Albert Loop Trail

While the Musician was visiting, I thought it would be nice to take him for a hike. I had wanted to take this particular hike because I heard it was lovely. I thought it would be good for the Musician because it had little elevation change. Flinnster and Mr. Flinnster hooked us up with some warm hiking boots and snow pants and we headed out to the Eagle River Nature Preserve. A nice leisurely stroll through nature would be a good start to our anniversary. The center is only open on weekends during the winter, but the trails are always open. There are lots of trails and I could get a little crazy here and find myself going too far if I'm not careful. We paid our $5 day parking fee and decided to follow the signs for the Albert Loop Trail. It would be a nice 3 1/2 mile walk and not too dangerous if I don't try to go off on side trails.

Trail started out on packed leaves. There were some lookout areas early on and I thought the frozen over telescope was pretty cool. This trail goes through wooded areas to the Eagle River and has different scenery that ranges from woods to river edge to frozen plains. The trail range from packed leaves to loose gravel to boardwalk to frozen mud areas. They keep it clear in the winter for cross country skiing, but not enough snow for that yet this year.


We meandered at a pretty leisurely pace. It was really quiet and sometimes we walked in silence so that we could hear the quiet. Sometimes we chatted quietly. It wasn't a place for noise today.

At one area of the stream crossing, I spotted an eagle. The only actual wildlife we saw today. It looked to be catching something and I wasn't quick enough with the camera to catch it as it took off and flew into the trees. They are majestic animals. I see why they are the symbol of Freedom. We did encounter evidence of other animals, just not the actual animals. Maybe that's OK.




As we kept going, we encountered this sign.

We decided to be rebels and not take the detour. Figured, we could always turn around if the trail was impassable. There were many areas where the boardwalk was washed away, but there was trail that went around the washed out area, so we were able to keep on going.

As we came to the river, I was struck by how much rushing water there still was. Usually, it's frozen solid by this time of year. Although it was cold, it wasn't cold enough. I thought the way the ice from the banks adjacent to running water was pretty cool to see.

After we made the turn from the river and were heading back, we encountered the yurt. People can rent this yurt for camping. It is very basic and you have to pack just about everything you would need, but it provides shelter. There was lots of firewood and a few firepits for sitting around telling campfire stories. I tried to convince the Musician to sit on the outhouse seat for a photo op, but he declined. I personally would find it too cold to camp in winter, but I bet it is well used in the summer months.

And, of course, I can't hike without taking pictures of cool plants I come across. I bet this is gorgeous in the summer when everything is in full bloom. It's really amazing in winter when the plants are frozen and iced also.

Took a really long time because we took a really slow comfortable pace and enjoyed ourselves. Really easy hike with no real change in elevation. Completely worth the trip. I highly recommend it. I did notice that this is also the start (or finish) of the 25-mile Crow Pass. If I am back in summer months and have a few days off, I may take the 2-day trek. Looks awesome.

Alaska...First 30 days

My day job in the AF is administrative, but I am trained about clinical work and that's my passion. So, when I had the opportunity to spend a few months in Alaska providing manning assistance for the OBGYN department at Elmendorf, I jumped at the opportunity ... and then I got nervous. I was excited, but had great trepidation at the same time. 

I've always wanted to spend time in Alaska ... but in winter? It's cold.

I want to get back to clinical work ... but I'm a subspecialist and I'm a little nervous about pulling all night labor & delivery call. 

It's a great opportunity ... but I will miss the Musician and my pups. 

The TDY assignment came up quick and I had a hard time wrapping my head around getting organized. The weekend before I had to go, I decided I just had to bite the bullet and pack. I couldn't decide what (weather) and how much (2 months) to pack. So, I packed all my sweaters and tossed in anything I thought I might want to stay warm. Clearly unorganized, I packed too much. 

Monday was a holiday and I was scheduled to fly on Sunday. A day to get settled in before starting work. Well, nope. Flight was delayed and the gate agent said I wouldn't make connection. Choices ... leave 24-hours later ... or overnight in Chicago airport. I chose to spend an extra night at home. Sunday, I left San Antonio in 80-degree weather. Connection was delayed and I arrived in Anchorage 18-hours later, 32-degrees. I picked up my rental and drove to base. GPS sent me to a locked gate. Stressed out, but arrived to lodging around 2 AM.

 I was definitely going to be tired when I reported to work the next morning. Thank goodness, they were understanding. Did a little inprocessing and was sent home to rest and finish inprocessing the next day. First night, Flinnster and her family were going for a Munchkin run. I decided I would join for a 1.7 mile trail run. I was greeted to the first of many incredible sunsets. But the trail run and the cold was a shock to my system. My asthma was going to be feeling this cold dry air. 

What a first month it was. I returned to my roots in general OBGYN. The nurses on L&D said they "could tell I was experienced." Does that mean old? Apparently, I have the ability to remain calm in stressful situations. I had forgotten just how messy the whole delivery process is. And, although I hadn't forgotten that I don't like the wee hours of the morning, I forgot how hard it is to stay up so long. Why are most babies born in the middle of the night? I operated, and in addition to putting tubes together, I had chest pain when I did tubal ligations ... more business for later? Maybe? And GYN basics ... hysterectomies. It's like riding a bike. It all came back quick and my brain turned back on. 

