sand chick

Well it was a great weekend for us out there. With the help of a neck brace, I found my ride groove again! I thought my weekend was going to be over before it even started, while helping unload, I slammed my shin into the lock tab on the hauler door and put a nice sized hole in my leg, I was limping around all weekend, but got some great rides in anyway Winds made the dunes fresh every time we went out. NE14SAND's group great bunch of peeps right there!! Thanks for having us Home brew and HUGE fires, make the nights fun, entertaining and toasty Marty, wish we could have hooked up for some more rides with you guys, but glad we got the chance to show you around Dumont a little, next time for sure There were alot more people out there then expected. Some pics from the weekend...

Very sad to hear about this. We were out this weekend and the razors were crazy. Each time we went out the winds had made the dunes different. Thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends.

It's going to be a fun weekend!! Especially with the dunes to ourselves MH785 you are welcome to camp by us as well. We can show you around, since you haven't been!

What day do you think you'll head out?

Pretty much! Nellis is ok for a quick fix. If you do end up going out with your nephew, we will be out this weekend Thursday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. We could show you around, sounds like everyone we know is heading to Glamis this weekend, so it should be a quiet one! We camp by BR#6 and have a Nomad hauler and a grey Seirra.

Thats how I felt the first time seeing them! HUGE! They were pretty intimidating to me the first time I saw them, that was back in 2004 and now I know them like the back of my own hand. Were you able to find someone to show you around?

Nice! I liked that cut view! That was pretty bad a$$! So how did you like your first Dumont trip?

Managed to squeeze in another off weekend trip! Had to do a shake down on the returned Rooster Rail. Weather was perfect, a bit breezy this morning, but had turned nice by the time we left. There were quite a few camps out there for it being an off weekend. Got two decent rides in, before it hurt too much to ride still soon I will be back into 3rd and 4th gear runs I hope! Sand was great. Road going in was great. Bathrooms were horrible and no paper Gorgeous sunsets, good food and great friends made the trip perfect! I only got in a couple pics, since I spent my time in camp.

Thank you guys! Yes I almost didn't come back either! My parents have three places up there! And Pete I was totally going crazy with all 3 camera's I took a little over a thousand pics with all three of them! If anyone cares to take a look at the 352 that made the cut as being the best I finally have them all in my photobucket. Alaska Trip 2011

Part 2..... Thursday was up early to make the trek to Chena Hot Springs, which is about a 7 -8 hour drive. The views along the way made it even longer with me saying STOP! STOP! STOP!! The pics don’t come close to doing justice to the breath taking mountain views, and frozen lakes, rivers, and creeks! We arrive late at the hot springs, known as one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, the place is all lit up with white lights on the paths and they even have an “Aurora Wake Up Call” since the best time to see them is between midnight and 2am. We soak in the natural hot springs water and head back to our room to rest and wait for the wakeup call. Before they can call, I can hear some hustling and squealing and laughter outside. I grab my cameras and rush out to see the most spectacular view I have ever seen in my life! I start to take pics, but nothing but a blur or darkness comes out! I look around and notice TRIPODS!!! Everyone has a tripod! Huge lenses! I am completely ill equipped for taking any pictures of this event! (I kick myself again for not bringing the good lens and the tripod! ) But this was an unexpected adventure, besides pictures could never do justice to seeing the Northern Lights flit and float across the sky in the wonderful brilliant colors! MAGICAL! But a nice guy let me take a couple of shots though his lens, so they are crappy pics, basically of pics, but it is awe inspiring to see them live!! Friday morning we have a scrumptious breakfast at the restaurant and enjoy the view from the hot springs, there had been a light snow so all of the trees looked like they were dipped in frosting, then sprinkled with sugar, before heading back home. I had seen so many moose during my trip, but had yet to capture one out of the obscured view of the birch trees, but on Fridays trip back, I had my chance! We passed a momma and baby and we stopped and backed up the road. I was thinking to myself, they will probably go back into the birches just like all the others, and they had, so disappointedly I took a couple more shots of moose obscured by birch trees, when suddenly momma moose heads back down the hill and baby follows! FINALLY got my clear shots of moose! Saturday would be my last and final day in Alaska, and what a time it had been! We make the journey back into Anchorage to spend the day (my flight left at midnight) watching some “Rondy Fur Festival” sled dog races and events. What a remarkable trip! And to think I almost didn’t go again this year! I hope you enjoy!

