Toklat temperatures since midnight:
Max, 28 degrees F
Min, -14 F (although Willie said his temps were -20 below last night?)
Wind Speed: 12 mph from ESE
Wind gust: 19 mph
Sunrise: 7:55 am
Sunset: 6:14 pm
Total daylight: 10 hours, 19 minutes
Gain: 6 minutes, 46 seconds
Willie is camping out again in the arctic oven tent. He will be exploring the Bear Draw area for the next few days. I should hear from him by Wednesday, March 5.
Below is an email response to the wolf clawing Willie's trail from Tom.
Hello Tom! Happy March to you! It is my favorite month with all the daylight being back! It also means warmer weather will eventually arrive. Hey, I have a question to ask you. Willie told me about this encounter he had with a wolf that I thought was interesting. Willie was out hiking when he heard a wolf howl. He went to find where it was. They were on the Toklat bridge. There were 6 wolves total. 2 went into the park service area , and one, the biggest of them went 30 feet up Willie's trail at the Pearson cabin, and CLAWED MARKS into the trail, and then ran off as fast as it could! Willie watched the whole thing and at one point they got to within 100 yards of him. Willie never felt threated by them, but I was wondering what you think about this wolf, the biggest, clawing into Willie's trail & then running off??? Interesting behavior if nothing else... Anyway, they have been in the area. Willie had seen their tracks about 5 days ago, before this encounter with them. Do you have any new GPS updates? Thank you again for you time Tom. I really apprieciate it! Cheers & Happy March to you, Christine
Date: Sun, 2 Mar 2008 09:21:02 -0900> > Hi Christine, Dominant wolves often scratch with their rear feet after scent marking. Was it the hind feet he was scratching with? It is interesting behavior. Had to be related to Willie's presence some way. The EF wolves were in that area, according to the GPS data, a few days ago and now are apparently back on the Sanctuary. One time, over a week ago, they were way out by Otto Lake. We're going out to catch wolves today, so Willie may see us pass by with a small white helicopter, two supercubs. Tom Meier Wildlife Biologist Denali National Park and Preserve
2 comments:
Dear Willie: We are so excited to understand what you are doing, Bravo! What respect you have shown for my Grandfather and his interest and love of Alaska. You have carried on his name and made people realize what a huge feat he accomplished. I know that you are living your dream, may you have wonderful experiences, and be safe along your journey. We have a new Grandaughter, named after Louisa Sheldon, my Grandmother. We hope to inspire her to take an interest in Alaska. Be safe my friend, we are with you in spirit! AnneW.
Dear Anne,
Thank you for your wonderful email. It is good to know that you are following Willie's journey that started with your Grandfather. I know Willie will be getting in touch with you & sharing more of this experience with you when he returns. For now, know that he knows you are "with him in spirit!" Congrats on your new grandaughter!!!! Smiles, Christine
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