KODIAK

Spent the past week visiting Nancy's parents on Kodiak Island.  Had a nice relaxing time enjoying as always the great food Cap Ed and Judy served up.  Homemade pizza, king crab legs, venison, remaki, pork fried rice and lots of desserts.  Judy even taught me a few bread making tips so I now aspire to be a baker.  Nancy got to indulge in several crafts including felting and antler baskets.  Also got to help out on the annual christmas tree hunt.

ALASKA CLUB

We joined the Alaska Club on Monday before Turkey day.  November 22 to be exact.  Have made it everyday since with the exception of Thanksgiving.  So its been 12 workouts in 13 days.  Added weights to the cardio on Monday and I am sore today.  How long can I keep it up?  Have also mangaged to add a walk/run with the dog at least daily.  Maybe this is the winter I lose weight and stay in shape.  Would be nice to start the summer in climbing shape. 

CITY MOOSE

Nice walk yesterday on the Tony Knowles Coastal trail.  Trying to take a shortcut home I ran into this moose pair who insisted I go a different way.  So I did.                                                                 

We met this bruiser while watching the moose.  His name is Buck and he seems to be a mixture of breeds including Great Dane.

                              

THANKSGIVING

Had a very nice Thanksgiving get together here in Bootleggers Cove.  Ten of us gathered together Thursday afternoon for dinner with a special guest appearance by a free 20 lb free range turkey courtesy of the North Slope Corporation.  Along with all the sides, the bird was excellent!

Weather cooperated as well with snow falling form before first light till well after dark.  Very thankful for the snow as sliding around on the ice was getting old.  The ice was the result of warmer temperatures Sunday night allowing us to experience a rare rainfall in November.  With the ground temp well below freezing, the reult was a coating of ice on everything Monday morning.  Wednesday night walking Champ resulted in a nasty fall as we tried to catch a cat.  Ouch.

BYERS LAKE

Nancy posing by the DOOR

Had a real relaxing weekend chilling out at Byers Lake Cabin 1.  This is an authentic "trapper style" Alaskan log cabin complete with sod roof.  Very large logs used to build the cabin circa 1970.  Lots of decorative touches including burls throughout.  Temperatures down to near zero Saturday night.  Champ was a godsend helping haul the sled.  Lake seemed to be frozen solid and the ice crystals were spectacular.  It was fun reading the journal entry I made in March 2009 when I last visited with my brother Matt and his daughter Shelby.

WEATHER REPORT

The winds finally stopped blowing.  Not sure what the wind chill is when its 18 and the wind is blowing 30 mph but its cold.  Sunny skies today are warming things up.  Low this morning was 11 and now its 20.  Packing up for a trip to Byers Lake tomorrow.  With all the wind lately I expect the lake to be snow free.  If so, the pictures will be fantastic.

BRRRRR!

Getting our first really cold weather this morning.  Temperature is 18 and likely to fall throughout the day with winds out of the north at 20+ mph.  A chilly walk with the dog this morning on ice covered streets wakes you up like no amount of caffiene ever could.  Temperatures are supposed to bottom out near zero tomorrow and then gradually return to normal.

NANCY LAKE CABIN TRIP

Friday afternoon we loaded up the truck and headed north to an area we frequent often during the winter, Nancy Lake State Recreation Are.  Different from most Alaskan park areas  it is one of the few flat, lake-studded landscapes in Alaska preserved for recreation purposes. The recreation area’s clear waters are ringed with unspoiled forests, and provide tranquil settings for canoeing, fishing, hiking and camping. In winter, the rolling topography is ideal for cross-country skiing, dog mushing and snowmachining.  Our ultimate destination on this trip was Nancy Lake Public use Cabin 2.

We arrived at the trailhead by 5 pm Friday afternoon.  It was getting dark and temperatures were approaching the mid 20's.  Our sled was loaded to the brim with all manner of goodies including the old smokey grill and, believe it or not, a nice sized area rug!  Thank goodness it was a short trek from the trailhead to the cabin.  On arriving we were pleased to see a full woodbox so a fire was the first order of business.  Then it was back to the truck for a second load, which Champ was happy to pull for us. 

After getting settled we perused the magazines and newspapers we brought, and then treated ourselves to a pasta dinner.  Taking a look see outside after eating we noticed the snow had started falling.  Weather guys predicted up to 8 inches so we were excited.  Unfortunately, nightime temperatures warmed things up so Saturday morning the snow turned to rain.  No problems, just break out the rain jackets.

