Martins Back

Having spent the last week or so touring Alaska, Mary Jo and David Martin have come back home to the south. Here’s a picture of David seeking protection from the Alaskan mosquitoes. True or not, I really couldn’t resist the photo: he says the musk ox robe is about as silky as you’d wish – and warm with it. But not something he’s likely to need here in Houston.

Mary Jo said they enjoyed the entire trip, but her and David’s best adventure was in Fairbanks. They spent hours in the University of Alaska’s Museum of the North – a small but perfect place, designed by architect Joan Soranno, to learn and experience. The website notes:

The Museum's mission is to acquire, conserve, investigate, and interpret specimens and collections relating to the natural, artistic, and cultural heritage of Alaska and the Circumpolar North.

According to the Martins, it’s unique. Mary Jo was especially impressed by The Place Where You Go to Listen, a sound and light environment created by composer John Luther Adams. It’s a “musical ecosystem” where visitors are surrounded by the rhythms of daylight and darkness, the dance (and recording sounds) of the aurora borealis, and the seismic vibrations of the earth, in real time.

Glad they went. Glad they’re home. And next time, David, bring back the whole ox.