2026-06-08 to 2026-06-18 - Packrafting and Wildflowers!
#alaska #whitewater #packraft #plants #moose
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Packrafting is kinda sick!
Had a pretty sweet opportunity to do some training in a packraft for work! What is a packraft you might ask? It's basically like a lighter weight single-person inflatable kayak/raft that was originally meant for hiking around with, but people are running pretty rowdy rapids with them these days too. On the clock, one of the big reasons we might use them is to ferry across rivers that would be unsafe to cross on foot. They're also quite popular for getting around the backcountry since you can often move much quicker going down river on the packraft vs. bushwhacking on foot.
Before using them for work, we had to get trained up. Fortunately one of the people who works here at Denali is a pretty rad paddler and certified instructor, so we were able to get some great coaching. Had the chance to run a fun section of rapids on the Nenana River (river in the picture above [rapids not pictured]) on our second day of training.
I'm very seriously considering just going for it and getting a packrafting setup now. Getting out on whitewater again for the first time in years was such a blast and the packrafts are SO much more portable than a hardshell kayak. It's just a lot of gear to acquire... but could be a great activity to get more into over the season.
A sampling of our wildflowers
The flowers are showing out in force now! The same patch of ground goes from snowy to bare to green to multicolored as the summer arrives and it's been really interesting to observe. We had a few of the early season ones popping up last month, but now that it's getting to be properly summer there are lots more varieties. I've included a smattering of photos (some mine, some from others) and what is hopefully(?) the correct identification. One of my goals is to actually be able to recognize some of the plants and animals. I've got a few birdsongs down too. Most recently I became well acquainted with the Swainson's Thrush singing outside my window repeatedly at midnight (that darned sun never sets so the birds don't know when to sleep either).
Arctic Lupine (Lupinus Arcticus)
Super fun design and color with whoever designed this one! Cool af. This lil dude is on my way to the bathroom.
Calypso Orchid (Calypso Bulbosa)
Apparently kinda rare, I sadly can't claim credit for the pic but fun flower!
Bluebells (Mertensia Paniculata)
Tastes like cucumber! These ones are edible. I have tried them and that description isn't actually too far off! I'm thinking about trying to go collect some one of these days for a snack or to try making a dish with them.
Nakedstem Wallflower (Parrya Nudicaulis)
Fun pink petal arrangement!
Dwarf dogwood (Cornus Canadensis)
Right outside my door! Had to snap a quick pic
Sadly the pasque flowers along the Triple Lakes Trail have passed their peak and are a bit grey these days.
Moose and small moose!
Shortly after this photo was taken the mama threw her baby off into the deep end and led it across some decently swift moving water that was deeper than the calf's height. Tough love to learn river crossings I guess?
Bull moose on the browse right outside my window. Lots of green goods to eat now! I guess it's like when you were out camping for a while and first get to have a fresh fruit or vegetable again.
A mom and not one, but TWO moose calves. They've been frequenting the visitor center area and soliciting lots of oohs and aahs while also making it tougher to keep visitors safe.
Summer is indeed rolling in!
To end, here's some alpenglow from around midnight last Saturday!
The solstice is this weekend, and we truly have the midnight sun that doesn't set at the moment. The temps are warmer, the days are neverending, and it's truly a unique way to experience the season. I could use a touch more sleep though...
Anyways, hope y'all have a lovely weekend! Get out there and celebrate summer!