Fairbanks

My friend Liz, who is leaving Alaska in a few months, decided she was going to Fairbanks to see the famous ice sculptures ..and of course she asked me...well I could hardly let her go alone!
Fairbanks is about 70 miles south of the Arctic Circle.
We flew up in 40 minutes and had the most amazing views of Mount McKinley which is the highest peak in the US at 20,320 feet.

There are lots of glaciers on the mountain-one of them is called The Ruth Glacier!

We were picked up by Bonnie, who is Liz's friend who lives in Fairbanks with her husband Fred. They showed us the town and cooked moose meatloaf for dinner!!

Here is Liz with Bonnie
-spot the ice candle holders...so beautiful and stay frozen for months in Fairbanks.

We went to the ice sculptures during the day and night...amazing spectacle with lots of ice carvings in every shape & form.

Ian went to Fairbanks the next day on business so managed to see them too.

We also had a ride in an ice slide...only in Alaska!!

Walkies !!

I walk every morning with Susan & Ruta... and of course our dogs.
Here's a cute snap of them all together.

Spring Break in Anchorage

We spent Spring break in Anchorage enjoying the outdoors. I hired cross country skis for the boys and hit the trails. They loved it and showed no fear, wanting to go downhill to get some speed! I also hired skate skis for a few days to let them try that.....now they know what mum has been doing all winter!

We went skiing to Alyeska which is about 30 minutes drive south of Anchorage. The boys have been learning to snowboard this year and are doing well.

Alyeska is a nice resort but has very steep, narrow runs!

Iditarod

The Iditarod is the famous Alaskan Dog sledding race, which starts in Anchorage and finishes over 1000 miles later in Nome. Mushers and their dogs have to navigate the Alaskan wilderness, while dealing with freezing temperatures...not for the faint hearted.

We enjoyed our morning watching the ceremonial start of the race-they officially start the next day. We had a chance to talk to the mushers and even met Wattie, a guy from Stonehaven, who had come over to Alaska to train and run the race. His dogs had saltires on their backs!

Fur Rondy

Fur Rondy is a week long event in Anchorage, originating from the times when fur trappers would come to 'town' to sell their furs.
It now includes fur auctions, dog sledding, ice carving, carnival rides and not forgetting "running with the reindeer" !!

Dog sledding teams leaving 4th Avenue-

Lots of unusual fur hats are on display!!

Locals run the stretch of 4th avenue with reindeers...why you might ask ???

The streets are lined with furs for sale...only in Anchorage!

Ski For Women

On February 7th I joined a group of ladies for "Ski For Women".

This is an event to raise money for womens' charities.
As you can see from our costumes, our team's theme was country flags.
We all had a great morning while raising funds for a needy cause.

Burns Supper 2010

The Haggis Bashers Ball & Burns Supper was a wonderful evening held at the Sheraton Hotel in Anchorage. Ian delivered the toast "to the lassies" to a crowd of 400 people!
His speech was excellent and produced lots of laughs...