"Termination dust" in Wasilla, Alaska

September 27, 2010, and the "termination dust" (first snowfall) has landed in Wasilla, Alaska. This view of the mountain range in Wasilla was taken from the Walmart parking lot.

A green river coming from Exit Glacier in Seward, Alaska

This is a long-distance view of Exit Glacier in Seward, Alaska. The green river in the foreground can be traced back to the glacier itself.

A green water lake near Seward, Alaska

If you drive by when it's not frozen, you'll see this beautiful green lake on the drive to and from Seward, Alaska. (Sorry, I can't remember the name of the lake at the moment.)

Bobblehead huskies

I ran across these bobblehead huskies in Seward, Alaska. Too funny.

1964 Alaska earthquake - One million times more powerful

I did a little research and learned that the 1964 Alaska earthquake was over 1,000,000 times more powerful than yesterday's 4.9 magnitude Anchorage earthquake. I've been in several earthquakes since I moved to Alaska this spring, with the most powerful one being a 5.2 just down the road from Wasilla, and I have to say, I can't even begin to imagine an earthquake that was one million times more powerful than that.

Anchorage, Alaska earthquake - September 20, 2010

September 20, 2010: Earthquake rocks Anchorage, Alaska.

Wow, I haven't felt an earthquake in a while, but we just had a nice one come ripple through. First, a familiar sound that makes you think "Oh crap, we're about to have an 'adjustment'", followed within ten seconds by the apartment building shaking, and me standing under a doorway. Here's an early image from the USGS earthquake website:

Zen and Buddhism in Alaska

I was just thumbing through a local newspaper, and saw a notice about a Zen meditation meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, and it got me curious about whether there are any Zen centers up here or not. After some poking around, here's what I've been able to find out about "Zen in Alaska".

A small Canadian motel in winter (Haines Junction, Canada)

A welcome sign ... after a long day of driving, I pulled into Haines Junction one winter day, and came across this small hotel, and a very welcome 'Vacancy' sign.

Caribou on the side of the road in Canada

Here I am, just driving down the road somewhere in Canada in the middle of winter, and I come across a pack of Caribou on the side of the road. So glad to see them on the side of the road -- usually they stand in the middle of the road, which can be quite a surprise to all of us.

Flowers at the Anchorage Visitor's Center (Anchorage, Alaska)

When people first come to Alaska, they're amazed that flowers grow here, and how vibrant they are. Here's a photo of some flowers at the Anchorage Visitor's Center in Anchorage, Alaska.

Grass roof on the Anchorage Visitor's Center

If you've ever heard that the Anchorage Visitor's Center has a grass roof, well, here it is.

Exit Glacier sign, Seward, Alaska

A sign at Exit Glacier in Seward, Alaska, explaining the history of Exit Glacier.

Canada road conditions - March, 2010

Think you want to drive on the road in Canada in the winter and spring? Here's what they looked like in March, 2010.

The famous Seward, Alaska "Bowl of Butt"

The famous Seward, Alaska "Bowl of Butt" (also known as "Bucket of Butt", or "Bucket of 'But"). (Halibut, that is. :)

(On a related note, here's a link to Seward, Alaska's best restaurant, as voted by me in February, 2011.)

A "directions" sign in Anchorage, Alaska

If you happen to find yourself in Anchorage, Alaska and need directions to many other places in the world, this sign may help ... or not. :)

A blinding snowstorm on an Alaska road

If you've never been in a blinding snowstorm, this photo will give you some idea of the visibility you can expect. Fortunately this was during the day; driving at night would have been impossible.

Lots of snow on the Alaska roads

Driving from Seward to Anchorage, Alaska this spring I ran into a snow storm, and plenty of snow already on the road.

Alaska in the spring - dirty roads, dirty cars

Ahh, Alaska in the spring - dirty roads, and dirty cars, a side effect of covering the roads in gravel.

A dog in a coffee shop - Seward, Alaska

Just another dog in a coffee shop in Alaska, this one in Seward, Alaska. I believe the correct name of the coffee shop is "Resurrection Art".

Bear and moose safety sign at Exit Glacier

A bear and moose safety sign at Exit Glacier in Seward, Alaska.