Wait... This is also in America?

What does the 4th of July mean to us? I mean besides freedom, patriotism, heroism, honor, justice, etc, etc, etc.
The 4th is a day that we light fireworks and have barbeques. It's universal- even here in nowhere land Gustavus. Of course everything must be on a smaller scale. The parade is about 5 trucks long plus the firetruck and lasts about 20 minutes (counting when it turns around). They have festival that everyone gets involved in. They sell pies and ice cream, the fire department has a barbeque fundraiser, and there are lots of competitions. There's the egg toss, the bubble gum bubble, the horseshoe toss, etc, etc, etc. The Lindbloms have dominated the horseshoe competition every year since they came here with this year being the exception. It was a tough blow to the Gustavus Country Inn pride. All those afternoons that Jim and Curtis spent throwing shoes has come to naught. Truly- the defeat was agonizing.
The most amazing competition was the greased pole. If the tide is high enough they grease a pole with Crisco, grease up some money, place it in a slit at the end of the pole and set it over the Salmon river. If you can slide down the pole, and get the money before you fall into the river  you win. It's the most interesting 4th of July tradition I know of and by far the most entertaining.
At midnight we all gather to the beach and light the fireworks. For all of us privileged with the Lindblom's acquaintance we know that this is the climax of the summer. They had been preparing for some time, and their efforts did not come to another crushing conclusion. The fireworks were fantastic and the patriotic country music playing in the background was a real nice touch. I don't how ya'll celebrated the 4th but I don't think it could have been in better style.
P.S. Yesterday after church we saw a mama bear with three cubs walking around about 12 yards from the window we were staring out. It was national geographic amazing. That is what people come to Alaska dreaming to see. I didn't dream it ladies and gentlemen- I lived it.

Curtis in the horseshoe competition, with a form like that you'd really think he'd take the champion seat.

The red solo cup float, not my favorite but still note worthy.

 

The bubble gum bubble contest

 
PS I tried uploading more and better pictures but it wouldn't load or save so this will have to do.

Boundaries

On this globe there is a dot named Gustavus Alaska. In this dot this there is a little nomad. Which is me. How is it I ended up in this little town where the side walk ends? The Lindbloms generously  invited me to come work at their lodge here and I anxiously accepted.
Gustavus is... different. Unless you're Andy Griffith then it's home sweet home. Except that Sheriff Andy couldn't eek out a living here because they don't have any law enforcement. Recently they built a fire station in reaction to a forest fire and apparently this is their  resource for all emergencies. Gustavus Alaska has two paved roads- one going from the airport to the national park and another stemming off of that going down to the dock; therefore, Gustavus has no stop lights. It would seem that the population of Gustavus is capable of containing/ restraining themselves without the aid of deputies and blinking lights. Everyone seems to be possessed of common sense; everyone that is, except me.
Last week as I was frolicking about the meadow when Boyd (another employee/ friend of the Lindbloms) suddenly screeched to a halt with the golf-cart-thing next to me and asked me:
"Do you have bear spray with you?"
"Uhhhhhhhhhh," I was afraid the truth would get me in trouble, "no but I was just on my way back to the lodge."
At this reply Jim Lindblom had instructed him to drag me back so he suggested "want me to drive you back?"
If I had said no, what would he have done? His instructions to bring me back were pretty clear. In any case, I replied "Yes and thank you."

Where I had be Frolicking

After this I thought it prudent to have a chit chat with Jim and Carla about my boundaries. So a couple days latter I asked Carla "what are my boundaries?" She spoke with Jim, then called me into the office and we had a sit down talk about where my lines are drawn. It was good to have it out. If I had a camera I would show you the places I'm allowed to bike to independently. It is so beautiful here!!! I can hardly believe the masterpieces that are constantly before my eyes.
The other kids here like to laugh about 'my boundaries'. They jovially admonish me to stay in my parameters and suggest getting a shock collar. I laugh along, but the truth is they have the same boundaries as me they just didn't give their enclose a name as I have done. I never bring it up of course: I don't want to wound their pride.
Here are some pictures of Alaska from Hannah's camera:

The lovely inn work where I work

While hiking we saw 3 bears on this island

Halibut Fishing

Thess symbols of freedom fly around like a common pigeon up here. I never ceased to be amazed by seeing them.
  

Anne, Hannah, Yours Truly