On Saturday, Mike and I drove down to Denali National Park in search of a snowy adventure. Upon our arrival, we stopped at the famous Denali National Park and Preserve to take a quick picture. We then hopped back in our car and headed for the Mt. Healy trail head.
As we were unpacking our snowshoes, another snowshoe person was getting ready to hit the trail. Mike began a friendly conversation with "Brad" and invited him to hike along with us. I was a bit leery. What did we know about this Brad person? What if he were some psychopath who had just been released from one of the many Alaska State Mental Institutions????
In my quick thinking, I began to casually inquire about Brad's life. I first asked, "So, Brad, do you live around here?" Brad said he was from Columbus, Ohio. Likely story! He also said he was an environmental engineer. He said that he was studying the air quality levels in North Pole and Fairbanks. Hmmmmmm...... This sounded very "fishy" to me! Who would actually go to school just so they could research air quality. This guy was hiding something!
As we hiked along, I watched him like a hawk. I wasn't taking my eyes off this environmental engineer. I was definitely suspicious. After about 10 minutes of climbing up a very steep grade, Brad was huffing and puffing. We stopped several time so that he could catch his breath. My thought was, if this guy is in this bad of shape, Mike and I could out run him, if we needed to.
While traveling along, Brad shared that he is single and has his parents living with him. He travels all over the world researching the quality of air. He's been to Tokyo, Auckland, New Delhi, and North Pole, Alaska. He has a Master's Degree in Environmental Engineering.
The more he talked, the more harmless he seemed. Okay, this guy was no murderer. In fact, he probably couldn't even harm an air particle.
After about 1 1/2 hours of climbing, Brad decided to turn back and head for his car. Mike and I said goodbye and continued ascending. Did I feel a little silly for being so suspicious? Maybe. However, playing this story in my mind sure made for an interesting hike and a good blog post.
After getting almost to the top, Mike and I headed back down. As we were driving home, we were able to get an incredible picture of the sun setting behind Mt. McKinley. In fact, the sky was so clear, the picture was taken from Fairbanks!
In all, Mike and I had a wonderful day. The weather was a beautiful 3o degrees (above zero). We had an awesome workout and met someone with a very boring background.
As we were unpacking our snowshoes, another snowshoe person was getting ready to hit the trail. Mike began a friendly conversation with "Brad" and invited him to hike along with us. I was a bit leery. What did we know about this Brad person? What if he were some psychopath who had just been released from one of the many Alaska State Mental Institutions????
In my quick thinking, I began to casually inquire about Brad's life. I first asked, "So, Brad, do you live around here?" Brad said he was from Columbus, Ohio. Likely story! He also said he was an environmental engineer. He said that he was studying the air quality levels in North Pole and Fairbanks. Hmmmmmm...... This sounded very "fishy" to me! Who would actually go to school just so they could research air quality. This guy was hiding something!
As we hiked along, I watched him like a hawk. I wasn't taking my eyes off this environmental engineer. I was definitely suspicious. After about 10 minutes of climbing up a very steep grade, Brad was huffing and puffing. We stopped several time so that he could catch his breath. My thought was, if this guy is in this bad of shape, Mike and I could out run him, if we needed to.
While traveling along, Brad shared that he is single and has his parents living with him. He travels all over the world researching the quality of air. He's been to Tokyo, Auckland, New Delhi, and North Pole, Alaska. He has a Master's Degree in Environmental Engineering.
The more he talked, the more harmless he seemed. Okay, this guy was no murderer. In fact, he probably couldn't even harm an air particle.
After about 1 1/2 hours of climbing, Brad decided to turn back and head for his car. Mike and I said goodbye and continued ascending. Did I feel a little silly for being so suspicious? Maybe. However, playing this story in my mind sure made for an interesting hike and a good blog post.
After getting almost to the top, Mike and I headed back down. As we were driving home, we were able to get an incredible picture of the sun setting behind Mt. McKinley. In fact, the sky was so clear, the picture was taken from Fairbanks!
In all, Mike and I had a wonderful day. The weather was a beautiful 3o degrees (above zero). We had an awesome workout and met someone with a very boring background.
Doesn't Mike look cool?
Kristie is ready to snowshoe!
A view of the Alaska Range
Another view of the Alaska Range
Mike and "Brad"
Sort of Deep Snow
Mike carries Kristie's broken snowshoes.
Kristie takes a break.
A view of the trail
From Fairbanks, the sun sets behind Mt. McKinley.
Another sunset view of Denali. 