Tag Archives: Climbing

Legacy

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John Wesley Gibbs and Doris Elaine Bennet met on Howdy Day at East High School in Denver, Colorado…Grandma says he was attracted to her nice legs, and I’m sure she was charmed by his quick wit, good looks and gentle spirit.  They were married for 63 years in 2009, when my Grandma passed away. Their engagement photo below is one of my favorites. My Grandpa was reunited in heaven with the his lovely bride on October 27, 2011.
The legacy they left is not tangible but one of immense blessing!  I just spent a week with my family, the four siblings, their spouses, my 18 cousins and 9 great-grandchildren in Denver to celebrate their lives. We came from Alaska, New York, Washington and Idaho to gather at the family home, built in 1917 by my great-grandpa. It was one of the best weeks I’ve had in years! The legacy they left is one of strong family bonds, a love of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, a passion for mountain tops, ski slopes wind in the pines, the sound of waterfalls, creativity, ingenuity and lots of laughter.

My grandpa was a highway engineer, who had a mind that could fix any conundrum. He was quiet and patient, teaching most of the extended family to ski, including myself at age three.  An avid mountain climber, he ascended 34 of the 52 14,000+ peaks in Colorado and many others with his family.  One recent story we found out about, was during college in the 1930′s he built a small 9′ X 12′ cabin in a mountain saddle with some buddies.  They dubbed it the Quintet Chalet and used it as a hostel of sorts so they could make the most out of Colorado’s dry mountain powder all winter long.  Buried by snow, they dove down to the entrance next to the stove-pipe that stuck out of the snow like a snorkel.

My grandma was not an outdoorsy gal when they met.  Yet she accompanied him on many adventures and this wasn’t just day hikes, but full mountain treks many times with the fully family in tote. I love this picture of them and their frame packs, headed out into the wilderness.  My grandpa looking dapper as ever…in nice slacks and a dress shirt! Wearing his classic trademark hat. My grandpa and grandma passed along the love for the mountains their legacy has taken many family members on mountain treks around the world.

Skiing in the Swiss Alps in their 60′s was a lifelong dream.  They skied free as part of the Colorado Mountain Ski Rescue team and relished the fact that they could once again ski free with their senior discount…and did so often!

But the biggest legacy they have left is their enduring love for the Lord, and trusting him for fulfillment in life. I have one of the most incredible families and am so blessed to be so deeply loved by so many. To be persistent, patient, generous, creative and full of grace.  Thank you grandma and grandpa for your legacy and may my life uphold it and carry it on to a future family.

Escape to Little Lake Clark

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Lake Clark Pass empties glacier water out of craggy peaks by force creating dozens of glorious waterfalls.  Fortressed by 10,000 foot peaks, Little Lake Clark is an impressive area and easily my favorite place nearby Port Alsworth.

With a boat loaded with gear and a pirate flag, we forged out late Friday night for our destination.  The weather left something to be desired, but we weren’t complaining because the lake was a flat calm lake making it easy sailing. And the misty clouds made the adventure a little more exciting.

The trip by boat is about 45 minutes, which we passed by swapping pirate jokes and snacking on fresh smoked salmon. We arrived at our destination and dressed in full rain gear, bush-whacked through the wet foliage beside a roaring turquoise stream to the cave falls.

Part of my favorite thing about these type of mountain streams is hopping from rock to rock and clamoring through the icy cold water.  BUT this wasn’t the best day for this type of hiking as it was cold outside and the rocks were slippery from rain.  Thankfully, Micah is always prepared and had some sweet portable waders we used to cross the stream several times.

Note the pirate flag made it up the hike with us.  Arrrrr. With the deafening roar of the falls surrounding us, we scrambled up the shale rock into the cave, careful not to slice an ankle (I still boast a scar from last year’s trip) and perched on the rocks above marveling at the size of the cave. The view is incredible from inside.

After scampering down and making it back to the boat, we quick caught some fish…I mean Micah and Taylor caught a Lake Trout and a Dolly Vardon to accompany our hobo dinners.  It was a late 10:30 pm dinner and the sun was setting, making it feel that summer was coming to a quick close.

