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!