Autumn enjoyments

Don't let Saturday's snow scare you -- there is still time to get out and enjoy getting around Southcentral Alaska before "winter trips" have to be planned.

If you've got the weekend, try a trip south. Of course, the warmer would be a whole lot warmer if by "south" you mean to the Lower 48, but even heading south of the Valley right now can be a rewarding trip. Try the Kenai Peninsula -- while fall is in full bloom (and winter fast approaching), there are still plenty of "summer" opportunities out there.

A day trip to Seward is a full schedule, and it can be a good way to get away from everything without really having to worry about the weather. The Seward Highway is one of the most spectacular drives in the country, and it is only about three hours from here to there. Once in Seward, there are plenty of things to do.

Try a hike on Mount Marathon -- you don't have to go all the way to the top if the weather or your fitness level is an issue. You'll be surprised at how invigorating it is to get the blood pumping with the cold nipping at your breath. If hiking is a bit too much, simply stop in at the Alaska SeaLife Center and visit some of Alaska's marine life. The research center/museum is a great place to take kids, and you can usually keep them distracted enough on the drive down.

Take a right on the Sterling Highway, and you'll visit the town of Cooper Landing, a quaint little area with plenty of wilderness. You can dine in one of the many caf/s -- Gwin's Lodge is a personal favorite -- and hear tall tales from anglers passing through. If you are a little more adventurous, stop in one of the lodges and inquire about a rafting trip on the upper Kenai River. It's a great time to try some rainbow trout fishing, or even to just enjoy the rapids on the mellow float.

If you are looking for a bit longer drive, head to Kenai or Soldotna, or maybe even Homer. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts along the way, and even a couple of resorts, if tent camping doesn't sound appealing now that the temperature is getting below freezing at night.

Locally, you can get into some snow by heading up Hatcher Pass Road. With breathtaking views of the lower Valley, the hour's drive is worth the time. You may just find yourself face-to-face with some of the Valley's wildlife, so make sure you bring your camera.

The Mat-Su Borough recently started selling a fantastic topographic map of all the Valley's trails. You can purchase a copy of the waterproof (it never rains here, does it?) map at the Mat-Su Borough building. Take a weekend and try to conquer two or three of the trails on the map. A backpack lunch is all you'll need on most of the hikes, as most are adequate for families or some-times hikers.

Camping can be a bit of a challenge now -- you never know if you're going to end up with snow on your tent in the morning.

That's why it's a great time to start checking out the Alaska State Parks Public Use Cabin program. There are plenty of cabins that are accessible via a short hike, and with a nice woodstove inside, they make a perfect fall getaway.

You can make reservations online at the Alaska State Parks Web site (www.alaskastateparks.org). They are inexpensive alternatives to a bed and breakfast, although you'll be making your own meal in the morning. Some of the Nancy Lake cabins are about a mile off the road system, and once you are there, they are rather secluded. You may not see another person the entire weekend. With the smell of the woodstove burning and the light from a lantern, you'll be able to plow through that book you've been meaning to read, all while enjoying fantastic scenery.

It won't be long before you have to start breaking out the snowmachines and winter gear, so you may as well enjoy the last bit of fall while it lasts.