Solstice in Chickaloon

When the sun comes out in Alaska, we celebrate. Can you blame us after enduring 6-7 months of winter? So when the longest day of the year rolls around, it's really time to celebrate.

For these reasons I found myself strapping Sofia into the car yesterday and leaving town for Chickaloon, looking to escape the rain and join some friends in a little patch of sunshine up north to mark summer solstice.

Not having traveled up the Glenn Highway past Palmer in some time, my geography of where Chickaloon is was a little foggy...as were my notes on how to get there. Hense a few tense moments when I thought I might have to drive past Glennallen, a mere 145 miles past Palmer. Heh. Oops. *Note to self: take better notes next time.*

We made it out there in less than two hours, and found the wonderful little plot of land that was our destination. My friend Melea and her family live on a gorgeous 34-acre plot, complete with lovely gardens, hot tubs made out of fish bins and heated by campfires, cabins, a yurt, hammocks galore and a covered stage complete with PA system. Not to mention the dozens of people and dogs who had come to enjoy this little slice of paradise on the longest day of the year!

It didn't take too long for Sofia and I to claim an open hammock and swing in the breeze with Marla and Shawna. And, um, dogs. Lots and lots of dogs. And we had nothing to do in the world except swing and look at the blue sky -- a nice change from gloomy, gray Anchorage.

As we lazily whiled away the hours, more and more people showed up, bearing food and drink. We feasted on grilled salmon, kebobs and amazing grilled veggies. Apparently, one of the folks who has a cabin on this land also owns an Italian deli back in A-town. We definitely reaped the benefits of this!

Eventually the band set up, and the bellydancers donned their garb. The lovely ladies danced to the sounds of the sitar, drums, bass guitar and keyboard. Other entertainment included hearing Iris' story of giving birth to her first baby just two weeks ago -- after only four hours of labor, she delivered him in her car in the parking lot of the birthing center. It put a smile on my face to hear that her gorgeous boy was brought into the world by the same midwife who delivered Sofia, Trina.

Sofia and I reluctantly left Chickaloon for home just when the party was really kicking into gear, but it was time for us to be at home. And, alas, no pictures. I realized I forgot my camera about halfway to Chickaloon. There's always next time!