Winter 2012 (March)

The Winter of 2011-2012 has been a HITW historical snowfall this year.  All previously snow stacking areas have been filled to capacity with snow.  Now having to stack inside the bowl area.  Going to be a hell of mess come spring and when it all starts thawing.  Gazebo is the only weak point, however, I am sure with the engineering that went into that, it will also survive the snow load. I think, maybe, perhaps.  Worst case scenario, we can build a new one in a weekend, maybe, perhaps, I am sure.  

Welcome

"The Wind Vane Is Under There Somewhere"

 Buffalo Wallow

 Wolf Den

 Bear Den

 Cook Tent Snow Removal Crew

 Duck House

 Water Tank



Winter In The Hole

Winter, 1/26/2012 at the Hole In the Wall, Anchor Point, Alaska  

Nebraska Cornhusker Flag Flying Over the HITW

Family Gazebo and Fire Pit

 "Buffalo Wallow"

"Wolf Den"

 "Beaver Lodge"

 "Duck House Museum and Recreational Building"

 "Bear Den"

"Wind Vane On Bell Tower"

Winter Of 2012

The Winter of 2011 ~ 2012 is a historic winter for the Hole In the Wall in regards to total snow accumulation,wind speeds, low temperatures, and hours expended grooming the area. The history is recorded in pictures.

"Welcome to the Hole In the Wall"

"Intersection of Bronco Lane and Messican Drive" 

"Bronco Lane"

"Tool Shed and Wood Pile"

 "Duck House"

 "Fire Pit and Gazebo"

 "Wolf Den"

 "Bear Den"

 "Buffalo Wallow"

Medical Records

Being concerned about your recent surgery, I wanted to insure that you were adhering to your Doctor's Discharge Orders.  With a few computer skills, I was able to obtain some of your medical records.  It does not appear that you are adhering to his orders.  Mild Exercise for 7 - 10 days, I am assuming that exercise could be construed as meaning anything sexual in nature.  Do not allow rough play in order to protect your stitches?  Hmm, I wonder if the above two coincide.  You have to be told not to lick you incisions?  Are you sure you had your appendix out ~ sounds familiar to an operation that Daddy Beaver recently had!

Are you sure you are telling us the entire story or is there something we need to worry about?

a

Three of the four corner states, I also have Arizona

The mountain states

Oh Great Pooba-I , the prospective caribou clan appeal to your benevolent spirit for leniency in the liscense plate requirements of my initiation. Some areas are just not on my migratory paths. I have successfully gathered you plates representing 10 western states and two bonus plates for Alaska(your great land) and HI(john and heidi's p.referred vacation spot). I not post the results oh Great Eagle. The plates here represent the Pacific time zone.

Here are examples of my suggestions for a cannon in the pit, old shipboard cannon on cradle made of beams.

Proclamation 2011 ~ 1

PROCLAMATION
2011-1

On This The 14th Day Of The New Year ~ I, The Exalted Leader Of The Clans And Member Of The Eagle Clan, Do Hereby Declare The Following Proclamation As Authentic And Approved For Adoption.

"The Vision"
As the north winds blew across the vastness of the Hole In The Wall, I finally laid my head to rest after viewing "Lonesome Dove". At 3:30 AM, on this date, I extinguished the flame of my "Hot Apple Pie" Scented Candle. The smoke from the extinguished flame drifting throughout the room.

As my eyes closed in sleep, a "vision" appeared in my subconscious state. I found myself standing alone on the vastness of the great tundra plains of northern Alaska. In the distant, the voice of the Wolf could be heard. With the eye of the Eagle, a subliminal image appeared to me as a mass migration of the Caribou topped the ridge in front of me. They approached me, unafraid as they spread around my presence and continued their journey to winter territory.
They disappeared as rapidly as they had appeared before me. The scent of smoke filled the air as I set amidst the snow covered tundra. The Caribou, a worthy animal is known to travel hundreds of miles to the north during the spring of the year to give new life to the herd. As the north winds blow, they once again return to the south to escape the elements, feed and breed. The herd is ever moving, stopping only long enough to rest, feed, breed, and give birth. Although, they are known to accomplished each of theses things even when they are moving through the wilderness of their domain.
As I sat in the trodden snow from the hooves of the Caribou, the "Snow Owl" appeared in my vision, winging it's way in the direction of the Caribou. As the Snow Owl appeared in my vision, it transitioned into a shape that I have never observed. At the speed of the owl, the object appeared as a large image, instead of legs or wings, it's movement was created by large, black round things. From the top, black smoke bellowed, filling the fresh air of the tundra with the stench of the tar beds that I have seen upon the tundra. The object of my vision was longer than anything I have seen in my domain, the sound deafening to the ears. As it passed through my vision, I saw the animal that walks up right on two legs as he pursued the Caribou across the tundra prairie.
Although, he appeared and disappeared quickly from my sight, I too had a vision of this creature of mystery. Like the Caribou, he to is always moving from the lowlands to the snow clad mountains. His migration will take him from sea to sea, in all four directions that the wind blows. As with the Caribou, he to is always on the move, pausing only long enough to rest, feed, and breed. But, also like the Caribou his also known to accomplish each of these things even when he is moving and does not have the time to stop and rest.

