Watching for the white whale

Sitting on a ledge above the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, John and I joined other volunteers to scan the waters of the Cook Inlet for beluga whales. It was a 30 degree F morning but with ample layers and a miraculous lack of wind, we sat comfortable behind our binoculars. We watched as six belugas fed at the mouth of Campbell Creek for nearly three hours before the retreating tide forced them to move on. 

The belugas of the Cook Inlet are a genetically distinct population and are federally listed as an endangered species. The beluga watch is conducted by volunteers of the Anchorage Coastal Beluga Survey and was created by the Friends of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge (FAR). Find out more information (here).

Flower.

Caterpillar earlier this summer at the Botanical Gardens.

Bird Ridge

John perched on Bird Ridge

Fall in Alaska

A beautiful evening at Cheney Lake, Anchorage, AK.

Blue skies over Anchorage

A sunny afternoon on the beach in Kincaid Park. 

Bird Ridge

A nice fall hike up Bird Ridge in Chugach State Park was a great way to say goodbye to mild weather. Winter is coming shortly. Snow has already begun to coat the peaks of the park that borders Anchorage. Bring on the snow tires, winter coats, long underwear, knitting frenzy, and skiing.