Troy Henkels

Open

2012-01-18T15:52:00.004-09:00

The view from where I sit is pretty good. I've seen it in magazines and I've seen it on the telly. When the chance came up to see it live I couldn't pass it up. Although I'm not much of a fan, to see it live is pretty exciting to say the least.

Solstice

2011-12-26T20:42:00.002-09:00

With weather all over the map, from -40F to +40F in Alaska, solstice came and went this year with little fanfare. Snow, snow, and more snow. Not much light, just more snow.

Magic

2011-11-14T21:35:00.004-09:00

In November in Alaska it's cold and dark and sometimes on Sundays, the wind blows from the South, and paragliding at 'the Bluffs' is nothing short of magical. Hard to imagine this flying site is right next to Anchorage and a stones throw from Anchorage International airport. After several hours in the air everyone was beaming. Nothing short of spectacular.

Montare

2011-09-19T20:27:00.004-08:00

One of the last things I bought in 1991 before I moved to Alaska was a mountain bike. It was more money than I'd ever spent on anything, except my car. But I figured it was a reasonable investment to explore the wilds of Alaska. This Gary Fisher Montare has served me well over the course of twenty years. If you don't believe it, read this:

http://www.troyhenkels.com/TrustySteed.htm

So, when the mechanic told me my trusty old bike was not worth repairing, you can imagine my dismay at losing an old faithful partner. None the less, even after twenty years, Gary Fisher is still making the Montare and the same reasons I liked it back then are the same reasons I bought a new one and am riding it today. Here's to another twenty years and many more mountain bike fueled adventures.

Gear Box

2011-09-01T23:06:00.003-08:00

Those of you that know me, know that I have small infatuation with sunglasses and watches....always have, ever since I was young. Fortunately, my best sponsor, Oakley, makes some of the finest of both!! This week a new "Gear Box" showed up and it is really, REALLY cool! I'm going to be the hippest cat this side of Talkeetna wearing this thing!!

Sleep

2011-08-07T12:02:00.003-08:00

As summer quickly crawls towards fall, we've had a lot of rain and storms blowing in from the South. After a sunset kiting session on Turnagain Arm, I looked up to see the sun setting behind a local favorite mountain, Sleeping Lady. Alaska sure is a good place to call home.

Zamboni

2011-06-20T17:41:00.006-08:00

Ever since I was young it's been my dream, that I might drive a Zamboni Machine. I'd get that ice just as slick as could be and all the kids would look up to me.

I wanna drive a Zamboni. I wanna drive a Zamboni.

I went down to the local arena and asked to see the Manager Man. He came from his office and said "son can I help you". I looked at him and said, "yes you can".

I wanna drive a Zamboni, I wanna drive a Zamboni, yes I do.

The Manager said I know it looks keen, but that right there is one expensive machine. And I've got Smokey who's been driving for years. About that time I broke down in tears. I wanna drive a Zamboni. I wanna drive a Zamboni.

The Zamboni song by the Gear Daddies.

I finally did it!!! I drove a Zamboni!

Bear

2011-06-08T07:07:00.003-08:00

Trips into Denali Park rarely disappoint. The latest one was no different. With a sow and two cubs right on the road, there was nothing to do but watch and wait for them to wander down the road and off into the tundra. Some of the closest and most interesting bear watching I've done in several years.

Living Large

2011-05-04T18:45:00.004-08:00

Time spent on the water on Turnagain Arm is always exciting and perplexing. With the second highest tides in the world, it creates some precarious currents to try to kiteboard in. None the less a small community of kiters heads out on the water whenever the wind is blowing. These waters come with the added potential of being swept out to sea if you have problems. Most people find Turnagain Arm too dangerous to be out playing on, but for the kiters in the area, we just consider it "living large".

Sheep

2011-04-23T01:10:00.004-08:00

The weather has been epic and the playing intense. Some great paragliding, kiting, and skiing. Most recently, fueled by sheep burgers, on a glacier, deep in the Chugach Range. Those of you that know me, know I'm not much for wild meat, but this was one of the best burgers I've ever had.

Slide

2011-03-07T21:51:00.004-09:00

Knee deep in working on my manuscript due to the publisher by April first. Being a perfectionist, there is much work that still needs to be done before it gets sent off. The past few weeks have been spent sorting, scanning, and editing fifteen years of slides. It's actually been fun to see images from all the great trips I've been a part of since I moved to Alaska. Enough for now. Back to work.