"Proclamation"
Taking into consideration of the images that came to me in my "Vision", I the Grand Poo-Pa, and member of the Eagle Clan do hereby declare, decree, and confirm that my brother William Dwayne Harrington, also known as Bill, Billy, and Willy will henceforth be declared the "Caribou Clan" and welcomed to the Hole In The Wall as a member after he has adhered to the traditions of membership.

"Membership"
Although decreed by "vision", membership is not automatic until certain "Conditions of Clanning" are completed at the Council of the Fire Pit.
It is therefore decreed, to be Clanned as the "Caribou" you must appear in person before the Exalted Grand Poo-Pa and those Clans In Membership. As with all Clans, you must not only present yourself but you are also required to gather and present certain items as "contributions" to the Hole In the Wall.
As the Caribou, with the ability to travel great distances, you are tasked with presenting upon your appearance at the "Fire Pit" one license plate from each of the fifty states which comprises our union. The dates of the license has no consequence nor where or how you obtain them. You are permitted to request assistance from others in obtaining these objects. Upon completion and submission of said objects, you will then assist in "slapping a 90" and the construction similar in shape to the "HITW Welcome Sign". Material and assistance will be provided to you in the construction of this project.

It is furthermore decreed that you will also present one written document which will be formulated in poetic form and pertaining to the Caribou. This document with words in rhyme should also include reference to the other Clans.

All Clans look forward to your Induction into the "Hole In The Wall"

"First Call"/"Reveille"

"Colors"

Christmas Eve

CHRISTMAS AT THE HOLE IN THE WALL

With just five days remaining until Christmas Eve and our family gathering at the "Hole In The Wall" it is time to prepare and finalize the plans. We have to have a plan. Next year, we will have an election as to whom plans!

As of 2321 on Sunday, December 19, 2010 the following Clans have indicated that they will be in attendance. Best total count that I currently have is twenty eight persons of varied heights and sizes. At least two of the 28 will not be having dinner, as they bring their own dinner in the shape of bottles and nipples.

"*CONFIRMED GUEST LIST"
Eagle Clan (2)
Buffalo Clan (4)
Wolf Clan (5)
Moose Clan (5)
Bear Clan (3)
Lynx Clan (2)
Woodpecker Clan (5)
Brittany (2)

"NOT ABLE TO ATTEND"
Beaver Clan
Raven Clan (26th Evening)
Charmin

"UNKNOWN"
Donald (2)

DINNER MENU
Diner Menu Is As Planned On The Earlier Posting, Directly Below This Posting.

Stan: "Stan's Secret Chili" or "Seafood Spectacular Stew"
Dana: Guacamole
Marina: Baklava
Rodney: Rodney's Three Day Meat Balls In Sauce
Eagle Clan: Hot Dogs / Buns / Cheese For Chili Dogs
Crystal: Pizza (I think that Is What She Told Me)

ITEMS NEEDED
Chili (In case mine fails due to unavailability of the secret ingredients)
Hamburgers / Buns For Chili Burgers
Hot Dogs / Buns For Chili Dogs
Plastic or Paper Bowls / Plates
Plastic Silverware
Deserts
Coffee, Hot Chocolate
Alcoholic Beverage
Whatever You Want To Bring
Pre-cooking Would be Good Because We Ain't Got No Kitchen
Dogs / Burgers Can Be Cooked On the Fire Pit

Dependent on manpower and time, will start decorating on Tuesday / Wednesday.
Moose Clan brought in one truck load of firewood ~ will need to acquire additional

Warning
"Curfew Will Be Enforced at 8:00 pm for everyone under 19 so they will be asleep when Santa arrives".

Wishing All Of You A Very Merry Christmas,
It Will Be Good Having Everyone Together Once more. We have so much to be thankful for.

