Wrangell St Elias National Park

Just finished an interesting hike in one of our
nations largest national parks. Took a bush plane out of McCarthy and landed about 15 miles away on the Fosse, a small strip located on land just adjacent to Kennicott Glacier. On landing, the ground was so slick that the pilot calmly noted he had a hard time stopping the plane and he would not be returning (with the remaining members of our group) in the same plane. They were instead flown in one at a time in a Supercub.


We endured a rainy Sunday afternoon travelling only about a mile to a scenic campsite with a cool stream flowing through. By late evening the rain had stopped and we fell asleep hoping for good weather. This was probably the chilliest night of the trip for me, but I snuggled deep in my bag and slept fine.

Packsaddle Island

Monday broke clear and sunny with no hint of rain. We were treated to spectacular views of the distant Mount Blackburn as we ate breakfast and broke camp. Our destination today was Packsaddle Island, a nunatak about 5 miles away. Unfortunately, easier said than done. While seven of ten made it off the steep moraine and onto the glacier, we were soon turned aside by the numerous crevasses and towering seracs. Nothing to do but admire the view and turn toward our alternate destination - the land at the confluence of the Kennicott and the Gates Glaciers. No problem.

Actually, there was a problem. After travelling several hard hours crossing the medial moraines of the Kennicott, we met what we thought was our final hurdle before reaching the lakes at which we intended to camp. A steep climb up the side of a scree covered moraine. Slowly but surely we all ascended. While resting we noted that getting off the glacier might be a bit difficult. The lateral moraine was pockmarked with canyons and deep pools of water requiring us to thread our way carefully. Scouting a route with Ted around one of these "lakes" on a steep scree slope, I was really concerned about the less experienced members of our group. Somehow we all made it around and then up another steep climb. Scouting ahead, we finally saw the lakes. They were just remnants of what was shown on the map, the ground was rock strewn, but man did the camp look inviting. Guess the fact that it was midnight helped our outlook.

After the long day Monday, no one seemed to mind the off day Tuesday, especially as it rained constantly.  I slept in and then had oatmeal for lunch.  Wednesday morning the rain finally ended and we headed out.  First thing was a climb up a steep slope and then an equally steep descent onto the glacier.  In this picture. Dr. Uzma carefully scoots down sans pack.

Cool Mr. Fox

Another hard day of hiking, complete with a few tricky river crossings, put us at our last camp, just below Donoho Peaks.  Here we spent Wednesday night and another long rainy Thursday.  Enjoyed watching the bears on slopes and our last day of lazing in the tents before our push out on Friday morning.  This friendly fellow posed for us as we left his home that final day.

Root Glacier

Hiking out of the Donoho Lakes area proved to be a wet affair.  Bushwacking along game trails with lots of moisture in the brush had us soaked pretty good.  We cared not as the anticipation of showers and hot food back in McCarthy spurred us on. Here we are stopped within sight of Kennicott, about to cross the last leg of the Root Glacier.  Our final mistake after climbing on the glacier near Donoho Falls, was angling south toward Kennicott.  We should have cut straight across.  This mistake led us to backtracking about a mile over rough moraine, and then climbing another long steep scree slope to reach the trail into town.  To put a final point on this trip, there was absolutely no place to stay in McCarthy Friday night.  Seems some googly eyed couple decided that it was the place to be married.  Never have I seen the sleepy little town so full of tourists.

Bear

MY FRIEND MR. BEAR

Back in the Park after a week in Big Lake taking care of my neighbor's dog, Bear. Shanna and Jesse had to take a trip to Texas of all places and Champ and I were happy to sit with our good pal Bear in their absence. Bear is an older Alaskan husky who has recently been diagnosed with bone cancer. He's had a tumor removed from his shoulder and needs supervision so that he doesn't "chew' the surgery site. For the most part, he wore a t shirt covering the wound but on occasion he had to wear a head cone. He has a great soul and those of you who have met him know what I mean. He befriended Max and me when we moved into the cabin some three years ago and tolerates Champ as needed.

Headed to Anchorage on Wednesday for Aramark's monthly close operations (Nancy) and maybe a backpack (Mark and Champ).

Denali Solo

Guess this is my catch up day for the blog. Did my first solo overnighter in Denali on May 25, 2010. Headed up the Savage River through the canyon. After weeks of nothing but hot dry weather, it immediately started to rain as I left Nancy and Champ at the parking area. As I advanced into the canyon the rain increased and I was treated to thunder and lightning. Felt safe where I was so I kept hiking. Made it to where Ewe Creek joins the Savage River by about 8 pm. Very brushy and wet area so I decided to move higher in search of a camp spot. On my climb through the willow I spotted several hares having a late dinner. While watching them, three caribou emerged from my right about 50 feet away. They apparently weren't looking for company and scrammed before I could get a photo. Finally, I found something marginally flat at about 10. Pretty tired so off to bed. Next day was sunny and clear. Hike out was quick although I had to walk all the way to the campground to catch the bus. The extra two miles let me see Grizzly Bears digging roots in the Savage River near the bridge on my way back.

Denali National Park

BABY MOOSE

Its now June and I have been in the park since May 3, 2010. Nancy has recovered nicely from the accident although she is still regaining strength daily. Champ and I have been enjoying the beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife. Seems we see at least one moose a day. Few days back we were lucky enouhg to see this young fellow having some fun while his nearby mom continued her grazing. Yesterday's encounter was while walking back from the Murie Science Center. As we neared the Nenana Bridge, I detected movement on my right and there in the thin section of timber between the path and the highway, browsed a medium sized cow. She was less than 20 feet from us and actually walked alongside us for a few yards. Didn't see a calf so I felt safe though when you have a dog you never know. Champ was interested but only slightly so. I guess seeing these animals all winter practically living in our yard has inured him to their sight. Now if they were caribou..............different story.

This porcupine is perhaps my favorite in all the time I've been here. I saw him near the roads edge on the way to a night at the Savage River Campground. I stopped the truck and got this shot when he climbed a short spruce tree.

Long time no post

Not sure why I haven't been posting. Its not like stuff hasn't been happening. A trip to Denali in mid winter, up close and behind the scenes at the Klondike 300, Iron Dog, Fur Rondy, Running with the Reindeer, Iditarod, Mountain House for a week, and finally the great carriage accident downtown.

Texas

Made it to Texas for my annual reimmersion in all things Texan. Had some Tex Mex with brother Charles and family Friday night. Spent all day today at the movies watching Sherlock Holmes and The Daybreakers with my nephew Jacob. Worn out from doing nothing.

Its funny watching everyone here cope with the 20 degree weather Mother Nature sent this way. The sun has been shining so the days are really pleasant, but everybody acts as if the ice age is upon us. Guess I am more used to the cold than most.

ALASKA ACES

Celebrated New Year's eve with 4800 rabid hocky fans at the Aces game. Saw them beat up the Ontario Reign 6 - 3. Lots of cowbells, horns and at least one real fight! Go Aces!