Started off my morning with a little cruise down to the Trapper Creek "Post Office". It's more of just a building housing the mail but hey it works well enough to get me my packages! I picked up the mailed for everyone. I stopped at South View to deliver theirs and chatted for a little and then I drove to north view to finish sweeping out the native plant walk. I ran into some friendly tourists up there and chatted with them too... Guess it was just a chatty day!
After work for the day Jason returned from his training and I joined him for a ride around to check out things in the park. We got to pull someone over for speeding, not going to lie its kind of fun being on the other side of the law! He was going 87 in a 65!!!! Then Jason and I hiked out to spike camp and met with both trail crews along with Chris. It was a gorgeous evening for a hike; sun shining and loons calling! Jason and I then hiked up the the waterfall on cascade trail, I may have a new favorite spot... And then we continued all the way around the lake. About the last quarter mile we got chased out by Mosquitos and we were literally running down the trail! It was a long day, started at 8 this morning and retuned from hiking at 9:30, but it was well worth it!
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Summer Day
Today was absolutely gorgeous! Very few clouds in the sky and warm enough but not too hot! The mountain was out and therefore the tourists were too!
My day started with shuttling the Trail crews from the compound to the trail head because I am one of the few who can drive the state trucks. The ride is only about three miles and I don't mind driving! Then I hiked out with the Grant crew to the remote campsites on the backside of the lake because that is where they are staying for this hitch. They work 8 days on, 6 days off. It was their first experience with packing out this year and let me say it was just that; an experience. The boys were huffing and puffing the entire way, probably around 3 miles. They are going to be surprised when they hike to their real spike camp that is 8mi back and up on the ridge! But we made it to the campsites and started setting up camp, that's when one of the boys realized he dropped his sleeping pad along the way. He headed back while we stayed. It was around an hour or more later when we heard him coming back... "Hey bear, hi bear!" A few minutes later I saw him, his face as white as a wall. He said he just saw a grizzly bear standing on its hind legs about 100yds back and it ran this way! We didn't see it again, but he won't soon forget it! After setting up was finished we hiked back out because they needed to get their food supply for the week. When Chris found out about the bear encounter he said I could spend the rest of the day with him so I didn't have to hike out alone! We drove to south view where I met some very nice tourists from Rhode island. They gave me a sandwich and an apple and we chatted for awhile. South was very busy because the mountain was out! I still look at it like its the first time I've seen it! By then it was 5 and work was done for the day. Days fly by when you're having fun, so I guess I'm having the time of my life out here!
My day started with shuttling the Trail crews from the compound to the trail head because I am one of the few who can drive the state trucks. The ride is only about three miles and I don't mind driving! Then I hiked out with the Grant crew to the remote campsites on the backside of the lake because that is where they are staying for this hitch. They work 8 days on, 6 days off. It was their first experience with packing out this year and let me say it was just that; an experience. The boys were huffing and puffing the entire way, probably around 3 miles. They are going to be surprised when they hike to their real spike camp that is 8mi back and up on the ridge! But we made it to the campsites and started setting up camp, that's when one of the boys realized he dropped his sleeping pad along the way. He headed back while we stayed. It was around an hour or more later when we heard him coming back... "Hey bear, hi bear!" A few minutes later I saw him, his face as white as a wall. He said he just saw a grizzly bear standing on its hind legs about 100yds back and it ran this way! We didn't see it again, but he won't soon forget it! After setting up was finished we hiked back out because they needed to get their food supply for the week. When Chris found out about the bear encounter he said I could spend the rest of the day with him so I didn't have to hike out alone! We drove to south view where I met some very nice tourists from Rhode island. They gave me a sandwich and an apple and we chatted for awhile. South was very busy because the mountain was out! I still look at it like its the first time I've seen it! By then it was 5 and work was done for the day. Days fly by when you're having fun, so I guess I'm having the time of my life out here!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Bird watching
Today Becca and I decided to go bird watching. She has an app on her phone called iBird, you can find any bird call! We called in a thrush, and a junco. We originally were just going to walk to the edge of the lake and hangout, but we ended up walking the entire loop trail. We sat down on the opposite side of the lake and watched one of the trumpeter swans fly in, an eagle fly over head, heard the call of a loon and watched the fish jumping! Crazy what you can see in 10 minutes or less if you just take the time to look! Like always we saw bear scat and tracks, but no bear! Although Becca said that on her drive to pick me up she saw a black bear! Hopefully my chance is soon!
