ALS Ice Bucket Challenge: Alaska Style

VIDEO: Hey Everyone!  We’re in sunny beautiful Juneau, Alaska, in front of the Mendenhall Glacier. And what better day, what better place to do the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge with ice water from the Mendenhall Lake. But first I’m going to call out Carmen, Gretchen, and Sharon to join me in this challenge for ALS.

Okay, 3-2-1… GO!

P.S. A big thanks to Eyewitness News meteorologist/East Coaster Drew Anderson and Ricky Lam for loaning us their bucket. So glad to see other folks out there near the face of the glacier, braving the ice cold water!

P.P.S. And another big thank you to Debbie for loaning us the standup paddleboards - without which Sharon and I wouldn't have had our big and icy adventure!

The Rumors Are True...

The rumors are true... Tracy's Crab Shack has the best legs in town!  My Momma and I recently sat down at the shack for a big ol' feast, the Captain's Reserve - 1 large leg and 1 large killer claw of Bering Sea king crab, with a scrumptious side of crab bisque.  And believe it or not, Prosecco pairs wonderfully with drawn butter. 

Tracy's Crab Shack is not only a hotspot for tourists, but it's a favorite of locals who flock there daily for her excellent FRESH seafood.  Check out her unique outdoor setting (and brand new gift boutique) near the Juneau cruise ship docks - you won't be disappointed!

Charlie’s Angels Go Paddleboarding

Living in Juneau brings lots of daily adventure, especially if you live in close proximity to Sandy Beach.  The area is not only picturesque, but loaded with history.

Rain or shine, there is always something to do at Douglas Island’s Sandy Beach.  It's a great location for dog walking, family barbeques, and even serves as an easy jumping off point for paddleboarding.

Earlier this summer, I joined my friends, Debbie and Heather, on a little excursion to paddleboard along the Sandy Beach shoreline and around the old and historic Pump House.  It was sunny and warm (by Alaska standards), but we still wore wetsuits and little booties – and had an absolute blast!

I highly recommend the paddleboarding experience to visitors and locals alike.  Want to check it out for yourself?  Blue Nose Surf specializes in outfitting folks for paddleboarding and surfing in southeast Alaska.  Better yet, they’re located on Douglas Island – so you’ll be just a hop, skip, and jump from Sandy Beach.

Heather, Debbie, and I enjoying the deck on a sunny Juneau evening.

Getting outfitted in our wetsuits.  Mount Roberts and the Gastineau Channel in the background.

Click thumbnails below to expand photos.

Solo paddling in the sun.

Fabulous Heather.


Rainy Days, Rainy Parades

My dear sweet Momma is visiting from Bama for a few weeks.  I have been determined to show her the REAL Alaska, and I think she got the gist.  Rain doesn't deter Juneauites - even for a Fourth of July Parade.