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"Every day was an adventure but I would have to say mushing dog sleds and walking on a glacier were things that I never dreamed I would do . . . "
~ Dave & Kathy H. |
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Arrival: Plan to arrive in Alaska in time to begin your trip at 3:00 p.m. this afternoon.
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Day 1: Your Trip Leader will meet you at 3:00 p.m. in front of the Alaska Airlines Baggage Claim at the Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage. Travel to the locally-owned Hotel Captain Cook in downtown Anchorage for a little relaxation time before dinner. Tonight, get acquainted with other adventuresome group members as your guide walks you through the day-by-day details of the journey ahead, and enjoy a taste of authentic Alaskan cuisine during dinner. Overnight in Anchorage. (D)
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Day 2: After a leisurely breakfast this morning, travel south to Girdwood, the valley of seven glaciers. In Girdwood, we'll climb aboard helicopters and whisk away to Raven Glacier to experience the thrilling Alaskan sport of dog-mushing.
Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch after our glacier adventure. Following lunch, we'll travel to the coastal town of Seward. This afternoon, visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, a marine research facility specializing in Alaskan marine life rehabilitation. Watch puffins dive and "fly" underwater in the center's amazing two-story aquarium, as well as encountering other rehabilitated marine wildlife. This evening, enjoy time exploring this small seaside community's local shops or stroll along the marina, taking in the salt air and scenic mountain views. Dine at a local restaurant, and overnight at the comfortable Seward Saltwater Lodge.
(B, L, D)
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Day 3: In the Seward Harbor, we board a small boat for a tour of the mountains, glaciers, and maritime wildlife that make up Kenai Fjords National Park. These fjords have been carved over thousands of years by massive glaciers, a geological phenomena that we will witness as our boat floats safely at the face of a tidewater glacier waiting for large chunks of ice to fall or "calve" into the saltwater. Kenai Fjords National Park's waters are the summer home to a bounty of wildlife, including bird species who dwell in the cliffs above the waves, whales that swim the plankton rich waters storing food resources for their migration, and pods of Orcas in search of their next meal.
After the morning's introduction to this spectacular National Park by boat, we will more closely explore a sheltered area by sea kayak, a "no experience necessary" excursion that will take us up a slow moving stream to paddle our kayaks among blue icebergs that float in a small lake, all within in view of a glacier. Visually spectacular, this is sure to be a highlight for the group ~ don't forget your camera! After an excellent day at sea, we will embark on a short scenic drive to Kenai Riverside Lodge in Cooper Landing, where we will retire for the evening with a delicious dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)
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Day 4: Today's destination is the world famous turquoise-colored Kenai River, where you can choose from a full day of guided fishing or rafting. We will meet our river guides and enjoy a hearty breakfast while learning about the art of fly-fishing for Dolly Varden and Rainbow Trout. Test your newly acquired knowledge by attempting to reel a few fish to the surface. The rafters will enjoy a later breakfast and departure time on the river. Late afternoon, both groups will arrive, via their respective boats, at our remote Kenai Backcountry Lodge, centered in the heart of 2.2 million acres of wilderness and only accessible by boat. Settle into your cozy accommodations, then savor gourmet appetizers and dinner. (B, L, D)
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Day 5: Spend a full day exploring the remote wilderness of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Hike a secluded trail and travel through several fascinating ecological communities. At the top of the trail, explore the tundra and enjoy great views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. Or explore the lake by boat, stopping for scenic views and short walks. Return to the lodge in the afternoon and enjoy the wood-fired sauna or simply relax at the lodge. Depending on the weather, options for the evening may include an exploration of the lake by sturdy touring kayak or fireside natural history presentation by one of the lodge's guides. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge. (B, L, D)
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Day 6: After a leisurely morning soaking in the quiet beauty of wilderness, we'll cross Skilak Lake and travel by road to the quaint sea-coast village of Homer. Along the way, our guide will share cultural highlights of the area inspired from Russian Orthodox history. Once in Homer, board a truly Alaskan mode of transport via water taxi and boat across glacially fed Katchemak Bay to the artist community of Halibut Cove. Arrive to the newly crafted, Alaskan styled Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge, where you'll be welcomed with warm homecooked meals and Alaskan hospitality. Learn about our hosts' unique Alaska experiences, including their talents as some of the best oyster farmers in the state! (B, L, D)
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Day 7: Today, enjoy a full day of bear viewing inside Katmai National Park on a custom voyage by float plane. Take to the skies over the Land of 10,000 Smokes - where we'll enjoy great views of volcanoes (weather permitting) - and land in the heart of prime bear viewing habitat, near a river running with native salmon. You will be outfitted with hip boots for a short 1/2 mile hike to the bear viewing habitat and then can sit back and enjoy amazing bear viewing. Return to Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge tonight for a cozy meal and great conversation, recounting the days' adventures. (B, L, D)
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Day 8: Today we venture well off the beaten path and travel to our nation's largest National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias. After a short flight from Homer to Anchorage, we will travel by van through stunning wilderness, and then board small planes from the tiny town of Chitna to access the even smaller town of McCarthy. Our extended plane ride will include dramatic flightseeing of stunning glacial canyons in the Wrangell-St. Elias Mountains. Our ultimate destination is the small community of McCarthy, where we land on a gravel strip in view of a colossal glacier. Until recently McCarthy was only accessible by hand-tram across a raging river, but a pedestrian walkway allows us to visit this rustic and unusual town with a population of only 42 year-round residents. The community is surrounded by two different mountain ranges, and in the direct view of two cascading glaciers separated by a 6700-foot granite peak.
