tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36271446707600750262024-03-28T20:29:21.594-07:00No Better LifeThe musings of itinerants exploring the world as house/pet sitters and enjoying every minute of it.Steve Whisnanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11005527405711972893noreply@blogger.comBlogger2384125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627144670760075026.post-64398137626395896802024-03-28T15:13:00.000-07:002024-03-28T15:13:00.132-07:00Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - VI<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTrRCMKyRe0Aw_ipzVYytdpaUnqM-Vr5v347TYYniuIJlO3ZOnkO7-uqY2JfE68CtOKM8Bo1l-t-SEirZYmqGORUsR12bP6Fs09YIg8e_LCqwjgRcnhMbdhQn-EYvlfQdsLFCTCaoV-n6rlszGXJh9lhwmwC2ef47tmCho6ypJqpED3hHrH0kA4BjoadT/s1099/XT5F0862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1099" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTrRCMKyRe0Aw_ipzVYytdpaUnqM-Vr5v347TYYniuIJlO3ZOnkO7-uqY2JfE68CtOKM8Bo1l-t-SEirZYmqGORUsR12bP6Fs09YIg8e_LCqwjgRcnhMbdhQn-EYvlfQdsLFCTCaoV-n6rlszGXJh9lhwmwC2ef47tmCho6ypJqpED3hHrH0kA4BjoadT/s16000/XT5F0862.jpg"></a></div><p>I never tire of seeing these hooded mergansers.</p><span></span><a href="https://no-better-life.blogspot.com/2024/03/ridgefield-national-wildlife-refuge-vi.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Whisnanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11005527405711972893noreply@blogger.com0Ridgefield, WA 98642, USA45.8156638 -122.690850217.505429963821157 -157.8471002 74.125897636178848 -87.5346002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627144670760075026.post-22053496148572692542024-03-25T15:07:00.000-07:002024-03-25T15:07:00.141-07:00Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - V<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtks3qSo-7Fngva3fG9s6Ohp4t-UHV4Oji9AZ96SEjzJ3OKU17GJU2ISzWgWG2nLbjzaKK-CgzjyIgYzevhEbww3iprSwJc7IPyOjrtJjyV9Xj_gkWet8CWte6CGI79IqOnX2t2rF_xd3wnlwV0RuedfWOLPMBI7iGvBl4jZLqI6pmI3jZNdV15e0ac-8D/s1500/XT5F0784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtks3qSo-7Fngva3fG9s6Ohp4t-UHV4Oji9AZ96SEjzJ3OKU17GJU2ISzWgWG2nLbjzaKK-CgzjyIgYzevhEbww3iprSwJc7IPyOjrtJjyV9Xj_gkWet8CWte6CGI79IqOnX2t2rF_xd3wnlwV0RuedfWOLPMBI7iGvBl4jZLqI6pmI3jZNdV15e0ac-8D/s16000/XT5F0784.jpg"></a></div><p>Here's another view of our friends, the hooded merganser family.</p><span></span><a href="https://no-better-life.blogspot.com/2024/03/ridgefield-national-wildlife-refuge-v.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Whisnanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11005527405711972893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627144670760075026.post-57820780518859214782024-03-21T14:59:00.000-07:002024-03-21T14:59:00.238-07:00Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - IV<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUTdc-6vsUAhZ2enV-EmMAZX3X32P0XQveihUf9tTCVimwafAqbtbP49mDn7yQfUpxbEU-OtUUu66NOsXc2HrfjtNtAzzHA0ZPkBcelaEHOA3NbxUU8rBNbYHESLP_quu-HNLP3RubkI5U1DETDVlTTdl8Rr1nCv6PBw-JXTqx7bCwhqtgbSg80NMcRCj/s1000/XT5F0783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUTdc-6vsUAhZ2enV-EmMAZX3X32P0XQveihUf9tTCVimwafAqbtbP49mDn7yQfUpxbEU-OtUUu66NOsXc2HrfjtNtAzzHA0ZPkBcelaEHOA3NbxUU8rBNbYHESLP_quu-HNLP3RubkI5U1DETDVlTTdl8Rr1nCv6PBw-JXTqx7bCwhqtgbSg80NMcRCj/s16000/XT5F0783.jpg"></a></div><p>Mr. and Mrs. hooded merganser sit in water surveying the situation.</p><span></span><a href="https://no-better-life.blogspot.com/2024/03/ridgefield-national-wildlife-refuge-iv.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Whisnanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11005527405711972893noreply@blogger.com0Ridgefield, WA 98642, USA45.8156638 -122.690850217.505429963821157 -157.8471002 74.125897636178848 -87.5346002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627144670760075026.post-49451751438917175902024-03-18T14:53:00.000-07:002024-03-18T14:53:00.128-07:00Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - III<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOOmDH6c3WY-fwQ0WE0ZdgVNokc1TfGBwF66grUGtnQ-DjK-0pwsDnGOFzw6VIM4v5TrNrx2U6uK71IRMQVkAQJzC7AUV-vf5SiHJrSso5MkyuUJcbvdwon-eiXjOMyDRo-2t3KxMeiD9fk6R-ZvcmE23k2VWe9fHuOnh8rUCcKCrLzgdlJTLXq8voVqf/s1409/XT5F0686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1409" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOOmDH6c3WY-fwQ0WE0ZdgVNokc1TfGBwF66grUGtnQ-DjK-0pwsDnGOFzw6VIM4v5TrNrx2U6uK71IRMQVkAQJzC7AUV-vf5SiHJrSso5MkyuUJcbvdwon-eiXjOMyDRo-2t3KxMeiD9fk6R-ZvcmE23k2VWe9fHuOnh8rUCcKCrLzgdlJTLXq8voVqf/s16000/XT5F0686.jpg"></a></div><p>This heron sat forever looking at something he wanted to eat. I never did see him move. Would that I had that sort of patience.