High School Cross Country Meet in AUK

 One of our many beautiful sunrises from the deck of the school in Alakanuk.

 With four-wheelers and worktrucks driving through, we set up the starting and finish line next to the school.

 Outside concessions for the community to come watch the race off the deck.

 A four-wheeler led the pack of girls at 10:00 AM. After all girls were finished running the 3.1 mile course, the boys ran. I loved being a part of the races and encouraging the runners.

 Sammy's checkpoint was by the airport road, Sarah was all the way down by the Native store to direct kids to turn around, and Josh Cunningham stood close to my house for another checkpoint. I'm glad Josh was able to make it to Alakanuk; he's my WSUV friend from the program was able to fly in from Marshall to chaperone and help us all out.

 In between races, Sammy and I enjoyed a favorite leisurely activity.

 

Sammy was surfin' the sewer pipes.

 

Alakanuk had three out of four place in the top 15 for the district meet. Two were able to travel to a place near Bethel for regionals which took place today. 

Moose, Maklak, and Bear-- Oh My Mistake!

After telling multiple people that bears do not travel the tundra this close to the coast, I find myself being mistaken. Just recently, a teacher's husband went out with the Fishing and Wildlife guy and reported seeing large bear tracks following a moose just two miles away from Alakanuk.

Then, today the subject was brought back up while my students were watching a DVD with many animals, including a brown bear. The elder who helps in my classroom mentioned to me that many years ago, a bear broke into his nearby cabin. He said he didn't know how the bear got in. I commented, "Yes, bear are strong." He replied while motioning with both hands, "Ya, it knocked down the whole wall of the back bedroom." 

Also, someone else mentioned how they have seen a wolverine in our area. Apparently, there are more things to be wary of other than moose! But then again, sightings of "Hairy Man" (Sasquatch or Bigfoot) and a dog with a human head have also been spotted recently. Some of my students were quite crushed when I told them it was pretty hard to get to the end of a rainbow and there was NOT gold or Leprechauns at the end of it. I guess that leads me to the conclusion to not always believe what I hear and that when I see something, I'll have a better chance at believing it.

Here is a link to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game if you're interested in any hunting maps, seasons, or any other information. (I just found some great teaching resources on there.)

A boy in my class draws a net set across the Yukon with wood floats (now they are made from foam).