Short Steep Hike Day
We awoke later than any day on the trip and maybe in recent memory! Guess we were tired. And the loon was calling. First, we drove the rutted road to the east to overlooks and a close up of Skilak Lake where we heard the raucous cries of gulls and cormorants at a rookery just off shore. The centerpiece of the day was a hike to the top of a mountain on the Hideout Trail. It was “supposed” to be only 3/4 mile and take 2 hours. That ought to be a clue. My step counter said it was a 2.4 mile roundtrip. And it was open to the sun due to a fire in 2000. We chose the wrong clothes and both of us were melting. I forgot my water so we only had Cindy’s. Almost at the top we met Will, head of fire prevention for the park. Nice guy who has had a tough 6 weeks with the fires here on the Kenai Peninsula. He refilled our water bottle so we made it to a wonderful view at the top of the trail of the large Skilak Lake, the Kenai River and mountains all framed by the profuse fireweed. Glorious. Dinner at the trailer for two tired people.
Cadillac’s Most Correct Viewpoint
The guides went up, I went down into the marshland and spoke to many interested Moose. I think Moose Rights is catching on. I knew my persistence would pay off, it is one of my most outstanding qualities. I also met several beautiful ladies. Most clearly adored me. But I really liked Hudson, she was a bit old fashioned but what a beautiful woman. We are going to go out and eat berries together in the morning. Hope I can find some mint to chew before we meet:)
Water, rest, and a spruce forest under your feet