We awoke yesterday to bad news. The flight to Barter Island was cancelled due to continued bad weather. We were offered a return trip to Fairbanks, and since we were quite bored with Fork Yukon, we quickly accepted. We spent the day back at the [Tanana] campgound [outside Fairbanks.]
By this morning, the weather in Barter Island had improved and the flight was on. After a 2 1/2 hour delay to repair our DC-3 and eventually changing planes, we left Fairbanks.
The flight was wild. It was a luxurious plane which had once been an executive aircraft. There were 14 passengers and a wonderful stewardess who served us all drinks the whole 2 1/2 hour flight. She even put some Credence Clearwater Revival on the tape deck. It was really a great party.
 |
Flight crew on the way to Kaktovik
|
 |
Deplaning in Kaktovik
|
 |
| Standing beside the Beaufort Sea (Arctic Ocean) |
We arrived in Barter Island and almost immediately loaded onto Walt Audi's float plane. In 25 minutes, we were on the edge of a small lake just to the west of Okpilak River. In 5 more minutes, Walt was gone and we were alone.
 |
| Loading onto Walt Audi's plane |
 |
| And then we were alone. |
Our camp is 200 feet from the lake on a slight rise. The temperature is 57 degrees and the mosquitos are outrageous. Dinner is cooking.
 |
| They have mosquitos in the Brooks Range |
 |
| Our first camp in the Okpilak Valley |
 |
| Our first view up the Okpilak Valley. Mt. Michelson to right, partially obscured by clouds. |
No comments:
Post a Comment