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Camping in the White Mountains

We are really trying to pack as much into our summer as possible so that we can enjoy all there is to do here in Alaska! We went camping a couple of weekends ago (June 14-15, 2013), but I am just now getting around to posting about it.

A little map to show where we went :)
Courtesy of the Bureau of Land Management

Marshall really loves the White Mountains, which is located north of Fairbanks off the Steese Highway. This trip we camped near the Ophir Creek Campgrounds, which you can get to by driving to mile 57, and continuing onto Nome Creek Road for seven miles.  We were planning on spending the night at the campgrounds, but we forgot cash, so we found a nice spot off the road.  This seemed more rustic anyways.  I loved this spot too because the sound of the creek as I was drifting off to sleep was so soothing!
This was at 11pm, as the sun tucked behind the trees. We got to the
campground late, so we just went to sleep after setting up.
The next morning: you can see why it was such a
picturesque camping spot!


We got a brand new tent this season, and this was our first time using it.  We got the Alps Zephyr 2 tent (click here for more information!), and we both loved it! It is a two person tent & bright orange. Inside was very comfortable and due to the rain fly, there were two zippers which made it harder for mosquitos to get inside: a plus for Alaskan camping!!  I actually slept better than I had in a couple of days, thanks to Marshall letting me use his winter Army sleeping bag.  I get so cold at night camping, so I put his winter bag inside of my normal sleeping bag, and I was toasty and comfy all night long!

 This was along Nome Creek.
The ice was still 5 feet thick!

Marshall got up at 5:30 or 6am, and fished and tinkered with his four wheeler and truck.  We hiked Table Top Mountain, which was right near our campsite.  It was about a three-mile loop. The 360 degree panoramic view from the top was breathtaking! These pictures do not do it justice. 


It was so warm, so making a snowman in the cold snow needed to be done!


I love this picture! Man with Nature :)

 I guess this is my "Happy Pose!"
A panoramic video of our view from the top of
Table Top Mountain


It was so much fun to ride his four wheeler this afternoon. It really only sits one person, but we made it work with two :).  I finally got the chance to drive it, but I really prefer him as the driver, which he is happy with.  Maybe someday we can buy a two person ATV. I think he would like that.

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