Alaska Signs of Spring
Last week, I noticed that snow had melted away from the south side of the barn, exposing dirt. Would it be strange to confess that I leaned down to breathe in the scent of it? The horses and dog found…
March’s Fishin’ Mission
Len Nelson says he doesn’t like kids. “Ankle-biters,” he calls them. For several weeks each Sunday morning before the appointed date, 75-year-old Nelson stands up at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and announces that there will be an ice-fishing party for…
Animals Gathered First: Reflections on Advent
It is early morning when I venture outside to feed the horses. LC is at my side, with Labrador enthusiasm even at 5:30 a.m. I gaze up, looking for a glimpse of the Northern Lights but today they remain elusive….
Oma’s Apron
On a bright sunny day at the Saturday market in Vancouver, Washington last year, I bought a tiny apron for my one-year-old granddaughter, Aurora. My mother was with me at the time and generously bought me an apron to match….
Fox Encounter is Reminder of Our Wilderness Backyard
Not long ago, my friend Tina alerted me to a fox den near a trail where we regularly go horseback riding. The fox was there, sitting on top of its den watching as she and her horse passed by. I searched…
Biography of Dick Griffith Chronicles Journeys of Alaskan Legend
Canyons and Ice: The Wilderness Travels of Dick Griffith chronicles the journeys of Alaskan legend Dick Griffith. Even before he trekked more than 6,000 mile across Alaska and the Canadian Arctic, he was one of the pioneers of river rafting…
Wildflowers, Wistful and Wise
There is a reason that wildflowers evoke flowery, evocative language. On a recent hike through Crow Pass, acres of wild roses filled the air with a scent like sweet honey and raspberries. Each rose’s five pink petals lay open like…
An Ode to Old Boots
I’m not a shoe person like my mom. My stylish mother’s head turns every time we pass by a shoe store or display. She loves pretty footwear; I believe she’d have a pair for every outfit and occasion if she…
Bears of Spring
At long last, breakup boots and sunglasses have replaced snowpacks and mittens. Bears are shaking off their long winter’s nap and they’re hungry. Last week, a friend and I had the privilege of…