The Alaska Outdoors  www.alaska-outdoors.org

Memorable Hikes

Every hike is special.  Every hike brings a wonderful memory, view, conversation with fellow hikers, etc.  But, some hikes are more memorable.  Here are collection of memorable hikes.   Please submit your memorable hikes.

2008

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2007

Jan 25: Hilltop Ski Area (Mutiny Hike)

The hiking started as usual.  We had just a pile of fresh snow early on the week, so that we had no idea how many inches of snow we had.  Bob came with snowshoe.  I (the fearless leader) thought that very interesting because we often use multi-use trails that are groomed or well-traveled trails, so that we don't need snowshoes.  It was not that cold, but wind was very strong, dropping snows from tree branches.  So, instead of going up to the gas line trail, I (the fearless leader) deciced to take a hike to the lower area.  This should keep us from the wind.   We headed toward the South Bivouac and took a Rover's Run trail along side the Campbell Creek.  The trail was already groomed, so that it was easy to walk.  Bob & I had to slow down the speed, so that everyone could keep up. Melissa was sweatting.  When we took the Moose Run, I realize that there was less trafic.  As we hiked into the Black Bear trail, there was almost no foot trafic.  The fresh snow was just above ankle high.  I was plowing the trail.  The black bear trail goes through forest, and the trail was completely pitch black.  In addition, nobody (except me) have ever came to this trail before.  Those made everyone feel that we were in the middle of nowhere, except for Bob because he had snowshoe and also experienced.  As we proceed, Melissa aked me how long it will take to be back.  Needless to say, I told her "We are on the half way."  She replied, "Yeah, Right.  I don't believe you."   The snow was getting deeper and deepr, and when we came to the Brown bear trail, there was no foot print and the snow was above knee high!!  At this moment, there it was much shorter to go through this trail than going back. So, I proceeded totally unrecognized snow covered trail.  Everone looked at me. Their eyes were clearly and loudly telling me "You must be kidding!!!"  To make the matters worse, the trail was just opened this fall, so that it was not well established, with brahches.  As a result, you will never know what's under the snow.  Every time you put a foot, you will be stepping on something unknown.  As we proceed, Sean started to fall, feet of Melissa and Dela were freezing, my dog Lt Yar were pulling me hard because she wanted to get over with it as soon as possible, Kevin was sweating hard.  It was exhausing, so that we stopped every 10 minuites. Melissa is shouting "Are we there yet?"  every seconds.  I encouraged them that we were almost to the end (which was true), but no one is trusting.  Everyone was ready for mutiny.  Kevin suggested that we just sit here, build a fire, and wait for the spring.  Of course, we can't do that.  I can't kill them here.  We kept going little by little, and then, we were suddenly back to the trailhead. The time was 5 minutes before 8:00 pm, so that it was not a long hike.  But, everyone surely felt that the hike was long long way to eternity....

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