These boots were made for hiking and that's what we're gonna do! What a spectacular day we had hiking the Perseverance Trail.  In a record breaking 4 hours we conquered both the Perseverance and the Red Mill Trails. 

My parents arrived last night from Michigan and we wasted no time exploring the beauty of Juneau.  I was especially proud of my mom who lived up to the the trails name and "persevered" onward when all of us where ready to call it a day.

Did I mention that she is the only one of the group with two artificial hips and a bad right knee? You go girl!

The trail is pretty famous in Juneau. It was once a large gold mining operation in the 1880's. At the time it was running, it was the largest in the world. Some say that you can still pan and actually find flakes of gold in the glacier fed rivers.

As always, its hard to capture all the beauty.  Today, however, was especially so. It was a warm 63 and the sun was shinning, directing our path of memories.

Like most places in Juneau, the noise of rushing waterfalls joined in melody with the singing birds.  We also heard (but did not see) a bear rumbling round in the valley below.

Midway through our hike we stopped and had lunch (vegan sandwiches of course!) at the top of the large waterfall.  Ian actually found the hidden trail that took us closer to the majestic falls.

My mom named this the "Enchanted Forest." We thought little pixies might jump out from under the moss....but only a blue-shirt big-foot did.

My dad was especially excited to have hiked to snow in the middle of June. As a matter of fact, once Ian found it, he just had to create a snowball...and yes, he did throw it at those hikers behind him; namely me and my mom.

So perhaps the best was hiking to the Glory Hole. Not that it was all that great (although still very pretty) but the fact that we walked an extreme elevation, in bear ridden country, against all odds, and in extreme fatigue to reach its summit.  And we did, yeah us!

I had to also include this on the blog. On Memorial weekend my two friends (Rebecca and Mary), their nephew Gage, and I  kayaked over to Benjamin Island and camped for the weekend. We had a fabulous time together exploring the island and sitting around the fire.

A colony of sea lions call the island home for the summer. We hiked to a nearby cliff and watched them play for hours. I have a special affection for marine life and so I was overjoyed to be watching them so closely in their natural habitat.





This little guy was so cute. He would waddle around and then plop down for some sun bathing. When Rebecca and I went kayaking the following morning one of them actually followed us on our journey. He was about 30 feet behind us the entire time. I don't think there was any malice involved, mostly curiosity. Regardless, I really enjoyed the attention.

That same morning as we prepared to put our kayaks into the ocean we noticed that as the tide had gone out, there were hundreds of star fish left in the rocks. I am pretty sure that they survived as they still had some water beneath them and the next tide was coming in soon.

I just love Juneau. On sunny days, I can honestly say that there is no place in the world that I would rather be. The hiking, trails, mountains, and wildlife have made this place a perpetual vacation that we can call home.

Thankfully my parents are here to share the beauty with us. Next week Ian's family will also be coming for the day when their cruise ship docks in Juneau. We are really excited to see them and show off our little town.

Blessings and peace
Sarah

It's been a while since I have updated the blog. March and April have been very busy, both with physical travel and in spiritual journey. 

Easter morning Ian and I exchanged Easter eggs for a forest of pine cones. We went on a 12 mile bike and a 5 mile hike on the Thane Trail. The serpentine trail winds around the coast and lets out on a peak over looking the ocean. We stopped on the scenic route for snacks and of course a Thermos of tea, taking in the beauty of our sunny journey.  

Throughout the hike, waterfalls were in an abundance. It still amazes me how beautiful Juneau is. No where else (maybe Hawaii, but not as common) have I seen waterfalls just appear for miles of road or frequently around bends nestled in the woods. 

There is something about experiencing the wonder of creation that is so refreshing. I have come to realize that watching TV inside a carpeted room cannot fill me with the joy and peace that a day spent amongst the divine life existing outside my window can.  For me, being there brings me closer to the omnipresent love source creating it all. 

I just can't help believe that there is no separation from the spark inside us and the life force around us, both so handsomely created by the same hands. 

Which leads me to our cruise.......Coming off so many meaningful experiences here with nature, one would think that a mega cruise would not be our first  choice for vacation, right?

For medical licencing I have to obtain a certain number of  CME (continuing medical education) units every year. Generously my employer gives me a stipend to fulfill these. So earlier this year I found a Neurology cruise that went to the Caribbean: St. Thomas, St. Martin, and the Bahamas.

