Don't forget to wave...200 miles on a frozen river

What an adventure we had this weekend.  Our friend Ben, my husband, the puppies and I went on our first longer distance, over frozen rivers snow machine trip to our cabin.  I had only been snow machining one time before with friends and Todd grew up riding in Minnesota as a kid, but neither of us nor Ben had done a trip of this magnitude.  We got a lot of advice from good friends who are experienced and safe riders so we packed our stuff, did our checks and were ready to go.

All smiles on the way out.

The trip out and the list

When we started I think we were all quite excited and ready to go.  Especially the dogs.  They got their own puppy pod and while they would probably rather ride or run outside 90 miles one way is just a bit too far.  We did stop frequently for them to get out, use the bathroom and run around.  They willingly (for the most part) got back into the pod for travel.

Me pulling the dogs in the "puppy pod"

I must say that the thought of riding on the river had me pretty nervous.  I know that there's going to be overflow and some open water and that the river is constantly changing.  So I went in with a healthy respect for the river and Alaska!  The grandeur of Alaska is something that is indescribable, but what often is so beautiful can also be unforgiving and deadly  I'd say here's my list of things to have.   Firearm....dont leave home without it.  You never know who or what you may run into on the trail that you may need to protect yourself.  Also, a rifle can be helpful for food if you get stuck for a while.  Sat phone or beacon. GPS so u can send where u are.  There are no roads out here.  Shelter, something to cook, provide heat and melt snow if you need it.  Hatchet for firewood.  Extra food, water, fuel and dry clothes.  Camera of course!  And for Pete's sake a smile or wave as you pass people.  You're out enjoying the trails in the most amazing place on earth..act like you're having fun people! With that said, most are very nice.  That's it for the people part and where my don't forget to wave title comes from.  I always think people who are out should be somewhat happy they are out....for the most part.  Anyway, on with the list.  Dry bags...put every thing that needs to stay dry in dry bags.  Layer your clothing for sure.  Finding the right temperature is key. You don't want to be too cold or sweating because then you'll get cold from the sweat.  Extra parts and tools for your machine. Spark plug, oil, extra belt and fuel for sure.  You never know what happens. This is when you want to be prepared for the worst case.  When you're going somewhere remote.  Be on the safe side.

The dogs out running and exploring on a break

What's a snow machine?  It's Alaska, so they're not snow mobiles, but snow machines.  It's definitely the alaska lingo.  Same with ATVs.  It's not a 4 wheeler...It's a machine.  I'll have to do a little research on the origin of that stuff.  I have never thought about it too much.

Me and Todd on the river

Cabin life

Cabin life is Great! It's just wall your worries melt away.  We arrived as the light was fading for the day.  While I started a fire to warm ourselves, the guys got the ice auger working and got us some water from the lake.  This first trip we only had one full day at the cabin but we made the most of it.  The guys made sure the scandic was running correctly for the long ride back, had some sledding fun and did some more riding.

The guys making sure all is up to par 

Boys and dogs hanging out

On our way to shell lake

We also made our first trip to Shell lake lodge.  We met Zoe (pronounced Zo).  She was great and quite a talker.  It was also nice that there were 2 dogs there.  Places are always made better by puppy love.  IF you're around there I recommend a stop.  Hot coffee, cold beer and some food and snacks, soups, sandwiches, etc.

Todd and Ben relaxing at shell lake lodge

The trip home

The way home was more relaxing since we'd all run the river already and it was getting only colder.  However, there was actually more overflow on our trip home.  You can't relax for a second out there when conditions are changing.  It was still good though.  We were a little more comfortable going home and on 3 machines instead of 2 so that was cool.
Just like the trip up it took us almost all of the daylight hours. It was pretty eerie when the fog set in pretty thick on some places on the river.  You couldn't see the next marker sometimes. Pretty slow, careful going.

Getting some fuel to go

Sunrise on the skwentna river

Ben taking a break on his machine

Not a bad view. That's Denali on the right 

It was a great trip overall.  Being with the man I love and building the bonds of friendship are a beautiful thing.  I love people with good hearts.  The circle is small.  We were all glad to get back to the parking lot at the landing and load the trailer up to head home.  There were slick roads for a while.  Honestly, that was more worrisome than being out on the machine. Haha.  Thanks to good, careful driving we made it home safely.

Thanks for reading and sharing in my adventure.  Don't forget that no matter what you're doing try to smile and wave...it could make a real difference in someone's day...even yours.