Our trip to Alaska was very welcome this year, coming as it did after 10+ days of heat in the triple digits. We flew north and found more sunshine and warm weather, but loved the change of scene!
The kids continue to enjoy boat rides. Mitch was the official raiser and lowerer of the motor this year. In fact, he liked to do everything he could to help or participate!
There were lots of games and adventures with Grama as she watched the kiddos when we three went fishing. Here, she donned a pair of waders and rescued an escaping frisbee for Mitch.
He promptly put it on his head and we hiked over the logs to the back bay!
Shan was in ever-present danger of becoming crab bait. She had some real doozies of tantrums while there. Here, however, she was happily decked out to go pull crab pots!
She and Mitchell both loved the new swing Grampa rigged up in one of the few remaining trees. It was part of the play things arranged within supervision distance (note the boat with their buoy fish!) that the kids enjoyed.
Morning giggles with Grandpa
Singing and playing her instruments.
So much warm weather required some lounging in the sun. Climate change deniers are nuts!
A high tide paddle with Grama - whom he insulted by saying "Dad is better". So...
Dad and he went around the back bay and Grama and I walked through for the view.
Keeping an eye on boat traffic. It was delightfully busy on the Narrows this year.
Shan reading to Grama
The size of the Columbia in contrast to our boats is always amazing!
Both kids were very excited to use binoculars and watch the boats. Grampa was kind enough to share a pair and I don't think they were damaged.
Showers are wonderful at the cabin with hot water and the reward of sleeping clean and well. However, for the kids, baths are king because they get to use a tub and play with golf balls. Why this is so exciting is beyond me, but it is and Grampa boiled water several times to make it happen.
A quiet moment waiting her turn for the tub.
Such glee!
There are always beautiful views and I tried to get a new one this year. One morning I had to get up early (4:45!) and was fortunate to see the sunrise over the hills.
There are still so many projects due to the tree fall, but the cabin is in such good shape again! Bryan and Mitch helped Dad put up some gutter on the boat house. The water system is being rearranged and so the gutters are needed. While the biting flies were awful in the heat, the rain did come a few days later and proved the project successful!
Swimming was once again possible thanks to the heat. Oh the joy of cold salt water and skivvies for suits!
It has been many years since I went fishing - probably 9. This year we changed that. I was a full fishing participant (hence Mom's childcare) and even had some luck. The first day we floated eggs on the Blind and all three of us caught our 2 Kings.
Lots of crab and shrimp, too, made for a lovely beach fire dinner.
Another day, Mitch sported his halibut shirt for good luck...
and it worked! I caught my first halibut in the 17 years of trips north! Take that, bottom feeders! Dad was a great guide and I never had to touch the bait or kill the fish. Kind of a pansy on my part, but more fun for me!
It's a little guy, but it wasn't a skate or a shark or a rockfish, and it will be tasty!!!
On our last trip up the Blind, Bryan caught 6 Kings. The water was thick with them - boiling with them! Dad and I each kept 1 so we had to filet and wrap 8 fish and then race to town to get them in the freezer so they'd be ready for our flight out the next day. It was a successful day of fishing - capped off with halibut tacos!
Our family loves the Cabin. Thanks for the hosting, Dad and Mom!
Helping Papa pull in the boat was one of Mitchell's favorite chores. Here they do so for the final time.
We went to Sandy Beach as we waited for our plane and Bryan found a great trail through the woods.
A new place to explore in the years to come!
Mom and Dad were in need of some naps when we finally flew south but we sure loved our time together!
Tired and cute guys on the plane.
Vacation is exhausting! We made it home and can't wait to go back again!
