This was the first day, of an overnight camping trip to the North end of Lake Clark, aptly named Little Lake Clark.  It connects to the main Lake Clark by ways of a channel, which can be dangerous, but navigable by those that know the way. Our first stop was Cave Falls, which we made quick work of scaling and then descending. The view there was breathtaking, but bad rock formations kept us from attempting the rappel at that location. So we descended the trail with minds on fishing to come and other waterfalls to explore. Once back in the boat, lunch was broke, and water placed behind us, we arrived at a few fishing holes. Grayling, Lake Trout, and Dolly Varden graced not only our poles many times that night, but also our plates. However an oddity occurred upon that trip. Whilst skinning on of the aforementioned lake trout, inspection of the stomach revealed fat and claws, which combined became a porcupine foot. It was a strange sight to say the least. It must have been a good meal for the trout.

That night stories were told around the campfire, and rest for the weary was accomplished. We started the morning with French Press, healthy pancakes, and bear sausage. That got us going. Due to mixed priorities and scrambling skills, our group split, but we still managed to scale on of the very promising locations for the long awaited water fall rappel. It took quite the scouting process and adventure traverse to gain the top of the Water falling sight. But once we made it there, we jumped right into putting together gear and donning harnesses for safety and necessity. We used 6 cams and nuts to attach the main line to the wall, and wrapping a tree, so there was no possibility for failure. Safety first is a good saying any time.

  So as the story began, I was the first to test things out, and I was very pleased to be out there, not just that, but being on rocks, out there, which is a whole new level of enjoyment when you involve the created with the creation. It went smoothly, and as soon as  I touched the ground, I was scrambling to get back up on the rock, not only to continue the exhilaration, but also to reset the system for the following rappels. The two that were with me, Anna and Ryan were new to this as well, and although some experience was behind them, the magnitude of the event was daunting.  They both caught on quick and I believe have a new perspective on the whole rappelling + waterfall adventures. No one got hurt and we made it down safely, so that always equals a grand success in my book. Chock that one up for future adventures. Who said Canyoneering is only possible in warmer locations.

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Our destination was cave falls, which was 27 miles away as the crow flies, but since we were in a boat, it would end up being about an hour drive. Being within the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, there were no roads that connected us to the outside world, so it gave us almost unlimited accessibility to the endless lake front that beckoned for us to explore. The Cave falls are unique in the way that they are literally that, both a huge cavern of a cave and a waterfall that cascades down, over a hundred feet. It is nothing short of awe inspiring, and something that is hard to miss even when flying in, but to actually get up to it, to feel the powerful wind that is created mixed with mist, gives you so much more of a well rounded experience. The falls however are not on the same lake, but rather are on a smaller portion of Lake Clark, called Little Lake Clark, separated by a small channel which must be navigated with utmost care as not to get stuck in the endless sand flats that border the channel.

Since we were able to get going at a decent time in the morning, and thankful to the endless summer sun, we had plenty of time to stop for a short bit at the Kijik River, to replenish our food supply with fresh Grayling. They were so abundant that it did not take long for us to catch our fill for the overnight trip which was ahead of us. Back on the water again, we switched to following the right short line, heading North East up the Lake. We passed several streams, rivers, and valleys along the way, all of which were yearning for our attention, and would have quite a bit to offer, however, we had a mission to accomplish, so we pressed on, with  our bow loaded down with camping and climbing equipment. We were not only going on a sight seeing trip, but a hands on adventure. The further along we went, the more rugged the mountains began to get, which was a good sign.

Rounding the bend, we arrived at the change of water color, where the drainage of the river had dumped so much sand and silt that it had become a huge sandbar when the water level was low enough. We had to maneuver the channel, making slow progress due to the varying water depth and speed of flow that would push us back out of the channel if we didn’t keep our heads on straight. Thankfully we had a great team that kept every thing going smooth. Once out of the murky soot, we then got out into Little Lake Clark, and then we began to experience a whole new ecosystem. Deep aqua blue colors in the water, waterfalls cascading down huge rock faces. It all resembled the Fjords in Norway. Although the area was spectacular in itself, our destination was still waiting for us.

