Greetings from beautiful downtown Nome

[Blue_In_AK]

I guess you all have probably heard by now that Redoubt erupted last night four or five times, so all flights are cancelled into and out of Anchorage today. We weren't counting on an extra two days of vacation, but we're here until 9:30 tomorrow night at least. It could be worse - at least since we can't leave, no one else can arrive. Everyone has to come through Anchorage, so we get to keep our room.

And I guess this means we get to see the last four mushers pull into town. :) It was a brutal race this year -- deep snow, plunging temperatures, phenomenal winds, blizzard on the coast -- and we've heard some hair-raising tales. "Like the old days," they all say. Lance was great though. We got a chance to talk with him personally, and we petted Larry the lead dog who is retiring this year. I have some wonderful pictures from the balcony of our hotel (which is right at the finish line) of the first three teams in . For the rest I've gotten into the chute so have some great closeups of dogs and mushers. The only ones I've missed are the ones who came in in the middle of the night. When it's below zero with wind chills to -30, it's hard to crawl out from under the covers. I'm tough, but not that tough. :rofl:

We've really had fun and have reserved a room for next year. Nome is a trip. You guys will love the pictures. We've met some really great people from all over the world who were here for the finish, and many people come back year after year, so we'll be meeting up again next year.

This is about it for now. I just wanted to let you all know that we're not buried in ash or anything. I haven't heard how conditions are in Anchorage, probably a little smelly and dusty, but in the scheme of things, Redoubt is a puny little volcano so it can't do too much damage.

I'm really looking forward to sharing some of my photos. I've taken literally thousands, so my work will be cut out for me when I finally get back home.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

1. Glad you are okay

I was betting you were butt-deep in picture editing.

[Tindalos]

2. Stay safe, Blue

Glad to here you are ok and looking forward to your report on events up there. Just don't do anything silly, like repelling down the crater. I'll be more than happy with the excitement of the race and maybe a shot or two of the volcano from a nice safe distance very, very far from the action. Deal?

[comrade snarky]

3. Glad to hear you're doing OK

Looking forward to some doggie\musher pictures and maybe a couple of spectacular sunsets.

How are you not going to love a dog named Larry? :D

[Callalily]

4. As I was listening to the

news last night about Mt. Redoubt, I was thinking about you and your family. Glad to hear all are safe and enjoying your extra vacation days.

Can't wait to see your pictures.

[tekisui]

5. Thanks for the check-in. I look forward to seeing more work.

:hi: