H.I.T.W. Spring Update

With an occasional flock of Sand Hill Cranes flying overhead and the Bald Eagles returning to the river valley, spring is here. The Anchor River broke up on Lady Eagles birthday, most likely the easiest break up I have seen on the river. Did not have one ice jam on the lower river, the majority of the ice has exited the river except for a random ice berg left stranded on the beach to melt. Visited the river in a couple of spots this morning. Thought you might enjoy this, going to be a lot of fish lost on Gull Rock this season. It is a massive log jam.

The Hole In The Wall Recreation Area wintered very well. There is a small heaving on the deck of the Bear Den, Buffalo Wallow and Moose Den. However, it should settle back down once the frost is out of the ground. The Bear Den had similar heaving last spring. We did have a little roof damage on one cabin because of the snow load. I think it is fixable, if not we will build a new roof. Claire Allen's Food Cache roof caved in and she would like to have it repaired.

Everything else looks good, Bronco Lane is a mess but we had expected that with as rough as it was last summer. Talk to our gravel man, hope to get things dried out and as soon as road restrictions are removed, we will see what it is going to cost to resurface. Our winter campground host was so happy to see me this spring, she jumped up and down with joy. Claire Allen wintered well. This morning, our other host "Jack" the rabbit came running out from under the Moose Wallow and ran across the parking area.

I am delighted with the De-Waterization System. It is really working well, I got a little behind because we still had some ice in the cistern and the pump was frozen in. However, once the ice disappeared, it came on line and has been pumping steady. Nice flow of water from all directions into the cistern area. Bear Creek and John's Glacier Creek is flowing a moderate level of water. Grannies Gulch a small amount but there is still a lot of snow on that slope of the bowl. The North Slope is clear of all snow. Wood pile clear of snow. Cook tent floor is clear of all snow. The only problem that the water system has encountered can be solved. If anyone knows a plumma, you might have them keep an eye open for a larger pump that some client is no longer using.

The Lynx Clan will be out in early May to deliver a couple of goodies for our use. A propane kitchen range, a side by side refrigerator, and some birch for the fire pit. The refrigerator does not work, but we figured that it would work great for dry storage of bread, cereal, coffee, etc. Keep the doors closed, it should be Claire Allen proof, bless her little heart.

Putting out enough water into Upper and Lower Kroc Pond, we have a nice little gaggle of Mallards making it a "home site" for a few days. Would be nice if they remained in the area for the summer. They would make good kroc food and we would not have to watch the little ones so close. Their presence would also cut down on the having to buy "store bought eggs". Hmmm, perhaps some thought should be given to a chicken coop. The kids would love feeding the chickens and hauling away the poop. In the fall, each Clan could take a few chickens home to winter over. I will have to go visit that store that has the big sign, "Pick Up Chicks Here", maybe I will get lucky.

Over all, we are looking good and should be ready for visitors just as soon as we get a little drying.