The Dragon and The Eagle

After over a dozen days spent wrenching on the Dragon, and a few short test rides to iron out the details, I feel the expenditure of new wheel skins is justified; once said tires are mounted and balanced, a more serious “test” drive is in order. A 200 mile voyage up to Eagle Summit via the Steese Highway in the glorious White Mountains seems fitting. One of my favorite places in all Alaska. Today’s jaunt allows the scoping of a potential backcountry ski carving fest on a moderately angled SE facing slope dotted with widely spaced spruce trees. Another bonus is to make note of put in and take out spots for a future top secret packrafting mission unbeknownst to anyone I know. The Dragon purrs along nicely and at Eagle Summit, a dense fog allows no further progress from the apex of The Eagle. An eerie sensation merges with luminous light conditions, allowing for uncompromised viewing at a mere 10 degrees fahrenheit, yet a near gale force breeze make for an unpleasant chill. On a short walk near the eastern end of the Pinnell Mountain trail, a flock of Rock Ptarmigans spook themselves into a distant snow embeded willow cluster. Later, on the mellow drive home, I pass by a firmy planted Alaska State Flag and a Coyote crosses the road not far off.

Steese Country

A day of fine weather finds me up the Steese Highway…One of my favorite regions in interior Alaska for sure. Endless rivers and creeks dot the landscape on the brink of the whimsical White Mountains, where old mining camps, abandoned cabins, forgotten dirt roads, and endless AK style free camping abounds. Up the old Sourdough Creek Road sees the truck dead ended at Polar Creek, where the narrow dirt road turn into an even narrower 4-wheeler path. Later, up on the spectacular 12 Mile Summit, I take the Fat Bike out for an exploratory stint on the historic Fairbanks to Circle Trail, where Sourdoughs and prospectors traversed between the two villages in the early 20th century. Back down the road towards home, I split off down another dirt road that I have been eyeballing for a while. This one leads to the upper end of Faith Creek where I intend to camp and gold pan coming up. Later, I take short hikes to inspect the many, many Beaver dams, Beaver lodges, and swirling creeks. God’s country…