I have been attempting to mental record and also write down my Alaska State Fair observations, but I have pretty much given up. It’s all becoming a blur. But I know from past experience that when I have a focus and begin writing, salient details will surface. I don’t believe in hope so knowing will suffice.

This morning I went in early and did the distributing. Smart me, I looked at the extended weather forecast. Now iffy weather is iffy and therefore not worth taking seriously. But the forecast for the next few days is rain, rain, rain. The weather forecasters know what we know – that there is a storm front moving in.

And so it was with this in mind that I got out early. The orange gate was closed, so I went in the red gate. I was proud of myself because I figured out how to navigate the system. I stocked the cart and did my fair rounds. I have braved the mass of humanity and delivered the books. But I now know that it is best to do this early on fair days or on non-fair days.

Pam and Alys at Fair Recycling Center box

Today was the best. The sun was shining. I talked with Kyle the gardener – he was pruning plants outside the grey and red pass office. He liked what I said, that it’s best to think of the fair as a race, and keep in mind that it is going to end.

I continued down the red trail, dropping books off at the usual sites, the Reptile House, the Hoskins Building, the Irwin Building, the Mat-Su College cabin, and the plaza. Fortunately, the bee booth and the Petting Zoo were open, so I dropped off books there.

I checked in on the Petting Zoo Donkey. He did say hello to me, but he is feeling forlorn. I was told he does not like being in the small pen – the 4-H crew lets him out and he does get to wander around. I am going to keep checking on him.

I continued on and checked the recycling center box. No books have been taken. Should have put it in front of the 4-H building.

I finished my route then delivered books in town. Then I went to the pool and delivered there and swam, my version. I would like to take lessons.

Came home, ate lunch, took the dogs for a walk. We did the loop and Siggi’s trail. Ran into two hunters out on Siggi’s loop, walking. I told them that the land borders a residential area. They said it’s public lands.

The walk was an excuse to check out what’s going on at the Rafter T place. I am concerned because there is a horse trailer parked in the road next to the property. The horses they bring in always get loose. I hope this is not déjà vu all over again.

The sky was clouding up, so I quickly cleaned the horse pen and then picked a half bucket of raspberries and saskatoon berries. I can’t tell looking out the window, but if it is not raining it is going to be raining soon. I’m inside, I’m dry. This is huge.

Next: 231. 8/27/25: Old Dog Pees on Bed