Polar Plunge 2014

2nd year participating in the "Freezin' for a Reason" Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Alaska. This year is was 16 degrees on a clear day. 

It was great to have a team of 5, and this year we raised $630.

Less Duff'

Part pride, part health, and part vanity; either way I did the work: 60 pounds in 6 months. Hold the applause, because 20 of that wasn't healthy, and I felt it. I've retrieved 15 of those pounds in the last month (cue applause). Another 5-10 lbs of cushion (pun intended) would be ideal. 

Running, and biking are not friendly to my back. Hiking is perfect for me. Thankfully I have a buddy who likes to hike, so I had to get off my ass. However; that first summer I went on a couple hikes, and my back ached and my legs burned. 

Finally I started the 45 day plank routine. It didn't require a lot of time, would work my core with low-impact, so why not? 30 seconds PUH-LEEZE! I wasn't laughing after a couple weeks, but I had gotten into a routine, and wanted to keep going.

Once I was in a routine of "exercising" it took care of itself. Literally 4-5 times a week for 30-45 minutes is all I invested. Simple exercises (sit ups, push ups, curls, lots of stretching). 

I haven't been perfect and sometimes take a week off. It's easy getting back into it though as the difference in my back strength, and comfort is noticeable. I still have a ways to go to feel "healthy," but physically I'm feeling better and better. 

Thanksgiving Shoot 2014

Annual Thanksgiving Channer Family Shoot. Had an amazing morning - cool - but clear, and sunny. 

Canoe Duff's

Took a canoe trip on the Little Susitna River. Kace, Karter, Chad and I put in where the Little Su crosses the Parks Highway, and traveled 53 miles to the Little Su boat launch.

 Although we had planned 4 days, we finished in 2 (I say 2 because we were in the canoes for 10 minutes on the 3rd day when we reached the landing. 

Day 1 was rain rain rain. We even spent time watching it rain UP; it was hitting the river so hard. We finally pulled over and took cover in the trees and waited it out.

 

We found a great spot just past Nancy Lake recreational area and set up camp in the rain.

After we finally got a fire going the weather started to turn; and we could see the Sun burning it's way through the clouds.

We finished off the day catching rainbow trout. Plus Chad hooked into his first King, which we had to cut loose, but was a fun fight for a little while.

Day 2 started out with an awesome 

morning.

 

We spent the morning in the fog, then the sun came blazing out and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.

We saw several Bald Eagles along the river.

Passed over the Fish Weir, the point on the river where Fish & Game manually count how many salmon have come up river. 

We set up camp at the end of day 2, and the boys went swimming in the river to cool off.

We were all scorched from the sun...

We spent the rest of the night fishing, and hanging out around the fire. Chad caught his first Humpy and his first Silver salmon.

It was an awesome trip, and hopefully an annual tradition!