ATV beach excursion..Nome to the Cripple River..

I almost forgot to post about this trip.  Luckily I have the pictures.  This trip happened on the Saturday before the first fishing trip of the year.
We headed out West beach.  These are gold dredging vessels.   They move out into their claim, set down the 4 posts, and start dredging for gold.

 This is the beach, headed West.  Yes, that is snow to the right, and ocean to the left.

 Sunbathing is optional.(clothes are not)

 Cripple River Camp.  This location is open for 6 weeks during the summer.  It is set up like an old mining camp.

 People play a lot of money to spend the time, panning for gold, catching salmon, and having a good time.

 Some come back every year, and have their own cabins, furnished with all the comforts they need.  Some cabins are nicer than others.

 The lending library has a very sparse selection today.

 Since the camp doesn't start accepting clients for a few more weeks, these pickings must be left over from last year.

 Every Friday night, the camp invites the people of Nome out for a supper.

 I am told the meal is usually spaghetti, and the drive out is a fun time.

 I will probably be having spaghetti at least one Friday night.

 A sense of humor is important out in the Alaskan bush.

 There is even a chapel.  Services are at 11:30 Sunday morning.  In case you were wondering.

 I got a little muddy on the trip.   I learned that when you are crossing water, the most important thing is to not stop, and don't let up.  Thankfully due to good friends back in Nebraska, I have previously learned how to get unstuck from the mud.

 I was in one pretty good mudhole on this trip, but with a little patience, and some effort I was able to make it out.

The other thing I learned is that you have to dress appropriately for riding in 30-40 degree weather.

The gloves above are warm when walking to work.  At 15-20 mph on the ATV, they are not enough.

I got a pair of Carhartt mittens, and they are much warmer.

Warm hands are happy hands!

One of the really amazing things about Nome is the remoteness.  I am trying to download a video to the blog post.  I am not sure if it will work.  This scene is on the Nome river.  Hopefully you will be able to hear the birds.