More Fond Memories of Alaska

I have a few more wonderful memories from my recent trip to Juneau, Alaska, this time in the realm of flora and fauna. To start, it was such a thrill to watch a black bear forage for greens on the side of the road. He was probably fresh from hibernation and very hungry (dandelions seemed to be his favorite). 

Black bear out near Eagle River area

It was also fascinating to see the engineering work of the beavers near Mendenhall Glacier. The beavers dam a waterway, which floods the land and creates a pond and a new home for the beaver family. The dead trees are a little unsightly, but they are used by the beavers and help create an ecosystem for other critters. Nothing goes to waste. 

Beaver dam near Mendenhall Glacier

Birds are abundant in Southeast Alaska (a good pair of binoculars should always be in the car or the back pack). I reported on the birds we spotted on the Audubon cruise. Here are a few more avian species that I saw while out and about (the quality isn't great, so I'm obviously challenged when photographing birds with my cell phone)!

An unkindness of ravens near the landfill

Clockwise from top left: Red-breasted sapsucker, eagle in the tree top, eagle in flight, and a single raven on an old snag

Trees are abundant in Southeast Alaska, and especially green and lush in the Juneau area due to so much rain. My dad worked for the U.S. Forest Service as a research scientist, specializing in Sitka spruce and other native trees. Our family hikes were filled with interesting information about trees, shrubs, and the ecosystems that supported them. Dad's enthusiasm was contagious, and I credit my interest in plants to those family hikes.

Spruce tree on one of the islands in the wetlands

My brother Dave also shared interesting information about plants, wildlife, and the terrain as we hiked and roamed during my visit. In addition, my childhood friend Ulla showed me some of the trees that were dislodged, when the Mendenhall River flooded with water that had built up behind Mendenhall Glacier (a jökulhlaup).

Emerging spruce tips (bright green) and cones (red)

Trees dislodged by a jökulhlaup

The flowers were emerging very slowly during my six-week visit, probably due to the long cool spring. Luckily the hardy dandelions were everywhere, just in time for hungry bears and deer. I know from my trip last year (June-September 2024) that many more native and exotic plants will bloom this summer: Alaskan roses, astilbe, buttercup, fireweed, forget-me-not, foxglove, garden loosestrife, iris, ladies' mantle, orange hawkweed, peonies, Shasta daisy, thistle, and more!

Clockwise from top left: salmonberry blossom, shooting stars, lupines, and dandelions

Finally, I'm always on the lookout for interesting moss, lichen and algae! I was not disappointed. I found specimens near the glacier, on the beach, in the forest, on the wetlands, and in my parent's yard. I collected a few samples that might be good candidates for dye sources, with the right mordants, additives, and fixatives.

Clockwise from top left: lichens on a rock outcrop, detail of a lichen, algae, a colony of algae, lichen on the ground, lichen hanging from a tree

That wraps it up. I really enjoyed spending six weeks in Alaska with family and friends, watching spring unfold, and enjoying community life. I love the grand and small beauty, and love all the rain. It's also good to be back in my home and garden, with family and friends and our garden!

Fond Memories of Alaska

I've been home for about a month now, after my six-week trip to Alaska to visit my mom, dad, and brother. It's always nice to get back to your own home and garden, but I have so many wonderful memories of my time in Juneau, Alaska. I enjoyed being in nature, watching the slow spring emerge, spending time with my family, participating in activities, enjoying the spirit of the place, and renewing childhood friendships. Here are a few shots from my visit.

Chilkat Mountain Range

I'm continually captivated by the Chilkat Mountain Range, which is visible from my folks' front porch, from Douglas Island, out the road, and from the sea. The mountain range seemed especially big and grand and magical this year, possibly because the tops were still snow covered. The mountains are almost shape shifters, changing their appearance when seen from different vantage points and in different weather conditions.

Chilkat Range from Caroline's Point

Chilkat Range from Sunshine Cove

It is always a treat to hang out with Alaskans. They are a can-do, hardy lot, and passionate about the outdoors. If the sun comes out, they drop everything to get out in it. (And really, if it's raining they are probably out in it anyway and enjoying themselves)! I had so many wonderful outings with my brother and mom, and enjoyed reconnecting with several childhood chums. 

