Fairbanks Snow Travelers

So I'm a bachlorette for this Saturday and it prob. isn't a good idea to ride alone without someone to notice at home that I didn't come back... So please don't cancel this ride! Or else someone else needs to ride somewhere I can follow along.

I know Paul hasn't been feeling his best this winter ( =( ), so I don't know if he is planning on leading this one. I have never done this particular ride, so I cannot. However, I could lead a ride through Blueberry hills over that "trail" (off of old Murphy near the big round "snowball") or out Quartz creek (White Mountains off of the Steese) or the State Park on CHSR (~50 mile).

Thoughts, suggestion or volunteers to lead?

Heather

I am feeling a lot better, thanks. Here is the plan. Because of our lack of snow, it will be a Tanana Flats ride rather than an Ester Dome Ride. The trails are a little less used in the Flats than on the climb up Ester Dome. Start time and place will be the same, 1000 at the boat launch/day park at the end of Chena Pump Road. Trail condition permitting, it will be about a fifty mile ride. There is no food out there so bring your own lunch. We should be back by 1600 (4 pm).

Paul

Where you going ? I plan to be at the boat launch around the same time, but I have to head east along the Slough a bit to the Salchaket East Cabin.

We will be going in by way of Clear Creek. If there is enough snow we will go to the top of Clear Creek Butte and go back by way of the Salchacket.

Paul

How far you going up the slough John?
I'm heading to the flats today give you all report when i get back.

I was hoping to follow the slough to the East Salchacket Cabin. I thinks its around 20 miles or more.

Taking a camera ? some pic of the terrain north of there would help.

Thanks

Thank you Paul! I'm glad you are feeling better.

(Of course now it sounds like the hubby will be home early from his business trip...)

Heather

Went into the flat from South Cushman. Lots of overflow on the ice road crossing talking some feet deep. Thin snow on the road little on the sides. Open the trail up the south side of Clear creek Butt, west trail that goes up the ridge close due to brush we cut some so there is a trail in there but goes short ways. Also broke out the airboat trail on south side of the swamp and the trail running south from the butt. Also the trail from the ice road to Blair lake then took that trail went as far as Blair lake. Trappers are out and some trail are not broke out and no tracks in the slough.

Just got in from the Flats. Overall, given our lack of snow this winter, the conditions are very good. The trails are not only not all used up, some of them haven't even been broken out yet. There is a good base, a little new snow and no open water on the trails that we will be on this Saturday.

Don't forget that you are supposed to check in with USARTRAK for this ride. We will be in areas 202 and 203.

Paul

Crapola - I don't have a permit for this year. I'll try to get one today.

Does anyone rememeber the officer from USARTRAK that gave the talks about permits. I would like to talk to him, what was his name? and do you know a phone number? With the number i called All I get is recordings ?? Also I check the main gate they don't have any of the maps with area codes for check in.

I can email you the map if you'd like. ?

I found the army map was wanting a paper map. do you have the Ft. W guys phone number??

Darrell,

You want Ken Steinnerd, ken.j.steinnerd@us.army.mil, ph: 361-6490.

Paul

Heather,

The permits are good for two years from date of issue.

Paul