Bears in Girdwood!

Bear sightings have increased this past week. A sow and cubs have been frequenting the berry patches, and (unfortunately) this small yearling seems to be struggling a bit, resorting to scavenging.

Our guide Lisa Portune caught this big blackie in action just outside her house. Bear-proof trash cans do work!

Rain, Alaska, Rain

It has been a wet, wet summer. Even by the soggy standards set by hardy Girdwoodians. Luck for us, we have hiked and climbed with the most intrepid and adventurous souls!
And this.... the interplay of changing light, mist and fog, green and snow makes for an ephemeral photographic experience.

Check it out!

Guide Lisa Portune & the Jones Family, on the ridge above the North Face

A peek over the North Face, into the mist.

Take Wings: Native Cross cultural immersion: ROCK CLIMBING

"I just wanted to thank you and your team for such a great experience for our Take Wing students. Everyone at Ascending Paths was so energetic and positive, and it was great to hear the encouragement that you all gave to get our students to reach just a little bit higher. And the metaphor stuck! One of the girls, who barely would say a word in the beginning or our camp, decided that she would read her mission statement at the commencement - a big step! When she got to the podium, she froze, and went to sit back down. Our staff gave her the "reach a little higher" hand signal, and she took a deep breath, got back in front of the crowd, and knocked them out with what she had to say. I'm sure that many young lives were touched the same way.

So, I hope you and your team have a great summer, and I hope we can work together again in the future!"

Some of the' Take Wings' group on a Rainforest Hike

 Photos from the 'Take Wings' Rock Climb:

Winner Creek Gorge

Early Season Glacier Hke

We love getting these!!!

"Hi There,
The hike with Ryan the other day was great! Ryan definitely loves what he's doing, and he was constantly concerned about our safety -- good to have in a guide. We all had a good time but wished we could have stayed a little longer on the glacier and maybe do some climbing."

"Thanks for the experience,"

Ray.

April Ice Climb Mat Glacier.mp4

Wilderness First Aid and WFR Refresher

Wilderness First Aid and WFR Refresher 

April 23-25

Fox Run Lodge, Glenn Highway, Palmer AK

$300

Wilderness First Responder 

June 1-9

Fox Run Lodge, Glenn Highway, Palmer AK

$650

Tent sites and lodging available for a minimal additional fee. Certification is offered through SOLO. Visit our website at www.naoiak.org to register now!

Ice Climbing in Alaska in the Winter can be FUN!!!

Hey Matt,

We just wanted to thank you for the great time we had yesterday. Of all of our adventures in Alaska, including: snow-machining, skiing, hiking, and sport shooting, our ice climbing trip with you was by far our favorite activity. When we began, the climbing was difficult, however, by the end of the day we both had reached the top of our climb multiple times. Not only was the climbing challenging, but it was beautiful and greatly rewarding. Your expertise, guidance, and lessons made the climbing much easier, as well as more comfortable and enjoyable then we could have ever imagined. We look forward to climbing with you again in the future.

Thanks again Matt,

Vince and Cate (Manhattan, KS)

Alaska Ice Climbing Fest Video-2010

Alaska Ice Climbing Fest Video-2010

More Ak Ice Fest 2010

Getting air above the crux over hang dry tool curtain
Ah ha, proof that this guy was out of bounds...the rules were that they had to work the rock section with only ice tools in the ice band to the right of the orange paint.
Pulling Down Hard
Hitting the mixed comp route, all 6'8" of Roger Sparks hailing from the amazing athletes of the 210th PJ section, who are basically the Air National Guards Special Forces Unit. Three PJ's competed & all flashed the comp in great style! I think even two of them won 2nd & 3rd place, too....
This guy had great technique & form!!!

Ak Ice Fest 2010

Ice Climbing with Joe Butler

We would like to thank you for the fantastic ice climbing experience that we had last week. Joe Butler was a true professional and he quickly gained our trust. His knowledge and experience was greatly appreciated.



Thanks for a great time, we will be back

George and Abigail O'Connor

I love getting these emails

Bills Crampons
Clients crossing the frozen river
Ice Climbing hardware, ice screws, carabiners, slings
Getting Rowdy on the mixed line on the left of Ripple!

"Matt & Bill,

Thanks so very much for an outstanding Alaskan adventure! BJ and I had an amazing time! We are hooked! Bill was a great guide and a lot of fun! He did a great job at putting up with us! ahhaha!

We have some great photos and some wonderful memories!"

Thanks again, Allison Post

Ice Climbing Kids Corner Caribou Creek

Just wanted to say thanks again for helping us set this up (ice climbing). We ha a fantastic time and Bill was a great guide. Definitely one of the highlights of the trip so far. The other being the two moose who licked our rental car clean outside our window this morning!

Mary

Sent from my iPhone

2010 Alaska Ice Climbing Festival

This weekend!

Snowshow Hike 01/02/2010

I snowshoed with a really nice couple and their 13y/o daughter today from New Mexico. We went to the Glen Alps area and hiked the Williwaw drainage. We saw many tracks of: snowshoe hare, ptarmigan, fox and the best LYNX tracks!!!! I have never seen Lynx tracks in the snow and they were unmistakable (larger than fox and dog but just smaller than black bear and super furry!!!) The tracks led right to a year-round creek that I tend to snowshoe around for that very purpose; to look for animals and their tracks. We didn't get to see the fury elusive Alaskan wildcat but I just pictured it in my mind stalking its way through the snow to a very cold drink of fresh spring water in the winter darkness of Alaska.

Heather

5 fingers & Eklutna

Had a warm wet day climbing the Index Finger on Sunday- then perfect hero ice on Ripple and Boonsfarm yesterday. A tree fell down boons!! ~Matt

Mat Glacier Hike 05/09 Sheelah Anderson; Louisville, Kentucky

Dear Matt and Heather

We toured the Matanuska Glacier with Heather in May. It is my unique Alaska experience. Even though I haven't written I think of you all the time and our wonderful experience of touring the glacier. EVERYBODY has to hear about it, the cramp-ons (and especially trying to find some to fit my husband), ice worms, how big the glacier is, how dirty it was, etc, etc. And people are getting presents of the glacier water Heather gathered for me.

I got to hike a rock glacier in Canada and we saw several glaciers when we did our "cruise", but there is nothing comparable to us being able to spend several wonderful hours on our "personal" glacier hike with Heather and all her knowledge, sharing and patience (especially with the 500 photos!)

It made it to the Christmas card (Heather made sure we had some photo choices), but since it was also our 40th anniversary it had to share the space. I'll be sending you one.

Thank you for helping me achieve one of the top items on my "bucket list" It really is one of the most special experiences of my life. We'll expect more of the same if (when) we make it to Alaska again.

Sheelah Anderson Louisville Kentucky

The Ice is thin, but in shape!

Had a great day out climbing on Ripple with 2 folks from the mid-west on Sunday. They stayed warmer than me!!