Winter Gear

After listening to all the moaning and groaning from my pals down south, I've come to the conclusion that most folks don't know how to properly dress for real winter weather.  So here's a hint or two for next year.  Forget the bulky coat, opt instead for layers.  Start out with something next to skin that breathes so moisture is transported away from the body.  Can't go wrong with smartwool NTS micro weight shirt and pants.  These look like what we always called thermals.  Smartwool is a bit pricey but these really do the trick.  Over these add a layer of insulation in the form of fleece or even a light jacket (down).  Top off with a wind proof jacket and you are set to go.  By the way, blue jeans aren't warm.  And the tighter your stuff fits, the less warm you will be.  This is true for gloves pants etc...

Willow-Tug Weekend

Friday morning we loaded up the truck and left early headed for Willow and the start of the Willow Tug 300 sled dog race.  On the road by 7ish, and after a short stop at the Family Diner in Wasilla for a filling if not exactly heart healthy breakfast, we made the start at 10 am.  The dogs were barking enthusiastically ready for their weekend adventure.  Temperatures were hovering right above zero, but the sun was shining so all was good.  Spent the next hour taking pictures of these amazing athletes as they exploded off the line eager to be on their way. 

Left Willow about 11 and back tracked a short way to the winter parking lot on Nancy Lake Parkway.  From there it was a short hike to the cabin at Bald Lake.  Ten degrees but the sun was shining and it felt good.  One more trip to the truck for wood and then we were good and settled in. 

Ice fog cometh

Spent the afternoon hiking the winter trail over the lakes to the Lynx Lake Cabin 1.  Ice fog was starting to form and with the afternoon sunlight filtering through the look was "otherworldly" .  About halfway back noticed that the temperature inversion was creating a nice echo effect so we played trick the dog for a few minutes. 

Nothing like an 8 mile hike in 10 degree weather to get the appetites stoked up for our dinner of spaghetti later that night.  Coupled with a loaf of homemade artisan bread it was a very satisfying meal. With full bellies and a warm cabin it was hard to force ourselves outside for a look at the night sky.  Glad we did as the stars were out big time.  If they are "big and bright" deep in the heart of Texas, here they so vivid they were damn near fake!  So beautiful.

Woke up to a nice zero degree morning but once again the sun was out and we warmed up quickly.  Beautiful sunrise greeted us as we packed up and headed back to the truck.  A really short but fun trip!

Who Needs Rudolf?

With all apologies to Rudolf and his gang, we have our own celebrity reindeer here in Anchorage.  Coming home Sunday we were fortunate to encounter "STAR" on her weekend walkabout.  She proved quite the ham posing for pictures and playing reindeer games.

Portage Lake

Sunday Nancy Champ and I braved the 35 degree temps and drove south to the Begich-Boggs Visitor Center on the shores of Portage Lake.  In the summer, this is a popular spot for visitors to see small icebergs formed from the glaciers that formed the lake, most notably Portage Glacier.  We were there to not only see the glaciers from afar, but to hike across the frozen lake to get a close-up.  The truck's thermometer said 38 in the parking lot.  Not bad!  Unfortunately 50 mph winds with gusts exceeding 65, made the conditions a bit less desirable.  We turned back after a short while, barely able to keep our feet as the wind at our backs pushed us toward the comfort of the truck.

Seems like winter is flying by this year.  I'm convinced that the more active you stay, the more you enjoy life no matter the season.  Iceskating is my latest and I've had a blast learning to glide around the ice out at Westchester Lagoon.  Still trying to get the hang of cross country skiing.  Next up, winter camping.  Sounds extreme to my Texas friends but with the longer days, I'm looking forward to spending a few nights on the snow.  Still reviewing where to go,  so stay tuned.

City Moose taking it easy

Headed to Willow on Friday morning to catch the start of the Willow-Tug 300.  This is a 300 mile sled dog race starting in Willow and going out the Iditarod trail before returning to the Tug Bar on KGB road two days later.  What makes these "smaller" races so much fun for the spectator is the access you are allowed.  Hope we get some really good shots of the dogs.




  Planning on hiking out to Bald Lake and staying in the public use cabin Friday night.  Lots of new snow is forecast so it should be fun skiing.  Want to try and hike the winter trail back towards Lynx Lake to see how difficult it is.