picture of a picture of me

Christmas

We went to go see I Am Legend today with a few friends. It was a pretty good movie. Will Smith won back some of his credibility that he lost with that song "lets get jiggy with it".
It did leave some questions hanging that I wanted answered, but all in all it was good.
Tonight we are baking a pumpkin pie and relaxing.
Until there is more to write...
-4 F and snowing
Justin

Personal snowstorm

I forgot to mention in my previous post about how we create snow everytime we leave the house. When I open the door, the hot "humid" air from inside rushes out to meet the cold air under the roof or our porch, it swirls and a second later snow flies. Its pretty cool to watch. I say "humid" because the relative humidity of our cabin is probably somewhere around .4 percent. Its dry as a bone, but outside is 0.000%
I am sure that we are going to have frost all over the place around the door by the end of winter. We already have frost inside the house in all the corners down by the floor, around all the glass in the windows, and around the door frame.
-Justin

COLD

Well, it finally got really cold. The lowest that I saw the mercury drop today was 43 below zero. Nothing wants to work right at those temps, the truck runs weird. All sorts of weird noises coming out, tires get this totally hollow sound to them. They freeze flat, so when you first start up, it sounds like you have flats. Engines ping, ting, bang, rattle and generally just dont agree with the cold. We had something go haywire in the front wheel as we were driving tonight, may just need grease, may need something replaced. We'll be dropping it off at the shop in the morning, hopefully getting a ride onto work without any trouble.
Taking the dogs out in this cold has been a bit challenging. They want to go out, they want to run, they want to play, but once they get out there, its just too cold.
They have to wear jackets and boots just to be able to stay out for more than a few minutes.
We have been a little weary of letting them run too much without leashes lately, as there have been some wolves that have been hunting dogs not too far from here (15 miles or so to the east)
I think that 3 or 4 dogs have turned up missing/dead from wolves this year. There was a crash in the rabbit population, and this is one of the turns from that. Domestic dogs and wolves have always had a rough relationship.
I did a test at work today, took a cup of very hot water, ran outside and tossed it up in the air. Nothing but vapor came down, rather floated down.
Very cool to see.
For anyone whos been wondering, the outhouse has been very cold but manageable in this weather, its amazing how fast you can get things done with when you have cold working against you.

We've been napping since we got home from work, so now its midnight and time to walk these dogs,
-32 F and ice fog
Justin

unpredictable showers

So, I went down to the University tonight to take a shower and got there just in time for them to close. I was sure I had an hour to spare, but was sadly mistaken. I called a friend out of desperation and asked if I could use hers instead. The only pay showers in town are at our laundromat, but it costs 4.50 for 15 minutes and they don't guarantee hot water. Last time I spent 4.50, the water turned cold as soon as I put shampoo in my hair. It was then that I decided sneaking into the activity center was worth getting caught for.
Chrissy
12 degrees and snowing

Sleddogs

We got an old sled from our landlord that we are fixing up so that we can run the dogs around.
We got them some harnesses a few weeks ago and have run them up and down the roads around our house using a cheap plastic sled. This new (old) one will be much better, as it is actually made for sleddog racing. The races start soon, in a couple of weeks there are some skijoring competitions that will be going on about a mile from our house. I can't wait to go see them.
After that there are some sprint races for dog mushers, that stuff is pure adrenaline.
-Justin

Beautiful MOON

This is the moon hanging over the hills of our neighborhood. This photo was taken yesterday at dusk- around 4:00 p.m.

Busted

I was interested in trying to capture the entire size of this new CTP (computer to plate) machine that we got at work in the small view area of the camera that is mounted in the top of the monitor of my work computer. I was unsuccessful as you can see in this photo, but also managed to have my new boss walk by right as the computer took the photo. I looked like a complete idiot.
That is why the look on my face is one of "awww crap. I'm busted" It was right as he rounded the corner.