My Parents have been bugging me for years to get up and see them in Alaska. But I have never taken the time to do so. But recently, I have decided that life is just too short to say “some other time, maybe next year.” You just never know, tomorrow could be your last! So I sucked it up, got over my fear of flying (with the help of some Dr prescribed medication ) and hopped on a plane bound for the frozen tundra of Alaska! I was expecting a week of chillin and hanging out with my parents, relaxing and enjoying their company, but I had no idea that what was in store for me was an experience and adventure of a lifetime! Just doing things and helping out with the daily living of them and some of their friends in the little town of Trapper Creek, AK. pop. Less than 500! I land in Anchorage at 8:45pm Sat. night. So Sat evening was spent in Anchorage visiting at my Gma’s place for a couple hours before hitting bed. It’s about 2.5 hours from Anchorage to Trapper Creek. I rose early on Sunday morning and caught about an hour or so of the Daytona 500 and seriously debated hanging out and to watch the race, but Alaska beckoned me, so off we went to do some shopping and sightseeing. The first thing that caught my eye was this sign and we were leaving my Gma’s place: I was enjoying my visit with my mom and all the scenery that I forgot about taking any pics, the mountains were spectacular and I saw a couple of bald eagles and a far off moose. She decided to show me one of their properties, so we stopped by and I got my first moose sighting!!!! Twin calves! As she stopped for me to take some pictures, she warned me as I leapt from the truck: Careful momma moose is around here someplace!! I looked around seeing no sign of momma and walked a short distance away from the vehicle to take some shots of the moose (I was kicking myself for not taking the good lense with me ) Suddenly I heard a noise from behind, momma moose on the other side of the road, and I am in a very dangerous spot, between a momma moose and her babies! So I take a quick shot of momma and hop back into the safety of the truck! We reach their place and spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the views with the snow falling. I had picked up some refreshments while in town, knowing my parents were not big beer drinkers. But they were warm, and how does one chill a beer quickly in Alaska in the winter? Why snow bank of course!! Just don’t leave them out there too long! Monday my stepdad had to run some things over to the next town – Talkeenta, he is on the search and rescue team and also one of the paramedics in the area. So how do we get there? Why snowmobile of course across the Susitne River! While there I walked around the little town taking in the sights, while he took care of business. Before heading back home we had planned to have lunch at The West Rib Pub and Café, which was featured on the Travel Channels “Man vs. Food” show, but they didn’t open until 4pm. So we opted to stop in at the local brewery the Denali Brewing Co. to sample their offerings! Yum!! I had the Purple Haze which was spectacular! Tuesday my stepdad was going to be heading out to do some ice fishing with one of his buddies to stock up their freezer. So we drive to one of the many small lakes scattered throughout the area and snowmobile into and across the lake! I caught dinner and them some with 3 decent sized Pike! Mmmm fresh fish n chips! As we headed home Mt McKinley finally comes out from behind the clouds, just as the sun is setting. As the night draws to a close, we take the dogs out for their night walk and far off just faintly in the distance, I can see the Northern Lights aka: Aurora Borealis! So we talk about the Northern Lights and make reservations at Chena Hot Springs for Thursday night to try to get a better chance to see them. Wednesday morning I arose to the most incredible sunrise I have seen yet! No enhancement needed! The adventure for this day? Helping one of my parents friends, Francine, exercise her sled dogs! Part 2 to follow shortly....

You guys should do a "powder puff" girls race!! A couple of us were talking about that while we were watching. Anyway, some pics, I knew there would be plenty of 70's pics, so I didn't take any.

Yes Jill good times as always!!!! Congratulations to Andy for winning that gorgeous new motor!!! Sorry Paul that you were one number off! Thank you all for a good weekend!! I am happy I came home in one piece, as did everyone else! I am just now uploading pics, I haven't even looked at them. Was glad I had races to watch on Saturday!

That's the way we go back. There's a dump station right there in Indian Springs and the little market there has freaking awesome chicken!!

Some of my pics from the weekend. I totally forgot to mention the incredible sunsets!!

Awesome weather this weekend!! I wished I had shorts in the hauler, but who would have thought I would need them in Jan? Lots of laughs. Great camp, with great friends! Dunes super tore up. Spent no time watching hill racing. Took a few pics, will post later. Thank you again to Mike for letting me use the Rzr, so I can still enjoy my addiction, was definately glad I have not been released to ride my quad yet! Uggg! I would have been beat to sh*t! Girls hiking to top of comp! AWESOME!!!! I didn't do it though, needed to get back to camp!

Congratulations on a beautiful lil guy!

Lets see.. My year started tragic with the passing of my grandpa one year ago today. Lost another great friend and fellow duner a few weeks later. But those tradgedies really helped me put into perspective what is really important in life. I realize now to not take people for granted. I still have my job, got a new truck, although given the choice I would rather have my grandpa. Ups and downs on the health department, but learning to deal and move on with it. I have a pretty darn great man in my life, can't ask for someone better, especially cause he fully understands the sand addiction ! My son moved here from Washington, I got to go home to Washington and visit the house that built me, reflect on life and visit family and close friends that I have missed for awhile. I have learned to cherish friendships and accept people for who they are. Take life as it comes to you... Looking foward to what 2011 has in store... especially my first trip to Hawaii in May, see a different kind of sand!

Thanks! This trip ranked up there with the epic trips, like Havasizzle 07 or the trip we had the DDR 'Hood

Thats Michael! I know helmet, flannel, same build...

Some pics from the weekend

I will have to second Mike's post about not even being able to describe all the fun! So many things to keep laughing about! Mike being chased through camp and the dunes by the little dunes "camp ranger" Are those your friends from Northern Cali? Well hell I'll go say hi if you won't! Poor guys hadn't even put it in park yet! Utah and deliverence! Do you think he might be a little limp wristed? Hey Hey Are going into Baker? Stop and get me some burgers please! Crow hole? Whats a crow hole! :poke: You guys suck to camp with, full of drama! Never camping with you guys again! So many great memories! Those are the toppers! My sides still hurt and my eyes are still puffy from laughing until tears are streaming!! Good times, good food and great friends, those times are the best! Thank you Mike for letting me use the Rzr, so that I could still enjoy the dunes. Your the best!

Your welcome! Trying my best to keep people informed. Yes the dunes were super tore up ruts the rzr kept kicking the back end catching all the wet sand. We still had a blast though! But it's definitely bumpy, I was glad I wasn't on my quad.

For now my trip report is ... If I keep laughing this hard I might pee myself! LMAO then Jill brings me a diaper!! It's not where you are that makes it a great time, but who you are with! FYR lol! River? Who cares! More later...