Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Hiking Flattop Mountain














Today, was a beautiful Alaska day. We decided to take mom and Aunt Kathy for a hike to flattop mountain. This was something we always wanted to do, but since grocery shopping was always a priority, we never were able to take advantage of these types of activities.
It's hard to believe, that just a few days ago, we were living in Bethel. It feels like Bethel is a million miles away. I still get a tear in my eye when I see the Chugach Mountains. I've wanted to live in Anchorage for so long, it's still hard to think we live here now.
Flattop is a popular local hike. The first few miles were pretty easy, but we quickly realized, the hike to the top would be a bit of a challenge. Eric and I were impressed at how well mom and Kathy did. We did not realize how strenuous it would be, and were not really prepared. The last 1/2 mile or so was up a rock cliff, which was pretty steep and slippery. I was sucking wind, but the trip was worth it. The view from the top was truly breath taking. You could see the entire Anchorage bowl. Amazing! Kathy decided not to attempt the rock wall, but mom made it to the top. Eric and I had gone ahead, and we could hear her at the base of the rock wall. She followed some teenagers up the mountain. They had to pretty much pull her to the top, but she made it!
The trip down was a bit treacherous. The rocks were pretty slick, so I did a lot of sliding on my butt, so I wouldn't fall. It was a good time, and everyone was beat by the end.



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