ALASKA EXPEDITION 2010

“Got a nice gortex jacket from my dad, gloves, nylon shell, will borrow poly shirts from my boys. Still looks like I'm keeping my pack wt low (25 lbs), still need to order maps.”

“Remember temps will dip down to 30's and high's of 70ish.”

“http://www.adn.com/2007/12/14/110641/bear-sightings.html#id=1313356&view=large_view

Bear sightings in and around Anchorage.
I like the one of little black bear setting in a bird feeder.”

“I plan on eating here and maybe take in a soda pop.

http://humpys.com/
last edited: 6/13/10 5:09:15 AM”

“Last year a few of the guys went here. I never did go in as I was the designated driver and maintained control as usual.

http://www.akbushcompany.com/”

“Duuuuude!!!”

“http://www.moosestooth.net/

http://www.moosestooth.net/index2.htm
last edited: 6/13/10 5:42:17 AM”

“Hey Fridge, I've gone over my e-mails, but can't find one with our latest plan. Where are we starting, going, and ending? Now that I'm ordering maps, all of a sudden I care! Would you mind sending it again? thanks!”

“Sunny you have mail.”

“Fridge, have you made any decisions regarding the route we are taking or are we base camping and day hiking?”

“No base camping, We have several routes at hand pending Glacial melt and Rain effecting the streams. Bush pilot will take me in first fly Nap of the Earth to take a look at our route or possible route.”

“Stopped at Fedex today and it is going to cost $100 to send my pack to AK. They offer a delivery date guaranteed service. I'm doing that I am NOT trusting the airlines with my gear!”

“We maintained control Mike, nice of the young men to set me up so to speak.:)”

“Cool Beans,
hikerduane, I never mentioned any names and now ya have told on yourself.”

“I'm too old to spank, about time I got a rep.:)”

“lets see if I remember now???
Dud tells one of those strippers that you are his Grandpa and you have never had a lap dance before and your first time ever in a joint like this. She replies back and "well we will do something about that and make up for lost time" and the rest of the story you can tell.”

“Not Grandpa, Uncle.”

“Okay....I thought you were his dad and hiker duane was grandpa? hehehe Had a good time hu”

“Grandad is what I heard, but that's ok, it was the first time. I wanted to play the phone man and reach out and touch someone, but I was good.:(”

“Re: Mountain house meals for 2--are they really for 2 people or is it one big helping for 1? Just want to know if I should split a 2-for up into 2 separate meals.”

“for me backpacking for 5 days burning up alot of calories, I use a 2 person meal as one. If I don't need or want to finish off any remaining prepared food, I can always burn in a fire or being in Grizz country, carry it to the next camp where there will be a fire. If you do decide to split your 2 person meals I would carry some extra snack energy foods that you could always use as a snack throughout our day of Backpacking.”

“every body getting in shape and ready to go. Before long you will have trouble sleeping like a kid going to Disney”

“FYI-
If you are pre-ordering your bear spray and/or fuel cannisters from Anchorage REI, you will need to call them to do so. The website advised that they don't ship flammables to AK. I just called them, ordered my stuff and it is paid and waiting for my arrival on July 2nd.
whoohoo.

Just an FYI for others, here's the number for REI AK:

907-272-4565”

“Thankx AmyG”

“Thanks AmyG! Funny how they didn't mention that on the website!”

“Tango - I saw it when I tried to order the fuel cannisters. Anyway, the peeps at the store advised that they usually have plenty of bear spray, etc in stock, so we didn't need to worry. I ordered mine "just in case."

Always be prepared...
;)”

“Fridge - the temps look absolutely perfect!!!”

“I have three cans of bear spray sitting up there waiting for me and my folks. Not sure I should order fuel or not. I guess I'll call them and ask about their stock on hand.

What do we do with this stuff when we leave by the way. Assuming we don't use it”

“Donate it to some needy backpackers?”

“Practice using it last day. Give a demonstration.”

