Re: [Paddlewise] Alaska & BC planning

From: Bob Carter <revkayak_at_aptalaska.net>
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:33:27 -0900
Paul,
     Just a couple  quick comments. If you have 28 days I would suggest 
boarding the ferry in Bellingham and heading North.     It is a good way to 
acclimate to the climate and the scenery. Several of the places the ferry 
stops are good places to begin a trip.
    I would recommend Petersburg (my home) where you are a two day paddle 
away from the LeConte Glacier the southern most tidewater glacier in the 
Northern hemisphere. The LeConte is activiely calving tons of ice bergs 
every day and there are a couple real nice campsites in the fjord itself. 
Also you can paddle north of here into the whale feeding grounds of Fredrick 
Sound. (I will gladly serve as host if you come here. )
    Sitka can be the start of  grand paddle on the outside waters or if the 
weather is rough an equally enjoy able paddle through some mostly protected 
inland waterways.
    In Juneau of course you can get a water taxi to Glacier Bay. I would 
recommend being dropped off well up in the Bay. The problem with Glacier Bay 
is the bears. If a bear causes a problem with campers they shut down that 
camp site so when you get to the park headquarters you might have to change 
your paddling plans. Also your food must be in bear proof containers which 
do not fit well in a lot of kayaks.
    Skagway and Haines are good spots to begin a drive but as far as 
kayaking there are better choices.
    My suggestion would be to use the Ferry to get you to different places 
so you can paddle in a variety of settings.
I have trip report from several of these places so as you put your plans 
together let me know if any of them would help.

Bob 
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Received on Thu Dec 17 2009 - 12:33:39 PST

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