Congrats to Andy on receiving the competitive promotion to Corporal at the AST Academy! He is an instructor to the new Trooper recruits. He has a corner office, lots of new gear to play with, cool responsibilities and will get paid to work out. It's a dream career goal for him. He's already been there for a week and yesterday was his badge pining. I wish I could have been there, but another to month to go for the reunion. Now, he's off to Florida for training--just the first of many he'll do.
We went to the town of 8,000 people two weeks before the wedding for housing. That already feels like a lifetime ago. We started out for rentals but came away with an offer on a little two-level home in a new hillside development. Land is limited in Sitka so lots are dwindling and big yards are rare. We are officially owners of 309 Eliason Loop as of yesterday!
Here's our view--as seen from the porch on an uncharacteristically sunny, dry day!!
During our weekend we took advantage of the sunshine and walked about---exploring the harbor, Totem Park, downtown shops and our neighborhood.
We found some creatures along Totem park trails, whose entrance is a mile or so from the new home. Andy is proud of his photo of the most common living thing we found time and time again:
Almost stepped on a few! We paused in a clearing that is home to an old and beautiful totem pole. While walking from the path we heard a thunderous clap and breaking of branches. Andy saw better than I, but we both witnessed an eagle with a 7-ft wing span, rise from the trees just ahead of us! What an amazing encounter! We took it as a good sign. Eagles are plentiful in Southeast, but that was extra cool. Not long later, just off the trail, Andy's expert eyes found something most unusual...
It was so glistening fresh, without bugs, that we theorized the eagle dropped this salmon head on its sudden spooked, flight. Don't know what it all means, but magical anyhow.So our blog is titled "Amy and Andy in Alaska." Soon our posts will bring you to Southeast Alaska. Can't wait to share the adventure!! Tell Andy to get back on the blog, too!
Way to Go, Corporal Gorn!
