June 4, Paulette's Birthday

First, Happy Birthday to my wife. She has become Alaskan at heart in my opinion.

On Memorial day we took a walk via an off-the-beaten-path path. The closer one gets to the beach the smaller the trees, and the larger the clearings. A few years ago someone unknowingly brought in a dandelion seed, probably stuck to their shoe. This non-native species has proliferated into millions. Consequently many open areas become a sea of yellow dandelion flowers at this time of year. Some native species are having a struggle competing. The morning star and lupin are starting to bloom too.



I took a picture of the cabin plumbing to show the progress. Yup, it’s boring stuff. That is insulation in the background. I’ve about reached a point where I can go no further without new supplies. We intend to take the ferry into Juneau on Monday to procure materials, and then return home Wednesday.





Friday evening the Glacier Bay NP lodge did a reach-out to the local community. Those who RSVP’d got to go on a 1.5 hour boat ride out into the bay. The only wildlife we saw were a few sea otters, but a very enjoyable ride anyway. The second half of the open-house was a reception at the lodge. The eats were chef prepared and delicious. This was a nice touch in that the National Park, though our neighbor, has at times been viewed as intentionally isolationist from our small community. Perhaps this is changing.

Finally, MOOSE! When we arrived home I told Paulette I was going to walk out to the river and look for moose. As the opposite bank came into view I spied the first moose of the year right where we have seen cows bed down with their calves last year. They put their backs to the river and watch the narrow part of the isthmus for wolves. I saw her through our trees at about 70 feet. I moved left for a better view and one more quick picture before retreating. The brown spot in the grass to her left is the calf, perhaps two weeks old. I didn’t want to spook her from her protected lair, and she was still there in the morning.

You might want to double click that pix for a better look. Paulette went out about 9 AM and from our side of the river, about 50 feet from mama moose, began talking to her in a soft voice. Apparently moose don't understand human-talk. Mama and calf left shortly thereafter.