Today we left the mountains for a cottage with windows that look over ten acres of birch and pine, and the possibility of a moose siting. This lovely home has won over both our hearts with its equal parts Alaskan beauty and comfort. The design absolutely caters to the surrounding view, and I can instantly feel at peace just looking over the treetops and out to the mountains far away. The windows made out the entire living room wall, and Maxwell and I would drink, eat, and play cards while looking out on everything beautiful.
As promised, one of our hosts came by with his super friendly and adorable dogs Albus and Kiera. They let us pet and love them before taunting Ben to chuck a ball outside for fetch. Just beyond the patio, was a very, very steep drop into the forest. The dogs would disappear off the edge and reappear with the ball like extreme sport professionals. They were awesome. Ben and his wife live on the property, love nature, and were excellent hosts. Ben is a wood worker who makes fantastic pieces that Corinne would love. Right now he’s commissioned to make large chunky farm tables for wedding rentals, and is hoping to experiment with more projects to come. Albus is his baby, and is training to be a bird dog. Casey delivers babies :) and is the mother love to Kiera dog, who was returned a few times before finding her true home with someone understanding and warm.
Max and I slid down the edge to hike a little through these great woods. While it’s expected that Max can do all things, the cliff was significant. I was sure I was too awkward to pull it off, until I decided it would be an internal victory for me to successfully climb down AND up again. Always encouraging, Max suggested rope, or his axe, but I did it all on my own (!yay!), and I did it a few times. So weird how that lame adult thing can kick in and hold court, keeping me from trying something slightly scary. It wasn’t a big deal, but today reminded me to try. To think why not. To just do it.
More than anything, I wanted to see a moose on our hike. When we returned, noiseless, Ben had texted saying that two were in his yard. We ran over to see a lying moose deep into the trees, and maybe a calf walking nearby. My damned eyes could only make out the brown blur and movement. For the rest of the evening, I kept my eyes peeled for my mood friends. Ben even texted later on that “the moose is up, and coming toward the cottage.” Max laughed at me as I squealed, but sadly we never got another peek at the moose.
We ate badly here. Finishing off most of our food to prepare for the trip home, and also just eating to be gluttons, we watched movies, ate sweets, and slept in. The night looked like it might clear and maybe show stars (which we had not yet seen), and as of on cue, it began to snow. Ben has just dropped us off at the bus for Anchorage, and it is still snowing. Thanks Ben and lots of love to those doggos!
