Knik Glacier Flightseeing Tour

Jernine, Jamie and I went to Willow, AK to go on a Knik Glacier Flightseeing Tour today. It was a perfect day for viewing with no turbulence. 

Icebergs that have broken off the glacier and froze into the lake

Some were as tall as a 4 story building

Glacial silt

My McKinley from the plane

Jameson Monster

The many faces of Mr. Jameson Monster Reed. 

Serenity Falls Hut Backpacking Trip

This past weekend, I set on a grand adventure out to the wilderness of Alaska. The trip was to a dry cabin so carrying in all water, food, heat sources and lighting was a must. It also happened to occur over the coldest weekend we've had yet with the lows dipping around -10 degrees.

The trip begins with 7 miles over a frozen lake (when not frozen the trail hugs the shore) followed by 4 miles over rolling terrain back to the hut with views of Serenity Falls and Eklutna Glacier. 

It's experiences like these that make you who you are and allow you to appreciate what you have.  

And it begins...

Taking a moment to take it all in... with 8 miles left to go!

Very cool patterns on the ice. 

Natures beauty 

Bruce meeting us on his bike

Bold Airstrip - next time I'll just charter a plane!

It's getting dark. The cabin sits right below that snow slope. 

The wood stove was deceiving. It didn't radiate heat, too small for the cabin. First night was 34 degrees. A little too cold to rest well. 

Up early heating up water in my Jetboil to get warm. 

I didn't stray far from the stove most of the weekend. 

Serenity Falls with the sun warming the peak. 

Eklutna Glacier in the valley, Serenity Falls on the right

Views of the hut

Due to the unusually warm winter, the guys were able to find some running water in the river to supplement our supply

We focused on tending to the very wimpy stove all day to have a warmer night the second night. When the sun came over the mountains for 2 hours, it increased the temperature in the hut by 30 degrees reaching 70 degrees at one point. Unfortunately, as it went away, it dropped right back down. We slept in 44 degrees the second night. That was slightly more comfortable. 

Trying to keep my face warm!

You know there's something wrong with the stove when you can have paper, plastic and fresh fruit sitting on the top.

Note how close my feet are as well. 

More people joined he group Saturday afternoon. John had a killer beardcicle. 

Mountain House dehydrated meals fill you up and act as full body warmers. 

Ghost mode after early rising the second morning. 

Heading out. The three guys on their bikes headed back to the cars. 

We surprised ourselves on our trip to the hut with clocking at 2.5 hours on the lake and 1.5 hours on land getting in right as it got dark (around 8:30 pm). We were a little more tired headed out at 2 hours on land followed by 3 hours on the lake (with a severe headwind). 

"...great achievements build a monument which shall endure until the sun grows cold." - George Fabricius

Iditarod 2015

It's 40* and sunny, so let's do some mushing! 

Upper Huffman Trailhead

It was a great night to take an after work hike! 38* and daylight until 6:30 pm allowed for Silver Fern to Gas Line to Powerline to White Spruce loop. Kahtoolas (ice cleats) were a must!