Monday Potpourri

A runner in Seward, Alaska's annual footrace to the top (& back down) of Mount Marathon disappeared during the race. Over the weekend, the search was scaled way back, as rain has made the trail - nearly vertical in places - slick and even more hazardous than normal. The family called off the search, but small teams will continue looking for the man who disappeared on July 4th, shortly after appearing at one of the checkpoints.

"Not all outhouses are created equal", or so reads the opening line of a pictorial display in the Daily News. Go here for the reader-submitted pics.

One of Shell Oil's drilling rigs slipped its mooring and dragged its anchor, eventually drifting within 10 yards of the shore. Preliminary robotic inspections show no sign of hull damage, they say. Divers will now go down to check it out.

Lest you think all the news is grim, there's a story about the mayor of Talkeetna: a cat named Stubbs.

And while many of you are roasting in the heat and drought down south, the first half of July here has been the coldest on record, and it's been raining almost every day. Maybe we could average our high temps (in the low 50s) with yours & everyone would be happier.

A bit of personal good news: Amazon says my new Nikon rifle scope was shipped today & should be here soon. :)

Thanks for stopping by.