Worlds Tallest Building

My travels this week included a quick stop in Dubai, UAE.  Spencer has been studying about the world's tallest building and he asked me to take some photos of it.  I only had a point-n-shoot camera and the weather was hot and hazy but I hope the photos are ok for you Spencer.  Daddy is only here for a couple of hours and then we take off again.

Weekend Wrap-up

Well, no new snow but the skiing was great.  We skied until our legs gave out and called it a day.  We did get the opportunity to ski Glacier Bowl.  This area is a hike up only area and is very seldom open due to avalanche risks.  Those choosing to hike Glacier Bowl can add up to a 1000 vertical feet to their run.  Not to mention fresh powder.  I stepped off my skis and sank to my waste in undisturbed powder.

A few shots for you showing skiers standing on the ridge and Connor skiing by on his way down the bowl.  What a start to 2010.

   

New Years Day

New year begins with more snow skiing and such.  We spent most of the day at the top of Alyeska.  This was the only place to see the sun.  As you can see from the photos, it was like skiing in the clouds.  The valley was covered with clouds all day and only those of us who ventured to the top got a glimpse of the sun.  Spencer and his friend Pete took advantage of the day.

 

New Years Eve

Spent the New Year weekend in Girdwood, AK at the Alyeska Ski Resort.  Everyone skied, snowboarded and had a nice time with friends.

New Years Evening, the boys participated in the annual Torchlight Ski Event.  The last run of the evening they line all the skiers up, turn out the lights, give them a torch and they ski down the mountain.  This is followed by a nice fireworks event.  Happy New Year to all you outsiders.

  

Morning Walk

Everything takes on a different perspective when you are in Alaska. A morning walk for instance; most of us think of walking the dog, walking to get a cup of coffee or jumping in your car to run to the store.

In Anchorage, AK; a morning walk is not complete without your pet reindeer. Yes, reindeer! These gentlemen are walking their reindeer in downtown Anchorage. The enclosed walkway you see in the background leads to our main downtown mall. These gentlemen are walking down one of our main street near 6th and F streets.

Gotta love it.

Christmas Eve Sleigh Ride

As part of our Christmas Eve festivities, we took the boys on a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the woods. We were pulled by a 20 year old Belgium breed of a pony named Dan. We were told that he was considered a runt at only 2200 lbs. Sorry for the photo quality, however, our driver said that he was not a photographer.

Merry Christmas!

Winter Solstice

Winter has officially arrived in Alaska. Today is the shortest day of the year or more commonly known as Winter Solstice. In Anchorage that means 5 hours and 37 minutes of daylight. Our official sunrise was at 10:14am and sunset at 3:41pm.

I have attached a couple of photos from midday or high sun. As you can see even at the height of our day the sun just barely clears the mountain range enough to light the top of the trees around our house. During this time of year we see very little of the actual sun.

Christmas is only a few days away and then we will be looking for spring and longer days. Merry Christmas and enjoy the photos.