Alaska 2016 [Archive] - Wilderness Survival Forums

1stimestar

02-10-2016, 06:23 PM

I'm still recovering so just going to copy and paste a bit here.

We are all home now. I've slept a full night (and half of the morning!) and my voice is coming back. I think I talked more in the last week then I have in the last month! I am so proud of the team we had this year. We always have a good group of people volunteering at the checkpoint but that is because Peter knew how to do that. I freely admit that having this great group of people was mostly good luck on my part. However it came about, I feel greatfull for all their hard work and dedication.
I really learned a lot. Thankfully of all the things I learned, none of them were painful lessons. I have big shoes to fill. Peter Kamper ran this checkpoint from back when it was a dog drop run with a ham radio operator and brought it into the age of telephones and internet and checkpoint status with mushers' drop bags. 20 years is a long time but I am thankful for the things he taught me.
Next year will be a bit easier because I will know how much coffee to bring and how many plates we'll need but I think gathering such a good crew will always be a challenge. I knew with in hours that I wanted these people back, working by my side, taking care of mushers, dogs, and each other.
I also want to thank Alex Olesen, Ryan Hughes, and Josh Mason our amazing logistics crew and the race judges who were happy to answer all my questions. I was afraid that I would miss something.
Figuring out and giving the mushers their differentials was exciting. That's never been done here before. When Doug first told me I would be doing it, I thought to myself, "He wants me to do math at 5 in the morning after no sleep?" Lol there were a few times I had someone check my math just to be sure I had gotten in correct.
All in all this was my most satisfying year yet. I am thankful for all the help I received and all the fun we had. I didn't have wifi through out the race so I couldn't upload photos as I unusually did. But other then that, I was an exciting, happy time. Thank you all for following along.

http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/newsminer.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/c6/9c6cf5aa-ce28-11e5-8e93-139778865400/56b82de84c775.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C740

http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/newsminer.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/a6/aa6b728a-ce28-11e5-94ba-0bb4a6c62d98/56b82dffc1571.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C879

http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/newsminer.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/8e/b8e9a9f8-ce28-11e5-be24-2b53ea531318/56b82e181a0b5.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800

http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/newsminer.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/2a/c2ac4996-ce28-11e5-9f58-ff771967d48a/56b82e28757ae.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C791

MILE 101 CHECKPOINT — Running a long-distance wilderness sled dog race like the Yukon Quest depends on temporary outposts like this one, which starts as little more than a roadside pullout on the Steese Highway.

Like the Two Rivers checkpoint earlier in the race, this normally desolate locale has played host to the Quest’s traveling circus of mushers, sled dogs, handlers, race officials, veterinarians, volunteers, reporters, photographers and other onlookers. Stops like these require more setup than even the smallest of towns along the 1,000-mile trail, with volunteers creating the necessary support out of nearly nothing, in the right places at the right time for cold and weary mushers taking a break from the trail.

At the Two Rivers checkpoint Saturday night, volunteers hauled sleds full of firewood to fill burn barrels around which others huddled under a clear, star-filled sky. The checkpoint is at a simple, snowy gravel pit more than 50 miles down Chena Hot Springs Road and consists of two Summit Logistics ATCO units powered by generators, an expedition-size tent from Horst Expediting and Remote Operations for mushers needing a nap, and a fenced-off dog yard to park the teams near drop bags, warm water and bales of straw.

Outside one of the units, race watchers kept a close eye on the standings on a whiteboard updated every 15 minutes or so by Naomi Hagelund and her fellow volunteers. Inside, crockpots kept chili hot next to other foodstuffs waiting for mushers.

Tasked with managing the dog yard, volunteer Thom Walker said it was his third or fourth year at the Two Rivers checkpoint after managing other checkpoints.

“We pull it off every year, when we have absolutely no facilities here,” Walker said. “We’re creating the facility.”

About 40 miles down the trail, mushers reached Mile 101, a possible layover stop where the bacon, eggs and halibut donated by Goldstream restaurant Ivory Jack’s are legendary.

Inside one of the small shacks at Mile 101 early Sunday, volunteers Dallas Dixon and Amanda Savage said they had been busy cooking for the previous 24 hours straight. They offered food and coffee to anyone who came in, and neither showed any sign of fatigue or slowing down.

Grabbing another handful of bacon to toss in the sizzling cast-iron skillet, Dixon said they were halfway through a 60-pound box.

“It’s a big deal,” Savage said. “They like their bacon.”

Norwegian musher Tore Albrigtsen, a Yukon Quest rookie, sat in the corner enjoying a plate full of eggs and bacon, talking and laughing with his friend and fellow Quest musher Torsten Kohnert, from Sweden.

“It’s a good breakfast,” Albrigtsen said in between bites.

Checkpoint manager Georganne Hampton — a longtime volunteer at Mile 101 who has taken the reins for her first year — credited its previous manager, Peter Kamper, with building up the location over the 20 years he ran it as a dog drop and then a checkpoint.

“It’s a little intimidating, because those are some pretty big shoes to fill,” Hampton said. “When your nice quiet little camp all of a sudden has 100-plus people in it, you just have to know in a few days it’ll be your nice quiet little camp again.”

Supplies and equipment did not start arriving until a few days before the race started. That included the requisite generators, and also propane tanks and firewood, among other things.

Planning began long before, though, when Hampton got a call in Sept. 12 letting her know she would be in charge of the checkpoint this year. She remembers the exact date, because it was the fourth anniversary of her husband’s death from cancer.

“I planned to mope around that day, and I got a call that morning, and it really helped turn that day around, because I was very happy to hear it,” Hampton said.

Hampton said Mile 101 holds a special place in her heart.

“The first time I came through as a handler, I fell in love with it,” she said. “It’s still my remote love.”

Plus, there’s the pride of being known for their great breakfasts.

“Definitely, this is the bacon stop,” she said. “When you’re cold tired and hungry, bacon is your answer.”

http://www.newsminer.com/mushing/yukon_quest/volunteers-make-remote-yukon-quest-checkpoints-possible/article_213cb0e2-ce4a-11e5-a26c-eb2ba89d704f.html

hunter63

02-10-2016, 06:42 PM

Very cool....Thanks for bring us along....
Get rested up yet?

crashdive123

02-10-2016, 08:33 PM

Outstanding!!!!!!!!!!

Rick

02-10-2016, 09:10 PM

Oh, man. I didn't get past the bacon. Hmmmmmm.

1stimestar

02-10-2016, 11:15 PM

Got a bit of rest but my voice is still pretty much gone. Oh well. Here's a nice news clip of us.

http://www.ktuu.com/news/news/yukon-quest-update-5pm-sunday-2716/37885244

hunter63

02-11-2016, 12:40 PM

Says Error, file not found.....

crashdive123

02-11-2016, 03:28 PM

The KTUU News vid came up for me.

1stimestar

02-13-2016, 07:18 AM

Dawson is the half way point and mushers have a 36 hour mandatory layover. It is the only point on the race that the handlers can help with the dogs. Each musher will have his/her own camp site in the city's camp park right out of town. This is where the handlers will take care of the dogs; feeding, massaging, and walking them, while the musher gets some much needed rest in the hotel.

This year they had to change the trail route a bit because of jumble ice on the Yukon River. They rerouted it to the Top of the World Highway. And by highway, we mean dirt road that is only open in the summer.

https://youtu.be/n3UWkfF73fQ

Don't worry, he'll be fine after some rest. He's probably only slept 3 hours in the last 36. His dogs looked good coming in.

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Photo by Marcel Vander Wier

ENTERING THE KLONDIKE – Yukon Quest musher Yuka Honda climbs the riverbank into Dawson City on Thursday. She arrived in eighth place.
Moose attack, blizzard cause havoc for mushers
The toughest sled dog race in the world is certainly living up to its billing this year.

By Marcel Vander Wier on February 12, 2016

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DAWSON CITY – The toughest sled dog race in the world is certainly living up to its billing this year.

Yukon Quest musher Thorsten Kohnert entered the race halfway point in Dawson City on Thursday, describing a brush with an angry bull moose along the trail.

The 44-year-old Swede and his 13 dogs entered the checkpoint at 5:44 a.m., holding down sixth place in the 1,600-kilometre sled dog race.

A massive bull moose provided Kohnert with a massive adrenaline rush near FortyMile, between Eagle, Alaska, and Dawson.

“A big bull charged right for the dogs, went by the whole team,” he recalled. “I could just have reached and touched him.

“I yelled at him and then he came towards me and by just a foot passed by the sled. … It was a pretty good wakeup call.”

Kohnert finished eighth in last yearʼs Yukon Quest. He trails fifth-place musher Ed Hopkins by more than 10 hours, and he acknowledged he may have lost his chance at cracking into the top five.

“Iʼm not sure if I can come in any striking distance to the top five, but weʼll see,” he said.

Kohnertʼs incident wasnʼt the only one causing a stir at the Dawson City checkpoint.

This morning, Red Lantern favourite Hank DeBruin scratched from the odyssey after being forced to turn back from American Summit due to blizzard-like conditions.

It wasnʼt the first incident the Haliburton, Ont., musher endured on the trail. Earlier, he dropped his eight-year-old lead dog, Charlie, after she came close to losing her life just outside Central, Alaska.

Despite using his SPOT tracker to request assistance, DeBruin was allowed to continue racing thanks to a special allowance granted to him by veteran race marshal Doug Grilliot.

Early this morning, the 53-year-old DeBruin turned back from American Summit after being forced to don his snowshoes to break trail ahead of his team.

“Basically they got to the top of American Summit around 4 a.m. and he said it was so bad, he couldnʼt see where he was going,” DeBruinʼs wife, Tanya McCready-DeBruin, told reporters in Dawson this morning.

“There was two feet of snow and he was breaking trail in front of the dogs for two miles and it just kept getting worse.

“He said: ʻThis is stupid. We have 80 miles to go.ʼ

“It was a blizzard,” said McCready-DeBruin. “He said it was snowing like a bugger and blowing hard. He said he couldnʼt see anything and it didnʼt make sense to keep going.”

DeBruin returned to the small fly-in community of Eagle in hopes of making another attempt after a rest, but ultimately decided to scratch due to gnarly trail conditions.

“Heʼs never scratched in 10 years of racing,” McCready-DeBruin said, noting her vote was that her husband withdraw. “Our teamʼs has had a lot of challenges.”

DeBruin is the second musher to scratch following a scratch, earlier in the race by J. Jay Levi of Durham, N.C.

Grilliot acknowledged racing at the back of the Yukon Quest is a difficult task.

“When youʼre back there by yourself without anybody going ahead of you … the trail can get blown in in 30 minutes,” he said.

“We canʼt have machines leaving in front of every team. Yeah, it makes life more difficult when youʼre travelling by yourself back there.”

Yukon musher Yuka Honda acknowledged tough conditions between Eagle and Dawson City after entering the Klondike in eighth place. The 43-year-old is the second-ranked Canadian behind Hopkins.

She said the fresh snow, combined with drifted-in trail, slowed her team of 10 dogs.

“Me and (Fox, Alaska musher) Mike Ellis broke trail with snow up to here,” Honda said, pointing to her knees. “Some parts were OK, but most parts … oh boy.”

Added race rookie Seth Barnes, currently ranked ninth: “Thatʼs what the Yukon Quest is about though, right? Some people might not like it, but I like it cause thereʼs snow. Itʼs not ice and rock and dirt.”

The 35-year-old Alaskan is mushing a young team for Iditarod legend Mitch Seavey.

Since race leader Brent Sass arrived at the race halfway point early Wednesday afternoon, mushers have continued to trickle into Dawson City.

Fairbanks musher Tony Angelo, 56, is now in the Red Lantern position, and remains a ways out of the Gold Rush town.

DAWSON CITY, Yukon — Middle-of-the-pack Yukon Quest mushers and their sled dogs battled blizzards and slogged through deep, fresh snow on their way here Thursday and Friday, testing teams and forcing another musher to scratch.

Add a moose that charged Torsten Kohnert’s team, and the 150 miles from Eagle to the 1,000-mile race’s halfway point have been the toughest so far.

RELATED:
Led by Sass, well-rested Yukon Quest leaders pull out of Dawson
The frontrunners missed the worst of the recent snowstorms. Defending champ and race leader Brent Sass of Eureka pulled out of Dawson City at 11:23 p.m. AST Thursday after a mandatory 36-hour layover. Two Rivers musher Allen Moore, the Quest’s winner in 2013 and 2014, left about two hours later, and Tok musher Hugh Neff, the 2012 champ, departed about 30 minutes after Moore, at 1:55 a.m. AST.

Rounding out the top five out of Dawson on Friday were Matt Hall, another Two Rivers musher originally from Eagle, and Ed Hopkins, the top Canadian.

There’s a gap of 10 hours between Hopkins and sixth-place Kohnert, who left Dawson at 4:44 p.m. AST Friday.

Kohnert, a Quest veteran from Sweden, avoided catastrophe and an angry moose near the Fortymile River.

“A big bull charged right for the dogs, went by the whole team, I could just have reached and touched him,” Kohnert told reporters after arriving in Dawson early Thursday morning. “I yelled at him and then he came towards me and by just a foot passed by the sled, so it was a pretty good wake up call.”

Veteran Ontario musher Hank DeBruin called it quits after leaving Eagle the day before and mushing up 3,420-foot American Summit, where he encountered snowdrifts, two feet of powder and blowing snow that robbed him of visibility, said his wife, Tanya McCready. DeBruin eventually turned his team around and headed back to Eagle.

“He said it was so bad, he couldn’t see where he was going,” McCready said. “He was breaking trail in front of the dogs for two miles, and he said it just kept getting worse.”

Healy musher Andrew Pace, a Quest rookie, spent hours hunkering down in a blizzard and struggling to find a capable lead dog in his team. Pace’s wife and kennel partner, Quest veteran Kristin Knight Pace, said he had already dropped their two main leaders — Norton at the Mile 101 checkpoint, and Solo in Eagle.

“He said he tried every single dog in lead,” she said. “It was pretty apparent that nobody was willing to continue into a whiteout without some leader that was going to drive them through it. So he just hung out and waited for the next person.”

That person turned out to be 19-year-old rookie Laura Neese of Michigan.

“He woke up and saw a light in the distance,” Kristin said. “She came up, and he said, ‘Hey, I have a bunch of really young dogs, and it’d be really nice if we could try following you into town. And she said, ‘No problem.’ He said she was super nice, didn’t make a big deal out of it and was really professional.”

She said Pace described Neese, the youngest musher in the race, as his “savior.”

Hours later, Rob Cooke and his team of Siberians arrived in Dawson. The Quest veteran, who lives in Whitehorse, also had difficulty finding a dog willing to lead his team.

“It’s been a long night. (I’m) a bit emotional,” Cooke said, fighting back tears. “The dogs have done really well. They’ve had a hard race.”

Cooke got choked up describing how he tried for hours to find a good leader combination and how he had to walk in front of them to keep moving.

“It was a pretty intense night, and it’s not one I want to go through again,” he said.

