Thursday, April 17, 2008

Alaskan Skies


"Ah," she grinned knowingly, winking, pointing her crooked finger toward us, "Alaska will call you back. She will. You'll see."

The tiny old Alaskan lady was right. Alaska calls. She beckons. She woos. It's almost a spiritual thing, this missing of a place, this longing to return to the land that fed my soul for so long, the wild that satisfied intensely. My mind and heart turn northward toward the Land of the Midnight Sun just as Sitka's Russian Orthodox church points to the heavens.

Clear skies in Alaska are brilliant blue. Just when my heart feels like it can swell no more from the sheer beauty of the clean, expansive sky a bald eagle welcomes me. I gasp and wimper in delight. He soars, he lingers, he dips, huge wings masterfully working air currents, white tail feathers twisting before my appreciative eyes. "A thing of beauty is a joy forever."

Tears stream down my cheeks all the way home as we jet south through Alaskan skies.

Home seems grungy - yes - and I live in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, one of my country's garden paradises.

"I shall return, Alaska, to explore your vast, pristine loveliness with gentle, grateful steps."

22 comments:

Anne said...

Beautiful pictures and words :-)

Nice weekend wishes to you, from Norway.

Tom said...

This is a really nice tribute as well as a great Sky Watch post... I sure many people will welcome this.
Tom

Anonymous said...

Those are words of wisdom ... and those photos make me believe you'll be back!

Anonymous said...

It's difficult when you live in such a beautiful place to leave your home behind. You traded long winters for rain! lol I hope you enjoy gardening! These are beautiful shots and clearly demonstrate your love for Alaska.

Anonymous said...

That is awesome!

I'd love to see Alaska someday.

My sky watch

Daniel J Santos said...

all beautiful photos, excellent post.

lv2scpbk said...

Nice set of photos and love the beagle on the sidebar.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Cherie: Your words more then match the beauty of the Alaskan Skies.
The Pacific NW is such a beautiful place also.

SandyCarlson said...

Your lyrical thoughts along with these stunning photos makes for a wonderful post. What a beautiful place.

Anonymous said...

Those are wonderful shots from Alaska!!

Snap Catch said...

you've captured it well... mine's up too hope you can drop by.

Unknown said...

Nice series of shots - they are beautiful!

Anne-Berit said...

BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS,ALL OF THEM!

Pernille said...

Wonderful photos all of them! Very nice shots:)

Carletta said...

This series of shots is beautiful!
I love the one with the church.
I've always wanted to visit Alaska - this just makes me want to that much more.

Cherie said...

Thank you one and all for the lovely sentiments, the kind words, and taking the time to comment. I've enjoyed your sites, too!

Iv2: The beagle's name is Sam and he's our precious four year-old pup. Glad you liked him!

FO - 2 said...

Beautiful sky above Alaksa. :)

Ida

Dottie said...

I would absolutely LOVE to see Alaska some day. These are wonderful photos!

Cherie said...

Thanks, ladies! I hope everyone who wishes to visit Alaska gets the chance to go and explore it up close and personal. It won't let you down, but will surprise and delight.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for these pretty pictures Cherie. I showed them to my husband. After he looked and read what you wrote he started looking up Alaska online. We hope to make it someday.

Luiz Santilli Jr said...

All shots are fantastic!

But the first is better, in my mind!
Lovely landscape!

In this week I haven't a good shot to post!

Luiz

Cherie said...

I hope you make it, too, Annie! It's fantastic.

Luiz, every one of your photos is a dream. I don't think it's possible for you have a bad shot.