Larry Csonka and Our Helecopter

I can't wait until I get to ride across Alaska in one of these!

I love my summer home :)

Moose!!!

Since my iPad lacks a USB port I won't be uploading pics from my camera- so even though I have many great pics, especially of the wildlife, I can't shoe you them. But, I was so happy to have my iPod on me when we saw this mama moose in a neighbor's yard.

A dreary day on the beach: mike goes clam digging while CJ and I watch

The dreariest day of the week happened to be the best day for clam digging down near Ninilchik Village. Although CJ and I didn't feel right about digging poor little clams up, we wanted to check out the scene because the area is supposedly one of the best places for digging in Alaska.

It's alive!!

For the first time since I've been here, I saw Redoubt Volcano steaming up a storm! These pics were taken with my iPad from my bedroom window around midnight. Sorry for the poor zoom quality...
P.S. - that's a bald eagle flying in front of the sunset :)

Fiddlehead Ferns: From the Yard to the Table

The other day we found out there is an abundance of Fiddlehead Ferns and Stinging Nettle growing around the lodge, so Mike and I set out after work one night to gather our produce for the following evening. Here's how it went :)

And, Ta-Da! A Nettle and goat cheese casonsei, confit orange with tarragon and fiddlehead ferns :)

Rhubarb Streusel Bread

So our chef, mike, discovered some rhubarb plants growing in the yard of the lodge and yesterday he taught me how to harvest it. Since part of my job description includes baking morning treats for the guests, I found this rhubarb quick bread recipe to make. The bread turned out wonderfully! I love that you can truly taste the rhubarb too because it isn't masked by anything. This morning, I had several rave reviews- one from the son of a baker :) and another, requesting the recipe!

I got to say, I am loving my job :)))

Banana Creme Pie

Got to love Cajun night, because this sweet little thing is on the menu! I get to help decorate them too :)

Better than a bouquet of roses :)

I was delighted to find two packages waiting for me on the counter today after my workout. One, a box of starter plants for my greenhouse from my sweet boyfriend in Portland and the second, a care package from my mom filled with goodies :)thank you mom and C! Always good to feel loved!

Big Fish

Catch of the day came in at 206 lbs!

Run On the Beach of the Cook Inlet

It is 60 degrees and sunny today in Ninilchik, so I had to go for a run in the great outdoors :) I ran down to the beach access and watched people dig for clams and saw groups of people riding horses along the shore.

Touch Down in Anchorage

So, I'm posting a little backwards. Since I have to catch you up. Here are some pics of the day I left North Carolina and landed in Alaska.