I recently returned from a trip to Anigaaq Ranger Station, a cabin managed by the National Park Service in Cape Krusenstern National Monument. The cabin is near the mouth of the Tukrok River on the southern coast of the monument, east of the Krusenstern lagoon and not too far from Sisualik (labeled Sheshalik on Google Maps). Another ranger and I kept a lookout for muskoxen by riding ATVs up and down the beach and taking photos and videos. In our downtime I read a few books, swam in the Arctic Ocean, photographed flowers, wrote in my field journal, and wrote in the historic Anigaaq record (the earliest entries date back to the 80's, when rangers spent most of the summer at Anigaaq).
This was my first backcountry overnight experience in Alaska, and it was awesome! The cabins are rustic but quite comfortable. I got to see different animals and scenic vistas, all classic Alaska. The sun stays above the horizon for about 20 hours of the day, so there was plenty of daylight to explore. I saw three grizzlies, a herd of muskoxen, insects (beyond the notorious mosquito), ducks and shorebirds, and a lone seal from the beach.
Seeing wild bears for the first time was incredible, and muskoxen are unexpectedly endearing. It’s extremely necessary to keep a safe and significant distance from both animals, though. It’s well-known that grizzlies are dangerous, but muskoxen can be aggressive too—especially while in rut. If they feel threatened they may charge, aiming their sharp, long horns at their attacker. When wolves threaten the herd, the muskoxen circle up with horns facing out and with their young safely in the middle—an effective and fascinating strategy. We stayed far enough away and used telephoto lenses and binoculars to get a better view without stressing any of the animals we observed.
Rangers on the Lookout: A Story Told in Photos
Things I’ve Learned
Alaska is wild, huge, and unconcerned with your personal comforts.
Spending downtime basking in the sun, collecting rocks, or doodling is important and necessary to help yourself decompress. Another reminder to put my phone away more often!
I love being outside! I love wilderness! I love learning through experience! Which is why this trip was so awesome. I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to work on backcountry projects with the National Park Service.