Eklutna Lakeside Trail

 I met my friend Alice at the end of Eklutna Lake Road and we drove up to Eklutna Lake together. We had not hiked together for quite a while. It was great to hike and catch up. We walked along the Lakeside Trail to a little way past the Yuditnu Cabin. We might have gone farther but the wind off the lake was really strong and very cold. I figured the trail would be very muddy like most of the other trails right now. But it was surprisingly dry and in good condition. There were a few muddy spots and a couple of giant puddles to work around, but it was easy to avoid those areas. The lake is still frozen. With the recent warm temperatures, I've been hesitant to venture out onto the lake. But we did see a small group out on the ice. But they were pretty close to the shore. I mostly let Bella run free, but grabbed her several times when we encountered other hikers and a couple of bikers with loose dogs. She barked at them, as usual, but we all passed each other with no incident. The clouds were gathering around the mountains so the view of them was deteriorating. But as always, it was still beautiful and peaceful, except for dealing with the icy wind when on the lower trail along the lake. It was a nice 7.2 mile workout and we both felt like we had done something much better than sitting home.

Crvasse Moraine Trail Hike

 It snowed a couple of inches this morning and was totally socked in with clouds everywhere. I usually hike with my friend, Pam on Fridays but it was hard to decide where to go. We decided on the Crevasse Moraine Trail since we could avoid the nasty road construction we would encounter if we went to the Matanuska Lake Trailhead. We considered walking the trip I did with Frank on Wednesday, but in reverse. We got sidetracked taking the Bear Berry Bluff Trail and ended up walking in a circle on the Bear Bottom Trail. It was so muddy that we really didn't want to do a 10 mile hike anyway, so once back to the Long Lake Loop and Long Lake Connector Trails, we headed back to Crevasse Moraine. 6.7 miles through the mud and a little snow, was plenty. Our dogs were once again, totally covered in mud. But they really couldn't care less. They were having a ball checking out all the interesting smells. Bella went quickly into the kitchen sink once I was back home. I want to do some more exploring on those trails, maybe after more of the mud goes away. There are a bunch of lakes out there that I have never seen. It's pretty easy to get turned around and confused out there in that quagmire of trails though.

Mat-Su Greenbelt Hike

 I met Frank Wall at his house and we drove over to the Kepler Lake trailhead intending to hike from there to the Crevasse Moraine Trailhead and back. The best way to do that is to get to the long trail called the Long Lake Connector and follow it to the Crevasse Moraine Trails. In the opposite direction, it leads to the Matanuska Lake Trail system. But, the trail markings are often very confusing out there. While watching our iPhone trail apps, we decided to try a trail called Bear Bottom, because it did give a mileage to the connector trail. It was a very winding steep trail. At one point we found a trail heading off to a bluff. I have walked it before and knew where it goes. It's pretty short and leads to a wide open area over a bluff, with great views of the mountains. The wind was ferocious there and nearly blew me right off my feet. I managed to get a few pictures out there though. We made one mistake on the way back from that trail by following a side trail pointing to the Connector Trail. It did eventually lead us to the connector, but that routine made our trip a bit longer. We finally ended up on the Connector Trail and made our way to the Crevasse Moraine trail system. There, we took the Expressway Trail which is the fastest way to the trailhead. But I think it was a bit more confusing to Frank, because all trail options point to that trailhead. Frank said he was very familiar with the area because 20 years ago he had snow-machined out there many times. But many of these trails didn't exist back then. And the ones that did, didn't have trail marking signs. After grabbing some snacks and taking a break at the picnic table we headed back along the lower trail, avoiding the big hills on the Expressway. We reached a picnic table and a trail junction to the Picnic Table Single Track Trail. The map indicated this would lead to a trail that Frank really wanted me to see. It was a lovely narrow trail along a steep ridge. When we came to a junction, I felt we would be best to head in the direction of Matanuska Lake. But Frank was sure we should detour through a field because he knew that area so well. That turned out to not be a good idea. We wandered around there far too long, trying to find a trail that would lead is in our correct direction. I finally convinced him to head back using my phone app, to the last place we saw a sign. Looking at my digital map, I realized our best bet was to retrace our way back to that picnic table and head for the Connector Trail. By now, I think Frank was totally twisted around, and who could blame him! We were definitely somewhat going around in circles. But I knew to keep the mountains to my left and head towards Matanuska Lake. Once on the connector, it seemed like we were headed correctly. Frank insisted we should head back down a trail called Bear Root Trail. I knew it was too soon to turn, but also knew it would take us where we wanted to go. We came to junctions that pointed in each direction to the Connector Trail again. One said .1 mile, the other said .3 miles. I knew we needed to take the ,1 mile option because of the direction. He was sure we needed the other one. It was close either way, so we took his route. Once back on the Connector, I definitely knew we needed to go left. Looking at both of our trail apps, I convinced him and we both knew which way. Now he was having serious pain to his feet from his shoes. I felt so sorry for him. But he's a trooper and kept on. I think he still wasn't sure if we were heading correctly. But once we passed the Long Lake Trailhead sign, we knew the Kepler Lake one was coming up. We finally got on it and made our way back to his truck. I think the trip should have been about 10 miles, but we did it in 12 miles. It was a fun adventure and a great lesson in navigation and route finding. We had 2 very muddy dogs and 2 tired hikers. Bella went directly into my kitchen sink for a much needed bath. 

