I'm wishing I had my camera along with me in Alaska ~ all these were taken with my cell phone, hence the quality.
Today we wanted to check out the new trail that heads to Raven's Roost Cabin. Directly across from Sandy Beach is the new trail head.
Our car was just one of two cars in the lot when we headed out.
The colors remind us that it is November 1st. Some of the ponds had a very, very slight layer of ice on top.
We found the pathway to be wonderful ~ finely crushed rock and a wide width made walking in pairs super!
As the trail climbed, there were a few viewing areas, ringed with huge rocks. The pads had large benches to sit and enjoy the scenery.
Yep, I'm happy to be here...I may look a bit "iffy" but woke with a sore tooth!
The first of the two benches:
This crossroads is one-half mile from the parking lot. The new trail crosses the airport/dam service road here so if you wish to head to the dam, veer left...or right to the airport. Straight ahead the trail continues up.
Our view of Fredrick Sound and the Coastal Range got better and better as we progressed.
This trail was built by one young man from Hyder. Doing it alone seems daunting to me...a huge task.
Impressive culverts let the muskeg creeks flow under the path. The muskeg was wet but the trail was not!
A rock formation rest-stop at the bend, made for a "quick sit" on this chilly day.
I took two shots of the tall trees as we walked through a wooded section. My eye is drawn to the twisted craggy limbs in the first picture,
and the sheer immensity of the trees in the second one...check out John at the very bottom!
Out into the open again as the trail becomes steeper, we view rusty colored muskeg.
I had to step off the path to get a close up of this fungi ? growing. Need to have a field guide to identify this 4 inch plant.
Here we are at the second rest stop with amazing views of the area. This bench was made in Walpole, Massachusetts.
This reminded me of Thousand Islands, our childhood ice skating area.
Devil's Thumb was visible, along with Horn Cliff and the Souki Islands.
I think the placement of rocks has been artfully executed...someone has a good eye for design!
Now for the very last stretch of the new trail...it is quite a bit steeper.
We knew the end was nearing as the finely crushed rock turned into coarser rock.
The rest of the trail for the serious hiker begins at this point. Our path changed directions!
Down the hill we went...
We passed two groups of hikers with multiple dogs as we descended. Little kids, big kids, and baby strollers all enjoying the area. All of the dogs were off leash, typical of the Petersburg. And yep, they were big black labs for the most part!
Back at the trail head (truck headed down the dump hill) we found our way to the full parking lot. What a special spot for residents to enjoy!
