Part 2

Yesterday we drove up to Hatcher Pass, because there still isn't enough snow on the ground in Anchorage for any skiing.  Hatcher Pass used to be an old gold mine and is located out about 10 miles past Palmer in the "valley" (where Sarah is from).  We took a trail called Gold Mint.  It was a lot of fun, but there were quite a few small hills.  Neil and I realized that skiing lessons this winter will be a must.  I didn't really know how to stop.  It was pretty icy so it was hard to dig the edges of the skis in to turn and maneuver.  This resulted in a lot of falls, and a nasty bruise.  It also resulted in a wet camera.  Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be working any more.  So, no pictures of the pass.  It was really pretty up there though.  Driving out it looked like it might be kind of crumby weather, but up in the pass it was really clear and sunny out.

This morning we did a few errands, and then were planning on going snow shoeing with Rachel, but the weather wasn't really looking good.  So we instead drove down to Summit Spice and Tea SHop.  It was a really neat shop.  THey had tons of different teas.  So I got a few $1 samples to try.  I'd heard about this shop from the tea tasting we had at work a few weeks ago.  This afternoon it's been snowing non-stop.  So, if it sticks there will be plenty of snow in town for playing.  I think Banjo is happy.  Even though we haven't gotten him his musher's booties.  We ran into his favorite poodles at the dog park (Fred and Magic) and their owner who is a huge Clemson North Carolina fan.  And he told us about this musher's supply shop that sells booties for a dollar each---this sure beats the ones from REI that we ended up returning for $65.

Tonight while I was swimming Neil went over to Todd's house for a little poker party.