ALASKA ---- WOW

We are home again in South Dakota......got home on July 29 (we left on July 5).  It was a truly fantastic trip ---- a 3 week adventure.  We have so many memories that I am almost afraid that my brain won't remember them all....thus photos!!!!   Thank goodness for cameras  that capture what we want to remember.   Thankfully I bought a new camera just for this trip.....Gary carried our old one and took some great pictures also -- but that one totally died about half way through our 3 weeks.  We would have  been shopping for a camera and I'm thinking we wouldn't have gotten a good deal!!!

My hope is to get with Shutterfly and put together an album of this adventure -- but I know that many of you are looking forward to something on this blog.  There were so many things that we did --- so this will be a short, short version....and then you will just have to come and see the photo album with more pictures and probably more of the stories.

Here goes......

 This is our luggage coming down onto the Tender (or is that Tinder - don't know for sure)Boat...these are boats that the "real" fishing boats that you will see below - bring their fish for sale.  This boat would take us most of the way over to Ollie's fish camp.

 Here's a better picture of the Tender Boat.....

 Here is the "Viken" --- one of Ollie's boats picking us up to take us the remaining way to camp.  We would later go out fishing on this boat.

 Here is a view of the fishing camp.  This picture was taken after Gary and I and
Abigail went up on  the Tundra to pick Salmon and Crow berries...YUMMY jam!!

 We are now ready for fishing.....we are excited!!

 This is a picture of the nets that are strung out and the fish that get caught in them.....

The motor to make the wheel turn was in need of repair so it was a hard pull to get the nets into the boat in order to remove the fish and put them in the tubs.

 We walked the beach quite often and I was able to get some awesome pics of this bald eagle and...

this golden eagle.

 We took a day and went to a Sport Fishing Camp with another aquaintance and caught this bear on shore.  The fishing wasn't the greatest but we did catch some fish....I believe they were Char (salmon).  It was a beautiful ride ---- we were surrounded by amazing scenery!!!

This is wash day at Ollie's camp.  The only electricity was supplied by generators.  We did have running water --- thanks to a spring that came out of the hill behind us that Ollie had a pipe hooked up to.  

Time to leave ---- the tide is out....so we were delivered out to the boat via an Argo.  The tides are truly amazing!!!  You could walk on the mud down here on the Nushagak River....up in Anchorage -- you are advised not to--------quicksand!!!   The mud will suck you in and you can't get out....and then the tide comes in.  Guess what........ NOT GOOD!!!

We left the Nushagak River with Ollie, Hannelore, Abigail and their crew of young people......and flew back to Anchorage where we spent the night and then boarded the Wilderness Express for a train ride up to Denali Park.  The following are just a few photos of the gorgeous scenery we enjoyed.....

 Upon arrival at Denali Park we were picked up by a Shuttle bus and driven to the Denali Grande --- our home for 2 nights.  This photo is of the Lobby and Restaurant.....our actual building was behind this.

From here we went on some special adventures.  Don and Jeannie took a Bus Tour of the park and enjoyed some fantastic scenery with lots of wild life --- most not real close but enjoyable just the same.   Gary and I got talked into a "Flightseeing" trip -- right up to the face of Denali.  

This was the plane that took us on the tour of a lifetime.......anyway so far.

 We were up among the mountains for a total of 2 hours.  Sometimes we would "go higher" due to turbulence....sometimes we would go lower.  The pictures really never do justice to what we saw and experienced........

 Glaciers looked like frozen roads....they were HUGE!!   Some were very dirty - others had blue ice in them.

Probably the only reason we went on this "flightseeing" trip --- is because a young man came up to us as we came out of a grocery store.   "Is anyone interested in a flightseeing trip --- we have to fill the plane and you can go for almost half price."   We had talked about it a lot --- so why not.   It was still a bit of a steep price --- but life is short ----enjoy it!!!!

After our plane ride, we decided we needed some exercise --- there was a trail up to that peak that you see in the background....Healy Point....described as "strenuous"!!!!   Yup --- you guessed it.....that was Gary's choice----- and I being the good little wife....followed.  It was up and up all the way.  But with several stops -- we both made it (I made it!!!)  When we reached the top -- the wind was fierce and it started to rain and actually there was a little snow mixed in with it.   So we didn't linger long.

 Then it was a train ride back south to Anchorage........don't they look happy!!  :)  This is the couple (Don and Jeannie Schelhaas) we spent 3 weeks with and still remain friends   :)  :)  :)

Then with our rental car --- we drove down to Homer on the Kenai Peninsula.....a 5 hour drive. The scenery was grand!!

