Cheety checking out Monashka Bay |
A few weeks ago, we went on a hike to an area I hadn't been to yet called Monashka Bay. Hubby hiked the mountain part of the area a month or so ago as part of a challenge he was doing called Seven Summits, but it was my first time there.
It's about a 40 minute drive north of the base, and it was another unforgettable hiking day. The weather wasn't ideal, but one of the things we decided pretty early on after our move was that it was time to reevaluate our definition of good weather.
We settled on, "If it's not raining, it's good weather." That sounds a little sad when I reread it, but if you stay inside when it's a little misty or overcast out in Kodiak, you'll never leave the house. Also kind of sad when I reread it. What are ya going to do, right? This is our weather reality, just like 80% humidity in October was a reality in Key West. (which isn't that much fun, either) I've actually started to acclimate to the cooler temperatures. It was 65 degrees in the house the other day and I didn't even need a fleece. Go me.
Of course, you know I had to see if I could find any information out on the interwebs about the origin of the name Monashka, but all I came across was that it's Russian in origin. (I also didn't look very hard) Not really a huge shock considering the Russian factor is a bit high in these parts. (Kodiak was settled by Russians before the U.S bought it in 1867) So that translates to lots of Russian Orthodox churches, street names like Shelikof and Melnitsa, and hotels like the Russian River Lodge. Not to mention museums and festivals celebrating the Russian heritage of Kodiak. Aaaaand now the history portion of this post is over. Hey, at least you know you might learn something new when you read my ramblings, right? This was the trail head at the start of our hike:
Hubby & the pug dog with the ever-present, vibrant green moss in the forests |
I really can't say enough about how much I love the hiking here. It's so unique and fun to get out and explore all these new places. I don't think I'll ever get over how gorgeous it can be.
I'm always awed by how fat the moss can get on the tree branches. Unbelievable. |
Even though it was misty and overcast out that day, it was still a beautiful and memorable hike. I love that there are so many other mountains, beaches, hikes, and experiences we'll get to undertake for the first time while we're here. It's no doubt one of the best things about getting to live in a new place. Especially a place like Kodiak. Unique doesn't even begin to cover it.
But, I do have to be honest, I miss my old life. We've only been here for four months, but it feels like much, much longer than that. Whenever I have those fleeting thoughts, I remind myself of all of the one-of-a-kind things we'll get to experience while we have the privilege of living here. I also have to remind myself that four months is still early on in the whole "let's get adjusted" game. I try to tweak those less than positive thoughts whenever they creep in by reminding myself how exceptional it is that we get to be here.
And it certainly doesn't hurt to have a day like our Monashka hike - where we get outside, get some exercise and fresh air, and lay eyes on some of the most unforgettable natural landscapes I've ever seen. Makes it easy to focus on all the raw beauty we're surrounded by instead of what I miss.
The hubby laughed at me when I told him I thought it would be fun to go for a swim at the little beach on the far side of the picture below. I mean, he does have a point about how cold the water will be - even in the middle of summer, but it looks like a fun little alcove to play in. Maybe we'll just go for a wade into the water instead of a swim! I don't know if I'll ever get quite that acclimated!
I was loving the swirls of green in the water here & how obscured the top of the mountain was by the low clouds. |
That little beach looks nice and private, and I'm a sucker for the black sand. Monashka Bay also seemed like it might be a good spot to go kayaking. More fun things to look forward to doing in this new home that doesn't quite feel like home yet. I'll get there. In the meantime, I'll celebrate not having to bundle up in fuzzy blankets and fleece jackets when the temps dip below sixty-eight degrees. It's the little things, really.
Ta-ta for now.
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