Hiking Donnelly Dome Without Permanent Injury

On a whim, Mike and I drove down past Delta Junction, past Ft. Greely and all the way to Donnelly Dome.  For those of you unfamiliar with Donnelly Dome, it is a big hill just north of the Alaska Range.  It has a vertical climb of 3,800 feet.  It starts with a rather easy climb and then goes straight up the side of the "mountain."

Along the way, we spotted several signs of wildlife including bear tracks and lots of moose nuggets.  After reaching the top with sore legs, we realized why we started the hike in the first place.  Even though it was extremely windy, the views were incredible.

However, the worst part of the hike was yet to come.  Going back down a steep, rocky hillside was a lot harder than I imagined.  It took longer to get down than it did to get up!  Regardless of intensity of the hike, Mike and I had time to pick enough fireweed for a batch of fireweed jelly!

 Donnelly Dome: Ready, Set, Hike!

 Bear tracks

 Pretty pink flower.  I don't think I can make jam out of this one.

 Mike about half-way up the "hill."

 Kristie taking pictures of flowers, clouds, the sky, mountains, people, moose nuggets...

 View from the top!

 "Hey, can we take a break now?"

 View from the top of the Alaska Range.

 Taking a break and enjoying the view!

 Don't trip and fall!  It's a long way down!

I see fireweed jelly in our future!