Warmed up a bit today, I heard someone at work say they saw 40 degrees on a sign, thats probably higher than reality, but who knows. Now its back down to 22.
We're taking the dogs out to the dog park to run for a while, last night they pulled me around in the street in a sled. We have to get harness' for them so that we can go for longer rides. They love it and I have no complaints about them getting exercise and having fun while I get to ride in a sled.
-Justin

New Photos

Kurt posted some photos he took from his trip up here on his flickr site, they are here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vietnamted/sets/72157603203950853/

Our little fire pit

Because we don't have trash service out here, we burn all of our paper waste in our little fire pit. It's pretty nice to have around. It's basically a campfire right outside our door.

Chrissy

New Job, new amish beard

When Chrissy and I were in Iceland, I wore this shirt for a few days and she accused me of having the only flannel shirt in the whole country (which was somehow supposed to be a bad thing) I think it looks nice though.



















5 degrees and dark.
Justin

cold eyelashes

There comes a point here in Fairbanks when your nose hairs and eyelashes freeze immediately upon stepping outside. Last night we were feeling it when we took the dogs out for their walk. It feels good to be alive. The cold wakes you up to that feeling and reminds you that, yes, you really are alive.
Chrissy

amazement

I don't know why I'm continually amazed every time it snows, but I can't say it's a bad feeling to have. It's good to be amazed by things... I think that it keeps you young at heart. Anyway, it's snowing again and our truck is prepared for it this time. We had studded tires put on the other day and now it's handling the road just fine. I'm taking it to get winterized tomorrow, so that we can start plugging it in at night. It's been dipping down into the single digits for the past week, so it's time to get on that. Since the snow has landed, we've seen a lot more people using their snow machines and a lot more moose. I guess the moose don't exactly blend anymore. Everyone's yard also looks a whole lot prettier with a blanket of snow disguising the random, half broken vehicles and unfinished summer projects. All in all, the snow has been good.
Chrissy snowing 15 degrees

Starting the day off right

At around 8:30 this morning I reluctantly dragged myself out of bed to take the dogs out. Snorri caught a glimpse of 2 neighbor dogs passing by and, being the disobedient dog that she is, decided to catch up with them to say good morning. My frustration after catching up with her quickly turned to gratitude when I reached the end of the driveway. This is what I saw. Leave it to dogs to remind you of what's really important in life.

Chrissy
snowy 18 degrees

more snow

It's been snowing hard for two days straight and our backyard looks like a winter wonderland. I find myself smiling every time I look out the window... and so has Gunnar.

Hanging out with the bubs

Gunnar in his new snow booties

Yesterday we noticed that the snow was bothering Gunnar's feet when we were out for a walk, so went and got him some snow boots. I love our dogs, but I am not the kind of dog-lover who enjoys dressing them up for my own personal amusement. With that said, he does look absolutely adorable with them on. We weren't really sure how he was going to do in the snow because he's not really a cold weather dog. They both appear to love it, but Gunnar was getting snow in between the pads on his feet, it would melt, and would then turn to ice. He seems a lot happier now that he has his boots. I guess Snorri has enough fur to keep the snow out.
Chrissy
20 degrees

Cold

Getting cold out there, we walked the dogs about a mile tonight and were feeling it by the time we got home. Thermometer read 21, but its still got a ways to go down before its really considered COLD for here.
The dogs seem to be loving the snow, running around and biting at it all the time. Particularly Gunnar, its the simple things that make him happy. We are very similar.
The battle for our insulation was fought today with a Crossman bb gun, I came out ahead by one. One squirrel down, many more to go. We'll see what tomorrow brings.
Still need to get the truck winterized and get some snow tires on it. Moneys tight, but life is good.
Just time to buckle down and save it up so we can get it done before it gets too cold/snowy.
I'm guessing that this snow will be sticking around for the next 8 or so months, doesn't look like its getting any warmer soon and there's more snow in the forecast.
I will push Chrissy to get some photos of the snow around our cabin up on here tomorrow.
-Justin

Beard

Been working on a beard for a little while now, just in time for winter.


I was told last night by a person I had just met that the beard made him think of the Amish (because of the lack of mustache) and that I seemed trustworthy and honest because of it.
I can't imagine any better feedback than that about a beard. I think I'll keep it for a while, though as you can probably see, its in need of some clean up trimming.

