Fun Weekends

Taking advantage of the wealth of great outdoor activities and events here in Anchorage has been a highlight of the winter. Last weekend the Lions Club in Eagle River sponsored an Ice Fishing Derby at Mirror Lake about 20 minutes north of Anchorage. It was a crisp, clear day with temperatures struggling to get above zero. This well planned event provided poles, bait, drilled holes, hot dogs, hamburgers, and hot chocolate...all free of charge. We did not know quite what to expect, but within a few minutes Jackson hooked an eight inch trout and big smile to go with it. Asa had one up to the top of the hole, but when it felt the cold air it wiggled free of the hook and made it back down into the "warm" water. Without much more action we stayed until our feet felt like blocks of ice. Jackson was very proud of his fish. We enjoyed fresh trout with eggs for breakfast the next morning.

Just yesterday we entered the Cardboard Sled Derby at Kincaid Park sponsored by the city's Parks and Recreation department. There were three different divisions and two classes of prizes. We actually won the Family Class for creativity. Obviously Jackson had a lot to do with the design of the sled. He was very specific about how it should be painted (referring to his growing dinosaur book collection). Good winter fun was had by all!

See more photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/jeramymarkus