As we approach the four-month mark in Alaska, our life bares virtually no resemblance to what it looked like in July.  This, however, is mostly good news.  We’ve relocated (again), and are back towards Anchorage.  The commute from Wasilla was beautiful, but not worth an additional $400 per month in fuel.  I did my best to try to arrange some kind of carpool situation, but everything fell through.  Our newest residence is smallish, but cute and clean, and promises to serve us well for the duration of our lease, and maybe even longer.  John has moved on to his third employer, which is also good news.  Both the fit and the long-term outlook are excellent.  Though my employment has been consistent since August, and will continue to be, my day-to-day activities are about to be far removed from those of the past months.  The nature of said upcoming activities, I think, is clearly illustrated here:

The last several weeks, my motivation to be an active participant in all the wonder Alaska has to offer has severely waned.  I’ve felt somewhat guilty and lazy about that situation, but it’s only temporary, and also forgivable.   We did, nevertheless, manage to get out a few beautiful weekends in September.

Reflection Lake – A short but very pretty hiking loop took Si and I around Reflection Lake in the Mat-Su Valley, about 10 miles south of Wasilla.  I can’t imagine a nicer time than fall to visit the lake.

Talkeetna – About an hour and a half north of Wasilla on the Parks Hwy is Talkeetna, a ridiculously cute little touristy town with incredible views of Denali.

Denali!