The "Talks"

Trailhead
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Before we ventured into the "Talks" we evaluated the maps and studied the contours.  DEAR GOD.  Our plan was to follow the Chickaloon River up until it met up with the Talkeetna.  The elevation and contour lines were crazy and we were so intimidated.  Regardless, we were on our way the next day.

We started off following a trail which quickly disappeared and we were left to bushwhack.  Except for the occasional game trail, we were pretty much on our own in terms of finding our route until we got above treeline.  River crossings were numerous, the elevation was pretty intense, the days were long and hard.... but ultimately getting to our campsites made everything worth it.

"We're in the middle of nowhere, heading to the middle of nowhere!"

"Grinch" rock
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The term XMEAC (X-treme multi-element adventure challenge) was coined as a way to cope with the difficult times on the trail.  It became our slogan and a way to let out frustration without swearing.  This word was particularly useful on the days we crossed the glacier.

The most testing day, "glacier day", took us 3 miles out on the scree field only to bring us back about 500 yards from our other campsite.  The next day, we crossed that same glacier in fifteen minutes and set off to find a landing strip to get resupplied with food.  Our bush pilot, Ben, brought us fresh food and Zach, the regional director, brought us candy.  Candy was like gold.

Right after the bog
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After a few more days of hiking, we came to the conslusion that crossing Clear Creek would be impossible, so we had to backtrack yet again.  EJ said, "What's a day without backtracking anyway?"  The leaders told us we were being flown out, but I can't say I was that thrilled about it.  Ben ended up flying us to the second landing strip where our raft guides met us the next day...