Glaciers & more glaciers

Obviously, part of the appeal of Alaska is the snow and ice.  This week I was able to see more of Alaska's glaciers.  I find it highly amusing that back at home everyone is hitting the pool while I am rafting around glaciers.  Above is a photo of the Mendenhall Glacier from the rafting trip I took in Juneau.  Last week I biked here so the rafting allowed me different views of the same glacier. 

The rapids were certainly not the New River or the Gauley River, but the backdrop could not be beat.  

This is one of the calmer tours I have taken.  It is not for the thrill seekers, but it was relaxing with a tinge of adventure when hitting the small rapids. Despite the drizzling rain, rafting in Alaska is a definite recommendation I would make.  

Two days ago we cruised through Tracey Arm fjord to view the Sawyer Glacier.  I believe this day fulfilled my dreams of what I imagined Alaskan cruising to be.  Here is the view as we were approaching Sawyer Glacier.

 And here is the view as we sailed closer  

The dotting of ice along the water was magnificent to me.  There was every shape, size, & color possible of ice.

And much to my surprise and enjoyment when I looked closer here is what I frequently saw occupying the ice.  These seals were so cute and amazing to watch swim and play in the water.  

Hope you enjoy the photos! 

Bikes and Glaciers...

On our recent day at sea, we sailed past the Hubbard Glacier.  It is quite an experience to be on the ship and sail so close to such beauty.  Naturally, everyone was on the deck taking pictures and admiring.  Here are a few views from the deck.

And here is my panoramic shot of the Hubbard Glacier and surroundings.  Now I know why so many people flock to see Alaska.

On Father's Day, we were in Juneau.  Since I couldn't celebrate with my dad, I decided to celebrate the day with a bike trip to the Mendenhall Glacier.  I had no clue it would take two hours of continuous cycling to arrive there -- not to mention the two hours of continuous cycling back.  Luckily, the weather was beautiful so it was an enjoyable four hours of exercise.  After two hours we finally arrived!

And the scenery was completely worth the sore thighs.  A waterfall and a glacier!  Of course, I had to take my shoes off and get in the water.

The Mendenhall Glacier on a sunny, 63 degree day.

The lake surrounding the glacier and waterfall was equally as picturesque.

Hope you enjoy the pictures and please come visit Alaska on the Shadow!  

Kayaking in Skagway

 Did I mention I love my job?  On Monday, I was able to go on a kayaking tour in Skagway, Alaska.   Despite the chill in the air, the sun was shining brightly which made it a perfect day for kayaking on Fraser Lake, bordering Alaska and British Columbia.  

 My kayaking partner, Tom, and I were a pretty good team.

At times like this, I wish I were a better photographer.  My minimal photography skills convey only a portion of the beauty that my eyes viewed.

Once again, I took the White Pass & Yukon Route train from British Columbia to Skagway.  It is a favorite part of my Skagway days, and I have a feeling I may get to ride it a few more times during my months here in Alaska. The history surrounding this train route and the building of the track is very interesting.  If you are planning a visit to Alaska, this ride is a definite recommendation. Check out the drop from the train track. 

And some views during the train ride....

It is unbelievable to me how beautiful this earth is and how diverse countries and land are.  Feeling grateful to have eyes that can see and the opportunity to have a job where I can see these things.  Hoping each of you are able to have your heart's desires this year.  

Exploring Juneau & Skagway, Alaska

After taking a few weeks to get re-acclimated to ship life and show schedules, I was finally able to get out and explore a bit of Alaska.  From the scenery I have viewed so far, I must say that it was a great addition to the USA.  Our ship will be sailing to Alaskan ports through September, and I am so glad to have time to explore this picturesque state.  

Pictured below was my first time out in Skagway.  What a beautiful setting for our ship to port.  It was a warm day so I decided to take a walk and find a nice writing spot.  

...and this is what I found.  A small brook surrounded by trees and green.  I had no clue Alaska was so green! A new song is in the works, and this setting was my inspiration for it.

Juneau, Alaska

In Juneau, there is a cable car leading up to Mt. Roberts where there are some nice hiking trails.  The first time there, I was with my cast, and we did not wear proper shoes so when we met snow, our hike ended.  My second time up the cable car, I was prepared with waterproof hiking boots.  The hike started out fairly warm and dry.

