Miss Kitty, Nordic Ski Lessons, News of Alaska

Mom thinks Miss Scarlet's in heat.

Nordic Ski Lesson #2 Report

Yesterday we had nordic (cross country) ski lesson #2. As we did last week, Frank and I arrived a half-hour early despite another detour down Bragaw street (shouldn't it connect with 15th somewhere??). Between Monday and Wednesday, the temperature dipped 15 degrees to -10. Luckily, this meant that we spent a lot of time inside. We learned ski etiquitte (like, if you fall, get out of the way) and that ski tracks are one-way. We were handed these nice pieces of paper describing the many ways we can get lost on 100s of kilometers of trails. In addition, we went through a strething routine, were warned to dress in layers (you never know what the weather will wind up like here), and to always bring food, water, and emergency supplies. After this, we could not be held back anymore, and were led outside. On the little circle track outside of Russian Jack Springs park, we did more one-ski work. This time, it was not as easy (since when it's cold and the snow is hard it's hard to glide). The instructor says that when there has not been much snow in a while, the snow guys who usually work on the streets start really getting into the ski tracks, which is why the tracks were so nice.

Then we wound up skiing about two miles in the snow. You might be thinking -- was it cold? Of course it was, but I really didn't feel cold unless we were standing for a long period of time.

News of Alaska

It's time for Urban Starring Ceremonies.

Latest news on the Hmong refugees in Anchorage.

The Selendang Ayu situation is about to affect crab season.

Here's an account of the Kaktovik blizzard from someone who was there.

Fairbanks says that there is a record number of Redpolls this year!

Also, some people in Fairbanks don't like the snow.