On Ice

2011-01-30T12:45:00.002-09:00

The snow pack this year is pretty light in Alaska. And the wind has been fickle at best. But this makes for some great ice skating. I found this neat little pond with perfect ice at the end of Turnagain Arm. With perfect wind I launched a kite and 'icekited' for awhile, but it proved to be a bit gusty and dangerous for my tastes. With the latest stretch of warm weather the ice was cracking all around, but I never did go through. Judging from the trees in this pond, it doesn't stand to be very deep anyway.

25

2010-10-17T16:17:00.006-08:00

Fall always brings me to Iowa to help my Dad pick apples on the orchard I grew up on. This year was no different, except I had my 25 year High School class reunion. For this one I decided to round up the old rock band from High School and play the reunion gig. This experience was beyond words and a real pleasure to reunite with four guys that I spent so much time with in my youth. A very special experience for sure.

Strike Two

2010-09-01T11:44:00.004-08:00

Once again the Bering Strait has eluded me. We did not make it across the Strait via kiteboard. There were opportunities with fantastic wind, but other factors always seemed to get in the way. So, the Strait is left undone and awaits the next expedition to tempt fate. This is my second attempt to get to Russia across the Strait and the second time I have been shut down. None the less it was an amazing journey and one that I will not soon forget. Only time will tell what will be next from the adventure arsenal.

Down and Out in Wales

2010-08-15T22:29:00.007-08:00

Well, that seems to be what is going on in Wales at the moment. I'm no stranger to sitting in Wales, waiting on weather to try to cross the Strait. Last time I was here in 2005 we waited for 20 days before we had the right conditions to make an attempt. Right now, with no wind in the forecast, I must exercise patience once again. 14 days in, no wind, so I'll wait. Life could be worse......Wales is actually a pretty interesting place. And for right now, there is no place I'd rather be than Wales in summertime.

Dan is the Man

2010-08-10T15:49:00.005-08:00

This is Dan, on the right. He has been a good friend since I attempted the Bering Strait in 2005. He's still the 'go to' guy for anything in Wales or on the Bering Strait. He's honest, kind, fun, and knows more than anyone around. He's been in Wales most of his life and has an understanding and knowledge of this area and the weather conditions, like no one I have ever met. I have to say I'm happy to have him on board again for this expedition, not only as a friend, but as a resource on just about everything!. He has been a huge help in getting this expedition off the ground and we consult him daily for advice and guidance. Make no mistake, Dan is the MAN!!

Wales

2010-08-08T20:14:00.007-08:00

Arrived to Wales and what a great feeling to be back here and see this place in summer. What a contrast from when I was here last, in the middle of winter. The team has been busy working out issues with the support Zodiak that must be repaired before we can have a safe departure.

The forecast for the next few days does not look promising for a departure, which may be good, as it will allow us some time to work out the final issues with the boat and last minuted details. Fortunately Wales is a great place to hang out, so we'll enjoy it while we have the time.

Strait

2010-08-05T23:18:00.008-08:00

Like the calm before the storm, all great expeditions create a crescendo of excitement leading up to departure day. Now, one day before I head to the Bering Strait, for the third time in my life, I wonder what this experience will hold for me? I guess it is that sense of wonder and curiosity of the unknown and natural environment that keeps me going back for more. THIS is what the Bering Strait looked like the last time I was there. And this will be my first trip to Wales that temperatures will be above ten below zero. As I travel North, once again I find myself wondering if the Strait will be kind to me.

5G & 56

2010-07-30T00:49:00.006-08:00

My life leading up to this Bering Strait Kiteboarding Expedition, seems to be revolving around numbers. Numbers of miles traveled, number of MPH in wind, number of stitches(four, but who's counting). The latest sponsor gear showed up this week from some of the best sponsors I have ever had.....Maurcie Lacroix, Eddie Bauer, and Oakley. As you may know, I like gear, and not only use it but usually explore the limits of whatever gear I have. This round of gear is of the best I have ever owned. And that watch, it isn't a new IPhone network, it's a new number....5G!! Thanks to the best sponsors in the world!! With any luck all this great gear will help me get across those 56 miles of chaotic water!!