About noon we hiked out to the truck once again and met our friends Traci & David.  Once they got settled in, we all left to ski or walk one of the many winter trails. 

Then it was back to the cabin for tea and cards till dinner.  KABOBS!  

ITS BACK

The snow has returned to Anchorage.  The first big dump started sometime Sunday afternoon and continued throught most of Monday.  Nice fluffy white stuff makes everything really pretty.  Also makes the roads kind of exciting as everyone has to relearn winter driving skills.

Yuditna Creek Cabin

Spent Saturday night at the Yuditna Creek cabin on Lake Eklutna.  Weather was so so and the hike in was only three miles. Really peaceful place.  Next time I will make sure my air mattress is leak free.  Getting too old to sleep on bare wood.  We really enjoy using the cabins during the winter.  Hope to make use of as many of them as we can this year.

This weekend we head to Nancy Lake.  We have reserved Cabin #2 for Friday and Saturday.  Should be lots of fresh snow for Champ to play in.  Taking the weber so we'll be eating good.

The Weather is STILL JUST DUCKY

Actually, the feathered ones might want it a bit more damp.

MOOSE HUNTING CITY VERSION

Last Friday (Oct 22) we took a stroll down Powerline Pass Trail hoping to see some city moose.  We saw a few, fourteen to be exact.

WINTER IS NEAR

A chilly 30 degrees in Bootlegger's Cove this Wednesday morning.  Early morning fog has been replaced by clear skies and sunshine.  In addition to the cooler temperatures, Sleeping Lady across the Knik has a new blanket of snow up high signaling winter is out there nearby.  Seasons change is inevitable.  Only in Texas do they seem never to vary.

Nevermore

Halloween signals the beginning of the Holiday season.  I remember the Halloween Carnivals at Highlands Elementary as being something special.  Had almost as much fun the following morning as we searched thru the trash for treasures.  Living near the school had its perks.  Likewise trick or treating was always an adventure as we tried to fill our bags over and over with candy.  Mrs. Hopper's popcorn balls also found a spot in our bags year in year out.  Wonder how many she would make each Halloween.  Looking back its amazing the degree of freedom we had to roam the streets at night essentially unsupervised.  Those days are gone now, stolen from not only us but all future generations of little ghosts witches goblins by the depraved actions of a truly evil person, the Candyman.

CRESCENT LAKE CABIN

Last week, we had a string of bluebird days so Champ and I decided to visit the Crescent Lake Cabin down on the Kenai Peninsula.  A few weeks back, we hiked to the southern end of this large crescent shaped lake nestled between two mountain ridges hoping to reach the USFS cabin in the saddle on the lakes west curve.  Turns out the heavy rains that had been falling daily tuned us back as the creek crossings were raging infernos.  Nonetheless, our appetite was whetted and we vowed to return to this picturesque venue.

So Thursday morning we loaded up the truck and made the 100 mile drive to the Crescent Creek Trailhead.  Beautiful sunny day with temperatures hovering right at freezing.  The trail was in good shape with a gradual uphill gaining about a 1000 feet over seven miles.  Hiking in we met a Father/son goldmining team hiking their gear out for the season, and managed to scare a black bear off the trail in the meadow near the lake.  Reached the cabin about 5 pm. 

Took pictures off the lake and then set out to split the spruce log someone left in the wood shed.  30 minutes of work produced a nice stack of wood for the night, insuring a warm slumber for man and beast.  After a dinner of Cuban Rice & Beans, we settled in for the evening with a new book feeling lucky to be where we were.

Next morning's weather was a little cloudy with small snowflakes starting to show.  A pretty litle rim of ice had formed overnight along the shoreline.  We took our time getting packed up and left the cabin around noon.  Almost immediately, we spied a black bear galloping across a slope high to our right. Fun to watch but I had no idea where he was heading or why he was in such a hurry.  Moving on we stepped gingerly over and through a few frozen creeks as we followed the trail back to the truck.  Halfway back, we began to meet a local boy scout troop heading in for the weekend.  All told, there were 25 in the group strung out over a mile or so.  Glad to see scouting is alive and well.

VALDEZ

Following our aborted trip to Crescent Saddle Cabin that amounted to a long drive in bad weather to spend the night in the truck with Champ, I was ready for some real vacation.  Luck would have it that Frank was headed to town for a visit and Nancy had a week off after working 12 days straight.  SO....

