Pioneer Ridge

Winter is slow in coming this year, so we're taking full advantage by getting out as much as we can on the weekend. This Saturday, the whole family made it up Pioneer Ridge just shy of the first of four picnic tables that offer panoramic views of Marcus Baker (13, 176 feet ) and Denali (20,000 feet plus) and Knik Glacier and Mount Goode (10,610 feet). Ethan completely freaked out when we were only a half mile away from our goal. The first picnic table is about 2,000 feet in elevation and 2.2 miles straight up Pioneer Mtn.
Couple weekends ago, I hiked to this point with my friend, Erica, and her dog, Boo. In the background, you can see Knik Glacier (26 miles long and 4 miles wide) and Mount Goode and Knik River. Moments like these make you really appreciate living in Alaska. This trail is only a fifteen minute drive away from our home.

I was so proud of my trooper, Kyra. She insisted on being our trail leader and everytime Thomas or I got ahead of her, she would get mad. This is her highest elevation and longest completed solo hike. She fell every few steps, but she told me that climbing this mountain was better than school!
My poor city boy, on the otherhand, was miserable.

He hiked the first few minutes of the trail solo, but if you listened closely, he was yelling, "Help me!"