A Lovers' Week

Hey guys, I'm back! There's no particular reason why Chris took over the blog the last few weeks and although he's done a fabulous job at writing, I've decided to reclaim my position of lead author. So here it goes...

We finally had a chance to go on another camping trip. Our last camping trip was Christmas Eve, and we have both been itching like crazy to get out again. Since we've enjoyed the forest service cabins so much, and knowing there's nothing like them back in Utah, we decided to make the most of them while we are still here. As an early Valentine's date we hiked out to Windfall Lake Cabin and spent the night. We previously hiked this trail back in May (our first month here) and it was a rainy, wet, "adventure" of a night as we tried to find somewhere to pitch our tent. After seeing the cabin renters in the morning well rested and cheery, we promised ourselves that we'd come back and stay in the cabin for real.

Black and white Windfall Lake from the porch of the cabin.

Herbert River

We stayed warm and dry in the perfectly clean cabin. Chris boiled some water so we could have a hot meal, and we spent the night being cozy and reading through the cabin's sign-in book (basically a giant journal where everyone details the events of their trip). We slept in a little in the morning, and took a lot of time to enjoy the beautiful lakeside we were nestled in.

Late-night cabin entertainment from the entries of the logbook

We took advantage of the non-rainy days the rest of the week with morning runs and walks with friends.

On Saturday we met up with the Schlecters and walked the airport trail. Camille and I had fun chatting while Ben and Chris kept stopping to take photos. Chris has really enjoyed learning more about photography from Ben.

After church on Sunday we got together with the Lange's and explored Sandy Beach on Douglas Island. Fun fact - the beaches around Juneau and Douglas are all rocky, and there is only one sandy beach around here. The sand on this beach is the tailings from the Treadwell Mine. In the early 1900's the Treadwell Mine had a little city of it's own, but after a cave-in this part of Douglas Island turned into a bit of a ghost town. Now when you walk around there are only a few buildings left, and some of the mossy ruins look much more ancient.

Sunday evening we celebrated Valentines Day with a wonderful homemade fondue dinner. Here's the best part - Chris made it all by himself! I never knew he could cook something so fancy,  but once he started he had my full affection and confidence in his ability (that is you discount my one moment of concern when he asks from the kitchen "are cream of tartar and mustard powder the same thing?"). Dinner was divine and I am constantly reminded how lucky I am to have a husband who loves me so perfectly and thank my Heavenly Father everyday that I get to keep this perfect man as my own for time and all eternity.

Remember to pray and remember to play,

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew