Happy Mothers day from Taku Lodge

Today was Mothers Day and our flight and feast tour. We boarded a float plane in downtown Juneau and headed out to Taku Lodge. Finn got to be co-pilot for the flight out. He was so excited to get strapped in and put on his headset. He was grinning from ear to ear. As we headed out to the lodge we flew over the Juneau ice field, Taku glacier, and hole in the wall glacier. As we were flying I looked around and noticed all my kids were asleep, including Finn the co-pilot. Apparently the motion of the plane was very relaxing for everyone.

We landed at Taku lodge and the salmon was already cooking on the outdoor grill. We headed in to get our table. We ate lunch while one of the guides told us the history of the lodge. Finn my adventurous eater was all about the salmon. Kenzie was a little more challenging, but I did get her to try a bite.

After lunch we headed outside for a walk around the property. As we headed back to the lodge we noticed everyone standing around the grill with their cameras. There in front of the grill was a black bear licking up leftover salmon. He looked up a few times to check everyone out, but didn't seem concerned by us. The kids were all amazingly quiet and just stood staring at the bear.

Our flight back was only 10 minutes, but still beautiful. The whole day was an amazing experience, and I'm so glad we were able to do this as a family and with our best friends.

co-pilot

Taku Lodge

Hole in the Wall Glacier

Views from around town

Auke Lake

Auke Bay

Mendenhall Glacier

Time to rally

After getting up at 4:15 in the morning and traveling all I really wanted was to go to bed  but I was in Juneau, AK and the sun was shining so I rallied. Lora Beth and I took Ally and headed to Mendenhall Glacier. We walked the trail for a closer look at the glacier and Nugget falls. It was 8:00 in the evening, the sun was still out and the views were breathtaking. I was in photography heaven.

Nugget falls

Julie & Ally "little brown dog"

reflection shot just after sunset at 9:30pm

Mount Roberts Tram

We landed in Juneau at noon and the sun was shining so we got started on our vacation. We headed to downtown Juneau and took the tram up to the top of Mount Roberts. There was still snow on the ground, something we don't see to often in Novato, so the kids were happy to walk through it, but we weren't able to do the hike to the top. Instead we went to take a look at the eagle that lives up there. She was previously injured and rescued and now lives in captivity. Then we headed over to the visitors center where Mackenzie and Paige got a lesson on the local flora, fauna & wildlife of the area. They even pulled out a telescope and showed the girls an eagles nest located down near the road.

Afterwards we headed back down to Juneau and stopped on the pier to get a look at the Disney cruise ship. Then we headed to Auke Bay to check out a local eatery called the Hot Bite.

Disney Cruise ship

Mt Roberts Tram

Planes, trains & automobiles

This morning we awoke at 4:15 am and headed for the airport. The kids were half asleep and still in their jammies but excited for our adventure to begin. After a short flight we were in Seattle for our layover. We changed out of our jammies and had some breakfast then we headed to our next terminal. Finn was excited to get on the choo-choo (concourse tram). Jim and Finn spent the next hour riding through the different terminals while the girls and I hung out at the gate. Finally it was time to board our last flight. Jim and Mackenzie started a movie, while Finn and Emme took a nap. As our flight was ending the views started to change. Snowcapped mountains and crystal waters were all around us. I was in awe of the sheer beauty, should I pinch myself, this is really Alaska!

We landed and LB was waiting for us with the van, my kids very excitedly hopped in, ready to go and play with the Baysden girls.

Oakland airport very early in the morning

checking out the planes in Seattle

Kenzie and her airplane pet

a view from the sky

The Big Race

Today was the Big Sur Marathon and Jim was up at 4:30 to catch the bus to Carmel for the race start. The rest of us slept in, ate breakfast and then headed to Carmel by the Sea to take the scenic 17 mile drive. Mum Mum and I stopped at the different vista points and took pictures, while Emersyn napped and Kenzie & Finn watched a movie in the van.

The Lone Cypress

After our drive we headed to the race finish line. We met up with a tired but happy Jim. He had finished the race and completed with a personal best of 4 hours and 23 minutes an awesome accomplishment. I guess pushing two kids in the double jogger on all his runs really paid off! The kids were very excited to see Daddy's medal and his goody bag full of snacks.

In the afternoon Jim stayed with Finn in the hotel for a well deserved nap while the girls headed to the seaside beach. It was still a little cool out but Mackenzie really wanted to wear her new bathing suit. The rest of us were happy to enjoy the warm sun in our sweatshirts.

After the boys woke up we headed to Carmel Valley for dinner at Baja Cantina. The weather was great so we enjoyed our Mexican feast on the patio. After dinner we headed to Carmel by the Sea  to our favorite beach to watch the sun set. We brought out the sand toys and let the kids play. Mum Mum and I took a walk to watch the surfers. The sun set was perfect without a cloud in the sky. Something unusual for foggy Carmel. It was a beautiful end to a special day.