Its been snowing here all day today. We woke up this morning to 22 degrees and light snow falling. Once we got up out of bed we could see that the roads and ground were all pretty well covered. The roads were very icy on the way to work, but passable. We need to get some sandbags for the bed of the truck, the tail end was flying around everywhere, even in four wheel drive.
Chrissy and I fell asleep earlier after eating an exciting dinner of pasta shells mixed with peas and corn. About 9:00 we both woke up and debated on getting water tonight or in the morning. We opted to go in the morning and go back to sleep but I just couldn't fall back to sleep. I'm getting tired now though. Its 10:30, 22 degrees and still lightly snowing outside.
Goodnight,
Justin

the sling-shot just isn't cutting it...

the squirrels are eating the insulation in our cabin. this is neither good nor wise- for the squirrel that is.

Birch tree walk with the dogs

It's SNOWING

Justin and I were just driving home and noticed snow in the headlights. I thought it was noteworthy.
28°

Moose Calls

Well I thought for sure that I was going crazy (not an unusual thought for me) these past couple of nights hearing things outside the cabin. Sometimes if the moon is really bright, I like to lay in bed and watch the trees gently sway in the wind. I like to listen to the sound of complete quiet. Well, the night before last as I was enjoying the quiet, I felt the cabin shake a bit. I kind of laughed to myself and thought that it must have been Snorri running in her sleep and shaking the bed..... but no it was not. There were freaking moose rubbing their backs on the stilts that keep our cabin lifted off the ground. MOOSE! It makes sense now why all of that fur is in our driveway every morning. I knew that it had to have been moose fur, but I wasn't sure how or why it was just falling off conveniently outside our door. So...... last night I was awakened by a noise. I sat there wide eyed waiting for it to happen again and, sure enough, there they were- moose calls resonating in our back yard. According to Justin, Bugling is the correct term for moose calls. Anyway I guess what I'm more curious about than anything, is why I haven't heard these noises or felt the cabin shaking before now.? I'll be more tuned in from here on out. Huh?..... moose shaking the house...... never thought I would be saying that. We'll keep you posted.

Chrissy
overcast and 34

Angel Rocks

If you look closely you can see the 2 moose in the water.

Chena Hot Springs

Went to Chena Hot Springs last night, today is Chrissy's birthday, so we wanted to do something nice. We soaked for a few hours in the 106 degree water. We were going to camp last night somewhere out that way, but the rain was supposed to be coming down and the ground was still all wet. We just decided to drive on home and head back out in the afternoon today. We'll be headed out to Angel Rocks to do some hiking today, I can't wait.
43 and sunny
-Justin

RAIN

It's been raining nonstop for what seems like a week now... well, maybe not nonstop, but it's been raining a lot. The temperature has also been steadily dropping and there's been a lot of talk of snow. I'm looking forward to it. There isn't much of a transition period between fall and winter here in AK. The leaves fall one day and there's snow on the ground the next. It's a lot different from the seasonal changes I'm accustomed to in the South.

Chrissy
41° and well.... rainy

Moose for dinner

I cooked up the first bit of that moose meat that I got. It was delicious, I broiled a large round steak in the oven. I don't have any sauce or seasoning at the house besides salt and pepper, but it still turned out awesome. The dogs got the gristle and I got the good meat. Chrissy isnt big on meat from anything but a fish or shrimp, so she did not partake.

I woke up this morning to see a squirrel sitting on our front porch railing. This is the same squirrel that has been burrowing into our roof and making a home for himself. I have been just a little to slow with my slingshot to end our struggle, and this morning was no change. I may have to get a cage trap from work or something, I don't think I want to spend the winter with a squirrel scurrying around in the roof tearing up insulation.
45 and cloudy, its going to be winter real soon
-Justin

Crazy!

Our neighbor saw a bear in his yard last night.

