Spring Flings

From time to time, I cross paths with people who don't live in Alaska, and have never lived in Alaska. Often these same people tell me that they would like to visit Alaska, and they ask me when is the best time to come. If these people are active, sporty people like you and me, I tell them they should be able to find some fun stuff to do between March 1 and July 1. There's enough snow on the ground that you can go some places where you can't easily go any time other than springtime. And there's enough sun in the sky that you need the sunblock to keep from getting burnt to a crisp.

It's the best season for ski touring.

Snacks beside the trail

I like wearing this hat because it reminds me of my old friend Joe, who died long ago. Every time I'd wear it, he'd say "Asker.  Just Asker!!"

You can ski on the beach in Anchorage after work.

The trails at Kincaid Park are still in good shape.

I first met Kikkan Randall when she was in 7th grade. We were both out snowboarding at Arctic Valley. We've known each other a long time. We played on a beer-league summer soccer team together with her younger brother Tanner years ago, and she moved into my old apartment when I moved out. Before I was a volunteer assistant coach at UAA, I was a volunteer assistant coach on Wednesday afternoons at East High School when Kikkan was on the team. I didn't imagine back then that Kikkan would win the Olympics. But I'm really glad she did. Because if anyone is deserving of an Olympic gold medal, it's Kikkan. Celebrating this year's Olympic Team in downtown Anchorage this spring was pretty special.

Alyeska is a fun place to go skiing

Skiing near sea level

The biking is good in the spring, too. You can go to some pretty cool places.

Airplanes are a good way to get around, too.

And of course there's crust skiing.

There's good skiing in Prince William Sound

Pati's back in town!  Pati Sprecher has moved back to Anchorage after completing her master's degree in Switzerland. If anybody knows someone who knows someone who has a job available in tourism or marketing or both, please let Pati know; she's ready to become a slave to "the man"!

Springtime's a good time for ski testing. Here are the coaches helping Brandon and Michaela solve some ski riddles on the Anchorage trails.

But the best thing about springtime is that you can strap your skis onto the back of the motorcycle and ride to the ski spot, thereby combining two of the finer things in life.