</p><span></span><a href="https://no-better-life.blogspot.com/2024/03/ridgefield-national-wildlife-refuge-iii.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Whisnanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11005527405711972893noreply@blogger.com0Ridgefield, WA 98642, USA45.8156638 -122.690850217.505429963821157 -157.8471002 74.125897636178848 -87.5346002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627144670760075026.post-71925208830295551692024-03-14T14:38:00.000-07:002024-03-14T14:38:00.246-07:00Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - II<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKcIlMLSorgiqDx7msEGKTZBFsnQvCEFBKe6QSW8iZeoAcQzg0kMndP6BDVYCacmHz1B-GcSdhchTrNMTak1fj2G4_WVIj8wEZ1amBBPVQg1XK-bfLeSgzq1nJNo0oeCxo-gPwgqgfmz4SgIRCLsIc6ctxEFsHyk-GA2MSsVt600wW7A619IslhGXqkIv/s1000/XT5F0581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKcIlMLSorgiqDx7msEGKTZBFsnQvCEFBKe6QSW8iZeoAcQzg0kMndP6BDVYCacmHz1B-GcSdhchTrNMTak1fj2G4_WVIj8wEZ1amBBPVQg1XK-bfLeSgzq1nJNo0oeCxo-gPwgqgfmz4SgIRCLsIc6ctxEFsHyk-GA2MSsVt600wW7A619IslhGXqkIv/s16000/XT5F0581.jpg"></a></div><p>I know that I just showed you photos of a heron, but this one is so nicely framed but his/her reflection, I couldn't resist.</p><span></span><a href="https://no-better-life.blogspot.com/2024/03/ridgefield-national-wildlife-refuge-ii.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Whisnanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11005527405711972893noreply@blogger.com0Ridgefield, WA 98642, USA45.8156638 -122.690850217.505429963821157 -157.8471002 74.125897636178848 -87.5346002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627144670760075026.post-47994499277519119682024-03-11T14:29:00.000-07:002024-03-11T14:29:00.134-07:00Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4x68giCtm2uG0_Lz3-7HPhNMLVxqBCkOBNrwt5Uxupuh1XFZIynXRCGg4InZgS8mnOXO5jEoqpkcfqeiU9K95oMAdvhHz0FP6KbP_Gu4kblHIwBhjy7f67K6gSkpDVhu0uPjAEY1vvqeo5y9aUecdnL_ar6C-OaT6QlKNjM4YW9ypyBBPZgepiK4_Y2HD/s1000/XT5F0559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4x68giCtm2uG0_Lz3-7HPhNMLVxqBCkOBNrwt5Uxupuh1XFZIynXRCGg4InZgS8mnOXO5jEoqpkcfqeiU9K95oMAdvhHz0FP6KbP_Gu4kblHIwBhjy7f67K6gSkpDVhu0uPjAEY1vvqeo5y9aUecdnL_ar6C-OaT6QlKNjM4YW9ypyBBPZgepiK4_Y2HD/s16000/XT5F0559.jpg"></a></div><p>In January, we took a trip south to Ridgefield, WA to visit the WIldlife Refuge. In the summer, you can hike on the trails but in the winter, to protect the animals, you are only allowed to drive the loop road and view from your car. We like to visit this place in the winter when all the birds come to eat and prepare for their journeys back north.</p><span></span><a href="https://no-better-life.blogspot.com/2024/03/ridgefield-national-wildlife-refuge.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Whisnanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11005527405711972893noreply@blogger.com0Ridgefield, WA 98642, USA45.8156638 -122.690850217.505429963821157 -157.8471002 74.125897636178848 -87.5346002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627144670760075026.post-89512243392524684062024-03-07T11:19:00.000-08:002024-03-07T11:19:00.129-08:00Fisherman's Terminal - VI<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5a7RW5jRiplJNnSqipBONTZwWtG8taRP0uPfCU7gDBRcenWJqRJ-GWSD278R-j0PKDFoiVxF4moEi746EzOaaHu-mSBizia9fttrrSJJmil18-Li2NaHYR0pUbcJ4YH7WAj9dmDsFbTlUYwchEZqXwhEa3qrYWDUVvtE6Z4xEQVXwnyXnmiuac_qzRUW/s1477/XT5F0276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1477" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5a7RW5jRiplJNnSqipBONTZwWtG8taRP0uPfCU7gDBRcenWJqRJ-GWSD278R-j0PKDFoiVxF4moEi746EzOaaHu-mSBizia9fttrrSJJmil18-Li2NaHYR0pUbcJ4YH7WAj9dmDsFbTlUYwchEZqXwhEa3qrYWDUVvtE6Z4xEQVXwnyXnmiuac_qzRUW/s16000/XT5F0276.jpg"></a></div><p>Today, we finish this exploration of the wharf with a few looks at some boaty bits.</p><span></span><a href="https://no-better-life.blogspot.com/2024/03/fishermans-terminal-vi.