The next morning was much brighter and the clouds blew through the mountain peaks, giving us a glimpse at their majesty. We packed up camp and struck out to explore some waterfalls.  My favorite.

Micah led us to the perfect waterfall and we whacked our way through the Alders and brush, scampered up the rocks and stood with neck craned upward at the massive cascading water rushing over the edge.  Micah and I were determined to find some good climbing and rappelling.  Well maybe Micah was and I eagerly tagged along.  Up one side of the waterfall we went until we found ourselves clinging to tree branches, feet grasping to a few clefts in the rock and decided we were cliffed out.  Unable to pursue that route, we went down to the base of the falls again and headed up the other side.  Easier going, this route took us beside the falls, with about 100 feet of open rock below to rappel down. Score.

Micah proceeded to secure the rope and Ryan contemplated his first rappel.  I provided moral support. I was ready to go! Micah tested it out first, heading down and then climbed back up the rock face.

After Ryan bravely made his way safely down, I swung around and rappelled my way down the face, taking time to soak up the reality of it all.  The feel of the taut rope in my hand, my feet bouncing me off the rock face, the spray from the water fall… It was a good adrenaline rush!   I was ready to climb up and do it again.  I am so grateful Micah was able to make it work during his time in Alaska this summer.  One of my highlights!

After conquering the granite giant, we found a little stream with grayling and had a snack as we each caught a fish.  It was fun to fly fish again and catch a big one! I did my celebratory “I caught a fish!” dance. Woo!

Taylor caught the most unique Grayling with a rich, dark color accented by turquoise. So beautiful.

Sherry didn’t make it last year on our Little Lake Clark adventure so it was perfect she could be there for the weekend. It was the anniversary of our epic summer 2010 camping and kayak adventure on Kontrash…that ended very… well creatively.  We celebrated in our “uneventful” trip and reminisced about our first big Alaskan adventure.

 

Kontrash Reflections

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I set out on a solo hike this Saturday, up to a near-by nob I have been eyeing for the past few months.  It’s part way up the big Holy Mountain that is in the mountain range behind Port Alsworth and along Lake Kontrashibuna.  The trail goes up to the lake, then I took a canoe up and across the lake before starting bush whacking my way to the top.  I did meet some people at the lake who were going up Holy to camp, so I did part of the trip with them.  It was  a unique day as both lakes were flat calm in the middle of the afternoon.  A perfect glass reflection on each.

It of led to some spectacular views and some great time alone to reflect.  Being in nature is one of the places I feel most refreshed and alive.  I also feel closest to my Maker and have time to praise and pray as I’m alone in His glorious creation.  These are some verses I was reflecting on last week.

Ecclesiastes 3:14

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.  He has also set eternity in the hearts of man.”

Colossians 1:16

“For by him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities, all things were created by him and for him.  He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

1 John 3:1

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”

Zephaniah 3:17

“The Lord your God is with you,

he is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

he will quiet you with his love,

he will rejoice over you with singing.”

Tanalian Mountain

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On Sunday, I got the chance to be the “local expert” with Brandey, CJ and Autumn on a hike up Tanalian Mountain.  We met the Tanalian Bible Campers at their camp on Lake Kontrashibuna and started up the backside of the mountain.  Nine of the 30 campers decided to make the climb.  I was very impressed by them, as most had never done a hike like this and had great determination.  Despite many rests, we forged to the top with summiting success! There is no official trail, but the route is commonly hiked and after bushwhacking through the trees, we made it above timberline quickly.

Looking back down the valley and the first part of Lake Kontrashibuna.  This is my favorite time of year when just a little snow still clings to the mountains and the green trees contrasting in protest that summer is here.

We had to carefully pick our way up some patches of loose rock and be careful not to pelt the climbers below us.  This picture gives a glimpse of the vertical climb, much like walking up stairs, there wasn’t much of a break in altitude gain.  We climbed from 230 feet to 3,700 feet in elevation in two and a half hours.

We saw about 30 Dahl sheep that sprinted up the mountain and across to the adjoining slope.  So beautiful to see them up close!