“REI was out of the MSR isobutane last August, but after milling around the store a bit with a couple smaller canisters, some magically appeared so I grabbed one as the large would easily last five nights unless we found a griz to bbq.”

“Ah the magic of REI.”

“There is anopther hugh store in town we went to that has anything we will need iffin REI doesn't have it. Anybody who does not have a rei card can of course use mine.”

“and I don't mean REI credit card either.”

“Posty's Trading Post will be the last convenience store we stop at just before we arrive at Ranger Station at the beginning of Nabesna Road. Posty's has hot shower and a towel for 2 bucks and I usually stop here to fill up for gas and on my way back to Anchorage to top off a nice shower so we keep the stink at bay while we drive some 5 hrs back to Anchorage.”

“Extra socks (your feet will get wet, I promise)
Bug Dope and please no citronella....Grizzly bears love it.
Sun Screen
Rain Gear
Good quality Boots or Backpacking Shoes
Sandals for stream crossing....I have used KEEN sandals on the past 2 trips and I plan on using Soloman river shoes this year. Some have used crocks in the past with problems keeping on there feet in a glacial stream.
Purchase fuel in Anchorage.
Personal Medications
Camera
Don't forget yourself....very important
Toilet paper, almost as important as food.
Temps can be in the 30's at night and 70's during the day so bring appropriate clothing
Check your GEAR and be sure it is in excellent condition and you know how to use it.
If you have trouble sleeping during day light bring a bandanna to cover your eyes or other sleep aid. We will have approx 20 hrs of day light, and 4 hrs of dusk. It never gets dark.
No head light needed. I never bring mine.
It's windy on the Mesa's so bring something that will block wind...I use my rain gear.

Alaska is hard on Gear. Trekked many miles on trails in the Lower states, Alaska will be a real test on your gear for quality and being top notch condition.

When using your tent be sure you have a GOOD quality FOOT PRINT (ground cloth). Tundra and volcanic debris will give your tent floor a new look if you do not use a foot print.”

“Backpack with rain cover and accessorie bags
One man tent
Tarp to accomodate all of us
Neo air mattress
Down sleeping bag
Solo cooking pot
Titanium isobutane stove
Matches, lighters
Eating utensils 2
Camera/bag/batteries
Bear canister
Water proof bags
2 fuel (purchase in Anchorage)
1 Nalgene bottle
1 hydration bag
Water filter
GPS, Compass, Maps
Walking Sticks
Walkie Talkies with covers and spare batteries for 4 people
Spare batteries
hygein kit
First aid kit
Titanium cup
Mosquito head net
Sun glasses
Fire Starters
Binoculars ultra light compact
Sat phone
Reading glasses
Bug Dope
Sun screen
Weapon with Holster and ammo
small knife”

“Rain Gear...pants and jacket
Boots
Sandles (solomon water shoes)
3 pair socks
Seal skin socks
2 zip off pants
1 sun hat
1 rain hat
1 set long johns sleeping clothes
2 T shirts
1 long sleeve shirt
Gaiters
Insulated ski cap
Finger less gloves
Nano Puff Jacket Patagonia
MH Syncro Jacket (orange)

NO UNDERWARE!”

“If anyone is flying in Thursday night and is interested I am thinking about renting a bike on Friday morning and riding the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, 11 miles one way.

More info here:
http://www.alaska-bike-rentals.com/Home.aspx”

“is thatthe same trail last year a Grizz attached a dide on a bike? Mauled him and went after another and was fended off by several others running at Grizz firing a pistol! Yep I thunk that's the trail.”

“Don't worry, I'm playing it safe and renting one of the bikes with a bell on the handlebars.”

“roflmao”

“id love to rent a Hog. I know Amy is a rider. roll on two wheels down to Seward or something.”

“Too late to say much, a few from last year were not in shape and they found out the first day. I think most of their issue was too heavy of packs. Lighten the load and work on getting a little exercise NOW. Dub had his "Geezer break" photo, the two old guys were out front.”