How to Train for a Backpacking Trip Backpacking is an extremely rewarding experience, but it is also a very physically demanding one. No matter how ultra-lightweight your pack is, your body still needs to be able to handle hiking long days, gaining elevation, and enduring the elements. The miles won’t hike themselves. Being physically prepared is key in order to make the most out [...]
Sleeping on a Glacier An Ice Climbers Dream Sleeping on a glacier is a fabled experience for many. I have been lucky enough to go on two overnight glacier trips in less than a week. When thinking about spending the night on the glacier, one's mind would immediately think about how cold and wet the experience might be. Working with a long time local [...]
Backpacking in the Rain Some of my very best and very worst backpacking memories have been in rainy weather. The difference between them: preparation. If you’re backpacking in Alaska it's wise to assume you will encounter rain regardless of forecasts. Be Prepared In preparation for your trip it’s important to pack wisely, and learn about responding to rain in the backcountry. These two elements [...]
Anchorage Ice Climbing Road Trip Anchorage is a hub for adventure. This capital is a place to touch down and gain access to a variety of recreation and exploration. Almost every road and dirt path way is lined with a few gems to add to any experience. An Anchorage ice climbing road trip is no different. This quick journey from metropolis to valley glacier [...]
Experiencing a Glacier by Helicopter Drop-Off It is a blue bird day, in other words, there is not a cloud in sight. One of the benefits of being on the interior of Alaska is a warmer and dryer landscape. This creates perfect windows of opportunity to have crystal clear views of the intricate layers that make up the Mat-Su Valley. Not only that, but [...]
Camping in Alaska The camping options you have at your finger tips span far and wide in Alaska. Maybe you want to go full force into the raw elements and cowboy camp under the stars and out in the open. On the other hand, you might need a break to relax into the creature comforts and recharge on your trip with showers and warm [...]
Otters in Prince William Sound The Prince William Sound is known for it's easy access to paramount coastal views. A thriving ecosystem resides in this Alaskan inlet. This includes an abundance of wildlife sightings. Exposure Alaska loves to make use of the easy water access and explore these coast lines by sea kayak. One of the benefits of cruising in a kayak is getting [...]
Alaska Glacier Climbing Experience We walk one by one in a single file line. Each of our steps is deliberate and sets firmly. The morning sun softens the ice, simultaneously providing good grip for our feet. A crunching chorus follows along with our group of four. Beneath us the ice is white and we chase the blue crevasse lines in the distance. We have [...]
Kayaking with Whales It is early June and the air in the morning still holds a sharp chill. There is a cloudy mist that halos the illusive sun and cloaks everything in sight. The waves roll in over the ocean-rounded stones that edge the shore. It sounds as if the beach is breathing with every wave. The tide is coming in. We move quickly [...]
Alpine Views An Early Morning Start The van is parked, engine still hot from the ride through the mountains. We are at the backside of Hatcher Pass, at the feet of the Talkeetna range. Beyond the historic center where gold mining once thrived and far past the day hikers routes is where we start to assemble ourselves. The sun rise was bright [...]