Cooke’s dogs appeared to have benefited from the breaks he was forced to take along the way to Dawson. When Cooke arrived, his wheel dog lurched forward and, with the others, pulled the sled a couple of feet from where it had been initially parked before Cooke reset his snow hook.

“You know, you can’t go through here, you’ve got to stay your 36 (hours),” race marshal Doug Grilliot joked. “Man they look good.”

But the exhausted musher was not sure if he would even continue from Dawson.

“I don’t know. I don’t know if there’s going to be a second half of the race,” he said. “I’ll see how I feel once I’ve had some sleep. This next section, to Pelly (Crossing) through the Black Hills, I know from last year that can be a quite difficult section.”

1stimestar

02-13-2016, 07:35 AM

Joe May was one of the first mushers to run this race over 30 years ago.

Joe May
15 hrs
A piece of little known Quest history and an often asked question - why Iditarod has a 24 hr. mandatory lay-over and the Quest has 36:
In Quest beginnings, the mandatory rest stop was 24 hours, just as is Iditarod. Then in 1986 the first half of the race was brutally cold, never warmer than -35 and often -50 or -55 at night. As harbinger of things to come, Bill Cotter and I crawled part way up Eagle Summit, on hands and knees, ahead of our dogs in a howling ground blizzard. The rest of the race, so to speak, was downhill from there. A last minute re-route from Central to Circle Hot Springs was hacked out hours ahead of the first team. The trail was a nightmare of 90 and 120 degree corners around and over stumps and down trees. An ice jam at Circle necessitated a 7 mile detour through a nearly impenetrable snarl of black spruce growth that Bruce Johnson christened “The Enchanted Forest. H. Sutherland stuck his sled between two trees so tight he had to chop it out with an ax. A dog cold-cocked itself in a head-on with a tree and was thought dead, got carried on a sled for miles, and when magically coming back to life...went back to work in the team. Miles of trail was completely gone, blown in, necessitating taking turns on snowshoes ahead of the dogs. The rule, as it was then, was that the trail would only be broken once...and that, a week prior to the race. We slept cold on the river...no firewood, no fire...at 40 and 50 below. The last night of a two day slog from Eagle to Dawson was in the midst of a storm of wind and snow and deadly wind chill. Out on the exposed river, having exhausted both human and dog food by the second night, unable to see the length of the team, afraid to stop and nearly unable to go, there was a very real fear for life. When eventually the leading convoy of 13 teams did reach Dawson, many mushers had incurred serious frostbite - five scratched immediately - others nursed frosted hands and feet for 24 hours in an effort to recover sufficiently to continue on.
After the race, at the post-race drivers meeting, I spoke and suggested a longer mandatory stop in Dawson, 36 hours, for the mutual benefit of dogs and mushers. Facetiously, I added that 24 hours wasn't long enough to “party” get some sleep, and sober up again to get out of town. It's somehow easier to laugh about misery when it's shared. Mine wasn't an exclusive sentiment. The vote, as I remember, was unanimous for future lay-overs to be 36 hours...

I pulled up to a campfire in Old Woman Pass beside Emmitt Peters, 700 miles into an early Iditarod, and tipped my sled on it's side (I'd thrown the snow hook away 500 miles back).
Ever competitive, Emmitt looked over at my sled and asked, “what you carrying besides mandatory” (that would have been snowshoes, axe, and a sleeping bag).
Being a smart-*** I replied, “a pair of socks”. He hesitated not a second and said, “ better get that trash out of the sled if you want to be competitive”....

1stimestar

02-18-2016, 05:45 AM

Still 6 mushers out on the trail. Keep watching till the end, some really good footage of Eagle Summit ascent and decent. I know more then one musher who has gone done it just that way..

I know it's a Facebook video, but more people are using FB then Youtube any more for these types of things. You should be able to watch it even if you don't have a FB account.

https://www.facebook.com/eualani/videos/10154578912169676/

1stimestar

02-18-2016, 05:48 AM

Just a good shot that shows how steep it is.

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/v/t1.0-9/1780660_3925735399786_1775159038_n.jpg?oh=a0227753 afa18c87f487dbb98249dbf3&oe=576CEDD8

1stimestar

02-19-2016, 01:37 AM

You know my friends Wayne and Scarlett who I go visit on the Yukon River every year? I also handled for Wayne in 2009, the last time he ran the Quest. Now his son ran it for the second time this year. Last time he won Rookie of the Year (first rookie to cross the finish line). Anyways, here is a story about Matt from this year's Quest.

Now that the last musher is enroute to the finish line and the 2016 Yukon Quest is coming to an end, we've had some time to reflect on some of the events that unfolded while Matt was on the trail. There are many epic stories from this years Quest, but one is especially memorable.

As Matt travelled down the Yukon River heading towards his hometown checkpoint of Eagle, he passed his family's homestead. With both Wayne & Scarlett being at the checkpoint to greet Matt, he didn't expect to see any activity on the hillside where he grew up. But little did he know that an old family friend and current guide for Bush Alaska Expeditions Dog Sled Tours, Matt Emslie, had just settled in for the night. As he was turning off the lamps to get some sleep right before dawn, he saw Hall's headlamp come around the bend on the river. So Emslie went out on the porch and whistled as loud as he could. Emslie said Hall's headlamp turned in his direction looking up on the ridge at the homestead and then Hall put his headlamp on strobe. So, Emslie ran inside, turned off the lights, ran back outside and put his headlamp on strobe as well. And then he lead all the dogs of Bush Alaska into a group song, with their howls echoing down to the river and welcoming Hall back home. There were 68 of them up there that morning.

Julie Emslie shared this story with Amanda a couple days later.

https://youtu.be/bWPIkB80YC4

Oh by the way, he won 4th place which is GREAT! 23 mushers started. 3 scratched, 1 was withdrawn, and 1 is still out on the trail.

1stimestar

03-03-2016, 06:09 PM

As I have just bought my 3rd 100 gallon delivery of heating fuel at $216, I can't say that I miss the cold. But I do, kind of. It has only gotten to -26 a few times. I have only had to plug my car in about 5 times this winter so my electric bill is liking it too. Normally I am on my 4th fuel delivery by this point. Hoping this one lasts me until early fall or until I move into my own little cabin in the woods sometime this summer!

This winter driest on record in Fairbanks
Weston Morrow, [email protected] 13 hrs ago (7)
Warm Weather
The Chena River flows by Pike's Landing on Wednesday, March 2, 2016. This has been the driest and the eighth warmest meteorological winter on record in Fairbanks.
http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/newsminer.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/a4/4a4a7ffa-e0e2-11e5-87c4-1fbdf3bdbc85/56d7985dcbc92.image.jpg

FAIRBANKS — The 2015-16 winter in Fairbanks was the driest ever recorded, and it wasn’t even close.

Technically, astronomical winter still reigns for another 18 days, but meteorologists measure winter’s length differently. Meteorological winter in the northern hemisphere runs from the beginning of December through the last day of February.

Even with the extra day of Feb. 29, the winter in Fairbanks was by far the driest since precipitation recording began 105 years ago. During the three-month period, the Fairbanks area received only 2.5 inches of snow, coming in well under the previous record holder. Prior to this year, the 1918-19 winter held the record for driest in Fairbanks with 4.9 inches of snow, nearly double this winter’s snowfall.

Nearly all of the snow accumulation in Fairbanks this year came prior to meteorological winter. Between September and November Fairbanks received near-record snowfall, and yet total snowfall accumulation by March 1 is slightly below normal.

Of the 52.6 inches of snowfall recorded in Fairbanks before March 1, 50.1 inches of it is more than three months old.

Not only has the 2015-16 winter been “remarkably” dry, according to the National Weather Service office in Fairbanks, it’s also been exceptionally warm. For just the second time since temperature recording began 109 years ago, Fairbanks did not experience a single day at or colder than 30-below zero.

On average, Fairbanks experiences 25 days at or colder than 30-below during each cold season. This year there were none. That doesn’t necessarily mean there won’t be any. March, on average, has two days where temperatures fall to 30-below. However, meteorologists with the National Weather Service are forecasting above normal temperatures in March. They’re also forecasting below normal precipitation.

Fairbanks wasn’t the only part of Alaska to experience a wild winter. Barrow, King Salmon and Sitka experienced the warmest winters on record. Juneau and Anchorage, which was notably forced to take snow by train from Fairbanks for the Iditarod, experienced its second warmest winter on record.

crashdive123

03-03-2016, 06:20 PM

Some of us consider -26 downright chilly........just sayin.

hunter63

03-03-2016, 06:29 PM

Been kinda mild here as well.......

The Keekee birds come out at -20 below, but haven't seen or heard any this year.

kyratshooter

03-03-2016, 07:20 PM

Wow! Kentucky had more snowfall than Alaska this February!

We got hammered a couple of times last month and are in the middle of an effort right at this moment.

crashdive123

03-03-2016, 09:02 PM

I just came inside. Still in shorts and flip flops, but had a fire in the pit to take the chill off........OK, maybe chill is a bit of an exaggeration.

1stimestar

03-08-2016, 10:48 PM

Lol you know you just like playing with fire Crash.

Hey I thought you all might be interested in this. You know my bush friends Wayne and Scarlet that I go visit every summer? Wayne is on a historical reenactment trip. "For the first time since 1905, a sledging expedition will retrace Amundsen’s route to find a telegraph to tell the world he had navigated through the North West Passage." They tried this once before and could not get through. So this is their second and probably last time ever to try this. From Herschel Island, Yukon Territories Canada, to Eagle, Alaska.

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/947034_10156548690560697_5915067565576626202_n.jpg ?oh=bf9d04c4f0218c0dc03083355b52b7f7&oe=575AC471

https://vimeo.com/149668581

Their expedition diary sounds down right miserable! http://inamundsensfootsteps.com/6th-march-2016/

http://inamundsensfootsteps.com/

1stimestar

03-12-2016, 06:47 PM

Sad dealings going on last night for Iditarod mushers Aily Zirkle and Jeff King. This page has the most complete news and videos all in one place.

http://www.ktva.com/jeff-king-aliy-zirkle-intentionally-attacked-outside-nulato-checkpoint-508/

Basically a drunk snow machiner attacked two separate teams and killed one dog and severly injured others.

Overnight, while on their way towards the Nulato checkpoint, the sled dog teams of Aliy Zirkle and Jeff King were attacked by a snowmachiner. Repeated, seemingly intentional collisions killed one sled dog from the team of Jeff King, a three-year-old male, Nash; three additional sled dogs (one from Zirkle’s team, two from King’s) received non-life-threatening injuries.

The Iditarod is our other 1000 mile dog sled race. It's much more advertised then the Yukon Quest and the purse is much larger as well.

ClayPick

03-12-2016, 07:28 PM

Arnold needs his *** kicked.

hunter63

03-12-2016, 08:13 PM

What a bass whole......

Rick

03-12-2016, 09:26 PM

Hopefully he gets enough quality time to sober up and think about the errors of his way. 7-10 should be just about right.

Grizz123

03-12-2016, 11:25 PM

Hopefully he gets enough quality time to sober up and think about the errors of his way. 7-10 should be just about right.

not long enough in my eyes

1stimestar

03-14-2016, 02:37 AM

I looked him up and he has a pretty long list of crimes, mostly alcohol related. Hope the jury sees that letting him off easy as has been done before, is just asking for him to escalate his crimes. But they judge says that they could even deem this an act of terrorism and that the prosecutor did not ask for enough bail.

http://www.ktva.com/judge-grants-50k-bail-for-snowmachiner-who-attacked-mushers-397/

1stimestar

03-14-2016, 05:27 AM

And on a happier note. From my friends Wayne and Scarlet about Wayne's expediton. Sounds like his foot got frostbite...

Talked to Wayne tonight and the team is doing well and moving along nicely. They have 20 miles of bad ice ahead of them tomorrow but after that things should be really nice.

Wayne's foot is improving and the other team members stay busy bandaging his toe which had had all the skin fall off of and he says looks like a piece of raw meat. But so far so good! He sounded much more perky and not nearly as stressed.

EXPEDITION DIARY
DAY 14 – Saturday 5th March
– 40ºC
We managed to make 15 miles today. As we left Sheep’s Creek we went straight into a class 4 rapid, the worst so far. A lot of broken and collapsed ice, my sledge and I fell partly into a sink hole with the rapids running underneath me.
It took 3 people to move each sledge with ropes and pulleys almost vertically up the collapsed ice slopes of the rapids. We are exhausted, it took us 2 hours to get through. The dogs are very tired and hate the overflow, so if you sledge too near the edge, they try to climb out of the wet onto the bank.
We left the river twice to avoid a lot of bad overflow which held us back all day. We made very slow progress till about 3.30pm, then we made the rest of the miles to Joe Creek, which is a beautiful place. We had a very cold night.

DAY 15 – Sunday 6th Feb
– 40ºC Sunny
It takes about 3 ½ hours from waking to get going, feeding the dogs and ourselves, breaking camp etc. Hitting ice off the sledges takes about ¾ hour, and it takes at least 10 mins to get each boot on because they are frozen solid, and have to be defrosted over the Primus stove.
Finally we set off and straight away we got into heavy overflow; this continued all day except for when we left the river, but then we were into deep snow so that made very slow progress as well.
We are now out of the canyon so no more collapsed ice and no more tricky elevation changes. The countryside is getting wider with the mountains set further back. We made slow progress all day, only making 14 miles.
DAY 16 – Monday 7th March
– 45ºC Suddenly very cold last night
At last we had a really good run, making the 22 miles to the border. We crossed an ice field, which is a massive lake all frozen solid. Lots of cracking and groaning in the ice under us as we sledged along, which is always worrying as you don’t want to go through and get wet!
On the border we ran into a lot of willow trees and deep snow. It took 2 ½ hours to make the last 2 miles but we finally made the border.

DAY 17 – Tuesday 8th March
We met up with Earl Rolf who had come up from the south and spent the day re-supplying from the air drop, fixing stuff and checking over the dogs.
DAY 18 – Wednesday 9th March
Today we are going up into the mountains, 26 miles straight uphill, and we will camp on the top. Now that we are more southerly trees are beginning to grow and we can use firewood, but as we get into higher elevations the trees stop growing. It will be a two day run up the mountain till we can get more firewood, so we are taking a bit with us. It is 52 miles to the top of Lewis Creek. It has clouded over with a bit of snow now.
We want to push on as hard as we can as I am worried about the condition of the Yukon River when we get to it.

http://inamundsensfootsteps.com/blog/

1stimestar

03-14-2016, 05:53 AM

Gears are in motion and I will be your "neighbor" sometime later this year, that is if my barge doesn't sink. Also need to find a job but that is lower down the list

Hey Grizz, did I not see this before? Where/when are you coming? If it's in the interior, I can help. Don't know the job market in Anchorage other then the whole state is in a budget crises right now so if you don't have a pretty highly marketable skill set, better bring enough money with you to get out.

1stimestar

03-15-2016, 11:08 PM

Rick

03-16-2016, 05:25 AM

There was a very short URL in the vid code. I'm not sure where you pulled the URL from or why it only pasted the short URL. I pasted the full URL and it shows up. Might be a browser thing. I'm using Chrome. Make sure the =youtube.XX portion is on the end of the URL you cut and paste.

