Kenai Canyon Packraft II

For the second year in a row me and my friend, Greg, floated the Kenai Canyon.  The water was lower than when we floated last year but the skies were just as blue.  The banks, still lined with snow, we slid in like seals and the crystal clear pools of the Kenai induced vertigo as one gazed down to see giant boulders.  Once we made it to the lake we paddled around several robust icebergs before landing on the sandy beach.  From there a quick hike through the woods and back to the truck.

While the Kenai River typically can't be visited without seeing droves of people fishing the large, sockeye salmon run, or the easy to catch, trophy sized, rainbow trout.  Early in spring, this area is vacant compared to what will be happening in a month, when the chinook salmon begin their run up-river.  I look forward to next spring when I can go back or maybe this fall after the visitors diminish.

Here's a few photos courtesy of Greg, as I was too busy enjoying my summer vacation in April.

Summit Lake Alaska

I have found winter and spring are my two favorite seasons because I get to surf the gnar! I try to go out nearly every weekend for a quick skin and ride. There is no better therapy for, 'winter blues' or 'work blues' in my case.

For Christmas, I was blessed with a helmet cam. A much needed winter gadget that will help in sharing my passion for riding the mountains. I don't tend to take many pictures if any in the winter, mostly due to colder temperatures, bulky gloves and the fact that I lost our point and shoot last winter.

I was able to use this newly acquired technology on a short day trip out near Summit Lake, Alaska. I didn't take the time to edit the clips, so, turn on your favorite tune and enjoy the few minutes of me, surfing the gnar.

Kenai River Canyon Packraft

We scouted the canyon by taking a short trail. Realizing it would be a most relaxing float due to the lack of rapids and the picturesque day.

After parking the truck at the Hidden Creek trailhead we biked to our put-in at Jim's Landing.

Before long we were through the canyon and enjoying the beauty of the day.

Entering Skilak Lake.

Skilak had some great sandbars, with loads of driftwood, hundreds of Russian River flies, and even a filet knife. With the grandeur of Skilak Lake, the snowy Kenai mountains and the most pleasant weather Alaska has to offer; it made a grand first float of 2010, hopefully setting the tone for the rest of the summer .

The hike out Hidden Creek went through a forest previously burned by wildfire. New life was springing up all around, but the remnants of the fire still dominated.