A few days ago, I took Sedona with me while running errands. After I did what had to be done, we stopped at Creamers Field for a walk on the boreal forest trail. I've posted photos of this trail before, with the boardwalks that cross over wetlands and small ponds and creeks and wind through birch and cottonwood trees. This was my first time walking the trail in the summer months.

The little creeks and ponds are gone now. In some places, the ground is still boggy and soft, but in other areas, the ground is overgrown with thick ferns and other growth. It's a totally different landscape, and quite beautiful. The downside is the overabundance of mosquitoes in the forest, and I wasn't prepared with bug spray so I made a good meal for them.

It was cooler in the woods than it was in the sunshine, but still very warm. We reached highs in the mid 80s that day, and even the shade couldn't hide the fact that it was a hot day in Fairbanks. By the time we finished our 2+ mile walk, both Sedona and I were hot and thirsty.

I caught a glimpse of fireweed blooming on the banks of the wetlands pond - which was now more of a large puddle. I decided to veer off in that direction to take a few photos and to see if there were any ducks in the water. As soon as Sedona saw the water, she made a beeline for it. The 15' leash I have on her was no deterrent. She was in the water before I could stop her. The water was only about a foot deep. Below the water was another 6 inches of muck. Sedona's splashing turned the water brackish and muddy and I knew she was going to be a real mess when she came out.

A yellowlegs came flying out of the tall grass on the outskirts of the pond, and made a beeline for Sedona's head - screeching and screaming as she hovered there. I yanked on Sedona's leash, pulling her from the pond and away from the yellowlegs - who obviously had chicks hidden away in the brush.

I had a very muddy dog, and a stinky one too. She proceeded to roll around in the grass, which was OK with me. I was hoping she'd rub off some of the mud and muck she had coating her legs and underbelly.

Hayfields in bloom	Eskimo Potato and Wild Iris	Horsetail blooming	Boardwalk through boreal forest
Fireweed	My dirty dog

Yesterday, to celebrate July 4th, Steve and I decided to see what was going on in North Pole. We arrived at the elementary school in time to see the greased pole climb. Only two groups participated. One group was made up of children, who tried their hardest to get to the top of the greasy pole for the envelope holding the prize. But the winners were two very tall teenage boys who had no problem reaching.

Steve and I did a lap through the picnic grounds, and past the concession stands. We settled on a warm soft pretzel with lots of salt and mustard. I took a few photos of some of the other activities.

Cute dog wearing a 'security' t-shirt

Rock wall climb

Face painting clown

We decided to drive to Pioneer Park to see what was going on there. The parking lot was a nightmare with no open spaces. We finally found a place to park on one of the side streets. We could hear a band playing as we approached the entrance.

We did a lap through the park, stopping to listen to the Air Force Band play a few songs, watch a tug-of-war between two large groups of mostly kids, and to listen to some wonderful bagpipe music. But the sun was hot, and I was starting to get a headache, so we left soon after.

SS Nenana in red, white, & blue

Tug - of - war

Bagpipe players

Crowded Gold Rush Town

On the way home, we stopped at Blockbuster and picked up some movies. Our house was nice and cool, despite the hot weather outside (we keep it closed up during the hottest part of the day), and we spent the rest of the day relaxing in the living room and watching movies.

The kids will be here in two weeks. I can't wait!