Another cool and cloudy summer

It's been a relatively wet and cool summer this year, despite the record-breaking high temperatures the rest of the country has been experiencing.  Whether that means we're in for a colder winter than last year, when the summer was warm and sunny, we don't know.  But we're not letting it stop us from getting out and having fun.


Malcolm spent a week at a marine biology camp run by the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, based in Homer.  The Center, among other things, operates a remote field station, complete with microscopes, computers and a lab, plus lodging and services for several guests.  It was Malcolm's first experience camping that far away from us, and for five days he hiked, explored tidal pools, identified over 100 marine animals in their natural environments, rebuilt a complete sea otter skeleton and went on a whale-watching cruise, where they managed to drift up alongside a pod of orcas (one even touched their boat).  As you might expect, he had a blast.


Homer itself was such a beautiful, fun place, we decided to all go back as a family, and camped a couple nights at a local campgound.  The town is surrounded by water on three sides, and offers stunning views of Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet.  The Spit is the well-known peninsula running out into the bay, and is dotted with shops, restaurants, camping and fishing spots, and marinas for small boats, fishing vessels and cruise ships.  However, the central town area on the mainland is even more lovely, and with fewer tourists.


Of course, Calvin turned four in June, and is growing up faster than ever.  It's hard to believe that this time next year, he'll be getting ready to enter kindergarten and join his big sister at their elementary school (even harder to believe, Malcolm will be moving on to middle school next year).


We recently added a few members to our family, in the form of five chicks.  Brandon built an insulated coop, and the birds now have a cozy home to snuggle up in when it's cool out, and a broad fenced run to stretch their legs in when it's warm.  We should start seeing eggs from them next year.


Finally, we're nearly packed and ready to head out on our next adventure, a five-day camping trip looping around counterclockwise through interior Alaska, including the entire stretch of the Denali Highway.  People come from around the world to visit Denali National Park, of course, but the gravel highway east of the Park offers some of the most beautiful, inspiring vistas in the state, as well as some of the only alpine tundra accessible from the road system, all with far fewer tourists and other visitors.  Given the setting's remoteness, we've taken added precautions with our car and our gear, to make sure we're ready for anything.  And we'll be sure to take lots of photos during our trip, which we'll share the next time we update!  :)


Take care, and enjoy the summer!

♥