Quick update from Anchorage

Well I have been in Anchorage for a few days now for the International Whaling Commission, but it has been pretty hectic finalising all the preparations, so a bit of blog silence!

Today was the first day of the meeting, but it got off to a pretty quiet start. Many of the delegates stressed the need today for "conciliation", "finding common ground", "seeking compromise" etc. This is a strong contrast to recent years where there have usually been a series of bitterly contested votes from the start of the meeting. It will be interesting to see how it unfolds in the coming days. I will provide some more detailed updates as we progress.

Outside of work, I have to say that the small glimpses I have had of Alaska are just magnificent! Just flying in here was stunning. The flight from Amsterdam to Seattle was pretty good with some wonderful views of the north of Canada and the Rocky Mountains, and then Alaska is in another whole league. Flying in over jagged mountains and sweeping glaciers is so good for the soul.

Have managed to escape for a couple of runs - the first time I saw a bald eagle and a moose, and tonight I saw another moose. And the photo above was one I took tonight on the footpath out the front of the hotel. I have a few days off after the meeting, and can't wait to get out of town and take in some real Alaskan wilderness.

Anyway, more soon...
Shane