Fur Rondy: Snow Sculptures

Fur Rondy features several dozen amazing snow sculptures. I'm not exactly sure how they make these frozen works of art. Maybe next year we'll schedule some time to watch these creations taking shape.

This sculpture reminds us of a scene from Holy Week, which we will celebrate in less than a month.

The bald eagle almost looks like it could fly.

The wooly mammoth looms large over Liz.

The crab seems to be a particular favorite with children.

The snow sculptures even featured two of the stars from the movie "How to Train Your Dragon."

Fur Rondy: Carnival And Blanket Toss

We grew up seeing rides like this, but I can't recall seeing them in conjunction with snow on the ground. Must be cold riding these things with temps below freezing!

On the same day that we were dressed in winter coats, hats, gloves, etc., this man (along with a number of others we've seen during Alaska winters) was dressed in shorts, a tee shirt, and sandals. I suppose his socks constitute "winter clothing!"

The blanket toss is an Alaska Native tradition. A group of about 20 "pullers" gather around the blanket. This blanket is made from recycled seal skins that previously lined whaling boats. The pullers grab loops sewn into the blanket, raise and lower the jumper in a rhythmic fashion, then on the count of "3" pull tightly to toss the jumper high into the air. Originally, the blanket toss was used to spot whales, caribou or other animals for hunting. Now, it seems to be used primarily for sport.

It was a great experience to be part of this, even if we were only on the ground crew this time around.

Fur Rondy: Vintage Snow Machines

Fur Rondy featured a vintage snow machine rally. Snow machines are snow mobiles to those in the lower 48.

We particularly liked this one with articulated steering and antlers.

I'm sure those who grew up in Alaska could tell us more about these old-timers.

Seeing pictures doesn't really give the full experience. The video above highlights the 2 cycle engine (think chainsaw) like sounds of these machines. To get the full impression, think about the smell of burning oil and the craziness that adrenaline and testosterone produce in men!

Fur Rondy: Furs

Fur Rondy, short for Fur Rendezvous, is a yearly event that started in 1935 when Vern Johnson, a citizen of Anchorage, along with 3 friends, established a 3-day festival coinciding with the time when miners and trappers came to town with the products of their labors. It has changed since then, but still contains many things that are uniquely Alaskan.

http://www.furrondy.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=205:about-fur-rondy&catid=50:rondy-latest-news&Itemid=28

I've never been to a fur auction before. I'll just say that if you are into fur, you'd probably find what you are looking for here...

Beaver pelts...

Wolf head covering...

Chewbacca outfit?

Clearly PETA means something different to most Alaskans!

WHTSIT

On a recent trip into Anchorage, we came across a car unlike any we've seen before. We found ourselves immediately drawn to the vanity license plate and asking ourselves, "What is it?"

All of the visible branding on the car has been removed and replaced with a question mark.

Even the steering wheel has been modified to keep this "whtsit" anonymous.

Any car enthusiast know the true identity of this car?

We're not big fans of brand names, but have found ourselves very intrigued by this car.