Thrive Outside

It is such a blessing to find new places to explore in our little neck of the wood.  I came across this fun little excursion that will be a nice place to drive and show visitors a nice waterfall near the Butte.  I also think it was fun for my kids to climb around the boulders. Caution:  Since it is a waterfall, the rocks become slippery when wet.  Yes, I did almost land on my hind quarters. Directions:  Coming from Palmer, Cross the Old Glen Bridge after the Butte and take a left on Knik River Road.  It is on the right after a nice wooden sign.  Google Map has it listed here. Park then proceed toward the falls.  You can see it from the parking lot.  No signs needed.  But, our little excursion can be viewed here . Added Fun:  Swing by Man Made Lake and play in the lake that can be warm in the hot sunny days in Alaska because it is shallow.  It is just one road up on the left. this sign indicates Man Made Lake

We are so thankful to the Lord to have abundant trails nearby.  One of the little gems include BLUEBERRY KNOLL.  At the Government Peak Recreation Center is a plethora of hikes and biking trails.  I think I count 12 loops/trails on their map.  This week we heard the "all clear" to open the trails for hiking.  (Sorry, bikes, still too soggy for you). So, this Sunday we adventured. Just like a spiritual walk, this one came with some unexpected stuff.  SNOW! But, after some perseverance and a few post holes, we made it to the top. The trail starts out with a little elevation/hilly sections, a few steep, then back to a ridge hike for the last little part.  Two conveniently placed picnic tables.  Great sweeping views of the valley. Miles Round Trip:  3.7 Hiking time:  2hours Elevation: 1542 ft gain Complete with photo's and trail guide click here . You begin by crossing the trails and head a little towards the Pioneer Loop trail North East and up.  You will see th

When the snow starts melting, we all get antsy in Alaska to get out those hiking shoes and hit the trail.  I love hiking all year, but there are limitations that spring time hiking can be a hinderance.  It requires patience for everyone (bikers, horse riders, even hikers) to take care of the trail during the delicate time of spring until it drys out and becomes harden. Lazy Mountain Trail in April 2016 Trails can easily be damaged by making tracts or by going around the wet area creating a even bigger hole next year.  So, I like the slogan, " if you make a track, GO BACK. Lazy Mountain Trail in April 2016 *Just announced from the Mat-Su Borough " Sorry folks. The Lazy Mountain Trail and Lazy Moose Trail are closed beginning today until they solidify some. Please stay off the Lazy Mountain Trail so the resource is protected. The trail up is goopy mud in parts forcing people off-trail where they trample the brush and wind up making new trails, which causes more er

After my last review of Rippy Trail , I wanted to revisit it because it is a great trail.  It is one of the only trails that is multi-use, which means sharing with ATV's that is not a giant mud hole. Since it is spring, it is nice to know of some dry trails. Total Length is 3.8 miles round trip. To the Trailhead:  Head down Maud road to the end and further to the end of the dirt road called Maud Extension.  You will pass a nice lake on your right and a shooting range (recently updated) on your left.  Keep going.  The road gets narrow and at the bottom of a short hill there is a larger turn around place.  *If you continue to a even more iffy road you will end up at Jim Lake (too far). Park near the new sign.*not there earlier last year! Then the trail is clear except one point about 4 minutes in it looks like it has a Y but just stay to the heavily used trail to the right and you will be on the trail. Great trail for mountain bikes and fat bikes! Trail Terrain:  I

After looking for the best trail guide, I decided to compile my own.  I found out that some trail guides just are wrong, some are sorta right, some just need updating with new information.  So, I created this guide with an interactive blog so that as trails emerge, we can add it.  Also, the best link with trail information is easily accessed. I didn't want to move the location of the original list with links, so now you can just click on the top to this page called  " Thrive Outside Trail Guide " and it will direct you to the links.  With the amazing help from Julie Miller, she was able to format (with her amazing design skills).  We worked together to assign difficulties based on elevation gain.  However, there is a limited amount of full color actual books for $4 each.  We handed them out at the Thrive Outside Workshop.   We are printing a few more for the upcoming MOPS Tuesday meeting, but if you want we can save you one if you comment below if we have ext

Since serving in South Africa, I have been known to keep people posted on my life using newsletters and blogs.  Life got busy.  It was a rare day to sit and type on a computer.  However, now that my little ones are growing up, I want to encourage people to THRIVE. I hope this blog will serve you in many ways: 1) Equip you to WANDER with a purpose 2) Know the best trails in Alaska 3) Have the latest information on outdoorsy events 4) Bear Safety 5) Equipment Reviews 6) Hiking with children and other outdoors activities to add to the fun 7) Hiking and Trail Groups 8) Reflections on the journey to see the Author of our Creation! I think it is appropriate to leave with my favorite song by Casting Crowns, Thrive