Sounds wonderful, right? Paid vacation to the Caribbean...not so much. What we did not realize is that the ship, The Oasis of the Sea,  was the largest cruise ship in the world.  It carried a whopping 6,000 passengers and 2,000 staff. Not quite the vacation that small town rural Alaskan folk like us generally gravitate to.

And, it is extremely wasteful. Once we paid for the trip we did a little investigating and were shocked at how much cruise ships waste and litter. Dumping raw sewage into the ocean is not a way I like to support our whales.

So, we only took two or three pictures (above is Ian learning how to surf) and spent the rest of the time trying to figure out how we were going to find more innovative ways to lessen our carbon footprint. For one, not go on anymore cruises!

Yes, I am covered in paint. Yesterday I did a 5K trail fun run called Raining Colors with my friend, Naomi. It was great! Not only was it gorgeous out: sunny, warm and on a beautiful trail, but as you ran people splashed you with color.

Afterward everyone got in a large circle and threw a handful of colored powder into the air. Despite still having permanent ink stains on most of my body and clothing, it was so much fun!

And of course, on April 18 Ian celebrated his 35 Birthday and on March 14, were celebrated our 3 year anniversary. In the little time we have been married we have done so much. I am most thankful for the progress we have made spiritually and for our increased awareness about the environment. I accredit most of this to Ian and his endless hours of reading books. I still laugh at the mini library of Congress that we have residing in our home.

I really can say that my journey with him has been blessed. Love you E!

May your thoughts be pure and your love passionate for the things that bring forth life
-Sarah

Friends and Glaciers

It is nice to have friends.....especially ones with their own air plane! Two of the doctors that I work with (famously called the Benjamins, Brian and Mimi) took Ian and I out flying last weekend. We went to the little village of Skagway first and had lunch, then hopped over to Haines.  

Brian has been flying for almost 5 years, so practicing medicine in Juneau with its abundance of beautiful airspace has been wonderful for him and his wife. As in the clinic, his take offs and landings were also very smooth.  Although, being very accustom to small 4 seater airplanes and bush flying, Ian and I had no reservations anyway.

 Thankfully we also had a 5 day stretch of much anticipated and needed sun, so the views from above were spectacular! As a matter of fact, the blue skies made an awe-inspiring contrast to the white mountain caps and green tree lined bottoms. 

Alaska has a deep place in my heart, if you haven't experienced it yet, its hard to explain or capture on film. Its not just the beauty that captivates, but the UNTOUCHED sacredness of it all as well; many of the stalwart mountain peaks and glaciers have never seen the foot of man. I often wonder what this place would have looked like before its man made face lift. I can see why the natives draw a lot of pride from their lands. Even though I am a fairly new Alaskan myself, I have begun to develop it as well.  

It seems the more I experience the vast wonder here,  the closer I feel to the Creator and to others. Although it may be rock, ice, and earth, I feel connected to it somehow. Because in reality, I am made of this same "earth" anyway, so it makes sense to me that I should have a relationship with it and be able to draw from its energy.

 

This is one such glacier seen from an aerial view. The peaks and turns danced across the landscape and fell into the earth below in a striking display of grace and power.

Speaking of glaciers, yesterday I went on a 6 hour (8 mile) hike to the Herbert Glacier with two of my friends, Rebecca and Mary....two souls who match Ian and I so closely.   Despite some drizzle, we had a exceptional time.  The trail head started about 20 miles outside of Juneau and headed deep into the heavily forested mountains. Open glacier fed lakes, streams, and waterfalls painted the majestic landscape, really creating for not only an enjoyable hike, but a spiritual experience with nature as well.

Coming closer to our destination, the snow lined trail began to show hints of the characteristic glacier blue color. Where once a white footprint had penetrated the trail, a now bluish hole remained.

At this opening across from the glacier we stopped and had lunch, which of course was washed down with tea. Mary and Rebecca are also avid tea lovers. As a matter of fact, Rebecca started a tea shop in Utah and is quite the tea epicure, personally gathering her teas from all over the world.

Perhaps, though, the most enjoyable part of the experience was talking with such meaningful friends; sharing together the wonders of nature and life.  Although I have a tendency to want to stay inside, watch a movie or sew, once outside, reconnecting with nature, I quickly remember that this beauty was created for me to enjoy. And enjoy I did!

As we were taking, hiking, and looking around in amazement, I could almost hear the Creator's chuckles...you haven't seen anything yet!

Be kind to others, look for the blessings, and enjoy your journey - 

Sarah 

Welcome Gretchen!