But eventually we met the snow.  I must admit at first I was a bit tentative...

The hike was uphill the entire time, but the views were well worth the sweat!

        Skagway, Alaska

I spent the day yesterday on a train and dog mushing tour.  The train began in Skagway and traveled to British Columbia.  The views were breathtaking.  

Next we headed to a dog mushing training camp.  When we first arrived, the dogs were so excited and began barking.  I must admit that some of my childhood fear of dogs re-emerged.  Luckily, the group I was with were all dog lovers so they helped calm me. :)  We got in the sled...

... and then got ready to take off.  Here is a view from my seat. 

It was a neat experience to see the dogs pull us and realize that this was a summer camp compared to the real racing they do in the winter.  I even warmed up to our team of dogs.  Here I am with the leaders GQ and Amigo. 

 A view of Skagway from the Dyea lookout point.  

So far Alaska has been a true delight to my eyes. I look forward to what the coming weeks will bring to  see and do in this great state. 

New Adventures

2014 brought a bend in the road that I had not anticipated, but I must say I have learned a great deal on the journey of healing.  (For those of you who are not aware of my recent mishap, I promise to share via blog in the near future.)  During my healing process, I was fortunate enough to work for a wonderful company who accommodated my injury -- even to costuming.  The Legacy Theatre was a wonderful experience and way to begin 2014.  The post right before this one documents the show and my time there.   

In March I took some time to write and where better to write than a vineyard?  I was able to take a month at a farmstay in Northern Virginia and write, play music, and relax.  It was a dream come true for me and quite productive as well.  Here is a view from one of my daily retreats (when it was not snowing). 

And, of course, the sheep grazing.

March truly was a peaceful and insightful month for me.  Hopefully, the fruit of my writing will be revealed sooner than later.  :)  After having a month to visit my family and spend time with friends, I am heading out to sea again with Silversea but this time on the Silver Shadow from May through December.  The itinerary is Alaska, Hawaii, the Polynesian Islands, Easter Island, Chile, & Argentina.  I have never visited any of these ports so I am very excited to explore them!  

And at the beginning of 2015, I will head toward Atlanta, GA, in order to join The Legacy Theatre cast of Ring of Fire, playing January 16 - February 15, 2015.  

Despite my recent setback due to an injury, I feel so blessed to be working and have my health.  In the past, I often wasted my days wishing for more.  Presently, I am relishing every moment, enjoying the life I have been given. 

Last week in Georgia

The "Keep on the Sunny Side" run is coming to a close.  This coming weekend is our last weekend of shows.  I must say that I am a bit sad because I have fully enjoyed the show, the music, and the cast. Admittedly, I also know much more about the Carter family now than I did during the whole duration of my time in Nashville.  Below are some photos of memories I have made here.  

My friend Tara (Maybelle Carter) and I (Sara Carter) hangin' out backstage.  

The "Keep on the Sunny Side" cast in serious 1930's photo mode.

The "Keep on the Sunny Side" cast in true mode, along with our amazing director, Thomas Ward.  

Tara and I at a radio interview.  We did a Maybelle and Sara favorite -- Wildwood Flower.

The female Carters -- Janette, Maybelle, & Sara (AKA) Sims, Tara, and I.  Such an enjoyable group of ladies and interesting dressing room chats. 

During this run I was surprised to see such supportive friends.  My dear friends Shari & Red made the drive down all the way from Nashville -- AND ON Super Bowl weekend.  That is some real love. :) 

My parents came down last weekend to see the show from WV and brought some dear family -- my mom's cousin Jane and her husband Jerry. It was such fun to be with all of them together, and the conversation was quite lively.  Sold out shows and quality family time made for a wonderful weekend.
Since this is my fourth time to work at the Legacy Theatre, I have some dear, dear friends in this area.  One particular friend and I have been able to schedule a "friend date" every week.  Becky and I have been friends since 2007, and we have regular phone chats, but this contract has been nice because we have substituted the phone chats for face to face chats.  Here we are at my birthday lunch she took me to. Raspberry Cheesecake and a good friend -- does it get any better?