Ice Field
We were coming back from Wrangell-St. Elias on the Glenn Highway and the ice field was actually visible from the highway very clearly. This is pretty unusual and so we had to stop and get some photographs. The scale in Alaska is so enormous that one loses perspective and frequently underestimates size and distances without a reference. Looking at this photo it is hard to grasp how expansive this view is. Come on up and see for your self.
Reed Lakes Trail
I headed up the Reed Lakes Trail for some scouting and a good training hike and got into some great scenery. The sun was just popping up behind these peaks in the Talkeetna’s and the slow, low clouds were rolling off the hill sides. Great morning hike to the lower lake and then the usual slide out. If you have hiked in Alaska you know what I mean, if not, well let’s just say there is nothing quite like steep, muddy, slickery Alaskan hillsides. Virtually impossible for me to keep the shiny side up but worth it every time nonetheless.
FoxTails
I love these foxtails. They are so beautiful in their color and the way they sway in the wind and catch the summer light. The Wrangell Mountains were peeking out behind some very thick cloud cover prior to it raining. This is a nice little settlement at the end of the Nebesna Road. From here it is about 6 miles to an abandoned mine that makes for a great little day hike.
Great 4th!
Hope you all had a great 4th of July! We had absolutely great weather and saw some great country. We spent the day up on Dog Sled Pass and had an amazing time. Our town had it’s parade and BBQ’s and everyone was out at the Lake like they were down south somewhere! It is hot and dry for Alaska right now so we have some fire haze…from 60 something fires burning right now. Most are small and are being allowed to burn naturally, a couple are being fought but nothing is really big, let’s hope it stays that way.
Alone Across Alaska
Now here is a great resource for seeing what Alaska back country hiking is all about. Buck Nelson traverses the Arctic on foot and by raft and takes you along with him on the journey. If you want to see the Brooks Range and get some beta on a trip you have been dying to make then you will want this video. If you are undecided about making a trip to the Brooks Range well, this will get you off the fence so get out the check book, the maps and pop in this DVD. Buck’s site has links to air taxis’, gear list for this trip, maps, and a discussion board that you can ask him questions on. Buck is a great guy and will tell you everything he knows. Steve Howe reviewed this in Backpacker Magazine a couple of months back too if you need another source (www.backpacker.com). Here’s the link, come on up…http://www.bucktrack.com/Alaska_Brooks_Range_Traverse.html