ENGINEER LAKE CABIN, KENAI NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, ALASKA, FEBRURY 17-19, 2025

 ENGINEER LAKE CABIN, KENAI NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, ALASKA, FEBRUARY 17-19, 2025

Wally Hufford

Elizabeth Hufford  (Mrs. Huffy)

Engineer Lake Cabin at night.

It was 46 degrees Fahrenheit when we pulled into the Engineer Lake parking area.  Looking out at the lake we could see plenty of meltwater on top of the lake ice, sometimes 2-3 inches deep.  Along the trail to the cabin the willow buds and catkins were bursting forth.  We could even see tufts of green grass in full growth mode.  It most assuredly did not seem like the middle of February in Alaska.

Mrs. Huffy at the Engineer Lake Cabin doorway.

Mrs. Huffy along the trail to Engineer Lake Cabin.

Willow catkins were exploding from the branches.

The cabin in daylight.

After arriving at the cabin we set out our gear and spent the the remainder of the afternoon basking in the warmth of the day.  When it was time for dinner we began the process of making Marry Me Tortellini with Sausage on a single burner backpacking stove...which took forever.  But, it was delicious.  So, it was worth it.

Mrs. Huffy prepares Marry Me Tortellini with Sausage under a battery powered light while the fire in the wood stove warms the cabin.

Although it wasn't necessary for warmth, we enjoyed a glowing fire in the wood stove while we cooked and ate dinner.  Afterward we went outside and looked to the sky which was filled with stars and the usual constellations.  Then it was time for sleep.  The warmth from the wood stove lasted through the night and it was still quite pleasant the next morning.

Willows and constellations.

After a breakfast of coffee, bananas, and oatmeal we decided to hit the Seven Lakes Trail for a hike.  There wasn't any snow whatsoever and the walking was easy.  After we felt we had walked far enough we returned to the cabin where we worked on crossword puzzles, did yoga (Mrs. Huffy), and read books.  

We spent some time reading while we were at the cabin.

Cabin Queen.

Mrs. Huffy hiking on Seven Lakes Trail.

Later in the afternoon we had a cribbage tournament, which Mrs. Huffy won handily.  She always does, so it was no surprise.  When it was time for dinner we warmed up the leftover Marry Me Tortellini with Sausage.  It was even better the second night.

Guess who is winning the cribbage tournament.

Warming up leftover Marry Me Tortellini with Sausage.  It was even better the second night.

The sun on the horizon at Engineer Lake.

Waking up the next morning we slowly ate breakfast and packed gear for the trip back to the vehicle.  The weather was exquisite and we took our time walking while taking in the views of our surroundings.  It was a perfect trip.  Albeit too warm for the middle of February in Alaska.