I pulled off the Matanuska Bridge and into the turnoff just like I had done yesterday. The low clouds clung to the mountains and you could see how it was steamy at the cloud base. When I was working on my instrument rating, my instructor told me that when you first enter clouds its like being in your shower with the room steaming up. It’s that same look. You can see that here in these photos. Yet, above the cloud layers, it’s bright and sunny and you can see the sunlight reflecting on the clouds.

This spot looked completely different today. I would learn later today just how unpredictable – and dangerous – Alaska’s weather patterns can be.

Finally, the time had come to bid it farewell. My time to summit the Butte was drawing nigh.

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