Where in the world is Michelle Hibbert now: Springtime in Alaska

It has been awhile since I have written any blogs of my journey in this beautiful part of the world. I have not slowed down by the least but in fact as been going and literally have taken over 5,000 pictures. My mind is going crazy as I am thinking of ways to compile these into a keepsake that is organized and worth sharing with others. For now I will share a few of the highlights that I have taken since the ending of May. I am so blessed and privileged to have had this experience. For those of you who will not make it to Alaska, I am hoping that through these pictures, you will get a sneak preview of the beauty of God's creation in this slice of haven. I still contend that the pictures as beautiful as they may be, does not do justice to reality.

Wasilla in springtime
Home of the defunct ex-governor Sarah Palin, Ruthie my former patient, who at 82 is currently on a road trip , and Muffin her beloved tabby cat. Check out Ruth's knitted and quilted pieces!

Big Lake in the springtime
Remember this lake where the Iron Dog Race started in the winter? This was the same place I drove on the back of a snow machine for the first time and then drove one by myself. This same place when the lake is frozen, is road to hundreds of heavy duty vehicles. Now jet skis and mallards have taken the place of armored trunks. Amazing !!!

Talkeetna
The gateway to Denali. A quaint little town. On a cloudless day McKinley can be seen here in all of its glory. All prospective climbers must check in at Talkeetna before attempting to climb Denali.

Two prospective climbers from Europe

The "Great One", Denali, Mt McKinley

Denali, the Athabaskan name for McKinley, is the highest mountain peak in North America, standing at 20,320 feet. Hundreds have attempt to climb to the peak but only 50% have been successful. I had the awesome privilege of flying over and landing on one of the many glaciers it boasts, the Ruth glacier. Standing on McKinley, I felt the nothingness of man. We are but a speck in God's creation in comparison to these huge edifice, for lack of better word. All I can say is God is truly amazing. Do not know if I am the first Jamaican to have landed on Denali but I know I was representing. Here is the icing Tyler, my pilot, had reggae music on his I-pod so we sang Bob Marley has we flew over the ranges of Denali. How cool was that! One love mon!

Supporting the cause- Anchorage Relay for Life 2010
The "Carpet people" and Clinical Crew from St. Elias

Potter's Marsh Creek- hiking after work

Camping & Halibut Fishing in Ninilchick

Camping was interesting as there were no bathing facility only a out house with a running pipe. This Jamaican girl had to hold a daily fresh and so if it meant buying a $6 shower at the drive by Washboard facility, then that's what it was.

Leaving cryptic message using charcoal. True Alaskan outdoors style

Clamming during low tide.

We be clamming mon!

Hiking almost 3 miles total on rough terrain looking for coworkers.

Found co-worker Matt, aka, bush man preparing clams that were caught!

One of the reasons for me coming to Alaska is to go fishing. Needless to say, I was very excited to have caught my first halibut. Not as big by any stretch of the imagination but I caught it. A king salmon is next on my list. On this trip, got to see a bit of wild life. That was an additional treat.