Thursday, June 25, 2009
June 25th
Volta posed for the Coast Guard today in honor of the families that lost a loved one in an unfortunate plane crash in Hawaii last year. The photo will be used in an album given to the deceased guards families.
June 24th
Work was being done on our newest eagle after work today. He came to the center after being found with a fishing hook pierced through it’s wing muscle. Vicky (our vet) and her crew fixed up this small bird real good. You can now view him in our small aerobic flight tube. I can’t wait to release him!
Everyone met up to see Transformers tonight and by everyone I mean everyone I know here. Even Ronda from the gift shop was there. The movie was sold out about a half an hour before showtime. I had absolutely no idea what to expect. If your planning on seeing the movie your in for non-stop action. The whole movie was go, go, go. I’m still determining what I thought of it, not quite sure. They did a good job keeping the characters and look of the film consistent to the first. The Optimus Prime woods fight scene was cool but other than that the Twins just enjoyed me like Jar Jar Binks or something. I just think there was way to much going on. Two many characters, places, and action. I had so much fun sitting between Skyler and Reece. Reece hated the move and I cracked up every time I saw him convulsing with laughter from disgust at the film. He later went home to drink because of the mass majoritie of positive reviews from his friends. Skyler also thought the movie blowed so being between them was great fun. Everyone else just loved the movie and couldn’t stop talking about it. I just had fun going, whether or not I liked it well, Pirates of the Caribbean 2.
Everyone met up to see Transformers tonight and by everyone I mean everyone I know here. Even Ronda from the gift shop was there. The movie was sold out about a half an hour before showtime. I had absolutely no idea what to expect. If your planning on seeing the movie your in for non-stop action. The whole movie was go, go, go. I’m still determining what I thought of it, not quite sure. They did a good job keeping the characters and look of the film consistent to the first. The Optimus Prime woods fight scene was cool but other than that the Twins just enjoyed me like Jar Jar Binks or something. I just think there was way to much going on. Two many characters, places, and action. I had so much fun sitting between Skyler and Reece. Reece hated the move and I cracked up every time I saw him convulsing with laughter from disgust at the film. He later went home to drink because of the mass majoritie of positive reviews from his friends. Skyler also thought the movie blowed so being between them was great fun. Everyone else just loved the movie and couldn’t stop talking about it. I just had fun going, whether or not I liked it well, Pirates of the Caribbean 2.
June 22nd
I had to pee fairly early after Zach’s rustling in the tent woke me up. I really wanted to explore a bit so I left camp to check out the landslide I saw earlier. I intentionally walked along the river bank to avoid a possible collision with Steve and Roger. Wouldn’t have made a difference if I walked on the path though because they were both passed out. Roger was in his tent and Steve was right were we left him the previous night, slunk back into his chair, blanket over his head. He could have been dead for all I know.
-The landslide has melted a good deal since Steve and I first visited. You could have fit a dozen or so people in that large snow cave.
-Black tailed deer crossing the landslide.
After returning to Sheldon Jackson and taking a much needed nap, I biked once again to Stargaven. There they were way out in the grass... mom and cubs.
-The landslide has melted a good deal since Steve and I first visited. You could have fit a dozen or so people in that large snow cave.
-Black tailed deer crossing the landslide.
After returning to Sheldon Jackson and taking a much needed nap, I biked once again to Stargaven. There they were way out in the grass... mom and cubs.
June 21st
Went for a nice walk today in Totem Park. Ran into Chad, one of the park rangers. We talked a bit and I told him that I was working over at the Raptor Center. Realizing that I was really into birds of prey he showed me the location of the nearest bald eagle nest. I thanked him and spent the next few minutes watching the uneventful nest.
-Barnacles on log.
We all went camping tonight for summer solstice. Eric from Sitka tours generously drove us to Blue Lake with one of the tour vans. Almost immediately after hopping out the door two scraggly looking men called us over to their campsite. I believe there exact works were, “put down your packs and eat some food.” Steve and Roger were their names. Two very intoxicated nice guys that let us eat their chicken and drink their beer. Steve was originally form Texas but has been in the army for the past few years. Roger has been living in Sitka for 15 years and works down at the True Value store. Just two old friends enjoying there time together. We heard many tall fishing tales and war stories. I think the best story was about Roger and his thumb. He fell, it broke. To get the thumb fixed would coast $8,000 but to have it cut off would only be $2,000, so he had it chopped off. It was beginning to get dark so we decide to leave our new found friends and set up camp. Good God, both guys gave me hugs and I even got a peck on the cheek by sloppy Roger. Latter after setting up camp, I had to rescue Zach from a deep issue conversation with Steve.