This evening, settle into your room at the renowned Kennicott Glacier Lodge, perched high above the icy blue Root Glacier. Each guest room has spectacular views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks. Tonight dine and overnight in the company of geology and history, right out your room's window. (B, L, D)
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Day 9: Spend a full day in the McCarthy-Kennicott area taking in the sites and activities. The towns are nostalgic, and make it easy to imagine what life was like in a small bush community at the turn of the century. Late morning we will strap on crampons and take an easy walk over the blue ice of the Root Glacier. Our guides explain glacial natural history as we walk amidst unusual formations of ice and snow, and safely gaze down crevasses flowing with deep blue streams and pools of water. This afternoon, enjoy a visit of Alaska's largest ghost town on a private tour of a 14 story gold mill built in 1900. Dinner and overnight at the Kennicott Glacier Lodge. (B, L, D)
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Day 10: After a hearty breakfast, say your goodbye to Kennicott and wander down the road to the historical town of McCarthy. Local naturalists lead us on a short morning stroll. Then transfer by small bush plane to Chitna and continue on a scenic drive over the stunning and scenic Thompson Pass. Once over the pass, we'll suit up in gear and continue our wilderness journey to Valdez by raft along the beautiful Lowe River. Class III rapids carry us through dramatic Keystone Canyon, world renowned for its ice-climbing waterfalls in the wintertime. Once through the canyon, meet your guide and check into our waterfront hotel to relax and unwind before a farewell dinner. (B, L, D)
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Day 11 & Departure: On the final day of the Alaska Life List Adventure, join your Trip Leader at a local bakery for an Alaskan breakfast. Take a walk around the Valdez harbor and shops before heading out for one last up close glacier experience; today's destination is Valdez glacier, where ice caves and other spectacular features provide excellent photographic opportunities. Paddle near the glacier for closer views aboard sturdy inflatable kayaks. Conclude your adventure with a scenic flight overlooking the extensive Chugach Mountain range en route back to Anchorage. Once in Anchorage continue exploring Alaska on your own or connect with flights home. Your Trip Leader will bid you a fond farewell as you embark on your next adventure. You will arrive at the Anchorage International Airport late evening. If you are flying home this day, we suggest that you book your flights after 10:00 p.m. in case of possible travel delays. (B,D)
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Note: We do not expect any major changes from this schedule. However, in the spirit of adventure, we allow our itinerary to remain flexible so that we may take advantage of spontaneous events.
Trip Price: Prices are in U.S. dollars, per person, double occupancy, plus tax. For solo occupancy, add 50% to cost of double. Trip price includes pick-up and return transportation to Anchorage, best of gear and equipment, activities as noted in the detailed itinerary, meals as noted above in detailed itinerary, lodging, and in state flights as noted, full guide services during your entire stay. Trip price does not include Borough tax, beer, wine, or liquor, or gratuities to staff.
There is a maximum of only 8 guests on this special departure; this trip is for folks in average physical condition. Participants should be comfortable traveling in small aircraft, trail hiking 3 - 4 hours steady with short breaks, and rafting class III rapids.
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* Aug 27 to Sep 06
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adult $6,995
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Check back in August for 2009 Alaska Wildland Adventures' updates! |
* Dates in red are sold out at this time. Please call us to learn about comparable trips, custom options, or to be placed on wait list. |
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