Here is a joyful way to start the day! A beautiful view and a happy puppy that lives to swim!  Any morning head out past Skaters Cabin and out Power Creek Road for a splendid walk, no matter what the weather is doing, it just feels good!

Put the first nice afternoon into good use by hiking the reservoir trail. Out of breath with sweat dripping down my face while I watch my dog run up the trail effortlessly. I made sure to take breaks under the shaded areas that were rare and almost forgot about the view behind me of our ancient harbor and the rest of the town. A short, steep, and steamy hike was coming to an end as we see the trail getting flatter and turn a corner to find ourselves at our destination only taking about 30 minutes (with 5 minute breaks!). Looking around we are engulfed by lively green plants and a temptation to cool off in the somewhat "warm" water. Instead, enjoying the breeze with a beautiful sight and a clear view of Mount Eccles.

Walking back into town from the pull-off at Nicolet creek is nice any time of the day, but especially so on a quiet morning after a hard rain. The black slug carcasses that tend to accumulate and smell gross along the shoulder of the highway were all washed away, though new intact slugs were inching their way towards replacing them. Steam rose off the asphalt as the sun made contact. Walking into town at this time the sun is directly at eye-level, so sunglasses or a hat are recommended even at an early hour. Additionally be aware that drivers heading this direction are also facing a hard glare if the road is wet, especially between the city shop and Copper River Highway. So be courteous and keep well off the roadway. You will pass over two more marked creeks with bridges at Heney and Eccles, which are  named after peaks from which they spill in the mountain range paralleling the road. Additionally you will hear many smaller water sources gurgling along the sides of the road and the songs of many small birds as the traffic noises are few and far between. Traffic picks up a little at Whiskey Ridge and the closer you get to town, The view opens up by the ball field, and this morning there was a low fog hanging over the harbor and remnants of yesterday's heavy electrical clouds capping Mt. Eyak.

Take and hour or two to walk up the Crater Lake trail and the view is a wonderful reward.  Leave from Skaters Cabin and follow the trail up toward Crater Lake.  About a third of the way up the trail there is a boardwalk leading to the bench that overlooks Eyak Lake and offers a view out the Copper River Highway, on a really clear day you can see the airport and further.  It only takes about and hour at a quick pace, but the round trip to the bench and back can easily be done in 2 hours at a very leisurely pace!