Christmas At The Hole In The Wall

It "tis" the season once again, wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas. We were having a discussion pertaining to Christmas during dinner. It was mentioned that the Poopah should make a plan, I did not realize that it was my area of responsibility to plan Christmas. I always thought Santa took care of that. So in the last five minutes, I have formulated a plan!

All indications are that everyone from out of town will be in town, although Anchor point is not considered a town, it is the village by the river. For those that do not plan to be in town, please let me know so I cannot plan on you.

This is the plan, if anyone has a conflict let me know as soon as possible. If you have other concepts or ideas, please let them be known as I do not like dictatorships but I am in charge! Everyone is so busy with visiting other families, Christmas morning traditions, etc. thought it best if we choose one of two times.

Day and Time: Christmas Eve
Dinner At the Gazebo: 5:00 or 6:00 PM
Menu:
Chili (Two Recipes)*
Hot Dogs
Chili Hot Dogs w/Cheese
Chili Burgers w/Cheese
Guacamole / Chips
Pie
Fudge
Coffee, Alcohol, Hot Chocolate
Paper Plates
Paper Bowls
Plastic Silverware
Napkins
(Main Courses Can Be Made And Brought Into Camp ~ Heated up On Fire Pit)
Please Let Me Know What You Will Be Bringing So We do Not Overload On One Item

DECORATING:
Would like to decorate the area, lights, Christmas tree. We can start on this the week prior to Christmas ~ will need some help and finish up on Christmas Eve Day.

MUSIC:
We need some good Christmas sounds on a CD to play during dinner with a good speaker system. The bowl has a good ice covering and I will keep it plowed out to a smooth finish.
So, we also need some good dancing music, both oldies and whatever the teens like to dance to. If you have never danced in the snow and ice, you have never danced, you can do some fancy steps!
The Moose Clan is responsible for the music and set up.

ENTERTAINMENT
Our last entertainment was so fantastic, if anyone wants to put together some live stage shows, that would be tremendous. I understand we have a celebrated vocalist that should be able to boom out some good Christmas carols!

GIFT EXCHANGE
In an attempt to cut down Christmas cost for everyone since the family is so large, I thought perhaps we will do a "gift exchange". There will be two categories, adults and juveniles.
Adults: 18 to 65
Juveniles: 17 to 0
If the two groups do not come out even, we may have to move someone up or down to the next group.
Terry and I will put all the names together of those that plan on attending and draw the names. We will notify each of the family the names that they have drawn.
Gifts may not exceed $10.00

ALTERNATIVE CHOICE GIFT EXCHANGE
Will have a drawing of Clans, one Clan will exchange a gift to another Clan and we will draw the same way. Since it is a family (clan) gift it can exceed the $10.00 limit.

Let me know which way you prefer so we can let everyone know.

One other option that we can explore dependent on how you feel, some members will not be able to attend on Christmas Eve due to other family obligations or traditional home Christmas morning celebrations. For instance,it would be great if Tad and Sarah could attend, not knowing but I would assume they would like to have Christmas at home. Erica's family does a Christmas Eve celebration as well.
The other option is that we have just a normal "fire pit" gathering on Christmas Eve and then have our Christmas Party on the 26th, that way everyone is not traveling the same day and we may have a little daylight to work with for dinner.

LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK

I have also heard that there may be a surprise "guest" showing up on Christmas Eve, so if we change the date, I need to let them know.

Come on now, give me your input before I have to make a decision!

P.S. How about a Hole In The Wall Christmas Caroling Ride Around Anchor Point, that would be fun! Might get free drinks at the ARI!

Talk to Me Folks

Low Pressure Front

Looks like Anchorage is going to get wet, again! Snapped this picture just prior to sunset this evening from the beach at Anchor Point. I thought, I could sense a low pressure area moving into the area. Good Luck Anchorage, it is moving fast up Cook Inlet.

Two Serious Warnings

WARNING
After a large meal (a Thanksgiving feast can easily exceed 4,000 calories), cardiac output of blood is increased and diverted to the intestinal circulation to aid digestion, which can take as long as six hours, leaving other organs, including the heart and brain, relatively deprived. The work involved in all this shunting around of blood might be the equivalent of vigorous sex or moderate exercise.

DOPPLER RADAR
This is what the Doppler Radar looked like at 8:09 pm, November 23, 2010
Green is Moderate to Heavy
Yellow is HEAVY
Coming your way Anchorage, it just passed us by and we just had the outer band.

A Real Cowboy In The Hole In The Wall

"Dancing Stan"