 We had a little trouble finding a place to stay ---- but once again God Is Good.....and we discovered the Fisherman's Resort.   A very nice spot --- and we stayed there for 3 nights.  One of our "goals" was to go Halibut fishing ----anyway it was my and Gary's goal.....Don and Jeannie - being good sports joined us.  We had rather rough seas.....about 8 foot swells!!!  Some of the people (16 on board) got sick and had to hang over the side of the boat for a while.   We were lucky and stayed in good shape.  The limit for halibut is 2 (4 for the year)......We got our 2 --- but then just for fun we could continue to fish.    Gary took in 8 (had to release all but his 2) -- I got 3 (and then decided to stop).  Those fish on the picture aren't necessarily ours----but very similar in size.

This is the boat we went out on.......

The scenery was beautiful.....

And we had a good time.........

These Sandhill Cranes were regulars at the Beluga Inn --- our stay for 2 nights.

 And these moose were just in the right spot at the right time......good photo stop.

We also went to the Sea Life Center where we saw some fascinating sea life.

We also hiked to a glacier -- what a beautiful sight -- with the icebergs floating in the water.....

And true to form ------Don and Jeannie joined us...

We left Homer and traveled around to the other side of the Kenai Peninsula to Seward.  Another stop at the Chamber of Commerce and we were directed to the Jo Doug Inn (a Bed and Breakfast).   What a blessing.   They had fallen in love with Alaska about 10 years ago....sold all their belongings and moved from the Madison, Wisc area to Alaska.......bought a fixer upper...and the rest is history. The guys hit it off right away....hunting and fishing stories!!  

JoAnn and Doug

Another hike up to a glacier.....Exit Glacier.  And yes - Don and Jeannie joined us in the rain....a short 1.5 miles up and then back down.

 Can't not stop at the old boat yard.   Everyone thought this lift was the best!!!!

 And Gary loved this huge prop.

We had to leave Seward ---- our trip was coming to an end......we had to get the rental car back (it was starting to run a little rough -so we were eager to get rid of it) and then catch our flight out on Thursday at 6:00 a.m.   

However, we had a day to kill in Anchorage-- so we went to a Museum and then to the Alaska Zoo.   Zoo animals just are NOT the same as animals in the wild ...... Jeannie and I thought these two were wild enough :)

Our first "selfie".....yes!! we were ready to come home to South Dakota!!!!

What a trip!   Some things didn't go as planned but it all worked out in the end.  We have some names of good places to stay if you are ever in the need to know.  Some places that we stopped in for a look see were pretty bad!!!  And the price was still high.  So I don't know just how I would dare to make reservations ahead.  We lucked out on our flightseeing trip and got it for almost  (almost) half price.....so somethings are good to wait on..

Did we fall in love with Alaska and plan on moving?......no - not yet.  The long long days were fine (except for sleeping)...but I can't imagine the long long dark winters!!!

Hope you have enjoyed our "travels".  Take time to smell the roses!!!!

Gary and Barb

ALASKA BOUND.....just about

The bags have been pack and repacked and repacked and repacked.    Still don't know if they will be considered "carry on" or "checked".   We HAVE decided to have one for sure "checked" between the four of us.  Jeepers our guys just can't be without their "gerber tools"  nor their pocket knives.   And then it sounds to us like we will need plenty of bug dope ---- the mosquito is the Alaskan state bird!!!! for goodness sakes.     Hopefully the bags will arrive with us and not behind us!!!!

We are both excited and "scared"......when you are looking at possible $300.00 hotels --- gotta scare you a little bit.  But we know we will have an awesome time and we are SO looking forward to it.     Good Grief -- we are packed!!!!   Let's GO!!!!!   But we have to wait until Tuesday morning and then we can head for Billings, Montana for our flight out.    We will return to South Dakota on the 29th of July.  Don't figure on any updates on here while we are gone.    We are NOT taking this computer along!!!  That is a for sure!!!  It is one thing that I will NOT miss.....and we are still behind times on those "smart phones"....so it will all have to wait for the more slow pace.

Don is getting his pheasants out into the pens as I write.    We had rain yesterday and today and those young birds aren't doing so good getting wet and cold.   So hopefully it will warm up for them.  Don has a lot of things to worry about ---- visitors in his Lodge and the birds...... but he has a super grand daughter who he trusts "100%"   taking over for him while he is gone.....so I hope he can relax and totally enjoy this adventure with his Jeannie.

Keep us in your prayers......  We will be out on boats for the first several days --- anyway that is what we were told.   So we are hoping for calm stomachs and calm seas!!!

Later.................
Barb and Gary

Love'n it

WOW -- the lawn is all mowed and looking great.....I weed whacked so that made for improvement.  And flowers are in bloom.   I"m not much of a flower person.... can't even grow petunias.   But some just don't need much care and those are the ones I have luck with.
I am partial to Hollyhocks........  and they are literally everywhere!!.....both sides of our trailer -- up by Grandpa's house and by the garage.....and I keep throwing seeds all over -- by the greenhouse and the dog house and an old pile of wood that I want to hide............love em!!

