Moose Passings

By Willow Hetrick
Turnagain Times
Moose Pass Correspondent

Moose Pass Summer Solstice Kayak Race Results

The solstice kayak race went great! The canoe and kayak race took place on Saturday, June 19. Marion Glaser tied a bunch of balloons to the rock that people paddled around so participants wouldn't get confused. Erin McDonald and her boyfriend, Colin won the 2010 race in a double kayak. Jesse Labenski came in second place and Jeff Clay came in third place. First, second and third place finishers all hail from Moose Pass. Other participants include Sarah and Marion Glaser, Dave Pearson and Claire and James. Although it was wet and rainy, all the contestants and spectators had a great time.

Seward Ranger District Campfire Program Schedule

The Chugach National Forest Seward Ranger District “Vantastic Program” is ready for another summer of environmental education and interpretation! Campfire programs will be held on Saturdays from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Locations alternate between Trail River and Quartz Creek campgrounds. Vantastic wildlife visitor information display daytime set-up will usually be at Tern Lake mostly on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with possible Mondays or Thursdays. A second set-up will rotate between other sites within the district. All events are subject to modification due to weather.

On July 3 is “Curios Carnivores” at the Quartz Creek Campground in Cooper Landing. On July 17 is “Water through the Woods” at the Quartz Creek Campground in Cooper Landing. Quartz Creek Campground Directions: Turn off the Sterling Highway at Mile Post 44.9 onto Quartz Creek Rd in Cooper Landing. Meet at the Campground Pavilion. For more info call the Vantastic crew: (907) 288-7718.

Moose Pass Methodist Church Confirmation

On Mother's Day, May 9, the Moose Pass congregation celebrated the confirmation of Laura Kromrey and Kara Knotek. The congregation would like to welcome Laura and Kara as full adult members. Laura and Kara were presented with new Bibles and hymnals with their names embossed on the covers.

Moose Pass Methodist Renovation Project

The Volunteer in Mission team from Western North Carolina conference has added replacement of the 1950s era walls with new drywall and with their extra time decided to add a new shed outside of the church to the team's work schedule. They are tackling each project with enthusiasm and the progress is simply amazing. The dry wall is done and the ceiling is up, the shed is done except for the roof. The windows are in and the trim is up and stained. The tile floor is complete and the carpet is about to go in. Stop by to cheer them on, provide refreshments and see the progress, they won't be here for much longer.

Forest Service Trail Updates

Thanks to our dedicated Rangers at the Kenai Lake Work Center in Moose Pass, we have updated Forest Service trail information in-and-around Moose Pass.

Updates as of June 24—The area around Carter Lake is now snow free except for a few remaining patches. Expect areas of mud here as well. Carter Lake is now free of ice. Crescent Lake Trail is also free of snow except for the remnants of some avalanches between Carter Lake and Crescent Saddle. Expect the creek on the Carter Lake end to be running high.

Updates as of June 17—The bridge at mile 3.6 Crescent Creek Trail will be undergoing repairs from June 20-30. Please be aware of workers and equipment and expect some delays in crossing.

Lost Lake Trail is good to mile 3.5, just before the junction to Clemens Cabin. There are some patches of snow and some muddy spots after mile 2. Beyond mile 3.5 is continuous deep snow. It will probably be another 2-3 weeks before we begin to see parts of the trail up here. The recommended route to Clemens Cabin is still directly up the winter trail. Skiing is still possible with skate skis or a wet snow wax.

All of Johnson Pass Trail is clear of snow aside from a few patches of snow and some muddy spots through the pass and on the north side, as well as the big avalanches before mile 2 on the north side.

Open Mic Night at the Trail Lake Lodge

The first Friday of the very month, the Trail Lake Lodge holds their ‘open mic-night' where local talent and travelers are able to showcase their musical talent! Festivities start around 8 p.m. on Friday, June 2.