"The Bench" is my bro and sis in law's land near Hicks Creek in the Matanuska Valley of south-central Alaska. Depending on the season, it takes a packraft ferry across the Matanuska River, a rapid climb of about 5-600 feet, and a hike of about 1 mile to get there. In the winter, the river freezes so it becomes easier, and a newly purchased snow machine will almost seem like cheating - once there is some snow.
The picture below is of the yurt building site, looking SE, with more snaps to come including digging post and outhouse holes, clearing trees, chopping wood, shooting guns, some helicopter action, being awesome, and living it up in a rustic lakeside cabin - just like you read about in the guide books, only its plywood and sort of desolate. Living the dream!
