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Saturday, June 14, 2008

The parents in Juneau

Date: June 12 and 14
Mileage: 12.1 and 17.1
June mileage: 372.6

My parents flew up from Salt Lake City for a few days. This is the first time they've visited Juneau. They weather's been blah and I've already dragged my mom on more hikes than I think she would prefer, but the Alaska bug has burrowed in. She seems genuinely excited for the next day's adventures, even if the shopping is somewhat sub par ("How many Glacier Soap stores are there?")

My dad caught his first king salmon, a 25-pound, 34-inch monster. Later we trekked up Mount Roberts; Mom motored the whole way up, and didn't even complain when the hot chocolate stand at the Tramway was closed. Later we had the most delicious, melt-in-your mouth salmon dinner. Nice to have someone in the house who can cook, again.

Mom thought Pugsley was a riot, and Dad and I went on eBay and searched for his first non-motorized bike in what must be decades. He bought a nice, steel-framed Trek 820, perfecting for commuting and long jaunts around the Salt Lake Valley. I'm working on turning my parents into Alaskans, but first I'm going to turn them into cyclists.

11 comments:

  1. ok, this is too cute! i hope they like alaska and any new bikes they might acquire!!

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  2. It looks like your parents had some fun! You're Mom seems to enjoy Pugsley!

    Love reading your blog, always look forward to seeing a new post on the RSS

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  3. Saw your mom motoring past you in another post. Be happy you've got parent willing to enjoy the sports with you. Reckon it'd need to snow in hell for either of mine to find a saddle wedged between their thigh's

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  4. Great post Jill! Your parents look great and appear to still be fit! At first glance, I wondered if your mom was on a motorized dirt bike, that tire is so fat. They really seemed to be enjoying themselves. I'm working on getting my parents to Alaska as well. They are already in the Yukon, but free healthcare has them 'trapped' in Canada. ;)

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  5. I think you should reprimand your dad for using the crossover gears on the Karate Monkey.

    For shame!

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  6. Very cool.....your folks look so young:-)

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  7. omg jill, YOU didn't offend me at all with the bear comment. It was this meghan who later wrote that my blog was so frustrating she didn't want to come back, and more rude mumbo-jumbo. As a fellow juneauite I totally appreciate your advice. we did try herbert glacier with bikes, so much better. I have been meaning to ask you (the expert) are there any trails similar to herbert that we could do on a bike? They have to be as wide as herbert, I have that silly baby trailer I have to pull my boy in. any ideas are always appreciated. looks like you guys had a great weekend. Juneau does wear off on people, fun if your fam would move :) I know, it's a long shot.
    -erin

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  8. Hi Jill,

    I was just browsing through your blog and thought you might be interested in some of the work we're doing here at The Wilderness Society. We'd like to get in touch with you to talk a little bit more about it. I'm looking forward to hearing from you soon.

    Thanks,
    Andy
    Andrew_Peters@tws.org

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  9. It is fun to see what your parents look like. Good luck on your quest of "corrupting" your parents into bikers, looks like you have a good start!

    Been a reader of your blog for about six months now and everyday I look forward to your inspiring writings and amazing photos. Hope to see Alaska in person one day...
    Thanks Jill!

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  10. i was just recommended your blog as a good read and have been delving in, definitely a good read :) your parents look like they are having tons of fun!

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  11. I've had an 820 for almost 10 years, and have found it to be a great bike for short rides, long rides, commutes, and shopping trips. Great choice!

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Feedback is always appreciated!