Autumn arrived...

Liz came to visit a couple of weeks ago and it was a blast. We could not have asked for better weather. Every day she was here the skies were clear and sunny. Her visit was filled with trips to the beach, ziplining, and floatplane rides. The day after she left the rains came and the temperature dropped. Autumn arrived...

The rain let up on Friday and Saturday which allowed for an incredible camping trip. We loaded up the kayaks and kayaked the 1 1/2 hours to a tiny island off the tip of Gravina Island. We set up camp and the boys started a bonfire. The wind was whipping across the island, which helped the fire grow. Everyone huddled around to keep warm while we cooked salmon, halibut, and potatoes. Nothing is better than fish cooked over an open fire.

The next morning we awoke to a partly cloudy sky. The sun was shining through every chance it got. We started the bonfire again and spent half the day skipping rocks, laying in the sun, and eating watermelon. As late afternoon rolled around and everyone got hungry again we repacked the kayaks and kayaked back to North Point Higgins. We all feasted on a meal fit for kings at Dockside then went home and to bed.

The rain picked up again the next day and has not let up since...

And the beautiful weather continues...

It still feels like summertime outside! It has been almost a week of perfect sunny skies. This past weekend was magical because of the weather. Kim's parents are visiting from out of town and have rented a beautiful home on a private beach. Friday was her birthday so we had a costume party on that beach. There were about 30 people and everyone was decked out in wild costumes. We built a huge bonfire and partied until the sun went down. We then laid out large tarps and everyone went to sleep on the beach under the stars. It was incredible. The next morning we awoke to the sound of waves and eagles flying above. We all piled into cars and drove to town for brunch. After a change of clothes a group of us went to Settlers Cove and played on the beach and in the waterfall. A couple of hours later we drove out towards Knudson Cove. We geared up and kayaked to Pup Island. We pulled our kayaks to shore and built another bonfire, played games on the beach, and enjoyed the sun. After the tide went out a ways we put our kayaks back in the water and headed towards the mainland. Everyone was worn out from so much sun, but it sure was worth it.

Sunshine and fun outside

The weather has been incredible this past week. It has been in the low 70's with clear blue skies. Jossie and I met some kayak guides at the grocery store and they invited us out for a kayaking adventure on Monday. The ocean was as calm as a lake. We started out north of North Point Higgins and kayaked to a little island. We pulled our kayaks up on the beach and hiked around. We then kayaked to another island that had a rope hanging from a tree above the water. Some people in our group climbed the rocks to the rope and swung into the ocean. I wasn't about to do that - the ocean water is so cold it takes your breath away! Once we got back to the mainland we went to a private beach and made a large bonfire while watching the sunset. I still cannot believe I live in this place.

Settler's Cove

Today Jossie, Lee, Powers, and I went hiking at Settler's Cove. The forest was filled with blueberries and salmon berries. Parts of the trail led down to the beach. We skipped rocks and collected interesting shells and little crabs. What a beautiful, misty day...

South Point Higgins Beach

Summer is here!

It feels as though summer has finally arrived. Yesterday and today have been clear, sunny skies with temperatures around 70 degrees. The water looks so beautiful with the sun's reflection and many boats sailing by. Last night after work we went to South Point Higgins beach. There was a nice breeze coming off the water onto the shore. We sat on old logs that had been washed upon the beach during Ketchikan's logging days. The boys had a crab race, which Powers won. We then watched the sun set, which painted the most beautiful colors across the sky and water. After many days of cold rain, we are feeling very rewarded...

Beach Day

Yesterday we all had off from work! I woke up to sun pouring into my window, which instantly brought a smile to my face. Not a cloud was in the sky. Jossie cooked pancakes for breakfast, then Powers, Jossie, Molly and I loaded the car with towels and a cooler and headed to South Point Higgins beach...my favorite beach on the island. We made a bon fire, which we didn't even need since it was so warm out. We walked along the rocky coastline and played with hermit crabs and spotted starfish pods. After several hours we noticed our skin turning red, so we loaded the car back up and headed home for an evening of movie viewing. I will post pictures from our beach day soon.