200 miles through the Arctic Refuge

Southeast 2011

Photos from our 5 day sea kayak from Hoonah to Tenakee, and from visiting Caroline and Pat at their place outside of Haines.

Packrafting the Junjik

Within the first half mile of hiking we ran into a small group of Musk Ox on the edge of the Sagnivarkok River. Sure sign... it was going to be a good trip.

We had just had friends drop us off at mile 350 of the Haul Rd (9 hours N of Fairbanks, less than 5 hours S of Prudhoe Bay). We had several days to walk up the Ribdon River Valley (named after a geologist - Don, who had a broken rib), then a few days hiking up the pass, crossing the continental divide, and then hiking down in the Junjik Valley until we found a good place to start paddling, then packrafting the Junjik down to the East fork of the Chandalar, into Arctic Village.. and fly home. Only Ed, who knows Northern Alaska more than anyone I know, could have dreamed up this route. We had planned 8 days, but ended up finishing in 7. Grand total - 80 miles on foot, 75 mi in the boats.

It was spectacular country. Long days, heavy packs, but in the land of the midnight sun there was also time to relax. It was spacious... spacious views, spacious thoughts, spacious time... just vast in so many ways. it was fascinating to go through the transitions -from the confluence of the Ribdon and Sag rivers, to the headwaters, and then repeat on the South side of the range. Day 5.5 we saw our first trees.

and for me, it was especially great to spend time with old friends.

Cutthroat classic

Super fun trail race. It was SO beautiful!
Audrey is photo #54, I'm #70

The day job

I always wanted to be, and still want to be, a national geographic photographer when i grow up. This may be as close as i ever get...

RAINIER!

i celebrated my 36th by climbing Mt. Rainier with a few friends from the spring mountaineering class - Dave, Jill and Holli. We totally lucked out with a great weather window. Glad I did it - but it's a LONG slog, and crowded and honestly - there's smaller but way more fun climbs right here in the North Cascades. After Baker and Rainier, I'm feeling pretty lucky and am looking forward now to spending some time at home with the dog, and going paddling... (although Mt. Adams was looking pretty cool the other day... the mountains are addictive!)

MOUNT BAKER

The best sunrise

June 7, just shy of the Baker summit (10,700) at 515 am.

1st trip 'home'

great visit to fairbanks for the gizzilo wedding. really nice to see you all. i realize no matter where I live, Alaska will be 'home' for a long time.

lots of quality time (aka birth control) with the 2 year olds - this is anna, kristen and ned's.

especially wonderful to see Carolyn and George.