Honoring Ancestors, Sitka’s Orthodox Cemetery
Today’s walk was not energetic, it was contemplative. I walked through Sitka’s Orthodox Cemetery. A couple of months ago someone suggested that I walk through the Cemetery and post some pictures. I didn’t get around to it until I met … Continue reading Honoring Ancestors, Sitka’s Orthodox Cemetery
Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, 2017
Sitka Celebrated Elizabeth Peratrovich Day with a parade and celebration at the ANB Founders’ Hall. Here are some pictures from the parade. To read the history of the holiday, scroll below the pics. February 16 is Elizabeth Peratrovich Day in Alaksa. … Continue reading Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, 2017
The Whales are Marching Too
Today in Silver Bay dozens of whales were feeding, sometimes looking like synchronized swimmers, diving in tandem. The air was cold so their breaths hung in the air, crystallized mist shining in a bright sun. No matter where I moved … Continue reading The Whales are Marching Too
Sitka in Solidarity, Tranche 2
Here is tranche 2 of the pictures of today’s march in Sitka. Sitka is lookin’ good! Click here to look at tranche 1 of the photos. Continue reading Sitka in Solidarity, Tranche 2
Sitka In Solidarity
I have not seen anything like it in Sitka. Estimates vary from a low of 500 to nearly 1,000 people marching respectfully. I saw people for all sorts of different causes from all walks of life, and many different persuasions. … Continue reading Sitka In Solidarity
The Church of St Lot and St Procopius
I have one final post from Jordan. The Church of St Lot and St Procopius is located about 3 miles from Mt. Nebo in the municipality of Khirbet Mukhayyat. The church was built in 557 and has almost intact mosaics … Continue reading The Church of St Lot and St Procopius
2016 McClear Family Christmas Letter
First Sunday in Advent, 2016 Dear Friends, We are writing this letter during a dangerous period, at least according to Brian. When he was a kid Brian heard, probably on NPR, that marriages were more successful when both halves of … Continue reading 2016 McClear Family Christmas Letter
Modern Amman
Modern Amman, including West Amman is spread out over several hills and has steep streets. I was last in Amman 5 years ago and modern Amman has grown, with new skyscrapers and, it seems, more headquarters offices as organizations relocate … Continue reading Modern Amman
Amman Streets
I am catching up on my backlog of pics from Jordan, these are some Amman street shots. I did some walking and quite a bit of riding through Amman. These shots of Amman show little change from when I was … Continue reading Amman Streets
Mt. Nebo’s New Church.
Mt. Nebo is the spot where, traditionally, Moses stood to look across the Jordan into the promised land, where he could not go. He died there and tradition has it that he is buried somewhere Mt. Nebo. On a clear … Continue reading Mt. Nebo’s New Church.
King Abdullah Mosque, Amman
I am home in Sitka and will have the pleasure of looking out my window across Jamestown Bay and to the Gulf of Alaska or a little to the westward toward our volcano, Mt. Edgecumbe. We have had two consecutive … Continue reading King Abdullah Mosque, Amman
Maps of Stone in Madaba Jordan
Before there were Google Maps and Garmin there were maps made of stone. I’m sure I will have more to say about Jordan as the weeks go on, I have lots of pictures to share and lots of thoughts, and … Continue reading Maps of Stone in Madaba Jordan
Amman’s Other Christmas Souk
I have just finished my work in Jordan. I have completed my interviews and typed up my notes. I will put off writing my report until after Christmas. So now I am sitting in a hotel waiting for a taxi … Continue reading Amman’s Other Christmas Souk
Brexit Or Not, London Gets European Christmas Markets
Christmas Markets came late to the UK. It’s not that the UK didn’t celebrate Christmas. Since Victoria’s Albert brought the Christmas tree to England the Brits have done it up in grand style. Before Christmas markets, in the European fashion, … Continue reading Brexit Or Not, London Gets European Christmas Markets
A Christmas Souk in Amman
I was all set to post today about my trip to Madaba and Nt. Nebo to look at the wonderful mosaics and take in the view of the Holy Land from the mount where Moses stood. But after I got … Continue reading A Christmas Souk in Amman
It’s beginning to look a lot like…ALASKA!
Last night I popped my Jeep into 4 wheel drive for the first time in 33 months. I had begun to wonder if Sitka would ever see winter again. When you live in a rain forest the snow is a … Continue reading It’s beginning to look a lot like…ALASKA!
Reflections On Turning 70
This is supposed to be one of those “milestone” birthdays. Even the Bible mentions it, ominously. “Three Score and Ten” is the measure of man’s life. But I’m not feeling like I’ve passed a milestone. Other birthdays were different. When … Continue reading Reflections On Turning 70
Whales and Broken Clouds
Sitka Whalefest has two wildlife cruises each year. This year we took both of them. According to Jan Straley there are 100 whales in Sitka Sound right now, bulking up for their 30 day swim to Hawaii and their mating … Continue reading Whales and Broken Clouds
20th Sitka Whalefest.
For 20 years Sitka’s Whalefest has occupied our town during the first week on November. The festival is centered on a science symposium but integrates the performing arts, visual arts, education and outdoor adventure into a package that engages the … Continue reading 20th Sitka Whalefest.
Stardust Ball, 2016, Photo Tranche 2
Here is the second batch of photos from the 2016 Stardust Ball. It was a great event with Sitka putting on the Ritz and whimsy. Enjoy. Continue reading Stardust Ball, 2016, Photo Tranche 2
Stardust Ball, 2016, Tranche 1
This year Raven Radio’s Stardust Ball returned to the newly renovated Centennial Building. This is the first batch of photos from he ball. Enjoy Continue reading Stardust Ball, 2016, Tranche 1
Cuba 2016
October 2, 2016 Post 0, Milepost 0. This is a series of blog posts on our trip to Cuba on the cruise ship Adonia run by Fathom Cruises. It is the first cruise ship licensed to travel directly from … Continue reading Cuba 2016
C.U. in CUBA
October 3, 2016 As a kid I used to read Scholastic Magazines as part of my social studies program. They were a mix of history and current affairs laced with a lot of 50s Americanism. These magazines first interested me … Continue reading C.U. in CUBA
Havana Vieja
October 3, 2016 I normally do not like organized tours, and our Old Havana (Havana Vieja) walking tour reminds me why. While the guide is good, it is largely a standing tour, listening while the guide explains some aspect of … Continue reading Havana Vieja