Weekend in Hope and Whittier

We spent the weekend in Hope and then Whittier. Nice weather in Hope, major rain in Whittier.

Hiked up a mountain at Hope, so not much riding as our legs were pretty pooped. In this picture, we are in a very vertical spot. I found a little ledge to sit on but was still hanging on to the tree a little so I didn't slide down the mountain. I wasn't able to get a photo due to vertigo-inducing heights. I don't really like heights.



Lots of glaciers at Whittier.


Last photo is McHugh Creek - this is where I had my 16th birthday party! I always was an outdoors girl. This is one of my all-time favorite places. I am sad to see how it has been "civilized".

The Path is CLEAN!

I sent an email to the State maintenance guys telling them that I was going to give public testimony at the Governor's Council on Disabilities (held at my office last week). I was going to report how the lack of maintenance of the bike paths presents a barrier to people with disabilities from using the paths.

I actually got an email back from 2 of them! Never have I had a response in 4 years I have been dealing with this issue. NEVER! Needless to say, I was quite surprised to get 2 responses.

The first email was from the Superintendent here in Palmer, who said the path would be cleaned off by "this afternoon" (Monday).

And it was.

2 sad parts to this story: 1) summer is half over,
2) I'm working in Anchorage still so I haven't been able to ride to work.

I was thinking how great it will be to ride on the path, without feeling like I'm going to crash as my tires slip around in deep sand, or how I won't have to ride on the edge of the highway, both with and against traffic, and how riding mile after mile of bone rattling gravel won't be missed. I then realized I haven't really enjoyed riding to work this year. When I think of it, it's got a negative feel to it. I don't like that negativity so I'm looking forward to getting in some ride time where I'm not fighting just to stay upright.

BTW, Anchorage is really getting into the bike scene! Cyclist are everywhere! When is the Valley going to wake up???

Here is the latest label for my beer, a blueberry bock. Should be ready to drink in about 2 or so weeks.

Sweet Eddy Honey Witbier

Thanks to Old Man for the idea! I can't wait to try it in a few weeks!

Super DOT of AK

Last Friday, I had the day off. I was near the State of AK DOT office so I decided to "drop on in" for a chat about the bike paths.

Just so happens that the "super" was there. His name is Kurt.

Kurt was a very nice guy, but nervous. He asked me is I was "Sharon". Obviously, Sharon has been chewing his ass about the bike paths also.

Poor, poor guy (NOT).

He let me know that yes, he totally understands and sympathizes with the plight of the local bike path users. And he agrees they are in desperate need of cleaning. Things are so out of his control, he doesn't have the funding nor the equipment (but he's trying to get it). If only he had photos of the poor state of conditions, then he could go to his super's and convince them the need is desperate.

Well HELLO! I JUST happened to have my camera on me WITH photos! He gulps. I download them for him. He then says it will be taken care of the 1st week of July.

OK, I'm holding him to it. I tell him I'm still going to the papers, his name and our conversation will be written about and he WILL see me again if the paths aren't cleared off.

My overall impression? He's feeding me a line of big ol' BS.

Ok, bring it on. I'm not going away.