DENALI NATIONAL PARK

Drove up north to the park yesterday and joined a group of park employees for a paddle raft trip down the Nenana River. We had a blast as most of the rules governing our trip were ignored. The tourists in the oar rafts were quite amused by our antics; no doubt thinking we had lost our minds when we we all plunged into the river mid trip. If you are going to swim in 35 degree water, you better be wearing a dry suit. We sure got a lot of stares as we boarded the bus for the ride back to the start.

Headed on a three day backpack into the Denali backcountry. Weather seems to be cooperating so far, nice and sunny and cool. Hope to post some pics when I get back so stay tuned.............

Iceberg lake

Just got back Saturday from a weeklong trek to Iceberg lake in Wrangell St Elias N Park.  My second visit to this massive park and I had a great time.  Glacier walking and beautiful country surrrounded us the entire week.  Total isolation as well!

Wonder where

My friends are? Haven't heard from them in a few weeks.

Big Lake Wild Alaska Tours

In its second season of operation, Big lake Wild Alaska Tours caters to that unique visitor who wants to experience Alaska one on one, away from the crowded trains cruise ships and buses. We will pick you up, take you where you want to go, make suggestions, feed you, wash your clothes, laugh at you, and come real close to tucking you in at night.

Not really operating a tour company but after two weeks of company it sure seems that way. Jay and Cossette Callahan were here from June 13-20, and then Dad and nephew Jacob were here from June 25 - July 2. I think both groups had fun as we tried to cram as much of Alaska as we could into their visit. Class IV-V whitewater rafting, scenic glacier cruise, glacier hiking, mountain climbing, Seward, Whittier, Denali, and an overnight canoe trip at Nancy Lake. And lost fo animal sightings. Moose, caribou, rabbit, lynx, fox, bears, eagles, ravens, sheep, and for the Callahans, sled dogs.

Getting ready for a fly in backpacking adventure in Wrangell St Elias National Park. Weather has been unusually warm for Alaska with daytime temps aprroaching 80. Cool mountain weather will be a welcome change.

Denali National Park Backpack

My first overnighter of the season last week turned out so well (haha) that I decided to ramp up the adventure with an overnight backpack into the wilds of Denali National Park. Saturday morning found me on the green camper bus leaving the Riley Creek campground headed to the Tolkat River, some 51 miles into the interior of the park. Got off the bus in a light drizzle and descended to the river down a ravine. Lots of animal tracks. Caribou, moose, rabbit, wolf, and yes BEAR. Hike was not too rough as I made my way south about 5 miles to where a creek entered the river from the east. Climbed a ridge and made camp. As it was still raining a little nap was in order. Four hours later, I was as good as new and the rain was over. Beautiful views all around. Did a little exploring and then enjoyed dinner amidst the rocks.

Made it out the next day in good time. Flagged down the bus and was back in Riley Creek area by 6 pm.

A great first trip. Saw many bands of sheep, two rams, and numerous caribou. Tried to play tag with a marmot. Ready to go back!

Mount Magnificent

Tuesday evening we hiked toward the summit of Mount Magnificient in the Eagle River Valley. Only five of us this time and we didn't reach the summit but still a good time! Five miles and a steady climb of about 1600 feet.

Great view of Mount Significant in the distance.

A few of my hiking buds from Anchorage: Alexis, Greg and Danielle. Oh and of course Champ!

Got Me Again

One of these days I'll learn never to underestimate the weather in Alaska. After all, its not simply a matter of getting wet when the weather changes. It literally can have a 'life or death" impact on your plans. My trip to Mint Glacier this past weekend is a good example.

Its a two day trip of 16 miles with the first 7 a gradual uphill alongside the Little Susitna River. Then, you climb a faint trail 1400 feet in the next mile to a cabin overlooking the valley. Supposedly, scenic meadows and a nice tarn and stream are located near the cabin officially known as the Mint Hut.

In light of all the great weather we've had the

past month, I forgot the intensity that these mountains can throw at you in a moment. I packed in anticipation of a summer hike and was greeted with the snowfall so often encountered in late spring outings. The last mile wound up taking over 3 hours as we navigated a boulder field covered in knee deep snow. Once we topped out at 4400 feet the cabin was hard to find and another hour of postholing was needed to secure our lodgings for the night. Snowshoes would have made this a pleasant stroll in the newly fallen late season snow. Without them, it was an ordeal to move through the waist deep drifts and navigate the snow covered boulder fields.





We spent the night in the Mint Hut a really cool place maintained by the Mountaineering Club of Alaska ( we are new members). The following day we found a new route down which enabled us to avoid most of the boulder field and slide down the mountain.