How about a domestic trek

in Alaska?

Ok, so you don't get to stay in nice hotels, or even semi-nice ones. You get to camp out under a starry sky for 3-5 days instead, and in one of the most beautiful and pristine areas of the world too. Just think of the photo opportunities!

One possible trekking company is the Denali Trekking Company. They offer three treks, two of which can be done as center based rather than point to point. This means you only have to carry your large pack or kit bag onto the plane--they fly you in to the camp site--and off to your tent. The rest of the time you use a day pack for your day hikes.

Of course, they also offer a 3, 5 or 7 day full pack trek through the mountain wilderness, which is the best way to see everything. But , that means you need to be up to carrying a 30-60 pound pack for long distances. I'm not certain about the food situation, or what we would need to carry with us. That will require contacting the company.

What about this or something like it

as a possible trek?

A while back South America was suggested by one of my fellow trekkers, though I don't think any more was said. Still, it might be worth considering.

One trek I saw that looked interesting, though quite possibly challenging was the Inca Trail offered by Exodus. The scenery shown on their site was beautiful, and seeing Machu Picchu would be amazing. History, beauty, possibly a little religion and the wonders of yet another country...what more could a girl ask for?? Especially one that once considered becoming an archaeologist?

Ok, I admit there is some camping involved, but the actual trekking portion is only 4 or 5 days, and just think of the gorgeous night skys. So many stars you might not be able to pick out the constellations.

And, if by chance the permits for the Inca Trail are dwindling, there is the even more rarely traveled trail of the Moonstone Trek. A bit tougher. A bit higher. More pristine and isolated. And we still get to see Machu Picchu at the end of the trek.

Where to next? Will it be the Dolomites?

Well, perhaps not--More from a financial perspective than that of an interesting trek. Proposed approximately 3 weeks ago, it looks like this trek suggestion has been filed away for another day. I hope it wasn't actually for lack of interest. I know that two members of the group could not make the trip due to previous obligations. I really haven't heard much else. The exchange rate, though, is not looking good.

Tho Dolomites offer not only substantial beauty, and challenging terrain, but abundent history. As an example of the beauty please take a look at these photos by photographer Jack Brauer. Ok, he even includes some of the history.

Poppy Bright

A little over a week ago, ok, it's getting close to two weeks now, a friend invited me to join her for a trip up to the Poppy Festival in Lancaster in April. I've never been. Sounds like fun, and I will likely go. First I have to make certain that no one has made any early birthday plans, since the date is near my yearly party time. :-)

I thought some of you might be interested in reading more about the Poppy Festival and all the scheduled events.