WEST SHEEP MOUNTAIN/JACKASS CANYON 5/14/23

Some footage from a couple of hikes from a couple weeks ago.

First up was a climb up to the 4700ft mark of a rib leading to the ridgeline connecting West Sheep Mountain (6209'). We had no aspirations of actually summiting, due to cruddy snow on steep slopes and getting around a couple gendarms. This trip was more about checking on my friend's tried and true route for a possible climb later this summer.

These particular mountains are unique in that a "volcanic bubble" many eons ago pushed up some unique mineral composition that gives the rocks red, orange, green and even purple hues. Also makes these particular slopes crumbly and full of soft scree.

After we were done, we drove down the highway a bit to access a non-descript trail that leads down to the hilariously named "Jackass Canyon", along side the creek of the same name. It's one of many water sources that feed into the various channels of the Matanuska River. We walked on the riverbed, noting moose and bear tracks in the sand.

The soundtrack for this video is provided by a Pagan-themed band from Serbia called STRAHOR. These tracks come from the project's 2023 release, titled 'Gde vukovi zavijaju', and I'm here to tell you this album's climbing up the ranks of my 2023 'best of' list, and quickly. Melodic, RIFF driven Slavic black metal with a 1980's core. You just have to hear it yourself!

Please send Stahor some love and support:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strahorwolfg...

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Bandcamp:
https://strahor.bandcamp.com/