1stimestar

03-16-2016, 04:06 PM

Thanks Ric. I use the "share" link.

Solar Geek

03-17-2016, 01:44 PM

Oh I don't think you've seen this one yet. It's amazing as always. Ronn does such a good job.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHpuKlRggTk&feature=youtu.be

Why do my videos only show up as links any more?

Oh my gosh 1stimestar! Thank you so much. I traced it to Youtube to see who Jo Blankenburg is and boy is he talented as a musician. I am currently listening to his hour long "heroic epic music" Youtube. I sent both yours and the one I am listening to to my 2 DDs and they will love them and the pictures on each.

This is some of my favorite type of daytime music as it inspires me to get MOVING! ON that note, thanks again, hope to see the NLs some night and I am off....!

Pennsylvania Mike

03-17-2016, 02:05 PM

Thanks so much for the video 1stimestar that was great, I really enjoyed it.

ClayPick

03-18-2016, 07:27 AM

You can pick out a lot of constellations above the Aurora. Wonderfull!

hunter63

03-18-2016, 11:58 AM

Great show ........thanks for posting.

crashdive123

03-18-2016, 05:52 PM

Yep, another awesome show.

1stimestar

03-19-2016, 11:42 PM

Yes if you get a pedicure around my house, and there is fresh snow on the ground, you MUST do this.

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlp1/v/t1.0-9/12832295_10156607770330697_6111074208927259302_n.j pg?oh=d69c3232fff4bb9443ad5aaefff06903&oe=574DEE5B

crashdive123

03-20-2016, 08:39 AM

White sandy beaches are soooooooooo much more relaxing. Just sayin.

Rick

03-20-2016, 10:35 AM

This little piggy went to market...with a parka, snowshoes, hand warmers, wool socks........

Grizz123

03-23-2016, 07:51 AM

Grizz123

03-23-2016, 07:54 AM

Hey Grizz, did I not see this before? Where/when are you coming? If it's in the interior, I can help. Don't know the job market in Anchorage other then the whole state is in a budget crises right now so if you don't have a pretty highly marketable skill set, better bring enough money with you to get out.

PM coming soon

1stimestar

03-25-2016, 09:46 PM

If you've been following my friends' epic historical reenactment expedition "In Amundson's Footsteps" thought you might like to know that they stayed with Heimo a few days ago.
http://inamundsensfootsteps.com/17th-march-2016/

1stimestar

03-28-2016, 05:47 AM

Going through some older pictures looking for a specific one and ran across this. Thought you all might like it.

https://scontent.fsjc1-3.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/10665108_10154556471980697_4298830363734088281_n.j pg?oh=d7b7829435a20671273899d047faa98f&oe=5779F57A

crashdive123

03-28-2016, 06:08 AM

Beautiful picture.

Pennsylvania Mike

03-28-2016, 08:32 AM

That is a beautiful picture, when you look at it, you get the sensation of looking at a 3D picture, the mountains in the back go from white (snow covered) to grey, to a sort of black in the middle, then to brown.

1stimestar

03-29-2016, 12:14 AM

Are you guys even hearing about this on your news down there?

http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/newsminer.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/af/8afaf22c-7bca-5fc8-b2bc-a7107a158c01/56f9b777331a1.image.jpg

http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/newsminer.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/5d/f5dbef2a-f4f1-11e5-be7c-5b25f24e481b/56f940c773e85.image.jpg
http://www.newsminer.com/news/local_news/volcano-eruption-disrupts-fairbanks-flights-duration-unknown/article_27ab455c-f554-11e5-9c7a-e3fcdd361268.html

Alaska Airlines cancels Fairbanks flights due to volcano eruption
Dan Joling, Associated Press Updated 44 min ago (1)

Updated 4:32 p.m.: FAIRBANKS—Volcanic ash from the eruption of Pavlof Volcano has prompted Alaska Airlines to cancel all flights to and from Fairbanks for the remainder of the day.

The airline cancelled 41 flights to and from six northern Alaska destinations, according to a news release on the company's website this afternoon.

"It looks like were done for the day," Alaska Airline Vice President Marilyn Romano said by phone.

Romano said the airline would continue to monitor the situation and had not yet decided whether to cancel any Tuesday flights.

Fairbanks International Airport spokeswoman Angie Spear urged passengers who may be affected by cancellations to contact their carrier about individual flights. Spear said the airport is working with airlines, tour companies, Explore Fairbanks and local hotels to make sure those on cancelled flights have accommodations for the night.

"We don't have any stranded customers," Spear said.

Pavlof began erupting unexpectedly at about 4 p.m. Sunday. The ash plume, which traveled north from the volcano's location on the Alaska Peninsula and extended "very close to Fairbanks," appears to be between 20,000 to 30,000 feet in altitude, according to Don Moore, the meteorologist in charge at the Alaska Aviation Weather Unit and Volcanic Ash Advisory Center in Anchorage.

Moore said the ash has been moving northeast this afternoon and then dissipating as it heads into Canada.

Moore said it's difficult to predict how long the eruption will continue but there was "some information to suggest the eruption has started to wane in the last several hours."

—News-Miner staff writer Dorothy Chomicz. Contact her at 459-7582. Follow her on Twitter: @FDNMcrime.

Updated 3:56 p.m.: Alaska Airlines has canceled 41 flights, including all flights to and from Fairbanks, because of the ash cloud from the eruption of Pavlof volcano on the Alaska Peninsula.

The ash cloud is moving to the north at 75 mph from the volcano, which is 600 miles southwest of Anchorage. The canceled flights also include those to Barrow, Bethel, Nome, Kotzebue and Prudhoe Bay and affect 3,300 passengers. Unaccompanied minors and pets traveling as cargo have also been embargoed until weather conditions improve.

Alaska Airlines will assess weather conditions after daylight on Tuesday to determine whether flights will resume.

Updated 3:45 p.m.: Flights to an from Fairbanks have also been canceled. This will be updated.

Updated 3 p.m.: The National Weather Service has issued a weather bulletin warning Alaska residents who live in the region of the Pavlof Volcano that ash may fall on their communities if the wind direction shifts as expected.

The bullet was in effect through early Monday night for Cold Bay, Sand Point and Nelson Lagoon.

The communities are north and east of Pavlof Volcano, which erupted Sunday and continued sending ash into the air Monday.

The weather service says the communities could see an accumulation of less than one-tenth of an inch of ash.

Volcanic ash is angular and sharp and can injure skin, eyes and breathing passages. The ash also can damage electronic devices and vehicle engines.

12 p.m.: ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Strong winds Monday pushed an ash cloud from an Alaska volcano into the heart of the state, grounding flights and limiting travel to western and northern communities off the road system.

Pavlof Volcano, one of Alaska's most active volcanoes, is 625 miles southwest of Anchorage on the Alaska Peninsula, the finger of land that sticks out from mainland Alaska toward the Aleutian Islands.

The volcano in the 8,261-foot mountain erupted about 4 p.m. Sunday, spitting out an ash cloud that rose to 20,000 feet.

Lightning over the mountain and pressure sensors indicated eruptions continued overnight By 7 a.m. Monday, the ash cloud had risen to 37,000 feet and winds to 50 mph or more had stretched it over more than 400 miles into interior Alaska.

"It's right in the wheelhouse of a lot of flights crisscrossing Alaska," said geologist Chris Waythomas, of the U.S. Geological Survey, part of the Alaska Volcano Observatory, along with the University of Alaska and the state Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys.

Alaska Airlines before noon cancelled 20 flights affecting about 1,300 customers heading to Bethel, Kotzebue, Nome, Barrow and Deadhorse, spokeswoman Bobbie Egan said.

No flights to Anchorage or Fairbanks had been canceled, but Egan said the company was closely monitoring the Fairbanks route.

Volcanic ash is angular and sharp and has been used as an industrial abrasive. The powdered rock can cause a jet engine to shut down. USGS geologists have compared it to flying into a sand blaster.

An eruption of Mount Redoubt in December 1989 sent out an ash cloud 150 miles that flamed out the jet engines of a KLM flight carrying 231 passengers to Anchorage. The jet dropped more than two miles before pilots were able to restart the engines and land safely.

"We just simply will not fly when ash is present," Egan said.

Waythomas had received no reports of ash falling in communities. The closest community, Cold Bay, is 37 miles southwest of the volcano, opposite of where the wind was blowing ash.

Geologists call Pavlof an open-system volcano, Waythomas said.

"The pathways that magma follows to the surface are pretty open in a volcanological sense," Waythomas said. "They can convey magma and gas very easily. Magmas can move to the surface whenever they feel like it, more or less."

The movement comes with little shaking of the ground, and the lack of earthquakes as an early warning of an eruption "makes us go crazy monitoring them," Waythomas said.

The volcano, about 4.4 miles in diameter, has had 40 known eruptions. Its conical, nearly symmetrical shape indicates its eruptions tend to be less violent than the kind that blows tops off mountains.

"It can erupt for periods of hours to days or it can go on for much longer periods of time," Waythomas said. "It won't erupt continuously for many months or a year. It will be intermittent. But the eruption cycle could go on for a while, or it could abruptly shut off and be done tomorrow."

The USGS raised the volcano alert to its highest level, which warns of hazards both in the air and on the ground.
http://www.newsminer.com/news/alaska_news/alaska-volcano-ash-cloud-covers-miles-cancels-flights/article_77736375-7250-5827-a135-1f0a79d0b7d7.html

hunter63

03-29-2016, 01:15 AM

Yeah, been on the news....
When y'all do something up there, y'all don't fool around.....everything done in a BIG way....
WOW

WalkingTree

03-29-2016, 01:31 AM

Dagnabit. Your Alaska stuff always just makes me think of a fantasy of mine. One of those when-I-win-the-lottery fantasies. Don't know how practical it'd be or how I could go about actually doing it realistically. But that's beside the point. Thought long ago of starting a thread on it for pure curiosity just to get the kind of feedback that only this crowd could provide (the details of how it could be feasible), to use the scenario as a vehicle through which to learn some stuff related to such a thing...

...I'm trekking through some part of the interior/taiga/boreal, from early spring to late fall, with maybe about 3 companions and some kind of beast-of-burden. There would be 5 big unbreakable rules 1) We're not trying to get anywhere by a certain time. Hiking speed is always irrelevant. Lots of time would even be spent just standing or sitting. 2) The general route chosen would be with the intention of not encountering other people or any sign of previous presence of anyone else. The idea is to feel as much as possible the total wildness and as if no one else had ever been there before. 3) Practically no talking. Ever. Every minute for 6 months or so. There would be a protocol for abbreviated whispers and signals when communication is necessary. 4) It is done on foot. Nothing motorized, and no horse-riding. A beast of burden maybe for minimal equipment (since I'm 'rich' in this fantasy, this involves occasional visits via plane) 5) All equipment, clothing, and material, etc, must have no loud colors or modern appearance - subconsciously, to be conducive to forgetting any connection to where we've come from and notice only where we are.

1stimestar

03-29-2016, 02:06 AM

Why not by yourself since you want minimal talking? And if you are going to have supports such as food drops, you don't need the beast of burden. This is totally doable. There are places here to get away like that, especially if you have enough money to arrange food drops. Hiking for 3 months with out running into people and still have trees to build a fire, would mean the northern part of the interior. If you are out there for some time though, you WILL run into Fish and Game and they will be checking to see what you've been eating and if you have a license for that (hunting, fishing). They spend months in the bush at a time and have air support...

Edited to add, a beast would be at real risk of a broken leg. Tundra and tussucks are difficult to walk on, some times more then others.

1stimestar

03-29-2016, 02:29 AM

https://youtu.be/IHXK9jrT5w8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHXK9jrT5w8

WalkingTree

03-29-2016, 04:01 AM

1stimestar:

Yea, I hadn't made up my mind about several features of my idea - if I ever had the opportunity to come upon such a bridge, I'd spend a lot of time in that area hanging out with various folks to figure out exactly how to cross the aforementioned bridge.

I've foreseen problems and extra complications with having a beast of burden, including what you've mentioned. Yet I'd need some stuff with me, and part of the experience-requirements is that I don't lug around 100 pounds on my shoulders every day for months. I'm thinking of the fact that we'll need something with us to address bad weather; a bear gets too curious; being able to be completely unconscious at night for hours at a time and not be completely helpless to said bear; cooking; some kind of walky talky & GPS ability; Hunting and fishing gear; etc. Also I don't want to leave a single bit of trash, so every ounce of whatever we take, and food and water, would be planned/designed according to this.

If I had my druthers, there would be almost no plane visits at all. For 6 months or so. And when there is and it doesn't need to or can't land, I'd even prefer that it stay high and not come in very low with it's noise, and we'd just have to chase after whatever it dropped. I only consider some plane visits because of these things. We'd either have to have some way of any material that is left over (trash/waste) is burned or decomposes quickly, or have it taken away by the plane.

But a lot of this is just from my ignorance of what the laws are concerning hunting/fishing, fires, camp building (but I'd want some method of making and breaking camp in less than 30 minutes every day, day after day, and still addressing challenging weather at night), and my ignorance/lack of experience with that world in Alaska and what it'd really be like...I feel that no matter what, I would design in the ability to call in assistance and supply, and them be able to find us without much trouble. I feel that no matter what, I'd find out that I might not be able to stay completely out of contact for 6 months straight non stop.

I wouldn't want to do it completely by myself because that just doesn't seem very smart. Considering all of the factors of how I'd want to do this. I think that also I was unconsciously playing with the idea of spreading out what we do take with us among everyone, so that no one has to carry much, but we have no beast of burden yet have what we need (with some redundancy in some respects). And...remembering that I'm magically rich...they are there so that they do most of the carrying and I don't :blush: . The "no talking" rule I just don't think would be a problem, and don't think that I'd need to do it alone in order to maintain that mood. I don't think that it'd be too hard to find the type of people who understand what I'm shooting for and love the idea of hiking like that in that kind of area with no conversation.

But anywho...again, If I were ever to have this opportunity, I'd expect for lots of my initial ideas of how I think it needs to be done to change once I learn from people in the area and put together a real plan. Maybe just for the fun of it I should start a thread on this and see where it goes instead of hijack this one?

1stimestar

03-29-2016, 04:45 AM

1stimestar:

But anywho...again, If I were ever to have this opportunity, I'd expect for lots of my initial ideas of how I think it needs to be done to change once I learn from people in the area and put together a real plan. Maybe just for the fun of it I should start a thread on this and see where it goes instead of hijack this one?

Here you go: http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?28214-Walking-Tree-s-Magical-Adventure&p=480728#post480728

Rick

03-29-2016, 06:19 AM

I don't lug around 100 pounds on my shoulders every day for months.

You can do it you just have to work your way up to it. I started this morning with a cup of coffee. Before you know it I'll be up to a Danish (the pastry not the people) and then two bacon sandwiches. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a good meal. The other option, of course, is a jeep.

WalkingTree

03-29-2016, 05:22 PM

^ Oh, and that's another thing. I'd have to have my coffee ritual every morning. And that alone creates logistical problems. I don't see ordering a plane constantly for coffee and Danish.

