Sunday, December 2, 2007

Weekend's Business Holiday: Alaskan Travels and Adventures




Alaska's interior is a vast region which contains some of the state's most impressive natural wonders. The mighty Yukon, Alaska's longest river, flows 1,875 miles from the historic Klondike to the Bering Sea and courses through the middle of the region.

Located in Denali National Park and Preserve, majestic Mount McKinley's 20,320-foot peak dominates the region's southern landscape. The 6-million-acre national park contains North America's largest mountain, along witn 37 species of animals and 155 species of birds. The George Parks Highway and the Alaska Railroad link Fairbanks with Denali National Park and Anchorage.

The aurora borealis or "northern lights" may be seen from late August through April. Alaska natives believed they saw the souls of their ancestors in these shimmering bands of lights. Turn of the century gold rush prospectors believed the colors were rising fro the Mother Lode.

Mystical and unpredictable, these sheets of light inspire lasting Alaska memories. Along with the aurora borealis, the nearby bubbling mineral waters at Manley, Circle, and Chena hot springs are enjoyed by visitors year round. Winter brings many visitors to these locations where they can enjoy the springs, the aurora borealis, as well as x-c skiing, snowmachining, dog sledding and a host of other adventures. Where else could one find such a wonderful combination of wintertime activities.

Sea Kayaking

Sea-kayaking is an excellent way to travel in Alaska.

Visitors use top-quality fiberglass boats that are beginner-friendly. No experience is needed for our kayak trips although experienced paddlers will also enjoy logistical support and "local knowledge".

Most of the trips get on the water in Whittier, about 45 miles south of Anchorage. From here they explore the relatively protected waters of western Prince William Sound; rainforests, waterfalls, glaciers, ice bergs and a huge variety of marine life.

Some trips involve use of a "water taxi" to greatly extend the range and get them to some of the most spectacular areas.

Each night they camp either in the rainforest or on a beach. Since kayaks are so good at carrying big loads, they enjoy a comfortable camp and great meals.

While Prince William Sound is somewhat protected from huge ocean storms, seas can sometimes be quite rough. Kayaking is a very weather-dependent sport. They minimize risks by planning to paddle when seas and winds are favorable...the key to kayaking is knowing when to stay on the beach!

Glacier Trekking

Walk on a glacier!

Here's your chance to get out and actually walk on the blue ice of a spectacular Alaska glacier. You'll use mountaineering crampons to explore the stunning ice formations, get some great photos and learn about the natural history of the area carved by glaciers.

The Matanuska Glacier is perhaps the most accessible in Alaska, in fact we can drive right up to it and be on the blue ice in about 15 minutes of easy hiking. This 26-mile long river of ice provides you the opportunity to really see a glacier up close, as opposed to just viewing it from a boat, plane or highway!

Ice Climbing

Learn the art and skill of ice climbing on a glacier in Alaska.

The spectacular Matanuska Glacier is a perfect place for an introduction to this fun and challenging sport, in the warm comfort of summer!

You'll start out learning the basics and by the end of the day will be climbing towering walls of ice. One of the most popular activities and a truly unique Alaskan summer adventure. No experience is needed; step-by-step approach by the guides will have you climbing in no time.

They provide mountaineering boots, crampons and all the technical gear required. On the glacier, they have a variety of routes with a level of challenge and difficulty for just about everyone.

In addition to learning climbing skills, you'll also have plenty of time to explore the glacier and it's amazing ice formations. Great photo opportunities!

Backpacking and Hiking

Hiking into the remote, mountainous areas of Alaska for several days with everything you need in your backpack can be the most rewarding, and most challenging part of an Exposure trip.

With stunning scenery far from roads and the crowds of people in buses and RVs, packing in is an excellent opportunity to enjoy some of the "real" Alaska. Wake up to a spectacular view enjoyed over a steaming cup of coffee. Look for wildlife out in their neighborhood. Cross glaciers and rivers. Climb mountains.

The rewards are many but must be earned. Even if you're in pretty good shape, carrying a 40-60 pound pack uphill uses muscles in ways they may not be used much back home. Most people feel it at the end of the day.

Since most of the areas you go are mountainous, backpacking in Alaska very often involves some mountaineering skills, you could be trekking across glaciers or camping in the snow at any time of year! Trails vary from well-maintained to non-existent, often established but in very poor condition in some places. You can almost always expect wet feet; from muddy trails, snowfields, or river crossings.

Campsites are usually undeveloped with no facilities. You carry everything you need in, and carry almost everything out when you leave.

Rafting

From mild to wild, there’s an Alaska river for just about everyone.

Enjoy a float trip looking for wildlife and enjoying the spectacular scenery, rivers are a great way to travel.

Or gear up in a dry suit and get ready for a wet and thrilling ride through some of the most exciting whitewater in the country. Rafting is included in many of the scheduled trips on the Matanuska River, the Nenana near Denali National Park or exciting Six Mile Creek on the Kenai Peninsula.

You can also include a half day or several days on a river as part of your custom adventure. A “fish and float” trip is great for families or anyone wanting to do some fishing and get away from it all.

The Matanuska and Nenana are great introductions to whitewater rafting; fast, cold, splashy and a lot of fun.

Six Mile Creek is one of the most exciting rivers around and not for the faint of heart. A practice swim is required before taking on this adventure and you should be ready to paddle hard.

Fishing

Sure you've heard about the great fishing up here..

And it’s an excellent option to add to your exclusive custom trip. Fly in to a local hot spot with a professional fishing guide for your best chances of catching those trophy salmon you’ve seen only in photos.

Spend a day on a charter boat trying your luck against huge Halibut, some weighing hundreds of pounds. You take a jet boat upstream with a professional guide, spending a day fishing for salmon. Camp for a couple of nights at a beautiful spot on the river then enjoy a raft trip back to town.

If you just want to casually try your luck during your custom trip, the guides can probably “hook you up” with some gear but if you really want to have the best chance of success, they should plan some time with a professional fishing guide or charter service that specializes in the sport.

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