Alaska 2007: Scotty takes on the bogs...

[Scott Brady]

This last week, I made a short trip to Alaska for the wedding of one of my best buddies, Mike (he is a member here on ExPo). He was married at the Alaska Native Center with ceremonial dancing that brought a pretty big lump to my throat. I wish Mike and Bethy all the best in their new life together.

The day after the wedding (yes, his new wife is super cool) Mike took me out for some adventure on the Purches Creek trail.

Just an FYI, but all of these images and video were taken with the Leica D-LUX 3. I was impressed.

Bob the Jeep. Mike has owned this Jeep for nearly 15 years. I probably have over 100 adventures with Mike and his CJ-5

Another forum member Greg and his Outback Challenge (03-04) CJ-7. A wicked machine with 37" Boggers and an Edelbrock Performer 5.0L Ford (among many other things). Greg is moving to Prescott in Aug. and might make the Expedition Trophy.

Mike, getting a little wheel lift action

Alaska is beautiful beyond description

The upper trail

Bob is looking a little rough from years of AK wheeling, but is a sound rig with Dana 44's and ARB lockers, 33" SS TSL's, Snorkel (yes, you do need those up there) and the trusty 8274.

Greg's CJ is incredible and he is a solid trail guide with years of experience. I look forward to him coming to AZ.

Bob the boat

 

[Scott Brady]

More AK action

Bob takes on the first mud section

A fun, hand-built 85 Toyota

Two of NA largest predators, stride for stride. It appeared the Grizzly and Wolf were stalking a Moose and calf. The depth of the impression from the Wolf print sent the hairs up on my neck, and they were fresh.

That is what I love about Alaska. You can actually move down the food chain.

Some perspective

My pal Mike. You can see why we get along. Froggy tone clothing

37" Boggers out of sight and a wall of mud to winch through. I live for days like this :wings:

 

[Scott Brady]

But wait...

Scotty winching action

We were making good time because a storm was coming in and we were on the top of a ridge...

Water and green everywhere.

 

[Scott Brady]

Videos

Check the file name for a clue on the video content. I am pretty impressed with the quality (again, taken with the little Leica).

Warning, not dial-up friendly, but I rarely am anyways :costumed-smiley-007

http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2007/alaska/video/Tacoma_water_crossing.MOV

http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2007/alaska/video/tacoma_float.MOV

http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2007/alaska/video/85_water_crossing.MOV

http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2007/alaska/video/8274_winch_stall.MOV

http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2007/alaska/video/OBC_CJ7_stick.MOV

 

[Tucson T4R]

Nice shots. Thas is some fantastic looking country. Thanks.

 

[Jacket]

Fantastic! I just love the color of that water!

 

[BigAl]

Nic pics What part of Alaska?

 

[erin]

Very cool Scott, now I really want to go back up there. This heat has been wearing on my Alaska nerve lately. What part of AK were you in?

 

[Scott Brady]

I spent most of the time in Anchorage area, but the trail was outside of Wasilla on Hatchers Pass

 

[Desertdude]

Think about our time spent in AK last year - this makes me miss the rivers, mud, and the chance to see the all the local wild animals.

...Oh yeah and the Bear, Moose, and Wolves too.

thanks for sharing your trip Amigo!

 

[Ursidae69]

Nice photos, the bear prints are huge. :Wow1:

 

[Nullifier]

Awesome pics Scott. My father in law bought one of those cameras before we went to the galapagos and it took fantastic pictures. What part of alaska were you in?

 

[viter]

thanks for sharing!
I like the video of tacoma being swept away for a moment and then bouncing off that huge boulder! that guy didn't have a snorkel either, did he get his air filter wet?

 

[DaktariEd]

Way too much fun there, Scott!
Way too much fun!

Looks awesome! Someday I'd love to travel there...

 

[Scott Brady]

thanks for sharing!
I like the video of tacoma being swept away for a moment and then bouncing off that huge boulder! that guy didn't have a snorkel either, did he get his air filter wet?

Yes, the filter was soaked and the filter box was full of water too!

Many use K&N filters up there because the oil helps keep the water from passing the filter.