 ....and they are just starting to bloom.....mostly pink and white....but some splashes of red in there too.  I wish it was more red!

And the Day Lillies that just came up on their own and are now spreading.....lovely!!

But, OH!!!   the wild Prairie Rose --- those are the so special.  They grow in the ditches, on the road side, and in the pastures.  Deb Van Malsen and I planted these along the side of the trailer way back in 2009....and they are going strong.   Thanks Deb!!!

And then there's my little ?? Barrel Cactus......found several years ago in one of Dwight's pastures.  Mr. Nollette said he never had any luck transplanting these.....  I really should go and visit him with this pot full......  It started with just the largest one that you see and has grown and grown.  I pondered on taking it along on our camping trip - but decided against it.   I was afraid I would miss out on the beautiful little pink flowers....but not so.....these two came out before we left.  I did miss several.........because it looks to me like there have been possibly 8 flowers this year.  

So --- there you have it --- a tour of my flower garden.

Barb

Back home safe and sound.....

We made it home Tuesday around 4:30.  Our trip was not without it's troubles.   We were about 100 miles into Iowa and it was once again hot and we had no AC in the truck.   We knew this fact before we left and thought we would be OK with it.....however, it had been cool up until the time we left and then it turned HOT.   Anyway ---- I had just told Gary that we could stop for Ice Cream.......so he immediately pulled off the interstate and headed for a McDonald's.  We parked and went in to order our flurries......sat down and then he said to me...."we have major trouble".  The brake pedal just went to the floor.  Now what?!?!  We discussed asking the ladies at the counter --- but Gary saw this elderly gentleman sitting with his walker talking to some ladies.  He said "I'm going to ask that old timer where there is a mechanic."    So when this man got up to leave --- he headed over to ask.  Right away the man said "BJ's" Auto Repair.   They will treat you right".   They were only 1 1/2 miles down the road.  "Just give me an hour and I will get right to you".  So - all in all - we were there for about 4 hours....but they worked hard at it.....had some part issues......and some trouble getting the brake line apart..... but they did get us fixed and down the road.

Gary had driven the whole way with our camper and the Interstate was the pits.....kind of that white knuckle type of driving.  It was exhausting....and the heat didn't help on little bit!!!   Finally, we got off the Interstate and onto some country roads --- so he let me drive --- plus I was finally willing to drive.  

We definitely felt God's hand in our trip.  He one again provided for us in amazing ways.

When I got to thinking about "vacation"....... I began to wonder......  We spend all kinds of time "getting ready" to go....we mow the lawn and water the garden and pull all the weeds....water the greenhouse and get it weed free...... then you pack the trailer with food and clothes and shoes and coats and chairs and grill and charcoal......wax the camper so the bugs will wash off easier...and on and on...    We are going on vacation...............................................................you have a grand time on vacation!!!!! -whatever that vacation may entail.   .......................................then -- then..... then you get home and unpack all the stuff in the camper and take it in the house and put it away......wash all those dirty clothes........and then you take a look at the lawn.....and 4 hours later you might be done mowing.    You take one look at the garden and greenhouse and realize that the weeds LOVED all that rain you received and took off in high gear ----and grew and grew and grew.      But through it all you KNOW for a fact that you will do it again in a minute.

Yes, we had a grand time and have plans for next year same time.......... same place.  Tri Ponds was fantastic!

We came home and have these handsome fellows in the south circle.  Love hearing them beller at each other.  Haven't taken a count but there's a lot of them out there!    Logterman Cattle Bulls....Hereford and Black Angus.

  Here is the latest family photo ........

Rick, Marti and Tim, Mike and Julie and Dennis and Holly.....and US.

And the Grandkids with Gpa and Gma.
Love YA All!
Gary and Barb

The pictures that should have been in the last blog......... enjoy

our camp site...along the swimming pond...

playing in the pool......

Rick and Oliver and Clayton......playing around and on top and under the dock.....

Clayton fishing with Grandpa and Keller....

Colton and Sidney trying to get the fire started...

Halle and her best friend big sister Sidney.......

Mike showing Halle how deep the water is.....

 The Peters family (Mike and Julies kids)

Sidney, Trenton, Brennan, Austin, Colton, and Grandpa.. only one missing is Halle

Tim got the "Farm Dust" (all good spices) when we played the Saran wrap game.....we so hoped he would get it (we wondered how we could make it happen)...and then it just happened --- YAY!!!  His question was "is this manure"?????

Grandpa and Clayton kayaking.....

Rick and Sawyer kayaking.....