69

2010-07-25T22:00:00.000-08:00

When the wind blows I get excited. When the wind really blows, I get really excited. Sunday on Turnagain Arm was no different. Gusting to 50 mph and raining sideways seemed like a perfect training day, for the Bering Strait expedition. Well it was, and so much more. SuperDave and I managed to pull off a good session despite, outrageously gusty conditions.........and despite four stitches in my thumb, my lost kite(due to a broken line), and thanks to Dave for towing me back to shore. Make no mistake, it was WINDY. A check on the internet showed gusts to 69 mph while we were out there....having fun!! Or something like that.

37

2010-07-24T20:00:00.000-08:00

miles that is. Today that is what the GPS told me. Anxious to explore some new territory I decided to SUP(stand up paddle) down the lower section of the Knik River to the port of Anchorage. This was fairly pleasant trip, until the outgoing tide played tricks on me and I found myself stranded on the mudflats in the middle of the Arm walking(and running) to beat the tide that would inevitably come back in and thwart my hopes of reaching Anchorage. After a long hour of walking, I put down a solid hour of hard paddling, and the current turned and shortly thereafter exhausted my efforts. But, by then, I was at the Port and paddled ashore. 7 hours 11 minutes and 37 miles.

Another perfect training run in preparation for the Bering Strait crossing in a few weeks. It's important to spend some time "out there"!! I did do that.

This isn't the Knik Arm, but this is what SUP looks like!!

31.6

2010-07-17T20:00:00.000-08:00

miles that is. That is what I accomplished today in a small, unplanned kiteboarding training run on Turnagain Arm. With the wind building, several of us were having a great session on 20 mile river. Towards the end of the day the wind was still blowing, so myself and three other kiters decided to do a 'downwinder'. My goal, go as far as the wind was still blowing. I did. Two kiters dropped off at Peterson Creek. The other dropped off in Girdwood. The problem with Turnagain Arm is it can turn into one of the most precarious places to be, without warning. This day did not disappoint. Several miles from shore the wind quit. I found myself with a kite in the water, swimming towards shore, impossibly far away, getting swept with an outgoing current...wondering how I got into this predicament and more importantly, how was I going to get out? Well, I did make it out. After about 45 minutes of swimming the wind started blowing in the opposite direction and I was able to get the kite back in the air long enough to get to a big sand bar in the middle of the Arm. I then walked the last mile back to Bird Creek and the highway. Fortunately SuperDave was there happy to see me and pick me up. GPS says 31.6 miles. Quite probably the longest anyone has kited on Turnagain Arm......there's a good reason for that.

Miracle Mile

2010-06-21T20:50:00.004-08:00

Deep in the Alaska Range is a special road known only to a few called the Miracle Mile. I've had the pleasure now of driving this road twice in 20 years and it never fails to impress me.

Looking Back

2010-06-04T00:37:00.003-08:00

Most times in life we are told to look forward and not back. Spending a rare, sunny weekend in Denali Park with close family and old friends, reminded me that sometimes it is worthwhile to look back and appreciate all the friends, experiences, and things you have in your life. Some of my most memorable experiences have been with friends and family over the course of 20 years in Alaska, right here in Denali Park. And yes, sometimes in life, the objects in the mirror are closer than they appear.

Chuck at the North Pole

2010-04-24T16:02:00.005-08:00

Apparently when skiing to the North Pole you cannot dress like it is 1982. You have to man up and make it look like you are a Polar Explorer. Just prior to departure my friend Chuck posted this on his blog '80':

http://cv222.blogspot.com/

So, Chuck indeed traveled with me to the North Pole. And there were some times when it was cold, dismal, and really sucked. The story of Chuck overcoming diversity to become a man was a big hit amongst those that didn't have a clue what I was talking about. None the less it is always good to have Chuck in your back pocket when the going gets tough, especially when it is -30F and blowing a gale. I did stand at the North Pole, and so did Chuck. So here's to you Chuck, thanks for the friendship and always making sure the sandwiches are on board for every adventure I head out on.

All Points North

2010-03-20T01:00:00.003-08:00

The North Bound Quest Expedition is about to get under way. Dixie Dansercoer and I will be guiding a group of motivated individuals on a 'Last Degree' trip to the North Pole. It is a place I have not been, so this will be a special experience. With luck on April 1st we'll fly from Lonyearbyen to the Russian Ice Base, Barneo, and begin our Quest to reach the North Pole. With temperatures well below zero it will be a new type of cold for many in the group. Check my website for the link to the Expeditoin website and regular updates.

