Up a (falls)creek, no paddles needed

     This stretch of warm-and-sunny has ushered in summertime conditions with haste.  I wanted to get out today and was originally planning on Bird Ridge as I heard it was clear, but I was impatient while driving along the arm and only made it to Falls Creek before impulsively deciding to go up there instead.  The trail was pretty much dry and clear to the valley where only a few soggy spots remained.  There were also a few snow patches to cross on the way up to South Suicide, but overall easy travelling: I could do it in my minimal running shoes and stay dry with a slight attention to foot placement.
     So the plan was to try and make it to the clearing of alders at the base of the valley, but after seeing the lack of snow up to South Suicide I elected to attempt it.  Physically I wasn't ready but I need to get in running/hiking/climbing shape for the summer and might as well have started today.  It went smoother than I planned although I will likely be more sore than I prefer tomorrow.  I also concluded that skiing is officially done: it looked pretty rotten and too narrow even on the shadier routes, at least for me.
     There were the typical goats hanging out up there, but I didn't see any other major wildlife.  The wildflowers are early blooming, the bees were busy, but the greenery has a long way to go.  The creek itself seemed to be quite full and gushing.  This was puzzling to me after a no-go for packrafting due to low water on South Fork 2 days previous.  Views from the top were great and it was evident that the snow was retreating fast all over the Chugach.

The view from South Suicide of the back of North Suicide. I assume that snowy lines like the one pictured running 11 to 5 are ski-able.  Has this one ever been tried?  Too far out? Terrain trap?

I love to views up the Arm.

Note the amazing blue/green of the lake.

Goat hunting in Bird/Penguin

Northwest approach to ridge north of penguin

      So I drew a permit to hunt goats in the Bird/Penguin area this fall.  Between the nasty weather and work, I was only able to make it out 4 times.  The first day out I went out to the northwest approach to the ridge north of penguin.  It had snowed which made the climb less than pleasant and we ended up alderbashing a fair amount.  The views from the top were worth it and it got me thinking about the winter/ski season to come.  No goats in sight, or at least none that I could see with the snow.

     The second day out I went up bird ridge and hiked it a ways back.  Some snow remained, but mostly on the ridge itself.  It was a beautiful day with perfect weather.  We saw no goats but did see a young black bear wandering about.



Bird valley viewed from the ridge.

     The third day I went up to penguin ridge.  Bird valley was socked in but the clouds cleared around 2500' to bluebird skies which made the climb worth it.  I saw a much larger black bear on the highway side of the just above the gut of the gully.  No goats nearby but I saw some further back on the ridge of my first day out.  I scoped a decent approach and would head out there soon.

     The fourth day out I headed up penguin creek trail and shot up a climb-able gully.  Once out of the trees I could see the goats were still there.  After cresting the ridge, eating, resting, spotting, and enjoying the view I earned, I figured out at least one billy.  I finally saw a bunch of goats, but unfortunately they were all nannies with kids.  Eventually they decided not to hang around and left for terrain I could handle, but not before crossing terrain that was too dicey.  I noticed two other goats on much steeper terrain further away.  The one billy I was after joined the nannies and kids.  They were beautiful to watch while I could, but I couldn't follow them. 

     After being unsuccessful and giving it an honest try I don't think hunting goats is for me.  I hated alder-bashing with a gun, not to mention the extra weight.  I loved the views, wildlife, and hiking though.  If there's a next time I will try to get off work for an extended period that will allow for greater travel    in the backcountry.