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Whisnanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11005527405711972893noreply@blogger.com03919 18th Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119, USA47.6556244 -122.38066119.345390563821155 -157.536911 75.965858236178846 -87.224411tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627144670760075026.post-35070026640207656162024-03-04T11:12:00.000-08:002024-03-04T11:12:00.242-08:00Fisherman's Terminal - V<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0Y8jmEsjtVUHF_yflbbGyQ19h_xtOg9Ma51qINSlQBWh3p0VCt-U-JxToRS26hNWbEEQhEQQ2w5b12VR6Fw4embYm8euLbRnWlXlDuPKCBXFx_cdFcS8S6XZ6OqWWiMZkf3ZATqXOz6uF95juvOXU7ZfQLLDME0vUFfLOSq723GPDUYVS5hT0f_gECM2/s1949/XT5F0268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1949" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0Y8jmEsjtVUHF_yflbbGyQ19h_xtOg9Ma51qINSlQBWh3p0VCt-U-JxToRS26hNWbEEQhEQQ2w5b12VR6Fw4embYm8euLbRnWlXlDuPKCBXFx_cdFcS8S6XZ6OqWWiMZkf3ZATqXOz6uF95juvOXU7ZfQLLDME0vUFfLOSq723GPDUYVS5hT0f_gECM2/s16000/XT5F0268.jpg"></a></div><p>It is easy to find nets galore here.</p><span></span><a href="https://no-better-life.blogspot.com/2024/03/fishermans-terminal-v.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Whisnanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11005527405711972893noreply@blogger.com03919 18th Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119, USA47.6556244 -122.38066119.345390563821155 -157.536911 75.965858236178846 -87.224411tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627144670760075026.post-61170753246210329052024-02-29T10:15:00.000-08:002024-02-29T10:15:00.137-08:00Fisherman's Terminal - IV<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvdYke4dqnxicPiDIeqFGZyDEXXpjT0nTnRteKPGM8VhaK2DjiTAb8EZ62cmbd2OhWAEzvOPj8mOFIr6-qe_f6Esp19fG3cRd5AHDFU2wM5uBQvybBIv4yWfTz29vUAnv2ypVR-_Xia203c6pszqO6cTp5TGPT9aY1v3C72diUXIPK8afJJ2dl7VTbWUG/s1500/XT5F0260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvdYke4dqnxicPiDIeqFGZyDEXXpjT0nTnRteKPGM8VhaK2DjiTAb8EZ62cmbd2OhWAEzvOPj8mOFIr6-qe_f6Esp19fG3cRd5AHDFU2wM5uBQvybBIv4yWfTz29vUAnv2ypVR-_Xia203c6pszqO6cTp5TGPT9aY1v3C72diUXIPK8afJJ2dl7VTbWUG/s16000/XT5F0260.jpg"></a></div><p>Sometimes the interest is not in symmetry, but rather in the shape and texture of the object. This dirty, frayed bit of rope really suggests the life of a fisherman to me.</p><span></span><a href="https://no-better-life.blogspot.com/2024/02/fishermans-terminal-iv.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Whisnanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11005527405711972893noreply@blogger.com03919 18th Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119, USA47.6556244 -122.38066119.345390563821155 -157.536911 75.965858236178846 -87.224411tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627144670760075026.post-9090711225522047452024-02-26T10:03:00.000-08:002024-02-26T10:03:00.143-08:00Fisherman's Terminal - III<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-VjsosF9bRMoRk4nEv7SgD-h4MdJXj-HqyFvzXpr6mPu4BAzbuFq-m6h_2Lm_P7iJDTS-YS9JJ3tfRDvX4LV-ZzXcYpfsaJ53MBrIVe-2Zk_yQYhgCru704oTiiPS8kXDeHtcm2fX2tMledC5HyDHiw8-rc-DmjFZFBQIa8PlKdGclTeiUj2cvWNRBNl/s1179/XT5F0254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-VjsosF9bRMoRk4nEv7SgD-h4MdJXj-HqyFvzXpr6mPu4BAzbuFq-m6h_2Lm_P7iJDTS-YS9JJ3tfRDvX4LV-ZzXcYpfsaJ53MBrIVe-2Zk_yQYhgCru704oTiiPS8kXDeHtcm2fX2tMledC5HyDHiw8-rc-DmjFZFBQIa8PlKdGclTeiUj2cvWNRBNl/s16000/XT5F0254.jpg"></a></div><p>There are patterns and shapes to be seen everywhere here. I find that the yellow float really complements the hand worn ropes stowed beside it.</p><span></span><a href="https://no-better-life.blogspot.com/2024/02/fishermans-terminal-iii.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Whisnanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11005527405711972893noreply@blogger.com03919 18th Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119, USA47.6556244 -122.38066119.345390563821155 -157.536911 75.965858236178846 -87.224411tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627144670760075026.post-91528929485178399402024-02-22T09:58:00.000-08:002024-02-22T09:58:00.244-08:00Fisherman's Terminal - II<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfs1gs8FhzUlqWdFqL37lz9krN53Y3MKDmoeB750JviHpLN2CcyRTcL90p46syv95_soEqe7AM6on9bN09VLWnFGDi7h3ISZbwIFbSzvmSgr-LEoa3uqyBNMSgyIvF-Mmb9pz5UoM-oqZd_0cmVxd2U0dG5j_X1iT3PTBFHLhHsi0rR4KRPwX_r448xge/s1284/XT5F0249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1284" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfs1gs8FhzUlqWdFqL37lz9krN53Y3MKDmoeB750JviHpLN2CcyRTcL90p46syv95_soEqe7AM6on9bN09VLWnFGDi7h3ISZbwIFbSzvmSgr-LEoa3uqyBNMSgyIvF-Mmb9pz5UoM-oqZd_0cmVxd2U0dG5j_X1iT3PTBFHLhHsi0rR4KRPwX_r448xge/s16000/XT5F0249.jpg"></a></div><p>With a wide lens, it is possible to find a nice angle for viewing the bow of a boat and it's reflection in the water. I find that this makes a quite pleasing image.