AND IT COMES TO A CLOSE

Another year's great adventure comes to a close.  I leave you with a hodge podge of miscellaneous photos taken by our Trip Photographer--Sam!

I am fortunate to have three first cousins and their families who call Alaska home.  Karen the youngest of these siblings and her husband, Paul invited us for a salmon dinner our first night in town.  So gracious and hospitable---they filled us with loads of tips and suggestions about "Don't Miss".  We left them in shock at how much this group can eat.  Logging Crew comes to mind while watching the carnage.  MANY Thanks to them both for a wonderful evening of Alaskan hospitality!



YES--it was cold this day!
Jim is pointing to where they are headed.  It had already been a LONG climb and I could see plenty.  Laura & I sat on the side of the trail and watched the others finish the climb to the top of Flat Top Mountain.



You have to enlarge the picture above to see they are down on all 
fours trying to make it to the top.   I believe the words heart pounding might have been used.
  











Yes, you are seeing how far it is to the bottom--a LONG WAY!


We saw beautiful water falls


And strange looking beasts


And might have been over the top with views and napped instead.


We paused before leaving for our annual "Homecoming Court" picture with the view behind our VRBO.



The two "Whipper Snappers" who tagged along this year--were loads of fun and somehow resisted killing all the old people in the group when we gasped and complained about the next planned activity.  Planners extraordinaire and navigators with a flare---LOVE these two being on this year's adventure!

A Little Story To Close



This majestic eagle---visited us the day we kayaked.  The symbol of our nation---these beautiful birds do not socialize and keep their distance most of the time.  As we listened to the instructions by the guides, he flew in for a look--first landing in the tree overlooking our group.  He then swept down on the shore---and sat--and watched---and let us all admire his great beauty.

I thought back as he took his flight---of the great wonders and beauty of God's creation we have been blessed to view all these years.  Truly amazing that God would send this beautiful bird to remind me of the great gift of nature.  It has been beyond my wildest dreams to see all that His hand has created and witness His creation in its finest from points only accessible by hiking.  As this great symbol of our nation took flight and soared over us as we kayaked, I was reminded---so God watches over us and blesses us with a view of His greatness as exhibited all around us.  

And so---it's a wrap---another year--another adventure---and already talking over next year---if God so ordains--there are more trails to trek and more wonders to behold--as He leads me down the path.


but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31


10 comments

  1. Wonderful photos and a wonderful adventure, Lulu. Thank you for shariing them with us.

    I have to ask: Was that bison in the photo real or a statue/stuffed animal? The reason I ask is because he is the only one not saying "cheese"!

    God bless.

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    1. The beast is a Musk Ox, Victor. LONG explanation---google him! Yes--he was stuffed--but there were live versions on the farm as well!
      Blessings, Friend!

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  2. It TRULY was, Julie!!!
    Blessings!

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  3. Awww...the end of the road, already??? But, I was so enjoying the adventure, Lulu. Thanks for sharing sweet friend...have a lovely day.

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    1. All stories have an ending, Linda-hopefully this is just the end of this chapter!
      Blessings, Friend!

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  4. Eagles are majestic. The first one I had to privilege to see in person, up close, was in western Georgia. They are amazing. There are several nesting around here now. I love being out in nature. Thanks for sharing the trip. Glad y'all had a good time and returned safely. ~:)

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    1. Thanks, Sparky! I would LOVE to get on a jet plane and return to the cool temps! Yes, my brother's lake house is by a nesting pair of eagles in Louisiana---really something to watch!

      Blessings, Friend!

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  5. We can't travel right now, so I'm glad I can live vicariously through you. Great trip, great group, great posts!

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    1. AND it truly was a wonderful trip, LEN!!
      Blessings, Friend!

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  6. Thanks for sharing your travels: awesome scenery, interesting information, and scripture-linked life application. Your blog is always like an extra devotional for the day. God Bless!!

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!