Even though much of the east coast was unreachable by plane or automobile last week due to heavy snow, the sun was shining in Philadelphia.  As we ventured on our 24 hour journey to Blake and Gretchen's wedding I nervously paced by the Arrival / Departure screens at all the airports. Thankfully though, the flights to Philadelphia were never delayed or cancelled.

We arrived late Friday night and even though we didn't make the rehearsal wedding itself, we did make the dinner! It was so good to see my families: the Ringenbergs, the Nieckos, the Clements and to finally meet the Hornings (Gretchen's family).

One of the things that I love most about my family is that it's DNA has grown. The Niecko's are as much a part of me as they are too my parents. And, Susie's family has become another extension of not just family but friends. I have come to think it normal that all the in-laws would hang out together outside of weddings and holidays, because they often do!

So, walking into the rehearsal dinner with not only my parents there, but also my in-laws, and Jason's in-laws was not a surprise, but very much expected! We love our families!!!

In meeting Grethen's parents and sister for the first time, I see why Blake chose her for a wife.  We are so happy to have them as part of our expanding family and know that they will become as close to us as the others.

In keeping with the family theme, one of the highlights was seeing my mother's brothers and their wives. I have not seen my uncle Butch for over 10 years and my uncle Bill for almost 25.  It has always been sad to me that the Wallace's are not the best at keeping in touch. For this reason much of my mother's history is a mystery.

However, time did not create a distance in my heart. I was brought to tears when I saw them, it was such a wonderful joy to have them come and though short, a blessing to see them again.

And, of course it was great to see all of the Ringenberg's, I swear my aunt's don't age (you look good too uncle Steve, Tom, and Paul, but your wives take the cake)!  They came from all over the country, far and wide for Blake and Gretchen's big day. This is one thing that I am truly grateful for, their efforts to always be a part of our lives. I think it was something that they learned from my grandparents, to always value and foster the relationships with each other as we grow.

This theme has been heavy on my heart since coming back from Nicaragua, we NEED family and community. We were not created to be alone. Aside from the obvious joy of bearing witness to two people making a covenant to each other, being in a room with so many people that I love is what really gave me a sense of belonging.

And, this sense of community was not only about DNA, it was about long friendships as well. The person I have known the longest outside of my own family drove the 10 hours to support Blake as well. Amanda really is special in so many ways.  She has always remained steady, supportive, and true to our friendship. It was so fun catching up with her busy life a a special ed teacher, wife, and mother of two.  We also enjoyed discussing our many ways of recycling, saving the whales, and trading vegetarian recipes. I just love you, Amanda!

In addition, Ian got to do the communion and say a Hebrew blessing over Blake and Gretchen during their ceremony.  It was very meaningful for both my parent's and hers and I was extremely proud of him up there.

Like I expected their wedding was small, intimate and very meaningful. As Gretchen came down the isle, Blake was all smiles and I think even teary. You will never have to question if they love each other. She is extremely devoted and I know that Blake is going to take his role as a husband very seriously.

After the ceremony the wedding guests were shuttled to a near by lake and we sent off Chinese dragon lanterns. Once the hot air filled the lantern, they slowly lifted into the air. You were then supposed to say a prayer.

Amanda and I had a little trouble getting ours going, but eventually it did and we sent it off with a prayer. It was really pretty seeing all of these lanterns in the sky. Thankfully they were also biodegradable!



The simplicity of the day was also refreshing.  Sometimes I wonder if we associate the over materialization of weddings and holidays with more meaning.  It seems that now-a-days everything has gotten larger. But are super super size fries and a 2X milkshake really that good?  I will speak for myself and for what I have experienced (and really, am not judging anyone), but from what I notice, meaning is really found in the intangibles: love, joy, peace, community. Of course, these intangibles can and often do manifest physically, but even when the physical is gone, the intangible will always remain.  This why more stuff, bigger homes, etc will never equate with the pure things like love, joy, and peace.

An example of this would be my grandmother. I really loved her, especially towards the end of her life. When I took the time to get to know her as a person and not just as a grandmother I really developed a true love and enjoyment from her. However, even though she passed, I still feel the same. My intangible love and joy from her still exist...those did not die! And, although the necklace that I have of hers is meaningful, I don't need this to remember those feelings...they are stored in my heart and mind for eternity.

So, after my whirlwind travel month of some 12,000 mile (bad carbon foot print) I have circled around to find this: meaning is found in the small stuff that is intangibly large.

Blessings, love, and peace to you dear friends.

-Sarah