I can see solving the supply problem by just hunting and fishing all the time...just don't know about the laws of that. But coffee...can't hunt coffee. And I don't know if things like chicory are growing everywhere up there. probably not.

1stimestar

03-29-2016, 07:22 PM

Hunting and fishing laws are strictly enforced. Like I said, you WILL see Fish and Game out there. Bring your coffee. It's one of the must haves. Danishes, not so much.

1stimestar

03-31-2016, 02:41 PM

These amazing men and dogs arrived at Eagle Community School yesterday afternoon when they completed their 700 mile journey from Herschel Island to Eagle. They retraced Roald Amundsen's route when he came to Eagle in 1905 in search of a telegraph to announce to the world that he had successfully navigated the Northwest Passage. No one had accomplished this feat since 1905 . . . until yesterday. So thankful that our school was part of this phenomenal adventure and global project. Thank you to: Wayne Hall, Tim Oakley, Graham Burke, Earl Rolf and, of course, the dogs.

My poor hubby and this is almost a month after he froze them. Ouch!

The guys lost a total of 80 pounds and 1 dog actually gained weight.

https://scontent-sjc2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlf1/v/t1.0-9/12928247_982055268508947_5987055990628771804_n.jpg ?oh=2ce983ede6d404333d9e8bbd5a861e68&oe=57941AFE

http://inamundsensfootsteps.com/29th-march-2016/

Rick

03-31-2016, 03:25 PM

I just threw up a little in my mouth.

WalkingTree

03-31-2016, 06:39 PM

Oooh. Yikes. I always considered my footwear to be very important. I put almost as much thought into that as I do all other articles of clothing combined. Kinda hard though I guess when things are so cold. They make battery powered warmer boots?

"...change your socks whenever we stop." - Lt. Dan

hunter63

03-31-2016, 07:26 PM

....................... They make battery powered warmer boots?

They suck.....and you can't carry enough batteries.....LOL

1stimestar

04-01-2016, 01:41 AM

Wayne is a professional dog musher. He lives off the road system in the bush on the Yukon River and does dog mushing expeditions for a living. He has good boots. He knows how to keep safe. But this just goes to show you, it can happen to anyone, even the most experienced and knowledgeable. This expedition was 700 miles long with minimal, and I mean minimal outside support since they were retracing Amundsen's trip and had gotten a grant with specific requirements to keep it as close to his original trip as possible. Remember, trees don't grow on the North Slope.

I think this was when it happened:

DAY 10 – Tuesday 1st March
– 25ºC

The wind dropped in the night but it snowed all day till about 3.00pm, visibility was very poor. We set off and I used a compass bearing to correct our direction to get to the Firth mouth. It is always a bit hairy just going on a compass bearing, as you don’t know where you are, but anyway we found the mouth of the Firth and just as we could see it in the distance Graham’s sledge handle broke, that took ½ an hour to fix.

We had a good run on frozen overflow and glare ice (hard ice) the dogs sliding around and the sledges all over the place, but then we hit some really bad overflow for 2 hours, up to our knees in water. My sledge got turned over into the water, everything got wet but we managed to move on through the overflow and then we camped about 20 mins later by the side of the river which was a slightly elevated point a couple of feet above it. The overflow was coming down river as well and was creeping towards us getting to within 1 ½ m of our camp and dogs!
Cold, wet and very miserable, everything soaking, we had no fire or water.

DAY 12 – Thursday 3rd March

We set off, it takes about 3 hours to break camp. We came across a lot of hollow ice, then we had a very good run on flat ice to Sheeps Creek, the ice breaking, cracking and groaning under us was a bit alarming! The hollow ice is a real problem, it is where there is a hole in the ice to the running river and rapids underneath, it took us 3 hours to get through. We had been wet since Tuesday and by Thursday, after three very hard days, we were exhausted and dangerously cold.

DAY 13 – Friday 4th March

We had a beautiful run down to Sheeps Creek where there is a rangers hut. Our boots and clothes were still soaking wet so we stayed here for 24 hours to dry out. The only heat we had in the hut was our little Primus stoves which heat the water for our food and drink, and for the dogs. The boots took a whole night to unfreeze. You have to hold the frozen boot over the Primus stove for five mins just to be able to melt the ice enough to get the liner out. We used bin liners over our socks to keep them reasonably dry.

Sheeps Creek is staggering beautiful. Suddenly the dogs started howling then stopped and across the valley wolves howled back.

http://inamundsensfootsteps.com/6th-march-2016/

WalkingTree

04-01-2016, 05:38 PM

Electrical warmer boots -

I was thinking why wouldn't they run a line up your legs to batteries on your waist or in a pack...then I thought it still wouldn't do the trick. Be too bulky, and/or still wouldn't last long enough. Would end up being a PITA.

So then I thought...aren't there little gadgets now which generate a charge from simple movement, like back-and-forth movements of the body in some ways? The charge probably is miniscule, and something in some boots making a charge from your footsteps would also not be much...but I wonder if just a little bit would be good enough in combination with good/insulated boots - just that extra little bit to take the edge off that often makes the difference, even if not in all situations.

1stimestar - Personally, stuff like making trips to the north pole or Amundsen's in the 'old days' is something that I never could comprehend. Seems impossible. Way too cold, for so long, mercilessly. There even seems to be something wrong to me in movies where people fall through ice and end up in water in the middle of winter or in polar regions yet somehow are able to move around and live. I feel I'd be dead or might-as-well-be within one minute of getting completely soaked like that in the movies.

People who pull that off (the expeditions) are a combination of magical and crazy to me. They got some big ones. However much I like the outdoors, and can embrace the elements to some extent, I don't ever want to take a long low-tech trip in the cold and winds that one finds further north or south. No siree, not for me. (Of course that's why I was wondering about walking Alaska)

1stimestar

04-01-2016, 06:06 PM

Any type of electrical warmer would not have been allowed plus they wouldn't have survived the several hours slog through open water. I fell through the ice once when mushing in late spring. Water was just up to my knees and it was comparatively "warm" but still got the ol' adrenaline pumping. Didn't know how deep the water was there. Had to help the dogs get the sled out of the hole we broke through too. Scary for a few minutes. I'll ask and see if my friends have pictures of that and if they can find them.

1stimestar

04-08-2016, 12:14 AM

Yep, here they come.

Warm Alaska spring might be waking bears up early; grizzly spotted in Fairbanks
Associated Press Updated 4 hrs ago (0)
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Warm temperatures across Alaska might be getting bears out of their dens early.

Bear sightings have been reported all across the state, including a grizzly in the Fairbanks area this week. The grizzly was seen off Nordale Road, said Jesse Dunshie, with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

State wildlife officials say black bears have been sighted in several parts of Anchorage. There also have been sightings of brown bear sows and yearling cubs in Kodiak, something that doesn't usually happen until later in the spring.

Given the early sightings, officials are urging Alaskans to take down bird feeders and clean up any seed, trash or pet food that has been left out over the winter. Poultry and small livestock owners should secure their animals behind electric fences, and garbage bins should be put away.

Officials say feeding bears, even unintentionally, is illegal and can result in fines.

http://www.newsminer.com/news/alaska_news/warm-alaska-spring-might-be-waking-bears-up-early-grizzly/article_56e97df4-fd13-11e5-8ccc-07d934a1eff0.html

kyratshooter

04-08-2016, 02:23 PM

Put that picture in your "reality tv" casting call and see how many volunteers you get!

Most to the participants in that trek will suffer aftereffects for the rest of their lives.

"Survival" does not guarantee you get to keep all your fingers and toes.

1stimestar

04-13-2016, 06:46 AM

Eh season's almost over as it is staying light later and getting light pretty early already so since I was up at 1, thought I'd go out and try to get some aurora shots. Not much activity. Finally broke my tripod though so bleh.

https://scontent-sjc2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12990865_10156737612530697_3795198606239057776_n.j pg?oh=2586fe5c2bb100ec840bbb0f296b9300&oe=5773652C

https://scontent-sjc2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13015588_10156737612525697_2968567920364001544_n.j pg?oh=c32940501d75cc39f1025a615d9a1330&oe=5780723D

https://scontent-sjc2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13012613_10156737612535697_7547537170146701866_n.j pg?oh=6036e33db7250bed6d608b0cd8bfdf8f&oe=5774AE35

https://scontent-sjc2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13015096_10156737612600697_5240361403319822526_n.j pg?oh=6d2d9e4fa0eb95f74560917d7d686f73&oe=57B65D56

https://scontent-sjc2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13007189_10156737612605697_6324604599339967812_n.j pg?oh=fa7d2a201aadfda944efee708c7d9a90&oe=57720915

https://scontent-sjc2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12963531_10156737612610697_3229730732651587603_n.j pg?oh=214c220ec983766fa11c6555e89eb8c5&oe=57AF6369

hunter63

04-13-2016, 12:29 PM

At least it was a clear night....nice pic's....
Been cloudy and nasty....sure could use some sunshine.
How many months do y'all have to go through with out any sun light?

1stimestar

04-13-2016, 01:51 PM

Well we are speeding towards our 24 hours of sunlight now but in the depths of winter we get about 3 hours of sunlight with a twilight on both sides.

Apr. 13, 2016 Rise Set

Actual Time 6:20 AM AKDT 9:23 PM AKDT

Civil Twilight 5:24 AM AKDT 10:21 PM AKDT

Nautical Twilight 4:00 AM AKDT 11:46 PM AKDT

Astronomical Twilight 2:23 AM AKDT 1:18 AM AKDT

Length of Visible Light 16h 56m
Length of Day
15h 03m
Tomorrow will be 6m52s longer.

1stimestar

04-18-2016, 02:06 AM

Yep, here we go. Not much info yet.

Alaska News
Man mauled by bear near Denali Highway
Michelle Theriault Boots
April 17, 2016

A man was flown to a hospital Friday after being mauled by a bear near the Denali Highway, the Alaska State Troopers said Sunday.

Troopers were not releasing details such as the man's name or the severity of his injuries as of Sunday afternoon, according to troopers spokesman Tim DeSpain.

The man and at least one companion were in an area near Mile 68 of the Denali Highway on Friday when the attack happened. The circumstances of the mauling were not clear Sunday, but DeSpain said they may have been hunting.

The injured man was taken to the highway by snow machine, DeSpain said. A LifeMed helicopter flew him to further medical treatment.

A wildlife trooper was traveling to the area Saturday to investigate.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

http://www.adn.com/article/20160417/man-mauled-bear-near-denali-highway?utm_source=Alaska+Dispatch&utm_campaign=d0f2a8cfd9-mailchimp_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0facd10a14-d0f2a8cfd9-246859505

crashdive123

04-18-2016, 05:28 AM

Looks like the two men may have not been the only ones hunting.

1stimestar

04-18-2016, 11:11 PM

Second mauling in 4 days. Yea they wake up cranky.

FAIRBANKS—Two Alaska men have been mauled by bears in the last four days, according to Alaska State Troopers.

Forest Wagner, 35, of Fairbanks, was airlifted off of Mount Emmerich near Kicking Horse River on Monday after troopers received a report of a bear mauling at about 11:50 a.m.

Wagner was reportedly with a dozen University of Alaska Southeast students taking a mountaineering course when he was mauled, according to a trooper news release. Another student hiked down the mountain to get cellphone reception and called for help.

Wagner was taken by LifeMed helicopter to Anchorage for treatment.

The bear was sighted again after the attack, and UAS arranged for the remaining students to be taken off the mountain, according to the release.

Wagner's condition is unknown at this time. His next of kin have been notified.

A 77-year-old man Wasilla man was seriously injured after he was mauled by a grizzly bear near the Denali Highway on Friday, according to troopers.

Glenn Bohn, of Wasilla, was bear hunting with a companion near mile 68 when the attack occurred. The companion notified troopers at about 1:30 p.m. and drove Bohn by snowmachine to the Denali Highway. Bohn was then flown by LifeMed to Anchorage for treatment.

No further information about the extent of Bohn's injuries is available at this time.

Bohn's hunting companion killed the bear after the attack, according to a trooper news release. Alaska Department of Fish and Game personnel, wildlife troopers and friends of Bohn returned to the scene on Saturday and harvested the bear.

http://www.newsminer.com/news/local_news/fairbanks-man-mauled-by-bear-in-southeast-alaska-another-attacked/article_10807406-05a8-11e6-80bb-63bf24be72dc.html

1stimestar

04-19-2016, 11:37 AM

Hey Walking Tree, this might be of special interest to you.

https://vimeo.com/19731783

WalkingTree

04-20-2016, 12:50 AM

1stimestar ^

Thanks. Mmmm....

I wanna see thunderstorms in those kinds of wide horizons. Like out in the wide desert skies I'm sure.

Brooks Range. Hhmm. I assumed I'd prefer the interior. Out of mountains more. Maybe not as cold or rough weather (?). Would miss the trees here though too. Seems more flora along the interior. But I can see, as I figured anyway, that I can't know such details if I never been there or talked with people much who have. Even this vid...one minute is grass for miles, next minute there's trees everywhere. And didn't seem like bad weather either. The spring/summer/fall much longer or shorter there than different stretches of the interior?

'laska is a big ole place after all. Must be a thousand different microclimate patterns. Even in little ole Oklahoma, we got 4 different ecoregions. That's why the weather here is so dynamic and varied.

I wonder how much these guys tried to think ahead of time. Starting at the source of the river, but no waders or gaiters. My feet get wet and it's cold, I am done. Game over.

Alaskan bush pilot...one of those things I could do for the rest of my life.

1stimestar

04-21-2016, 03:18 AM

http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/newsminer.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/0e/d0e3196f-12e6-5190-9d6d-4aa4fe991ad6/57182674b72c5.image.jpg

2 Alaska skiers hoped their snow cave wouldn't become a tomb

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - By their third day in a tiny snow cave under 4 feet of snow, Chris Hanna and Jenny Neyman thought the shelter in an Alaska ice field might turn into a tomb.

The 7-by-5 space Hanna dug started with a ceiling 40 inches high. Warmth and humidity from their bodies made the ceiling sag to within 8 inches of their faces, like a giant, suffocating sponge. Besides hypothermia, hunger and a shortage of oxygen, the experienced outdoor enthusiasts had to stave off claustrophobia.

"The closer that ceiling got, the more unnerving it was," Neyman said Wednesday.

Luckily, their ordeal ended a few hours later. A locator beacon led an Alaska Air National Guard helicopter to the underground shelter, and the crew swooped in and dug out the pair after four nights on Harding Ice Field, including three in the cave.

Neyman, 36, and Hanna, 46, had planned to spend April 8 cross-country skiing on the 700-square-mile ice field, which offers spectacular views of peaks, fjords and ocean.

A friend flew them there under blue skies in the morning and planned to return at 5 p.m., long before a storm expected that night. By 2 p.m., the clouds moved in. By 3 p.m., they knew the plane couldn't reach them.

They said their first inclination was to ski down one of the ice field's 30 glaciers. But by nightfall, with visibility at 10 feet, Neyman said she could not go on. They spent the night in their tent.

The predicted blizzard hit the next afternoon, with snow flattening the tent.

