HIKE

Well thats the new word for "go" when I want Champ to start mushing. He is proving to be a real sled dog. Christmas Eve found us on the Kenai Peninsula headed to the Barber Cabin on Russian Lake, a really nice cabin owned by the USFS. We had it booked for Christmas Eve and Christmas night so the sled was loaded with lots of goodies. About 80 lbs worth and Champ didn't miss a beat pulling it all the way. He was a bit tired as we crossed the frozen lake on the last leg to the cabin but all in all I was impressed. I also felt a tad bit guilty as all I did was drive!

Weather was really mild the entire time. From the mid twenties when we left Anchorage to an almost balmy 40 on our return to the parking lot at the Russian River Campground. Was that rain we felt?

By the way, monopoly is the new gin rummy! Better luck next time David.

CABIN CAMPING

Spent the past weekend out at Nancy Lake State Recreaton area near Willow, Alaska. There are numerous "public use" cabins which can be rented. The cabins are usually pretty rustic but are way superior to tent camping especially in winter.










Friday night we hiked in 4 miles to Lynx lake Cabin No. 2. Started hiking about 3 pm, just before dark! A couple of friends were ahead of us having started earlier in the day so we were looking forward to a warm cabin at hikes end.
When we reached the cabin, no friends and no warmth. They were lost! We started a fire but after a few minutes with no change in temperature, we saw the problem. A window missing a pane. We used Highlands ingenuity to fashion a repair and the cabin slowly warmed up. By the time we backtracked a mile or so to find our friends and then returned to the cabin, it was almost tolerable.



Temperatures Friday night dropped to 25 below. Everything inside the cabin froze solid despite efforts to keep things warm. I was toasty in my minus 10 degree down bag so getting up was hard. But I did and soon we were on our way to James Lake for our Saturday night cabin. The cabin at James lake was paradise comparatively speaking. Best of all, double paned windows and a supply of ready to use firewood.

Sunday's hike out was 8 miles and the weather was chilly but nice. When we reached the truck, the temperature was 0, same as when we started two days before.

EAGLE RIVER

Have been wanting to check out this area for sometime so when a friend rented the cabin at the nature center for Sunday night I was raring to go. Turned out that she couldn't stay the night so I got it free. A real nice rustic log cabin located on the north end of the Crow Pass/Iditarod Trail. Weather was not too cold on the way in Sunday although it got down to zero during the night. We stayed nice and warm inside by the fire. Even had a portable radio to listen to carols. Hiked around the area Monday morning and decided I will return to stay in the yurt a little farther down the trail. Looked cozy. Champ showed promise as a musher so he has earned a new harness and lead for Christmas.

Byers Lake

Made it back to Byers Lake the weekend of November 20 -21. While the temps in the days leading up to the trip were really cold, by the time we left Friday morning heading north it had warmed up to just above zero. Pretty clear as we drove north and could see most of the "mountain." Made it to the parking lot by 2 pm and then a short mile or so to Cabin 2. Lake was frozen pretty solid so we bypassed the trail and cut across the ice. Nice cabin with an awesome view of the Alaska range. Later that night we did a night hike following the trail back around the lake. Just enough to get the blood flowing. Saturday we hiked back to the cars and met some friends in for the day. We hiked the five plus miles around the lake and even tried to climb to the Kesugi Ridge trail high above. We got partway and decided to turn back as it was getting dark. Lots of card playing Saturday night and Sunday morning. Enjoyed a light snowfall and warmer temps as we hiked out Sunday afternoon.




Cool cabin wear for Saturday night!




Champ loves to walk on ice.

View from cabin looking west.

KODIAK

Spent the past four days visiting Kodiak Island. Beautiful place. In addition to having the largest US Coast Guard Base, it is home to a great number of Bald Eagles and lots of Kodiak Brown Bears. Bet I saw over 200 of these glorious birds on Friday alone. Saw two bears, one of them was a record setter; both of them were already room temperature so to speak, having been transformed into very large floor rugs.

