Thrive Outside

I get asked many questions about trail conditions.  I have explored many apps to help make the trail conditions more easily available.  However, the #1 place that I would recommend you exploring if you want to know is the Alaska Outdoor Reports.   It is super easy to put in your own report of the trail conditions.  The groomers for skiing use it exclusively.  It has little icons for skiing, hiking, kayaking, skating, and biking. Since I live in Palmer, I have bookmarked and make the Mat-Su ski club a simple app on my phone by following these simple instructions .  That makes it super easy to see the weather and the trail conditions in one click on an icon on my iphone. Happy winter exploring everyone!

Don't own a cabin in the Woods?  You don't have to.  Why not share one by renting one of these amazing facilities!  I heard about the Manitoba huts on a podcast this summer and thinking this would be a fun way to get outside a different way this winter.   https://www.alaskahuts.org/manitoba-photos/  You could even stay in a YURT! James and I throughly enjoyed our anniversary get-away last December 2015 in a sweet cabin called Dale Clemens  near Seward, AK. The hike in was the bonus for us.  We didn't need to haul any wood because it come completely stocked with propane for the heater!  The silence was special and the heavy snow delightful. Note they Recreation.gov reserves cabins 180 days in advance.  The best time to book for Summer outings is in the winter. The State of Alaska has a variety of cabins for rent. We have enjoyed the Nancy Lake cabins.    http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/cabins/anch#&panel1-1

Often our lives are full.  Full of trials, pain, and just business. This was also the surroundings in Jesus life 2000+ years ago.  We hear of his days full of just that.  However, I find it inspiring how he spent time away from the crowds and went to the MOUNTAINS to connect to God. 1) Retreat:  Being a wife/mother/pastor's wife, my home is often the source of wonderful joys and sorrows.  I am available to everyone at all times.  I also see all the "necessary" projects that loom over my head like Eyores' black cloud.  It is there.  However, when I go to the hills or anywhere in nature, my distractions are lessoned DRASTICILY.  I can be in the world God created for me to enjoy.  It gives me time to listen. 2) Connect:  Prayer is often the pouring out to God. But, just like a marriage relationship, if only one person is talking it would be an unhealthy relationship.  When I take the time to reflect and listen to God, I g...

MUST HAVE and Secret Advantages It was a strange day at my son's new friend birthday party that I talked with Natalie.  Being "new" to Alaska after 10 years in Africa, this pivotal conversation changed my hiking world forever. Kahtoolas (red) I can't remember how we got to the topic of hiking & trail running, but we did. I think I was complaining about the slippery trails.  She introduced me to my best friend, the MICROSPIKES.   Hillsound trail crampon Microspikes allow you to extending hiking all year round.  They are essential if you love to get outside with terrible trail conditions.  They provide the traction for icy trails to slick muddy trails. They allow me to even RUN down the mountains with less fear of falling.  I am more confident with them on in the winter than my rugged trail shoes in the summer when the trails are dry.  The two that I have experience with is Kahtoola microspikes and Hillsound trail crampon....

After viewing some stunning photos on Facebook, I was eager to get to this newly opened trail. This is a short kid friendly trail that can handle a small stroller. However, after coming home and looking again at the map, we only captured the one part of the trail.  It has not been connected to the other phase that is nearer the school.  (it still is not connected)  small parking lot (no facilities) There is no signs but, if you go to the  4800 E Nelson Rd, Wasilla, AK 99654 or click on the  google map it will give you directions (thanks Google).  However, it is right past the Wasilla Creek and take an immediate left to a small parking lot. this is us finding a marsh that is not walkable even with a little bridge :) Once you find that place (hardest part), you walk towards the woods at about 1:00 is the trail head.  I was on it and it was perfect but short.  At the end of the wooden boardwalk, I ventured with my friends a lit...

Matanuska Peak aka Byers Peak The fair brings hordes of people to Palmer, but it also brings a temporary job with the amazing Alaska Chicks .  Seeing the beautiful weather (best in years), made my hiking feet cry for the mountains that call for me.  However, we had set September 10th for the ascent. Like other large mountains, this one has rewards all the way you climb it.  On the day we hiked, we saw people with toddlers who didn't summit, but enjoyed the tundra meadow! My husband is a fair weather hiker, and thankfully it was a STUNNING day.  We got a later start instead of 7am, we launched at 9 am. Many Routes to the same Peak. 1)   McRoberts Creeks approach Trailhead:  Smith Road 2) Matanuska Peak Trail Trailhead: Smith Road but after 3) Summit Lazy then go down the backside of Lazy toward the valley and connect with the Mat Peak trail. (Matanuska Peak Race) Trailhead:  Huntley Road Lazy Mountain Trailhead 4) Lazy-Matanuska ...

A few tips for keep your Fall hiking at it's maximum enjoyment! BY JULIE MILLER 1. LAYERS! - It is that time of year where I want the heat on in the house in the morning and the windows open in the afternoon. That same idea applies to your hiking clothing. Our temps this time of year can swing a good 20-30 degrees. Keep in mind that elevation also effects temperatures, higher means colder. Rain gear is a must. 2. Be mindful of hunters - For sportsmen Fall is the most anticipated time of the year. Moose season is in full swing and hikers should take precautions. Wear bright colored clothing so that you are visible. If you happen upon hunters be sure  they are aware of your presence. If you hear gunshots, judge the distance, keep your eyes open, and remain visible.   3. Shorter daylight - Toss a headlamp into your pack just incase you're out a wee bit later than you planned.  4. Trust your gut - If the weather turns on you 1/2 way through a hike there is NO shame in turni...

