Tender Mercies

Have you ever had a week where it seemed like the world was testing you for everything you really really wanted? That was my week last week. When Saturday came, it was time to escape and find some peace and refuge from the clamors of the world.  With limited time left in Alaska, we set off on a new hike we've been wanting to do for quite some time: Angel Rocks to Chena Hot Springs. Because we weren't up for doing 17.4 miles in one day, we drove to Chena Hot Springs, rode our bikes 7 miles down to the trail head for Angel Rocks, and then hiked the 8.7 miles back to the hot springs.  What a beautiful day it was! This was from the summit at mile 3. After we passed the summit, we were alone. I felt so much peace and calm while walking along the ridge top. I did not want to leave. It was 360 degrees of beauty and nature. No planes, no people, no roads, no buildings. Just the hills, clouds, birds, and sunshine. This was what my body needed. It was a lovely afternoo

(This post is a quicky but a goodie.) Tonight while I was spending the evening with some of my girlfriends, I got a phone call from my husband. I walked upstairs so that I could talk to him, as it had been three days since I had been able to have a real conversation with him. After 35 minutes of exchanging stories of our past weekend he said to me, "Well I'm going to let you get back to your girls and I'm going to get out of this porta-potty." Wait, What did you say you were in?! A porta-potty. Yep. He is out in field training right now and he has no reception inside, so he stepped outside to call me. And then since it was raining, he stepped inside a porta potty so we could keep talking.  It's got to be true love! 

I hope that these pictures will tantalize you into wanting to come and visit us...you have about 4.5 months left...clock is ticking. Anyways, on Monday I received an email from my dad, asking me when he would be able to see pictures of our cabin. I know, I know, we've been living here for two weeks already and I still haven't posted. Well here it is! It has been two solid weeks of adventures here in the Adams' cabin and in the surrounding playground we call Alaska, and we have yet to spend a weekend home. But now, I finally feel like we are moved in. Now let's get on with the tour! I hope you enjoy the quirks as much as we do :). As you drive onto our road, you may pass a flock of geese, some dogs in neighbors' yards, or maybe even a cute piglet just oinking around his owner's driveway. Seriously the cutest thing ever. Up our driveway you turn... ...Until you reach our lovely home!  Our cabin is two separate buildings, combined with a cov

Oh my, that is a lot of fish!                                                   Valdez, Alaska, how you amaze me. First of all, you are absolutely gorgeous.  Take a look: Here is the fish hatchery in Valdez. There are often a lot of bears here, though we didn't see any this trip. Lots of salmon! There are SO many waterfalls along the highway right outside of Valdez. Here is one of the many: My lovely husband, conquering Horsetail Falls! Thompson Pass in the Chugach Mountain Range. It is the snowiest place in Alaska in the winter ( according to this site ).   So I really love scenery pictures more when there are people in them. Here is my attempt. The sun was so bright in my eyes and I was feeling pretty sick (it honestly hurt to smile), but I made it through nonetheless!  And this is just us being cute, with Valdez in the background.  In the background you can see the final terminal for the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline System. Secondly, Valdez has som