When I could, I enjoyed what Alaska has to offer. Apparently, it was a very mild transition to winter. We had days in the 40s and rarely dipped into the 20s. Had a brief dusting of snow that made me giddy, but it melted. I did a few races and tried to hike as often as I could. I watched as the terminal dusting marched down the mountains.  

Tried out lots of great restaurants. Sometimes on purpose, sometimes just randomly looking for a place to eat. Surprising that there are so many places offering vegetarian and vegan offerings. Middleway Cafe became a frequent hang-out spot. Had a great Nepalese bowl at Yak N Yeti. The blackened, fried brussels sprouts at Spenard Roadhouse are sinfully delicious. Organic Oasis has a Spirulina salad dressing that I could drink from a bottle. I have missed pho and Pho Saigon has a vegan pho with a mushroom (instead of traditional beef) broth and vegan curry. Fried cauliflower options and some of the best beets I've ever had were found here. All said, I have eaten very very well. Who knew it would be so easy in Alaska? I didn't. 

If you know me, you know I obsess about Wyland murals. I love the sea life and the way he captures it. I have tried to collect pics from murals wherever I find them. How surprised was I to find a 1994 Wyland wall on 6th street? 

Anchorage is a small city of 300K, but there is plenty of cultural activities. Saw this little show ... it was amazing. Made it to the symphony and they had a mixed media performance with an amazing show of the Northern Lights put to music of the orchestra.

Went aurora hunting when the lights were supposed to be good. My bad luck, I was either at work on the best nights, or too much cloud cover. Saw some green hue and a hazy pillar, but no dancing lights. No lights filling the sky. I can't complain too much, though ... the skies here are beautiful in many ways. The color of the night sky ... the blues are breathtaking. The sunsets are pink and vibrant. The darkness is darker than dark. It's just inexplicable. 

I have been made to feel very welcome here. The people I work with ... physicians, advanced practice nurses,  nurses, technicians ... just among the best of the Air Force. Even some old friends have re-entered my life. Flinnster has been incredible making me feel so welcome and helping me with the navigation of the system. Ran into WonderNurse. She was an L&D nurse at Keesler when I was a wee resident. Now, she's a big bad women's health nurse practitioner. Small little AF world.  I never worked with Chief, but we have been in the same place at the same time and know lots of the same people. And, my new friend DD thought it would be funny to put these on my desk. What a welcome!!!

I have also appreciated how nice it is to just drive. As I finish my first 30 days, I enjoyed a view from the Seward Highway going down Turnagain Arm. Musician comes next week.

Twin Peaks ... second attempt ... success

Weather was still holding out, so I took another crack at Twin Peaks Pass. I was post-call and had a decent night. So, after a leisurely breakfast I headed out. Same beautiful drive to Eklutna Lake. Same beautiful drive down the 10-mile dead-end road with amazing views. This time, though, I went through the parking lot at the end to the other side. Look ... a nice easy sign to let me know I was in the right location. I paid my $5 day-use fee. It had been warm, so I decided against spikes.

The trail follows an old logger road, so it's  pretty easy to identify. The lower part goes through frozen tundra. This hike doesn't have lots of panoramic views of the city or wide open spaces, but it's lovely in other ways. 

After crossing the frozen creek ... which would normally be solid this time of year ... a very handy sign showed me the way. The lake trail doesn't have the elevation gain, but it goes for miles and miles. I know myself well enough that I would have a hard time deciding when to turn around ... always wondering what is around the next bend. I chose to follow the path I planned. 

 

 The trail quickly began winding upwards with switchbacks. About a half-ish mile into the hike, I looked to my left, and saw an old hollowed out truck. I wonder how it got there, how long it's been there? I had read about it and was advised not to clamber down to check it out. It was pretty steep and there was no path. I chose to head the guidance.

Wheh!!! I was getting tired. Up and up and up. Switchbacks didn't really make the climb less steep. I was relieved to come to the "first bench" about a mile and a half up the climb. The view was spectacular, breathtaking, totally worth it!!! I enjoyed a little snack and caught my breath to prepare for the next part.

The hike got steeper here. No more switchbacks. And snow on the trail. It was going to prove to be another butt burner. At one point, I came across a patch of pure ice. There was a little trickle of a stream flowing across the trail. I slipped and almost landed on my butt, but (I like the two words together) I was able to catch myself and lower myself to my knees. When I tried to stand, I felt like Bambi on ice. There was no traction. I looked to my left and saw what sliding down the edge would look like. I chose to crawl on hands and knees and made it safe and sound.

Eventually, I made it to the "second bench."

 The view of the peaks was, again, absolutely stunning. I need a thesaurus to learn more words to express the beauty of this place.