As we rounded the point, we could see it. A massive gaping hole in mountain side, with an enormous river of water that was suspended in mid air for quite some time, before crashing and falling upon the the enormous boulders that were piled up at the bottom. It was a gorgeous sight, even from a mile away. We were not content however to merely gaze from a distance, so we pointed the boat towards the overhanging greenery that outlined one of the creeks feeding the deep blue water. Pulling up to the shore edge, we jumped off, secured the boat well, with packs slung and hearts pumping, we set off for Cave Falls. The hike was uneventful, and it was not a difficult climb, but we had to watch out for the sharp and evil looking “Devils Club”, ( a broad leafed plant) which bordered our trail. to the base of the falls. The stream that we followed was boulder strewn, and created for a tranquil background noise to the already surreal environment that was surrounding our movement. Long before we reach the falls however, we could hear it. Nearing the edge of where the bushes ended and the green and mist began, our hearts skipped a few beats. But then we arose onto the small plateau and continued our gaze up, We found ourselves face to face with an incredible monster of a moving water. Over a hundred feet high, when the water hits the base of the pool, it becomes a wind tunnel, that shoots mist all over the area, causing it to be very green, and pleasant to spend time in.

The thunder that was being emitted from the waterfall seemed to be amplified by the huge cave behind. The feeling of serenity changed back to excitement. But it did not stop there. Then we began to ascend the left side of the water fall into the cavern behind as the mist began to surround us.

To be continued. Look for the rest of this adventure in Part 2 of To Walk Behind Waterfalls.

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It is odd the think that at 1 am in the morning, it can be light enough to see, let alone experience adventure with out the aid of artificial light. Well in Alaska it is possible! Having just past the summer solstice not long ago, on the 21st of June, the endless summer nights are still in full swing. Many people come to Alaska, and have to cover the windows, and wear shades on their eyes, just to catch a few z’s. But what I have found is that when you work hard, and enjoy the outdoors, it is quite easy to fall asleep, even under the sun, rather than the moon and stars. It is a very different concept for sure, but it is something that must be dealt with. And what better way to deal with it than to go on an adventure. And not just any adventure, but a climbing one!

Before this year I really had not done much consistent climbing, but after an extended stay in Idaho this spring, (check out adventure in Idaho here), and meeting a few people that were really into it, my already present desire for climbing began to grow. I was privileged to attend a few local climbing competitions, not to try and win, but to meet new people, and to learn more about the sport. I was able to do both, and grew a lot. One was a bouldering competition, and the other a top rope competition. Meaning one was without ropes, and one was with. If you ever get a chance to try out a competitive climbing event, I would strongly suggest it. Whether or not you are skilled enough, it puts you to the test, and really grows your climbing knowledge. And you get chances to get Schwag, i.e. free stuff. The climbing extended beyond the gym though, and I had the chance to climb with others outdoors, which is much better than indoor, so if you are able and want to try something new, jump on some real rocks. The feeling is phenomenal. However, make sure you are with really experienced people, with the right gear, because it can become a very serious situation, and more dangerous than in a gym with pads.

When I finally made it back home to Alaska, I still had the climbing itch in my fingers and feet, and it would not go away except with some use of both. So a few other hardy fellows and myself set out to find some climbable walls, cliffs and boulders in the Lake Clark region. The amount of rock and cliffs were in a large abundance, however, finding some with decent faces, and non-crumbly rock was another matter. We got lucky though, and the first cliff we found produced some great results. Although it was only some thirty feet high, it satisfied my craving, at least for a little while. We had several people in our party, and we even got some new climbers on a wall, and they learned the “ropes”. It was very rewarding to see others enjoying the sport, which is what its all about, sharing the experience with others.

