Carrots

So today I finish harvesting my garden.  I'll be digging up lots of carrots.  Hope the recent cooler temperatures have made them sweet.  There's still a little lettuce left so that will be salad tonight.

Prudhoe Bay

Can't believe its been so long since I updated this journal. I guess I've stayed busy. Did a three day trip on the Resurrection Trail on the Kenai Peninsula. More recently, Champ and my buddy Frank, headed up north to Prudhoe Bay on the Dalton (Haul Road) Highway. Dipped my toe in the Artic Ocean earning membership in the Polar Bear Club, albeit a very technical membership.

Champed played fetch just outside Deadhorse, Ak., one of the most depressing places on earth.

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!