2024-09-10, Day 4
An unnamed creek that drains the ice fields surrounding Mount Hoge fans out to reveal the many pathways chosen over the course of hundreds of spring floods as the water readies itself to join the Donjek River which is out of the frame to the right, Kluane National Park, Yukon.
Once the Glacier first came into view, its vast terminus dominated the landscape for miles as we pushed our way southward along the River’s east bank following game trails that bore the signs of Grizzly, Moose, and what were likely Wolf tracks. Though the days remained long, evening began to introduce herself, trailing tresses of lengthening shadow and rich colorful tones. We traveled further than expected on the previous day, so we thought to make camp in a place with a captivating view and stop early enough to allow time to explore the River and the place where the ice arrived at the end of its tortuous and crushing journey.
On the terrain east of the river where we walked, swales filled with sedge and lined with willow ran in narrow strips between heaved, billowing ridges comprised of moraine, cast-off material flung by the immense, sculpting artistry of the mountains themselves. Cresting one of these hills we encountered the scene here, where the ravages of the spring floods presented themselves overtly, leaving no doubt that powerful currents shape this place and give it its life.
After descending through the golden foreground trees and negotiating the cut-bank to gain access to the floodplain, we searched the opposite bench for a place to pitch the tent. Rather than immediately finding anything suitable for the tent, I noticed the print of a Grizzly’s rear foot hardened into the mud - it was more than a foot long (30+ cm) and likely 7-8 inches wide (18-20 cm). Clearly made by a large creature. Just a reminder to make good choices while living amongst dear Ursus, nothing more. We pitched our tent in the elevated meadow above the opposite side of the creek, then hung the food a good distance away off amongst the spruce trees. Finally, we followed the floodplain to the River to find out just what the ice and water had wrought.
I've been a bit tardy catching up with Flickr after the holidays, but I hope to see folks' recent images soon!
Loading contexts...