Hiking on the wetlands with brother Dave

Hiking and birding with Ulla and friends

Photographing lichen with Dave

Childhood chum, Ulla, and I holding the cakes

Alaskans also appreciate the arts and culture, and support both outside and local talent. During the visit, we took in events at the Jazz and Classics Festival, TrollFest, Mother's Day at the Jensen-Olson Arboretum, a couple of True Crime talks by local reporters, piano performances at the Pioneer Home, and an Audubon cruise. These events are often followed by a meal at a favorite restaurant, with lots of conversation and opinions.

Tom Locher on piano at the Jensen-Olson Arboretum

Bear claw - indigenous art on native land

TJ on Piano is a big hit at the Pioneer Home

It was also a treat to be back in my childhood home, which Mom and Dad built over the years as the family grew and we needed more room. The house is snug and comfortable, and filled with wonderful history, memories, and craftsmanship.

My childhood home (with spring grass just starting to grow)

Dad has the best workshop

The view from my old room

Finally, there is that view of the Chilkat Mountain Range from my folks' place. The view changes continually with the weather, the seasons, and the time of day, so it never gets old.

View of the Chilkats

Great Backyard Bird Count 2025

In February, I participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count. The annual event is hosted jointly by The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Audubon, and Birds Canada. Over a long weekend, citizen birdwatchers from around the world count birds from wherever they are. Two free apps are available for identifying and reporting observations – Merlin ID and eBird. A training webinar is offered in the weeks leading up to the event, and posted online. The GBBC results for the world are reported on their dashboard (use filters to hone in on specific locations). I’ve participated in this fun and important event for the last couple of years (see Counting Birds and Counting Birds for the GBBC).

Use the Merlin ID app to identify birds in your selected area

Use Merlin's Sound ID feature to identify birds by their songs or sounds

This year I submitted two lists on two separate days. Both were made during 15-minute periods, while walking in the neighborhood (up by the reservoir near the oak and redwood grove). This small woodsy area provides plenty of food for birds and trees for cover, with few people in the area to disturb our avian friends.

Use the eBird app to submit bird lists to the GBBC

Use eBird to see what other species have been observed nearby 

I was surprised to see that many of the bird species that I heard and saw in the woodsy area, also frequent the Bird Buddy feeder in our yard. Examples include Oak Titmouse, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, American Robin, House Finch, Song Sparrow, California Towhee, Dark-eyed Junco, and California Scrub-jay. The numbers and varieties explain why our Bird Buddy feeder is depleted of bird seed so quickly (glad to know that the birds are not just relying on the bird feeder for sustenance)! The GBBC is a great way for citizen scientists to contribute data related to one of our favorite hobbies - watching birds in our backyards and in nature.

Sabbatical, Seasons, and Seasons of Life: Wrap Up

For this year's "Sabbatical, Seasons, and Seasons of Life" theme, we pushed the pause button on everyday life. Time to slow down, consider what is important, keep what works, and move on from what doesn't. In May, I entered a new season of life when I accepted early retirement from a career that I loved.

Family members in Juneau, Alaska were facing their own new seasons of life, so I spent most of May through September in Alaska. It was a time of some hard changes, and we faced them together. I missed my family, home and garden back in the San Francisco Bay Area. However, I was grateful to have the time that retirement provides to pitch in, to spend time with my family in Alaska, and to immerse myself in the beautiful place where I was born and raised. Incidentally, I found the transition to retirement easy and liberating (obviously it was time for a new season of life)! 

Retirement and new frontiers!

 Seasons and Seasons of Life

I launched into a new season of life as a retired person, and am loving it! More time to enjoy life and the beauty of the everyday.

Sabbatical, Seasons, and Seasons of Life

A New Season of Life

Counting Birds for the GBBC

Bringing Back the Natives

Bird Buddy

Shadow Play

🌷Spring Watch   🌞Summer Watch   🍂Fall Watch   ⛅Winter Watch

Outings in Alaska

I spent four months in Alaska with my parents, aunt, siblings, and a few childhood friends; and enjoyed the beautiful "Great Land" in the process.