From here, the maintained trail ends. I had read about options for the primitive trails to the top of the peaks. Behind the bench, up to the right and across the ride. Or in front of the bench, down to the left and through the pass before a final push to the summit.  There is supposed to be a large herd of Dall Sheep across the pass. While I was resting on the bench, I watched a white patch move in a straight line across the valley. I zoomed in and took a picture. Must have been a sheep, but when I zoom in on the picture, it's an odd-shaped set of pixels. I'm counting it as a wildlife siting.I wasn't geared for that kind of trek in the winter months, and alone, so I decided that would have to wait for another trip. It would have been magical, though, to get up close and personal with the herd.

After a brief rest, I discovered Trusty Garmin had paused at the first bench and hadn't recorded the last push. Bummer. So, re-set for the trek downhill. Also reminded myself that downhill in the snow may more treacherous than uphill, just not as breathless. 

 It was another beautiful day. Another peaceful day of solitude for the continued recharging. My route shows downhill trek only. The "relaxing" day included 1937 feet of climbing. 900 in the first 1.5 miles, but 1000 feet in 1 mile to the top. Tired, but happy.

Whoops, not Twin Peaks ... so Thunderbird Falls instead

My colleagues in Anchorage have been great about suggestions for hikes, especially since we haven't had much snow. Some hikes would be impassable if we had snow, but still do-able this time of year without snow. Just a little terminal dust at elevations. Twin Peaks was one such hike. So, I got up in the morning, drove to Eklutna Lake. The drive is beautiful. Some lucky people have some amazing homes with fantastic views. After leaving the highway, it's a 10-mile drive to dead-end at the lake. By the way, the ice cream stand was closed. No surprise, but I was curious. The pristine lake is the water reservoir for Anchorage. I followed the instructions I read on-line and drove to the very end. I parked in the parking lot near the fee station. Dutifully paid my $5 parking day-use fee, put on my spikes and headed out. Stopped first for a picture at the boat ramp. I could tell it would be a beautiful hike.

Saw a trailhead to my right which seemed better marked than the one to my left. Figured this was the right direction. About a half-mile and I came  to a T in the trail. Right? Left? Chose left ... looks like it heads "up."

 See, doesn't left look right? I mean correct, looks like it's heading towards a pair of peaks?

 As I crossed the dam, I had to get a picture. So beautiful ... and serene. Not a person around. Should that mean something?

 After reaching the other side of the damn, and entering the woods, there was no trail to follow. HMMM? Maybe the other direction. Is that "twin peaks" in the distance? So, turn around and try the other way.

Yes, this looks much better, but nope. Another half  mile and I encountered a camp ground. Went to the end of the campground to see if there was a trail. Nada. So, keep going on the road. There is a sign that shows "you are here." I circled back to one of the parking lots. Turned around and backtrack to where I started the day. Followed the trail and found a sign for Twin Peaks Trail ... 180 degrees from the direction I started.Turns out the parking lot circles around. I wasn't at the end of it. On the other side, there is an easy to see signpost. Whoops. It's 5 miles round trip. I had already gone 2.5 miles and wasn't really feeling like another 5. Especially as the days are shorter. I didn't want to be stuck out there in the dark. Time for Plan B.

Green arrow ... where I started. Black arrow, where I should have started. 

I had read about the small town of Eklutna with the Russian Chapel and graveyard. Stopped here and paid a donation. Took a few pictures of the charming chapel. Then, back to the highway. I passed Thunderbird Falls on my way out. It's just a mile up, so it would be a nice little hike to add to my unsuccessful attempt at the peaks.

 Dutifully paid my $5 day use fee ... again ... to support the state trail system.

There was only one trail heading up and out of the parking area. Figured, I wasn't going to get lost this time. The trail was a mix of snow and packed leaves. I did not put on my spikes. That becomes an important detail later.

Into the woods, it was a beautiful hike. Went up a bit and then was along the edge of a gorge with a stream below. Breathtaking.

I obeyed the rules (so I wouldn't die) and stayed on the trail. Came across a split in the trail ... down to the creek or straight to the falls. I decided down first and then come back to the falls.



Down was steep with a few patches of ice where I almost landed on my backside. Super slick. I didn't have my spikes on this time. The roar of the rushing frozen water was amazing. But, what I was most fascinated by was the trees ... ice covered, bending like arches, broken ... breathtaking.

Back up to the falls. Almost completely frozen and absolutely beautiful. I met Ballard who greeted me like a long-lost friend. I agreed to take a picture of her 2-legged companions, but only if I could have a picture with her.

On the way back, I found the cozy little hideaways in the trees. Yes, I peaked inside. No, there were no furry little hibernating creatures. If the spaces had been big enough for bears, I would not have gone poking about.

So ... despite the change of plans, it was a great day. Pretty warm for this time of year. I loved the solitude during most of my walking. I heard the sounds of nature, but sometimes it was almost so quiet that you could hear the silence. The true introvert in me rejoiced and felt completely renewed and relaxed. Maybe one of my favorite days in Anchorage so far. And maybe one of my favorite days ever. I do like my alone time. I felt completely recharged.