Hatcher Pass is one of my favorite places in Alaska. As scenic as it is in the summer or fall, its absolutely stunning in the winter. Today Champ and I had an awesome snowshoe trip climbing up about 1200 feet above Independence Mine. Temperatures at the start of our hike were single digits but the sun was out and warmed things up nicely. We followed a broken trail up a gradually sloping ridgeline to a spot near here for lunch. After lunch we headed straight down the steep snow covered slope on a more direct line back. Even with snowshoes, you were sinking to your knees with each step. It was especially tough on the dogs who joined us. In fact, there was one spot that all three dogs simply did not want to cross. Whining, we eventually coached them through.
Here's Champ giving me the eye for choosing the shortcut down. At one spot he disappeared complety under the snow, except for his nose. Alas, I was having a little trouble myself so the photo op was lost.
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