Day 43
8/2/26 Sunday
We had a long casual morning camping on the glacial washout. Not quite the same sunny day as yesterday. The clouds were low and it looked foggy toward the bay.
Hike day. We made plans to hike the Tonsina Point Trail at Lowell Point near Seward. At the end of the trail we were hiking there was a public use cabin to rent that is on the beach. It’s part of the State Parks trail system. There were more trails and cabins beyond our hike but they were susceptible to high tides… you could only get in and out of them during low tides, so you would need to plan accordingly.
Salmon spawning. When we were near the end of the trail there were two bridges crossing creeks. The first one had two salmon going through the spawning process. They were still there about an hour later when we recrossed the bridge. You can watch the salmon videos of some of the spawning process. You can see these female fanning the creek bed to lay eggs and/or cover them up. It was fascinating to watch.
As we continued on the trail to see the public cabins we passed a tent campground area with a covered eating area, bear boxes and a big fire pit. After the campground we walked along the beach. The tide was beginning to come in so we could see that the cabin was the end of the line for today.
Public cabins to rent. We spotted the cabin just a little above the rocky beach. So we walked up to take a look. It was unoccupied so we went inside. It was nice and clean and efficient. The pit toilet outside, an oil stove inside with the oil provided. 4 bunks could sleep possibly 6. A picnic table.
Trail etiquette lesson. After seeing the cabin we headed back on the same trail to the van. Along the trail we caught up to a group of adults and young boys that seemed to be on a guided hike. I was close behind them for quite a ways and observing the young boys behavior as we ascended the switchbacks. They were begging to take all the trail “shortcuts” all the way. Whether they were allowed seemed to be based on “safety”. I was pretty disappointed in the guide for not educating them on trail etiquette. I held my tongue…Karen speaking… until all the adults and children ran up one for the “last time”. They were right in front of me so I commented. “Last Time Ever!” The guide (who did not shortcut) heard me say that and turned to apologize and realized he should have stopped them the first time and educated them. I think the guide learned his responsibility… doubt he’ll cave to kids begging again. At least we can hope so.
We have seen boardwalks along many trails in the wet places and they almost always have this netting on top of them. It keeps them from gathering moss and getting slippery.
I want to give a nod to the former Alaska State Parks Director Jim Stratton (retired 25 yrs ago) for being instrumental to managing and planning all the state park system they have in Alaska several years ago. Well done Jim! Jim is a good friend of mine from college days at University of Oregon… circa 1976-78.
Before we left Seward we needed to grocery shop for camping in Denali NP this week. There was a Safeway that was quite busy. Then a quick “dump & potable water” stop and we were back on the highway to the Turnagain Arm and dispersed camping on Portage Creek.
We easily found a little spot along the edge of a small pond off the Portage Creek with a couple other campers. It was windy and cold when we arrived about 7pm. Then it began to lightly rain before we went to sleep.
Tomorrow we will end up in Palmer again on our way to Denali National Park.
cinnicrew 