Summer is back!

ahhhh the birds are back, the moose are out, and we can pack up our heavy winter clothing because summer is here to stay.... for a few months at least.  I have started the hiking season right away by hiking with a good friend of mine named MT.  On saturday, we hiked a trail called"Turnagain Arm".  It was a total of about 7 miles round trip and my legs are still feeling it!

Along the way there are educational signs that teach you about the landscape.  I might know a lot of facts about bears; however, plants are not really my forte.

This is a photo of an Alaskan Paper Birch Tree.  It bark peels right off and looks like paper.  It is also a good fire starter if your camping and need to get a fire going.

The morning started out a little cloudy and not very colorful but by the end of the hike....

It was gorgeous!  If you look closely you can see the Seward Highway on the left side.  

Ok back to the animals....

The calves are getting so big!  They are already at 5 bottles a day now!  They start at 6 bottles a day when they are first born.

This little guy is named Kenai.  He is the middle aged calf and is the smallest.  

                                                Photo by: Mary Maddux

It has been the busiest time working at the center for everyone.  We are getting our spring cleaning finished and ready for some more employees.  A few gift store workers have already arrived.  We also moved into the new intern bunkhouse.  Pictures of our new home will be posted in next blog.

Even Teddy, the yearling, has been enjoying sunbathing in his hay!

Photo by:Doug Lindstrand

I am also currently dog sitting.  When I am not busy at work I am busy keeping 2 Brittany's (breed of dogs) occupied.  Yesterday, we did a quick walk up to virgin Creek.  I would say they enjoyed this little adventure.

The trail was still very icy; but that didn't stop these dogs.





Today, after work, I some how made it to yet another hike.  A few friends and I went about 1/3 of the way up Bird Ridge Trail before we decided that was enough for us.  I was ready for dinner!

Well after a very exhausting day I am in bed blogging and I am going to bring this to a close.  I have 2 dogs laying next to me and I just can't stay awake any longer.

Goodnight Lower 48,
ErIn