Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour

 

Knik Glacier Tour

We sort of felt like this was a bogus deal because we got it on Groupon for half the price, but then they said if they couldn't find a single person to fill the rest of the helicopter we would need to pay for that spot. So we paid for "the private tour" which happened to be the same price as a person. But after sucking it up and realizing we were still paying less than for one person to go at regular cost, we decided to enjoy the trip.

 

On our way out we saw two moose and a calf and a black bear on the road to Palmer. Gotta love Alaska. It pumped us up because we were excited to see the animals from the air, but they were all hiding in the trees.

Our tiny helicopter

We passed over this mountain with tons of serene lakes, rivers, and waterfalls to get to the glacier.

Flying over the Glacier

We went on a rainy day so the blue really popped, but it was really chilly out on the glacier. But who cares, you are on a freaking glacier! It's so cool!

The texture of the glacier is phenomenal

Standing on some glacier water.

Our guide. He was absolutely incredible! We were angry about the price and almost didn't tip, until we got out there and experienced it. We were so pleased, we gave him double what we had planned. He was from New Zealand and had the cutest accent. He also gave us a Helicopter flying lesson flying out and back.

Crazy Blue

A sinkhole from the air

Drinking glacier water-or million year old dino pee? Who can tell?

The sinkhole from the ground

The water was sooooooo blue

The falls

Lake George

 

And back again. It was really fun, and it was Aaron's first time in a helicopter so it was extra fun for him. We really had a blast!

 

Skinny Raven Half Marathon

Skinny Raven Half Marathon

Skinny Raven half marathon again this year. 13.1 miles...again. I was so worried about it even though I've been training for the marathon and have completed 18 mile runs, because last year it was so hard for me. This time I rocked it! Last year I was exhausted after running, and could barely walk but by the end of this one I was practically skipping to Aaron exalted at my time. I ran 15 minutes faster than last year. 15!!! That is a LOT when it comes to running. I completely surprised myself because I had been running around 10 minute miles, but during the race I started with an 8:50, got down to a 8:15, and ran 9 minute miles the whole way through. My average pace was 9:14 per mile and I didn't stop once (even though I really wanted to up a big hill near the end). Woot woot! Hopefully my marathon is just as awesome!

Right before the race started, it was drizzly and cool, Aaron dropped me off and went to church while I was running the race.

Right after finishing, waterlogged shoes and all

Thankfully Aaron came 15 minutes early so he was able to watch me finish after waiting 3 minutes.

Doesn't this picture of Aaron rock!!!! lol. I'm not sure what he was thinking!

Dipnetting, fishing, and puppy love

Fishing

The dog salmon started running through Glacier Creek, and we've had a blast catching them. The fish fight hard and we both caught one that was 12-15 pounds. Super fun!

We had two eagles around where we were fishing that kept talking to each other.

These are what spawned Humpy's look like! Disgusting!

We went fishing for silvers, but ended up catching a ton of Dolly Varden. They were just little guys, but Aaron caught five and I caught seven. It was fun having a fish on every cast.

She is a tomboy!

The North Face

We berry picked the whole way up. Salmon berries and raspberries!

I asked him to pose and this is what I get. Little skunk!

Made it to the top!

Blueberry picking

We ran into three black bears right after Mom and Dad left. Mom had been praying she wouldn't see any bears, and we didn't the whole time they were here. But after they left we saw three in two days. She must have cursed us. One at the church, which walked right in front of the windows during Primary, one ran in front of our car, and one during my 16 mile run. It walked off the trail I had been running on right in front of Aaron. They have been fun to see.

Dipnetting

Dipnetting is waiting for the fish to come in with the tide, and then grabbing them with a huge net. Residents are allowed to take home 35 fish plus ten for each member of the household. I wasn't able to go because of work, but everyone caught a fish or two that went.

Jennifer's friend holding a beating fish heart

Drew's fish

Jennifer and Drew

Getting ready to go out and get them

Aaron's catch

Aaron getting ready to fillet his fish