The King

2010-03-10T19:52:00.003-09:00

This past weekend found me at the start of the Last Great Race....Iditarod 2010. For the past 15 years I have helped my close friend Jeff King at the start and restart of the race as well as take care of the dogs he drops along the trail. This was a particularly special year as Jeff announced that this would be his last year running the race competitively. For everyone involved it has been a great ride. Jeff has the distinction of winning the race four times, in '93, '96, '98, and '06. I had the pleasure of watching him cross the finish line in 1996 in Nome. With any luck he'll pull off another win this year to top off an incredible dog mushing career. As always, King is King!

Only In Alaska

2010-02-27T08:44:00.005-09:00

Packrafting, one of my favorite summer activities. Hike deep into the mountains with a tiny, durable inflatable raft that only weighs 3 pounds, and paddle some wild streams back out to civilization. This week I went to one of the local pools for a game of packraft water polo. As with any water polo, you work a ball towards a goal and try to score. In the adjacent pool, kayak water polo. It's a great way for passionate paddlers to stay in paddling shape during the long winter months. For me, it's just fun! Sort of like bumper cars on water. I believe this is a unique sport to Alaska and only would someone here come up with the idea to use packrafts for water polo, but what a great idea.

Fly

2010-02-14T20:32:00.003-09:00

Some epic weather and extremely high avalanche conditions found me in the mountains over the weekend with a friend that has a new speed wing. This is a miniature paraglider of sorts, which allows the 'pilot' to ski down the mountain and boost air, fly off the slope, and return to the ground to lay down some turns. With two speed wings in hand, we both were able to fly off in epic fashion.

Cantwell

2010-02-12T21:51:00.003-09:00

Spent a week in Denali Park, not only working my real job, but working on my cabin there. It was during an uncommon weather pattern which found me out in -30F. Then, in under 24 hours the temperature rose to +38F!! It's one of the few place that I've ever been that can experience that severe of a temperature switch in such a short amount of time. Living in paradise can be like that. And a typical Alaska landscape shot from Cantwell, just South of Denali Park. Looking through junk in the yard at the beautiful mountains.(It's not my yard!)

Rock Star

2010-01-21T17:30:00.003-09:00

Spending time back home in Iowa has always been one of my favorite things to do. It is especially fun when I go back for Icefest! That is the National Mississippi River Museum's annual winter festival. They invite me back to speak about whatever cold weather expedition I've been on. This year I showed images and video highlights from five of my polar expeditions. As always it was great to see many friends and family that turned out but also an overwhelming showing from the community. For me it's like being a rock star for a weekend....complete with people asking for autographs and pictures. It's fun and humbling and I'm very fortunate and thrilled to have the opportunity and venue to share my experiences. This year, like last, the museum had on display a variety of my gear that I've used on various polar expeditions.

Tyonek Village

2009-12-07T21:02:00.003-09:00

One of the perks of my job is that some days I get to fly to work. The small co-op that I work for services a small native village about a half hour flight from Anchorage called Tyonek. I've been flying to Tyonek nearly every week for almost 10 years. It's not viewed as desirable duty by most of the guys that I work with but, I maintain that any day I can fly to work...is a good day!! And, in the end I get to see some amazing things that are somewhat unique and out of the ordinary. Not just all craziness that goes along with being in a native village(like being followed around town by eight dogs), but I also get to see some amazing scenery. On my latest commute to work, I took this shot over Cook Inlet and the setting sun.

Little Cabin in the Woods

2009-11-22T21:17:00.004-09:00

It's that time of year in Alaska when the lakes aren't frozen yet and there is really not enough snow to ski on. So my weekends have been spent at my place in Denali Park. I call it my little cabin in the woods. It's actually been a project I've been working on for several years as time and finances allow. It is A LOT of work, but it is actually turning out to be a pretty cool space. And with its proximity to Denali it is a dream come true. With temperatures hovering between -20F and -30F the past several weeks, inside projects have been my focus. I typically need to get back to work in Eagle River so I can catch up on sleep for the following weekend full of projects.

Is this Heaven??

2009-11-03T19:45:00.005-09:00

Fall in Iowa means apples. Dubuque, where I grew up is a place I vehemently visit every fall to help my Father pick apples in the orchard where I grew up. This year saw the best apple crop that my Dad has ever seen. It was nothing short of spectacular!! The picking was in full swing when I arrived and during the week I was there, we picked hundreds of bushel that not only ended up at Farmers Market, in grocery stores, but also in cider, most notably for a large Amish contingency in Wisconsin. This close to the earth lifestyle that I grew up in is so far from the high adventure, mountainous lifestyle I experience in Alaska. As a result, I savor every moment.

