Carter Pass to the Marsh Fork of the Canning

This was the beginning of the last phase of the trip.  The weather was much improved and our packs were somewhat lighter given that we had eaten much of the food.

Heading out from Carter Pass

We followed the river from high on a tundra bench above it.

A caribou trail continued for about 2 miles along the slate/shale mountain side.

Cyn, our intrepid guide, at the head of the trail.  Her pack was nearly as big as she was -- an incredible woman.

This was a very nice, three-tiered campsite at the side of a wide drainage.  My tent is on the lowest tier -- more sheltered from the wind.

At this campsite we suffered the wrath of the arctic ground squirrels.  They entered our tents and wrecked havoc -- crapping, peeing, and chewing small holes in my (Ann's) sleeping bag, the shirt I wore every day, and a pair of gloves.   It was Theo's theory that they were avenging the voles we disturbed earlier in the trip.  We heard about what you guys did at Vole City....

The view from my tent was lovely -- especially the fall colors.

Colors across the drainage from our campsite

The creek that was the source of our water at this campsite was reminiscent of a Japanese garden

Another aufeis we crossed

Close-up

Rotting ice ...

The autumn colors enhanced every view

Ivor and I hiked to this waterfall (about 100 ft high) near one of our campsites.  

... the pool at the bottom

The "upper" airstrip at the Marsh Fork of the Canning River  -- where we were picked up for the "take out".

A splendid geologic formation near the airstrip

The Marsh Fork of the Canning River -- the end of our journey on foot.

The plane ride back to Arctic Village was incredible -- the mountains were covered in autumn colors and the ground looked like an elaborate tapestry.  Unfortunately, although I had taken 3 batteries for my camera, the cold weather had completely exhausted them and I was unable to take a single photo from the plane.  I am sure when my fellow travelers get around to posting theirs  I will be able to include one.  I will do a final post including plants found on the tundra later this week.  

I am currently in the process of getting ready for my next adventure -- 10 days on the last ferry to the Aleutian Islands before it shuts down for the winter.  It leaves Homer on October 6th, arrives in Dutch Harbor/Unalaska on the 10th --  then retraces the route.  Bering Sea, here I come ....