inspiration

Justin and I were reminded recently that the now famous Stampede Trail is not too far from us. It is the hike that was highlighted in the movie Into the Wild. Maybe we'll make the trek to go see the bus... I've heard it is dangerous, so perhaps not. We'll check into though, it would be pretty cool to see!

Back from another great weekend

This last weekend Justin and I traveled south down to Anchorage and then Seward. After spending some money for what we think were some much needed purchases (we each got some awesome packs!) we made the beautiful drive along the inlet down to Seward. We met up with some of our new friends, ate and drank, then woke up the next morning and set out for our hike. We started at the base of the Exit Glacier, took some pictures, then made the 4 1/2 mile and 3,000 feet up hike to the top to see the Harding Ice Field - one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen. The hike was rough, but totally worth it! We even saw some mountain goats along the way - no bears though! After the hike we all gathered around the campfire and listened to Dave sing and play the guitar, a perfect end to the day. Sunday morning we walked around the town of Seward, then headed back to Anchorage. We took some awesome pictures, I'll post them soon. We are tired, and a little sore from the hike, but really enjoyed the weekend with some great friends and even better scenery. Now to start planning our next hike..... :D

links to the albums posted on facebook

Here are the links to the albums of pics posted on facebook that Justin and I have taken so far...

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2159771&id=38201797&l=d83a188b3c

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2160345&id=38201797&l=bd9a5437bc

One week in the books!

Well, here we are in Fairbanks, Alaska. Erin and I flew out of Eppley at 6:30 on Friday morning, the first, and made our way (roundabout) to Fairbanks. After layovers in Denver, a flight change in Minneapolis, and an hour and a half of circling the Fairbanks International Airport, we landed in Anchorage Friday evening, (After a spectacular view of Mount McKinley from above the cloud cover) due to heavy smoke in the Fairbanks area. The airline wanted to put us on a flight directly to Fairbanks, through Alaska Air, but we elected to spend the weekend in Anchorage with the Lindeens. After a great weekend in Anchorage, Eric offered to let us drive his car to Fairbanks, to borrow for the first week we were there, to ease the transition. The drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks was AMAZING. Erin and I saw our first moose, and a huge amout of other scenery that will surely be posted. We spent the majority of the first week familiarizing ourselves with the town, finding transportation, and figuring out how to spend the remaining warm weather (which is dwindling even faster than I imagined). This past weekend we got back to nature, hiking saturday morning at Angel Rocks, and then taking the three-mile "short trail" at Granite Tors Trail. Sunday, we came back to the Grante Tors Trail area, and tackled the "long loop". After 16 miles, 9 hours, and a 2500 foot elevation change, we came out the other end with about 100 pictures of the best scenery in North America, as well as sore feet and a great sense of accomplishment. We camped on the river, and went back to Fairbanks in the morning.
Well, this is much longer than I expected it to be. Undoubtedly the next one will be more interesting, and shorter (which means Erin will probably be author). Thanks everyone, and can't wait to see everyone again!
Justin