View from Cabin

We decided to head to Valdez.  Stopped on the way to spend two nights at the Cabin overlooking Matanuska Glacier.  Wow, weather was nice and the cabin had electricity.  Lots of good pics and even some snow.  THEN..........



Snowy Camprobber

 We headed on down the road to Glenallen, then Copper Center and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.  Wednesday afternoon found us going over Thompson Pass just as a snow storm hit.  Stressful driving as the road was slick.  By the time we neared Valdez the snow had stopped and we admired the many waterfalls alongside the road.  Stayed at the Totem Inn and hiked the Mineral Creek Trail (more waterfalls).  THEN..

Boarded the fast ferry Friday morning for a trip across Prince William Sound to Whittier.




Valdez Harbor



POLYCHROME BACKPACK

Morning visitor

Sept 15 I boarded a camper bus for a trek in the Polychrome area.  Dropped off about 3 on a sunny warm afternoon.  Sheep were high above the road trying to stay cool.  Found a nice tent spot and enjoyed exploring a small stream nearby.  Went to sleep listening to the "go back goback " calls of a flock of Ptarmigan and later awoke to the howling of wolves alongways off but still lound enough to register.  Got a morning visitor while trying to take pics of the mountain.

CRESCENT LAKE

Despite severe weather warnings, Champ and I headed south Friday hoping to hike to the Crescent Saddle Cabin Saturday morning.  Alexis and Ted rounded out our troop as we plowed through heavy winds and pouring rain aiming for the Carter lake trailhead about 30 miles from Seward.  Plan was to spend the night at the trailhead and start hiking Saturday morning.  When we reached the trailhead, rain was pretty hard so we headed into Seward where Ted and Alexis got room in Army Rec hotel and Champ and I bunked in truck.  Rained all night and still raining next day.  After nice breakfast we headed back to the trailhead only to be stopped short by an avalanche of mud and downed trees that had the highway closed.  So we headed back to Seward and spent the morning in the Safeway drinking coffee and bullshitting.  By noon the road was opened so off we went.  Hiking by 12:20 as we went steeply uphill dodging small streams in the trail and wading larger ones that crossed the trail.  Reached 1600 feet and Carter Lake in short order and watched the ducks there enjoying the weather.  Just before we reached the trail to the cabin, met two hikers who advised that getting there would involve waist deep stream crossings.  Worried about what they would look like the following day as it was still raining, we chickened out and turned around at Crescent Lake.  Probably wise move as the steams we crossed earlier in the day were much deeper on our return to the truck.  Oh well, at least we got a nice workout...a 7 mile dayhike with full pack.  Plus Champ had fun!

ROAD LOTTERY



Each year when the buses stop running the park service allows a limited number of private autos access to the road system for four days.  You register in the spring and then they have a drawing and announce lottery winners in early summer.  We finally won a spot this year.  Weather was great and the mountain was out.  Can't beat the comfort of your own car and unlimited PB&Js while you enjoy the beauty of DNP.

Rolling in a Rolls

WINDY

Fall is here and with it the high winds.  Looking out the window today I spotted these vessels braving the elements for who knows what reason.

CHANGE

Camp Robber hopping for some attention

Had a great season ending run of weather at DNP.  Sunny days and clear nights from September 8th right on up to when we left on Tuesday (Sept 21).  Managed several more trips into the park including a backcountry overnight and a ride to Wonder Lake on the last day of the road lottery.  Animal sightings, mountain views and spectacular fall colors.  Just a bit sad to see it all end for this year.  Console myself with the thoughts of what adventures await us during the coming winter months.

MOOSE

While you see moose everywhere in Alaska, its still a treat watching the long legged beasts doing what moose do.  Amid the fall color and cooler weather here in Denali National Park, one of the things they do is rut.  Battles of dominance to impress the ladies.  Not sure what all the rules are, but the rut gives us an opportunity to get up close (within reason) for pictures. 

ROCK CREEK TRAIL

Yellow brick road?

Headed out this evening for a stroll down the Rock Creek Trail.  First time and it was a nice walk.  Lots of color and a few hares to lively the hike up just a bit.  A slight drizzle but being in the forest kept us mostly dry.

