Who knew it would be sunny, 60 some degrees and completely snow free in Alaska?! I guess if I’d really given it some thought I might have realized that it being September and all the towns we visited being on the coast would add up to a temperate climate that looked a whole lot like the Seattle area. I however, gave it no real consideration and had visions of classic TV and fiction Alaska. Much to my dismay freezing temps, snow everywhere and bears roaming down main street were no where to be found. The wool pants and fleecy gloves I packed were never worn and in fact I had to break out the sunglasses quite a bit. In short, not what I expected weather wise.
People wise my expectations were on the money. Every event I go to I meet fun, kind, inspiring and downright wonderful knitters. I’m beginning to think wool has not only magic powers of warmth and springiness, but the ability to transform normal people into amazing ones.
I had a marvelous time hanging out Sivia Harding (my roomie for the trip), spending more time with the lovely ladies from Serial Knitters, and meeting some new friends (Hi Nanette, Martha, Nan and Caroline!).
I also meet the very lovely and generous Amy O’Neill-Houck in Juneau. She was kind enough to pick Sivia and I up and show us around town. We visited an interesting exhibit of the history of Alaska through it’s hats at the the Alaska State Museum, hiked around the abandoned Treadwell gold mine (all the pics below) and then sent us home with her very own caught and canned salmon.
Besides socializing, eating an obscene amount of food (I miss you breadsticks and chocolate-peanut butter mousse!) and viewing some amazing scenery, there was actually quite a bit of knitting time. Strangely that never seems to happen at knitting events and was a real treat. I finished a pair of mitts and a hat as well as starting a new shawl, a second pair of mitts, and untangling an in progress hat that Moxie had gotten ahold of.
All in all, if you get a chance to cruise to Alaska with a group of fab and fun knitters start packing, you’ll have a great time. And don’t forget your elastic waist pants and lots of yarn.
PS – Yes, I did bring home a ball of Qiveut. Did you really think there was a chance I wouldn’t.
Alaskan Cruise is on the Bucket List! I'm so glad to hear you had a great time!
Posted by: woohoogirl | September 24, 2011 at 03:06 PM
Oh my goodness...we were there the week prior! I recognize some of the same photos...too funny!
Glad you had a good time!
Double recommend anyone to visit at least once in their lifetime.
Posted by: Dawn | September 24, 2011 at 05:08 PM