June 10, 2017
It’s been a while since we last “talked” via blog. Normally, you folks are my Saturday conversation each week but I was distracted last week. Reid and Jennifer came to visit and we had a fabulous time! Allow me to tell you all about our time together.
The week leading up to Jen & Reid’s arrival was full of anxiety and expectation. I could hardly wait to see them. They arrived Friday afternoon and we made a quick stop at the hotel to check in.

Our first adventure was to the Fortress of the Bear where I had scheduled a “meet and greet” with Balloo, the largest of the brown bears at the Fortress. We were able to see and learn about all the bears but the highlight was getting to actual feed Balloo.







The Raptor Center was another highlighted stop. What a beautiful place where they can provide the right healing care to help these birds return to flight whenever possible. We were able to see a red tailed hawk as part of their interpretive program.

Thanks to daughter Melissa I received a care package that included all the makings for an wonderful dinner of pasta and sauces. All we needed was the lettuce and bread. And we had enough to invite the rangers over to join us. What a really great evening we had.

Saturday we spent walking in the park and enjoying the day. It rained of course but then what would you expect from the rain forest! Sunday we began early on a boat cruise with Davey & the Esther G Sea Taxi. I used him two years ago when Melissa and the kids were here. He is just wonderful, passionate, insightful, and made for a really great 4 hours out on the ocean. And, yes, we saw a whale! along with sea lions, sea otters, and much more.





Things we saw from the water!


Things I did not get a picture of were the sea otters and the humpback whale. I was too busy looking and forgot to take the picture! But I was able to get this picture and it’s my favorite of all.

The kids left on Tuesday morning and I went straight to work from there. Seems like the week has flown by and I’ve only 26 days left here. I’m so glad I came and I am so ready to go home. Can’t wait to see the rest of the kids and Gus.
Today starts the Sitka Fine Arts Music Festival and I have tickets for several concerts, the first of which is tonight. So I will cut today’s blog short for now. Hopefully I’ll have more words for you next week.
Love & Blessings to all,
Mara