The lack of a wide array of climbing spots and gear was limiting, but it did not keep us back. We stuck with top roping, and bouldering, which proved successful, on short walls that had a sufficient amount of solid rock. The best climbing outing came about on a trip with a different destination. It was a full day trip that took use 30 miles up the lake, to a gorgeous place called Little Lake Clark, home to the Cave Falls. It is a water fall that cascades over a hundred feet, into a roaring basin, that creates its own wind. All of which lies behind a huge cavern, that is large enough to climb into, and observe the water fall and the lake from within. (Look for a post about that amazing place, coming soon). Along the hike some granite boulders were observed, and proved to be sufficient for a short little send up its beautiful face. Then our destination became the inlet of the Lake, and we were surrounded by huge granite walls, with a beautiful sun above. The nearest wall was not the highest, but once again served to give us a few different routes. An easy 5.8, that most everyone was able to try a hand at, and then a 5.11 with a wicked overhang, that had less holds than was needed to accomplish the accent, for our slightly amateur skills. It proved a good challenge though, and filled our day with many hours of fore arm burning enjoyment.

Since then I have not been able to return to the granite cliffs, and unfortunately there are none closer than 20 miles by boat. But we have not forgotten the joy we had from climbing together, and I am looking forward to getting out again soon, and testing the arm and finger strength. Once again, the adventure had to be discovered, and I hope that you will get out there and discover yours.

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Although I was born in Boise, and raised most of my life in the treasure valley, there was sadly so many things that I missed out on growing up, but that I have thankfully been able to enjoy the past few years during my visits from the north land. These activities have been, kayaking, Rock climbing outdoors and indoors, Mountain Biking, and Fly fishing. All of these activities have enthralled me, but I finally started taking hold of the opportunities that were all around me. I am not able to enjoy them to the fullest extent however, due to my lack of time spent in Idaho, but the time that I do have here is very well spent. I have been able to carry a lot of these past times back to Alaska, which adds another twist to the outdoor sports.

This is for those who maybe have never experienced any sort of outdoor adventure, and maybe have never wanted to, but I am here to tell you that you are missing out on the incredible creation that surrounds us, that goes deeper than the concrete sidewalks, and the towering sky scrapers. It is something that appeals to the adventurous side of us all. Yes we have different tendencies, and hobbies, but i believe there is alot of untapped potential that is waiting to be released.

So just to give you some examples I am going to go through some of my adventures and experiences here in Idaho, that are easy to get into, and enjoy. Some are more expensive than others, and some can be done without any money spent at all. Although most of the activities listed here do require personal involvement, and can occasionally lead to loss of sleep, bruises, scrapes, increased adrenaline, weight loss, and all around fun, which could interrupt with your day to day, same old same old. Continue reading at your own risk.

So to start off the list, lets jump into winter sports. Since Idaho is one of the great places that actually has four seasons, it is good to make use of the weather, and local environs, no matter what. My all time favorite sport in the winter is Snowboarding. There are several variations to this winter endeavor, and you may wish to rather speed down a snow covered hill with two planks rather than one, (AKA skiing) but which ever direction you swing, make sure you get a chance to learn, or pull out those old dusty chunks of plastic, and give it a go, again. Snowboarding is my sport of choice on the snow but there is also Down Hill, Cross Country & Telemark Skiing, snow blades, Snowshoeing, snow machines, and the like. As long as there is snow, then winter can be an enjoyable time to recreate. Check out Bogus Basin, Brundage, and Sun Valley for some great resorts to enjoy winter sports.

During the cold winter months, another pastime that I have always loved, but just recently increased activity in, is indoor rock climbing and bouldering. It is a great alternative, but not a replacement for climbing out on real rocks, and gets the blood flowing, when outside things tend to slow way down. Convenience is a big factor for this sport, and the Nampa Rec Center, in Idaho, has been a great avenue for fulfilling this need. The people there are really knowledgeable, and has been a great help in process of my growth as a climber. So indoor climbing is a great opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities indoors. However, if the weather and time is conducive to outdoor adventures, then feel free to venture a bit further, and experience some of the natural beauties that are all around, in the form of boulders and cliffs. These Rock formations, thousands of years old, are a sight to gaze upon for sure, and they offer a whole new twist on the climbing scene, and it barely even compares to climbing in a gym. It does however require some very good gear. If you are going to be bouldering, which is free climbing with no ropes, then all you need is shoes, chalk, and crash pads. If you are going to be top roping then you will need ropes, harness, carabiners, quick draws, and gear to set bolts etc. So make sure you are prepared for the task, and talk to local climbers, to get the inside scoop on the area. For good gear and info for the rock climbing in Idaho, check out, Climb Idaho, or check out Asana Climbing, a great local company for bouldering equipment, holds and mats.

