the spring transition

     Late spring is a great time of year in Alaska and one can really get burnt out if not careful.  With bountiful daylight, residual snow up high/in shaded areas, dry(ish) land down low/on most southern exposures, there are so many things to do.  Think two seasons-worth of activities in the same day.
     Warm temps, long days, and sunshine melt the snow and dry out the trails.  This week I headed out Turnagain Arm-way for some trail running.  The trails along the arm are known for drying out first and with an already dry season throughout AK, this spring was no exception.  The trails were great: not muddy, wildflowers blooming already, greenery increasing and people getting out there.  My ankles and their surrounding muscles got a wake-up call from being in boots all winter, I was a bit sore after the first few runs and surprisingly AT skiing and running work different quadriceps muscles, or at least my style does.
     The road and mountain bikes also made an appearance, though mostly road as the single-tracks are still too soft and muddy.  The first ride of the season was a fail due to my eagerness to ride without proper prep: 3 flat tires and inadequate equipment resulted in the "can you come pick me up?" phone call. After proper prepping the subsequent rides went much better.  I am dabbling in some local organized road rides/races this year which has made it more enjoyable.  My bike seat-zone needed more conditioning than my legs/heart/lungs.
     Skiing is not done, well, maybe after today it is for me with an exception or two.  I have done some spring skiing with moderate success.  The snow is retreating fast and timing is everything, not just the week but the hour.  Today the S-couloir skied variably in the truest sense: sticky/crusty/heavy/moist/chalky /firm/almost dry/punchy.  It was skied for the sake of tradition, for exercising the mind more than the body, and for the uniqueness that it offers.  Good company helps.  Also skied this week was the Rabbit Creek side(north) of McHuch ridgeline.  This area has been on my list for awhile, preferably during winter conditions but I did what I could.  Timing on this was down to the hour: 8am the run was crusty/chattery but 10am it was too mushy to boot but prime skiing.  The long gully back in there was fun but I hit it too early as well, I had a late-morning obligation so I took what I could get.
     This recent stretch of great weather has allowed for all these activities and more: throw in bonus material like frisbee golf, yard work, and daily responsibilities and things can get tight.  Grilling out and cold beer make staying around the house easier.  Now I'm tired (in a good way) but have to work, then it's back out there the next day off.  Summer is sweeeeeeeeet.
     Lucy-dog is callousing her paws on the concrete and rocks after a pampered winter on snow and barely tolerating the warmer temps so I gave her a haircut.  Also, don't forget the bear spray, we came uncomfortably close to a pair of brown bears while alder-bashing down the slopes of McHugh: both parties were surprised.