"We were being buried alive," Hanna said.

Almost as quickly as he could scoop snow off, it poured around the tent like liquid. Exhausted, Hanna climbed inside and sent text messages to his 18- and 22-year-old daughters. He said he loved them and was proud to be their dad.

He told Neyman that without a shovel to dig a snow cave, their odds of survival were not good.

"She was not happy with my report," Hanna said. "She said, 'No, we have to do something.'"

They talked for 20 minutes with limbs splayed on the tent walls to keep it from collapsing. Hanna decided to try digging a snow cave — or die trying.

"If death is for sure what's going to happen, you won't lose anything by trying," Neyman said.

With his hands and a ski, Hanna dug down outside at a 45-degree angle. He created a 7-foot, 30-inch-diameter tunnel, then dug horizontally to create the snow cave. They scrambled inside with sleeping bags, pads, a stove and food.

Within minutes, snow filled the entrance. Silence replaced the sound of the tent flapping in 40 mph wind.

Hanna was soaked. It took hours to control his shaking.

They could send and receive messages by their locator beacon if it was paired with a phone, but the phone's battery was quickly losing life.

All they could do was wait. Hanna used a broken tent pole to make an air hole. When he made it too large, it let in too much cold air, and the shaking returned.

They briefly lit their stove, but the fumes made them cough and it wouldn't stay lit. Hanna was so dehydrated, his throat swelled when he tried eating freeze-dried turkey tetrazzini reconstituted with slushy water.

Still, they had hope. A text message told them Air Guard skiers were on their way.

Early April 12, they heard a helicopter fly by. Hanna tied an orange space blanket to the tent pole and jammed it through the air hole as a signal.

A few hours later, they heard a helicopter, then snowshoes crunching on snow. Someone pulled on the space blanket on the pole.

"It was like ice fishing in reverse," Hanna said.

A voice called out, wondering where to dig. Fifteen minutes later, the Air Guardsman had Hanna and Neyman out of their collapsing cave.

At a hospital, staff checked Neyman's vital signs and bought her and Hanna lunch in the cafeteria. Hanna declined treatment but saw his daughters.

"When you think the end is probable or inevitable, that's what you think about," he said.

http://www.newsminer.com/news/alaska_news/alaska-skiers-stranded-for-days-fought-claustrophobia-in-snow-cave/article_94001c70-0745-11e6-bd63-7ff4c1d330de.html

hunter63

04-21-2016, 10:02 AM

Wow...glad to hear some good news, many adventures don't end up so well.....
Thanks for post.

1stimestar

04-22-2016, 02:01 PM

Yes and if you notice a theme here, these are all experienced people...

Just found this video and am saving it here to watch the full thing later. Looks pretty interesting. To go through Prudoh to the Arctic Ocean, you have to go through lands owned by the oil companies so that means you can not just drive up there. It requires 24 hour notice, a background check, and an approved tour company.

https://youtu.be/E5-I0xuAshw

1stimestar

05-15-2016, 07:24 AM

1:20 am

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13240601_10156853253935697_226768325232386539_n.jp g?oh=f33e23e443533e2e7a6c00696ddd1377&oe=57E46C69

2:53 am
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13177131_10156853254125697_755933006895492424_n.jp g?oh=d644b2792bb6e3ba135cb39d865c5cb8&oe=57A81384

Almost home. 3:something am.

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13240160_10156853254215697_5607814145510610272_n.j pg?oh=0f372a82ec58f98c2f685475fda16dea&oe=57D6453C

crashdive123

05-15-2016, 08:05 AM

You may not have noticed, but you captured me sleeping in all three of those pictures. :whistling:

1stimestar

05-21-2016, 06:00 AM

3rd one this year.

After being mauled by a brown bear, Juneau man is glad to be alive
Author: Jerzy Shedlock, Chris Klint Updated: 17 hours ago Published 2 days ago

Kenneth Steck doesn't know why a large brown bear that charged and mauled him in the thick brush near the Southeast Alaska town of Yakutat stopped its attack. Steck came to believe he may die in those brief moments, and he told God he accepted that outcome.

"I remember thinking 'My wife is losing her husband,' and then I thought 'God, if you're calling me home, I'm willing,' " said Steck Wednesday during an interview in a family member's East Anchorage home, where he is recovering after being hospitalized at Providence Alaska Medical Center for four days.

Originally from a Chicago suburb, Steck came to the state four years ago after enrolling in the outdoor studies program at Alaska Pacific University. His courses, including lessons about bear safety, have carried over into his exploration of his new home.

Kenneth and his wife, Hannah Steck, were visiting friends and family in Yakutat last week from their home in Juneau. Eight of them headed for Disenchantment Bay on May 12; the Stecks wanted to explore somewhere they'd never been. The group traveled using a 22-foot aluminum skiff and set up camp on a gravel bar on the east side of Calahonda Creek.

After a bear mauled him last Friday, Hannah Steck helps her husband Kenny Steck on May 18, 2016. (Scott Jensen / Alaska Dispatch News) After a bear mauled him last Friday, Hannah Steck helps her husband Kenny Steck on May 18, 2016. (Scott Jensen / Alaska Dispatch News)
The next morning was hot and sunny. Kenneth Steck decided around 10:30 a.m. to fill up water jugs at a snowmelt waterfall flowing nearby. He informed some of the other campers of his plans and set off, leaving behind the rifles that'd been brought along for the trip. He said he also didn't have bear mace.

He filled the water jugs and started back, he said. On the trek back to camp, Kenneth Steck heard loud snapping and cracking of branches.

"I turned around immediately after hearing that commotion and there's a brown bear in a full charge toward me," Kenneth Steck said, sitting on a coach, his right leg propped up on a stool and his right arm in a sling hidden beneath a plaid button-up. "Immediately I yelled 'Hey bear, hey bear' to identify myself as a person and hopefully he will take off the other way or bluff charge."

But the brown bear was on Kenneth Steck within seconds. Kenneth said he could hear the bear breathing as it was running toward him. At the same time Kenneth walked slowly backward and ended up falling on his back. He screamed as loud as he could.

"That's when I heard him," Hannah said.

Kenneth instinctively put his right foot up to try and distance himself from the bear, but it swiped and ripped his boot and leg "clean open." The bear moved toward Kenneth's upper body.

"I remember feeling like the bear was swallowing me. I remember feeling like I was in the bear's mouth or throat. It was very wet … In those moments, it felt like an eternity, but I'm sure it was just a few seconds," he said.

The thoughts of dying passed through Kenneth Steck's mind. Too many thoughts one would think were possible in that amount of time, he said. He believes God intervened to help him.

The bear took off.

Steck suffered numerous injuries to his scalp, chest and calf. Hannah Steck said the bear just missed Kenneth's femoral artery. The bear also wounded Kenneth's right shoulder.

Despite large gashes in his leg, the bloodied and muddied camper stood up and decided to head for help, toward his friends. Adrenaline was in full gear, he said. Soon after, Hanna Steck and Clint Ivers, the boat captain, were at his side.

https://images.washingtonpost.com/?op=resize&url=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-wordpress-client-uploads%2Fadn%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F05%2F18220646%2F160518S Jhelp3-1024x683.jpg&mode=crop&w=600&q=99

After a bear mauling on Friday, May 13, 2016, Kenny Steck recieved treatment for his injuries at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage. (Photo courtesy: Hannah Steck)

https://images.washingtonpost.com/?op=resize&url=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-wordpress-client-uploads%2Fadn%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F05%2F18220643%2Fkennyda mage1-1024x768.jpg&mode=crop&w=600&q=99

After a bear mauling on Friday, May 13, 2016, Kenny Steck recieved treatment for his injuries at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage. (Photo courtesy: Hannah Steck)

Hannah, a registered nurse of about four years, checked on her husband. He was aware and talking but it was apparent they needed to get out of the remote Alaska wilderness.

Kenneth was loaded onto a boat with four others — Hannah as well as her brother and sister-in-law Isaiah and Heidi Carlson, all three of whom are nurses. Ivers piloted the boat.

Yakutat police officer Jeff Lee said the U.S. Coast Guard was informed by radio of the attack shortly after noon on Friday. Hannah said the group boated for about 20 minutes before their marine radio got a good signal.

Lee said police monitoring the call learned that a group was still about an hour away. It was decided responders in Yakutat would intercept the boat, he said.

Kenneth arrived at Providence at 4 p.m. on Friday; doctors discharged him Monday afternoon. Family, friends and former church members from when the Stecks lived in Anchorage came to visit and wish him well in the hospital, he said.

According to Lee, the area's bears outside Yakutat proper are "a different breed," because they're not acclimatized to humans.

"These bears just don't run," Lee said. "I've had them where you're taking a photo, and they see you and they actually start coming at you."

According to Lee, nobody at the Yakutat Police Department could recall a bear mauling in the immediate vicinity — but that if a mauling was going to occur, it was most likely to happen in Disenchantment Bay.

"We have a lot of bear incidents, but we don't have a lot of bears actually getting a hold of somebody," Lee said. "It's not surprising that someone got mauled by one, given the amount of bear traffic in that area."

Ken Marsh, an Anchorage-based spokesman with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, said in an email that staff had decided not to seek out and kill the bear, because a biologist who investigated the mauling found signs that the attack wasn't predatory in nature.

"The biologist was able to interview the mauling survivor at the hospital and determined that the attack was likely the result of the man (who was walking through dense brush) surprising the bear at close quarters," Marsh wrote. "The attack lasted only seconds — just long enough for the surprised bear to neutralize a perceived threat."

Marsh said that the mauling is the third reported to Fish and Game so far this year, following April attacks that injured two other men. Glenn Bohn, 77, was mauled by a grizzly bear while hunting off Mile 77 of the Denali Highway; his hunting partner shot and killed the bear involved. Later that month, University of Alaska Southeast mountaineering professor Forest Wagner was critically injured by a brown bear while leading a UAS class group on a trip near Haines.

Once things calmed down, Kenneth Steck said he spent time thinking about the mauling and how it could have gone differently. He could have brought a gun or bear spray, but he doesn't believe he had enough time to fire a steady shot with either.

He also thinks injuring the bear may have only aggravated it, potentially making the attack worse. The incident has changed him physically and mentally for the rest of his life, he said, but he's glad he was mauled and not his loved ones. He thanked everyone who helped him survive.

"I will cherish and appreciate life a little more every day from now on," he said.

Kenneth also refuses to shy away from the outdoors. He was set to start a Bureau of Land Management job next week in Glenallen, but those plans have been put on hold. For now, the focus is recovery.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7R-K3ugw1e8

http://www.adn.com/alaska-news/2016/05/18/juneau-man-says-hes-grateful-to-be-alive-after-brown-bear-mauling/

Rick

05-21-2016, 07:14 AM

I hate it but if this keeps up I may have to start a list for Alaska.

1stimestar

05-21-2016, 03:12 PM

I belong to an international, online fiddler's forum of adult starters. We have a traveling fiddle which we send from one member to the next so we all can take turns on it. We are supposed to play it in different locations around us to show off our areas. I get it next! I had to bow out of my turn last time as it was winter and I can't play it outside in our winters.

Obviously it has to go to the Arctic Circle. I'll hit the Yukon River then too and Finger Rock (going to play Rocky Top there). Santa Clause House in North Pole (guess I better brush off some Christmas music), of course Denali, hope the mountain is out. Where else? Susan (Aikens) just offered to get me up to the Arctic Ocean.

Rick

05-21-2016, 03:41 PM

Now that is just plain cool. I'm shocked, though, that no one loaned it to their cousin who lost it. I've heard things like that happen.

crashdive123

05-21-2016, 03:45 PM

Very cool.

Rick

05-21-2016, 03:48 PM

Apparently, Wildgoth doesn't play the fiddle or it would have disappeared by now.

crashdive123

05-21-2016, 03:49 PM

Now that right there is funny I don't care who you are.

True, but funny.

Should we hit him up with some more emails.....that thieving little sob.

1stimestar

05-21-2016, 04:42 PM

Ohhhh they would have a village with pitchforks hunting them down.

Remind me who Wildgoth was.

Rick

05-21-2016, 06:51 PM

Pass around knife. He loaned it to his cousin or his cousin borrowed it or something like that and promptly lost it. He made all sorts of promises that went unfulfilled and he finally stopped logging on and kept the knife. I sent one or two emails to him for about six months. Oh, did I say one or two? Silly me.

Apparently fiddle players are a slightly higher class of people. I think a "pass around fiddle" is most excellent. That will be one well traveled violin at the end of its journey.

1stimestar

05-21-2016, 07:10 PM

Ohhh dang, what a loser. Here's where it's been so far. I'm going to blow them out of the water hahaha.

Oh that sounded more snarky then I meant it. It's been stuck a few times and we have had issues with people having it and not posting a video/s. But it's been going for a few years now.

http://fiddlerman.com/traveling-fiddle/

WalkingTree

05-21-2016, 08:22 PM

I feel like there might be some commonality or pattern for when bears attack yet leave you alone shortly after giving you the smack down...and when they go ahead and eat you. Might have to do with how the human is behaving, whether they realize it or not. Or might have to do with some kind of "locality bear community culture" or environment, or the bear's age, if not just plain black versus brown.

crashdive123

05-21-2016, 09:21 PM

Or...................might have something to do with the smell emanating from the freshly soiled trousers.

Bear returns to den.

Mrs. Bear: Did you bring home supper?
Mr. Bear: Well, I thought I had picked out a good one. I knock the little feller down. Turns out he was a little too ripe.....scratch that.....REAL RIPE.

WalkingTree

05-21-2016, 11:01 PM

Hehehe...so a good response to an attack is to go ahead and crap those pants. Being interviewed you'll be saying "yea, I crapped my pants, and I think that's what saved me. Stronger than bear spray."

hunter63

05-21-2016, 11:15 PM

hunter63

05-27-2016, 10:22 PM

1Star......was caving around on Google images looking for a pic of the sled/tent/cabin built by Chip and Agnes Hailstone that was one last night.
Didn't find that....But.

Guess what I found.......LOL
Famous again....

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/hunter63/new%20cool%20stuff%20nov%2015/untitled.png%20%20%20sue%20and%20georgeann_zpsdu89 iouu.png (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/hunter63/media/new%20cool%20stuff%20nov%2015/untitled.png%20%20%20sue%20and%20georgeann_zpsdu89 iouu.png.html)

1stimestar

05-27-2016, 11:29 PM

Lol yep me and Sue on her 50th birthday up at Kavik River Camp.

1stimestar

06-04-2016, 01:10 AM

So this happened today. "Why are all those people running?"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWKm6oCDfA0

crashdive123

06-04-2016, 06:39 AM

Like H63 always says.............ship happens.

Rick

06-04-2016, 07:56 AM

Holy Carp! That's the ship I just sailed on!!!!!

hunter63

06-04-2016, 11:21 AM

OMG .....Rick....You are lucky to be alive!!!!
Better go buy a lottery ticket ....or at least a new pistol....a "survival gift" to your self......

1stimestar

06-04-2016, 02:49 PM

Lol well seems you missed a little bit of excitement.

