Chatanika River V

Hear is the final post from my trip to the Chatanika river. I was originally going to head out on thursday morning but after i met up with Ralf and Travis i thought i'd stay until they left. It turned out they were going to stay til friday so that worked for me. So after spending 2 nights in Ralfs cabin it was friday morning and time to head out. After helping Ralf clean up the cabin and get it ready for the next use i loaded up the bike and and psyched myself up for the trudge up the hill. My plan was to leave an hour or two before the guys and get a head start up the hill and if i ran into problems they would be coming up behind eventually to help. It was a beautiful day, blue sky, very little wind and nice and cool. Snow conditions were pretty good heading up the trail, nice and hard packed with just a dusting of fresh snow on top. Some of the trail was just too steep, riding a loaded bike, so i had to walk about 50% of the time. I made it half way up the climb in an hour and i was certainly happy with that. When i was stopped Travis was making his way up the trail behind me on his snowmachine with his dog Buster in his lap. After everyone else, Ralf and Bill, showed up they went on ahead, with the hardest of the trail done it looked like i'd be able to get to the top on my own. After another hour of riding and walking i made it to the top and took another break. I had worked up a pretty good sweat so i changed my base layer to be sure i would stay warm on the ride down the other side of Murphy Dome. I had learned my lesson the last time down that hill so i added another jacket as well. This ride down was much more comfortable and when i got to the bottom made another clothing adjustment then rode the rest of the way to Billie's, stopping for a frozen pizza and a coke on the way of course. Overall the trip took just 4 hours, shorter than i figured.
Overall the trip turned out better than anyone could have imagined. I was able to bond with some new friends and i met someone out at Ralfs that needs some work done at his property. Since i've been back i've been in touch with this guy, his name is Doug, and it looks like i'll be working in the bush for the summer! Doug needs someone that will do some general labor type work and i will be supplied with my own little cabin and food. So all the $ that i make i will be able to save. I will still have the opportunity to come into town from time to time and Doug has satellite internet so i will be able to stay in touch when i'm not in town.
To wrap up the trip i have a couple videos of the trek up the hill, sorry the final vid kind of cuts off suddenly.
My plans for next couple weeks include going out to Dougs place and see what he needs done and get to know him a little bit before i spend a whole summer out there. After that i might jump on the bike and visit Denali Park until work needs to start out at Dougs.
Keep checking back, the adventure is just beginning!!!!!