Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 07/21/2008 - 15:55

Hi Uncle Frankie,

 It's me, Tara, down in Windham, NH.  How are you doing?  Can you take a picture of some cool sea life in Alaska.  Are there penguins?  My brother Brad loves penguins.  Are there seals, sharks or whales.  Any polar bears?  See you when you get back, just talked to Julie and Rina and they still send their best as we do....Tara and Ted;-)

Frank Kelley

Hi Tara and Ted,
Thanks for keeping up with the journals. I appreciate the reminder to include more info about the animals, it is on the list of things to write about but I haven't got it done yet. In the animal category, I found a whale rib bone today, saw two gray whales playing, spotted a seal watching us, and I've seen lots and lots of birds, in addition to the owls. I think that is about it, oh ya, I found a seal tooth today too!!
There are polar bear and walrus up here but they are far out on the ice. I don't think we will see any. No penguins up here, they are in Antarctica. You will have to check out pictures from the other PolarTREC people who are going down there later this year.
Thanks again for checking things out, hope you guys are having fun. I miss you and hope to see you when I get back. Hugs and kisses to all,
Frank

Sarah

Hi Frank,
Great photos. I guess you don't need Walt up there to help identify things.  We got to see the archeology digs at Jamestown--they are continuing to find amazing artifacts (and bodies). It was extremely hot at the site. I think I'd rather be up with you with a hat and vest than on the James!

Frank Kelley

Hi Sarah,
Well, Walt would be helpful, there are so many sea birds that I haven't seen before. There is one terrestrial terror called a jaeger that dive-bombs you. One almost pooped on one of the scientists yesterday. 
The heat vs. the cold, hmmm .... maybe a survey question. You certainly get used to the cold and can add more layers as needed. The perpetual dampness is creeping into the bones though.
Glad you all had fun, I missed the adventure. Did you find a "Bale of Hay " establishment? Archaeology is a great combination of science and history. I want to get down to the Town Offices to search for a few primary source documents. 
Enjoy the homestead, look forward to getting together.
Frank 
 

sarah

oh yes...we found a "Bale of Hay." There were several of us enjoying a southern version of moose drool--more expensive and refined though. Will share in Aug :)