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 afterno...

Angel Rocks. I love my new camera!! Hello everyone! I have been slacking and not sharing all the fun adventures I have been having these past couple of weeks. Oh it has been busy! Summer is over and I am enjoying * cough cough*  the rainy days and cooler temperatures.  On Saturday we hiked Angel Rocks for the second time since living here in Alaska.  It is a great hike to do on a "rest day" because it is only about 3.5 miles, yet you get a good workout from the uphill portions (my knee was bugging me again, so I decided to rest from a day of running and wait until Monday to run again).  Yay fall colors!  When we got to the top, I looked out at the never-ending view of red, yellow, and brown mountains. I told Marshall that the reason he brought me on the hike was so that I could fall in love with the view and remember it in the winter when I am freezing cold and wonder why we live in such a place. hehe. But Fairbanks is really far fro...