u/aloncc

Depending on weather and Denali NP road conditions I will be possibly be hiking and camping in 2 to 4 of these areas: Hatcher Pass (Bomber Traverse), Chugach, Denali NP, Kesugi Ridge, Harding Icefield.

Questions is do I need to treat my cloths with Permethrin and/or bring DEET spray? Thanks

I heard they are starting to add fresh gravel to the road and grading it but not compacting it. Compacting will happen as vehicles drive over it though road section we will ride is currently shut down to regular traffic. Just construction and admin vehicles are using it.

My friend and I planned on biking about 40-60 miles total over two days on mountain bikes with 2.2 inch wide tires. We are not bikers in general but in decent shape (ie can trail hike 12-18 miles daily).

Will the fresh gravel make the riding very difficult to the point it might be better cancel our plans? I am ok with a bit more difficulty but not interested in having a miserable ride where we give up after 5 miles and miss our planned backpack farther out in Denali. And then lose that time from doing something better. Thanks

Seeking some feedback on an Anchorage Alaska trip I am planning with a friend. For reference, we are early/mid 40s and typically do 12-16 mile days backpacking in Sierras/Wind River Range with an occasional 20 plus mile day.

Flying into Anchorage arriving Sunday evening August 30. Then I have Monday through Friday to go to Denali National Park for bikepacking, Denali State Park for Kesugi Ridge backpacking, plus day hikes by Reeds Lake / Hatcher Pass. Then we have an event in Anchorage all day Saturday. Weather permitting, on Sunday we hope to do the Penguin Ridge Traverse (start by 6:00AM). If the weather is not good, there are a couple other ~20 mile day hikes in the Chugach mountains such as Crow’s Pass or Long/ Williwaw Lakes Loop. Monday we plan on doing a shorter hike at the Harding ice field and flying out of Anchorage that evening.

In terms of bikepacking in Denali, we would do a minimum two full days. Taking the bus to mile 43 and biking about 30 miles each day/way (about 5 miles past Eielson Visitor Center). I understand there currently is a 2-3 hour hike-a-bike section between the bridge closure and getting back on the road, however, I also heard the bridge might open up any day to foot/bike traffic. Looking forward to the solitude on the road without passing busses. I am told the view from past Eielson until Wonder Lake is not really different so I am not missing much if I skip going much further than Eielson (at the cost of doing other things in Alaska – my first time). Seeking feedback if two days is too short and/or any feedback/suggestions including a short side hike (though I am fine just staying on the road and camping within 0.5 mile of it). 

For Kesugi Ridge, either we will do a 17.5 day hike from Little Coal Creek to Ermine Hill Trailheads or a two-day 29 mile backpack from Little Coal Creek to Byers Lake. Is there anything special about the section of trail between Ermine/ Byers that is worth tacking on a 2nd day? I heard the Little Coal Creek to Ermine section is a bit nicer so if I only do one day at Kesugi that is the better section. I am also told North to South direction is better.

By Hatcher Pass, we would do the couple easy lakes/trails close to parking lot (Hatch Peak / Summit Lake and perhaps Gold Cord Lake) as well as the 9 mile back and out Reeds Lake Trail.

With those 5 days, should I amend anything I planned? Like spend 3 days bikepacking, 2 days Kesugi, and skip Hatcher Pass? Or spend more time bikepacking, 1 day Kesugi, and include Hatcher Pass?

Thank you for any feedback!

I have an opportunity to go on a trail with a friend either in late August or from October 11-15. Those are the only dates our schedules line up. I love the idea of going in the fall for the color changes. However, is October 11-15 past peak foliage and/or becomes an issue with potential for cold weather and snow? I am coming from South Florida and this is my one alpine backpack a year so I do not want a high risk of waiting and getting snowed out. If snowed out of Glacier, would the Loowit trail become a good alternative for fall foliage and minimize the risk of snow? Its high point is 4900 ft vs 7000 on the Glacier Peak Wilderness Loop I plan for (Spider Gap, Cloudy/High/Little Giant Pass). thanks

I have an opportunity to go on a trail with a friend either in late August or from October 11-15. Those are the only dates our schedules line up. I love the idea of going in the fall for the color changes. However, is October 11-15 past peak foliage and/or becomes an issue with potential for cold weather and snow? I am coming from South Florida and this is my one alpine backpack a year so I do not want a high risk of waiting and getting snowed out. If snowed out of Glacier, would the Loowit trail become a good alternative for fall foliage and minimize the risk of snow? Its high point is 4900 ft vs 7000 on the Glacier Peak Wilderness Loop I plan for (Spider Gap, Cloudy/High/Little Giant Pass). thanks!

I am considering getting an outdoor couch, which will be completely exposed to the sun and rain. I would get sunbrella fabric which I understand resists the sun pretty well. The question is will these cushions get waterlogged? Ideally I would like a couch I could just sit on within a reasonable amount of time after a rain storm and not have a wet butt. Or mold. Or am asking for the impossible? South Florida location.

I am considering getting an outdoor couch, which will be completely exposed to the sun and rain. I would get sunbrella fabric which I understand resists the sun pretty well. The question is will these cushions get waterlogged? Ideally I would like a couch I could just sit on within a reasonable amount of time after a rain storm and not have a wet butt. Or mold. Or am asking for the impossible?

I have a bunch of leftover mulch from a bulk delivery that I can easily fill up a 96 gallon trash bin or two that I can get used for $40 each. I live in hot humid sunny South Florida and would like the mulch to last an additional 1 to 3 years. I do not have room on my property to keep a mulch pile. I am able to store the trash bin in a shady spot. Would I have to drill a bunch of holes in the plastic bin for the mulch to breathe? I rather not so I can reuse or sell later. Or can I just leave the top a bit uncovered (put something separating the bin from the cover a couple of inches), lean the bin at an angle against the home wall, and affix a water resistant but breathable fabric on the opening to prevent water from coming in? Any other thoughts or suggestions? Thanks for any advice!

44 yrs old married 21 years 5 kids 2-19. Florida. Marriage is at the end of the line. Wife suggested trial separation which means I move out as she is primary caretaker of kids and it’s easier for me to find a small temp place. Not sure how I see the kids then, however, additionally I don’t feel comfortable with idea as if we divorce (likely) then I want the house and will get her an easier to manage townhouse. She also wants the house and of course has no means of maintaining it other than spending for every little thing. I am concerned if I leave in a trial separation it might set a precedent in mediation or court that the status quo of her having the house should continue? Does my fear have any basis? Or just overthinking it? Thanks

Edit - thanks all for the advice. I am definitely not budging from the house unless under a post divorce plan.