Oh What a Day!

We started our plans the night before Father's day. We really did not have much preference as to what we should do on Sunday, Father's day. After several discussions and possible places we could go, after considering we were all broke and two of us had to work the next day, we settled on Jim's Creek. Just a short drive from Palmer if you go the long way.
We left relatively early the next morning meeting in Eagle River for munchies and Beer. We took all three of our rigs, the Buffalo's Yukon, the Woodpeckers Suburban and our Silverado and headed north. I have figured it a little over 13 miles from Eagle River to the Old Glenn turnoff and about 10 miles from the Old Glenn turnoff to the road we turned on to. This was all easy traveling, only hitting gravel as we left the Old Glenn.
We then started of on a well traveled trail that wove through the forest until we popped out on to Knik River beach. We drove along these flats until we crossed to what I would say was the west side and where Josh said the trail to Jim's creek was located. We got to the possible trail only to find it blocked by a huge trailer camping out, so we drove through some other trails hoping to find another way to the creek, but to no avail. We did meet other people out enjoying the day, but I think they had a better all terrain vehicles than we did.
After several failed attempts and liberal amounts of Deet, we agreed to head back out of the woods and try the flats for a better trail.
Well, I think it safe to say that we found a trail...not sure if it was better and sadly I do not have the pictures of this first crossing because I honestly did not think Eric would do it. He did cross the first river at the deepest point but made it with no issue. For those of you who think I may be exaggerating, just keep reading for the proof. What is funny is that minutes after crossing the river the Yukon got stuck in a pile of sand. The picture below shows Shana saying it was NOT her idea!

After this it was pretty smooth driving, well sort of, we were driving now in the ancient bed of the Matanuska Glacier and the flood plains of the Knik river, so there was lots of gravel. We drove further until we again came to another river crossing and after watching several four wheelers and dirt bikers crossing we knew our rigs could make it no problem
Some people had the right idea though...

While others did not...
We drove further stopping for a lunch of sandwiches, chips and cookies. Just the kind fuel needed.

After a quick lunch we headed out again. We continued to drive on the gravel beds for awhile longer and even though we were getting closer to the glacier and the sun was hiding, we were not really cold. Strangely the breeze that would blow would carry the scent of wild roses and was so fragrant you would expect to see fields and fields of them only finding short stubby bushes growing with a few rose bushes here and there.
The trails we were now traveling were nothing more than four wheeler trails cutting through the dense bush. I do remember hearing Eric state at one stopping point that he really didn't care where we went as long as he didn't scratch his Yukon anymore...
Once we realized our path was taking us to even more narrow paths, we decided to find a way back to the gravel bed we had been traveling on before.

Shana volunteered to be our scout and jumped out and ran ahead. A few seconds later we hear Shana yell that she found a trail back to the gravel. Eric went first and as we watched him disappear into the bushes I had to kind of wonder what kind of trail Shana had found. As it was our turn we had to go and while Shana did find us back to the gravel it was a tight fit.

While my truck suffered some wounds, they were nothing compared to the ones received by Eric with Josh getting it the worst. I did make a field diagnosis that the scratches were superficial and could be easily buffed out.
After assessing the damages we drove on further. As we drove it was as if were transported to a strange world. I know this sounds weird, but that is the only way I can explain the dwarfed trees and mini forests.

After traveling through this eerie forest it occurred to us that we were actually seeing the tops of tall cottonwood trees buried underneath a gravel land slide. We drove through this strange forest and came out on a gravel bar with a stream running next to it. We decided that this would be a great place to have a fire and chill for a while.
After we were done fishing, shooting and hiking we decided it was time to head backWell actually we were out of cigs and running low on gas, so we pretty much had to. Shana was concerned that our fire might spread, so she made sure it was put out.
We were back on the road shortly after that.
On our way back we got the chance to help a couple who had gone a little to far off the beaten path...
OOPs!!
After pulling the family out we continued on our way playing in the water as we went!
Eric and Shana

Josh and Donny
Shana enjoying the benefits of a sunroof! What fun!!
We drove the flats back...until it was time for another break to let the "kids" play in the sand!

After playing in the sand it was finally time to head back. Remember when I said I had proof of Eric going through the deep part of that river...well once was not enough!

Shana so not enjoying her sunroof!! Notice she is drenched, along with her spare dry clothes! Even the babies got wet way in the back!

OOOPPS!!!!

Anyways that was the last river we had to cross and shortly after that we back on the main road. Thanks all who came, that is the most fun I have had here up north!!! I also got some great shots so check out my flickr account!