Rick

06-04-2016, 07:32 PM

They actually punched a hole in the side of it.

http://www.ktuu.com/content/news/Cruise-ship-crash-dock-damaged-in-Ketchikan-during-high-winds-381850581.html

"Hey! Look, Margaret. We have a porthole."

crashdive123

06-04-2016, 08:39 PM

OK Rick..........what did you do while you were there to cause this?

WalkingTree

06-04-2016, 09:55 PM

Hey who was driving that thing? Yea, Rick broke something. Just ain't telling anybody bout it.

hunter63

06-04-2016, 10:30 PM

Did I hear a real faint ".....Awwww, Shiiiiiiiip"....in that vid?

Manwithnoname

06-04-2016, 11:07 PM

Wow, bet a tug captain or two will have a sudden career change.

Rick

06-05-2016, 06:46 AM

The interesting thing is every harbor has a harbor pilot. So the harbor pilot would have been in charge of the ship at that point. I don't remember them using tugs up there. I don't think I saw any along the inside passage. They use the thrusters to park it and as big as that thing is they can spin them like a top with thrusters for and aft.

I will admit to a bridge tour and I did sit in the captains chair. One of the officers looked me in the eye before I sat down and said, "Don't touch anything."

"Oh, look whales."

That's all I'm sayin'.

Manwithnoname

06-05-2016, 10:30 AM

You are correct about a pilot being in charge coming and going from port and bow thrusters. Ive never been around cruise ships, there weren't any in Norfolk the three years I was there. Carriers, container ships and the like always had 2 or 3 tugs hooked up. If they weren't using any maybe they should have. Regardless, I'm bettin somebody's lookin for a new job. Have to thank you for the video though, I laugh everytime I think about it.

Rick

06-05-2016, 01:32 PM

We did use tugs in the larger ports with the Infinity. I just don't recall any along the Inside Passage. Maybe there were and I just don't remember them.

Ketchikan Daily News

Wanted: EXPERIENCED Harbor Pilot. Must be licensed. Accident free in the last 5 years. Must pass drug, alcohol and vision test.

Manwithnoname

06-05-2016, 08:23 PM

Oh my god that made me laugh!!

WalkingTree

06-06-2016, 12:23 PM

Unless I'm not perceiving the vid right, it seems like they were easing over, but later sped up and hit. Maybe at the last minute somebody gunned it, like a cup of coffee got spilled and all heck broke loose on the bridge? Or somebody made a joke and hollered "Scotty! We need mo powa!"

1stimestar

06-06-2016, 02:49 PM

I think the wind may have played a part.

crashdive123

06-06-2016, 06:27 PM

The freeboard on a ship like that (height of the ship between the waterline and deck) is nothing more than a giant sail. When maneuvering in tight spaces without much speed the wind will (and apparently did) take its toll.

WalkingTree

06-06-2016, 09:48 PM

Yea, that'll do it. That thing has a lot of surface area to catch wind.

1stimestar

06-07-2016, 02:33 AM

I leave tomorrow for my annual foray to Chickenstock. My funky little music festival in the middle of nowhere then on to Eagle to visit my friends Wayne and Scarlett.

crashdive123

06-07-2016, 06:04 AM

Have fun. Travel safely.

Rick

06-07-2016, 06:10 AM

Stay safe. Sounds like a fun time.

1stimestar

06-14-2016, 02:13 AM

I'm home. Had a great time, a really exciting, great time. Anyways, here's some pictures and stuff hahhaha.

We went up to visit my friends on the Yukon River first. The Taylor Hwy is only open in the summer. It takes 3 hours to go the 100 miles from Chicken to Eagle. It rained...

https://scontent.fsjc1-3.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13428482_10156963882995697_4791317018527059940_n.j pg?oh=3d55cce8825a9b55780fb13f8063a77b&oe=580D93E6

There were still plenty of blocks of ice left over from break up on the shore.
https://scontent.fsjc1-3.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13339734_10156951934550697_2096113890034346294_n.j pg?oh=a1488fad6378085220ee72ad9bbb412f&oe=57C375CC

We had to stop and check on their fish wheel which they are planning some modifications for this year.
https://scontent.fsjc1-3.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13427881_10156952076400697_6301453253194810483_n.j pg?oh=2c400ca859227db8e5dae03c89b24947&oe=580155C2

This is the trail from the river up to their house. We were also bringing in a load of lumber. I was sitting in the back of their little atv machine so could really only video behind us to Ben (one of their guides who helps run dog sledding expeditions during the winter) who was bringing more lumber. I couldn't video the really bad parts of the trail because I had to hold on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hyw-h8MtbWA

https://scontent.fsjc1-3.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13445225_10156963883085697_4671832431429796967_n.j pg?oh=ffb9fe46843d7cf52f58e2800a16be9b&oe=57C58533

Midnight in the Land of the Midnight Sun.
https://scontent.fsjc1-3.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13413667_10156952004025697_3462219738825495923_n.j pg?oh=3ca72e7d953501235cfc7a7f308c8efe&oe=5801E5B5

Drying salmon to feed the dog teams throughout the year.
https://scontent.fsjc1-3.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13428590_10156952065210697_7920009650172957426_n.j pg?oh=0253ae6c908398bf991144bb1c22b39b&oe=57CC436B

https://scontent.fsjc1-3.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13418898_1217356978283561_7169437381556043374_n.jp g?oh=85d0805999ace585f5274d684acc6f75&oe=57FF78C9

https://scontent.fsjc1-3.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12524165_1181266255225967_5349001802940901184_n.jp g?oh=3eb2bc2197ec501ff2bcee3f485342ed&oe=57FAB544

1stimestar

06-14-2016, 02:16 AM

This might be the last Chickenstock ever. It was their 10th anniversary. I've been to the last 8.

https://scontent.fsjc1-3.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13412928_10156963882870697_8206292290303667402_n.j pg?oh=471d94f1b2d5ebd945d30497f85dd1da&oe=580A4262

https://www.facebook.com/georganne.hurthampton/videos/10156963881885697/

They were about to run out of beer so had some flown in.
https://scontent.fsjc1-3.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13445298_10206984631549449_129992995252065741_n.jp g?oh=21b7167859df710fe03192506540fe90&oe=57FD11D2

https://scontent.fsjc1-3.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13394009_10154212719681303_4064615096495981225_n.j pg?oh=be19a424bb3c1b6a9b5fb4132a3cf743&oe=5809CFD3

As we were leaving we stopped by the airport to say goodbye to a friend who had flown in. We brought him a pork chop for breakfast and he set it on his cowling while we were saying goodbye. The wind gusted and flipped the paper plate away leaving the pork chop on the plane. Aw the majic of Chickenstock.

https://scontent.fsjc1-3.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13434687_1268792509812782_7048458817092116025_n.jp g?oh=5ddcf9d421e530c7cc0dfc61296b29ce&oe=57FE6036

Rick

06-14-2016, 07:30 AM

You know you are in Alaska when the beer is flown in.

Great pics. Love the chicken outfits.

crashdive123

06-14-2016, 08:25 AM

So, I guess that last picture is..........wait for it..........pork chops on the fly.

hunter63

06-14-2016, 11:04 AM

You know you are in Alaska when the beer is flown in.

Great pics. Love the chicken outfits.

For real....Right?

Hey we are out of beer.....Want to run and get some?
It's 300 miles.....
Yeah, I know, I'll hurry.....plane is gassed up.....

Grizz123

06-14-2016, 11:37 AM

For real....Right?

Hey we are out of beer.....Want to run and get some?
It's 300 miles.....
Yeah, I know, I'll hurry.....plane is gassed up.....

I'll buy, you fly...

WalkingTree

06-14-2016, 10:17 PM

Hey! Batman!

...I wanna see someone on Alone build a fishwheel.

Batch

06-15-2016, 08:46 PM

I'll buy, you fly...

Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner!

1stimestar

06-18-2016, 10:11 PM

Heh, got invited to go flying in the pork chop...

hunter63

06-18-2016, 11:04 PM

Take your PSK.......

1stimestar

06-23-2016, 01:24 AM

Well looks like I went and got myself a boyfriend (see pork chop above). Be watching for ariel photos sometime when both our work schedules work out lol.

crashdive123

06-23-2016, 06:17 AM

Congrats.........

Rick

06-23-2016, 07:58 AM

You're dating a pork chop?! Oh, I get it. That's great! Amazing what life offers, huh? Good for you.

hunter63

06-23-2016, 10:17 AM

Well, Congrats......

Anyone that flies for beer can't be all bad....
Just be careful when he says, "Here, hold my beer and Watch THIS"

1stimestar

06-23-2016, 01:11 PM

Well, Congrats......

Anyone that flies for beer can't be all bad....
Just be careful when he says, "Here, hold my beer and Watch THIS"

Hahhaha. Good one.

Thanks.

WalkingTree

06-23-2016, 07:00 PM

OooOOoh weeee...What's that teasing rhyme about two people in a tree? uh-huh.

1stimestar

06-23-2016, 08:47 PM

Lol. Well it has been a long while since I've climbed any trees...

hunter63

06-23-2016, 09:03 PM

Yeah.....Kinda good to have some one to argue with, sometimes.......Good on you.

1stimestar

06-28-2016, 08:19 PM

Stranded on the Yukon

The temperature plummeted to 50 below zero the morning Sonja Woodman climbed in Polack Joe's 18-foot boat in Eagle, Alaska. She was headed home to an A-frame cabin 120 miles away near the confluence of the Yukon and Charley Rivers. It was early November in 1975, and up until then the mighty Yukon had been running wide open while rosehips froze at night and thawed by day. That morning, ice chunks started flooding out of the tributaries, rushing past low-hanging yellow leaves and swirling their way downstream. The further they got, the more ice-choked the river became, and it started to build up on the sides of the hull. "Polack Joe" Hajec, a local gold miner and trapper, kept one hand on the outboard tiller while he handed her a wooden oar and told her to start beating the ice off the boat.

Read the rest of the (short) story here: http://www.adn.com/special-sections/61degnorth/2016/06/27/stranded-on-the-yukon/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_Show_Me_Alaska

WalkingTree

06-29-2016, 07:07 AM

Don't know if I wanna read the rest of that...makes me shiver already.

Fish poisoning...man, it's always something. Can't a person even fish without something happening?

1stimestar

07-01-2016, 03:10 AM

More idjits needing rescue.

Two hikers who hoped to complete a trek to the Chris McCandless bus ended up being rescued
Author: Jerzy Shedlock Updated: 3 days ago Published 3 days ago

Two hikers who trekked their way to the abandoned bus made infamous by Chris McCandless, and then failed to make it back from their planned trip on time, were located safe and unhurt following air and ground searches, according to the National Park Service.

On Saturday, search efforts began to find Michael Trigg, 25, of Lexington, South Carolina, and Theodore "Ted" Aslund, 27, of Atlanta, Georgia. Based on Facebook posts, the men planned a dayslong trip along the west side of Teklanika River.

Their destination was an abandoned Fairbanks Transit bus. It's parked on a clearing along Stampede Trail, near Denali National Park and Preserve but located on state land. In 1993, McCandless, 24, ventured off the Parks Highway with meager supplies and never returned. He died at his makeshift shelter inside the bus.

The young man's death was popularized by the 1996 Jon Krakauer book "Into the Wild," and further catapulted to legendary status with a 2007 movie of the same name. As a result, multiple unprepared adventurers try to reach the bus every year, only to end up needing rescuing.

[Read more: Missing in Alaska without a trace]

Trigg and Aslund were expected to return from the trip by Friday, and posts to Facebook asked friends to call in searchers if they weren't heard from by that day. As instructed, concerned friends contacted Park Service rangers.

The Park Service said the men described themselves as "experienced backcountry hikers."

The men's planned route took them along the west side of the Teklanika, as planned, in an effort to avoid crossing the waterway. That's how they reached the bus, but plans changed as they made their way away from the secluded landmark.

"They were running late on their itinerary and decided to try a shortcut. Attempting to cross the river on the Stampede Trail, they were forced to turn back after being nearly swept downstream by the chest-deep current," the Park Service said. "The Teklanika can be a dangerous river to cross and has claimed lives in the past."

Alaska State Troopers were initially contacted to locate the men but the majority of the search area was located in Denali, so park rangers took the reins on the search. The teams cast about in the steep, brushy terrain of Teklanika and Sushana rivers, as well as their tributaries.

"Clues found by the search team included a note left at the bus and boot prints which belonged to the subjects along their presumed route," the Park Service said.

The men were found around 3 p.m. Sunday. The Park Service noted the men brought extra provisions but weren't carrying a satellite phone or a location device.

http://www.adn.com/alaska-news/2016/06/27/two-hikers-who-hoped-to-make-successful-trip-to-the-chris-mccandless-bus-ended-up-being-rescued/

1stimestar

07-01-2016, 04:52 AM

Mt. Marathon is coming. It's a crazy brutal mountain race out of Seward. I have a friend who used to run it and her daughter will be running it for the 8th time this year. She's 15! (and awesome).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaXum47XJxs

It's been done every year since 1915, with some races suspended during war times. They did add in one rule when a runner disappeared without a trace in 2012. Now the runners must make it halfway up the mountain in an hour or they will have to turn around.

crashdive123

07-01-2016, 07:12 AM

More idjits needing rescue.

Yep......idjits.

Rick

07-01-2016, 07:15 AM

I dunno. That Mt. Marathon thing looks like idjits to me. But what do I know?

hunter63

07-01-2016, 12:20 PM

Darwin's Theory would work of people would just let it....Sheeesh....
More idjits perpetuating the pollution in the gene pool....

crashdive123

07-01-2016, 05:18 PM

I dunno. That Mt. Marathon thing looks like idjits to me. But what do I know?

That's just how they thin the herd and keep the populations numbers down up there. Kind of like that whole Death Race thingy.

1stimestar

07-03-2016, 07:41 AM

Dang it. Next story will be about a dead bear. We don't like those.

Grizzly bites hiker at Denali National Park
Weston Morrow, [email protected] Updated 7 hrs ago (8)
Denali National Park and Preserve: Savage River
Eric Engman/News-Miner
Hikers make their way along the 4-mile Savage Alpine Trail, which ascends 1,250 ft. and connects the Savage River trailhead to the Mountain Vista Rest in Denali National Park and Preserve Tuesday, June 25, 2013. The Savage River is at the end of the first 15 publicly-accessible miles of the Denali Park Road.
Savage River
Eric Engman/News-Miner
Visitors stop to take in the scenery while hiking along the 4-mile Savage Alpine Trail, which ascends 1,250 ft. and connects the Savage River trailhead to the Mountain Vista Rest in Denali National Park and Preserve. The Savage River is at the end of the first 15 publicly-accessible miles of the Denali Park Road. Eric Engman/News-Miner
Denali National Park and Preserve: Savage River
Eric Engman/News-Miner
National Park Service wildlife technician Matt King, left, points out the 4-mile Savage Alpine Trail, which ascends 1,250 ft. and connects the Savage River trailhead to the Mountain Vista Rest, to visitor Glenn Oorlog of Lake Placid, Florida during his visit to Denali National Park and Preserve Tuesday, June 25, 2013. The Savage River is at the end of the first 15 publicly-accessible miles of the Denali Park Road.
Denali National Park and Preserve: Savage River
Eric Engman/News-Miner
Visitors hike along the 2-mile long Savage River Loop Trail in Denali National Park and Preserve Tuesday, June 25, 2013. The Savage River is at the end of the first 15 publicly-accessible miles of the Denali Park Road.
FAIRBANKS - A hiker was bitten by a grizzly bear on the Savage River Alpine Trail on Friday, the same day Denali National Park staff reopened the Savage River area from earlier bear closures.

The hiker, 28-year-old Fangyuan Zhou, was hiking the trail along with two friends when they encountered an adolescent grizzly bear about one-quarter mile from the trailhead. Zhou's group had seen the bear earlier and made efforts to avoid it, but when the bear charged them they played dead.

The bear bit and scratched Zhou before walking away. It returned several minutes later, but a group member was able to scare it off by throwing rocks in its direction.

National Park Service staff provided Zhou with initial medical care, but Zhou chose to take herself to a hospital in Anchorage for additional treatment.

The bear that bit and scratched Zhou was one of the same bears involved in several other incidents in the Savage River area in the last two weeks. Those earlier incidents caused park staff to close much of the Savage River area near 15 Mile Denali Park Road on June 24.

During the closure, park staff attempted to train the bears in the area to avoid humans by using "aversive conditioning techniques." Wildlife technicians had attempted to recondition the bear to avoid human contact by shooting it with bean bags.

On Friday, the park reopened the areas, saying the decision was made in part because no bears had been spotted in the area for five days.

Because of the continued dangerous behavior exhibited by the adolescent bear, park staff said they have intensified management efforts. Park staff plan to locate and kill the bear as soon as safely possible.

Earlier on Friday, the bear had approached another, larger group of hikers, who were able to scare the bear away by grouping together, yelling and waving their arms. The park wished to remind visitors that grouping together, yelling and waving arms is the best way to scare a grizzly away. While playing dead is the proper technique once a bear has already made contact or contact is imminent, playing dead too early can cause the bear to become curious, according to information from the park.

The Denali Park Road and all hiking trails between 13 Mile and 17 Mile are now closed to private vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. The Savage River Campground is limited to hard-sided RVs, while the parking lot and restrooms at Mountain Vista remain open.
http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/newsminer.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/64/264469fc-e123-11e2-9de0-001a4bcf6878/51cf87ddaa7f3.image.jpg

http://www.newsminer.com/mobile/grizzly-bites-hiker-at-denali-national-park/article_9a60c0ea-40bd-11e6-a4d6-b782070bf083.html

1stimestar

07-05-2016, 12:46 PM

Ugh. Another dumb kid running off to the wilderness...

'Nothing was as he expected': Trip to remote Interior Alaska ends in river rescue
Author: Lisa Demer
BETHEL – On the North Fork Kuskokwim River, a remote stretch far from McGrath where almost no one goes, Vladimir Yakushin on Wednesday waved frantically from his small raft at a plane flying past.

He was in trouble, trouble that suddenly seemed too big to get out of on his own. Overhead was an Alaska Department of Fish and Game pilot, and he couldn't negotiate a landing on the narrow, zigzagging river channel. The pilot left to summon help.

Just two weeks before, Yakushin, 29, was busting with hope.

"Im going to Alaska, baby!!!" he posted on Facebook June 13 with a selfie. He was grinning. His hair was neatly pulled back. Bags were stacked beside him.

Alaska State Troopers rescued him from the North Fork Kuskokwim River on Wednesday. (Photo courtesty of Vladimir Yakushin)
He is Russian, from St. Petersburg, and in May graduated from St. John's University in New York City, where he studied film and television. He describes himself as an adventurer and says he has visited 18 U.S. states.

This time, Yakushin was headed to remote Chleca Lakes in Interior Alaska. He bought a 5.5-acre parcel last year for $9,400 in a state land sale, according to the Department of Natural Resources. The spot is 90 air miles northeast of McGrath and 30 miles southwest of Lake Minchumina, population 13. A photo in a state brochure shows the summer view of wooded land, a blue lake and mountains in the distance.

He wanted to build his own cabin and live there at least this summer. He bought his first rifle, brought his grandfather's hunting knife and figured he would fish, hunt and maybe, if he stayed through the winter, trap too.

"I give up everything in New York. That's how much I was prepared for this trip, how much I wanted to live off the land, how much I wanted to build a cabin," Yakushin said Friday, describing a year of research and prep work.

Residents in nearby Lake Minchumina encouraged him to move there as a trial so that other people could help.

He wasn't interested in that, Trooper Brett Gibbens said. Yakushin told the trooper he had just graduated and wanted to test himself.

"He wanted to go be a man and do it on his own."

On June 23, a chartered Regal Air taxi dropped him with a mound of gear at his Chleca Lakes property. Besides his gun and knife, Yakushin brought a fishing pole and chain saw, sleeping bag and tarps, canned meat and kasha, rice and beans. He had rope, tools and a portable wood stove, winter clothes and rain gear, a satellite phone, battery and solar charger.

And he had a small raft for tooling around the lake.

"It was nothing you would put in a river and go somewhere," Gibbens said.

Through email, he had connected with another adventurer who had started to build a cabin at the same lake. The other man told him he would already be there. They could build their cabins with each other's help.

But the other man wasn't there when Yakushin arrived. He never did show up.

Yakushin was surprised that his property was spongy, wet tundra, not farmland like his grandparents' place near Siberia. The trees were black spruce, too spindly for building a cabin. Right off, it rained. He had no tent. He intended to make a temporary camp with tarps.

"Once I unloaded all my stuff on the beach, I found the place was absolutely unlivable," Yakushin said. "It was a lot of moss. It was barely walkable."

State land brochures warn that Chleca Lakes parcels may contain wetlands.

Even his satellite phone, which he had tested back in New York, didn't work.

"Nothing was as he expected," Gibbens said.

Yakushin had a Globalstar phone and said he was given assurances by the company that it would work in that area. But he couldn't get a signal, even atop a hill. A map on the Globalstar website shows most of Alaska being in its extended coverage area where "customers may experience a weaker signal."

He was alone in the Alaska wild country. He hadn't asked anyone to check on him. He had no backup plan.

He stayed in the other man's part-built cabin. It rained on and on. Wet, fallen trees wouldn't burn. Finally, the weather cleared a bit and he was able to start a small fire so he could boil water for drinking. He didn't have a water purifier.

He had promised to call his mother in St. Petersburg and friends in New York once he landed at his property. She doesn't speak English, he said, and wouldn't know how to call authorities in Alaska to check on him.

"I just decided my mom would lose her mind and I have to go and find people."

'My mom, my mom, my mom'

Maybe a couple of days after arriving, he hefted key supplies and the raft a mile through thick brush to the North Fork Kuskokwim River. In the trek, his fishing pole tumbled out and was lost.

He thought he would float to McGrath, which by winding river is much, much farther than the 90 miles listed on state materials.

Maybe instead, he thought, he would go to the village of Nikolai, on the South Fork of the Kuskokwim River.

"Which, on a map, may look close to where he was," Gibbens said. "But for one, it's a long ways away, and for two, it's on the wrong drainage."

If he had made it to the South Fork, he would have had to paddle miles against the current to Nikolai, the trooper said.

In the narrow North Fork, Yakushin struggled to manage his tiny raft. His paddle handles were unusually short, only about 18 inches. Wind knocked him around. His trolling motor was ineffective, so he abandoned it. Cow moose with calves came toward him and he rowed faster.

Yakushin wore gloves but still his hands became blistered and bloodied. Rubber boots had blistered his feet too. In river shallows, he walked the raft along barefoot.

For days he paddled hard toward McGrath. At night, he had a mosquito net and bug spray but the constant buzz of flying insects kept him awake. His sleeping bag was wet. He kept on.

"Every time when I was on this journey, I knew I had to get to civilization. I knew I cannot die no matter what. Because I have my family, I have my friends, and I'm 29 years old."

He ate his cans of meat and was down to some freeze-dried soup and kasha. He drank a little river water.

In the quiet of the Kuskokwim he reached inside himself. "My mom, my mom, my mom" became his mantra.

Short yellow paddles

The journey seemed never-ending.

"I was trying not to go crazy, not to get overwhelmed," he said. "For this kind of thing, I was not prepared."

Then, around 2 p.m. Wednesday, he saw a low-flying floatplane. He furiously waved his paddles. The plane circled even lower. Yakushin kept waving.

"I was trying to make him understand, I am not trying to say hello. I really need attention. I really need help."

The Fish and Game pilot had just become rated for floats, troopers said. The narrow, winding river was too challenging. He flew to McGrath and left a message for Gibbens, who was in the field.

By then the little raft was leaking air and had to be pumped up every couple of hours. Surely someone was coming for him, Yakushin thought. He eventually pulled over for the night. Then he saw the bear tracks.

Gibbens had been on another mission in the troopers' wheeled plane. Around 6:20 p.m., he returned to McGrath and got the message about the rafter in distress. At home he grabbed his wading boots and slices of pizza from one the kids had ordered, then headed out in the troopers' floatplane.

At 8:16 p.m., he said, "I also spotted someone vigorously waving some short yellow paddles tied up to shore with a very tiny raft."

Where did he come from, Gibbens wondered: "There is nobody anywhere around there."

Yakushin kept waving even when Gibbens was securing the plane.

"Don't leave me! Don't leave me!" he called.

Plans and backup plans

The trooper had saved his life. He broke down crying, but whether from happiness or relief or something else, he doesn't know. He collected himself. The trooper gave him pizza and then some water.

Yakushin was probably two weeks from McGrath by small raft, the trooper said. He was almost out of food. He had no treated water. Had he been left on the river, the trooper said, "there would not have been a good outcome."

"People going to remote areas of the woods definitely need to research and have a plan and a backup plan to avoid getting in these life-threatening situations," Gibbens said.

Yakushin thought he had planned but then things didn't go as he expected.

"The phone didn't work and the rain and the guy is not there," he said. "Nobody is going to come and rescue me. I had to do something. I had to get out of here no matter what and no matter how."

In the trooper plane, he tapped Gibbens and gave him two thumbs up.

"I am safe. Everything is all over."

In McGrath, he declined medical treatment. He decided to return to New York. His fingers are still numb. He will probably get care there.

Yakushin is unsure what is next. He has a green card and intends to apply for U.S. citizenship in October, as soon as he is eligible.

He's been on a journey in becoming a man. He doesn't ever want to go back to that remote place, his place in the Alaska wilderness.

http://www.adn.com/outdoors-adventure/2016/07/02/nothing-was-as-he-expected-trip-to-remote-interior-alaska-ends-in-river-rescue/

1stimestar

07-13-2016, 11:43 PM

Guess what I got to do this morning?

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13690686_10157091598425697_4816591059424326978_n.j pg?oh=17475041500d6917191911653f901bd5&oe=5824BB23

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13726802_10157091598440697_6641323130199010002_n.j pg?oh=2a7a65952c90a05ab5a59ca064316efc&oe=57EC5C8C

Just a quick flight over the Tanana River.

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13692512_10157092072425697_8638022772671487596_n.j pg?oh=36746176000330e39513f543fa0b6af5&oe=582A6320

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13690850_10157092070980697_4214993821373826157_n.j pg?oh=d4c3a0a02613db218b54dc8419884e9e&oe=5826564E

Fish wheel.

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13718581_10157092069660697_6310369693491890574_n.j pg?oh=92747985572f61b610d5eec4cbac0708&oe=5828FC8B

Landed smooth as silk.

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13700150_10157092069640697_2521572704943422789_n.j pg?oh=5552cb07742e03b7e78d1e32b761442c&oe=57F2A83B

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKHP5XonN50

1stimestar

07-13-2016, 11:47 PM

Checking out a gravel bar for possible landings in the future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5eKZbKR7dU

crashdive123

07-14-2016, 06:06 AM

Flying in the pork chop. Most excellent.

Grizz123

07-14-2016, 07:01 AM

so relaxing and peaceful

hunter63

07-14-2016, 12:17 PM

Very cool......The Tanana River seems like local to me these days, after watching The TV show for so long.......

Used to go flying with a couple of guy that needed hours and company.......but the scenery wasn't near as good.

1stimestar

07-31-2016, 04:26 AM

What does one do when sitting around drinking beers with friends contemplating the upcoming big 5 0? One decides that she might as well just go ahead and get her own pilot's licence....

crashdive123

07-31-2016, 05:35 AM

Very cool.

Grizz123

07-31-2016, 10:12 AM

As a kid I remember thinking 40 was old and washed up. Now that I'm over 50 all I see is young people in bodies that don't want to cooperate at 100% any longer. Get what you can get and enjoy life. Good for you!!

LowKey

07-31-2016, 11:30 AM

Doesn't hurt that the flight instructor is "available" either…
;)

kyratshooter

07-31-2016, 01:31 PM

What does one do when sitting around drinking beers with friends contemplating the upcoming big 5 0? One decides that she might as well just go ahead and get her own pilot's licence....

I saw that coming a while back!

1stimestar

07-31-2016, 01:53 PM

I saw that coming a while back!

Well of course you did lol.

ronjnk

07-31-2016, 01:53 PM

Very cool! I'm assuming you will be float plane certified in a week or so?

I've told the wife to expect some company. She's already in the kitchen baking. This will be so exciting. Any chance you can throw a couple gallons of milk on board? You might as well plan on staying the night. A little long of a trip for one day. I'll drop you our coordinates when the time gets closer.

Oh, don't worry, we'll pay for the milk.

WalkingTree

07-31-2016, 02:43 PM

http://www.skygod.com/quotes/quotes.html

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/r/richard_bach.html

https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/1743336-jonathan-livingston-seagull---a-story

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Livingston_Seagull

1stimestar

07-31-2016, 02:52 PM

Lol milk, sure thing. I just sent a 5 gallon bucket of soy sauce via bush plane to a friend in the bush. She is canning salmon.

hunter63

07-31-2016, 05:32 PM

Many plans h been hatched over a few (many?) beers......some of them actually pretty good.....
I say go for it.

ronjnk

07-31-2016, 07:18 PM

1stimestar... now that you are contemplating flying, you will probably get a kick out of "do bush planes serve pretzels with the in-flight movie?"

1stimestar

08-03-2016, 01:27 PM

I leave next week for this year's paddle of the Yukon River. We have had an almost record breaking wet year and the river is high. This will bring both good and bad. Good because there were a lot of times that the sand bars would extend way out, just barley discernable, into the water. Those sand bars are like quick sand. Bad because the amount of debris in the water will be much greater and the safe spots to pull out will be fewer.

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=15356000

crashdive123

08-03-2016, 02:13 PM

Have fun, stay safe, and of course...........lots of pictures.

1stimestar

08-09-2016, 01:15 AM

Ok leaving out on Wednesday morning. Spending the night in Tok then continuing on to Eagle then spending the night at Wayne and Scarlett's. Getting on the Yukon Friday morning. Here is the SPOT Tracker if you want to follow our adventure. I turned it on today as I was running errands around town..

