Yesterday, I was down in Girdwood for a day long Anchorage Concert Association long range strategic planning retreat (that's a mouthfull). Girdwood is a mere 40 miles south of Anchorage, but it might was well be on another planet - both climatically and culturally. Girdwood is nestled in a little valley off of Turnagain Arm. The valley geography has created a nifty micro-climate - basically a rain forest - like the Tongass.
Girdwood is also very unique on the cultural front - definitely timewarped in the 60's. Lots of long hair and tie-dye. And since Girdwood is also located at the base of Mt. Alyeska, a world class ski resort, the cultural dynamic is really quite entertaining.
Anyhoo, I spent all day yesterday in a conference room - but at least the room had windows. The view was spectacular and the weather was perfect. Total torture to be indoors.
But, we were freed from captivity at 4:00 PM. I immediately went out for a little hike on the Winner Creek trail. I got back in time to meet the Ski Boy - he drove down from Anchorage to meet me for dinner. We had a very romantic dinner at the Prince Hotel's Teppanyaki Bar and then we headed back to Anchorage - with two geocaching detours.
An absolutely glorious day!
And of course here are some pictures:
The view up Zug's Slide Zone - an area that avalanched in the early 80's. Note the broken trees on the left of the picture. And look at that crystal clear blue sky.
The Zug's Slide sign. Quite a story.
A lincoln log bench next to Winner Creek.
Glaciers!!!!!! This vista is located at the end of Turnagain Arm.
9:11:24 PM 
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