April 5, 2009
Night 2, by Dot Lake, an island near Chisana
After passing over this lovely island three times, I'm finally camping on this oasis of witches' broom spruce and swamps. Must be a few flying squirrels around here.
A nice pull today. Lots of snow on Cooper Creek ice, but ice creepers ($20) did the trick as I walked the tricky parts. A fox walked right up on us after we saw Dave Cramer on the trail.
So much snow here that we haven't shouldered our packs yet (we have a system where we can either pull our turtle-shell sled packs or carry them on our shoulders). Our sleds have sufficed so far.
Saw Forest Wagner's tracks and were hoping to camp with him on this island. He may have veered left on a side trail and camped across the Chisana. Since Andy and I have gotten our feet wet on the Chisana twice by overflow, Michael and I agreed it would be good to shut 'er down and hit the river first thing in the morning, when it may be more solid. Thankful to be out here in the country!
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Comments on Night 2, by Dot Lake, an island near Chisana »
Congratulations Ned and all others. Skiing through Skolai pass? I don't believe it-you must have rented a helicopter in the tradition of Rosie Ruiz. I don't blame you one bit!
Hey Rob;
Yeah, we lucked out with tons of snow this year. I still feel like I've been in the ring with Mike Tyson a week later, though. There's no easy way though. But, we cruised through Skolai Pass, and there's a hole busted through Nizina Glacier at Skolai Creek, giving easy access to Nizina River, unlike the ordeal you, me, and Andy went through. Thought of you 100 times out there!
Ned