Close Encounters

First off, the blogging will probably be a little sporadic this week.  There's a lot to share but since right now we are stealing borrowing internet from a new neighbor named Linksys, we're trying to be kind and not steal too much bandwidth.  Then again, the neighbors could also password protect their network if they really cared. Just sayin'.

So yesterday we got into the house and did a big walk through with the realtor.  Everything seems okay - there are some issues with the windows (basically they all need replacing, which is something that we hope can be accomplished before next winter) and some other minor cosmetic things.  The owners run a carpet/flooring store in town and put new cherry hardwood floors in the living/dining room (I am terrified to let Ripley walk on them) and some new vinyl in the master bedroom.  They also put in brand new appliances recently, which is really nice.  A lot of the features (like the windows...also the kitchen cabinets) seem to be original to the house - probably from the 70s, which is kind of weird.  In all, the house is nice, it's going to be a fine place to live, especially once our stuff gets moved in and we're off the air mattress and the camping chairs, but it's not a house we'd buy.

One huge bonus is that Andy's brother, Craig, lives less than two blocks away! We didn't know this when we rented the place, and it's going to be nice to have family close by, especially when Andy's all alone up here.  Craig also works at a really nice restaurant down the street from here, and he was nice enough to buy us dinner last night.  After road food for days and spending all our time (and money) yesterday stocking the house with the necessities, it was nice to have a sit down meal and visit with a friendly face.  Thanks, Craig!

Today we played tourist in our new city! We had breakfast at the Snow City Cafe, a place we tried to visit this summer but could not get a table at - even when we went really early.  We learned that 8 a.m. on a Tuesday is not their busiest time.  The food was incredible and we can't wait to take visitors there!

After running more errands, we went for a mini hike up at the Hilltop Ski Area.  This place is only 4 miles from our house and I have a feeling we'll be visiting a lot both in the summer and next winter.  I'd really like to try cross country skiing and they have excellent trails there and with it being so close to home, it doesn't have to be such an ordeal to go for a couple hours.

On our walk we enjoyed the beautiful weather - not a cloud in the sky...

In addition to the nordic trails, they also have some (small) chair lifts and downhill runs.

They also have ski jumps!

While we were walking around enjoying the sunshine and warm weather (in the 40s - I saw people in shorts today, I swear), we happened upon a new friend!

Well hello there, lady moose.

Lady moose was just enjoying her midday snack of pine needles and sticks.  She was minding her own business and, as much as she surprised us, we surprised her a little I think.  While I was taking pictures, she turned toward us and started to head our way.  This was our signal to turn around and find a new walking path.

Okay, okay, we'll be on our way.

I was very excited to have a close encounter with a moose.  I have seen probably about 4 of them between the trip here in the summer and the drive to Anchorage.  Until you see one up close, though, I don't think you can really appreciate how big they are.  Thankfully this one was not aggressive.  Andy says usually they are like giant cows - just content to stand around and chew on stuff.  That's my kind of animal.

After our little hike, we went up to Flattop, a popular hiking spot in Anchorage where Andy took me over the summer.

soooo many mountains

Hi there.  Sorry I didn't shower today, we didn't have a shower curtain.

The weather was so clear today, you could see for just about forever.  If you looked north you could even see Denali way out in the distance.  Absolutely amazing.  I'd like a house up here so I can just stare at this all day long.

The city with the inlet and "sleeping lady" in the background.  Can you see where it gets its name?

The city seems really far away, but Flattop is still in Anchorage - it's a very spread out city.  Basically, we live at the bottom of this hill and Andy works downtown (where the tall buildings are in the more densely built part), which is about 15 minutes from where we live.

Andy even tossed some snowballs off the viewpoint.

It was a good day.  We're about to head back up to Flattop and do some stargazing tonight.  I'm hoping to catch more northern lights, though I don't know if that will happen.  Even though it's already 9:15, which is past my bedtime, we have to wait a bit longer, like I mentioned last night, it stays light REALLY late around here.  Sunrise is at 6:52 a.m. and sunset is at 9:07.  I don't think it'll really be dark dark until about 11 or later.  I can't wait for the summer!!