AAVE Trip BLOG » Ultimate Alaska
August 18, 2010
Farewell AK - Ultimate Alaska 2A
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Farewell Bold Earth 2010
Backpacking Denali State Park Day Numero Uno: We arose to the ever so fascinating Alaskan weather, rain falling and the temperature feeling like October in the Midwest. We filled our bellies with French inspired apple pancakes cooked by Sophie, Juliette and Duncan and started packing for a four day hike (still in the rain). Bear bins were stuffed to the brim, as well as our backpacks feeling heavier than ever. As we took our last schmoos and headed to the trail head, we had no idea of the surprise that was waiting ahead of us; the eight of us were going solo. Nerves were a little strung as we repeated the directions over and over in our heads “around the lake, left at Cascade, left towards Tarn Point” and we began our long hike, trekking up the mud the entire way with Ben and Caitlin a fifteen minutes behind. After meeting up with the leaders with about a mile to go, we slowly made it to our destination and of course, it was raining. After setting up our tents at lightning speed and piling our layers on, we found time to shove down a warm bowl of mac and cheese before running into our warm and toasty sleeping bags.
Backpacking Denali State Park Day Numbre Deux: As always, the wonderful Alaskan skies were crying as we awoke and packed our packs. Even though the rain continued, we trudged on in the hope that a view of Denali was in our future. The weather cleared up as we ate dinner and saw our shadows for the first time.
Backpacking Denali State Park Day Three: The morning air was filled with EXCITEMENT with the sun SHINING in blue skies with BEAUTIFUL SNOW COVERED DENALI peaking through the little mountains. We hiked in and out of a luscious green and mud filled valley before a vertical climb to our lunch spot. After a filling cheese, crackers, fruit and meat meal (Ben’s favorite) and the rain drops falling on our backs, we decided to pack-out a day early and spend our last days bonding on lower grounds.
Break Day: A yummy breakfast of Reeses pancakes cooked by the lovely Ben and Caitlin was followed by a visit to the tiny mountain town of Talkeetna, where only the cool Alaskans visit. After spending two hours in town, we headed back to Anchorage resuming our fun filled break day. A quick dinner at our home of Eagle River campground and a mini dance party with the other group came to an end when we jumped into the van and went to glow in the dark bowling. The fun didn’t stop until after a late night movie. Rolling out of the van around 1am, we fell asleep together in a large white tent at the campground to scary stories told by Ben.
Final Day: We woke up to the noise of chopping fruit and heath bar, the guitar, and flying sleeping bags. Our reward for cleaning everything was lunch by a lake followed by a numbing swim. Showers were desperately needed to attempt to clean off the permanent dirt that has accumulated over the past week or so. With clean bodies, we loaded into the van to go make friendship bracelets at a nearby park. After splurging on our last dinner at Outback Steak House, we said our first goodbye to Romans. Ice cream came next before heading to the airport to set up “camp.” Signing off for the last time in the beautiful, dark Alaskan skies, Team Stratus heads to homes across the world.
Written by: Emily Cloch and Sophie Sawyers
