Glacial Wonders

A hike to the Mendenhall Glacier was a must for our trip this summer to Juneau. We hadn't been there for probably 2 1/2 years and needed to find this AWESOME ice cave everyone was telling us about. So, off we went. Took a little over an hour to hike out to the glacier and to the ice cave.

It is hard to describe the beauty found in these caves. This one is the best I have been in here in Juneau. A small creek ran down the mountain and into the glacier forming this cave. We followed it down, stepping on many rocks that have just recently been covered by a glacier, for who knows how long. At the end of the tunnel or cave, there is a large opening/hole that goes up to the sky. Tons of water was dripping down the sides and once in the center, under the hole, it felt like you were getting dumped on by rain. 

Nice blue huh?

I have a the best husband. He goes on all these hikes with me! 

Here is the dirty part of the glacier, Brian is on it right now, looking for the hole that goes down to the tunnel. Fun times!!!

Mt Juneau

A few months ago, Brian and I decided to go to Juneau, Alaska since we hadn't been there for almost two years. So, a few days ago we flew into town. No jobs yet, so we might as well travel more, right?

And while here, of course I have to hike like a crazy woman. Here we are climbing Mt Juneau and following the ridge. Brian and Brian Ewing are lagging. :) Just kidding. I had to kick my butt to stay in front of them both.

We didn't have the sunniest of days, but the mountains were all visible and wonderful to look at. Like a feast for the eyes.

This marmot held his ground as our three dogs looked at him from the trail above. I was impressed that he didn't run off. Our first wildlife picture. We did see a lot of mountain goats, but they were all too far away to get a good picture.

Some snow over the creeks and rivers form some really cool shapes. And...our next picture is the best wildlife we saw!

This bear scuttled off pretty soon after he spotted us. He has a glossy coat and was really pretty. After all my hikes in Juneau, this was the first I have seen on a trail!

Then as soon as we rounded the corner on the trail we saw tons of berries. So, one reason the bear liked this area. Sweet berries! Not the best tasting, but good enough when you're on the trail.

Out of all the places I have been, Juneau is still at the top of the list for most beautiful places. It is a wonderful place to visit. 

Life in the States

     Three weeks ago we were on a plane headed to the USA. Hard to believe that we were even abroad a month ago! In our three weeks, we have purchased a car, been backpacking, car camping, gone to a wedding, seen the ocean, visited with numerous friends and family and started the long search for jobs. Currently we are living with my mom in Salem, Oregon. Possibly the city we will live in once we find jobs.
It has been good being back in Oregon. I love summer time here, sunshine, fresh fruit to pick, sleeping outside under the stars and family. Part of me kind of expects to return to Russia soon and start work there again. Although I am much more excited to be a nurse than a pre-school teacher assistant.

     We've had the question: "How was Russia?" a few times now and I always struggle with how to answer it. It was a great experience. Hard at times, long and lonely at times, but full of different people, food, stores and culture. Both Brian and I enjoyed learning about the Russian people and the things that make their culture so different from ours. Brian excelled in learning the Russian language and I only learned a few words (which I am totally satisfied with). We made some great friends who we already miss and hope to see someday again.

Here is a few pictures of our last three weeks in Oregon.

Slip-n-slide with tarps and dish soap! The best way to go!

The kids had a great time with the soap bubbles!

Backpacking at Duffy Lake. Brian and I with FIVE boys. WHEW!

It's not every day I get a good picture of Isaac (see above).

And, we celebrated Noah's tenth birthday with a little cupcake and candle!