Wintertime in Alaska means different things to different people. This season, I've been fortunate enough to have friends introduce me to the fun of snowmachining. On Friday night, my brother Vince and I drove up to Talkeetna (115 miles north of Anchorage) for a weekend at Adam's cabin. Also joining us were Adam and Jenny (friends from high school), Alex (Adam's little brother), and our friends Brett and Jenn (the girls work together at ABC).
Saturday afternoon was a fix-it day. Adam is a very handy guy, able to repair just about anything that has parts! There are a bunch of sleds (snowmachines) at the cabin that are kept around for having fun on weekends. Maintenance and upkeep are key for optimal enjoyment! 
Sunday afternoon is ride day. After a yummy breakfast at Lattitude 62, we prepare to head out. Below, Adam is checking oil and sparkplugs.
Drop the top, time to roll
Here was our first stop. We are trying to find a route to Baldy Mountain which is supposed to be a fantastic journey. Adam points accross to the lake and says that's the way to go. Behind him is a power line structure. It's a beautiful day, sunny and no wind.
Brett hangs loose
That's the way home, don't forget!
Vince says, "Grrr." 
Brett attacks Jenn's cheek
Alex laments the end of the Diet Coke
Adam's sled: 2003 Pro X 600
Alex's sled: Indy Storm XCR 
Adam seeks relief
Vince chills 
Me
Adam and Alex, Mount Baldy
Vince and I, helmet hair baby!
Talkeetna Range
Besides maintenance, Saturday involved the manly activity of logging. Adam's dad, Dirk had found a fallen tree that was straight and true, perfect for the new cabin he is building. It would prove difficult to bring the tree back to Dirk's property, since it had fallen in the forrest a mile down the Talkeetna River. Dirk had built a wooden sled to tow the giant log behind his snowmobile. After some serious and not so serious brainstorming, we decided to use leverage and rolling to get it into position. Success! After carefully navigating through the forrest, down the river, up the road, Dirk's log was in place. Below, Vince (6'2) show's how long this behemoth was. You can also imagine how heavy it was to move.
Vince's head and Dirk's sled
Adam's cabin (also affectionately called, "the hovel")
The Jennys
Before driving back to Anchorage, we always grab some food at the West Rib. The guardian is this cat named "Steps." He is the 50 Cent of felines, surviving the loss of his tail and being shot! Here he's sampling someone's water for them.
A 70 mile snowmachine trip, great friends, family, weather, and some of the most beautiful sights anywhere. Winter in Alaska.
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