mind was scheming as I spoke. By the end of the conversation, we had plans for a 2-week road trip prior to my mid-May start date at S.M.L! Car space fills quickly on the ferries and CT wasted no time in securing passage from Sitka to Haines the next day. That girl makes sound decisions then MOVES on them!
We leave on April 26th. Ferry to Haines and then a camping/road-trip in South Central Alaska until she drops me at S.M.L. by my May 13th start date.
The road trip will bring us to hot pools in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, and weather dependent we'll lollygag where we want, camping, kayaking, hiking or put miles on the tires and maybe get to get to Fairbanks, maybe Denali, maybe Seward! It's still cold up north, and the tourist season doesn't open until mid-May. Thus, with anything possible, we'll enjoy the escapade wherever it finds us!
Expecting to remain at S.M.L. until season-end on September 16th, I have built in 6 weeks of playtime before heading back to Sitka for another winter. (Of course, plans can always change!) Driving down the AlCan Highway would be optimal if anyone is so inclined to consider that option with me, (imagine my fluttering eyelashes and gentle smile seducing you into this adventure!).
Practicals: Sheep Mountain Lodge on the Glenn Highway near Glacier View. 17701 Glenn Hwy, Sutton, AK 99674 Google it!
Big news for me is I now have an Alaska State driver's licence and am registered to vote in AK. One more liberal blue voter in the Great North!
Thanks for reading the blog!
Kay - I used to live in Alaska and drove past the Sheep mtn lodge many times. To me, the area (including before and after) is absolutely one of the best in Alaska. I hope you have a great summer and are an expert in the ways of the Dall Sheep by the time this chapter in your adventure comes to a (gorgeous Fall colors) close.
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