Memorial Day 2010

In Alaska, Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of summer. This weekend everyone will be either camping, fishing, gardening, hiking, biking, grilling out or some other wonderful activity we enjoy when it's summer, when it's warm and there is no snow.

There's a reason we get to do these things and we have a holiday to remember those who aren't around anymore to celebrate summer with us. Memorial Day is a special day. We are able to have what we have because of others, others that gave the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy our lives. It's not just the men and women of the military, there's men and women who were in the police departments, fire departments and other emergency services. There's the everyday citizen who helped out a stranger in distress without regard to his or her own safety. There are so many and many from other countries too, not just ours.

So when you're flipping that burger, or shutting off that lawnmower, or tying that fly, take a second and just say "Thanks".

Have a safe and wonderful Memorial Day. Oh, and "Thanks"!

Wordless Wenesday 5/26

Dusk at Potter Marsh

The sun is out almost 18 hours a day now. We had a gorgeous weekend, the temps were in the upper 50's and it was mostly sunny with just a little amount of clouds. You got to get out to enjoy it. So I decided Potter Marsh would be a great place to be.

As I drove past the sign that said the lot closed at 10PM and don't get locked in, I noticed it was 10:20PM. So I said what the heck. They can't lock this place up while it's so nice out.

Potter Marsh was alive with red necked grebes. The sounds were amazing and I was the only person there.

Others were getting ready for bed, but the sun was setting and there was some great light. Perfect for photography.

But I couldn't get that "Don't get locked in" out of my mind.

Click here to see more of my Potter. Marsh Photos

I think moose get more respect than people

Of course moose don't use the crosswalk or obey traffic lights. Wait, we have a lot of pedestrians here in Anchorage that don't either. But people are supposed to know better.

But moose are big, they can do a lot of damage to your car or truck. They also don't carry insurance.

They also don't care if you're in a hurry. Those tree buds over there look tastier than these, so here I go.

People are so use to them that they carry on, with a little caution, their daily routine. In the last photo, this guy is walking down the street within a few feet. He's keeping an eye on the big girl, but he's on his way. Behind the moose you can see a guy outside of his work taking a smoke break. Life goes on.

I wonder if a moose has to worry about second hand smoke?

Wordless Wednesday 5/19

For more of my photos, go to davedorsey.net

A day at the Alaska Zoo

You have to love the Alaska Zoo. In 1969 the Alaska Childrens Zoo was started with one elephant that was won in a contest. They then started taking in injured and orphaned animals.

The elephants are long gone but there are Amur Tigers, the worlds largest cat to......

Alaska's brown bear.

Over 200,000 people visit the zoo every year. It's one of Alaska's most visited site.

It's very family friendly. The staff and volunteers do an excellent job of keeping the animals well taken care of, clean and well maintained exibits and fun events. They're building new exhibits, clinics and walkways.

If you haven't been there lately, you need to check it out. It's on my list of favorite places.

For more of my photos, go to davedorsey.net

Wordless Wednesday 5/12

Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival

Almost every year I get to go to Home to enjoy this festival. Homer is such a cool town. It probably triples in size during the festival.

As I'm making coffee, I get a little taste of things to come.

Sandhill Cranes were every where. Peoples front yards, open fields, you name it.

I always go to the bluff at the begining of town. There's always eagles, raven and gulls playing in the thermals. These two immature eagles were playingtag. Too young to mate but maybe not to young to practice.

This is a gotta see event!

Thanks Diane for putting Ghost, Gus and Me up for the weekend.

The Lady and Her Music

She'll be missed, but her music will go on forever.

Lena Horne

June 30, 1917 - May 9, 2010

In dry dock for the weekend

Ghost, Gus and I are headed to Homer for the weekend for the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival. We'll tell you all about it and hopefully share a few good photographs when we get back.

Wordless Wednesday 5/5/2010

Return to Potter Marsh

These Arctic Tern are keeping an eye on you. They're making sure you know the rules. Today was my first trip back to Potter Marsh since all the snow and ice has thawed off. There's a few patches here and there, but spring is settling in.

I awoke at 6:30 went straight into the show and off to the espresso stand than to Potter Marsh. It was alive with wildlife and not a lot of people. There were just a few die hard photographers and birders. Just how I like it. These merganser were not ready to be up for the day. Looks like they might have a nest within easy viewing.

A lot of people don't like Gulls, but I do. I like a bird with attitude. They're very pretty and social. They will protect orphaned chicks. They will bombard you until you leave it alone. They bring it food and care take it. They are hard to photograph because they are so white. But they will observe you to make sure you obey the rules.

There's lots of pretty scenery also. It's hard to believe that back in the 1970's, it was under consideration to make the area the city landfill.

To see more from my morning at Potter Marsh, click here.