Prudhoe Bay, Part Two

Here are some photos of the Brooks Range. Let me back up and say we were thrilled at the Tunda coming into Deadhorse and Prudhoe Bay. It was nearly 100 miles across without a rise in evevation (just above sea level) and no trees or bushes. Upon waking on it, one's foot would sink about one inch down, so it is a very fragile eco system and one we took very carefully. When talking to the oil workers at the hotel, they do not drive in it durning summer, only winter, when they can make ice bridges to drive on and in the spring they thaw with no damage to the fragile tunda.

Tundra and river outside Prudhoe Bay

Brooks Range is a long and wide range in which one must pass over 4,000 foot passes on dirt roads, which this time of year are always under repair and renewal, so work crews can stop traffic while they lay down new rock and grade it in.

Typical day

Last Tree standing

We had good weather on the return trip allowing us great views of the range that we missed the day before. Another great evening at Igloo #8 inWiseman and a wonderful breakfast. The owners gave us a indepth view of the history of the community and life in this remote town, where power is by solar, wind and diesel generator.

Great looking peaks

Old miners cabin

Typical home in Wiseman

Play house in Wiseman

We are on our way to Tok so Garry can ship the pistol back to Hickory, MD and then in to Whitehorse, Youkon Territory. We have taken jeff and Maren bak to the airport and said our tearful goodbyes. It has been really wonderful to share part of this Alaska experience with such close friends, laugh alot and eat a lot and walk alot. It seems when the four of use get together, there will be an adventure to be made. From Whitehorse, we will go back into Alaska to Skagway and then back into Canada and back into Alaska at Hyder,AK. Stay tuned!!!!!!!!