Our Alaskan Summer: All of the lights.

As the summer winds down, our pursuit of adventure has only increased. And so began the hike out to 8-mile lake to find the small cabin situated right on the water - this cabin is owned by a local in Healy, Alaska who keeps it well stocked (and unlocked) for wandering hikers.

So a group of us decided to check it out.

Thinking it would be a quick walk from the Stampede Trail, 7 of us piled into two vehicles and loaded down the pick-up truck with wood, camping gear, tents, and beer (only the essentials here), in case this elusive cabin turned out to be just a myth we wanted to be prepared to tent it. As we set out, there appeared to be some kind of ATV road, but for some reason or another we decided to bushwhack across the plushy, wet tundra, and make what we believed to be a bee-line for the little cabin. Darkness set in, which we are just recently becoming acquainted to again, and the strain of all the firewood, gear, and beer began to wear on us. But after about an hour of hard work and aimless wandering, the silouhette of the mysterious cabin finally gave way.

Upon swinging the wooden door open, we discovered a quaint, rustic cabin with a loft, matresses, a couch, stove, cast iron stove, and enough marshmallows to last us the week. We threw our gear and firewood to the ground, and excitedly explored the cabin and its beautiful surroundings.

That night we caught our first glimpse of the Northern Lights -- just one more reason to stay up late and explore. Alaska continues to surprise and amaze us.

Check out our photos: