Well as most you (and by you I mean you my blog visitors, the local community and my friends) know – ever since trekking the island last fall I’ve been itching to get out and finish what I started. My knee is healed up nicely (it only pops and cracks once in a while) and I’ve gained what feels like 30 pounds, over the last four months.
Unalaska Island Trek II
It looks like June is the month I’m going to go back down to the far end of the island. I’m hoping to start at Station Bay again if not, Chernofski will do just fine. Maybe I can visit Art Christensen at the old sheep ranch there. I know Buck (a sheep that kept head butting Dakota for six miles) will be happy to see us again.
Same as last time for the most part, I’m not changing much. The route is perfect thanks to Jeff Hancock of Aleutian Adventure Sports. My meal planning and food cache in Pumicestone Bay were perfect. (although I’m tossing out trail mix.) The amount of food Dakota carried in her pack was spot on, although I may carry a little extra in my pack for her. I’ll be renewing the registration on my SPOT Satellite Messenger and that will of course include up to $100,000.00 of whatever it takes to rescue me insurance! I’ll have it post in real time my location on the site here just like the last time.
One BIG change this year will be NOT having a flight crew from the USCG fly out to come rescue me after 11 days of trekking and just two days shy of my destination because I fell in the Shaler Mountains and couldn’t walk anymore.
Here is the gallery of images from my first trek across the island in August / September of 2009.
Oh, glad you will be trekking again. Why the change from fall to late spring? How are you getting down to the south end? Would like to send a couple of jars of salmonberry jelly for Art if you are flying or boating. And one for you if you have room in your pack…or just for your cupboard. Your pictures are gorgeous, by the way.
Hi Sharon… I’m glad you asked. I’m hoping the grass will be easier to navigate along Naginak and Udamak coves in Anderson Bay and through Cannery and Portage Bays further north. The grass did me in with the knee being banged up.
As it looks, I have a few boats willing to take me down there when they head out halibut fishing. (Wish I could charter the Goose) I’d be more than happy to drop off some Jelly for Art. I’m sure he would like that. He heads back to the ranch in June I heard. I told him I’d be stopping by to say hello.
Thanks for comments and for visiting.
Dan