Cody, Mitch, & Katie's Visit to Alaska! Part 1

It took a lot of doing but Mitch and Katie finally got up here to experience Alaska! First off, this is a little late, but we've been going non-stop for the last month. Second, both Rose and I really want to thank you guys for coming up, it meant a lot to us both!

Cody and Katie both arrived really late Monday night/morning, whatever. Both Rose and I had to work the next day but Cody and Katie did some exploring around town and climbed up Flat Top just out of town. They picked me up from work and I showed them around some places and we hung out at home for the rest of the evening.

Mitch was due in that night around midnight and we decided to just stay up and go get him. There wasn't much sleep that night because the next morning we'd be driving south and climbing up into Crescent Lake. Although Cody had been there before, Mitch had seen the pictures and that was the one place he wanted to go more than anything.

Once at the trailhead, we geared up and headed upward along the narrow trail through the jungle of devil's club and spruce trees. Once at the top, it opened up into an emerald alpine and I think these guys were truly excited about what they were seeing. As we continued on, I was filled with anxiety, hoping that the fishing spot I wanted wasn't already occupied. After the long walk in and the lake in sight, we finally crested a little knoll to find that it was infact devoid of people! Yes!

I hurriedly put rods together while everyone was getting their waders on and I was excited for them to all start catching grayling. It didn't take long either, Mitch had a fish on with his first cast and from there on, I think everyone caught their fair share!

I just hung back mostly and took pictures and helped land and release fish, it truly was fun watching them all have a great time! A couple bonuses were the mountain goats and Dall sheep on the hillsides above and a black bear sow and cub on a nearby slope.