I'm like a Ligthening Bug that Won't Turn off: All a Glow from the Eklutna Traverse

Sherrie and I have talked about an Eklutna Traverse trip for almost a year now. And with this amazing weather window we have been having it seemed like the perfect time. We started the trip out with a helicopter bump up to the Nordic center.

The weather in G-wood was not quite perfect, so we didn’t leave until about 5 PM (thank you RC for the ride!). For me an odd feeling as we land with no one in site, unloading gear under the spinning propellers, looking around into land completely covered in white mountain madness, and thinking alright, here we go!

A bit chilly and cloudy at the top – what happened to summer? – so Sherrie and I roped up quickly and took off heading for the blue sky in front of us....

We reached the pass, and started our way up one of the most deceiving hills on earth, looking out for open crevasses, and listening to the voices created by the combined sound of wind and skins.

Soon enough, with the sun beginning to set, we found our way to the Hans’ Hut….yummy soup, enchiladas, and chocolates for dinner…..We awoke the next morning at what we thought was 1 PM…wow, we must have been tired….but after realizing the watch had stopped and it was only 8 AM we relaxed and enjoyed a nice leisurely morning, enjoying coffee.

Sherrie and I switched the rope teams throughout the day, Sherrie in front then me in front…both have their advantages and irritations…..Of course the skiing made me nervous as I never did get all those days of practice in as I had wanted to…

But I hung on tight, tried not to wipe out, tried to keep the rope between us not to tight, and not to loose, and mostly just felt like an out of control kite tethered to a body! Nonetheless, we reached the end of the glacier mid-day which was a huge learning lesson all of its own....….crevasses everywhere!

Day three with about 30 miles behind us and 10 more to go. An "easy" hike out on a four-wheeler trail with skies, boots and “stuff” loaded in our packs that I’m sure was reaching close to 1000 pounds, ok, maybe it was more like 50 or 60….

I tried to sell Sherrie on these extra delicious energy bars called “Cliff” that I was lugging around and assured her that it would be the tastiest thing she has ever eaten in her life….but I think she was on to my scram of trying to lighten my load and she said she wasn’t interested!


It was interesting to resurface in the land of people and have them ask us if we found snow…..You do know there is a glacier back there….?? Then we started thinking of how we can make ourselves look cute and score a ride out…..Sherrie won the outfit of the day award by pulling out the skirt….my long johns and sports bra, yeah, not so hot! At about the ½ way mark some folks offered to give our packs a ride, which made the rest of the journey super easy.

The Eagle River RC Wall

I think sometimes we forget or don't even realize how much work goes into developing a climbing area or putting up a route....So I just wanted to thank all of those who have spent the endless hours of cleaning, bolting, and scouting.....thanks for donating the cost and your time in developing, when you could have been climbing....I really, really appreciate it!!

Gold Nugget, Vintage Style

I have to say, I do think our crew had the best swim caps out there......!
Once again what an inspirational day surrounded by just incredible women.

Gambell, AK: St. Lawrence Island and a quick peak at Russia

WOW, where to even begin? Gambell, Alaska located on St. Lawrence Island, off the coast of Nome, 38 miles from Russia, 12 miles from the international date line....population 700ish, subsistence living, ivory carvers, wonderful people, and now 24 hours of light.

I like this photo as it kinda captures the feeling of the town....gravel roads, 4 wheelers, a ski slope for the backdrop (just kidding, but it actually looked like it had some fun lines and looked like some decent rock climbing with nice splitters...hmmmmmm).


We went down to the beach and watched the hunting boats quickly navigate their way through the fast current and floating ice...looked kinda sketchy to me. The walrus looked like seals to me....but they laughed and assured me it was walrus!


Those mountains, Russia!

Huge thanks to Kim for helping us coordinate this trip....and a very special thank you to Anna and Claudette for always jumping in, for making me laugh, for keeping me in line, for all of the support and especially for making all of these adventures so enjoyable! I really could not have done it without you!

It makes me a little sad to think this trip was probably my last (Like I've said things are a little emotional these days ~smile~)......these trips truly have been incredibly amazing....as what an opportunity I have been giving to travel the state, to have a moment in time to experience life in these communities, to have a moment to talk, listen, and to try and comprehend their life experience.....such amazing people with just amazing stories.....I do have one of the coolest gigs around!

Excerts From the Dance Floor

For the past three months I have been taking a hip hop class at the Alaska Dance Theater....
It was one of those ideas that got thrown out, and well, it actually stuck!

The whole experience was super out of the box for all of us….our wonderful teacher, Irenerose, who has more coolness, style and glow, than I would ever know what to do with, taught us so many things, pushed us out of our comfort zones, and truly took time and effort to help in anyway she could.

And I think by the end even she was impressed with how well the moves stuck and our ability to use the word “What?!” in our daily vocabulary.

The grand finale was our 5 minutes of fame at the Saturday Night Dance Recital.

Friends, of course, filled the audience and rocked the house!

Ok, maybe it was the after party when the house got rocked!
An absolutely wonderful evening that truly will not be forgotten!!
Thanks to the crew for making it such a special night….Yes, The Jon Cobb, was in fine style!

Rock Climbing Alaska Style

I know with my departure nearing it puts me in a odd space...its hard to move through the days without thinking about the past, how my life has changed, how I have grown.......


Alaska......I remember the first time climbing at weiner lake....well the first time was an attempt to climb at weiner lake, I think it snowed and we found ourselves rapping into kids corner....me with a bright yellow sloper jacket someone had lent me....and I had no idea what an ATC was.


My first year of climbing began with a posh white van, that kept us dry when the weather was bad, easily held 10 people and was a perfect place for making breakfast burritos....I explored Hatchers and watched some of the classic routes go up at Weiner....


And now 7ish years later, I sit back and watch new routes go up in Eagle River.......but this time with new perspectives, inspiration, and dreams.......climbing, little did I know how much it was going to change my life......I once again reminisce on all of my Alaska climbing adventures, my mentors and my partners, the minor epics,,,,,


Once again I am reminded how amazing my path has been and I am thankful for life.....

Just like my bangs...its all about transition and a high pressure weather system!

Is winter really over...? Maybe for some, not for all....

but it is transition

For me, I could not have asked for better weather

for the first ride of the season.......

It was super cool that Matt and Heather recognized me

and stopped for a quick hello!!

The motorheads are still getting after it!

And only to finish the day off with some rock climbing in the sun!