POLYCHROME RIDGE WALK

 THE MOUNTAIN

Our Labor day celebration started with an early morning wake up, a quick walk of the dog, and an eight am bus departure into DNP.  Our destination - Polychrome where we planned on hiking a ridge that would take us on a six mile trek through an area we had yet to explore.  45 degrees but sunny when we rolled out of the Wilderness Access Center.  Day grew progressively warmer and sunnier as we enjoyed the two hour ride to Polychrome.  The Mountain (as Denali or McKinley is known) was out in all its glory from early on throughout the day. 

Denali Wolf

Wildlife was abundant including my first opportunity to photograph a wolf up close in its natural surroundings. 












Also enjoyed watching a band of Dall sheep basking in the sunshine doing sheep stuff, including banging their heads together.  No wonder the ewes keep their distance for all but a short time during the annual breeding season. 

TRIPLE LAKES REDUX

Porcupine hiding in tree

Beaver Lodge (abandoned)

Hiked the newly completed Triple Lakes Trail Saturday morning.  From the north end all the way back to the cabin just about 11 miles.  Overcast drizzly and windy but the tree cover protected us from the worst of it.  Walked up on a large male porcupine who scurried up a tree before we could capture the moment kodak style.  Also saw several flocks of sprce grouse.  Lots of colors and a nice hike.

Back In Denali

Took Pop to the airport Monday afternoon after letting him treat us to lunch at the MidWay Cafe in Anchorage.  Really enjoyed his visit. Then spent a few days at the condo getting truck serviced (thank goodness rear end noise was nothing to worry about) and enjoying the summer weather.   Have been lucky so far in that the few days we've spent in the city have been pleasant weatherwise.

Fall Colors

Thursday we hit the road heading north to Denali.  Expect we will be here till September 22, when the tourist season ends.  Cooler weather, shorter days but still lots to see and do.  Drove into Savage Thursday night to view some of the fall colors.  Spectacular views, and saw 8 moose.

Anchorage Market

Took Pop and D to the market yesterday.  A nice refreshing drizzle so the crowds were not too thick.  Lots of neat stuff to look at, and lots of fair food to drool over.  After careful consideration, we settled on homemade corny dogs. 

Company

Denali from Mary's Mckinley View Lodge

Dad made it Monday night right on schedule.  Always good to see my family.  Its his third visit since I've lived here.  Tuesday we loaded up and hit the road for Denali National Park.  Weather was clear and sunny and the mountain was out.  Lunch at Mary's McKinley View where we ate and enjoyed the view. 

Got to the park about 3 pm. leaving Pop plenty of time to stretch his legs before he headed to Cabin Night for some Alaskan dinner theatre.  The story of Hattie and the rest of the Kantishna gang, as well as barbq ribs with al the sides.  Thanks Aramark.

Wise Old Men of the Mountain

Wednesday we took the bus to Eielson.  Bears, sheep and lots of tundra cattle aka caribou.  One severely obese ground squirrel was particularly photogenic at the visitor center.  An interesting fact about Dall Sheep, the males spend the summer separate from the ewes and lambs.  Kind of like a guys night out that lasts all summer.   From the looks on these fellows faces, the fun has worn off.

ANCHORAGE

Thursday afternoon we packed the truck and headed south for a few days at the condo in Anchorage.  Friday morning we attended the swearing in ceremony for our friend Craig Pester.  Very moving event as over 60 individuals from 31 different countries were given the oath.  Sen. Lisa Murkowski was the speaker.

Lots of errands and house cleaning consumed the weekend.  Place is spic and span and ready for Pop;s visit this week.  Even found time to clean the trucks.

By the way, the rainy weather Anchorage has endured the majority of the summer was not to be seen.  We had clear sunny skies the entire weekend.

SUNSET OVER KNIK ARM OF COOK INLET

Little Creatures

Artic Ground (Parka) Squirrel

Most visitors who come to Denali National Park want to see the mountain, and the "big four" of the park's inhabitants: bears, moose, sheep and wolves.  All worthy subjects of desire for sure.  I'm the same way and I still get excited by the site of any of those.  Being here all summer, however, has turned me onto the coolness of some of the smaller guys who live here.  I now count myself a fan of the porcupine, marmot, squirrels and hares who share the park with the big four.  And to be fair, some of the little guys have a bit more personality than their larger counterparts. 

Snowshoe hare

Walking through Riley Campground last night we ran into one squirrel who thought it would be funny to follow along just behind the dog.  Champ knows he is not to chase the little guys, a lesson learned only this summer.  "But gee whiz Boss, he isn't supposed to tempt me like this."

