From Anchorage, we drove to Palmer and further to a lodge property that was also a helicopter flightline. Along the way, we hiked at Thunder bird Falls to see more of the area.
 |
| the straightforward hike |
 |
| Falls seemed small, but werent. |
 |
| gotta love the graphic descriptions |
Since we were early in the season, the resort was quiet, but at 8am each morning, the birds started their engines to take people out to glaciers and sightseeing flights of the area.
 |
| chugach mountains beyond Matanuska River |
 |
| glacier in distance. lots of meandering, changing rivers |
 |
| one of several neighbors near our cabin |
 |
| Turk checks in to lodge in disguise |
 |
| view from our cabin |
 |
| 8am morning flight |
 |
| off they go! |
We had a hike planned to the top of the Bodenburg Butte, a 900 foot summit with views of the Matanuska River valley and Knik Glacier in the distance. We had 2 guides - 1 in training - which was fun.
 |
| Ready to go! |
 |
| lots of steps-to preserve the butte |
 |
| at the top - Knick glacier behind us |
 |
| tasted spruce tips - like berries! |
 |
| view from summit of Palmer, farmland, glacier, mountains, river. Potatoes come from HERE! |
The time for our flight finally arrived and we got weighed, were told the landing could be cancelled any time along the way due to conditions, and then strapped into the helicopter. I got to 'copilot' the way there.
 |
| ready! |
 |
| grinning, but nervous |
 |
| water is everywhere |
 |
| glacial ice as we pass various glaciers |
 |
| stunning glacier, I think Knix |
 |
| the sled dog camp! Cardiac Glacier |
 |
| each dog has its own named doghouse |
 |
| happy Turk |
 |
| Ready to GO! |
 |
| too much fun! |
 |
| This is how we sledded |
 |
| the dogs liked to stay on TOP of their igloos |
 |
| masked sister pups |
.jpg) |
| so friendly - these two just leaned on me for affection |
 |
| 5 humans live, each in own pod, with dogs |
 |
| our flying chariot awaits |
 |
| a glacier we did NOT land on |
 |
| our resort cabins, landing field, Chugach Mtns |
 |
| lodge sauna overlooking landing spots |
 |
| Brewery's innovative patio -truck beds |
 |
| brewery pizza phone |
 |
| Best icecream EVER - Alaska has highest consumption |
 |
| ice cream trailer with old tractor |
 |
| old bridge over Matsuka River, campers on sandbar |
 |
| young moose hangin out with us |
 |
| in case you wanted watermelon..... |
.jpg)