</p><span></span><a href="https://no-better-life.blogspot.com/2024/02/fishermans-terminal-ii.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Whisnanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11005527405711972893noreply@blogger.com03919 18th Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119, USA47.6556244 -122.38066119.345390563821155 -157.536911 75.965858236178846 -87.224411tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627144670760075026.post-34484839782956957552024-02-19T09:38:00.000-08:002024-02-19T09:38:00.127-08:00By the Sea<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1MFYCJF-H-ODHKfbRl6Q5TciRCCvi4_wkXWGom3Xrsi8C_iU-U5S87vnHssnHpULCI5azC5dJPPeLIgfcXIFv-VvbchAsn1bxXEXEZd2Q6ojRGhYYB_gb1WTO8KijBQ0nUcPH7iNrjZKIzs36STwmiTLQMHzvpMGN8NKUtRrGFaA8UE95OWSNKTmzvMq/s1598/XT5F0241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1MFYCJF-H-ODHKfbRl6Q5TciRCCvi4_wkXWGom3Xrsi8C_iU-U5S87vnHssnHpULCI5azC5dJPPeLIgfcXIFv-VvbchAsn1bxXEXEZd2Q6ojRGhYYB_gb1WTO8KijBQ0nUcPH7iNrjZKIzs36STwmiTLQMHzvpMGN8NKUtRrGFaA8UE95OWSNKTmzvMq/s16000/XT5F0241.jpg"></a></div><p>Back in October, I joined a photowalk sponsored by the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) to explore the boats moored at Fisherman's Terminal in Seattle. It was a cloudy day with a bit of rain included (surprise!) but it made for an evenly lit shooting day.</p><span></span><a href="https://no-better-life.blogspot.com/2024/02/by-sea.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Whisnanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11005527405711972893noreply@blogger.com03919 18th Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119, USA47.6556244 -122.38066119.345390563821155 -157.536911 75.965858236178846 -87.224411tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627144670760075026.post-65401191410745234732024-02-15T13:34:00.000-08:002024-02-15T13:34:00.138-08:00Mt SI - III<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYRwHwsld3qksc8yQ0A3ERp4vub9YoHUYA-QA3RjTaS2pkZyEBlIGIjxuvz3_is3qcKzf1YzSxOI0qlpQdqcKMbaivBE_0vpySKCmq7nV3G6Gqv5xDaxulpYvK1MjueMPGQUO6wMk30CqWAnRHLO2tnx2eZ3MeRmAs-Bp1Zqhy2dNvlmBFAICbxC26ifvA/s1266/XT5F0161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1266" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYRwHwsld3qksc8yQ0A3ERp4vub9YoHUYA-QA3RjTaS2pkZyEBlIGIjxuvz3_is3qcKzf1YzSxOI0qlpQdqcKMbaivBE_0vpySKCmq7nV3G6Gqv5xDaxulpYvK1MjueMPGQUO6wMk30CqWAnRHLO2tnx2eZ3MeRmAs-Bp1Zqhy2dNvlmBFAICbxC26ifvA/s16000/XT5F0161.jpg"></a></div><p>Along the edge of the creat we were hiking, stood a tree, bent from the wind and weather, holding for its life to the boulders on which it stands.</p><span></span><a href="https://no-better-life.blogspot.com/2024/02/mt-si-iii.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Whisnanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11005527405711972893noreply@blogger.com0Mt Si, Washington 98045, USA47.5077377 -121.739839119.197503863821154 -156.89608909999998 75.817971536178845 -86.5835891tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627144670760075026.post-27701970417207838042024-02-12T13:24:00.000-08:002024-02-12T13:24:00.134-08:00Mt Si - II<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1579o7ULgOHgUgTiJg8Ud8ltEU4MDE2jzYAXAcyJ3akgQRNZtYNsk4xvP-vwVa_ix52AsQAKW3JJ9vCobI16OsA4wnZWNGeoc753IWpSN44nGSeIXwCk71IEN8gDxgukWVOPZWeuR5XzVjQZsGgSuiQNdH_lwGBl5Bjyp4j64Yy4nEEP4DHzNhHcXcas/s1000/XT5F0155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1579o7ULgOHgUgTiJg8Ud8ltEU4MDE2jzYAXAcyJ3akgQRNZtYNsk4xvP-vwVa_ix52AsQAKW3JJ9vCobI16OsA4wnZWNGeoc753IWpSN44nGSeIXwCk71IEN8gDxgukWVOPZWeuR5XzVjQZsGgSuiQNdH_lwGBl5Bjyp4j64Yy4nEEP4DHzNhHcXcas/s16000/XT5F0155.jpg"></a></div><p>The fog comes and goes as we climb ever higher.</p><span></span><a href="https://no-better-life.blogspot.com/2024/02/mt-si-ii.