Mendenhall Glacier and More

North Douglas, the Chilkats, and More

Summer in Alaska

Blue Ice

Summer Outing

Cruise Ship Spotting

Three Seasons of Sunsets in Juneau Alaska

Fall Outing

Remembering Three Seasons in Alaska

Landscaping

We completed a major landscaping project at our home in the Bay Area using a local company that specializes in native and sustainable gardens, and then delved into learning about the plants.

Site Visit (2022)

Site Survey (2023)

The Plan

Demolition

Progress (see Field Notes for March)

Finished

Six Month Report

Moonlight in the Garden

Some Favorite Plants

More Favorite Plants

Even More Favorite Plants

Field Notes

We experimented with a new format to report observations and experiences throughout the month.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Plants to Dye For: Wrap Up 2024

I managed to get in a couple of solar dyeing projects!

Dye Project: Poinsettia Bracts (solar)

Dye Project: Chokecherry (solar)

Plant Hunters

On a quest to learn more about plant hunters in the Americas.

Alexander von Humboldt

Dr. Elzada Clover

Dr. Lois Jotter Clover

Movies

We learned more about weaving (to enhance our understanding of dyeing with plants) and enjoyed some entertaining shows (that had nothing to do with plants or plant movie stars).

Wisdom of the Loom

Garage Sale Mysteries

Books

We read a few good books to learn more about historical gardening, and plant hunters.

The Complete Book of Garden Magic

Alexander von Humboldt and the Botanical Exploration of the Americas

Brave the Wild River

Cruise Ship Spotting

During a sunny spell in late August, Mom and I took a drive out Thane Road in Juneau, Alaska. The road is south of town, about five miles long, and rich with gold rush history. The road is sparsely populated (partly due to the high risk of avalanches in winter), and includes the trail head for the Sheep Creek hike (one of my favorites in youth). On this day, we had the opportunity to see the Majestic Princess cruise ship, heading toward the port of Juneau. During the busy tourist season, there can be as many as five or six ships in port.

Majestic Princess

We also had a good view of the Goldbelt Tram terminal high above us on Mount Roberts. It's been a while since we rode the tram (see Tram Adventure), but it is a great experience. You can ride to the top, explore the trails and  views, and then either hike down to the trailhead on Basin Road or ride the tram to return to downtown Juneau.

Goldbelt Tram terminal, high on Mount Roberts

Viewing the tram terminal from sea level

Mom and I made this drive in late August, but we could already see signs of autumn. The flowers of these wild celery plants were drying out and going to seed. It was a reminder that the weather would soon be transitioning to fall, but a fact that was easy to ignore with the beauty of the summer day.

Wild celery (Angelica lucida)

Summer Outing

During a brief pause in the rain, when the clouds parted to reveal cerulean skies, Mom and I jumped in the car and headed out North Douglas road. The views from the boat launch take in Mendenhall Glacier across the channel and the Chilkat range North toward Skagway. Airplanes of all sizes and types take off and land from the nearby Juneau International Airport, and kayaks and fishing boats traverse the water. My Aunt Char and I visited the boat launch in May (see North Douglas, the Chilkats, and More). 

View from the boat launch on North Douglas Island

We took a picnic lunch and soaked in the view from the car. In the distance we could see Mendenhall Glacier. Closer in we could see small birds flitting among the trees and bushes, and a couple of ravens waiting hopefully for handouts.

Picnic in the car while enjoying the view

After lunch we walked down to the boat launch for views of the Chilkat Range. We spotted more ravens and found evidence of crab feed on the beach, no doubt the remains of a feast by local ravens or eagles.

A raven perches on a burned stump

Remains of a crab feast

To end the day, we were treated to a beautiful sunset, with the mist rising off the channel and wetlands. What a perfect day (followed by more days of wet weather)!