When we started out it was really dark and on the verge of raining so we were layered up, but by the end the sun was out in full force and we were peeling layers off. After our sweaty hike we spontaneously went swimming in Byers lake, mind you the ice just went out about three weeks ago. Probably the coldest water I've been in! We could hear the people on the nature hike gossiping about us and looking at us through their binoculars like we were Alaskan wildlife!
The little white speck in the picture over the lake is the swan flying, the other picture is at the inlet part of the lake and it's like a meadow, prime moose habitat although I haven't seen any in the park yet.
When we started out it was really dark and on the verge of raining so we were layered up, but by the end the sun was out in full force and we were peeling layers off. After our sweaty hike we spontaneously went swimming in Byers lake, mind you the ice just went out about three weeks ago. Probably the coldest water I've been in! We could hear the people on the nature hike gossiping about us and looking at us through their binoculars like we were Alaskan wildlife!
The little white speck in the picture over the lake is the swan flying, the other picture is at the inlet part of the lake and it's like a meadow, prime moose habitat although I haven't seen any in the park yet.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Long drive
So yesterday I went shopping in Wasilla or Wasilly. It's about two hours away, the round trip took six hours! On my drive down I saw a very large cow moose on the side of the road! It was very exiting because it's pretty much the first big game I've seen since being here. And must I mention I've been here a whole month! I'm still loving every minute, or second for that matter!
I also noticed that gas has dropped considerably here and is now on $4.26. What is it in Maine right now?! I went shopping at Fred Meyer which is like a target, but with full grocery and deli. This shopping trip I didn't notice any items that were considerably high, I could just be getting used to the prices though. I also got my Starbucks fix because there is one right inside Fred Meyer! A grande cinnamon dolcé latte!
The ride back seemed much shorter, I saw a few juvenile bald eagles and lots of mountains but that's all! I love long drives, so the day was very relaxing and I even got to eat a yummy dinner upon my return.
Today I started working on the native plant walk at north view. It is more difficult than I anticipated because I am not sure which plants are being described as I am not familiar with all of them. Also I don't think there has been much if any maintenance since it was established. There is a lot of overgrowth and leaves covering the native plants. I tried raking, but I just feel like I am destroying vegetation! I am heading back there tomorrow to take another look and see where I can go with it.
North view isn't particularly popular, but it was quite busy today! There was probably 30 or so cars there during the time I was there. Everyone was asking which mountain was McKinley, but I regrettably had to tell them that it wasn't visible today due to cloud cover! The forecast originally called for sunny skies these next few days, but this afternoon rain rolled in and now it's supposed rain for a few days. Mid there's one thing I'm used to its ever changing weather; thanks New England!
This evening I watched some low clouds roll in over the ridge and hover over the lake, eerie yet peaceful. I am trying to take every moment for what it worth because this experience is slipping from my grip before I can catch it! But if this month is any indication, I know I will be back here again. Alaska is in my blood now!
I also noticed that gas has dropped considerably here and is now on $4.26. What is it in Maine right now?! I went shopping at Fred Meyer which is like a target, but with full grocery and deli. This shopping trip I didn't notice any items that were considerably high, I could just be getting used to the prices though. I also got my Starbucks fix because there is one right inside Fred Meyer! A grande cinnamon dolcé latte!
The ride back seemed much shorter, I saw a few juvenile bald eagles and lots of mountains but that's all! I love long drives, so the day was very relaxing and I even got to eat a yummy dinner upon my return.
