"What are we doing up here?" the family must have asked themselves. A thunderstorm was rolling over us and the wind was starting to howl. Since crossing the river in the valley below over 5 hours prior, we hadn't had a refill of water and thirst was knocking at the door. The trail had been rough and steep with inclines up to 45 degrees. "Chris," I exclaimed, "we have to find a camp spot NOW or this storm is going to get us."
This journey began when Chris Smith called me 6 months earlier......."So, what you are telling me is that you want your family to experience the 'Real' Alaska. You want to hike mountains, kayak lakes, and camp in the backcountry?" "Yes," Chris answered, "that's right!" "How much experience do you have backpacking and camping?" I asked. "None" he answered. "Now Peter, we want the real experience; we want to be challenged!" "Okay" I replied, "Lets do it".
 |
| Hiking towards Lake Kontrashibuna |
Chris and Renee Smith with their daughters Rayne and Autumn ("Mighty mouse") arrived on June 20th fresh from Tampa, Florida. They looked more suited for a trip to the mall than an excursion into the Alaskan bush. I was concerned that they may not know what they were in for. Spending 7 days in the backcountry is not exactly comparable to a day hike in your local state park. However, my concerns would soon be dismissed as I learned who this amazing family was and their capabilities together.
 |
| Fishing at Tanalian Falls in Lake Clark National Park |
The following morning we checked our gear and started the hike to the lower end of
Lake Kontrashibuna. Stopping at the famed Tanalian Falls for lunch, the Smiths had their first taste of fly fishing. After eating and landing a few arctic grayling we pushed on. Heading east, we bush whacked our way along the lake where our sevylor inflatable canoes were stashed. We hopped into boats and paddled 4 miles to our first camp site on a small peninsula along the lake shore. After setting up the camp we dined on hamburger wraps, potatoes fries and hot chocolate. We ended the night reeling in 5 nice lake trout while enjoying the campfire the girls had made.
 |
| Paddling towards Gladiator Basin in Lake Clark National Park |
Day two and three were spent paddling and fishing the 18 mile long Lake Kontrashibuna. Beauty is a dull word to describe this place!!! The rugged Chigmit mountains rise straight out of the lake and end as rocky, jagged peaks high above. The water, draining from the rugged peaks above, is as clear as any water in the Bahamas or Hawaii....a bit colder though. The native Lake Trout and Dolly Varden are always eager to rush the lures as we attempted to catch our lunch each day. To say the least, this place is heavenly and untouched by man.
As we arrived at the end of the lake and the trail head into Gladiator, we were enveloped in a windstorm that brought white capped waves into our small, struggling boats. We decided to link our canoes together length ways since Renee and Autumn were unable to paddle against the winds' force. After 1 hour of extreme paddling into the wind we limped onto our camp shore. Tired and physically beat, we set up our tents and crashed. I reflected that night on our journey so far and one thing stood out to me. The Smith family had exceeded all my expectations to this point. The girls, especially, were mentally tough and full of vigor. Never did I hear them complain or whine! They had all done well so far but I knew the real test would come in the days to come.
 |
| Resting after long paddle in huge wind storm |
 |
| "Air Mail" literally. The best chocolate chip cookies ever! |
The following day was spent recouping from our paddle, drying out our gear and lounging around the camp fire. That evening we hiked out of camp to scout out our trail for the next day into the much anticipated Gladiator basin. As we returned from the scouting trip we had a surprise. A plane had slowly flown in and was circling our camp. We all watched the plane for a bit before I informed the Smith's what was going on. Before we left on our excursion I had made arrangements with Jeremy Davis and my wife, Katie, to air drop us fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. The plane circled twice and slowed down to 40mph and some 30 feet high before dropping the bag of goodies. Katie was in the back of the plane waving frantically!!! It was great to see them and even better eating the freshly baked cookies!!!! (you can see the black bag being dropped from the plane if you look close)
What a few days it had been and the best was yet to come!
to be continued........
If you are interested in taking a similar trip to the backcountry of Alaska please check our many trips at
http://AlaskanVentures.com
No comments:
Post a Comment