Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 20
I was looking for a pack raft online, so that my son and I can do some fly in float trips as he gets older. I ran across this video of a couple of pack rafters on the South Fork of Eagle River.
Today is the last day that all will be normal...or is it? Tomorrow according to the Mayan calendar is the end of the world. So now is a great time to reflect on the good that has transpired in 2012.
Real Estate has done well this year here in South Central Alaska. The Anchorage market had one of its best years in recent history. I Eagle River we're on tract to sell approximately 12% more homes this year than last. The Valley market started the year well, but has gas prices rose homes sales declined. No with the price gas back down in $3.50's or below, we are seeing more traffic to Valley homes. Land sales in 2012 were very good in all markets, and we have seen 20% of the Powder Ridge Phases sell already.
The weather has not been a positive point in 2012. Last winter was very snowy, so if you like to ski and snow machine it was excellent. The summer was cold, and this fall snow had been non-existent until recently. It's been cold, definitely colder than normal. Yesterday morning it was -26 at my home in Wasilla. Today its warmer but we have 30 mph+ winds, wind chill in the -30's.
On a personal note, I stepped away from management and it has been perfect for me. I've been able to concentrate on more real estate. I've had time to be with my family. My daughter came back from a year in Bolivia, where she was an exchange student. She had a great time, but its good to have her back. I had time to work with our local Eagle River Area Rotary club to build the Let's all Play playground here. This was the first full accessible playground in the state, so that kids of all abilities could play together.
This fall I've had more time to spend coaching hockey which I love. I'm coaching two teams, Mini Mites (4-6) and Suirts (9-10). We have agreat time and I am getting in better shape. Three days a week at the gym is helping as well.
2012 was a good year. I made decisions and moved forward with my long term plans. I was able to work with the chamber of Commerce, Eagle River Area Rotary, Sunrise Rotary, Mat-Su Amatuer Hockey Association, my family, the gym, and was able to go hunting this fall. Yes, I did get a moose and my freezer is full. Life has been good this year.
How was your 2012? I hope the world doesn't end tomorrow, because I've go more on my bucket list to do.
Friday November 30th, join the Bushnell Real Estate Team at Eagle Rivers Town Square Park for the annual tree lighting ceremony. We will be handing out "Warm cookies" straight out of the oven. Come by and say hello, Santa will be there with his reindeer.
Elementary choirs and royalty will start singing around 5:45pm. There will be a warming tent that the Chamber will put up and two burn barrels that the city will have to help keep warm. If you are freezing... don't forget that at the "Hot cookies" that Eric Bushnell/Eva Loken are giving out as well as the RE/MAX table, they will be giving away "hot hands glove warmers." And finally, please dress warm... Standing and visiting at 18 degrees can be a chilly experience!
Santa will arrive with reindeer escorted by a torch lit processional and enter Town Square from the back of the park. It will be chaos at that point. He will come up and light the tree with the Bear Paw Pageant royalty. Santa will be available after for kids who need to give him suggestions along with the reindeer who will be available for petting.
The last choir sings at 7:30 and should be done by 7:45.
I recently had the opportunity to visit Ed Galvez in Lake Clark. Ed has built a cabin in the Keyes Point Subdivision and for several years extended an invitation to come visit. Well the stars finally aligned and I was on my way. I caught a flight from Merrill Field in Anchorage on Lake Clark Air; they flew me to Illiamna in a Piper Navajo and then I jumped in Cessna 206 for the flight to Keyes Point.
Keyes Point is located on Lake Clark approximately 250 miles from Anchorage.
Wow, what a beautiful place. The flight was great and when I landed in Keyes Point Ed and Phil were there to meet me. Phil is the Caretaker for Keyes Point and is there to meet the guest when they arrive. He will meet your guests and bring them to your cabin when they arrive. Ed and I jumped on his Honda (ATV) and headed for his cabin. Ed h
as spent approximately 12 years building this cabin, and yes, it is very nice. His cabin is located on the eastern shore of Keyes Point and looks across the Lake at the Alaskan Range.
