Fall is Here

Wow time sure has flown by. I had a great summer and really enjoyed all the company. Now its over (sigh) and fall is here. Course if you blink you miss fall and run head on into winter. Have been trying to cut wood and get set for the cold but it seems that there is still too much to do. Had a trek to Mint Glacier a couple of weeks back, and spent a long weekend at Wonder Lake in Denali Nat Park mid month. Days are shortening at a clip of 5 minutes plus. Will soon see the daylight drop below 12 hours. Yikes, I need to cut some wood.

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.