After last year's dismal weather in Alaska, 33 days of straight rain,
and then more days of fog and low ceilings, I can not tell you how much
I am looking forward to a normal and glorious Alaska summer as well as
the roaring roaring spring mountain thermals in the Chugach and
Talkeetnas starting in April and May.

As bad as the weather was last year, the number of fatal flying
accidents was worse. Many of those who have been here a while had
friends die last year, I knew three.

The following was written by Edward Whymper in his book, Scrambles
Amongst the Alps. In 1865, he was first man to climb the Matterhorn on
which trip four of eight men died. He wrote about climbing. We should
read this about soaring.


"Still the last sad memory hovers round and sometimes drifts across
like a floating mist, cutting off the sunshine, and chilling the
remembrances of happier times. There have been joys too great to be
described in words and there have been griefs upon which I have not
dared to dwell.

And with these in mind I say, climb if you will but remember that
courage and strength is nought without prudence and that a momentary
negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste,
look well to each step, and from the beginning think what may be the end."


Edward Whymper
Scrambles Amongst the Alps 1871




--

Pete Brown
Anchorage Alaska

Going home after a long day
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1415/...22928754_b.jpg

The fleet at Summit. Mt. McKinley is about 45nm away at 20,320 msl.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/187/4...cb8d2482_b.jpg

The 170B at Bold near Eklutna Glacier
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/168/4...a216d7bb75.jpg