Backpacking and Dog-sledding in the Alaskan wilderness
Picture it: a one month long road trip, just me & Steve, camping in the North American wilderness, putting our newly acquired fly fishing skills to use in the serene landscapes of the West, staying as far away from people as possible. That's the dream, right? Our Subaru Outback we purchased for this exact circumstance … Continue reading Fish are for Bears
Summer of the Bear. Summer of turning 30. Summer of death by mosquito. Summer of fly fishing. Summer of jewelry making. Finished by fall colors and blueberry picking. Not a bad way to pass the Summer of Covid. Hi ho, hi ho, It's off to work we go.... Gotta get those hiking legs back in … Continue reading Denali 2020: Summer of the Bear
This unique year of 2020 has had its challenges, sure, but it has actually given us a great opportunity for more time to learn a new skill! Our summer in Denali has been a lovely summer, and I'll be writing about that soon as the season winds down (already?!). The biggest difference in this season … Continue reading Learning to Fly Fish
Here we go! 1500 miles to Denali We made it to the official start of the World Famous Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. Dawson Creek is an industrial type of town, a little grey during this cloudy day and closed-down season. We fueled up, took the obligatory photo in front of the sign, … Continue reading Fuzzy Animals ‘n Covid Curveball
Florida Sea BaseDenali Backcountry Lodge Ah, the privilege of working in beautiful locations on opposite ends of the spectrum, and country! It's just over 5,000 miles to drive a straight run from Islamorada, Florida to Denali National Park, Alaska. Then add in some side adventures, and a lay-over in Illinois, and our time and distance … Continue reading 5,000 miles from the Keys to Denali
A few days after sleeping through yet another New Year's ball drop, we were on our way to the Great White North for a lovely little foray into backcountry Alaska to get the Winterlake Lodge & their dogs ready for the winter tour season. We packed some Army duffels, which fit our snowshoes quite well, … Continue reading 2019 Recap: Doggies of Alaska
My last day in Anchorage was spent wandering the streets. I had been packed for days and found myself taking more and more walks. The rain cascaded off the roofs and eves creating tiny rivers in the streets. The gutters filled with babbling little brooks, floating leaves, and sticks down to the drains and beyond. … Continue reading The Return to the Mountain
With the last few weeks going by at a break neck pace. I unexpectedly found myself finishing my contract early, a whole week early, to my surprise. What would I do with all that time? My flights were all booked months before, trips all planned a while ago. I let Sierra know I was done … Continue reading The Waiting Place
My new job allowed me more time to myself. Working 12 hour shifts was much better than 4 hours here and there. I now more opportunities to go into town, to get things done. My weekends in the park continued with Sierra. My free time however was spent looking for work. We were both looking … Continue reading Sacrifice what you are for what you will become
Upon returning from our backcountry weekend, I was met with a startling event. I had just gotten up at 5 am and rode the bus 5 hours to be back by 11 am, all in time for my first shift driving at work. As I came into the office Carrie asked me to come outside … Continue reading Princess Cruises is the Devil
SMOR Adventures 