Fishing is by far the largest non military industry in Kodiak. I was very lucky indeed to stay with Cap't Ed Fine and his wife Judy while there. They run a charter business and B&B during fishing season. If you like good food, the Fine's is the place to be! King crab legs on Saturday night. Best I have ever had.

Finally!!!!!!!!

This weekend Champ and I hiked the Ressurection Trail from Coopers Landing to Jueau Lake and spent the night in the cabin overlooking the lake. Just a trace of white stuff on the hike in. Temps in the 20s. Very nice cabin. We carried 4 "logs" in at 6 lbs each. Could have gotten by with two.

Left the cabin in a very light snow, which turned into almost sleet. By the time we reached Anchorage we had our first real snowfall of the season.

JUNEAU LAKE

Hiked the Resurrection Trail this summer and really admired the forest service cabins. Decided to come back one day and spend the night in at least one. Turns out one day was Saturday when I hiked the 9 miles from Cooper Landing to the Juneau Lake Cabin. Very nice place. Temperatures were not too cold - mid 20's with just a little snow.

Still no snow

I know its coming soon but so far no snow. Headed to the Juneau lake cabin on Saturday so if it holds off till then thats ok with me. Saw this cabin this summer when I hiked the Ressurection Trail. Looks really nice.

Weekend Fun

Was pretty cool Friday morning when I loaded up and headed into Anchorage for a hike to the Ballfield. Temp at Glen Alps parking lot was 20, but the wind had died down alot. Joined a few meetup folk and hiked out Powerline a short way and then across the valley to the notch near O'Malley. On cresting the notch, we were greeted with 20 mph winds and my ears felt like they were on fire. Put my hat back on and trudged across to the other side to see the Williwaw lakes far below. Nice long hike down the williwaw side and back around to the beginning, 9 miles total. Saw lots of moose.

Sunday we hit Hatcher's Pass thinking snowshoe. Not enough snow so we hiked to the lake and then climbed a steep slope to the Cross above Independence Mine.

Hog Killing time

We had our first cool night in a long time. Temperature this morning was 19, and there was a nice frost on the ground.

Getting Colder

We have had an unusually warm fall. No snow down low and really mild temperatures for the most part. Weather report for the weekend is clear and getting colder. May even have some temps below 20. Looks like maybe getting the white stuff next week.

Wooly Booger

Actually they are called Muskox. After being reintroduced to Alaska a number of years back, they are doing quite well.

Bald Mountain and Blacktail Rocks

Have started hiking on Fridays with a few guys from the Anchorage Adventurers Group. Fairly ambitious hikes with lots of elevation gain. Trying to get as much in as possible before the snow really starts. Last Friday we did Bald Mt. and then continued on to Blacktail Rocks. Very windy especially trying to stand on top of Bald Mt. but died down as we continued. Very nice day!

Hanging Valley-Sunday Hike

After spending Saturday watching UT v Oklahoma and every other game on the tube, I needed to stretch my legs so Sunday we headed back to Eagle River to hike out to Hanging Valley. Below freezing so the drive up Hiland Road was slippery with black ice in the shaded sections. Felt the rear slide several times. One of the group I was meeting actually rolled her SUV on the way up! She was not hurt but still a crappy way to start the day.

We hiked in about 7 miles to the head of the valley. Very sore legs from the straight up/down hike Friday. It was neat looking across the valley at Harp Mountain knowing we climbed to the top. Ate lunch on the east side of the valley in the sunshine. A small tarn located there was already solid ice. Once the sun hid behind the mountains, it got cold real fast. Nice hike out past two moose who stared at us as we stared at them.

The last picture is Harp Mountain. We climbed it last week.

Harp Mountain

Had a nice Friday afternoon hike up to the top of Harp Mountain. 5000 feet in two miles.

The Lion King

Saw this show in Anchorage Tuesday night and it was awesome.

Waiting on winter

While there is snow on the mountains, we have yet to get any down our way. Have had a few chilly mornings (mid 20's) but days have been in the 40's for the most part. Currently its a wet 46.

