A Walk in the Woods

On Sunday I went for my last big outing before heading back to the Bronx. Aunt Beth and John and Stephanie and I went for a walk along the beach. At first we had to walk through the woods along the cliff above the beach.

We had to climb over a lot of trees that had fallen down in some recent storms. There were hurricane strength winds last week. The roof of the animal shelter blew off one night (thank goodness none of my animal friends were hurt). We finally found a place where we could climb down to the beach. It was really steep, but we did it.

It was beautiful and sunny down on the beach. We could see all the mountains in the Chilkat mountain range across Lynn Canal behind me.

There were humpback whales out playing in the water. We tried to get a good picture of them, but without any success. We enjoyed sitting in the sun and eating our lunch for a little bit too long, and before we knew it the tide was coming up really fast and we had to skidattle up the cliff again and back on the trail.

Brown Bear goes for a walk by the Glacier

On Sunday Aunt Beth, Brita, Gretchen and Coffee the dog and I went for a walk around Mendenhall Lake out by the Glacier. It was a beautiful day but as you can see, even at mid day the light at this time of year is muted.

Coffee is a chocolate lab, and is very well behaved. Along the walk we saw fresh black bear footprints, but we didn't actually see any bears (other than me).

Coffee and I stopped for a rest. I'm glad he is so friendly because he is a lot bigger than I am!

The lake is almost ready for iceskating. It was so cold I had to put on my hat so that my ears would not get frostbite!

If you click on this picture you can see the really cool mosaic designs in the frost on the beach.

After our walk at the wetlands, we went over to Brita's for a glass of wine. Karla was there too. And guess what?! Brita is also on crutches!!!!!!

What is with these Juneau people?!?!?!

Oh!! and now who is that peeking over my shoulder???

(you know her!!!)

Oh!! Who is that peeking behind me???

(I think you met her at the wine and cheese party in Denver)

The wetlands

Hi! One beautiful sunny but chilly day we went out to the wetlands trail. There were swans out on the wetlands.

Boy Scout Camp Beach

In honor of Marcia, Kerry and Aunt Beth and I hiked out to the boyscout camp beach. It is so beautiful out there. We saw sea lions and seals and a kingfisher. When you come to visit Aunt Beth you should ask her to take you out there.

It was raining the day we went out so its a good thing I had my handy dandy Alaska rain poncho!!

to visit our friend Sue, who broke her leg skiing and is on crutches. It seems that there are alot of people here in Juneau who are on crutches. I am not sure why that is. Maybe people in Alaska fall down alot. Maybe they should walk on all fours like me!

We had a really nice lunch on the deck and the sun warmed us up. Good thing I had my shade with me!

and Aunt Beth, who is on crutches,

One day I went with my friend Karen,

My new bear friends Ginger and Fred (who is very musical - with an music box in his belly) are very nice and are sharing their special chair with me!

My new friends in Juneau

When I arrived in Juneau I met some wonderful new friends. There is Annie (who was handmade by our good friend Alice many many years ago, and was a present to Aunt Beth when Grandma Susan got her bicycle.

My other friend was your great great grandmother Viola's and is Palestinian.

The big cat's background is unclear.

Brown Bear's Adventures Begin

Dear Aine,

I would like to share with you the Adventures of Brown Bear (thats me) in Alaska. It all started one day when you said to Aunt Beth

"I think you should take Brown Bear home with you to Alaska and show him the bears on your porch, then you can bring him back again when you come to visit"

That was very generous of you to share me with Aunt Beth - who is never one to turn down an offer of travel and adventure - so away we went!




Our first stop was to spend Birthday and Christmas with Grandma Hank in colorful Colorado. I met many new friends while I was there.













Like the Golden Christmas Angel. She and I became good friends. She said that she has been with the family for many years - something about being an art project in Aunt Beth's third grade class. Well, anyway, She is one of Gramdma Hanks favorites.












And Mr. Froggy. He sits at Grandma Hank's front door and greets everyone who comes to visit, and even those who are just passing by. He told me that a good friend named George used to move him around and put him in comical positions everytime he went by. He misses George.





Mr. Froggy had lots of company out there for Christmas, including the Gingerbread boy! They became good friends and he looks forward to seeing the Gingerbread boy again next Christmas.


After a pleasant visit with many christmas parties, (and many many christmas cookies) the time came to hit the road (or air as the case may be) and continue on to Alaska!


So, carefully tucked in Aunt Beth's carry-on day pack, with a copy of "A walk in the woods" to keep us occupied on the lonnnnnnnnnnnng flight - we were off for the next chapter in my adventure.

I will tell you about that in my next installment.

Until then - hugs and kisses, (and give that little sister of yours a big hug and kiss for me too)

See you next time!

love, Brown Bear