  Okay, three weeks of rain and a few 40 mph windy days.  Is it that miserable everywhere?  Actually, we live in a huge state.   I am blessed to live in Palmer between two large rivers (Knik and Matanuska) that are fed by huge glaciers and two major mountain ranges (Chugach and Talkeetna).   The cool thing about living among the mountains is that the weather can be quite different just a few miles away.   I am going to explain how to use Weather Underground to find out where it is not windy and where the current temperatures are more desirable. Weather Underground is a sweet webpage and free app that I can use on my desktop or cell phone.  I have even arranged our hiking guide to be in distinct  areas so you can easily see the conditions (towards Hatcher Pass, Butte, Anchorage) Now, as I have encouraged you in the past, regardless of the weather, Thrive Outside.  However, sometimes I do want to get away from the wind.  I love...

             Since school started, it might be trickier to get your exercise and hikes in.  Why not try this fun RunMatSu Thursday night race series?  Go at your own pace and enjoy run/walking these trails that you might of avoided because you were scared of being lost or having no-one to go out with you.  For  only $10 for the entire family (no dogs), it is an affordable way to get in shape. If you are single adult $5, youth $2 if you want to pay separately.  Races begin at 6:00pm.  Parking pass/fee will apply.  Register online at  Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers  or at  Active Soles Performance Footwear  one week before the event.   9/15 The first one is at Crevasse Moraine off of Loma Prieta Drive around mile 2 off Palmer/Wasilla Hwy in Palmer, AK  9/22 Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Park  off of the Glenn Hwy near the Parks  9/29   Government Peak Rec...

So, it is wet.  So what! I am a huge advocate of the saying, "there is no bad weather, (in Alaska) only bad clothing."  That saying originated in Norway.  But, I learned a few quick and easy tips to enjoy the outdoors even if it looks like Eeyore weather. 1) Waterproof hiking shoes/boots. Nothing says warm like a good dry foot. Not only does it prevent blisters from rubbing, your whole body is warm. Don't get water resistant but, waterproof. *my thermal lined Xtratuf makes camping in the rain fun as well.  Don't get water resistant but, waterproof. 2) Rain pants.  These are a must for blueberry picking and hiking in brush that is wet. I just slip these into my pack and pull them out if I need the extra protection.  I also like to use them as an extra layer to keep warm in windy conditions or after I arrive at a backpacking place. 3) Frog Toggs.  After a 6 hour hike in the constant rain, my "water resistance" rain jacket was a soggy mess. I was ...

Christy Marvin Wins Mount Marathon in Seward July 4, 2016!   No one, I mean NO ONE wins a race, breaks a record, or has success in running all on their own.  In every race, every record, every win, there is a long trail of support that brought them there.  For me, that trail includes God, my family, and my friends. Before God even said, “Let there be light,” he knew that he was going to make me.  Humbling as it is, God has had a plan for my life from the very beginning of time.  He knew he was going to give me a talent in running.  It was a part of His plan to reach a crowd of people that might not otherwise hear about the saving love of Jesus Christ. My faith is the core of my running success.  I could have faith without running, but not running without faith.  God is my inspiration.  When Satan rears his ugly head and plants seeds of doubt or fear, it is through Christ that I find my strength.  Strength to be my very bes...

Gunsight Mountain:  Elevation 6,441 feet Time to the top: hiking fast uphill : 2 1/2 hours with lunch break Total time Roundtrip:  3:52 minutes Miles Round Trip 8.2 Okay, after trying to find the trail backpacking, we went back for a day hike.  Thankfully, it was easy. There is a pull off mile 118.5 on the Glen Hwy just past Sheep Mountain Lodge if coming from Palmer with a nice outhouse and no parking fee. Head down the old road and turn right up the trail.  For the first 2ish miles you will be on a well marked four wheel trail.  It can be a bit muddy in places, but we stayed dry for walking around. Major crossroad:  Take a left on the first decision right when you see the pond. The road to the right takes you into the back woods around the mountain not to Gunsight. See James point to the left the "correct" way to go There is a small creek crossing that was easily jumpable. Then when you start getting to a flatish part, you will see ...

Being unplugged is one of my favorite things about the outdoors, until this year.  I have two apps that I and so excited to share for all your adventures (hiking, biking, skiing, snowmaching, running, kayaking). 1st:  Gaia GPS.  It not only tracks your speed, time, altitude, distance, ascent, pace, it has a wonderful feature of moving time and stopped time.  I love knowing how long I actually was hiking minus the breaks.   It has a wonderful feature of downloading the Topo Maps of the area you are hiking (there are 6 versions that come free) so that you can have your phone (iphone or android) on airplane mode and still track everything!  So, you can save power.   Having any pictures as a waypoint makes it easy for people to see your route and follow it later, makes this summary of your route a fun way to share with others.  You can even add photos by uploading them if you want to after the hike on a computer.   Other hi...