VISITING OUR GRANDSON AND HIS PARENTS

My bride and I are going to be in Juneau for a few days. Those of you who know us already can easily guess why - Eli. On our first full day here we attended a big retirement party featuring grilled salmon - literally the first of the spring kings - and deep-fried halibut, ribs, and all the best trimmings done to absolute perfection! This event was held in the rustic wood and corrugated tin buildings of the Thane Ore House (BTW, Please be careful how you say that name) .

Along for the evening was a major reason for this trip; of course, we are going to enjoy some "grown-up" time with Eli's Dad and Mom too. Of all the activity in the huge room, and all the super food, it was the balloon on the centerpiece which gave Eli the greatest amusement as he jerked and battered the captive toy without mercy. Poor Grandpa took quite a hammering in the process.

After sourdough pancakes the next morning, Dana and I joined several others in a helicopter adventure to see and experience a glacier up close and very personal. The outing was part of an early season fundraiser in behalf of breast cancer research and honored a late member of the company which provided the outing. The first ice shot below was taken during the flight up Herbert Glacier from near its base to near the mid-point below the towers a couple of miles above us.

Each glacier is a river of ice which flows slowly down it's own valley reacting during the descent according to the landmass under the ice. Where the underlying land is steeper, the ice bends and shatters into ragged and jagged forms and ice falls; on a more level base the upper surface is flatter and allows the pilots to set down where it is safer for the passengers to walk around and view the ice and environs in detail. It's a truly unique and special experience.

Dana and I were assigned seats across the cabin from one another with strangers between us, but consequently we both had window seats for near perfect viewing. My portrait of her as a flyer hints at the fun we both shared in this excursion. We will long remember our newest friend, Herbert Glacier, just a few miles north of Juneau's airport.
Next week we will be helping with several days of "outdoor camp" for Geoffrey's class and other third graders from his school. I'll be camp cook for about 65 kids and 15 adults. Watch for future photos featuring this great educational activity.