Red Squirrel

NORTH POLE

Santa stands tall

Our weekend camping trip down the Denali Highway led us unexpectedly to North Pole, Alaska.  Thats right sportsfans, jolly old St. Nick hails from the 49th state.  He and the missus have a pretty nice set up with their own village and lots of Santa related stuff.  On a sad note, I checked his list while we were there and all my friends are on the naughty side of the ledger.  Coals and sticks again this year but hey, you all are used to it by now, right?

Always thought his home was more icy

DENALI HIGHWAY

Friday the 13th found us driving the Denali Highway for a weekend of car camping.  Completed in 1957 to provide motorists with access to Denali National Park, the Denali Highway found itself virtually abandoned in 1972 when the paved George Parks Highway opened, linking Anchorage and Fairbanks directly with the park. Since then the Denali Highway has served mainly as a passage into the back country for hunters and fishermen and as a byway for those seeking a peek at the way all of Alaska used to look, with wilderness in every direction.  And now that the once-rugged Alaska Highway, linking Alaska with the Lower 48, has been paved, the Denali Highway is one of the last accessible roads in Alaska that can provide that rustic, nostalgic glimpse.

Our trip began with a view of an afternoon rainbow just before we reached Brushkana Creek at mile 30.  We had camped here before so we decided to press on down the road for a more isolated spot.  Wound up driving all the way to Clearwater Creek.  A nice spot to camp next to the water.  The noise of the creek was just the tonic for one of the better nights sleep I've had in a long while. Even managed to snag some sourdough pancakes with birch syrup for breakfast

Continuing on the next day we were treated to the sight of a tundra swan family: Mom Dad and four Cygnets swimming across a small duck filled lake.  After taking a few pics we headed east again taking in the views of Maclaren Glacier, an area we hiked last summer.  Beautiful scenery and at 4200 feet Maclaren Summit is the second highest highway summit in Alaska. 

Pushing still eastward we hit new territory that we hadn't explored last summer including  Landmark Gap, a glacially-scoured cut in the mountains that formed during an Ice Age more than 10,000 years ago. The Gap was a caribou migration route and a favorite Indian hunting area in centuries past. The Nelchina caribou herd still migrates through this area. The mountain peaks visible through the Gap are McGinnis Peak (11,400') and Mt. Moffit (13,020').

Next up was the Tangle Lakes area.  The lakes are connected by the Tangle River and form the headwaters of the Delta River.   Unfortunately our luck left us just east of the lakes as we started to notice adisturbing noise coming from the right front wheel.  Didn't know what it was but it didn't sound good.  We limped the next 70 miles into Delta Junction where our problem was diagnosed as blown wheel bearings.  We were very thankful that we  made it to somewhere that repair was possible.

So repairs complete, we inspect the town of Delta Junction.  This is the official end of the Alaska Highway although many never make it this far as there is an alternative route to Anchorage via the Tok cutoff.  Nice visitors center with free coffee and some interesting statutes of mosquitos.  From Delta Junction we drive northwest to North Pole Alaska for some replenishing of supplies and then backtrack just a bit to Chena Lake State Recreation Area.  Temps are hitting mid 80s so we make like Champ and take a dip in the water.  First time for me to go swimming since I've been here.  Very refreshing!

FALL?

Air Denali

A nip in the air this morning.  Plus the colors suddenly starting to show up make me wonder if we are going to get shortchanged on summer this year.

PARTY ANIMALS

SANCTUARY RIVER

HUBBA HUBBA HP TENT

Have been wanting to spend the night at the camp on the Sanctuary River 22 miles into Denali along the park road.  At an elevation of 2466 feet, this is a very small tents only site with just seven spots.  Went in Saturday after dropping the dog at Denali Dog Daycare in Healy. 

Gnomeville

Camp was really nice with good tent sites (Site #1)  and the weather was just slightly wet. We explored the river both north and south of the bridge but a nagging head cold put a damper on my activity level.  Oh well, there will be other times.  Had hoped to hear wolves or even see them but no luck.  Lots of animal signs including moose and caribou, and a couple of persistent Camp Robbers who showed up for handouts Sunday morning.  Lots of mushrooms in the area.

DENALI

Treated to a view of Denali on the way out Sunday afternoon.  Always a pleasure to see the mountain as I know people do visit the Park and never see it. Rescued Champ Sunday.  He did not have a good time at the kennel.  He refused to say anything else.