An unintended consequence of the goal is that we made it to all but one of the National Parks in Alaska, Glacier Bay being left out.
First up: Kenai Fjords
We made a quick day trip to the beach and really it was just a good excuse to try out the new bushwheels. I should have bought them sooner.
Did I mention the 1.5 year old. She came along too, usually willingly but occasionally kicking and screaming. The common theme: Rocks. Every. Single. One. I have gained a new appreciation for how much the 185 hauls.
Week 2
This particular weekend was an automobile based adventure.
Next up: Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley. Bonus points for Noatak Preserve.
This one has been on the list for years and it was worth the wait. I used the long Fourth of July weekend to take everyone camping north of the Arctic Circle. We had amazing weather and just an all around great time.
This is a fantastic (and huge) place for exploring.
The sun caused minor sleep issues for the child, she was very much like a roomba inside the 10x10 tent all night. She would roam from one wall to another, occasionally tripping (over my face) and getting stuck then making noises to indicate the error. We did our best to ignore it, but there’s only so much you can do when she pries your eyelids open.
I hauled fishing gear along and decided to try a very unlikely looking stream. It was worthwhile.
The sand dunes in Kobuk are a really unique experience. Boreal forest bumps right against what could pass for an Arizona desert environment.
Lake Clark
Port Alsworth is a great little town with nice folks. We stayed at a campground just off the end of the runway. Managed to get a little fishing and hiking in.
Bear Time: Katmai
I love fishing which drove me to Katmai a number of times this summer. People have been sharing fishing grounds with these bears for thousands of years.
My two rules of bear country are don’t surprise them and don’t run. I broke rule one once this summer and really got my heart pumping when she stood up and started popping her jaw ten yards away. I had to hold down a couple of people that tried to break rule two when we ended up between two sows with cubs. I love watching the bears interactions, and it always amazes me how little attention they pay us.
I enjoy playing fishing guide and had the opportunity to take my dad and brother out this year. My wife also chose Katmai for our anniversary get away.
Denali
I flew over, around and through a number of times, but only landed once this year. Denali NP is the reason I moved to Alaska. I worked three summers there during college.
Wrangell St. Elias
Certainly one of my favorite parks, and well covered on this site. Having cabins to stay in is a real treat.
We spent about 15 nights camping over all the trips. Watching my daughter grow up outside and doing these things with her is truly a highlight I never could have imagined. I have called it a victory, despite missing two weekends. This is certainly a tradition that will continue, but probably a bit less aggressively given the two page list of deferred maintenance that built up at home.
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Awesome. Thanks for sharing!
