When we traveled through Alaska last summer in our travel trailer, we had the opportunity to fly into Wood River camp and spend time with Debs and Chris. We helped out with some projects and loved time working, playing, and just enjoying the company of two people we are lucky to have as best friends. This year we booked a trip up in the spring to come into camp and help get it ready for summer season.
This was the first time that Debs’ new pup Mattie had been on a plane and into camp. She rode in the back and did absolutely fantastic! Just looked out the window and chilled completely.
Rob and Chris had flown in on an earlier flight and were waiting for us with the ranger ready to bring supplies from the plane.
Every spring it’s a new discovery about what needs to be done. This year there was one big thing on the agenda, installing new solar and a starlink. But what we found was a big storm had taken down several trees in camp, so we had some major cleanup to do also.
We worked hard all week geting the camp ready, but also had some nice downtime to enjoy the beautiful country that is quintessential Alaska.
By the end of the week we had felled three new trees, one took another, and we cleaned up three that had come down already. Honestly, my lumberjack days really should be in the rear view mirror by now. This is exhausting hard work.
The creek that comes down the gulch was drying up when we first came into camp, but in a few days finally had a good stream of water. I took a barefoot walk up the creek one night, enjoying every second of time I get to spend there.
On the day we were scheduled to fly out, Wright Air pretty much failed us. They had other commitments north and no planes for us. We were packed up and ready to go by 9am, and I think the first plane finally came for us at 4pm. But honestly, there are worse places to be stranded waiting for a plane. And in all my years, this is the first time they’ve kept us waiting.
Back in Fairbanks, we spent a couple more days with Debs and Chris and watched the ponies mow the lawn. All in all it was a fantastic trip, likely to be repeated.. We’re always happy to contribute some time helping out at Wood River, it truly is for me one of the most magical places on earth.
Pix of this trip are Here
