Two Worlds

Seems like I've lived between two worlds for years.  

Having kids makes me really appreciate the richness and contrast of both worlds, but I am also feeling the pull and distance between them.  So, I'm very thankful we have the freedom to make long trips to England happen 

But, first...the New Year in Cordova started cold and clear and we had a good skate with friends at Alaganik before packing up to leave. 

Yay for friends, longer days... and a slight feel of warmth from the sun

The tidal slough is irresistible when cold, with sheets of ice renewed daily for crunching

Ice and Tides

A few days in Anchorage en route to London.  Never long enough to catch up with friends, but we had a wonderful ice-skating get-together at Westchester.  

Peter, Leif and I had the ice to ourself one morning

Kyle, Ben, Angela and Louke at the Park!

A trip to see the ice-sculptures with Tom and Lee

Dustin helped get us checked in at Anchorage before he flew back to Cordova.  

We flew Iceland Air for the first time.  Loved the shorter flight time, and what could be better than a puffin in the baby changing-room at Reykavik airport!

The boys did really great, but it's a long journey single-parenting.  

We took three flights, a taxi, then met mum at Lymington to catch the ferry over to the Isle of Wight.  Poor Peter was travel sick both on the last flight, the taxi, and the ferry (it was a rough crossing).... 26 hrs later we made it...mostly in one piece! 

Liz has bought a flat a few miles down the road from mum and dad, and we've been staying here.  What an incredible home and location.  We've been loving the playing fields and playground behind the flat, and the short walk into town and the swimming pool. 

And, time with grandparents!  We're only a few miles from mum and dad, and have been seeing them daily for play-dates, hikes, fun.  The boys have been loving time with mum and dad, it's such a treat to have grandparents around the corner. It will be hard to leave. 

Lots of great footpaths

Freshwater beach, just 15 mins walk from Liz's flat.  

The island is only a few miles wide at the West end, and we can easily cross it by bike or foot.  Lots of easy trails, villages, and beaches to explore by foot.  Very peaceful, and a lovely pace of life. 

The bike trail to Yarmouth (Granny and Grandpa's home). We often see horses on the trail, and lots of other bikers and dog-walkers.  Very social, and lots to see.

Waiting for the bus-- still one of the biggest attractions

A fort in the Yarmouth woods

West Wight is a paradise for birds... lots of waterfowl and shorebirds winter here, and we've been loving the sound of lapwings and curlew while we bike.

Feeding the swans and ducks.  Probably Leif's favorite activity.  

Distance on the Isle of Wight is such a contrast from Cordova, and this difference is probably exaggerated even more with two kids in tow.  You can cover ground soo easily and quickly here.  Amazing to see a distant hill, and be there in just an hour or two. 

We've had some lovely family hikes up Tennison Down. 

Being on the cliffs, hearing familiar gull cries and the crashing waves is powerful. Lots of memories of my childhood and Skomer. Freedom, life simplified down to joy and an intense awareness to the life, sounds, smells around you. Hard to explain, but I've had a few moments on this trip that rekindled those feelings.. and I'm excited for more!  

Crab-fishing under the pier.  Crabs like bacon rind

Our catch: not quite big enough to eat!

The Ferry.  Nick the ferry man gave Peter a great welcome back, and Peter still loves counting all the cars on and off.   

Sunny day on the beach

Rock-rolling

Dustin's been holding the fort down at home, and we've been Skyping daily.  Here's a few photos he's sent us.. fishing for King Salmon, and lighting a methane bubble on Eyak Lake during an evening skate.