Blue Lake

We woke up on Saturday with a blazing blue sky. I put it into overdrive and decided to head over to Blue Lake, a 16 mile hike for us funhogs and fundogs.

Heading out from the rig we leave Our Fair City behind us.


Right over the bump in the foreground is Blue Lake (commonly known as Long Lake) we'll walk around the lake and head between the two ridges in the foreground, over the pass, to williwaw lakes, down the Middle Fork of Campbell Creek back to the rig.


Rocket on the non-stop chase for marmots.




Valley at Blue Lake.


Heading up the pass near the end of the lake.


Up at the first lip


The lake right before the pass.


Rocket in the pass, with the large rock wall behind him. The Daily Downpour started right after we left the pass.


The lake before dropping down to the middle fork and what everybody thinks of as Williwaw Lake.


Nice shot of the creek running into the lake.


Looking back across the lake.


At the lip before we drop down.




Four miles back to the rig. She's looking better than my feet are feeling.


16 miles I figure in about 12 hours. A bit too rainy to get a nap in at the key point, but one of the most beautiful places I've been in the Chugach, particularly the pass between the North and Middle Forks. The camera just couldn't capture all the scenery.

Tent Life

If you wonder what life in the tent is like when its really stormy and raining out. Well now you know!

Raven about Crow Pass

After two weeks of good rain, sometimes heavy and sometimes windy, the forecast said things were going to clear about mid-morning. Counting on the luck of the malamute, I decided to grab Valley and go for a hike up Crow Pass where the scenery is outrageous and soothing. Just what a funhog and fundog needed.

After about a mile into the hike things open up. Low cloud cover and great visibility.


Malamutes and waterfalls.


Malamutes and cascades.


Finally sunshine!


Looking down Raven Creek towards Eagle River.


The Raven Glacier.


And now to find a spot to take a nap in the sun and out of the chilly wind.




I can see our nap spot right in the green tundra over Valley's back.


this will work


Looks like Valley is enjoying it too.


Heading home after our nap, Crystal Lake. The ski is clouding up again but it never rains.


Looking down the trail we are going to descend on.






A great view to end the day.

Big or Small

Rocket doesn't care, he'll swim in anything.


In this lake, the big one, he was going after loons. good luck Rocket, you don't have a change.



I had been wondering where Rocket was until I popped over a ridge on the trail. I should have known.


And if a lake isn't nearby he'll make do with the creek LOL

Ker-Sploosh!

Anytime we hike up to a lake you can bet money Rocket is gonna want to swim in it. Here he goes!



Swinging by.


And heading out again.


Stretching the legs


Shaking Off he's ready to get on with the hike.

Pass The Fun

This weekend a day of bluebird skies blessed us so we joined some friends and hiked in Hatcher Pass between Fairangel Creek and the Independence Mine. As you'll see the views were stunning as we worked our way through three passes. Both Nicki and I felt this was one of the most scenic places we've ever been to. (Click on any picture to enlarge it.)

Cloudless days in the summer usually mean hot days, so we used all the coolness we could find.


We were greeted by lots of sheer walls on both sides of us as we passed through.




Looking back at the start of the hike you can see the "road" we drove in on.


Valley really hasn't started to shed yet and the heat was working against her.


Lower Fairangel Lake, we gotta get back here for an overnight camp.


On a clear day, it seems like you can see forever.


With snow at higher elevations.


We climbed up to our lunch spot.








With large boulders to negotiate up and down from the passes, the dogs did quite well when allowed to pick their own course.


Perhaps you've seen the bumper sticker "This Car stops at River Crossings"? On hot days we stop for snow banks. The first pass we ascended is in the background.


Dogsled Pass below us.


Jago never too tired to stop hunting marmots in the tundra.


Scenic Schroff Lake.


Valley at the lake, happy to have a moment to take a break. Our last break before the last pass.


Nicki enjoying the sunshine before the pass.


Sitting at Friendship Pass with friends, looking at our last bit "trail" to end the trip.


And finally a view from the last pass. Our cars are at the buildings in the foreground. Palmer and the Chugach Range in the distance.


Not a long hike distance wise, only 5 or 6 miles. With all the up and down and boulder action it seemed longer. Fun day for the funhogs and fundogs.

Sharing

If you and I had to share a bench seat, we'd each take an end then turn to each other and ask "Do you have enough room?". These two have a different idea on how to share.