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Whisnanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11005527405711972893noreply@blogger.com0Mt Si, Washington 98045, USA47.5077377 -121.739839119.197503863821154 -156.89608909999998 75.817971536178845 -86.5835891tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627144670760075026.post-79580437466944698442024-02-08T13:16:00.000-08:002024-02-08T13:16:00.133-08:00A Hike on the Mt. Si Trail<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKR1kkBY-TKZYsfXMHTIMjXorQtXI0vwP1Z2xvi_Zy-1bRkQmP1_l7PtvzBpsCXojyQltYsv7YayfscVwfTZuwY6VcolvHlmHwwivrh6kIp_f_TY4gPnMuNFZRDsx8gmpjHRiS2_4kF263_LaTmtLGFdvIg0IWJYoIwZKuPnYBsN1HPdJ-IHXC7hKYDau/s1500/XT5F0146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKR1kkBY-TKZYsfXMHTIMjXorQtXI0vwP1Z2xvi_Zy-1bRkQmP1_l7PtvzBpsCXojyQltYsv7YayfscVwfTZuwY6VcolvHlmHwwivrh6kIp_f_TY4gPnMuNFZRDsx8gmpjHRiS2_4kF263_LaTmtLGFdvIg0IWJYoIwZKuPnYBsN1HPdJ-IHXC7hKYDau/s16000/XT5F0146.jpg"></a></div><p>In October, Jason Mickel and I took a hike up the trail at Mt Si that leads to Little Si. These mountains that don't seem so high from the road are, in fact, quite tall. Little Si was quite enough for both of us. The image above is taken from a viewpoint shortly after we started our walk.</p><span></span><a href="https://no-better-life.blogspot.com/2024/02/a-hike-on-mt-si-trail.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Whisnanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11005527405711972893noreply@blogger.com0Mt Si, Washington 98045, USA47.5077377 -121.739839119.197503863821154 -156.89608909999998 75.817971536178845 -86.5835891tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627144670760075026.post-35845418259097511722024-02-05T12:44:00.000-08:002024-02-05T12:44:00.130-08:00The Last Hurrah<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrroTGQe2ofSvUXdOXWjmlkRrK-ZBOBDN3u1dV6vUFijrD0YmWNghmsMRxMn4JfNB8W4xYUSmbjkTAlv1VGi8t-Ls-ZhphNsmpeCnSbSqLhloelDmriJLAi5Agv4Sp9Fdd8xu7Xj0eO8JLoyFHBmt-wFh2YWfOUOGzCLdRnuw2VSgP1psklckJ0vPHdyk-/s1152/XT5F0493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrroTGQe2ofSvUXdOXWjmlkRrK-ZBOBDN3u1dV6vUFijrD0YmWNghmsMRxMn4JfNB8W4xYUSmbjkTAlv1VGi8t-Ls-ZhphNsmpeCnSbSqLhloelDmriJLAi5Agv4Sp9Fdd8xu7Xj0eO8JLoyFHBmt-wFh2YWfOUOGzCLdRnuw2VSgP1psklckJ0vPHdyk-/s16000/XT5F0493.jpg"></a></div><p>After our day of sledding behind the dogs, we were treated to a find banquet of salmon and mushroom soup. The mushrooms were locally foraged and the soup was to die for. Above you see the salmon staked to boards and cooked over the open fire. It was really delicious.</p><span></span><a href="https://no-better-life.blogspot.com/2024/02/the-last-hurrah.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Whisnanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11005527405711972893noreply@blogger.com0Muonio, Finland67.9552873 23.684091939.645053463821149 -11.472158100000001 90 58.8403419tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627144670760075026.post-64873309064711505252024-02-01T10:29:00.000-08:002024-02-01T10:29:00.154-08:00Sled Dogs!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgke_6wa53s7KXAOfH8SiTjdxnofCOyk_Yn50PCgJ4faH_qFHSFQBv0pivUEd2eOwWbtsuhCq3ixiOvOgRULt834LvyFWreXmkv69AUFVS-Hgrety8c0xeeUffbzMA0rT_wwKvuuWfqXFg8F8hqrE1jYpUPfojTJ78B0dBOvHabsUeKqlMMkrj88fxu2jqN/s1152/XT5F0471.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgke_6wa53s7KXAOfH8SiTjdxnofCOyk_Yn50PCgJ4faH_qFHSFQBv0pivUEd2eOwWbtsuhCq3ixiOvOgRULt834LvyFWreXmkv69AUFVS-Hgrety8c0xeeUffbzMA0rT_wwKvuuWfqXFg8F8hqrE1jYpUPfojTJ78B0dBOvHabsUeKqlMMkrj88fxu2jqN/s16000/XT5F0471.jpg" /></a></div><p>Bundled up in our multiple layers and the warm outerwear supplied for us, we walked next door to the lodge to meet the sled dogs and get mounted up for a mush through the snow. The kids were all loaded onto one sled that was driven by our guide.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DKMb2v__T-D2lbIf3YwpwLXQIFrrFH1UT9942dfy5Xdhc5ycrDcvU_ChJzUTcd7IJXfRADPlxzwlUVeTTqA-_U6rLRmJRIfulkgrv-sUKy_KVziY-fO0BT-6vG_nKbIIIiYLnikZpedQDTNWZxmHcUsxuchtWFPtg04PquMQrTknCqJbMmVM94590P3J/s1152/XT5F0473.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DKMb2v__T-D2lbIf3YwpwLXQIFrrFH1UT9942dfy5Xdhc5ycrDcvU_ChJzUTcd7IJXfRADPlxzwlUVeTTqA-_U6rLRmJRIfulkgrv-sUKy_KVziY-fO0BT-6vG_nKbIIIiYLnikZpedQDTNWZxmHcUsxuchtWFPtg04PquMQrTknCqJbMmVM94590P3J/s16000/XT5F0473.jpg" /></a></div><p>I don't have photos of the ride itself since E was the passenger and I was the driver of our sled. Imagine a vehicle where the only pedal you need is a brake. Take you foot off the brake and it goes. That's a dog sled. These animals are eager to run and pull. The only limit we had on our sled was my ability to stand on the brake and the fact that if I didn't we'd run over the sled in front of us.