CJ & Autumn Miller

Sunday afternoon I got a call from the Vorans asking if I wanted to go berry picking with their family. CJ was busy flying passengers from Nondalton to Anchorge, & I joyfully agreed. How did they know I had been reading my Alaska Wildberry Guide and Cookbook all weekend? Better yet, how did they know berry picking was one of my most favorite simple pleasures?
The Vorans & I along with the Kroenkes traveled south on Lake Clark via boat in search of a blueberry hill. It was a wonderful sunny ride & probably the warmest day in Port Alsworth so far. We recognized two boats along the east shore & met up with other berry loving friends. We walked through the tundra filling our buckets & chatting to keep the bears away. Around 8pm when the children were wet from playing along the shore we assembled to share smoked salmon & trail mix. That night we raced the boats home with full pails & blue stains on our knees.

On Wednesday CJ & I celebrated our third wedding anniversary. I made CJ an apple pie, but other than that we didn't plan much because we knew we would be in town soon & could go to a nice restaurant together. Conveniently, on Wednesday we were invited to a party at a friend's house. It was a fancy party & they flew in a chef from Benihana in Anchorage. We rode our bikes to the party, feasted on fresh sushi, & met lots of new friends. It was a perfect way to celebrate!
        Today, Friday we fly from Port Alsworth to Anchorage via Lake Clark Air. We have dinner reservations at Glacier Brew House in Anchorage with Mike & Ana. Late tonight we catch the red eye flight from Anchorage to Chicago. Christy will pick us up from the airport Saturday morning & we will spend the day with her & Jeremiah. Sunday we drive to Michigan & the wedding festivities will begin. Luke & Paige will get married Friday & we are super excited to celebrate the occasion with them at Gull Lake!