Mikes kids horsing around......  :)

Rick in his "cute" shorts from Thailand ......"they're hand woven"

Those Peters kids horsing around again......  :)

And that's our family.....Rick, Marti and Tim, Mike and Julie, Dennis and Holly and us.....

Thanks for your interest in what goes on with the Peters.......

Gary and Barb

Peters' Family Camp out - 2016

Our camping fun is done and we had to leave Tri Ponds Campground this afternoon......but what a fun time was had by ALL of us.   We had perfect weather -- the perfect camping spot - right by the swimming pond and playground --- perfect people --- well we think so.   Anyway,  the weather ---- we had a couple of rain showers but the timing was great and it didn't stop any of the fun.   We had those hot days that were perfect for swimming and then cool nights that were perfect for sleeping.   Who could ask for more.   The Campground is beautiful and so well taken care of.  It is a very popular place and it was full for most of the time we were there....but there is so much to do that no one thing was full to overflowing that you couldn't participate in what you wanted to do.

A picture says a lot more than all of my babbling --- so I will just stop for now and post pictures

On second thought --- things aren't working real good here at Mike and Julies....maybe their internet isn't fast enough right now.  

My brother Bill came out for a short visit at the campground and so did some friends from church.  The kids had lots of school classmates there so they didn't have a hard time having fun at all!!!  There was a big huge bouncy bubble.....miniature golf......pool.....game room......playground...... fishing .....camp store with candy and ice cream and lots lots more.....kayaks....swimming pond with docks.............

Just know that we are well and having a great time......tomorrow we go to the wedding of Ryan and Emily (soon to be) Boersen.  It is a three hour drive across the state --- then overnight at a hotel --- then back to Hamilton and then on Sunday we will be leaving for South Dakota.

I will try later on and see if I can post some photos.

They had some wind here and Gary is over to Dennis to help with a big limb that is down right over the driveway.    We have our camper parked by Mike and Julie for the next night or two.
Barb

The hopeless case........

......was not so hopeless after all.

Gary loves a challenge and he got one.  Matthew W. called up and asked "Gary, do you need a project?" (I could hear Kara laughing in the background).   Well,  what kind of a project.    " I borrowed my dads Bobcat and it quit working so I parked it in the trees.  Well, my boys thought it was their own little toy.....so far they've lost the key and the gas cap. And now dad would like to see it running again."    Sure - bring it over.

So "Gary got right to work on it.  Made a new gas cap -- cutest little item----and added a cable so it can't get lost again.  Cleaned out the gas tank.....it was full of gunk!!!!  The pully system was a total mess....wrong parts from whomever worked on it before.  So that was a 'magiver' (know I spelled that wrong but you get the idea).....Gary finally got it figured out and repaired.  The key.... thing a ma bob..... had to be purchased because it was frozen up with rust.    Hopefully, I will get Gary to inform me on proper terms here.      Anyway,  it still wouldn't start ---- would turn over real good.......but not start.    I was called out to see if there was a spark on the plug while he turned it over.  Nothing.  So a trip to the neighbor for some "discussion".  Finally they figured out that it needed--- a new condenser .....  Don had one from his old Farmall tractor hanging in the shop.    WALLA---- started up so fast  --- "ran like a banshee".  

Here he is scraping our driveway.......

 ......shucks he put 5 gallons of gas in it so he had to use some of that up.......and then you know how men like to play with big toys  :)

He hasn't told Matthew or Vern yet that it's working.  They will once again be happy customers ....especially Matthew.

Now on to the next project.   Our PLYC van is in need of a new gas hose.  Where you put the gas in to where it actually goes into the tank -- it leaks.  NOT GOOD!!  So before we forget and leave for vacation before fixing it.....he is on it!
What a beautiful day!!  This morning I took a walk around the south circle.....and saw these lovely purple wild phlox......and along side them were these other flowers that looked like they would be red - but weren't open all the way yet.   A little sunshine and they should open.......

 So I went back this afternoon ---- still not open......but wow!!!  the bumble bees were thick!!!!  There must have been 30 (no exaggeration)....of them flying from flower to flower.  Now I'm not sure if there plants just have that kind of a "closed" type of flower or what.....I will check again tomorrow.  You can't really see the bumble bees but I know there is one in the center of the picture.   I did NOT linger too long ---- didn't want to aggravate the bees!!!!

We have JDC tonight......We will go with a car full.   Pastor Mark is back from vacation and Sister Stephens still wants to go along......as long as Allen is there.  Allen went to her church when he was younger and he is one of those that you can't help but like.   She has been going with us that last two Wednesdays and then when we are all done her and Allen visit for about 20 minutes.  Laura Patton has the lesson this evening.......

Also -- for those who like to be in the know.........  they have started mowing the alfalfa in the north circle by us.   We figured it would be soon.  With all the rain we have had --- it should be a good cutting.

Blessings!!!
Gary and Barb