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0MGFgOvIPvbUpU3WXthHZVtNEKoH0Yg K8

hunter63

08-09-2016, 01:23 AM

Hey That's cool.....Does it track how many beers you order?

Have a good time....

We are recovering from week end Rondy....in hot weather.

1stimestar

08-09-2016, 01:31 AM

Hey That's cool.....Does it track how many beers you order?

Have a good time....

We are recovering from week end Rondy....in hot weather.

Hahhaha no it does not! But I learned last year that I could bring way less food and way more beer then I did.

Oh hot Rondy That could be really fun or really miserable. I am thinking the kind of heat you get down there in a tent, ick. I'm bringing gloves and hand warmers remembering that last night on the river last year it was 29 degrees. I'd be fine but my sweetie gets cold a lot easier then I do.

hunter63

08-09-2016, 01:50 AM

That's why you are there....LOl...

We did just fine as long as we weren't setting up or taking down....
We just took it easy and help all the crew to get set up....everyone in the group is over 65....so "hired hands" (kids) were helpful and subject to a bidding war.....They did well.

1stimestar

08-09-2016, 02:01 AM

Lol awesome.

crashdive123

08-09-2016, 05:34 AM

Have fun and stay safe. Bourbon takes up less room than beer.

Solar Geek

08-09-2016, 06:07 AM

Have a wonderful and safe time!!!

1stimestar

08-20-2016, 09:31 PM

What a fantastic adventure. Whew that water was scary high. But we made it just fine. Got back one day then the next day my company flew me down to Anchorage for "Trauma Informed Supervision" training. "The Mountain" was out above the clouds so we flew around it a bit. Pictures of the Yukon River will have to wait a day or two but here is some of Denali and surrounding area.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9P3vAhchk8

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14088683_10157267913550697_3133176313898871041_n.j pg?oh=59c27ed229c035bb522d66a5367473b3&oe=5858A4E5

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14063916_10157267897275697_9135473939356799149_n.j pg?oh=211dff5dcbced98055c8e7960f56b392&oe=585CB28F

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14040004_10157267896005697_1342827718793053442_n.j pg?oh=71bb9d6a73affd54e8bcc4cecabaedc4&oe=585C4C08

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14102139_10157267894915697_4347067207807466668_n.j pg?oh=8c5f17ec991bbd355c8abb5aac23e52e&oe=58488D8F

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14102233_10157267889540697_7420007892415343541_n.j pg?oh=a7694f98b23b3ec020df1553daac4986&oe=584D4E7A

hunter63

08-20-2016, 10:37 PM

Wow.....thems some great pic's.....

Did check out your "SPOT" tracker and it seems that it really sends a signal pretty often......pretty cool.....
Didn't know there was such a thing.

Rick

08-21-2016, 07:06 AM

Oh, dang. Those are great. Looks like you took the big bird.

crashdive123

08-21-2016, 08:24 AM

Fantastic! Looking forward to the rest of the pictures.

arklatex84

08-21-2016, 09:26 AM

Great thread. You're living the dream up there!

1stimestar

08-22-2016, 10:39 AM

I had to work last night since we have been having some problems and our night monitor had off. Mostly I just watched the cameras. But it did give me a chance to write.

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14064140_10157275310150697_7806782280661326212_n.j pg?oh=a37d697734b2f8d888e39d8260499f64&oe=584A89D0

crashdive123

08-22-2016, 11:19 AM

Beautiful picture.

1stimestar

08-23-2016, 08:05 PM

Thanks. That's my favorite one from the whole trip. And it was from my cell phone!

1stimestar

09-12-2016, 10:53 AM

https://cloud9doula.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/image031.jpg

It's been 5 years today. We are doing well though the anniversaries are still pretty tough. This one is certainly the easiest so far.

DSJohnson

09-12-2016, 11:39 AM

Praying You and your loved ones have a good day and many, many happy memories.

hunter63

09-12-2016, 11:41 AM

Does help to let it out, to let it go........
Gets easier, but will always be there.

Happy Anniversary...and another year of surviving......

1stimestar

09-23-2016, 01:21 PM

So...just got approved for the home loan I wanted at the interest rate I wanted, got me a realtor and now the search begins in earnest. This might take a while. Been in the cabin 4 years now. Time to move on.

crashdive123

09-23-2016, 09:07 PM

Woo Hoo! Good luck with your search.

DSJohnson

09-23-2016, 09:38 PM

I hope this is a really good thing. I am sure your own place will be wonderful

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

hunter63

09-23-2016, 10:24 PM

The next step on the journey.....Congrats......Good on you.

Grizz123

09-23-2016, 10:33 PM

Congrats!! life is good

1stimestar

09-26-2016, 12:37 AM

Welcome to Alaska Grizz!

1stimestar

10-06-2016, 11:10 AM

I've certainly been busy. We've had our first little snow. It didn't stick. But that always reminds me that I like to make home made chicken noodle soup with home made noodles.

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14520580_10157453484490697_3016682699075175139_n.j pg?oh=1224e73141367f70cb2f23087d970e9d&oe=587788B0

Been playing a lot:

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14100326_10157288291475697_4727018920687398955_n.j pg?oh=e451e82a685a4d27d7b102830405e55e&oe=58A51E60

On the porch at the little local bar in my small community outside of Fairbanks.
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14100484_10157307860765697_7197799226174759624_n.j pg?oh=b8ae09d6504c1fc3fbf2d402bfc8e843&oe=58679AE6

With the cold, we moved inside. It's really fun sitting there next to the big wood stove.

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14238255_10157380167970697_4261347486208271253_n.j pg?oh=2d26624706f0b6502a169b8e4ae0dfe1&oe=58A057F4

I got invited to play at a cival war reenactment camp. It's a small group so far but it was super fun. Good thing I mostly play American folk (and celtic) music.
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14344129_10157405130335697_5450963695152370825_n.j pg?oh=5d86e7efb0c4a9fb3d49d72869cbd3e7&oe=58777F0C

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14330135_10157405130370697_8228755560060943348_n.j pg?oh=b08e58ab9420ca66c8f091cec61586c2&oe=586B56D9

I've lost 35 lbs this year and for my upcoming 50th birthday, today I started ground school!
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14572765_10157488195830697_3098502758024041972_n.j pg?oh=2bfd19938c55b87c6ce10728dcdb87f2&oe=586ABA17

Oh yea, I was also invited to be in on the ground floor of a new dog sled race, the Runaway Jim 180. It's in January. The Yukon Quest is in February. It's being put on by one of my most respected mushers.

kyratshooter

10-06-2016, 12:17 PM

Seven Yankees and four confederates?

It's clear you are not in the south!

That picture right there is why I never did Civil War reenactment. Too much standing inthe sun wearing wool and doing drill.

If you are doing Rev War or French and Indian war you go as a civilian and if you don't like their war you go home! Even if you do like that particular campaign you sit under a shade tree while the regulars drill.

DSJohnson

10-06-2016, 03:08 PM

Sounds just like a dang militia man. Here when it is fun gone when it's not[emoji4]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

crashdive123

10-06-2016, 07:34 PM

Most excellent. You've been a busy girl.

hunter63

10-06-2016, 07:41 PM

Sound like you have been a busy gal....Congratulations.....!

Don't like civil war re-enacting much either.....too many rules......

1stimestar

10-07-2016, 03:15 AM

Eh, it's just a small group having fun. There weren't many rules and it wasn't hot, as least not if you weren't wearing wool lol.

Oh yea, and on Tues. I start back with roller derby.

I went and looked at a house today. I loved it! It's so funky. It's definitely "me". Plus, it has a big wood stove, a pellet stove, a monitor stove, and is wired for a genny! Plus it has a sauna. It was rated 4 star energy efficient before he put in the triple pane windows! It's not in the area I wanted. But it's not in the areas that I didn't want. Not quite as far out as I wanted but would do. So I have a message in to my lender as I have a few questions I want to ask her before making an offer. Oh, it no longer has purple and green paint, thankfully.

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/695-Pyrola-Dr-Fairbanks-AK-99709/74487647_zpid/

1stimestar

10-12-2016, 03:26 AM

I put an offer on the house and put down my earnest money. Now we wait. And while we wait, my sweetie is flying me out to Tolovana Hot Springs for my birthday trip. 12 mile hike in if you are driving. 1 mile hike in if you are flying. Score!
http://www.tolovanahotsprings.com/

Desert Rat!

10-13-2016, 06:44 PM

Good Luck on the house, it looks great!

WalkingTree

10-14-2016, 07:49 AM

(that house)

Mmm...trees. You got trees.

And yes, very interesting interior, and overall design.

1stimestar

11-02-2016, 11:55 PM

I close on the 28th! So one last big Thanksgiving bash at the cabin, then it's all go go go! WOOT!

Here's a bear fighter story. I'm just linking so the author can get the correct counts for his article as he is independent.
https://craigmedred.news/2016/10/31/the-bear-fighter/
https://craigmedred.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/14923931_10207099687198879_1879738387_o.jpg?w=829

1stimestar

11-06-2016, 09:11 PM

Sorry I've been a bit absent. Been so dang busy. But I am saving Sunday nights for the jam sessions. I have decided to give up fiddle lessons after 5 years. It will save me $144 a month and seeing that my mortgage will be several hundred more then my rent, I am all about the budget. I figured what I need to learn now, I can teach myself or learn from jam members.

Ground school is kicking my butt a bit. It's a whole different language to learn and I am struggling to find the time needed. I'll do it of course, it's just harder then I thought lol. Boyfriend is selling his Taylorcraft to buy a Piper Cub. It can carry a lot more weight.

We finally got snow. It came very late this year and is still not much. I'm all for another mild winter though until I figure out how to budget to heat a 3 bedroom house verses a 700 sq. ft. cabin. Not looking forward to moving in December as I'm thinking of all the stuff I have stored underneath the cabin lol. Ah well. It will be worth it.

How are all of you doing? Have any winter plans?

hunter63

11-06-2016, 11:15 PM

Leaves, leaves, leaves........gotta be slow and easy......high 60's today.....been that way....

crashdive123

11-07-2016, 07:13 AM

Winter plans include more camping, canoeing, kayaking, beach time and hiking.

Pennsylvania Mike

11-07-2016, 08:34 AM

My plan is to watch the propane fireplace burn, make homemade hot chocolate for my granddaughter when she visit, tramp in the woods for a deer to take home and do some dear meat canning, do some walking on my machine to keep in shape, and I so a lot of cooking in the winter and invite the kits over for dinner.

1stimestar

11-18-2016, 10:35 PM

The sun set in Barrow today for the last time until Jan. 22 when it will then only peek over the horizon.

And in other news, house closing has been pushed back until the 2nd. Boo! Since it is a totally re engineered septic, it's going to take longer to get it DEC approved since they have to approve the processes too and not just the end result. (Insert expletives here.) I had 5 days off for Thanksgiving in which I was going to get everything packed up and ready to move on Monday, which was supposed to be closing.

1stimestar

01-15-2017, 09:38 PM

Well closing was supposed to be on November 28th. It was delayed 4 times. Finally closed on December 13. They had let it run out of heating fuel and so it froze up. The person they had paid to keep an eye on it, wasn't. So I ended up with a new water pump, a refurbished hot water on demand system, two new toilets, shower valves, pipes, sheet rock and some new paint. All had to be covered by them.

Anyways, it's been a busy busy time. I'm working extra due to the mortgage being more then my cabin. I'll have my vehicle paid off in a bit over a year so that will really help ease things a bit. Until then, I know how to buckle down.

Outside front.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v40/1stimestar/outside%20front_zpsw1a36bid.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/1stimestar/media/outside%20front_zpsw1a36bid.jpg.html)

Outside
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v40/1stimestar/outside%20side_zpsxhd1uihv.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/1stimestar/media/outside%20side_zpsxhd1uihv.jpg.html)

You can see the enclosed back porch.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v40/1stimestar/outside%20other%20side_zps07v5ax9e.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/1stimestar/media/outside%20other%20side_zps07v5ax9e.jpg.html)

Shop, one of the 3 small sheds, part of the wood shed.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v40/1stimestar/shop_zpshna1rauy.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/1stimestar/media/shop_zpshna1rauy.jpg.html)

One of the three bedrooms. The previous tenants had little kids so the closets where made into perches.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v40/1stimestar/o%20room_zps0ymptdcs.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/1stimestar/media/o%20room_zps0ymptdcs.jpg.html)

My room has the stove pipe running through it, which will help to warm the upstairs.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v40/1stimestar/my%20bedroom_zpskrcnfygl.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/1stimestar/media/my%20bedroom_zpskrcnfygl.jpg.html)

Third bedroom.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v40/1stimestar/my%20bedroom%202_zpssozqlwar.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/1stimestar/media/my%20bedroom%202_zpssozqlwar.jpg.html)

Downstairs bathroom which now has a new vanity. This is an old photo.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v40/1stimestar/ISt4nhapmplfdb0000000000_zpsyztvmv2e.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/1stimestar/media/ISt4nhapmplfdb0000000000_zpsyztvmv2e.jpg.html)

Upstairs bathroom which also has a new smallish vanity instead of just the sink.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v40/1stimestar/upstairs%20bathroom_zpsnracba52.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/1stimestar/media/upstairs%20bathroom_zpsnracba52.jpg.html)

Kitchen, wood stove, part of the living room.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v40/1stimestar/woodstove_zpsagz9cpg3.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/1stimestar/media/woodstove_zpsagz9cpg3.jpg.html)

Living room, back door that exits into the enclosed back porch, pellet stove.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v40/1stimestar/pellet%20stove_zpsyygphiw0.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/1stimestar/media/pellet%20stove_zpsyygphiw0.jpg.html)

Kitchen and front door with arctic entry.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v40/1stimestar/kitchen2_zpsfp0sohgx.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/1stimestar/media/kitchen2_zpsfp0sohgx.jpg.html)

I now have a cupboard for dishes above the counter where you would imagine one should be.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v40/1stimestar/kitchen_zpsgnlo1q8u.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/1stimestar/media/kitchen_zpsgnlo1q8u.jpg.html)

The small, wooden door to the left of the kitchen is a wood chute. Load up your fire wood from the outside, retrieve to fill the woodstove from the inside.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v40/1stimestar/IS9hnakp9fk17b0000000000_zpsxgb57idj.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/1stimestar/media/IS9hnakp9fk17b0000000000_zpsxgb57idj.jpg.html)

Downstairs bathroom which leads to the laundry room, which leads to the pantry.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v40/1stimestar/downstairs%20bathroom_zpssvqktn7x.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/1stimestar/media/downstairs%20bathroom_zpssvqktn7x.jpg.html)

Sauna that's in its own little log shed out side the back porch door.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v40/1stimestar/suana_zps3tu4qbos.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/1stimestar/media/suana_zps3tu4qbos.jpg.html)

Back porch.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v40/1stimestar/backporch_zpsoepf6xc2.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/1stimestar/media/backporch_zpsoepf6xc2.jpg.html)

Anyways, lots of plans for things to be done. But I have years to do them all. Right now, it's -36 so I'm basically just cooking a pot of beans and staying cozy in my super insulated home.