School has started, summer is ending

This is a photo from a big hike that Ava did with our neighbor

Ava caught the 3 big silver salmon. Daddy caught the 3 smaller ones. 

Successful second annual Blueberry Backpacking Birthday Party for Ava. 4 other families participated, including 3 other grownups besides us and 6 other kids. Beautiful weather for the trip in on Saturday--Some kids and grownups biked to the bridge (with a bike rack!) 2 miles down Powerline Trail, and some of us walked. We hiked in 2 more miles past the bridge to the same campsite as last year. Again, we brought in pound cake and cans of whipped cream. The kids picked blueberries for their own portions of blueberry shortcake. Some people hiked in presents. Dreary weather for the hike out Sunday. Photos here. 

Mommy accompanied two friends on a caribou hunt again this year. This year Ava and another eldest daughter (age 11) came along as well. The campsite was a 7.5-mile bike ride in from the Denali Highway. Only one of us (not me) got an animal. Ava was present when the successful shot happened and was interested in the butchering and hauling of the meat. Both girls were strong on the bike ride in and out and in the extensive hiking for the five days we were there. They were helpful in camp. The weather was miserable for nearly the entire time. Photos here.

A beautiful day picking serviceberries at a favorite spot. Photos here.