(a return to the trees)
Looking through the tent window after waking, we noticed that the clouds had finally rolled in and the air cooled a bit. In light of these new weather conditions we decided to take a short walk across Galbraith Creek toward an aufeis field toward the south end of Galbraith Lake.
This, of course, would entail yet another river crossing. Frigid waters aside, our efficiency in such matters made it a simple task to complete but our feet stung from the cold pain of our crossing: a gentle reminder that, yes, we are in the Arctic.
Even by early July, the overflow ice from Galbraith Lake hasn’t melted. During the winter consecutive freeze cycles creates rifts in the surface ice allowing flowing water from below to bubble out and refreeze. This layering effect creates fun for us late into the summer.
We attempted to make our pictures look dangerous, as though we’d fallen into a crevasse. It will take some imagination on the reader’s part to believe it so please amuse us with your imaginings.
After braving the crevasse, we decided to head south to look for good weather. Not far into our journey we were stopped by a flagger who looked like he needed some amusement. After several attempts at making him smile, we finally discovered the appropriate amusement was nothing more than Whitney sneaking a photo. We got a chuckle and a smile from him, a hearty truckful of laughter from us.
Upon returning to the Koyukuk River valley, we were met with blue clear skies and warm temperatures once again. Perfect day for a swim and sunning in the Arctic. After donning our matching teal swimsuits (the fact that the suits match was complete happenstance), we began our walk south along the middle fork of the Koyukuk River.
Not far from our desired swimming hole Whitney asked, “Is that a wolf?” Steffanie looked up and straight into the eyes of a black wolf. Our wildlife sightings continue…
Unfortunately we didn’t get a photo of the wolf even though it stopped to look at us a dozen times or more. Maybe it was questioning our matching suits.
Cautiously we sunbathed at the water’s edge, looking occasionally for the wolf’s return. Luckily we all continued our afternoon without insult or injury. Just more taking pictures of the landscape, ok, a few jumps and poses to make an already stunning place that much more interesting.
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