Easter Sunday

The Penthouse

We managed to come across an affordable used playset from a friend recently, and after the minor hassle of disassembly and delivery we introduced our daughter to it. Actually, the delivery was done in true Beverly HillBilly style with two trucks and a trailer sliding down the highway (We even stopped for lunch at a local eatery). Anyway, our daughter just loved sliding and swinging on it, and actually got into bed tonight and turned the lights off herself. Now that's worth the price of admission.

Denali Winter

Heading South Towards Fang Mountain on the Frozen Savage

Camp at the Confluenece of Jenny Creek and the Savage River

Just because I felt like it, here are two more photos from the 2010 winter trip into Denali. Now that I am certain to go back again on another attempt in 2012 I have begun reminiscing and pre-planning. I am hoping that health, weather, and the planets all collide in our favor next year. Last year was way too warm, this March was way too cold--nighttime lows were regularly in the -30F range--and I hope next year is just right, with lots of snow base.

Denali Spring Trail 2012

It's Gonna Be A Really Big Show

Well, back to my true form. Denali is still eating away at my skull, and another attempt will be made on the dog trails in late winter 2012. Much was learned from the attempt in 2010, and these lessons will be applied to aid the success of next winter's mission. The route remains the same, but we will begin where we planned on finishing last year. In order to alleviate the pressures of a predetermined plane pickup in Kantishna, we will fly into Kantishna and then ski the 100 miles to McKinley Village. The best news of all? I will be joined in 2012 by Jarl Gustafson; friend,trapper, fisherman, and lover of the Alaskan outdoors. Look for more posts on our planning and execution of this trip of a lifetime. The photo caption says it all!

Surf and Turf

Surf and turf, Hawaii style. 2011 has been a busy start with me taking a new job in a new career field, though still in the arctic oil patch. We were lucky enough to get invited to Kauai with Dave and Sandy where we spent 14 days in the beautiful sunlight and warmth. We hiked, swam, ate seafood, drank beer, and had an all around wonderful time.