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvs1azPhT3Dug6AyUzepWIyCEmpEA7N0i2Rl0r1_Z2NBHauZFkTxkcGtggnEEIpcab5tyMDzJMjvaQy31VuVD-zzWUjimkatatqql6Y6qcBam5mchCVL2oKmfuEKqas9o-bNDUBkQ9NySjkDo3fhaIYCPQy8VnHou-911uH-I_jlhUMdRuAZm1VqdE_iK/s1152/XT5F0474.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvs1azPhT3Dug6AyUzepWIyCEmpEA7N0i2Rl0r1_Z2NBHauZFkTxkcGtggnEEIpcab5tyMDzJMjvaQy31VuVD-zzWUjimkatatqql6Y6qcBam5mchCVL2oKmfuEKqas9o-bNDUBkQ9NySjkDo3fhaIYCPQy8VnHou-911uH-I_jlhUMdRuAZm1VqdE_iK/s16000/XT5F0474.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My face got pretty cold, but the rest of me did OK. Elizabeth was seated and covered by a blanket so she stayed reasonably warm. But the sleds have no springs and the ride was bumpy. So she got the good out of every bump and dip. There were even a few bruises where the sides of the sled banged against her legs.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Zsm2DASZSjR9idKjYspuWfKkLiWehJkyrSTWlN6rizOcsnuiMTE-xzdjbWf0U-rJ8qsSu-D1lJlkSbCHM36oTseKOAo05cR7fHQUyzLybxgKBAE3RcttflZ01HVQhDQ5MkQHf7slY97b9THdtGNPP-kLDzAE00Zp_TYB4kFVOL0bn_sHDmex704h8k-y/s1152/XT5F0479.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Zsm2DASZSjR9idKjYspuWfKkLiWehJkyrSTWlN6rizOcsnuiMTE-xzdjbWf0U-rJ8qsSu-D1lJlkSbCHM36oTseKOAo05cR7fHQUyzLybxgKBAE3RcttflZ01HVQhDQ5MkQHf7slY97b9THdtGNPP-kLDzAE00Zp_TYB4kFVOL0bn_sHDmex704h8k-y/s16000/XT5F0479.jpg" /></a></div><p>When we got back, we got to meet some of the new arrivals in the kennel. While there is no place for these sorts of dogs as pets, they are mighty cute.</p><p>Interestingly, these are all Alaskan dogs rather than Siberian. We were told that Siberian dogs are built for much colder climates and don't do well in Lapland. The Alaskan dog are much better suited to the local climate.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5y2oo1uosyVC-zLTpEINz_-shDECPNxXx7gbyCs3w78Szbxhw2iaXL_tlfue7Wwg3Gfu2K6s2qCXcW-yRscTeO0Dv2jDMuebTfWgl1gjaKGUk3DXH7Krwxhhj3iZrYKh9jVluHsofcITHG8_kvn47vY4WP6gSC5ZZ64lHgOU5M1fi9wTWUblRmsdAt5N/s1152/XT5F0483.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5y2oo1uosyVC-zLTpEINz_-shDECPNxXx7gbyCs3w78Szbxhw2iaXL_tlfue7Wwg3Gfu2K6s2qCXcW-yRscTeO0Dv2jDMuebTfWgl1gjaKGUk3DXH7Krwxhhj3iZrYKh9jVluHsofcITHG8_kvn47vY4WP6gSC5ZZ64lHgOU5M1fi9wTWUblRmsdAt5N/s16000/XT5F0483.jpg" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Steve Whisnanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11005527405711972893noreply@blogger.com0Muonio, Finland67.9552873 23.684091939.645053463821149 -11.472158100000001 90 58.8403419tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627144670760075026.post-3992568072088505432024-01-29T10:18:00.000-08:002024-01-29T10:18:00.122-08:00After the Visit<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYysmyUoTbtqpm6YeaH0OzgaEwZfzKNtIhehsHikhp1R9xQzDOiQHXgpQuY5FefF6tlfLULbcG4M6uF6vtqUCTEg-QvbqJhCj8TKDghnBd-AWisHHHnrhK1kACrZFNXGiF-WE8LufhZ443K5R2DOpurbmkcSQ90lSLiwmVk5-tc9JJ07iUpJNPJeDY77-/s1152/XT5F0442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYysmyUoTbtqpm6YeaH0OzgaEwZfzKNtIhehsHikhp1R9xQzDOiQHXgpQuY5FefF6tlfLULbcG4M6uF6vtqUCTEg-QvbqJhCj8TKDghnBd-AWisHHHnrhK1kACrZFNXGiF-WE8LufhZ443K5R2DOpurbmkcSQ90lSLiwmVk5-tc9JJ07iUpJNPJeDY77-/s16000/XT5F0442.jpg"></a></div><p>After our visit with Santa, we stopped at a nearby kotta to warm up and have a bit of refreshment. Here, another of Santa's elves assisted us.</p><span></span><a href="https://no-better-life.blogspot.com/2024/01/after-visit.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Whisnanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11005527405711972893noreply@blogger.com0Muonio, Finland67.9552873 23.684091939.645053463821149 -11.472158100000001 90 58.8403419tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627144670760075026.post-61247476773310241982024-01-25T10:08:00.000-08:002024-01-25T10:08:00.244-08:00The High Point of the Trip<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIatnrKpt_EPY3NVmLAGC_xDhXRso-8JYmrR268WNztlgqDfF7p7EqeWsEwskvEtN-_l9-N7iEIXES4crlc2I47RVb7IzEkGwNIk4Wol7gteW0igBqpQ7L20zNCZF8dlGNDuiWD0jd6NuIa5UuOi7nSkRSng8hk1OtU5r-AIBJvgYQ7_1SDQl_ox02XSDL/s1152/XT5F0420.