nikkicfox asked:
Hey, am trying to plan an Alaska adventure (no cruises) with some friends of mine. They’re kinda cityish and soft, so no mountain climbing, backpacking in the wilds, etc. Thinking of stuff to do that’s outdoors for a week. Already am considering Denali for an option. Any ideas? THANKS!
Kevin, thanks for the wilderness lecture.. don’t really need it since I’m a seasoned outdoors woman… Just want some “lighter” trip suggestions.. thanks
on Jun 14th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
My uncle used to live in anchorage and one summer my dad and i went up to his house during king salmon season and we had a blast! There are always people out there fishing with you too, its not like being out in the middle of nowhere on some lake. Actually one river we fished on was going through the middle of town with restauraunts just a walk away. Standing on the bank of a river with a fish as big as you are on the end of your line with your best buds netting is the best alaskan vacation i could think of without braving the wild.
on Jun 15th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
You’d better have your ducks in a row!!!! People with no (or minimal) outdoor experience heading into the interior of Alaska need to have a very good plan. The bears alone will put most people on the alert, not to mention getting turned around and lost.
Then, you’ve got wolves and moose and insects galore.
I’ve got a brother who lives in Alaska, his wife works in the ER of the hospital in Anchorage and she deals with all sorts of things…including bear attacks!
My brother has had two bears attack him, both while he was hunting, he had to kill one to save his life. The second just bluffed, but you can never be sure. I’d find bear mace and everyone carry a can.
Everyone should carry a compass and a survival kit.
Make sure you bury all food not eaten, keep clean and make noise while your walking to alert bears to your presence.
I just talked to a guy at the sporting goods store I work at who lost a close friend to a bear attack while he was fishing.
I don’t want to scare you off of having a great trip, but you need to have someone be totally honest with you.
I am making my first trip to Alaska next year for 10 days to photograph and hunt caribou.
Have fun and use common sense!