In 1928 the Creamers (a pioneer family) bought the farm and owned it until 1966. It was the largest and most successful dairy in the interior of Alaska.
The farm is now managed by the state of Alaska and the buildings are the only surviving pioneer dairy buildings in the interior of Alaska.
There are nature trails and the Alaska Bird Observatory is about a mile away down one of the trails.
From mid-April to mid-May is one of the best times to observe the birds.
I like to go out here 2 or 3 times a week. The Canadian geese were the first to arrive. The latest arrivals I have seen are these trumpeter swans. These are considered to be the largest native American waterfowl.
This one is surrounded by Canadian geese. This swan is huge!
I just missed them trumpeting the other day when I arrived at the refuge. I am not necessarily a huge bird fan but I find this fascinating. They say sometimes there will be a couple thousand here. I enjoy hanging out and watching the interactions.
Look at the swan swimming. Looks just like the swan in the ugly duckling book.
Now, on an interesting note...
Here is a view from Creamer's Field...
and here is a picture I painted a few years ago when I was in South Carolina...
I took the photo and then just knew I had painted this picture.
Weird, eh?!
Must have been my density to come to Alaska (yes I know I spelled that wrong, don't believe in destiny!)
Keep smiling!
5 comments:
How fun to watch the birds - I would spend a lot of time there. That swan is a big guy!
Hi Valerie, thank you my friend for dropping by. You are one lucky gal to have lived in Oregon. This some of the prettiest country that I have ever been to. Now isn't this a stroke of luck. I'll be following you as we are working our way to Alaska. How long are you going to be there? I've never been there before and I can hardly wait until we cross the line into Alaska.
Happy Trails,
Chris
NIce photos and love your painting!
Teacup Lane (Sandy)
Hi, Valerie,
To have a dairy in Alaska must have required a lot of diligence on the part of these farmers. I enjoyed seeing the geese and that beautiful swan. It is amazing the similarities between your painting and the field there in Alaska. It is starting to look a little bit more like springtime there in Alaska. Hope you have a terrific weekend, my friend! Vicki
Girl, you are really seeing the sights and yes that is wiered about the painting! Everytime I look at all your Alaska photos I giggle when I think about people plugging their cars into the heaters! Anywho, would you please send me your address? I want to thank you properly for your donation to the Cancer Society to support me and in honor of my friend Jan. Have a wonderful week!
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