-After Roger passed out.
-Barnacles on log.
We all went camping tonight for summer solstice. Eric from Sitka tours generously drove us to Blue Lake with one of the tour vans. Almost immediately after hopping out the door two scraggly looking men called us over to their campsite. I believe there exact works were, “put down your packs and eat some food.” Steve and Roger were their names. Two very intoxicated nice guys that let us eat their chicken and drink their beer. Steve was originally form Texas but has been in the army for the past few years. Roger has been living in Sitka for 15 years and works down at the True Value store. Just two old friends enjoying there time together. We heard many tall fishing tales and war stories. I think the best story was about Roger and his thumb. He fell, it broke. To get the thumb fixed would coast $8,000 but to have it cut off would only be $2,000, so he had it chopped off. It was beginning to get dark so we decide to leave our new found friends and set up camp. Good God, both guys gave me hugs and I even got a peck on the cheek by sloppy Roger. Latter after setting up camp, I had to rescue Zach from a deep issue conversation with Steve.
-After Roger passed out.
June 20th
There were so many bald eagles soaring over the centers back deck today. I would say at least 35 of them! I rushed to get my camera but of course when I returned to snap a picture the majority of them had already flown over the trees and were unviewable.
-Some of many Bald Eagles circling above the deck.
It was a slow day. I decide it would be the perfect time watch the red-breasted sapsucker chick that lives high above the deck in a dead tree. The young bird sat and waited patiently while Mom and Dad were out collecting it’s tasty bug diet. From the images you can really see it’s red head coming in. In no time at all it will have the handsome deep red plumage of its parents. The sapsucker is in the woodpecker family. The way the bird collects it’s food is by taping holes into trees that then fill with sap attracting bugs. When the bug becomes trapped in the sticky goo the bird claims it’s prize. There are many of these holes surrounding the birds nest site. The holes are neat to see because they are pecked in straight rows.
-Red-breasted Sapsucker chick.
-Parent takes off after delivering chick's bug breakfast.
Ronda picked me up after work so we could make the Frito bars I have been telling her so much about. Thanks Erik for getting that recipe sent to me. I love you! Ronda and I made the bars and ate dinner while watching Night at the Museum and What Happens in Vegas. Good Times!
-Some of many Bald Eagles circling above the deck.
It was a slow day. I decide it would be the perfect time watch the red-breasted sapsucker chick that lives high above the deck in a dead tree. The young bird sat and waited patiently while Mom and Dad were out collecting it’s tasty bug diet. From the images you can really see it’s red head coming in. In no time at all it will have the handsome deep red plumage of its parents. The sapsucker is in the woodpecker family. The way the bird collects it’s food is by taping holes into trees that then fill with sap attracting bugs. When the bug becomes trapped in the sticky goo the bird claims it’s prize. There are many of these holes surrounding the birds nest site. The holes are neat to see because they are pecked in straight rows.
-Red-breasted Sapsucker chick.
-Parent takes off after delivering chick's bug breakfast.
Ronda picked me up after work so we could make the Frito bars I have been telling her so much about. Thanks Erik for getting that recipe sent to me. I love you! Ronda and I made the bars and ate dinner while watching Night at the Museum and What Happens in Vegas. Good Times!
June 19th
I road my bike down to Stargaven to see if I could get a good view of the bears toady. There's an elevated bird watch area off the boardwalk perfect for watching the wildlife in the wetland area. This is the same location where the posting for the bear sow and cubs signs are located. I was really hopeful to ketch a glimpse of the bears, from a distance of course, but had no luck again. It was a wonderful ride down there anyway.
I also signed a contract today to illustrate another Adventure Publications Activity Book. This book is based on Colorado and will be printed sometime in November. Hopefully the time spent on this book doesn’t cut into my Alaskan experience to severely. The last book I illustrated based on the company Vista Fleet went smoothly with very few revisions. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this one goes just as well.
-Thinking of U Mom!
I also signed a contract today to illustrate another Adventure Publications Activity Book. This book is based on Colorado and will be printed sometime in November. Hopefully the time spent on this book doesn’t cut into my Alaskan experience to severely. The last book I illustrated based on the company Vista Fleet went smoothly with very few revisions. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this one goes just as well.
-Thinking of U Mom!
June 17th
Came into the Raptor Center to volunteer again today. I walked into the doors to see and hear a dozen or so Hawaiian children singing on our front stage. They were harmonizing in their Hawaiian language and it reminded me allot of the opening to the movie Lelo and Stitch. From what I heard they all had raised money to come visit Alaska. They were just a wonderful group of kids and everyone at the Raptor Center made sure there visit was extra special. Ronda made sure they all went home with our signature “I am smiling” pins.
It sure was as a long day of volunteering. I put in a full eight hours of husbandry, preparing diets and cleaning. The center is short on keepers at the moment because Kirstan cut a tendon in her hand while preparing bear meat about a mouth ago. So when Zoie found out I was volunteering, she more or less bailed on me. I understand she needs some additional time off but that sure was allot of work for me to be doing without getting paid. Lacie wasn’t to happy with the situation either and had a bit of a talk with Debbie about it. Debbie sure was glad that happened to me vs. someone outside of the centers staff.
It sure was as a long day of volunteering. I put in a full eight hours of husbandry, preparing diets and cleaning. The center is short on keepers at the moment because Kirstan cut a tendon in her hand while preparing bear meat about a mouth ago. So when Zoie found out I was volunteering, she more or less bailed on me. I understand she needs some additional time off but that sure was allot of work for me to be doing without getting paid. Lacie wasn’t to happy with the situation either and had a bit of a talk with Debbie about it. Debbie sure was glad that happened to me vs. someone outside of the centers staff.
Monday, June 15, 2009
June 15th
I was called pushy by an old angry man today. Three busses were arriving at the center for an afternoon show. When the third buss arrived late everyone pointed the guest to the auditorium so they wouldn’t miss the presentation that was just about to start. To get into the building you must first walk passed Volta the bald eagle who draws allot of attention away from yourself. So to keep people moving, I stood right in front of his enclosure merrily encouraging guests to proceed through the glass doors so they wouldn’t miss the show. Every person walked by me smiling saying things like, “hello, what a beautiful bird” and “what a perfect fit for our nations symbol." When a man stopped to take some pictures of Volta I again told the crowed to please proceed to the auditorium for the presentation. Everyone else had made it thought the doors. I needed to shut the doors so I told the man that he would have plenty of time to take pictures of the birds after the show. He walked up to me and looked me in the eyes and siad, “Your so pushy.” I almost laughed in his face because of how unexpected the comment was especially because of how cheery and polite I was being with everyone.
June 14th
The girl scouts from Juneau visited out center today. We put on a private show just for them. When asked if they wanted to see a bald eagle on stage none seemed to excited since they see eagle all the time at home. But when Lacie suggested Pele the Peles peregrine falcon, they all got very excited. So Pele had his day in the spotlight.
-Lacie and Pele.
-Lacie and Pele.
June 13th
I feed Peekabo the western screech owl and Gilly the raven today! I had a spoiled egg in my fridge that I took to work and gave Gilly for a special treat. I just love her, she caught a meatball I threw to her in mid air. Instead of eating her food right away she likes to hide the items around her enclosure. She decided to stuff the egg in the roots of a dead log for safe keeping. Peekaboo was sleeping when I entered her enclosure. She perked up when she saw me and let out a few clicks and swayed her head from side to side trying to figure out who I was.
-Gilly and the egg.
-Peeks.
-Gilly and the egg.
-Peeks.
June 12th
I had off today so decided to check out the other end of the island. When you bike all of Sitka in a few hours you really do realize how small this place is. I had to stop when passing the Theobroma Chocolate Company to purchase some sweats made right here in Sitka. It’s definitely a better deal going to the Theobroma factory vs buying one of their chocolate bars somewhere else. You can get a larger bag of odds and ends chocolate that didn’t exactly turn out looking perfect for the price of a few normal bars. They don’t look as pretty but taste just as good.
-Theobroma Chocolate Factory.
-My goods.
When you pass the Sitka industrial park the road turns to gravel for the next few miles. I biked till the end of the road until I reached the End sign by Silver Bay. The road then turns into a small trail leading to a power plant or at least that's what I have been told. I also heard there are a lot of bears beyond this point so decided it would be best to not explore further on my own with out the company of the others.
-Big spotted banana slug.
-Beautil falls right off the road.
That night Richard and Kerstin had a party at their house. I was highly delighted at the amount of dogs that were there. Richard has a huge labradoodle named Dartanian, Kirstan recently adopted a husky mix named Refer and Zoie’s new mastiff puppy Sitka was there as well. At one point the neighbors tiny yellow labrador made an appearance.
-Kirstan and Refer.
-Morgan, Reece and Steve gathered around the roaring fire.
-Theobroma Chocolate Factory.
-My goods.
