I'm in the preliminary planning stages to spend three weeks in the Yukon area (Whitehorse will be base) in July/August this year. Suggested schedule will be about 5 days in Atlin, B.C. where we're staying in a cabin, probably just doing some day hikes, canoeing and kayaking, spend a couple of days in Dawson City attending music festival playing tourist, a week backpacking in Kluane, and then another 7 days or so kayaking, possibly in Alaska area. In between mini-trips will be staying in Whitehorse to repack/restock, that sort of thing. I'm at a loss as to where in Alaska/northern B.C. to kayak. We both haven't kayaked in this area so anywhere would be good. We're experienced campers/kayakers although I'd still like to play it fairly safe in terms of reducing any risks as there's just the two of us. It doesn't have to be sheltered -- after all, that would spoil the fun -- but would like areas where you have a choice to go when the wind blows hard and plenty of places to hike. Looking at Glacier Bay, I'm not so sure with all the cruise ships. To me, that seems to spoil it -- I don't know, maybe it isn't that bad but from preliminary searches through the net, it seems like it's a highway. Any suggestions on places for a seven day trip would be great. Would move probably every day, maybe one day in the same place, and paddle about six hours a day. No idea what kind of mileage we're looking at -- I guess it depends what you see and how much we dipsy doodle. Also, will be bringing one folding kayak and will be renting one other boat, either from Whitehorse or wherever we decide to go. It might be cheaper to rent from Whitehorse (Cdn. $) although I guess there's the logistics of boat travel and whether there's extra charges on the ferries. Also, in terms of logistics, where to put spare gear (do we stay in a B&B the night before and maybe they'll hold our gear when we get back), or do you just load the kayak fully loaded in Skagway and just jump off the ferry and start paddling? Looking forward to hearing suggestions. Thanks. wendy p.s. Besides normal camping practices, any suggestions for those grizzlies? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
>I'm at a loss as to where in Alaska/northern B.C. to kayak. Wendy I would suggest you read Guide to Seakayaking in Southeast Alaska by Jim Howard (the Globe Pequot press). With your time frame I would suggest catching the ferry out of skagway and heading to the Haines, Juneau or Hoonah . My preference would be Haines or Hoonah (Juneau is crowded for my tastes). The Hoonah area is known for whales. Glacier bay would be tight with your time frame as you would spend most of your time just getting there plus the bears of Glacier bay have become more and a problem for campers in recent years. I would suggest Sitka but it is a two day ferry ride from Skagway. > >Also, will be bringing one folding kayak and will be renting one other >boat, most rentals in ak are hardboats rather than foldables. Sitka has a shop that rents foldables but I do not know about whitehorse. Also, in terms of logistics, where to put spare gear (do we >stay in a B&B the night before and maybe they'll hold our gear when we >get back), or do you just load the kayak fully loaded in Skagway and just >jump off the ferry and start paddling? some B&B's will hold gear for you or you might want to check with a local Presbyterian Church (I am a Presbyterian Pastor and we have churches in most cities and villages in southeast Ak.) Most pastors or church folks will be glad to help and won't even try to pass you the collection plate >> >p.s. Besides normal camping practices, any suggestions for those >grizzlies yes, make sure you can run faster than your partner! >seriously the book has a good section on bears, but the forest service in Ak. can give you more detailed advice on avoiding bears and what to do if you encounter one. good luck Bob Sitka , alaska *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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