Thursday, June 26, 2008

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!

19 comments:

kasiaiscarly said...

Sounds like a great trip! I'm glad Mr Puffy approves of the snacks. . . . I was pretty sure Zosia & Jimmy Ray couldn't be wrong about how tasty they are :)

So jealous. . . Alaska then Mexico. . . sheesh :) Have a great cruise and congrats to the parents! 50 years! WOW!

Anonymous said...

The pictures from Alaska are so beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing.
Congratulations to your parents for making it to 50 years! I hope you have a wonderful time on the cruise.
Maybe they will have dog biscuits in Mexico for Mr. Puffy, since I'm sure he is once again going to be left behind. Of course, I've never been to Mexico either and will be eager to see your pictures from your trip. Don't forget your camera!

SissySees said...

Absolutely delightful! Does Mr Puffy know you're leaving again so soon?!

Congratulations to your parents. May they have many more lovely years together.

jillian said...

What scenery. Wow! Sounds like everything was perfect. Hope you have another great time in Me-hi-cho! And congrats to your parents for 50 years!

Sue said...

Gorgeous photos of everything. 50 years is a great achievment. How lucky your parents are.

Monika said...

Oh, wow! What a wonderful trip! Beautiful pictures as usual. I would love to go to Alaska some day. I'm one of the few who have never knit the Monkey socks. :o) What is Mr. Puffy saying to your trip to Mexico? I'm sure he has to stay behind again?

Monika said...

I forgot to say, that the pair looks gorgeous, even from behind. :o)

Anonymous said...

so glad you're back Claudia..just for a little while I see...Alaska looks so wonderful...glad you had a lovely time...

knittingdragonflies said...

Oh wow, what a great trip. The photos just give me goosebumps, socks are yummy, Alaska and then Mexico, that sounds like a perfect combo...
Vicki

A South Park Republican said...

Alaska then Mexico! Wow, that is awesome. I hope Mexico is as great as Alaska.

Denise said...

Hi there, and welcome back. What fabulous photos, and I love the one with you and your shawl.
WOW, off on another trip so soon, you lucky gal. Take lots of knitting;)
We've only got about 4 weeks before we go to the UK, I can't wait.
xxxx

Pat K said...

Now I can't wait to go to Alaska in September. I'll have to remember the doggie treats. And which cruise are you going on? I'm curious to know if it's one we've been on or similar.

Windyridge said...

Just astoundingly gorgeous scenery!
Congrats to your parents and many more!

CelticCastOn said...

what beautiful pictures! Sounds like an amazing place.
I have monkey's in my queue, even the yarn picked out, just need to get them on the needles!

Knitterary said...

Gorgeous pictures. It looks like you had a wonderful time. And those moose! Right there in front of you! I've heard they can be mean, but those look rather peaceful.

One thing that strikes me is the texture of all that greenery. It's all green, but it's still so varied in appearance. Beautiful.

Hilary said...

Wow -- looks like a wonderful trip (that scenery is unreal!) and such a touching wedding. Thanks for all the Alaska travel tips. I now feel desperate to go!

Have a wonderful time on your Mexican cruise! Will there be knitting time enough to finish those Monkeys??

Rue said...

It took me forever to get over here and you've probably forgotten who I am, so I'm sorry.

Alaska looks beautiful! I love moose and have always wanted to go there just to see them :)

Beautiful couple too!

Have fun in Mexico and eat some of that food for me ;)

rue

Anonymous said...

It does sound like a wonderful time! I hope you have another great trip!

Ally Jay said...

The scenery looks breath taking. How lucky you are to enjoy such lovely sights.