| Arctic National Wildlife Refuge-Hike & Raft the Lower Kongakut River |
| Date: |
06/19/10 |
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more info contact: |
303-422-3728 |
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| Leader Name: |
Bea Slingsby |
| Leader E-mail: |
beahive@comcast.net |
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| Sponsoring Group: |
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June 19-July 2, 2010
Cost $4,523.
This is a special opportunity to see a part of the world that is a true wilderness. Revel in the quiet and enjoy sightings of Dall sheep, grizzlies, wolves, Arctic fox, musk ox, thousands of migrating caribou, and nesting birds on the coastal plain that will make this trip an unforgettable experience. Expect to see Golden eagles, peregrine falcons, loons, owls, and jaegers. And there will be a vast array of wildflowers.
The Kongakut is a north-flowing river in the northeast corner of Alaska that empties into the Arctic Ocean. Our 10 day raft trip will start in the northernmost part of the Brooks Range known as the British Mountains. Paddling north on this clear river, we will enter a region of rugged and rounded foothills with excellent views of the Brooks Range to the south and the Arctic Ocean to the north. As we enter the Kongakut’s delta, we will pick our way through a maze of river braids to a massive freshwater ice field (aufeis), the gateway to the Arctic Ocean. While on the coast, we will explore old sod houses, tent rings, and relics from the whaling era. Here the tundra swans nest, along with other birds. Seals may be seen on the shore-fast pack ice.
We will have 3-4 layover days to explore this land of the midnight sun. On rafting days, we will travel from 6-8 hours, going ashore often to explore or watch wildlife. There will be free time every day. Fishing is good and any caught can be cooked by our guides.
The trip is limited to 6 CMC’ers plus our 2 guides with 2 rafts. Our guides have years of knowledge and experience in this place where "the wild" has not been taken out of the wilderness.
Price includes flights from Fairbanks to Arctic Village; bush plane flight to a gravel bar by the Kongakut; flights from the Arctic Ocean to Fairbanks; camp gear; wholesome, mostly organic meals, repair and safety equipment; all raft equipment including a life jacket, one medium-sized dry bag, and bear repellent spray per person.
Not included in the price is round trip air fare to Fairbanks, 3 nights lodging and meals in Fairbanks, sleeping bag, pad, tent, rubber boots, large waterproof dry bag, and tips. Rental equipment is available for a small fee. Estimated round trip airfare from Denver to Fairbanks is $750.
Temperatures vary in the Arctic in June. It can be 60-80 degrees many days, but when the wind comes from the north, it can drop to freezing. There may not be bugs, but we should be prepared anyway.
For further information and application, contact leader Bea Slingsby (this is her 4th trip to the refuge) at 303-422-3728, or by email at beahive@comcast.net. Or complete and send the form below and the leader will contact you.
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