Tracy, The "fruit of life photo" is of Epiphyllum phyllanthus var. guatemalense monstrose. Here are some photos of the bloom. http://www.flickr.com/photos/epiforums/419882883/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/epiforums/243876529/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/epiforums/243876532/ The photos were taken with a Canon powershot g6. It's a 7.1 megapixel camera, although I've found that the megapixels don't mean it's a better camera (it's not the size that matters). Millaray, Those blooms should be considered to be fully open. You'll notice I've updated the name on them to Hoya clandestina. polystacha may be an old name. And just to be a tease, one photo I didn't upload from the batch: Hoya australis Enjoy, Eddie

Cena, whenever you have free time, you have my permission to paint any of those pictures...what an honor! But only if you take a picture of your painting so that I can see it!! One of my co-workers also asked if she can paint the lake picture (with the reflections of trees). Quinn, Anchorage is such a beautiful city! The only thing that was weird about it is that it doesn't feel like Alaska (except when you see mountains in the background!). The phrase we were told that Alaskans use when they are in Anchorage is "I can't wait to get back to Alaska" - I just love that!! Anyway, we were in Anchorage for a bit, but mostly we were in the Denali area and in the Kenai/Seward/Homer area. Denali was my favorite. As for moose poop, I don't think there was a gift shop ANYWHERE in Alaska that didn't have those moose poop gifts...you are so right!! Glad you enjoyed the article - but yes, I think this top ten feature might make people go broke! Gabi

Awwwhhhh, IChik, I like your winter view best. What a cutie! He is adorable! Hmmm, the girls are going to be after him..... My wildlife--I get the most on my way to and from work actually. We have opossums, coyotes, turkey vultures, deer, squirrels, foxes, etc. However some of the strangest things I see (you have to understand I was born and bred in LA) is other "wildlife" on the roads--not the drivers but there are plenty of them. I have had sheep on the roads, cows, horses, geese, etc., when I drive to and from work. Usually on Mondays, the cows are loose. I call it a Bovine Alert! They must have gotten out of an open fence. I remember driving on the freeway when I first moved here and looking to my right to see a goat in the backseat of the car next to me, going down the road at 70 mph. It looked at me and I at him. The ladies in the front seat driving were chatting back and forth like this was one of the most "normal" things on earth! I couldn't believe this goat staring at me! Plus, all the windows were up in the car! Goats don't smell too good. Yikes! Then about six months ago or so, I look at the car in front of me and there is a sheep in the back, staring at me! Beautiful sheep. Must have been on the way to a show or something, but a sheep none-the-less. Ah, yes, it is never dull around here. While we are OT--Human wildlife on the road. I have seen make-up being put on, shaving, etc. However, a new one the other day. A guy was brushing his teeth while driving. Does he spit or swallow? If he spits, does it get all over his car? Does he rinse with a Starbucks? He had to be going about 60 or so MPH. Unbelieveable (shaking head back and forth). I can't figure it out!

I currently live in Fairbanks. As someone mentioned above, you must see Denali and the best way to see it is on the bus, because personal vehicles are only allowed up to the 9mile mark and you can't go any further unless you're on a bus. The trip itself is about 5-6 hours long through the park, so you should get there early. http://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/index.htm As for Fairbanks, Pioneer Park is a little park full of museums and such to see. One of the places is the -40*F room to experience how cold it is in the winter. Yes, that sounds crazy, and it is. lol However, my fiance had me go in that room as my 'thing I had to do' before he would propose (he had to learn to drive a standard, who had the better end of the deal? lol). http://www.co.fairbanks.ak.us/pioneerpark/ If you have the time, go to the El Dorado Gold Mine. You'll be taken on a train ride tour of the gold mine and at the end you'll pan for gold. http://www.eldoradogoldmine.com/ Also, if you have the time - go to Chena Hot Springs. It's a beautiful place to go and see. Water feels amazing and helps you relax. There's an Ice Museum to see (open year-round). Any other questions, let me know! Cindy http://www.chenahotsprings.com/ Here is a link that might be useful: Denali National Park