Velvet, the Pet Reindeer

​When I first visited Nome in the summer of 2011, I was hanging out at the Safety Roadhouse and admiring all the junk on their walls.  There were thousands of tattered dollar bills, old Iditarod memorabilia, and this very interesting photo of a reindeer.  Camped out.  ON A COUCH.

A picture of the picture.​

I soon learned that this was not just any couch-surfing semi-domesticated caribou.  This was Velvet, an actual pet reindeer in Nome!  Don't believe it?  See for yourself.

I had to see this big beautiful animal in the flesh.  So when I was in Nome earlier this month for Iditarod Week, we searched high and low.  Well, actually, we didn't have to go far.  You see, Velvet has her own fenced area at her owner's house near the Nome Recreation Center.  Her pad is decked out with decorative "Reindeer Crossing" signs and rope lighting that spells out "Velvet Eyes."  I can't imagine a more whimsical home for a pet reindeer.

Velvet is indeed very velvety.​

2012 in Review: Alaska Adventures Galore - PART TWO!

Hello there!  If you haven't checked out Part One of my 2012 Alaska Adventures, please mosey on over to see a recap of January - June 2012.  (Pssst, click the "Part One" link above...)  Here's the second installment of my video and photo synopsis of 2012's adventures.  This blog features some of my experiences from July - December 2012.  Enjoy - and know that you, too, can have these awesome adventures if you just put your mind to it!

​Cleared for landing - Juneau, Alaska.

Somewhere in Southeast Alaska (near Juneau).​

Fourth of July Trip to Haines, Alaska

All aboard the Alaska Marine Highway!​

With my buddies, Ben and George.  ​

Pilot approved!


Mom's First Trip to Alaska

No trip to Juneau is complete without a stop at Tracy's Crab Shack.  She's got the best legs in town!​

Commercial fishing near the Shrine of St. Therese.​

​Whale watching with Captain Larry of Orca Enterprises.

Tracy Arm Cruise with Adventure Bound Alaska

BIG splash!

Soulful eyes.​

Quenching my thirst like a real Alaskan.

Mom and I at the Sawyer Glacier.


I love all the action in this sunset shot: cruise ship, fly fisherman, and purse seiner fishing boat.


Summer 2012 was a busy cruise ship season for Juneau.

Seen in downtown Juneau.

​Jumping for joy because I got to take this Cessna 182 from Anchorage to Palmer and back!


Icefield and Dog Sled Tour with Coastal Helicopters




Kodiak Island and a Washed Up Whale

​Saw huge bear tracks up and down the beach near the rotting whale, but the majestic Kodiak Brown Bear was elusive.

Pillar Mountain on Kodiak Island


​And When Back in Juneau...

For ONE SINGLE DAY in 2012, Juneau saw temperatures in the low 80s.  Sonny Bunny was beyond miserable, as was half of Juneau.​

One of the last cruise ships in town for the season.​

2012 was a terrific year because of new friendships shaped and old friendships reconnected.  2012 showed me I am blessed beyond measure!