Byers Lake

Made it back to Byers Lake the weekend of November 20 -21. While the temps in the days leading up to the trip were really cold, by the time we left Friday morning heading north it had warmed up to just above zero. Pretty clear as we drove north and could see most of the "mountain." Made it to the parking lot by 2 pm and then a short mile or so to Cabin 2. Lake was frozen pretty solid so we bypassed the trail and cut across the ice. Nice cabin with an awesome view of the Alaska range. Later that night we did a night hike following the trail back around the lake. Just enough to get the blood flowing. Saturday we hiked back to the cars and met some friends in for the day. We hiked the five plus miles around the lake and even tried to climb to the Kesugi Ridge trail high above. We got partway and decided to turn back as it was getting dark. Lots of card playing Saturday night and Sunday morning. Enjoyed a light snowfall and warmer temps as we hiked out Sunday afternoon.




Cool cabin wear for Saturday night!




Champ loves to walk on ice.

View from cabin looking west.

KODIAK

Spent the past four days visiting Kodiak Island. Beautiful place. In addition to having the largest US Coast Guard Base, it is home to a great number of Bald Eagles and lots of Kodiak Brown Bears. Bet I saw over 200 of these glorious birds on Friday alone. Saw two bears, one of them was a record setter; both of them were already room temperature so to speak, having been transformed into very large floor rugs.

Fishing is by far the largest non military industry in Kodiak. I was very lucky indeed to stay with Cap't Ed Fine and his wife Judy while there. They run a charter business and B&B during fishing season. If you like good food, the Fine's is the place to be! King crab legs on Saturday night. Best I have ever had.

Finally!!!!!!!!

This weekend Champ and I hiked the Ressurection Trail from Coopers Landing to Jueau Lake and spent the night in the cabin overlooking the lake. Just a trace of white stuff on the hike in. Temps in the 20s. Very nice cabin. We carried 4 "logs" in at 6 lbs each. Could have gotten by with two.

Left the cabin in a very light snow, which turned into almost sleet. By the time we reached Anchorage we had our first real snowfall of the season.

JUNEAU LAKE

Hiked the Resurrection Trail this summer and really admired the forest service cabins. Decided to come back one day and spend the night in at least one. Turns out one day was Saturday when I hiked the 9 miles from Cooper Landing to the Juneau Lake Cabin. Very nice place. Temperatures were not too cold - mid 20's with just a little snow.

Still no snow

I know its coming soon but so far no snow. Headed to the Juneau lake cabin on Saturday so if it holds off till then thats ok with me. Saw this cabin this summer when I hiked the Ressurection Trail. Looks really nice.

Weekend Fun

Was pretty cool Friday morning when I loaded up and headed into Anchorage for a hike to the Ballfield. Temp at Glen Alps parking lot was 20, but the wind had died down alot. Joined a few meetup folk and hiked out Powerline a short way and then across the valley to the notch near O'Malley. On cresting the notch, we were greeted with 20 mph winds and my ears felt like they were on fire. Put my hat back on and trudged across to the other side to see the Williwaw lakes far below. Nice long hike down the williwaw side and back around to the beginning, 9 miles total. Saw lots of moose.

Sunday we hit Hatcher's Pass thinking snowshoe. Not enough snow so we hiked to the lake and then climbed a steep slope to the Cross above Independence Mine.

Hog Killing time

We had our first cool night in a long time. Temperature this morning was 19, and there was a nice frost on the ground.