Today I started working on the native plant walk at north view. It is more difficult than I anticipated because I am not sure which plants are being described as I am not familiar with all of them. Also I don't think there has been much if any maintenance since it was established. There is a lot of overgrowth and leaves covering the native plants. I tried raking, but I just feel like I am destroying vegetation! I am heading back there tomorrow to take another look and see where I can go with it.
North view isn't particularly popular, but it was quite busy today! There was probably 30 or so cars there during the time I was there. Everyone was asking which mountain was McKinley, but I regrettably had to tell them that it wasn't visible today due to cloud cover! The forecast originally called for sunny skies these next few days, but this afternoon rain rolled in and now it's supposed rain for a few days. Mid there's one thing I'm used to its ever changing weather; thanks New England!
This evening I watched some low clouds roll in over the ridge and hover over the lake, eerie yet peaceful. I am trying to take every moment for what it worth because this experience is slipping from my grip before I can catch it! But if this month is any indication, I know I will be back here again. Alaska is in my blood now!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Grant Crew
For the past two days I've been working with the Grant Crew, it's the other trail crew here at DSP. This one is a lot smaller, just four guys and they're usually spiked out 8mi back on the ridge. Since it was a short week Chris had them clearing trees here in the front country and I tagged along. On Tuesday we cut and swamped trees at the compound to make the view a little clearer and then stacked all the rounds that Chris and I delivered last week. Today we hiked around the lake trail (a little over 5mi) and cleared all the wind fall that was in the trail corridor. I was the lucky one who got to lug the gas and bar oil; if I don' have shoulders like Hulk at the end of the summer i'll be surprised!
Today was very adventurous! On my hike in to meet the guys I was following fairly fresh moose tracks and by the end of the day we followed them around the entire lake, even found moose hair in a tree at one point! We also found bear scat less than a few hours old! We saw prints of a large grizzly as well as cub prints, still didn't see any bears though :(. I did get some great pictures of four trumpeter swans that nest on the lake and a juvenile bald eagle. It was the most wildlife I'd seen since my arrival! I am looking forward to seeing a lot more, especially a bear!
The dreary, rainy and cold weather has got me tuckered out. I will be sure to sleep well tonight! I am hoping to have a day or two off this weekend and will post all the pictures from this past week!
I almost forgot to report that I was woken up Tuesday morning at 3:15 am by an earthquake. Yes, a 4.2 earthquake, not something I am used to. This website shows all the recent earthquakes in Alaska. I am in what is considered the central region. http://www.aeic.alaska.edu/seis/recenteqs/index.html
I know there looks like a lot, but you don't feel anything less than about 3.6!
I know I always post pictures of Denali, but each time you see it, it's different!
Off to cuddle up in my 20 degree bag, sweet Alaska dreams, or probably good morning to most of you!
Today was very adventurous! On my hike in to meet the guys I was following fairly fresh moose tracks and by the end of the day we followed them around the entire lake, even found moose hair in a tree at one point! We also found bear scat less than a few hours old! We saw prints of a large grizzly as well as cub prints, still didn't see any bears though :(. I did get some great pictures of four trumpeter swans that nest on the lake and a juvenile bald eagle. It was the most wildlife I'd seen since my arrival! I am looking forward to seeing a lot more, especially a bear!
The dreary, rainy and cold weather has got me tuckered out. I will be sure to sleep well tonight! I am hoping to have a day or two off this weekend and will post all the pictures from this past week!
I almost forgot to report that I was woken up Tuesday morning at 3:15 am by an earthquake. Yes, a 4.2 earthquake, not something I am used to. This website shows all the recent earthquakes in Alaska. I am in what is considered the central region. http://www.aeic.alaska.edu/seis/recenteqs/index.html
I know there looks like a lot, but you don't feel anything less than about 3.6!
I know I always post pictures of Denali, but each time you see it, it's different!
