Chuck, Short and Stout, and I recently had an opportunity to borrow some 4-wheelers so to explore the land around the house where we are interested in living.

I carried my bear spray but in the midst of the thick woods it seemed terribly inadequate (the photos were NOT taken where I considered the woods to be scary and thick bear havens). At one point, I told Chuck to lead us out of there because it was suddenly apparent (to me anyway) that going out there without a gun was just plain irresponsible. It was really fun while it lasted though. Riding reminded me of being out in “The Woods” with sister on our three-wheeler. It is nice to have wind in your hair.

I was trying to photograph everybody.

We got ambitious this weekend and decided to drive to the entrance to Donnelly Lake and hike the half a mile to the lake. No big deal really…except I was supposed to help carry the canoe. I told Chuck before we ever left I could NOT help carry the canoe a half a mile and if this trip was dependent on me carrying the canoe to cancel it. The canoe is heavy and awkward and I am not a man. So before we left, Chuck decided he could put the boat on his back and carry it himself. When we got there he decided the trail was grassy enough to drag the boat. I tried to help lift it over the rocky spots but I couldn’t help much. When we were about halfway there it began to rain. We had our rain jackets on but our jeans got soaked through early on. Short and stout was pretty tore up about being wet and started to complain about mud soaked boat, so it was decided that Short and Stout and I would call it quits. Chuck walked us back to the truck and we took off leaving him there so he could continue with his fishing adventure. I told him not to come back without fish for the freeze and you know what he did? He threw the only two big ones he caught back.

Also in recent Alaska activity news…

We were invited to a party at Karla’s house! Karla is someone I felt as though I knew well before we arrived in Delta Junction. She writes a blog that I studied in its entirety in preparation of our epic move. Check it out yourself here at: http://karla-alaskaandbeyond.blogspot.com/

Strangely, she also works for Courtney. Delta Junction is truly a small town.

Much like Courtney and Jeff’s causal get together, we found that Karla and Brent’s party was also something might be seen in the pages of a country living type of magazine. Unfortunately, I didn’t make time to photograph the event.

When we got the invitation, I asked if we could bring anything to contribute and Karla insisted we would need nothing at all. Upon arrival, we found that was indeed the case as she supplied everything from salsa to kids’ games. The assortment of beverages was almost as impressive as the spread of food Karla prepared. She even had cut lemons and limes to go with the drinks! We enjoyed tilapia tacos (or burritos?) with coleslaw, cheese, lettuce, and salsa. She had a crock pot full ground beef seasoned to taco perfection as well.

The company was great too. Karla’s party guests varied in age from 3 to 60-ish. Chuck was fully entertained listening to Brent’s bear baiting stories and moose hunting tips. I only wish we could have stayed longer.

Oh, and I left with a case of cabin envy. They have the perfect set up in the woods. Their cabin is small and so “Goldilocks and The Three Bears” perfect. Their spot in the woods is remote enough and bordered by a field that the kids were allowed to freely roam.