With the Pigs

Why hello there!

Riding the pigs.

In one end...

And out the other.  This part isn't as much fun...shoveling up after the pigs.

But aren't they adorable? (and tasty?)

Hubbard Squash

We found a giant Hubbard squash and decided to use it for soup, but first we had to cut it up.

I don't think this knife is going to be big enough.

Success!  Some of the seed are bigger than my nose.

A lot of cleaning to do.

Tada!  Hubbard Gnome Cave.

Hubbard Squash conquered.

And what yummy soup it will be!

Camp out cooking

I'll catch some fish for us!

I'm sorry I came up short!  Don't deep-fry me!

Yeah, haha, that was a great joke.  Getting ready to make some good food.

Hot dog anyone?

I've been a busy gnome.

Okay, what am I chopping next?

Around the Campsite

I'm good at pitching tents.

I'm also good at relaxing.

I think we're good on fire wood!

Am I going for a ride?

Exploring

Trying out the play equipment.

Should I pull this?

Cookouts!

These trees are more fun than the ones in the midwest.

Aaaaaah, relaxing in the pool.

Time to explore the room instead.

Scientist for a Day

A research scientist kindly let me visit their lab and experience their work day:

Visiting the science building!

Wonder what goes on behind these doors...

The research scientist was getting tired, so I'm taking over digging through sediment samples.

I spy with my little eye ... ephippia.

Consulting the literature... this stuff could put you to sleep!

Taking a break outside.

I got to sift through sediment and count pieces of zooplankton that I found.  Where was all the colorful chemical pouring that I see in B-rated sci-fi movies, with the serious head nodding and grimaces? You mean to tell me that isn't real?

Next time I will have to be around for a field work day - go out in the boats and take samples.

I didn't mind being a researcher for a day, but I think I will stick to traveling!

On the lake

I really wanted to go out on the lake.

We could take this canoe. 

Or this canoe!

Or a water wing; that works too...

They finally took me out!

Ahhhh, wait, is anyone going to come get me?  Guys?

Alaska Trip

Packing my suitcase.

We made it to Alaska!

Flowers in Alaska.

Our cruise ship - the first picture posted here that I'm not in. :-)

Beautiful view!