In mid August Scott and I took on the task of erecting our power pole on our Alaska property. First we had to dig 5 feet down into some very rocky, silty earth. since we had no machinery, we then had to construct a block and tackle out of the little bit of lumber we had on hand. When we actually started pulling it up, we were easily strong enough to do it but one side or another of our tripod would start lifting off the ground, so Scott would have to run and tie each side off while I held on until we finally used every bit of rope we had!
After the pole went in we had only to make it plumb, backfill, and compact.
The kerplunk of the pole going in was truly a wonderful sound after various moments of doubting whether we could do it, and kicking ourselves for not buying beer and enlisting the help of friends. Friends did help later with hanging the box and other tasks. They didn't even get beer! Thanks Tomi, Chris, and Rick.
The atv was only used to tie it off to. Here you can also see the shallow foundation we started working on.
Mom and Dad enjoying one of their first days off together in a very long time. We hiked on the Rock Creek Trail.
Isabel showing one of Alaska's giant cabbages! I already peeled away a bunch of leaves too. We all ate a bunch of it and will be eating it for some time to come.
Isabel prepares for Halloween with her spider outfit from Grandma Priscilla.
Isabel models her dress from Great Grandma Irene.
Here she shows off her beautiful knit booties from Jen's co-worker Cruiser's wife.
September brought more visitors. Scott's dad, uncles and friends came to hunt moose and catch halibut. They saw cows every day but no bulls. Uncle Larry poses in front of the colorful scenery.
Scott's dad glasses for charismatic megefauna.
After the pole went in we had only to make it plumb, backfill, and compact.
The kerplunk of the pole going in was truly a wonderful sound after various moments of doubting whether we could do it, and kicking ourselves for not buying beer and enlisting the help of friends. Friends did help later with hanging the box and other tasks. They didn't even get beer! Thanks Tomi, Chris, and Rick.
The atv was only used to tie it off to. Here you can also see the shallow foundation we started working on.
Don't worry grandmas, mom was holding me up.
As long as you place Isabel next to a heavily loaded blueberry bush, she will pick and eat. If the bush is not up to par, Isabel reaches for the bucket!
The fireweed has bloomed and is turning fall colors.
The second time dad had to go with to see her picking with his own eyes. He was pretty impressed.
Mark and Kim came for a visit. They took a bus tour, seeing most of Denali's finest critters in action. We had a great time with them.
A couple other recent visitors didn't travel quite as far as Mark and Kim.