Over the next couple of days Ed took me around Lake Clark in his boat. We spent a day down on Six Mile Lake fishing across from the village of Nondalton. The river was full of Sockeye Salmon. As we pulled up to the river the bottom of the small bay was dark with thousand of salmon. As we made our way up into the river the amount of fish we saw was just staggering. We spent the afternoon fly fishing for Rainbow trout. As I stood on the bank looking into the water I would watch 20 to 30 Sockeye Salmon (reds) swim upstream. We were fishing for the Rainbows that follow them up the river.
This stream was very clear so it was very easy to see the salmon and the sight was amazing. every few minutes, the fish would surge by. We were not successful in landing any Rainbows, but we did catch several Grayling as well as dozens of Reds.
On the way back to Keyes Point we drifted the narrows, a small river that flows from Lake Clark to Six Mile Lake. Many fisherman fly in to local lodges to fish for Grayling here.
I was successful and land several very nice fish in the 30 minutes we spent floating this short stretch of water. My first full day on Lake Clark exceeded my wildest expectations. We finished off the day with a great dinner back at Ed cabin. I slept well that night.
The next days we met with perspective buyers and toured the lots we have available on Keyes Point. We discussed the logistics of obtaining building supplies and crews to build a cabin or home. Most homes on Keyes Point are in the $250,000 to $500,000 rand with one close to $1,000,000 and a lodge that is, well I'm not sure what its worth, lets just say its not for sale and probably won't ever be.
We did finally get out on the water and headed up the lake to the Kijik River. The Kijik River is in the Lake Clark
National Park and this is where the ghost town of Kijik is located. We spent the afternoon fishing this area for Grayling and Lake Trout. The weather was awesome and we did get a little sunburned. But all good things must come to an end; the wind started to pick up, and wind and Lake Clark can be very dangerous. We were approximately 20 miles up the lake from Lake Clark, so we high tailed it out of there before the water got too rough.
On the way back we took a side trip into Chilitna Bay for some Northern Pike fishing. We made a short run up the Chilitna River to Long Lake, and along the way saw a huge Moose. I'm not going to tell you were because this boy was trophy class. He was big and the velvet was just coming off his rack (antlers). We watched him for a few minutes (yes I have video that I will post on my Facebook Site), before he wandered off into the woods. Too bad hunting season does not open for two weeks.
The wind was picking up as we came back to Chilitna Bay so we headed carefully back out onto the lake. Lucky for us the wind was switching and we made our way home before the east wind picked up. We were lucky, 15 minutes later and we would have been sleeping on the beach for the night. the weather got pretty ugly as we arrived home for the night.
The next day the weather kept us off the water, but I did enjoy myself on Keyes Point. We spent our time taking photos and video of the Keyes Point area.
My time on the Point with Ed Galvez was wonderful and I hope to do it again soon. Ed is a great host and was able to explain to me about the history of Keyes Point and the Lake Clark area. This is a part of Alaska that you must visit. Lake Clark National Park is the has the lowest visitor count of any National Park. Most likely because of its remote location. This is beautiful country.
Please contact me if you would like to know more about this beautiful area. We do have several lots available ranging from $15,000 to $50,000. One already has the well and septic installed. The views are tremendous and the area is truly breath taking. I am currently working out the logistics and we should have completed home estimates available if you would like to build your Alaskan dream home.
January was one of the coldest months on record with temperatures hovering below -20 degrees. Its was cold. Then we had record snow fall making this one of the snowiest winters ever. Now the temperature is back up near 30 degrees. Is Spring right around the corner.
Well, it might be but before we get to that lets take a look at the snow load on the roof. With all this snow and the longer days arriving that snow is going to melt and freeze each night. this will create ice dams on the roof and possible leaking. You need to get up there and remove the snow, but be careful, it's going to be slick up there. Just do it soon as more snow is in the forecast.
