Monkey Business in Alaska!

Settle down. It's not THAT kind of monkey business. hee hee. I mean that in Alaska I got down to business on my Monkey socks!



The oh so popular Monkey socks are a must knit. The pattern design flows well and the lace repeat is very easy to execute. The only thing that I'm changing is to use US1 needles instead of the recommended US2 needles. I reduced the needle size because I like my socks on the snug side and tend not to knit them on anything larger than US1 needles.

If you are one of the few who have yet to knit these socks, what are you waiting for, the free pattern link is here: Monkey Socks at Knitty.

For those Interested in Alaska......

We had a wonderful time and I want to thank everyone for their well wishes and recommendations about what to do and eat! Mr Puffy in particular has asked that I thank Carly at Kasiaiscarly for her tip about bringing back Chummy Yummies - gourmet dog treats - he's absolutely thrilled with them. There is no doubt that he seems happier with this gift that some of the past souvenirs we have come home with. Although I am sorry that his hematite necklace from Hawaii broke. That was very cute on him.

If you visit Alaska you must visit Denali National Park which encompasses an astounding six million acres. In the park we saw grizzly bears, caribou, gull sheep, moose, and even an elusive red fox. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures worth sharing of these amazing critters because the animals stay pretty far off the road and, frankly, without using binoculars and/or special camera equipment they look like little specks on the horizon.

Not being the camping type, we stayed at the Touch of Wilderness B&B Inn which is located roughly 10 miles outside the park. We had a lovely stay there and after experiencing the periodic rain bursts throughout the day we were very thankful not to be camping out! That's actually typical of Alaska weather. The rain showers come and go throughout the day. I've never experienced such mercurial weather conditions in my life.

The following pictures are taken in and around Denali Park. To return to a knitting theme, I want to point out that in one of the pictures I'm wearing my Goldilocks Shawl.

Our next destination was the Chena Hot Springs Resort which is approximately 60 miles outside Fairbanks, Alaska. The majority of the wedding guests stayed nearby at the Twin Bears Camp for the week and enjoyed feasting and music until late each evening. Needless to say, they are young.

The Chena Hot Springs area is a beautiful place to visit and apparently a popular destination during the Winter months to view the Aurora Borealis (i.e. Northern Lights). I don't see us returning in the Winter months to see this natural phenomena, though, as the temperatures are historically below zero (Fahrenheit) for a daytime high.

The following photos are of the Chena Hot Springs area - which is teaming with wildlife. In fact one of the pictures below shows a family of moose streaking right through the Chena Hot Springs Resort itself and, yes, that's a beaver damn in the first picture!









What did I enjoy about Alaska besides the fabulous scenery. Hum. I have a new appreciation for a cup of plain roasted coffee in the morning (Alaska's own Raven's Brew is a must try); the sweet potato french fries certainly deserve mention; and I won't soon forget the halibut fish and chips -the best I've ever eaten - and I do consider myself somewhat of a connoisseur!

Last, but certainly not least, the wedding was beautiful and green, in every sense of the word (i.e. organic and natural)! It's not every wedding where the bride makes her entrance in a canoe paddled by her father. They are very well suited and will be very happy together!



It never rains but pours! Sunday we leave on a cruise to Mexico which is a treat to the family from my Mom and Dad who are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary! Whoo hoo!