I've lived in Alaska for more than 20 years and have never been white water rafting!!! Like Alaska's summers aren't wet enough, for my 25th birthday my family and some close friends and I hopped in the raft on Six Mile. As you can see from the picture, we had a blast!! Not one of us fell in (which is rare if you've ever done the trip) however there were some close calls. At one point when we hit the canyon with the class 5 rapids, our guide's paddle broke and we hit white water going backwards. None the less, nobody fell in and like champs we made it through flawlessly. It's an awesome experience and I would recommend the trip for those looking for an end of the summer adventure.

"The miner always thinks he's five feet away from a million dollars, but really he's a million feet away from five dollars."
Those words came from a dredger I ran into on the west beach in Nome, Alaska. We were up there about a week ago to spend a day in a miner's shoes. What an honest way to earn a living!!! Dredging is hard work and takes skill, experience, and perseverance. Luckily the weather was great, and folks had their dredges up and running on the Bering Sea.
I had a chance to pan for gold (well...someone else's gold) and it takes some skill. However, Nome had some salty sea dogs that showed me the ropes, and there is definitely gold to be found! It's great to see the history and pioneer spirit live on in a town that prides itself on the "rich man's gold rush."
An update on those still on the beach dredging, the wind has been calm and crews have been on the water all weekend.
When the price is right (more than $1,600 an ounce) I'm almost tempted to start my own gold ventures!

Rain or shine I've stuck to my word of a weekly never-been-done before hike. Over the weekend, my siblings and hit the dirt outside of Seward at Primrose Falls. I think it's part of the Lost Lake Hike, but I'm not sure. What I do know is that the sight was powerful and beautiful!The path is not very well marked so we just followed the noise of crashing water and stumbled upon it.
A few miles up the trail there's an old mine, which is what the picture is of above. I love the look of old wood and thought I'd share! Hope the weather hasn't deterred any of you from getting outdoors :)

Alaskans are used to the not-so-great weather. We see extreme temperatures in winter time with snow and ice, and well, should I say it?... Rain and clouds during a portion of our summer.
Last weekend, I hiked Ptarmigan Lake for the first time and it was great to get out even during the rain. I was hestitant at first as I drove through the pass from Anchorage to Seward and was forced to put my windshield wipers on high, but pleasantly surprised once I arrived!
After the hike, I told my brother and sister (my hiking buddies) that my goal this summer was to explore a new trail at least once a week.
It's an aggressive goal and requires time management. So to help, I'd like to hear your suggestions!! Email me at mmazurek@youralaskalink.com and tell me about a hike or trail that you'd suggest this summer!!

On Sunday, the former chief of Nome's volunteer fire department was mauled by a bear. He was hunting with two other men outside of the village, and unfortunately a very large bear attacked Perkins while he was on his snow machine. Perkins remains in critical condition at a Seattle hospital (5/17).
This accident is extremely unfortunate, and my thoughts go out to his family and friends while they pray for his quick recovery and his well being.
I spoke with a Fish and Game official yesterday (5/16) responsible for unite 22c, the area in which the group was hunting. Peter Felding said about 30 bears have been killed in the area, and said the number is on par with last years numbers. Felding also told me bears are very aggressive this time of year, boars and sows are looking for food and looking to protect their cubs. He used the analogy, "lean and mean."
I feel encountering wildlife in Alaska is inevitable, however, bears shouldn't deter anyone from getting outside the summer. Unless you are hunting for them, there's is a small percentage that you will run into one while hiking or exploring. Be sure to have your bear spray, horn, or gun if you plan on going out with a group or especially alone.
My advice would be to use your best judgement and be aware when outside this summer Alaska!!!