Ski Swap Attempt #1

The annual West High Ski Swap was scheduled for Saturday from 12:00-5:00. We had done our homework and grinned optimistically—innocently—as we strode through the parking lot and into the gym where the swap was taking place. We showed up an hour after the doors had opened yet, already, the cross country ski selection had been swarmed and picked to the bone leaving little more than a pair for $275 and a pair for $10. We wandered around dejectedly until the news of another ski swap floated into our ears and put hope back into our faces.

Although the skis had been wolfed over like a pack of hyaenas on a lame wildebeest,
I did find these cheerful little skates which obligingly comforted me all the way home. 

There is a little lake on the coast of Anchorage called Westchester Lagoon. It is a 30 min walk, 17 min run, or a 9 min bike ride from our apartment. Once it ices over, the city keeps the surface groomed for ice skating and in the evenings they light little bonfires all around. I look forward to taking my skates out in the evenings among the stars, the snow, and the bundled peoples.