Serenity falls for the new year

Trip Start Jan 01, 2002

Trip End Jun 31, 2007

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Flag of United States Eklutna, Alaska
Saturday, December 30, 2006

Irene managed to really slaughter her ankle 2 weeks ago on training run. She is off crutches but in a cast boot. We have planned going out to serenity falls hut for the new year for several weeks now. Fortunately we got permission at the final hour to use a snow machine. That was a blessing because it has been snowing buckets lately and the snow is very deep. It made for a long slog of 12 miles to the cabin. Jason and I went out on the snow machine to break trail and start a fire to heat the cabin. We met some people that were coming out of the cabin after being there for a few days climbing. They reported the cabin was still warm but all of the fire wood is no where to be found, buried under mounds of snow. So Jason chopped up some wood and got a fire going and then went back with the snow machine to check on jay, cath and julien the dog to see if they wanted a ride. He returned shortly with them on the sled.

happy new year

Catherine and jay are the only ones of the group of people we invited that were in attendance. We had room for 13. no worries, though. In retrospect anyone else would have made the trip totally different. Instead, the 4 of us and 2 dogs had a great time of it. Since I was hurt and couldn't tolerate much walking or skiing and Catherine is newly pregnant, we had a cozy time hanging out. Lots of good food. Some music. Board games---yes really. We played cranium which really was a lot of fun. And then pass the pigs which is a fun little game that Jason and I fell in love with. We aren't much for cards so I think we will take that with us around the world.

The new year came under a full moon and clear skies. We hobbled out to the bridge without needing lights and took these photos which don't do it justice. It really was crystalline and spectacular.
The next day we went out for a short ski up the river valley and back under clear skies.
The day we left, the snow returned in force and made the going tough for cath and jay. When we caught up to them, they appeared to be making good time though. Jason and I continued on to break trail and get back to the truck. The snow kept coming with a vengence and the going was slow. After dropping me off, he returned to get cath and jay and julien. I think without the machine, it would have been a very long day indeed. What a way to ring in the new year.

Chugiak hotels Slideshow