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIatnrKpt_EPY3NVmLAGC_xDhXRso-8JYmrR268WNztlgqDfF7p7EqeWsEwskvEtN-_l9-N7iEIXES4crlc2I47RVb7IzEkGwNIk4Wol7gteW0igBqpQ7L20zNCZF8dlGNDuiWD0jd6NuIa5UuOi7nSkRSng8hk1OtU5r-AIBJvgYQ7_1SDQl_ox02XSDL/s16000/XT5F0420.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>We loaded up in a sleigh enclosed with plexiglass to keep us out of the wind and, following a map that Seamus drew for our guide, we headed to Santa's house. When we got there, we found the old man seated by a nice fire. He had one of his elves with him (not pictured) to keep everything moving along smoothly.</div><span></span><a href="https://no-better-life.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-high-point-of-trip.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Whisnanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11005527405711972893noreply@blogger.com0Muonio, Finland67.9552873 23.684091939.645053463821149 -11.472158100000001 90 58.8403419tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627144670760075026.post-12110872865890484662024-01-22T10:43:00.000-08:002024-01-22T10:43:00.137-08:00Feeding the Reindeer<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9j1U7BJG_rWCdU3HGAon7Tmbzyuz9gVMcXyoRvp5sFl9gH6pI1-3FSVhzu3vS-hrwEY9ZfvqcUDMDgb_EUTFYQtZw7h0zKFbo29UwFIQNqAMTrelrAIYJy4cbbk6poKTgpgJSVkAtHkQlTfKZHl6jW_hIRLHEitUkp1dpMeY9jEUdg-jVN9dSPhV1G_ID/s1152/XT5F0405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9j1U7BJG_rWCdU3HGAon7Tmbzyuz9gVMcXyoRvp5sFl9gH6pI1-3FSVhzu3vS-hrwEY9ZfvqcUDMDgb_EUTFYQtZw7h0zKFbo29UwFIQNqAMTrelrAIYJy4cbbk6poKTgpgJSVkAtHkQlTfKZHl6jW_hIRLHEitUkp1dpMeY9jEUdg-jVN9dSPhV1G_ID/s16000/XT5F0405.jpg"></a></div><p>After our ride through the snow behind the reindeer, we went back to the coral and fed them. Reindeer eat lichen from the trees in the forest. We were given a bin of lichen someone had harvested for us and the kids got to feed the animals through the fence. Everybody was happy.</p><span></span><a href="https://no-better-life.blogspot.com/2024/01/feeding-reindeer.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Whisnanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11005527405711972893noreply@blogger.com0Muonio, Finland67.9552873 23.684091939.645053463821149 -11.472158100000001 90 58.8403419tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627144670760075026.post-36009908206639448442024-01-18T10:34:00.000-08:002024-01-18T10:34:00.131-08:00Riding with the Reindeer<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OQk_rnAaZparT4k3vfH95wi660IQlQgIYPpJUQ1qIRCJHdiNOdgr9WYLFxmM3_z_8xWXsoBrzEup0qfAZlRQK8P4BLVpe9tJGFPLcX80V-jOlwW6IS9EZppEnJ354H9O8-cqt_BF7ekwSQycGeyT3bWHsh4UykTiojEQyK0gkRHr5JjydjZhrSyW-yPW/s1152/XT5F0377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OQk_rnAaZparT4k3vfH95wi660IQlQgIYPpJUQ1qIRCJHdiNOdgr9WYLFxmM3_z_8xWXsoBrzEup0qfAZlRQK8P4BLVpe9tJGFPLcX80V-jOlwW6IS9EZppEnJ354H9O8-cqt_BF7ekwSQycGeyT3bWHsh4UykTiojEQyK0gkRHr5JjydjZhrSyW-yPW/s16000/XT5F0377.jpg"></a></div><p>This forest is enchanting. However, I'm pretty sure that I don't want to be here in the summer. This conifer forest must be filled with mosquitoes when it is warm here. Now, however, it is delightful.</p><span></span><a href="https://no-better-life.blogspot.com/2024/01/riding-with-reindeer.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Whisnanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11005527405711972893noreply@blogger.com0Muonio, Finland67.9552873 23.684091939.645053463821149 -11.472158100000001 90 58.8403419tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627144670760075026.post-39579526084764452662024-01-15T10:25:00.000-08:002024-01-15T10:25:00.246-08:00In the Kotta<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeHl9kKcomsalh_1YX-MKDkgL8QGML6xvh6roLRmCTVBPfvBLbrCp25rck2rpOd7t8GyiMa6M_PB1P1OZUVspeTHKXhcz5iQcoPOaF0TtNdMT8uXFoGcwus1uPxJ8h5yXUAV-EjkI1HtS8I25CCNlKD7-2gfL5wRo1cn26-it9V7nQDgmdn9Asj8V9qkY/s1152/XT5F0367.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeHl9kKcomsalh_1YX-MKDkgL8QGML6xvh6roLRmCTVBPfvBLbrCp25rck2rpOd7t8GyiMa6M_PB1P1OZUVspeTHKXhcz5iQcoPOaF0TtNdMT8uXFoGcwus1uPxJ8h5yXUAV-EjkI1HtS8I25CCNlKD7-2gfL5wRo1cn26-it9V7nQDgmdn9Asj8V9qkY/s16000/XT5F0367.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>Here are a few more shots from inside the kotta. It was a warm, cozy place and we were fed a delicious mushroom soup.</div><span></span><a href="https://no-better-life.blogspot.com/2024/01/in-kotta.