Archangel Road Ski

 It was actually snowing at my house this morning. I only got about 1/2 inch, but at least it turned everything white. But when I drove through the fog up to Hatcher Pass to Archangel Road, I was out of the fog and snowfall. But not out of the clouds and cold temperatures. Yesterday's warm temperature had softened up the snow on the trail and it was very rutted from other skiers. But those ruts totally solidified overnight and were nasty icy ruts today. I brought my skate skis and wondered if I would survive trying to go to the bridge with the Valley Wanderers. It was really tough skiing across those ruts, but I managed to remain standing, although, I didn't have much speed, especially on the uphill parts. Coming down I was fine, and it had softened up slightly. But I still had to check my speed so I didn't have a bad fall. I made it all the way back with no falls. Bella had a great time racing back and forth. We both got a good workout over the 4 miles out and back. There were interesting cloud banks against the mountains and heavy dark clouds above. When I got back home the small amount of snow that had fallen, was totally gone. I guess Mother Nature was just teasing us and pretending that winter isn't really gone. It has stayed below freezing, so doesn't exactly feel like summer yet.

The KrrBrrr

 I had an interesting morning running The Krrbrrr race (Knik River Break-Up Ramble Run) through the mud and the muck, the stickers, trees, brambles, and the moose and horse poop. It's a crazy trail race that consists of a 5 mile loop through the messy flooded, muddy mass of ATV trails that connect Sullivan Road to the Jim Creek, Knik River drainage. Runners have to contend with ATV's, moose and occasional horses as they forge their way through the currently mostly flooded trail system. Negotiating my way around the gigantic flooded areas required bushwhacking through fallen trees, and hoards of gnarly wild rose bushes with nasty thorns that grab onto everything. I made sure to wear heavy long pants to avoid arriving at the finish a bloody mess. Runners, or in my case, walkers (I'm a chicken) can run as many loops as they want in the 8 hour allotted time. Like the previous 2 years, I was quite satisfied to call it a day after completing one loop still standing and not covered with mud. Heartier runners amazingly accomplished multiple loops. I'm proud of them! It's really a lot of fun and a challenge to find one's way from one pink flag to the next even though there may be a 3 foot deep moat between the 2 flags. I was slow and careful enough to actually arrive back at the start finish line without even getting my feet wet. My studded running shoes were covered with mud though. There was ice beneath many of the muddy sections and those studded shoes were perfect to help keep me from toppling over like some of the faster runners did. I love doing it just to have a little visit with the other runners. They inspire me.

Twin Peaks Trail

 I got a very late start getting out of the house today. But finally decided to drive up to Eklutna Lake and hike part of the Twin peaks Trail. We only went to the overlook at the first bench because we didn't have enough time to go all the way to the second bench. But the first bench overlook has the best view. We did encounter a few sections of ice but it was easy to either walk around it or walk in the softest parts. I had my spikes with me but didn't need to put them on. The bottom was a little muddy but for the most part, the trail was pretty dry. I love this steep little trail to the overlook. It's a good 3.5 mile workout and very beautiful. 

Archangel Road Ski

 It looked like today would be another sunny day. But the morning clouds didn't burn off like they have been doing lately. I skied along Archangel Road practicing my skate skiing. The snow was perfect, but the light was not very good. The farther out we went, the darker and thicker the clouds became. The light was so flat that I was afraid to get any speed going on the downhills. I was disappointed because I had hoped to go past the bridge since the snow conditions were so good. But I was starting to get a little vertigo because of the visibility. So, we turned around at the bridge. Bella enjoyed a good run and enjoyed visiting with other skiers and getting a few friendly pets from all of them.