August 25, 2009 - Adamson Physical Challenge (part 2)

Monday, August 25, 2009 – Denali crowed through the scattered low clouds to wake us on our third beautiful morning. We had packed the night before for a 2 day hike in the hills between Tokasitna and Ruth Glaciers. Ben and I shuttled 2 trips to get the 6 of us to our starting point. Stephen had a propensity to take the lead in our 6 hour hike through the alders and up the Bear and Moose trails. Cheairs, in his first and only 90 second lead, found a really pretty moose shed. Ben found what we think may be the match not 200 yards later. Stephen resumed leading. Got to camp site at 5pm or so. Some of us walked up to the peak to look down on First Creek(?). Stephen claims the dark spot we saw crossing the opposite side of the hill was a large griz. I maintain it was a small black cub. Cheairs spotted a curious moose observing our dinner that night on the ridge of the hill. Cold as hell. Cheairs set the tent up such that he continued to roll into his tent mate.  What happens on the Toks stays on the Toks.