Sold Out Girdwood Trails Marathon held Saturday; brings new record, and inspiring stories
The sixth annual Girdwood Trails Marathon was held Saturday, Oct. 7 starting from the Alyeska Daylodge and travels through some of the most amazing meandering trails in Girdwood.
This sold-out event included a full marathon, a half marathon, and a juniors half marathon. In total, 193 participants, including 62 full marathon, and 131 half marathon particpants, from all around Alaska. This included 26 locals and 14 runners from other states, who ran the “marathon loop” in the Girdwood Valley.
Girdwood's Ava Earl Releases New Album, Helps Power Northwestern U. Running Team
In fourth grade at Girdwood Elementary, Ava Earl had to write a self-reflection on her school performance: "What are you good at? What are your weaknesses?"
Assessing her strengths wouldn't be hard, she was an exemplary student, star runner and already showed a proclivity in music.
But there was one thing she scolded herself on, something that could cause her teachers' "mild frustration", and something, as it would turn out, for which women are typically chided for more than men.
Talking--being--too much.
That accusation became the title of Earl's latest album, her fourth, released Sept. 15
Alaska WWAMI Equips Future Doctors for Wilderness Medicine in Girdwood
First-year Alaska WWAMI medical students gathered in Girdwood for a day of intensive wilderness medicine training earlier this month.
“I think it’s important for Alaska WWAMI students to gain wilderness medical experience simply because we all live and recreate here, and many of us plan to have our careers based here,” said Rya Berrigan, who grew up in Palmer, AK. “As we train to become physicians in Alaska, it is an added responsibility to be knowledgeable and comfortable treating patients either while we are in the wilderness ourselves, or if we see patients come in with injuries or illnesses sustained while out in the wilderness," she said.
Three planets to see this fall
On our rare clear evenings there will be three planets to observe in the night sky in Girdwood, or anyplace else you might be. One you kind of must hunt for, one that is unquestionably a planet, and towards morning one you almost need sunglasses for!
The one you must know where to look is Saturn. It will have already risen when it gets dark and will be in the southern sky above the Kenai mountains. It is brighter than any of the stars near it and always looks a little yellow to me. To see any detail, including the rings, you will need to magnify it at least 40 times. A good spotting scope might do it, but a telescope is better.
Alyeska Unveils Expansion Plans at Town Hall
Alyeska Resort's owners laid out a sweeping vision for Girdwood's upper valley Thursday night, one of a "village", parking lots, recreational facilities, a conference center, a daycare center and other amenities.
About 150 people attended the meeting which was billed as a "town hall" meeting held amid platefuls of cookies and snacks in the weathered Sitzmark Bar, with its indigo paisley stained glass ceiling and worn, burnished booths.
Jennifer Wingard moves to leadership role with GBOS reorganization
Jennifer Wingard assumed a leadership role as co-chair of the Girdwood Board of Supervisors sharing governance responsibilities with current GBOS Co-Chair Briana Sullivan following Mike Edgington completing his tenure as co-chair to the GBOS.
Forest filming
A filming crew shoots a commercial for GCI that will feature the new iPhone.
Girdwood Trails Committee applies for grant; seeks public comments
Girdwood Trails Committee applies for Recreational Trails Grant Funds to repair trail and is seeking public comment.
Girdwood community resilience challenge begins
This fall as you begin to prepare for winter and winter recreation, let’s also prepare for emergencies. Having worked over 20 years in emergency services, a common theme is that disasters never happen when you are ready for them, but preparing for them mentally and with some planning can make them a better experience.
Suspension Bridge may Replace Hand Tram
Hikers may soon be able to cross Crow Creek along the Winner Creek trail via a suspension bridge.
Hotel and Hardware Store Only a Pipe Dream, Says Developer
Rumors that a hotel and hardware store will sprout up near Girdwood Brewing Company are "crystal ball stuff”, says local developer Tim Cabana.
Could Girdwood's Forests Burn?
As I sat on my back porch during the summer of 2016 , thick smoke from the McHugh Creek fire blowing through my own mature forest of trees, I began to wonder, “could Girdwood ever burn?”
Metaphysically, the answer is “yes.” Forever is a long time. The better question to ask is, “what is the likelihood of wildfire being able to spread in Girdwood?”
Enstar agrees to further review controversial gas line plan
Following a groundswell of local opposition, an official for the gas company planning to clear cut a nearly mile-long corridor through wetlands and rainforest in Girdwood's lower valley stated the project required "further review" and "dialogue".
Girdwood’s Grizzlies prepare for the new school year
Summer is soon coming to an end for Girdwood’s Grizzlies who will be coming back to the classroom at the Girdwood K-8 School.
Girdwood’s K-8 Principal Kari Anderson said she is looking forward to a positive year ahead and talked about what families can expect for the new school year and what’s new for the first quarter.
GBOS Co-Chair shares his outlook for Girdwood (Re-elected)
The Girdwood Board of Supervisors Co-Chair Mike Edgington won the challenged race by overcoming Kellie Okonek to win Girdwood Valley Service Area, Seat D in the general election April 4 election that featured strident electioneering--yard signs, door-door canvassing, and sign waving at the local post office.
Girdwood Fire and Rescue gets new crash extrication equipment
The Girdwood Fire Department was amongst several fire departments to receive life-saving rescue tools aiding first responders in expediting the extrication of crash victims.
Group honors former Girdwood resident by improving Forest Fair stage
Family members of former Girdwood resident Dusty Green stand in front of the’Forest Fair ol Hoppin Barley Stage after being given a heartfelt upgrade with volunteer hours from Girdwood volunteer craftsmen.
Plan for gas line sparks heated reaction
A planned gas line that would slice a 20-foot wide, nearly mile-long clearcut swath across undisturbed forested land and trails in Girdwood has drawn criticism for its short comment period, potential rate increases, harm to old-growth forest, and lack of consideration of alternatives routes.
Alyeska Drops Employee Housing Plan
Following sharp community criticism, Alyeska Resort has paused its plans to develop employee housing below a mountain known for risks of avalanche…
Annual Potato Patch Planting Includes Unique Spud
Local families gather at the Forest Service office in Girdwood to plant this year’s community potato garden, which benefits the Girdwood Food Pantry.