Nice trip last week to Bald Lake cabin. Beautiful fall colors and perfect weather.

Fall is Here

Wow time sure has flown by. I had a great summer and really enjoyed all the company. Now its over (sigh) and fall is here. Course if you blink you miss fall and run head on into winter. Have been trying to cut wood and get set for the cold but it seems that there is still too much to do. Had a trek to Mint Glacier a couple of weeks back, and spent a long weekend at Wonder Lake in Denali Nat Park mid month. Days are shortening at a clip of 5 minutes plus. Will soon see the daylight drop below 12 hours. Yikes, I need to cut some wood.

Carrots

So today I finish harvesting my garden.  I'll be digging up lots of carrots.  Hope the recent cooler temperatures have made them sweet.  There's still a little lettuce left so that will be salad tonight.

Prudhoe Bay

Can't believe its been so long since I updated this journal. I guess I've stayed busy. Did a three day trip on the Resurrection Trail on the Kenai Peninsula. More recently, Champ and my buddy Frank, headed up north to Prudhoe Bay on the Dalton (Haul Road) Highway. Dipped my toe in the Artic Ocean earning membership in the Polar Bear Club, albeit a very technical membership.

Champed played fetch just outside Deadhorse, Ak., one of the most depressing places on earth.

DENALI NATIONAL PARK

Drove up north to the park yesterday and joined a group of park employees for a paddle raft trip down the Nenana River. We had a blast as most of the rules governing our trip were ignored. The tourists in the oar rafts were quite amused by our antics; no doubt thinking we had lost our minds when we we all plunged into the river mid trip. If you are going to swim in 35 degree water, you better be wearing a dry suit. We sure got a lot of stares as we boarded the bus for the ride back to the start.

Headed on a three day backpack into the Denali backcountry. Weather seems to be cooperating so far, nice and sunny and cool. Hope to post some pics when I get back so stay tuned.............

Iceberg lake

Just got back Saturday from a weeklong trek to Iceberg lake in Wrangell St Elias N Park.  My second visit to this massive park and I had a great time.  Glacier walking and beautiful country surrrounded us the entire week.  Total isolation as well!

Wonder where

My friends are? Haven't heard from them in a few weeks.

Big Lake Wild Alaska Tours

In its second season of operation, Big lake Wild Alaska Tours caters to that unique visitor who wants to experience Alaska one on one, away from the crowded trains cruise ships and buses. We will pick you up, take you where you want to go, make suggestions, feed you, wash your clothes, laugh at you, and come real close to tucking you in at night.

Not really operating a tour company but after two weeks of company it sure seems that way. Jay and Cossette Callahan were here from June 13-20, and then Dad and nephew Jacob were here from June 25 - July 2. I think both groups had fun as we tried to cram as much of Alaska as we could into their visit. Class IV-V whitewater rafting, scenic glacier cruise, glacier hiking, mountain climbing, Seward, Whittier, Denali, and an overnight canoe trip at Nancy Lake. And lost fo animal sightings. Moose, caribou, rabbit, lynx, fox, bears, eagles, ravens, sheep, and for the Callahans, sled dogs.

Getting ready for a fly in backpacking adventure in Wrangell St Elias National Park. Weather has been unusually warm for Alaska with daytime temps aprroaching 80. Cool mountain weather will be a welcome change.

Denali National Park Backpack

My first overnighter of the season last week turned out so well (haha) that I decided to ramp up the adventure with an overnight backpack into the wilds of Denali National Park. Saturday morning found me on the green camper bus leaving the Riley Creek campground headed to the Tolkat River, some 51 miles into the interior of the park. Got off the bus in a light drizzle and descended to the river down a ravine. Lots of animal tracks. Caribou, moose, rabbit, wolf, and yes BEAR. Hike was not too rough as I made my way south about 5 miles to where a creek entered the river from the east. Climbed a ridge and made camp. As it was still raining a little nap was in order. Four hours later, I was as good as new and the rain was over. Beautiful views all around. Did a little exploring and then enjoyed dinner amidst the rocks.

