Great Land of Alaska

Crossing a huge puddle while grouse hunting shows that many Alaskans buy large vehicles not as a status symbol but more out of necessity.

Playing with an Eskimo yo-yo.

Larry and I jamming at his place in Anchorage. I'm definitely an amateur when it comes to the guitar and drums, but at least I can keep a simple beat going.

Kevin, Mike, and I hanging around the grill while the burgers and hot dogs cook.

Practicing the electric bass by playing along with Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon album. It's not my bass, I borrowed it.

The years and mileage started to take its toll on the Jeep, so I had to trade it in for a new Dodge.

Mike taking a rest near the canoes while fishing on Lower Trail Lake.

I'm rowing a boat around on Upper Ohmer Lake.

Mr. Bernard and Rene getting ready for a small fishing excursion on the lake.

Mike and Rene taking Denali on her first boat ride.

Several amusement park rides of the annual state fair.

Booths and concession stands are in abundance at the fair.

Denali and her cousin Kylee play while Mike and his sister Christine watch while waiting for the next dance performance in the black and red building.

Mike adding wood to a fire we've got going on the ice while ice fishing.

Denali and her cousin Kylie taking a short rest from rolling in the snow.

A local Soldotna businessman of Irish descent treats the area to an impressive fireworks display to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

Kevin dozes while Mike monitors his salmon canning equipment. The result is some jars of delicious-looking salmon.

I got my picture taken with Foxy, the mascot for the 2008 Arctic Winter Games, in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.