I will be writing more about outdoor adventures soon, and tips on how to get out there more. Stay tuned.

So for those that might be living in the Boise valley, or for those that make their home elsewhere, where ever you may be, get out there, and have some fun. I don’t mean just go bowling, or partying, or just hanging out, I mean get outside! breathe the fresh air, experience some life on the edge. You will be glad you did, and although your body might be slightly against such physical activity, push past those desires to relax and do nothing, you will be thankful in the end. And start small. Its not that you need to go climb Everest tomorrow, or drop a few thousand on a mountain bike, but begin some where, and grow from there. As they say in everything, baby steps. You will be amazed at the great people you meet, the interesting stories that are told, and the feeling of real life outside of the house is really like.

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July 2003…Imagine a place, in the middle of nowhere. Mountains toped with snow, and sweeping views in every direction. That is where I found myself, climbing steadily, as all of the worries of the world seemed to slip from my mind, and thankfully the mosquitoes followed suit, and were left in the shelter of the alders. The air was clear, the sky partly cloudy with plenty of blue showing through. A slight breeze brought smells of the tundra and pure summer bliss. Wild blueberries were plentiful, leaving a stain on my hands and lips from my frequent indulgences. It was a great way to spend a Saturday, and it was only beginning.

It was my first summer in Alaska, and although only two months along, it was already becoming a lot more than just an experience. Little did I know that that summer would be the starting point of a love of Alaska, and a great many more adventures and experiences in the Last Frontier. I had heard of the mountain, and seen its splendor every time I came into Port Alsworth, but had not had a chance to ascend its face and experience the stunning view from 3,957 ft. Although this is not a tall mountain by any means, the dramatic ascent from 250ft makes it a much grander feel, than what I was used to in Idaho, growing up at 3500 ft. The hike began just outside the town, which is three miles across the lake from the place that I was working and staying at. The mountain had a well used trail that went up through the trees, past the brush line, into the open tundra above. Although many people hike Tanalian, It was still an adventure for me.

The first part of the trip went through the Birch and Spruce, and passed quickly, and as I got about half way up, leaving the trees and bugs behind, some white splotches appeared scattered across the cliff face above me. Dall sheep, and a pretty good bunch by the looks of them. Quickly I crouched and worked my way up and around to the opposite side of the ridge that I was on, to conceal my movements. I stayed out of sight of the sheep, shimmying around shale slides and gullies, until I had nearly reached the top of the mountain. Peaking back over the rim to where the sheep had been, I can see the group, but only briefly before they disappear around the outer edge of the cliffs. I tried to figure why they had left so quickly. They couldn’t have seen me, I had been out of sight the whole time, and they were out of hearing range, what could it be?

After peaking a bit further over the edge I spot the culprit. A black bear, no wait, two black bears! Just below the sheep about 200 yards. The first bear was eating on a big white patch, obviously a small lamb or ewe, and the second bear was coming in for lunch. The first bear didn’t like that at all, and being that he was the bigger of the two, had no trouble running the second bear off. It was an amazing sight that I had never seen or heard of, a black bear eating a sheep. Either I had just missed the action, or the bear was cleaning up a wolf kill, but either way it was an amazing sight. All of this took place a half of a mile away, but through binoculars I was able to witness it first hand. After gazing for quite some time, I pressed on to the summit. The last bit was tricky, with loose rock and shale, but upon cresting that final ridge, all of the sweat and effort that was put into the hike was well worth the view from up top.

Standing upon the small patch of grass, deemed the top, it was hard to take it all in. The sweeping view of the surrounding was awe inspiring, and it could not have been a better day to experience God’s Creation in all of its splendor. The hours passed in silence, as I ate lunch and just observed the massive expanse of space spread out below me. The only sounds that pierced the silence were the steady breeze, whistling through the rocks, a Piper super-cub taking off from the runway below, and a few bees buzzing their way along. Although my love for the outdoors had been sparked at as a child chasing butterflies with a net, this was a new stage in my personal development, and a new chapter in a new life of adventures in the great Alaska.

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