Made it out the next day in good time. Flagged down the bus and was back in Riley Creek area by 6 pm.

A great first trip. Saw many bands of sheep, two rams, and numerous caribou. Tried to play tag with a marmot. Ready to go back!

Mount Magnificent

Tuesday evening we hiked toward the summit of Mount Magnificient in the Eagle River Valley. Only five of us this time and we didn't reach the summit but still a good time! Five miles and a steady climb of about 1600 feet.

Great view of Mount Significant in the distance.

A few of my hiking buds from Anchorage: Alexis, Greg and Danielle. Oh and of course Champ!

Got Me Again

One of these days I'll learn never to underestimate the weather in Alaska. After all, its not simply a matter of getting wet when the weather changes. It literally can have a 'life or death" impact on your plans. My trip to Mint Glacier this past weekend is a good example.

Its a two day trip of 16 miles with the first 7 a gradual uphill alongside the Little Susitna River. Then, you climb a faint trail 1400 feet in the next mile to a cabin overlooking the valley. Supposedly, scenic meadows and a nice tarn and stream are located near the cabin officially known as the Mint Hut.

In light of all the great weather we've had the

past month, I forgot the intensity that these mountains can throw at you in a moment. I packed in anticipation of a summer hike and was greeted with the snowfall so often encountered in late spring outings. The last mile wound up taking over 3 hours as we navigated a boulder field covered in knee deep snow. Once we topped out at 4400 feet the cabin was hard to find and another hour of postholing was needed to secure our lodgings for the night. Snowshoes would have made this a pleasant stroll in the newly fallen late season snow. Without them, it was an ordeal to move through the waist deep drifts and navigate the snow covered boulder fields.





We spent the night in the Mint Hut a really cool place maintained by the Mountaineering Club of Alaska ( we are new members). The following day we found a new route down which enabled us to avoid most of the boulder field and slide down the mountain.

Denali Highway

On Friday we journeyed to Denali National Park for a quick hike up Mt Healy. We used an access trail starting just outside park boundaries so Champ could join the fun. Very nice hike and lots of cool flowers. We then hit the road for the Denali Highway. This 135 mile long mostly gravel road runs east from Healy to Cantwell. At one time it was the only access to the National Park. Most of the land adjoining the road is BLM controlled and there are numerous places to camp. We selected one of the established campgrounds and set up camp by a picturesqe stream. Spotted a moose on the way in and numerous ducks and swans.

Saturday we drove about 75 miles west to McLaren Pass. Spent a few hours hiking to the summit of Mt McLaren and enjoyed the views of the glacier. Spotted a momma moose with two newborn calves. Champ made her a bit uneasy so we stayed our distance. Later we encountered a small caribou herd which we watched for some time. The wind was blowing so that they didn't smell us until they circled around by which time they were pretty close. They then retreated to a small snowfield directly in front of us. All this movement finally got the best of Champ and the chase began. Not sure how long it lasted as they quickly vanished over a ridge and dropped down to a wide open area out of site. It was about thirty minutes before I spotted Champ next. He was a mile away on a lower ridge, just barely visible. Blowing steadily on the dog whistle and waving my arms, I managed to catch his eye and he began the long trip back. He was one tuckered pooch by the time we finished the hike. Of course, we did 11 miles and he did 20! Cooked dinner in a roadside pullout and admired the setting sun. Made it back to the camp at midnight and the sun was still visible. Saw many porcupine on the trip that night, must have been some kind of convention going on.

Next day we moved back to Denali National Park and camped at Riley Creek. Monday we took advantage of the still beautiful weather and climbed Primrose Ridge and Mt. Margaret. 4 miles and 2300 feet above the road. Saw the ongoing forest fire near McGrath. Just as we finished lunch, the weather turned nasty with ominous dark clouds moving in rapidly and thunder and lightening flashes in the distance. To say we ran down the mountain would be accurate. En route we endured a hail storm with heavy wind and rain. At one point the graphite hiking poles carried by David started to vibrate causing us to put on another burst of speed. We reached the relative safety of the road in 50 minutes.