I was thrilled to find a grove of aspen trees.  My favorite tree God made…I saw them in Denali Park last year and wondered if they grew in the Lake Clark area.  I could have ogled over them longer, but had to take a quick picture and keep my eyes focused up.

Coming up the backside was amazing to get the Lake Kontrashibuna view and the Lake Clark view as we climbed higher along the ridge.  The “back way” up Tanalian quickly became my favorite way for the variety in view and terrain.  I enjoyed climbing up the rocks, even if it was straight up. We followed the Dahl sheep trail and picked our way up the ridge.

Brandey and I were partners so we climbed together and ended up breaking off from the group to catch up with a camper and counselor who had bounded ahead and summited as we were coming up the last stretch.  You can see the ridge we traveled on to the top and the one in the distance that we took back down to Port Alsworth.

A quick break on top to take in the scenery and catch our breath before heading down to meet up with the two eager hikers.  I was happy to call this trip #3 up Tanalian all ready this year.  It was one of my annual goals to make it up at least three times…something tells me I’ll easily double or triple that number by the end of the year.

We descended rapidly and looked back to see the rest of the gang marching along the ridge, about to summit.  It was amazing and encouraging to see the campers making it the whole way!

Some of my favorite part of the trail is toward the bottom.  A big birch forest is carpeted with vibrant green ferns that are expanding daily with the sun. The contrast of white, black and green is almost unreal as the trail winds through them.

It was the perfect day to spend time with the campers, Brandey and the rest of the gang.  Made me realize I really need to be a counselor at the Teen Pursuit week of Tanalian Bible Camp next year.

And Beth if you are reading this… just look at these pictures and ask yourself how you could say no to an opportunity to visit when you are so close.  Just come!

Dice Bay Getaway

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A few weeks ago, Sherry set out for a several day “camping” trip across Lake Clark to Dice Bay.  The Davis’ have a cabin over there, where they lived for a few years after they were married.  They offered it for us to use, and finally took the chance to use it.


I joined up with Sherry two days after she had been roughn’ it.  The cozy cabin is winterized, meaning no running water or electricity.  But with a roaring fire, it was perfect!  Even going across the lake felt like getting away, and it was a nice break to have some quiet time.  We did some hiking, reading, crafts and I have a whole new appreciation for life across the lake.  It’s a little bit more “Alaskan” than the bustling, big city of Port Alsworth.


 

 

Dice Bay has several homes, including Micah’s, the Cavnar’s Lodge which Jesse is currently care taking, and three other homes people periodically use during the summer.  The bay is directly across the lake from Port Alsworth.

 

 

We joined up with Micah and Jesse for an afternoon adventure.  Tramping through the spongey tundra, we hiked to a small, nearby lake.  The boys were in hot pursuit after some ducks…but they eluded us.

 

 

 

 

Through the colorful tundra and leftover snow, we dropped down on pebble beach.  It’s so refreshing to get a new view of Lake Clark.  I’m used to looking at the mountains behind Dice Bay.  This way is looking back toward Port Alsworth and down the lake.

 

 

Sharp shooter Sherry took a few rounds on the shotgun and then we all took turns with the .44 hangun.

 

After some hot coco and cookies, Micah and I rappelled down cliffs to the shore below.  It made me want to do more climbing! As we sat on top of the cliffs, several big Bald Eagles flew by, hovering in the wind that was quickly picking up.  It never gets old seeing those huge, beautiful birds.

 

 

 

 

The next morning, we did some exploring of our own and hiked up to the runway.  The sun is rising around 9 am, so it was easy to get an amazing view.  Another thing that is unique to being on that side of Lake Clark… Dice Bay sees sunrise, Port Alsworth sees the sun set.

 

 

That night, Jon came over with Turner and Lindley and we all took the skiffs down the lake for more exploration.  It was magic hour as the sun went down and the water was like glass.

 

We moored on a small island and claimed it as ours!  Bones Island, aptly named for the many salmon skeletons that littered the shore.

 

We ended the night with homemade pizza at Micah’s house.  Pizza never tasted so good!