View from the porch of fog rising off the channel and wetlands

Counting Birds for the GBBC

In late February I participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), hosted by The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Audubon, and Birds Canada. Over a long weekend, citizen birdwatchers from around the world, both novice and expert, count birds from wherever they are. Two free apps are available for identifying and reporting observations - Merlin ID and eBird. The GBBC results for the world are reported on their dashboard (use filters to hone in on specific locations). I participated in the count last year and really enjoyed the experience (see Counting Birds).

A few faithful species visited the yard despite the yard renovation

I'm afraid my results were a little spotty this year because of the landscaping project. Despite the turmoil in the yard, hummingbirds continue to visit the hummingbird feeder throughout the day, and a family of mourning doves scratch for insects in the disrupted dirt every morning and evening. Likewise, the little wren stops by for a quick snack of insects. The new yard design is wildlife friendly, so should be worth all the disruption!

Drizzly Walk Around Bishop Lake

We're in the rainy season here in the San Francisco Bay Area. We've had some intense downpours, but haven't heard the term "atmospheric rivers" much this year. (Last year was a different story). The downpours have been punctuated with bright sunny stretches, so we get periodic relief from gray skies and rain.

Bishop Lake from the safety of an umbrella

Despite the gray gloom, drizzly days provide a lot of beauty. I relish my afternoon walks around Bishop Lake under an umbrella. There is so much to experience. The air is fresh and invigorating, the color palette is soft and muted, and plants are in their dormant state.

Bishop Lake in winter

The lake attracts local and migrating birds. Herons stand majestically by the shore, songbirds flit among the shrubs feasting on insects and berries, and waterfowl float on the lake in groups. After a brisk and meditative walk it's back to work with renewed vigor and fresh ideas!

Waterfowl in the rain on Bishop Lake

Roaring Twenties: Wrap Up

For this year's "The Roaring Twenties" theme, we celebrated the partial return to "normalcy" (if that even exists) and all the good things of life. COVID is still a reality, but the consequences aren't as dire as they were in early days, when we were figuring out how to survive a pandemic (with lots of opposing opinions). It was a pleasure to expand my horizons, range, and scope this year. I've traveled more, visited more gardens, and enjoyed the company of more people. I've also appreciated the simple pleasures of observing nature, dyeing with plants, and learning more about our beautiful world. Definitely cause for celebration in this century's "Roaring Twenties".

 

Adventures in Alaska, Nevada, Utah, and California in the roaring twenties!

Celebrating Gardens and Landscapes

Cause for celebration - we're finally getting back into the habit of visiting beautiful gardens and enjoying nature in more than just the back yard.

Mountain View Cemetery

Chilly Walk on the Iron Horse Trail

Jensen-Olson Arboretum

Summer Heat at Filoli

Bringing Back the Natives: 2023

Landscaping: Site Survey

Celebrating a Return to Travel

More cause for celebration - a trip to Alaska and an 1800-mile road trip to Dinosaur National Monument.

Alaska - the Last Frontier

Dinosaur National Monument

Nevada to the Great Salt Lake

Treasures in Tahoe

Celebrating Birds and Lichen

Wherever we go, nature provides something interesting to watch or learn.

Counting Birds

Finches (video)

New Hummingbird Feeder

Portraits in Lichen

More Portraits in Lichen

Alaskan Portraits in Lichen

Celebrating the Everyday

Find beauty in the everyday.

An Atmospheric River Runs Through It

Shadow Play

Summer Evenings

Fall Light

Dyeing with Plants (a celebration of blue)

Birthday Flowers

Celebrate friends and family with birthday flowers!

January - Carnation

February - Violets

March - Daffodils

April - Sweet Peas

May - Lily of the Valley

June - Roses

July - Water Lily

August - Poppy

September - Aster

October - Cosmos

November - Chrysanthemum

December - Holly

Plant Hunters

On a quest to learn more about plant hunters in the Western United States - then and now!

David Douglas

Lester Rowntree

Amy Patten

Movies

We traveled to exotic places via documentaries and learned more about dyeing with plants.

A World of Indigo

In Search of Lost Colors

Books

We used a few good reference books to learn more about flowers, plants, and gardening. The internet provides similar information, but sometimes you just want to curl up with a good book!

The Color Dictionary of Flowers & Plants

No Fail Flower Garden

Illustrated Encyclopedia of Perennials 

Treasures in Tahoe

For our recent trip to Dinosaur National Monument, we chose the north shore of Lake Tahoe to book end our travels. Tahoe is about three hours from the San Francisco Bay Area and home, so it is  a comfortable drive to both kick off and bring to an end our first long road trip since 2018. At this stage of life, my husband and I are content with shorter driving days and more time to explore and enjoy both the journey and the destination.

Into the pines
[Note: click on a photo to see a larger image.]

Lake Tahoe (Google maps)

In early afternoon, we packed up the car and headed for Tahoe via Interstate 680 to Interstate 80. Traffic was thick but clipped along, slowed periodically by road construction. Traffic finally cleared after Auburn CA, about the same time we entered the pines. We learned that Jeffrey Pine is dominant around the Lake Tahoe area, and their distinct look and fragrance is wonderful. We took exit 880B to 267, and drove the 10 miles to Kings Beach on the North Shore.

Kings Beach

We checked into the Crown Motel, which is right on the lake. After settling in, we sat out on the deck to watch the water. The sun was bright, but a stiff breeze had kicked up off the lake. I called my folks and enjoyed a nice chat from a deck chair out of the breeze in the warm sun. For dinner, we walked over to Jason's Beachside Grille for prime rib and fish and chips, and split warm apple pie ala mode for dessert. We watched the tail end of the sunset from the shore, and then walked back to the motel.

Room with a view of Lake Tahoe

Choppy water on the lake

Dinner at Jason's Beachside Grille

Sunset on Lake Tahoe

The next day was warm and bright and the breeze had calmed down. We packed up, feeling very rested, checked out, and then enjoyed breakfast at the The Old Post Office Cafe at Carnelian Bay. We stopped at Starbucks to fill up our commuter cups and get a few road treats, and then headed for Elko NV and a full day of driving.

Old Post Office Cafe on Carnelian Bay

Breakfast at The Old Post Office Cafe

Carnelian Bay

On the way back from Dinosaur National Monument, we spent two more days in Tahoe. We checked into our cabin at Cedar Glen Lodge on Carnelian Bay after a full day of driving and just relaxed. Hunger finally drove us to nearby Jiffys Pizza for a delicious dinner. By then it was raining, but very cozy at the restaurant. Back in our cabin, we finished off the day looking at photographs and reflecting back over the day's travels. 

Our cabin at Cedar Glen Lodge (#3 on the left)

Cozy nook

Drive Around Lake Tahoe

The next day we returned The Old Post Office Cafe for a leisurely breakfast, and then bought gas and picked up Starbucks coffee and treats. We had decided to drive around Lake Tahoe, a 72 mile drive. Our mission was to see what other areas we might like to explore on a return trip. We headed down the East side first, through South Lake Tahoe, and then up West Lake Tahoe. We had thought we might stop to snap some pictures, but it was crowded and busy with folks on their Sunday drives. We still got a good feeling of all that Lake Tahoe has to offer, so feel we completed our mission! We decided we prefer North Shore, with more wilderness, less development, and less congestion (at least when there is no snow on the ground)! My husband recalled being in West Lake Tahoe with his Dad and his wife in the 1970s as part of a trip to Reno NV. 

Relaxing by the fire

Fire pit under the pines

Back at the cabin, we lounged around for a while and enjoyed a family phone call with the Alaskan and Oregonian contingents. For dinner we went to Spindleshanks Tahoe Restaurant and had a lovely dinner and shared dessert. Back at the lodge we sat out under the pines by the fire pit and enjoyed a crackling fire.

Home Again

The next day was sunny but quite chilly - definitely a fall feeling in the air. After a brisk walk, we packed up, snapped a few pictures, and then checked out of the cabin. We headed back to Spindleshanks for our last big breakfast of the trip, bought coffee and treats at the nearby Starbucks, and then hit the road for home. We enjoyed our trip so much!

Sunshine over Cedar Glen Lodge (after the rain)

Breakfast at Spindleshanks

The trees of Tahoe