8/11/05
Hi everyone! We arrived safely in Stebbins August 2nd. We flew in on a plane that we are pretty sure was auctioned off from the Wright Brothers Estate. The pilot, who was very good at what he did, was able to turn the plane on a dime at an altitude of about 18 feet during landing. At one point the wings were completely perpendicular to the ground. We thought of all the people we hadn't called and the lack of tears that would be shed. All joking aside, it was truly an experience to ride such a small plane. Again, luckily, the pilot was VERY good at what he did.

Things are settling in nicely. It is really nice to have a place that feels like home after being on the road all summer. The village is absolutely gorgeous! The view of Norton Sound (below) is breathtaking. There aren't any large trees, but there are small alder stands (more like shrubs), bluffs, and beautiful tundra. There are a gaggle of wildflowers, mostly fireweed. Entire hillsides are covered with these. The myth says that when the fireweed flower blooms to the top, the summer is over. We both thought that the tundra would be more flat, but there are many rolling hills and lakes surrounding us.















Here we are (duh)--standing on the beach a few feet from our home. Yes, Janna has coffee and Nick is carrying all the gear. Nothing has changed :)

We hiked up a hill to get this picture of our village. It was our first real exercise of the summer and quite painful. This was made more strenuous by the fact that walking on the tundra is like walking on a sponge. Science guy (Nick: "It's physics, man") says that this is because the formation of ice crystals entails an expanding effect which forces the surface layer of soil upwards. All the teachers here appreciate these pearls of wisdom from young Cliff Claven.















The day was extraordinarily sunny, nearly 75 degrees. We are told that this weather can be expected throughout most of this year. We are really looking forward to our year round tans. Please send care packages with sunscreen and cocoa butter. And aloe vera.

This is a view from the same bluff. The tundra here is covered with lakes and marshy areas. Sadly, there are no fish in the lakes because they freeze in the winter. This will also hinder Janna's plans for a year round early morning swim club.

Our new home is wonderful. We are so happy and comfortable. Aunt Jemima herself would be proud to make pancakes in this kitchen. Actually, we were pleasantly surprised that the Native Store has just about everything you could possibly need.

Our Kitchen. Important because two out of Nick's three favorite pasttimes are eating.
Here is the worst part of the deal. The view from our living room (and bedroom)..........

As you can see, we are REALLY lucky.

So far it is getting dark around midnight and light around........ well, way before we get up. This is a picture of our first sunset. Apparently you can see the Northern Lights from here come October. So come on up and we'll show you.

Our living room is really cozy. All that is missing is a couple of our friends (and a few wine glasses).

We are excited to be here--and wish you all to come and visit us (we do have a spare bedroom)! We are taking reservations at hotel Padiere (pod-e-yay).

We miss you all and will keep you posted!