Dreaming for next summer

It's winter now, and we are planning out next summer's events.  Sailing, camping, kayaking, 4-wheeling, not necessarily in that order, and we have added another adventure for summer of '12.

This is the view up our driveway at sun-set.













We have always wanted to visit the Katmai Natl Monument in Western Alaska.  This is the place where you have seen the Natl Geographic photos of the grizzly bears standing in the river catching salmon.

Brooks Falls

We tried to get a cabin at the Brooks Lodge, but all that was left for us to book for our time frame was in the campground, so we will be staying in our tent.  We will probably eat most of our meals at the Lodge, so that we don't have to carry in a heavy load of cooking gear and food.  Since we will be in smaller float plane from King Salmon to the Lodge, so we are restricted with how much baggage/weight we bring.

We will also be able to take a day trip into the Valley of 10,000 Smokes, which is a volcano field in the area.  This trip will be for 4 days, 3 nights, at the end of June and I am very excited about going.

In the meantime, we putting together our itineraries, repairing gear, acquiring new items to help us be comfortable and safe, and organizing ahead of time.  It's alot of work to have fun....  :-)

The trailer parked in front.

The boat out back of the house

The VW camper van with the canoe on top, the camper for the truck, and the boat all lined up, awaiting.

I am wishing for either a VERY large garage to house all of the "toys" in for the winter, or a more temperate climate to allow for more time outside.  I really vote for the latter, I'm thinking Southeast Alaska, Sitka, or similar, where I am in the water more.