Day 8 - Follow the Aichilik River up to Beauty Camp
What more could we ask for today! Nice weather, a scenic climb over a low pass, and a spectacular location for our camp!
24 Photographs
1
We stroll down the air strip on the Aichilik River, and enjoy the firm, flat footing while it lasts!
2
The main part of the Aichilik River, while shallow, has a substantial current. We won’t be crossing this one!
3
For a while, it’s possible to hike along right beside the river.
4
The close-up sights are just as interesting as the far away views! A raindrop is carefully cupped in each of these small sets of lupine-like leaves.
5
We turn away from the river to avoid some cliffs on our side of the bank a short ways ahead...
6
... and start climbing over the hills beside the river valley.
7
No trail, no switchbacks, just a climb straight up the hill.
8
Every step higher, the view just gets better...
9
It’s another one of those endless Alaskan hills...
10
...but we all make it to the top. L to R: Drew, Heide, Gary, Lynn, Carol, Cherie, Dale, Dexter, Perry, Rosel, Margaret and Karen.
11
Carol and Drew ran into an old pilot friend, Don (center), at the Achilik airstrip, and he accompanied us for part of the day and took the previous group photo.
12
It’s all downhill from here! We head back down towards the Aichilik River again.
13
It takes sharp eyes to spot these Dall sheep on a distant slope...
14
..but the caribou are willing to let us get a little closer. There are about twelve in this photo...
15
...and about ten in this one, with more on the way.
16
Cherie enjoys even the small wildlife, and picks up a Wooly Bear caterpillar for a ride.
17
The ice formations on the river add drama to the scenery...
18
...and our camp ends up near one of the most beautiful parts of the river!
19
“Beauty Camp” has certainly earned its name!
20
Cherie tends to some housekeeping...
21
...while Drew relaxes and enjoys the view....
22
...and Karen runs her solar-powered sock dryer!
23
Cherie: “Wow, this thing’s heavy! I’m glad I don’t have to wear it!” At least Dall sheep horns are hollow!
24
You can never take too many photos of such a beautiful camp!