The last few years, I have tried numerous times to crust ski up the Twentymile River valley to Carmen Lake and the Twenty Mile Glacier. But I never made it. The valley melts out quickly in the spring, so by the time there is hard crust, there usually is

Glacier Creek, just downstream from Carmen Lake

Photo: Tim Kelley

Heading for Carmen Lake, just around the bend

Skiing on Carmen Lake. I had really been looking forward to seeing the lake, and was even more spectacular than I expected. It was beautiful in a desolate sort of way.

Looking south on Carmen Lake. Up and over those mountains is Passage Canal in Prince William Sound

Those large prints are moose tracks. The smaller prints are from a pack of 4-5 wolves. Something tells me that moose was in for a bad day.

Tim Miller, making a valiant effort to try to save the moose from the wolves (but we never saw them).

After Carmen Lake, we skirted around the ridge to the lake in front of the Twentymile Glacier. Again, my expectations were exceeded. From our lunch spot we could check out all the bergs in the lake.

Surfs up! Those surfer dudes in Yakatat think they are tough for surfing in cold weather? Heck, their water isn't even frozen.

Practicing my form for the trip to Hawaii. Yep, it needs work.

Photo: Tim Kelley

This was a cool bowl-shaped berg, with high edges and a rounded bowl in the middle.

Twentymile Glacier from the top of the bowl-berg.

Tim M. and Tim K. head for the toe of the glacier

Photo: Tim Kelley

Near the tip of the glacier, we found this ice with a really cool pattern in it. What caused it? You'll have to hear Tim M. explain it in the video.

Checking out another cool berg before heading back.

Well, its been waaaay too long since I've done anything fun like this. But hopefully this is a sign of things to come. The best part of the ski season starts now!