The epic adventure began last Saturday. Our plan was to fly out on ski planes and land on Wonder Lake. Waking up that morning all that was in sight was blue skies and sunshine. I couldn't wait for the fun to begin.
We had been planning for these seven days for several months. One of the biggest logistical challenges was the food. Figuring out the what to bring and and how to cook it. Because everything is shut down for winter, that meant no water and no power. Our water would come from the spring down the road (as long as it wasn't frozen). The means to cook would be a propane stovetop and oven. Our plan was to bring out fresh food (produce, meat, cheese, etc.) and use the dry goods that were left behind at Camp. We were operating on weight restrictions since we had to fly in and out. One method we ended up lightening the load was to dry food prior to our departure. For weeks in the office we had dehydrators going with apples, peppers, bananas, strawberries, onions, and pineapples.
Another preparation was the gear. We had high hopes of the three sweet S's of winter: skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding. And with temperatures as low as -20, you had to be prepare everything from your nose to your tose for the bitter cold of winter. The cabins we would stay in would be heated exclusively by wood stove. The packing list included lots of warm socks, long underwear, hats, gloves, mittens, warm coat, sweaters, neck gaiters, toasty sleeping bag, and the occasional hand warmer. We were ready for anything and everything.
As the plane took off in the morning, packed with all our gear and food, I was thrilled for the adventure before us all. A once in a lifetime winter experience in one of the most beautiful places in Denali, Alaska, and the world.
