Talkeetna! 05/14/11

Our next adventure took us to Talkeetna. Sterling was asked to volunteer as a massage therapist for the Clean Air Challenge. This is a bike race from Houston to Talkeetna (I think about 62 miles). A co-worker volunteers every year and convinced Sterling to go this year. I am glad he did it because it started to get us out of the city on weekends. Dakota and I explored a bit while Sterling earned almost $300 in about 5 hours. (I think he will do this event again next year now that he knows he gets to keep all the money).

This is the lodge where the race ended. Dakota and I spent about 3 hours just walking around outside. It was cloudy but nice and cool.

No, that is not me crossing the finish line, it's just a person who happened to cross when we were on one of our many walks around the grounds. They announced the name of each person as they crossed the finish line.

Everyone left their bikes outside after the race. It was cool to see rows of bikes all lying down the same way. I can't believe how many people enter and finish this race.

This was just a fun art project made out of metal displayed out on the back deck of the lodge. It looked Dakota-size to me. Too bad I didn't have another set of arms to hold him on and take a picture at the same time.

Inside the lodge was a gift shop and Mr. Moose welcoming all to come inside. Dakota and Mr. Moose hit it off right away.


You can't tell from the picture because it was cloudy, but the back deck had a beautiful view of Mt Denali and other smaller peaks. Like they say, the picture just does not do it justice. It was a great shot of the little one looking out towards the mountain range.

Another look over the trees to the mountains. I promise they are out there, you just have to squint and concentrate really hard.

After walking around, in and out of the lodge for so long, Dakota started to get restless. We took a little ride out towards downtown Talkeetna and happened upon this fun playground. We played for a bit until "the boss" decided that we have had enough and needed a change of scenery, again.

Later we came back to show Daddy how much fun the playground was.

This is where we played, even though Dakota is not 2-5 yet.

Dakota absolutely loves the swings. He just laughs each time you push him higher.

Upside down is just as fun.

This was Mommy's favorite toy.

And thus ends our adventure in Talkeetna. This time around we had a free dinner, next time I heard of a few good places to eat. Kirsten wants to go back over the 4th of July weekend because they have a fun little parade that goes through downtown. Hopefully we will make it and I can post about it later this summer. Our Alaska adventures are just beginning!!!

The Alaska Railroad! 05/07/11

The Alaska Railroad had an open house on 05/07/11. Kirsten, Dakota, Sterling and I all went out to see what was going on. It was a free event, so we decided to get out of the house to enjoy the sun and the railroad station.

Dakota ariving at the Alaska Railroad Station.

Sterling and Dakota getting ready to board the train.


Sterling, Dakota and Kirsten on the top deck of the train.

Dakota waiting for Amber to get on the train.

Dakota is ready to go! Are you ready?


Dakota loved this balloon. He had so much fun with it for days!

They were having free train rides, but the line was extremely long and we decided to skip that part this year. Maybe next year when Dakota will understand more of what is going on. This was a great start to an exciting summer to come.

What is in our own backyard? ALASKA!!!

I am going to publish a series of posts called "What is in our own backyard?" We have decided to explore our own back yard this summer. We have lived here for almost 3 years and have only done a few touristy things. We decided that since we won't be leaving on any kind of vacation this year, we will vacation here on the weekends. I will try to keep up as we go, but bear with me b/c I am obviously not the best at this blogging business. We hope you enjoy our summer adventures as much as we do!!!