Sunday, November 28, 2010

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.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

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.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

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.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

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.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

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!  

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

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.