Alaska - lost one before it even started
Brad… here it is in your own words… wont you reconsider
Probably best plan will be for all to try to arrive on Saturday (26th) whenever you can get in. As soon as last person arrives, we can take off for the pickup point in rental cars. Art is also checking to see how much more expensive it would be to have the plane come pick us up closer to Anchorage so we can avoid having to get cars. Either way, we’ll be dropped off in the wilderness on Sunday early afternoon and have roughly a week to get back out. Art is going to forward more detailed info on to us after he talks to the folks at McCarthy Air. We can then try to locate maps, etc. Landing points are probably going to be old air strips used at one time by mining companies. There are two recommended routes out - the high road and the low road. High road is alpine (less bugs!!!) but will involve scree climbs and other discomforts (bring your gators and ski poles!!!). The low road involves at least one river crossing - so it may be that this way is blocked anyhow. Both routes involve some sections of trail and some sections of off-trail land nav. Therefore, I’m expecting detailed terrain models over coffee each morning from Hayes before stepping off. Not expecting a lot of mileage in any one day, but will no doubt be lost on multiple occassions and will back track enough to satisfy all of those craving long days of forced marching!
Art says he’s got a .357 that he can bring along. With that, Mehdi’s immediate action flash cards and safety briefings, and Andy’s bear bells we should be fine. Maybe some pepper spray in case one of you decides to go Brokeback out there.
I’m going to try to borrow or steal a telephoto lens for this trip. Big horn sheep!!!. Because of all the photography gear, I’ll need Mehdi to carry my water for me this trip. I hope that’s not a problem, Dan.
I think we can plan on being back on Satruday (the 2nd), but who knows at what time. Also, good chance we’ll have a long drive back to Anchorage. Until we hear differently from Art, I’d say flights back on Sunday the 3rd is probably what we’re looking at.
Looking forward to this one!
Tags: alaska