KESUGI RIDGE

I first hiked Kesugi Ridge in July 2008, one of the few times I actually "led" a group in Alaska.  I've longed to return with more time to explore especially the north end near the headwaters of Little Coal Creek.  So last Friday Nancy Champ and I set out for a Memorial Day trek hoping the weather would cooperate and the mountains would be visible.

Got a late start and didn't start hiking till 5:30.  The trail leading up to the ridge is in good shape and was mostly dry.  The lite drizzle actually felt nice as it cooled us off on our climb.  In no time we were above treeline enjoying the scenic alpine tundra in all its fall colors.  Red, yellow and orange all combined to paint a beautiful picture over the background of rock and green.

Once on the ridge, the rain picked up.  Then the wind picked up.  And then picked up some more.  After crossing one of the upper branches of Little Coal Creek, we stumbled on a nice flat spot and somehow got the tent up.  Inside, away from the wind and rain, we decided dinner wasn't gonna happen so we snuggled into the bags passed the rainy night in relative comfort.

Next day we stayed in the tent till the rain stopped.  Following a breakfast of oatmeal (me) and ramen (Nancy) we hit the trail under clearing skies and sunshine.  Right off we hit an obstacle - a rockslide that covered the trail.  It slowed us down only a bit.

Once over the roacky area it was clear sailing, or walking.  The sun was out and the views were great.  Its neat to see the cairns that mark the trail stretching out before you as far as you can see.  In bad weather, they are invaluable as many times the cloulds seem to sit right on the ridge. 

We had planned on hiking only 5 or so miles and then camping, leaving the rest of the hike to Ermine Hill for Sunday.  In light of the nice weather, we decided to push on and go as far as we could.  About 4 pm we met the gang that had camped at Ermine Hill dayhiking north.  We joined them as they returned to their camps as the weather turned again rainy and cool.  By 7 pm, when we reached camp, we were cold wet and tired and hungry.  Luckily the rain stopped as we set the tent up and ate a hot meal.  We had no trouble falling asleep after our 11 mile day.