...we went to Girdwood

Canadian fries are served with vinegar and sea salt--and a little Canadian flag. Very delicious.

The Whipsaws are a great band. Here is the lead singer.

The artist, the pavilion, and the band.

Emily joined the crowd and moved to the music.

This artist completed this painting right next to the pavilion as the band played. It took him about 45 minutes.

We should be camping right now. That was the plan when we woke up this morning. We even packed our gear in the truck. Then we drove to Trail River Campground. But, when we arrived there was a sign that said the campground was full. It was the beginning of the Fourth of July weekend, so we hoped we would have better luck at Granite Creek Campground. It, too, was full. Bertha Creek Campground. Full. Williwaw Campground. Maxed out. So we changed our plans.

We knew the Girdwood Forest Faire was in full swing (after a one year hiatus), and since we were in the area, we drove to Girdwood. We got there just in time to take a leisurely stroll through the booths, buy some really greasy food, and find a spot to sit and listen to one of the best bands in Alaska (in my opinion), the Whipsaws! The crowd really grew when they started to play and Emily jumped up and moved to the music. An artist created a plein air painting next to the pavilion as the band played in perfect weather conditions.

It turned out to be a pretty good day even though it wasn't what we had planned. Now we're back at home and everything is put away until the next camping trip. Because, instead of spending the night in the tent...we went to Girdwood.