Arrival and Immersion

The moment I arrived in Moose Pass, I felt the familiar pull of the water calling me. The anticipation of paddling across Trail Lake was exhilarating, and as our group of eight set out, the stories of Alaska Nellie and the ghost of sawmill Al added a layer of mystique to our journey. The paddle was smooth, the water a deep, inviting blue, and the surrounding mountains stood as silent sentinels, watching over us.

After a mile of paddling, we stashed our kayaks and embarked on a hike along the Iditarod National Historic Trail. The trail was alive with the vibrant growth of Alaskan vegetation, a reminder of the wildness that surrounded us. As we reached Grant Lake, the sight of the handmade yurts nestled by the water was a welcome sight. Our home for the next two nights, these yurts offered a perfect blend of comfort and rustic charm.

Settling in, the rhythm of nature took over. The evening was spent around a campfire, sharing stories and laughter, with the taste of a frontier-style dinner lingering on our lips. The filtered lake water was refreshingly pure, a testament to the untouched beauty of this place. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the tranquility of the lake lulled us into a peaceful sleep.

Exploration and Discovery

Waking up to the smell of campfire coffee and the sounds of the wilderness was a refreshing start to our second day. After a hearty breakfast, we geared up for a day of kayaking on Grant Lake. The water was a mirror, reflecting the sky and the surrounding peaks, and as we paddled, the sense of adventure was palpable.

The lake offered a treasure trove of discoveries. We explored hidden caves, marveled at cascading waterfalls, and even dared to dip our faces into the glacial waters. The thrill of finding old abandoned mining houses added a touch of history to our exploration. Along the way, we picked wild strawberries, blueberries, crowberries, and watermelon berries, their flavors a delightful burst of nature’s bounty.

Lunch was a simple affair, enjoyed on the water, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. As the day drew to a close, we returned to the yurts, our hearts full of the day’s adventures. The evening was spent around the campfire once more, sharing stories and savoring the camaraderie that had formed among us.

Departure and Reflection

Our final morning at Grant Lake was bittersweet. The sound of the Varied Thrush was our gentle alarm, and as we packed up, the realization that our adventure was coming to an end settled in. A warm breakfast and hot coffee provided comfort as we prepared for our journey back to Moose Pass.

The hike back along the Iditarod Trail was a time for reflection. The memories of the past two days played in my mind, a montage of laughter, discovery, and the serene beauty of Grant Lake. This experience was more than just a trip; it was a reminder of the power of nature to rejuvenate the soul.

As we paddled back across Trail Lake, I felt a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to immerse myself in such a pristine environment. The Grant Lake Yurt Stay was a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility, a testament to the wonders of the Alaskan wilderness. I left with a promise to return, to once again answer the call of the water and the wild.