Awesome Day

Had a really good day today, got about 20 lbs. of moose meat from a guy at work that doesn't really like it too much, and went fishing all day.
We went out to 21 mile Chena Hot Springs Road and fished for Grayling for about 5 hours, caught a few really nice sized ones on no. 1 mepps single hook spinners. The Chena River is a catch and release only river for graylings, so we let them all go, but it was awesome. Next week I'm headed over to the Chatanika River where you can keep 5 a day. These things looked too delicious not to try eating.
After alot of fishing, went and got some food at Carl's Jr. and headed over to Ballaine lake for some Rainbow Trout fishing. The fishing there is superb, as the state stocks it every year. The fish all die off at freezeup, so it didn't seem like any big deal to take home 4 of them to cook up for dinner. Delicious. I am going to have to make a habit of stopping by that lake a few times a week for fresh fish.
Getting a little colder out this week, we got our heater installed in the cabin and after talking with some friends that live a few doors down, found out there is a cow moose and two calves that have been hanging around the area. I was beginning to wonder what all the brown fur I kept finding on the driveway was from, now I know.
50 and nighttime
-Justin

Floating the Chena

Yesterday a friend and I took her canoe out on the Chena and floated the winding river through town. We met at the Chena campground, left my truck, and then drove back to her house where we put the canoe in. It's pretty awesome when you can walk 30 yards to the water and take off on an adventure. I didn't take any photos because the view wasn't that spectacular- mostly just a bunch of fancy houses. You can see that anywhere. Being on the water was invigorating and the repetitious motion of rowing was super relaxing. It's odd to think that in a couple of months, that same river will be used as a secondary road for snow machines.

Chrissy
sunny and 55°

Denali

I'm pretty sure that the Park gets more and more beautiful every time we visit. It was especially nice this time because it had just rained. The clouds were really dramatic and the fall colors painted the landscape with such perfection. The photographs I posted pale in comparison to actually standing there with the soil underfoot, but I think they give an idea of its magic. I would like to go camping there again before it closes for the season in a couple of weeks. I think Justin might need a little convincing. We'll see.
Chrissy

good times

This past weekend was awesome, it was the final weekend of the State Fair down in Palmer, so we packed the dogs in the truck and headed south to meet up with a friend and check out the massive veggies. We left Fairbanks on Saturday afternoon, drove through part of Denali and got to see fall in full swing. It only lasts about a week down there, so we got lucky to catch everything changing. It was nice to relax a bit and see such awesome scenery. Drove on down the rest of the way into Anchorage where we stayed with our friend and 4 basset hounds for the night. These hounds were pretty intense and bossed our dogs around pretty good.

Drove up to Palmer on Sunday around 11 and walked around the fair for a few hours. Chrissy was way more into the rides than I was, I felt like they were all about to break apart and hurl me earthward, but then again, I guess that's what we pay for when we go on rides like that anyway. The danger. The Flying Bobs is apparently a universal ride that exists even in AK. I rode it and have nothing but good things to say about it.
We left Palmer around 7 pm and started heading north, long drive ahead. About 6 hours later, Chrissy is asleep, the dogs are asleep, and I am barely holding on. We get home and then for some reason I cant sleep. So tired, but sort of strung out from the road.
Monday was spent working and then we rented Blades of Glory, I couldn't stay up to watch it all the way through, so we finished it today. It was hilarious. I think that I will need to watch it a few times before I can pick up on all the hilarious subtleties though. Alaska is a bit behind the times on some things, one of them being that whole no late fee at Blockbuster thing. I had all but forgotten about the idea of a one night rental until this one. I guess we get spoiled by things like that down south.
We went out with friends for Thai food tonight. It was pretty good Fairbanks fare. The restaurant was packed but the wait wasn't too bad. We looked through all the wedding photo proofs and had some good conversation. The northern lights are nice and bright tonight, hopefully we can get some good photos of them this winter.

-Justin

The drive back to Fairbanks

The Fair

Alaska State Fair (Lumberjack Competitions)

Headed to the fair

We are headed down to the fair this weekend, stay tuned for pictures of monster Kohlrabi, Cabbage and more.

Denali Park