Off to cuddle up in my 20 degree bag, sweet Alaska dreams, or probably good morning to most of you!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Spike camp
So today marks three weeks. And I'll say it again, it's going by wayyyyyyy too fast! On a brighter note the trail crews arrived at 0800 this morning and I joined them for their first day. I volunteered to help the FEMA Crew to pack out to spike camp. It's approx two miles from the trailhead. We packed out twice with 60+ lb packs! This girl is getting in shape and she loves it! Although I will say I was glad to get to come back and take a hot shower while they were spiked out for 8 days... To give you an idea of what's its like to pack out, it took 50min out and without packs on the way back it was 26min! The only thing that is sore tonight is my hip flexors, my field hockey girls know all about that ;). But I will be sure to update you on how in feeling tomorrow.
I received my third package today! Filled with goodies... Maine maple syrup, cheezits since they're $7 box out here, saltwater taffy, gaiters, laundry detergent, nutella and whiskey nips. Thanks mom!
My entertainment tonight came in the form of Jason Stewart, another natural resource tech up here, locking himself out of his truck where his pack was. He spends the entire 8 days in the field with the FEMA crew so we used a coat hanger to open his door only to find the keys weren't in there! Well at least he got his pack and was able to head to spike camp! He said he owed me a beer for my help... Mainly just a ride to the compound and back, but hey I'll take it!
I don't have many pictures from this last week so I'm going to hold off a little longer before posting those!
Here is a picture of spike camp upon first arrival before setup, and a picture of me after a 10hr day, phew!
I received my third package today! Filled with goodies... Maine maple syrup, cheezits since they're $7 box out here, saltwater taffy, gaiters, laundry detergent, nutella and whiskey nips. Thanks mom!
My entertainment tonight came in the form of Jason Stewart, another natural resource tech up here, locking himself out of his truck where his pack was. He spends the entire 8 days in the field with the FEMA crew so we used a coat hanger to open his door only to find the keys weren't in there! Well at least he got his pack and was able to head to spike camp! He said he owed me a beer for my help... Mainly just a ride to the compound and back, but hey I'll take it!
I don't have many pictures from this last week so I'm going to hold off a little longer before posting those!
Here is a picture of spike camp upon first arrival before setup, and a picture of me after a 10hr day, phew!
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Closing week three
This past week has been kind of slow, Jason is away on training and Chris has been preparing to launch the trail crews. I have just been pitching in when needed while also trying to stay out of the way. A little like dancing, which regrettably I'm not so good at! In the midst of all the craziness I have managed to get a pretty decent tan, the long days of sunlight are great for that. Around five pm, the sun is directly overhead and for the past two days it has been without too many clouds in the sky! I am soaking it up while I can because I hear Alaska weather is very unpredictable.
This afternoon the mountain was out and I was able to snap a few shots on my phone! It is said that she is only visible 20% of the time, so each time I can see the summit is special in its own way! Even the regulars don't let it pass by when the peak is present. I love that about them; nobody takes Alaska's beauty and wildness for granted, they all value it beyond belief.
Monday is going to be a busy day here at DSP. Two trail crews are launching, a hot shot team from the forest service is coming as well as FEMA reps and a Leave No Trace Master Educator Course. Word on the street is that I will be hanging around with the Grant Trail Crew, be looking out for stories about that!
As for now it's flip flops and shorts from Alaska...
I almost forgot to mention that there was the first bear sighting in the park. A black bear sow with last years cub, I've heard she is territorial! I didn't get to see her yet, but since the red salmon spawn in Byers lake I know i'll get my chance to see a few!
This afternoon the mountain was out and I was able to snap a few shots on my phone! It is said that she is only visible 20% of the time, so each time I can see the summit is special in its own way! Even the regulars don't let it pass by when the peak is present. I love that about them; nobody takes Alaska's beauty and wildness for granted, they all value it beyond belief.
Monday is going to be a busy day here at DSP. Two trail crews are launching, a hot shot team from the forest service is coming as well as FEMA reps and a Leave No Trace Master Educator Course. Word on the street is that I will be hanging around with the Grant Trail Crew, be looking out for stories about that!
As for now it's flip flops and shorts from Alaska...
I almost forgot to mention that there was the first bear sighting in the park. A black bear sow with last years cub, I've heard she is territorial! I didn't get to see her yet, but since the red salmon spawn in Byers lake I know i'll get my chance to see a few!
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