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Whisnanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11005527405711972893noreply@blogger.com0Muonio, Finland67.9552873 23.684091939.645053463821149 -11.472158100000001 90 58.8403419tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627144670760075026.post-12100842930993465682024-01-11T15:26:00.000-08:002024-01-11T15:26:00.135-08:00Stopping for Lunch in a Kotta<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IjVCy9N4woAW8NWdZy-pYyZi0nA1bRcbtcyr-ouabvxtjuUldj-U1IozxERaOlVIznOaTDOK67lgrxtyNOlJGaKppUR2E8ilxxnVp9TzE_JPuz7wH_yYtjfoxkUSrLIp7WUs8jwu9FoK8Q6R3rjb7yOSl5yl2zK_Bm5qtlxaRl0MeBuzFugC7CuW8KHw/s1152/XT5F0361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IjVCy9N4woAW8NWdZy-pYyZi0nA1bRcbtcyr-ouabvxtjuUldj-U1IozxERaOlVIznOaTDOK67lgrxtyNOlJGaKppUR2E8ilxxnVp9TzE_JPuz7wH_yYtjfoxkUSrLIp7WUs8jwu9FoK8Q6R3rjb7yOSl5yl2zK_Bm5qtlxaRl0MeBuzFugC7CuW8KHw/s16000/XT5F0361.jpg"></a></div><p>It seems that the Finns build these small huts in the forest. This small one might be a refuge from the cold, I don't know. This small log cabins are called <i>Kotta</i>, huts, in Finnish. The scene sure is pretty though.</p><span></span><a href="https://no-better-life.blogspot.com/2024/01/stopping-for-lunch-in-kotta.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Whisnanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11005527405711972893noreply@blogger.com0Muonio, Finland67.9552873 23.684091939.645053463821149 -11.472158100000001 90 58.8403419tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627144670760075026.post-65922339866278250112024-01-08T11:21:00.000-08:002024-01-08T11:21:00.124-08:00Looking Around<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMmMz33ptlp-ygGQBt3W5sgEaRSOawkXq8KPyaXEC-KQXt-HogWfvbbCXBPGj4cN-R9As4sJpmUMK8NtjKcYwkAsNnnLePJYYY-wAApWYXhHD4qYvFt92XGb86QlLAs90Z96cC2m5gTWdCBdquLSZb0XUg4C1u-ObEIiNbqWwuVuBLgeMRgXqBBfsdvwa/s1152/XT5F0346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMmMz33ptlp-ygGQBt3W5sgEaRSOawkXq8KPyaXEC-KQXt-HogWfvbbCXBPGj4cN-R9As4sJpmUMK8NtjKcYwkAsNnnLePJYYY-wAApWYXhHD4qYvFt92XGb86QlLAs90Z96cC2m5gTWdCBdquLSZb0XUg4C1u-ObEIiNbqWwuVuBLgeMRgXqBBfsdvwa/s16000/XT5F0346.jpg"></a></div><p>The trees here all look like they've been powdered with confectioners sugar. The cold and the frequent light snows contribute to this. As you can see from the snow on the roof of the building, the snow is fairly deep. We also find this out when we step off the beaten path. It looks relatively light out as if the sun were doing its job. But notice the lights on in the background. It is still pretty dark. The exposure of the camera is fooling you.<span></span></p><a href="https://no-better-life.blogspot.com/2024/01/looking-around.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Whisnanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11005527405711972893noreply@blogger.com0Muonio, Finland67.9552873 23.684091939.645053463821149 -11.472158100000001 90 58.8403419tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627144670760075026.post-42372491925409100192024-01-04T11:12:00.000-08:002024-01-04T11:12:00.144-08:00Snow Adventures<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gzRolwb-6_ahKXig6P4ZdBlRPfRx_v3FMQDmbcMsxeavBisa7Mze0ERYD5S-CFKtTkasEvQOCQe5wS0rAbCNpTLhtxNF3sBruKvyov_a12HyvrM4FQG_sIuafWPDv3wmXRueY9SuSYQIN8pTC8867jym4PODeNIJMDN_jsE1HFqHVkXK72A5g_woVzxe/s1152/XT5F0333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gzRolwb-6_ahKXig6P4ZdBlRPfRx_v3FMQDmbcMsxeavBisa7Mze0ERYD5S-CFKtTkasEvQOCQe5wS0rAbCNpTLhtxNF3sBruKvyov_a12HyvrM4FQG_sIuafWPDv3wmXRueY9SuSYQIN8pTC8867jym4PODeNIJMDN_jsE1HFqHVkXK72A5g_woVzxe/s16000/XT5F0333.jpg"></a></div><p>After breakfast we donned our serious winter clothes (provided) and headed out for a morning of play in the snow. This meant lots of tobogganing off of a small hill constructed for the purpose and a bit of riding a tethered snowmobile.</p><p>As you can see, it is still dark. Between the cloud over and the sun never really getting above the horizon this time of year, it was never very bright outside. As you can see below, it does get brighter, but not a lot.</p><p><span></span></p><a href="https://no-better-life.blogspot.com/2024/01/snow-adventures.html#more">Read more »</a>Steve Whisnanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11005527405711972893noreply@blogger.com0Muonio, Finland67.9552873 23.684091939.645053463821149 -11.472158100000001 90 58.8403419