Fall In Alaska

2009-09-28T22:23:00.009-08:00

Fall is one of my favorite seasons in the Northland, but it is also one of the shortest. Paragliding is one of my favorite activities because it is the purest form of freeflight, no motor. It is the closest a person can get to flying like a bird. Late in fall, good friends, a long hike up a beautiful peak. And an epic and spectacular flight down. If there is any question why paragliding is one of my passions, these images might clear it up.

Magic

2009-09-26T21:37:00.008-08:00

Fall is quickly coming to a close and winter looms on the horizon. New termination dust on the Chugach creeps lower each day. There have been a few reminders of summer the last few weeks. On one recent night with an east wind and high tide, I was able to kite on Turnagain Arm near Potters Marsh. Everyone out that day was quite sure it was the last nice day of the summer. A day like this, with sun and the perfect wind is magic. As rain showers fell along the hillside a rainbow came out and reminded me how great it is to live in Alaska.

Wilderness Forays

2009-09-13T09:56:00.006-08:00

Solo forays into the wilderness have become my medicine for a somewhat mundane 9 to 5 job routine. None the less the trade off to this is finding some of the most radical trips deep into the Alaska wilderness that I can come up with. Earlier in the summer I managed a 14 hour traverse from Bear Mountain deep into the Chugach, crossed two mountain passes and back to civilization. Certainly a long day out, but an amazing experience.

This weekend found me chasing down a trip I've been wanting to do for several years. With several friends quite interested but canceling at the last minuted I decided to head out alone into the pouring rain. A three hour hike up the Winner Creek trail. Two hours across the pass and down into the next valley. (much of that was a bushwhack from hell!) Soaked to the bone I pumped up the packraft and floated out the feeder stream, then into the 20 mile river and back to the Parks Highway. Then, onto my bike for an hour ride back to retrieve my truck.

These long forays into the wilderness really allows one to see some amazing Alaska backcountry and not only tests ones endurance but fortitude. As most people around here know.....Alaska can be a pretty unforgiving place.

Kantishna

2009-09-06T09:50:00.002-08:00

There is no other place in the world like Denali National Park in the fall. After three days in the Park it is always difficult to leave such a magical place.

Icebergs and a Million Dollar Bridge

2009-08-20T19:33:00.005-08:00

During one fine soggy weekend in Cordova with flooded rivers and roadways. My friend Tracy and I rode our motorbikes as far as we could past the Million Dollar Bridge. In a torrential downpour and a rising river, I inflated my packraft and set out down the Copper River. This fast moving river is carrying some serious volume, not to mention some amazing icebergs that had calved off the Miles Glacier. Just before reaching the Million Dollar Bridge I hoped on an ice berg and rode it under the bridge towards the Childs glacier. The Copper passes this glacier in a convolution of eddys, icebergs, and frightening current. I put everything I had into paddling to make it all the way across the river back to the 'safe' shoreline without being pushed into the face of the glacier. A wild, wild experience like none other.

Deep into Peters Creek

2009-07-26T19:21:00.002-08:00

After studying the ridge that runs east, deep into the Chugach above Peters Creek, I finally got around to tackling the ridge. For the first time in my life I wondered if I had the fortitude to pull this hike off in a single day. None the less I set out under overcast skies and hit peak after peak after peak along the ridge line that runs to the head of Peters Creek valley. Just before the last two peaks, the weather came in and clouds obscured the ridge line I'd hope to continue on. Dropping down into the valley I felt my way up the old hunters trail that is horribly overgrown. At the head of the valley I headed south into an unnamed bowl that would take me over the first of two passes that would drop me down into Ram Valley. After a frigid river crossing, vertical runouts getting off the first pass, and much of the same, I stumbled down Ram Valley in the pouring rain. After 14 hours on the trail I am just happy that my body still does what I ask it to do.

Swinging in July

2009-07-18T01:36:00.001-08:00

In July, I finally got around to rigging a swing from underneath Eagle River bridge #2. I didn't have to give my friend Kjell the hard sell for to long to get him to harness up and give it a go. Extremely fun but a bit trying on the nerves. The hard part is getting out to the drop off point and of course letting go.