By: Ruth Higdon
Between 2002-2010, I helped organized and lead yak supported treks in the Talkeetna mountains in Alaska. On our first exploratory trek I was afraid all our yaks would run away, be attacked by grizzlies or just lie down and mutiny. They were rock stars. They carried the loads, crossed streams and stayed within calling distance of camp without being hobbled.
Walking in this pristine wilderness with the yak bells jingling and not carrying a heavy pack was a truly magical experience. There was always a point in the trek, usually about 50 miles out where the yaks looked better and the humans looked worse. This yak trip was named the best adventure trip of the year by Outside Magazine.
Photos by Tim Hardy of Hay Springs Yaks.