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!

HIKE

Well thats the new word for "go" when I want Champ to start mushing. He is proving to be a real sled dog. Christmas Eve found us on the Kenai Peninsula headed to the Barber Cabin on Russian Lake, a really nice cabin owned by the USFS. We had it booked for Christmas Eve and Christmas night so the sled was loaded with lots of goodies. About 80 lbs worth and Champ didn't miss a beat pulling it all the way. He was a bit tired as we crossed the frozen lake on the last leg to the cabin but all in all I was impressed. I also felt a tad bit guilty as all I did was drive!

Weather was really mild the entire time. From the mid twenties when we left Anchorage to an almost balmy 40 on our return to the parking lot at the Russian River Campground. Was that rain we felt?

By the way, monopoly is the new gin rummy! Better luck next time David.