Spring is definitely on the way. Iron Dog is coming soon, as well as Fur Rondy, then the Iditarod Sled Dog race. Longer days and warmer temps make Spring in Alaska a great time to get outdoors. If you have pictures you'd like to share, you can post them on my Facebook page. www.facebook.com/ericbushnell.realtor
Christmas time in Eagle River Alaska
A great little shop in Eagle River Alaska is Picture This! Full of those special gifts that you need and a wonderful selection of custom artwork by local Alaska artists. Located next to Jitters coffee house, you can stop in and grab a wonderful cup of coffee, then head into Picture This for your last minute Christmas items.
I've found many very nice items over the years at Picture This. They have a nice selection of stemware (wine Glasses), little nik naks, and a huge selection of custom jewelery! They also have great baby gifts, as well as a large selection of Smart Wool gifts. They will gift wrap your purchase for you while you enjoy a sandwich back at Jitters.
I like to meet clients here for discussions on properties they be looking at or to discuss what is happening in the local real estate market. You will find many friends at Jitters everyday! You can also find them on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/picturethisalaska and http://www.facebook.com/picturethisalaska#!/jitterseagleriver.
You can also find more information about local real estate on my Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/ericbushnell.realtor!
All I want for Christmas is....
What do you want for Christmas is what I'm asking my son this year. I already bought a new laptop for my daughter Aimee, who is in Bolivia. The computer was sent to her for a late birthday early Christmas present. My son Blake, on the other hand is quite indecisive, completely different then my daughter at the age of 8. He seems to be completely satisfied with the status quo.
So what should we get him for Christmas? He plays hockey, so we're always getting gear. So maybe a balance board, although he thought I had already bought one (it's in my office waiting for him). I had to convince him I had not bought one, apparently he's more observant then I thought. I've been thinking that he's old enough for a small 22 rifle, one that's built for him. I believe there is a Marlin that may be small enough. Well, of course we will find some games, and a few books. Also we buy new Pajamas to open on Christmas Eve, so he's getting a new pair of Christmas Boxers.
My wife on the other hand is a little more challanging. She said she doesnt really need anything, I know better. She's been looking at the Fat Tire bikes, if only I could find a 6 pack of Fat Tire Beer from Fort Collins, I could say I misunderstood. Maybe a little bling, say a new pair of Diamond errings! Need that special set of Pajamas, she showed me a icture as a hint, but I forgot which store it was from.
We also have an exchange student living with us, and I need to get her a gift, lucky I have a 16 year old daughter so I do have an idea of what she would like. I-Tunes cards are always a hit, and ski passes to Alyeska Resort will make her happy.
But what do I want for Christmas? Anything for hunting or fishing. Possibly an auger for the lake that would make it so much easier to flood my ice rink. Hand drilling through 3 ft of ice takes a while. Maybe a new set of Hockey skates. But do you know what I would really like?
I know you think I should say World Peace... But a 39 ft Nordic Tug would be so much cooler!
Merry Christmas!
A personal favorite of the Bushnell's
Twas the Night before Christmas Poem
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
July 1, 2011
Today is Friday here in Alaska, and I need to set my priorities!
What should you do, there are so many events here. There is two or three parades, there's fishing, camping, and of course Mt. Marathon in Seward. I did hear that the town was already full and no camping spots were available.
Hopefully the weather will be nice for all. I think we will spend a nice weekend at home, do a parade on the Fourth and hit the picnic at Town Park in Wasilla.
Happy Fourth of July America!
Do you know what this is? A QR Code, and they seem to be all the rage!
Lots of companies are starting to sell QR codes. You can use the for 1000's of uses, and its like using a secret code, yet everyone can understand it. You can send a message, a photo, and website address. There seems to be a few limitations, but they appear to be based on size, as you can only put a little bit of information into the code.
You take a picture of the code with your phone and then it will read it for you. I found several QR code readers and generators at the iTunes store.
The code above will redirect you to the homepage of my website. The code below will take you to another website I have that features Wilderness homes and lots. QR Codes are easy to use and can be a lot of fun. You can send a message See the Code on the left for the rest of this blog....
Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 20
