NO TIME TO WASTE (July 8 - 31, 2022)

King Salmon

 

Whereas, our first three weeks in Juneau, Alaska were almost entirely sunny and bright with temperatures bumping 80 degrees, the past three weeks have been totally the opposite. Southeastern Alaskan weather arrived and has yet to leave.  

Back Yard Black Bear

Fourteen of the twenty-one days were socked in, cloudy, day-long, rain events.  Four more days were cloudy and only three days could, in the most generous sense, be classified as "sunny".  Temperatures struggled to reach 60 with most days ranging in the 50s.  

Average rainfall for July is a sizeable 5.14 inches.  With two days to go before the month is over, we stand at 8.66 inches. Thus, the realization that we are indeed in a "rain forest".

Back Porch Berries

In spite of the inclement weather, Juneau proved to be special place to be. Between fishing trips (Halibut and Salmon), bear watching, berry picking, rain-gear hiking, and church activities; we were blessed time and time again.

Tongass National Forest Trail

                                              REFLECTIONS

Juneau Inlet

When the sun shines, the area around Juneau, Alaska is as picturesque as anywhere you can imagine. The sparkling water, the deep blue sky, and the surrounding lush pine filled mountains, make for a bunch of "Wow" moments. Yet, the rainy, overcast, can't see the mountain days can be just as interesting. A huge black bear can stroll through your backyard, the raspberries by the back deck can ripen and beg to be picked in the constant drizzle, or dozens of eagles can decide to put on an aerial show as they buzz the inlet looking for dinner. The halibut and spawning salmon don't care if it's raining, they're wet anyway, and if you don't mind getting a little damp you can reap some big rewards.

It's the "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade" theory!  Aside of everything mentioned afore, the rainy days can give you an opportunity to read ("The Wolf Man of Alaska") or to take a long nap, listening to the dripping of the eavestrough.

All things being said, that's just the way life is. Why squander it complaining! Well, I'm off to walk inside the church.  While I make my laps I'll be praying for my family and friends. No time to waste!

Alaskan Halibut

DEAL ME IN (June 15 - July 7, 2022)

 Mendenhall Glacier

 

Juneau Church of the Nazarene

     After a couple of days of R@R in Anchorage, we took the short flight to Juneau.  Juneau is the capital of Alaska and is the only capital in the United States that is "off the road".  If you want to visit this picturesque city, you have to either fly in or catch the Alaska Ferry.

For the last three weeks we have been learning our way around the area and getting to know the people who call the Juneau Church of the Nazarene home. We are here until they get a pastor or until the end of September when we need to return south for fall and winter adventures.  

We could be in the Last Frontier for six months!

REFLECTIONS

When people learned that we were going to be serving in Juneau there were usually one of two responses.  First, the area would be absolutely beautiful with mountains pressing in on three sides and the bays, inlets, and ocean on the other.  Secondly, it would likely rain almost every one of the 101 days that we would be there.

The first response has proven to be completely accurate!  It may be the most beautiful city that I have ever visited.  I wake up every morning surrounded by steep mountains; some

covered in lush shades of green blanketing the cliffsides and others rocky and still snow covered in early July.  Whether it's the harbor in downtown, filled with cruise ships and sea planes, or the vast forested oceanside, the beauty is everywhere.  Add to that the many hiking trails (keep an eye out for bears) and the majestic Mendenhall Glacier and you have one incredible vista after another.

The second response, which should have put a damper on things, has failed to materialize!  Of the 21 days that we have been here only two days could be listed as cloudy, and the remainder were sunny and warm.  Now, I know that it could turn around and rain for much of our remaining time, but we have thoroughly taken advantage of the sunny, deep blue skies, these last three weeks.  Even if we get an even split between the "good" and the "bad" days, it will be far better than we imagined.

One thing that I am learning as I grow older is to enjoy the "present", the moment, the experience.  I am learning to accept whatever I am dealt and to play out the hand the best I can.  Sometimes, like these past three weeks, you pick up the cards and think this looks like a winner.  You try hard not to smile but it is almost impossible!  Other times you eagerly view the cards only to find that the hand isn't at all what you had expected.  Your immediate reaction is "well let's get this over with and move on."

Our lodging in Juneau, Alaska

What I am working on is to try and stay in the "now" and enjoy both hands.  That way, when I come to the end of my road, I hope people will say that I traveled it well and that the end was as beautiful as the beginning. 

 I just looked out the window and it's starting to rain but that's okay.  It just means more water cascading over the numerous giant waterfalls that brings fullness to the steams that will host the salmon run in a couple of weeks.  It's all good and I am smiling inside.

End of the Road