Icewind's Ramblings

Anchorage Alaska was breathtaking this evening, in more ways than one! The temp outside was 6˚F but felt way colder, so that's what I meant by breathtaking . . . walking to my rig after work the cold air stung my throat. Freezing cold, but beautiful as I started my drive home I made my way on to the circular ramp that leads from Dimond Blvd. to the Seward Highway . It climbs up and comes over the bridge giving you a great view of the mountains to the east, the panorama view of the southern mountains along Turnagain Arm and the horizon to the west and north of Cook Inlet and Sleeping Lady (mountain across the Inlet) as you come around to see the buildings of Downtown Anchorage in the distance. The sky behind the mountains to the east looked almost black as night had fallen and the darkness was settling in nicely for a clear cold Alaskan night. The last rays of sun hit the mountaintops turning into a peachy pink color. The actual sun was already below my vis...

Alaska has thousands of miles of wilderness to enjoy your favorite outdoor activity. Winter time enthusiasts enjoy snow machining, skiing, ice fishing, or even winter camping. The endless hours of summer sunlight gives way to a slightly different time around the campfire than found in other places as we search out the many wonders found in the northland. I ran across an item that may add a slightly different take on one of our everyday foods . . . the cheeseburger. Now most of us has stopped into the local burger joint and gotten one to go. I’m not sure if other parts of the country has what we call “the six dollar burger” as the going price here in Anchorage is that or more. The secret to a good cheeseburger is its freshness. Hot off the grill, with all of the ingredients piping hot. Not the kind of food you’d think to put in a can. The graphics on this German site make it clear this product is intended to pack for outdoor sports such as camping, fishing, cano...

My father in law has recently moved up to our arctic wonderland and is getting used to some of the minor differences to life in Alaska compared to his former life in the lower 48. There are the usual things dealing with the cold and the winter’s darkness and the outside conditions of snow and ice packed roads but one that has amused me is his desire to find his way around the vastness of what is Alaska and the varied terrain found here. I’ve talked about my Saturday breakfast with several friends before so it is no surprise that Charlie looked forward to making the trek with me as I get out every Saturday morning with Levi, my trusty golden retriever for our meal, some good laughs and stories, and the several chores that need to be completed before we return home. As I was warming my rig before leaving the house Charlie gets in and shows me his new Garmin Nuvi 660 portable navigation system. Whether fishing, flying, or driving Charlie makes sure he has the latest tec...

Tonight standing under the stars in the freezing cold, talking to my Mama many thousands of miles and a world away. The quiet here at night is so deafening I can hardly think about sleep. The stars are so bright . . . even in the middle of town . . . that sometimes I can do nothing more than look up at them and wonder what ancient humans thought of the heavens, a thought that never even occurred to me when I lived in the city. When I lived in Atlanta , I hardly ever looked up. What a beautiful night it is right now outside . . . there is a cold wind blowing, the kind of wind where the sharp coldness cuts right through you leaving you refreshed, awake, and vibrant. And then what a reward . . . to look up into the dark night sky, speckled with the shimmering light of twinkling stars . . . something we didn't get to see to often in the south. Beautiful as a description seems so weak trying to put into words so I just stood there, what a joy it was to just be still and...