When you pass the Sitka industrial park the road turns to gravel for the next few miles. I biked till the end of the road until I reached the End sign by Silver Bay. The road then turns into a small trail leading to a power plant or at least that's what I have been told. I also heard there are a lot of bears beyond this point so decided it would be best to not explore further on my own with out the company of the others.
-Big spotted banana slug.
-Beautil falls right off the road.
That night Richard and Kerstin had a party at their house. I was highly delighted at the amount of dogs that were there. Richard has a huge labradoodle named Dartanian, Kirstan recently adopted a husky mix named Refer and Zoie’s new mastiff puppy Sitka was there as well. At one point the neighbors tiny yellow labrador made an appearance.
-Kirstan and Refer.
-Morgan, Reece and Steve gathered around the roaring fire.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
June 11th
I was ridding my bike to Whale Park today and discovered a terrier following me on Sawmill Creek Road. The poor thing looked super lost and very out of it’s surroundings. I was concerned that the small dog would get hit by a car so I lured it away from the highway with my lunch, a BP and J sandwich. Almost getting hit twice, the terrier came close enough to grab. After a few minutes of sitting, petting and having her unleashing a few scared bits to my hand, she allowed me to pick her up. For the next half an hour I knocked on various homes asking if they had seen the dog before. Finally I found a man who believed the dog lived on Wolf RD., a block down. A few knocks latter, the pup was safely retuned to a rather ungrateful owner. I should have taken “Bridget” to the pound to find a new master.
In other news, Morgan caught a fish today, a greenling I believe. He let me try a bite and boy did it taste good!
-Kiss me.
In other news, Morgan caught a fish today, a greenling I believe. He let me try a bite and boy did it taste good!
-Kiss me.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
June 8th
I got a bike, well sort of. I’m borrowing Adam’s bike for a few days. I had an itching to head down to Mosquito Cove and bike along the waters edge. B.E.A.utiful! This is where I saw my first whales a month earlier, no whales today though. However, a mother grizz and two cubs have been seen in the area.
June 7th
One small ship in town makes for a super slow day. Never the less I find ways to amuse myself at the center. Now please remain seated and hold your applause while I introduce Stuff the Eagle and Anna his handler.
June 5th
Sitka and Volta visited the river together today. All the centers wildlife interpreters were there with cameras. These eagles must feel like real stars always getting their pictures taken wherever they go. Here are some images from river visit #3.
-Volta has such a good time playing in the water.
-Sitka is very distinguishable from her male friend Volta. She reminds me of a lion.
-Volta reminds me of a chicken. I love him.
-Volta has such a good time playing in the water.
-Sitka is very distinguishable from her male friend Volta. She reminds me of a lion.
-Volta reminds me of a chicken. I love him.
June 3rd
I was a tourist today on Wolf’s walking tour! This three hour adventure started at Crescent Harbor where we then walked to the Raptor Center, through muskeg, the National Forest and end at the Russian Cathedral. Wolf, a very German accented Sitkan who works for Sitka Tours, hooked me up on one of his tours. I learned allot on my walking tour about plant species, the towns history and the native people of the island. It’s pretty cool to learn the names and purposes of some plant life in the area. I also learned about a few plants not to mess with. There's a bush that I see all the time when I’m out exploring and I had no Idea till today that it can give you second degree burns if your expose to intense sunlight after coming in contact with its pollen.
-At the Alaska Raptor Center.
-Wolfgang!
-Through the muskeg.
-Wolf really gets into his stories.
-Inside the Russian Cathedral.
After the walking tour and a brief nap, I was ready for a good hike. Lindsay had told me earlier that all the snow was now melted near the falls on Indian River trail. It was an absolutely perfect day with temperatures in the mid 70’s. My keys jingled on my belt and I sang the entire way to the falls, just incase a brown bear was out for a stroll as well. Three hours latter I arrived at the falls. The water level was definitely higher than my last visit as a result of the melting snow. I plan on exploring the backside of the falls during my next visit.
-At the Alaska Raptor Center.
-Wolfgang!
-Through the muskeg.
-Wolf really gets into his stories.
-Inside the Russian Cathedral.
After the walking tour and a brief nap, I was ready for a good hike. Lindsay had told me earlier that all the snow was now melted near the falls on Indian River trail. It was an absolutely perfect day with temperatures in the mid 70’s. My keys jingled on my belt and I sang the entire way to the falls, just incase a brown bear was out for a stroll as well. Three hours latter I arrived at the falls. The water level was definitely higher than my last visit as a result of the melting snow. I plan on exploring the backside of the falls during my next visit.
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