Last Saturday, I headed out of Anchorage for my first hiking expedition to Flattop Mountain in Chugach State Park (http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/maps/flattopmountaintrailguide.pdf).
This is a view of Flattop from the bottom of a trail. I bought a one-way ride in a van from a local bike shop with seven others. On the way up, I visited with a couple from Germany and Spain, and two women from Mississippi and Louisiana.
This is the view from about half-way up. The trail starts at 2200 feet. It is not high altitude by any means. One thing I noticed is that the altitude change is low enough, to still pick out details in the city. Look for the left clump of towers, that is near W 3rd Ave where I live.
The beautiful green valley below.
Check out the shore line. At first, I was puzzled trying to determine what caused the tracks. I had heard that Anchorage has mud flats necessitating caution on the beach. Turns out, those are not mud flats, but the beach itself at low tide.
Switchbacks! Flattop may lack elevation, but if you take a close look at the pdf, the hiker traverses 900 feet vertical in the last 6/10 of a mile. Its a great climb!
Second to final ascent. At this point, beginners halt and the hardy keep going.
Final ascent. This is where the rock climbing gets fun! It is hand over foot, pushing up with the strength in your legs. Staying close to the rock and learning forward, I was able to move fairly quickly.
1st Alaska mountain conquered! Elevation 3510 feet.
I came across this at the top. Mountain water or natural made port-o-potty--your pick.
One of the best places in the world. The view from the last peak of Flattop Mountain is absolutely astonishing. Unfortunately the a photograph fails to convey the depth, but still it is amazing. With this view in the foreground, I found some shelter from the wind, ate lunch and read a bit in the book of Judges. I always recommend the mountains as a great place to spend some time with God!
Another view of this awesome valley. I don't know the name, but it is fantastic. It ranks on my list of favorite spots. #1 of course, is still the view of the continental divide from the top of Trail Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park. #2 is still Little Round Top and so I guess this is #3. I am sure Alaska will put a few more spots in the top 10.
After my descent, I biked 13 miles back into Anchorage. Or, given the 2200 foot decline in those 13 miles, maybe it is better to say that I rolled downtown. On my way through town, I turned a curve and discovered this site. The photo is hazy, because I did not stay long with the moose approaching. Her(?) ears were up indicating curiosity rather than anger, but I didn't hang around to double check. Several moose and bears reside in Anchorage and the mothers frequently raise their young near humans.
That is all for now, later this week I will share a post about my work and church.
