EXTRAORDINARY ALASKA
August 13-23, 2008

In a world where the treasures of wildlife and wild places are dwindling, Alaska remains a wilderness jewel. More than any place in North America, it retains its wild character and ecological integrity, making a visit here simply a “must do” experience. The grandeur of the scenery alone is worth the trip; we also focus on history and finding the wildlife, which is abundant and intriguing as well. It’s the best time to see Grizzly Bear and Caribou in Denali, and by now, in a typical year, the mosquitoes are greatly diminished or GONE! August offers a display of late-blooming wildflowers, ripe abundant berry crops, and brilliant color that starts to decorate the tundra.

A sampler of Alaska’s magnificent scenery would not be complete without a boat trip into the Gulf of Alaska from Seward. From our comfortable boat, we look for close encounters with Humpback Whales, large groups of Orca, dolphins, and the increasingly rare Steller’s Sea Lion. Our route takes us past several large glaciers in Resurrection Bay, then travels through the rich waters of the Chiswell Islands where seabirds such as Tufted and Horned Puffins, Thick-billed and Common Murres, Black-legged Kittiwake, and Red-faced Cormorant nest in the long days of summer. We enter Northwestern Fjord, one of the most spectacular of the Kenai Fjords National Park. At its head, we stop the boat very close to the calving glacier, taking in its magnificent beauty and myriad sounds of ice falling.

We feature four nights at the renowned Denali North Face Lodge, a naturalist’s paradise with views of Mt. McKinley possible on clear days from the porch. The proprietors’ commitment to fine food, great hikes, local expertise, and conservation in the region provides many of the highlights of our stay.

Join us to explore in depth Kenai Fjords and Denali National Parks, and scenic areas near Anchorage and Fairbanks.

ITINERARY

Wed., Aug. 13 Arrival in Anchorage
Arrive today in Anchorage, Alaska. As the plane comes in over Cook Inlet, watch for possible pods of Beluga Whale below – if you can take your eyes off the snow-covered peaks on the west side of the bay, or the verdant Chugach Mountains that give a dramatic background to Anchorage, Alaska’s vibrant most populous city. Those that arrive by 2:00 p.m. can join a walk along Cooke Inlet, on a hike-and-bike trail that gives wonderful views. On mudflats we may see hoards of gulls, terns and sandpipers feeding, and in marshy areas where freshwater rivers enter, we may find migrating Sandhill Cranes. We start the walk right from our hotel, a cozy bed and breakfast conveniently located near the downtown area.
Accommodations at the Copper Whale, Anchorage.

Thurs. Aug. 14 Scenic drive to Seward
This morning we offer a visit to the Anchorage Museum, where excellent displays on history and natural history provide a perfect introduction for our journey. We then drive south to Seward, stopping for photography, a 2-3 hour hike in Chugach State Park and sightseeing along the way. Driving the scenic route around Cook Inlet, we scan the rugged slopes for signs of Dall Sheep and Moose. On our hike into the mountains, we walk through stands of blooming fireweed, and willows turning gold as the days grow shorter. Views of the mountains are spectacular and we listen for Golden-crowned Sparrow, Bohemian Waxwing, and Common Redpoll. After a picnic lunch on the trail, our drive then takes us through the scenic Kenai Mountains south to Seward, located on spectacular Resurrection Bay.

Enjoy fresh seafood or steaks tonight at Ray’s, located on the waterfront – our favorite restaurant in Alaska! We selected accommodations at the Breeze Inn for its nearby location on the small boat harbor. It’s fun to wander after dinner, watch the halibut harvest come in, marvel at the many boats, and look for Sea Otter often just off the docks!
Accommodations at Breeze Inn, Seward, AK. (B,L,D) www.breezeinn.com

Fri., Aug. 15 Kenai Fjords National Park / Chiswell Islands
Glide into the realm of glaciers on an all-day boat trip in Kenai Fjords National Park. In the incredible Chiswell Islands, we watch thousands of post-breeding seabirds, including Tufted and Horned Puffins, Black-legged Kittiwakes, Red-faced Cormorants, and Marbled, Ancient and Kittlitz’s Murrelets. Marine mammals may include Steller’s Sea Lions, Sea Otter, Orca, Dall’s Porpoise, and Humpback Whale. Humpbacks are fairly numerous here; with luck we may witness them breeching or feeding. Often we find mothers with fast-growing calves. On one journey we encountered a Black Bear, swimming across the mouth of Northwestern Fjord! Once inside the fjord, navigating among immense chunks of ice, with glaciers towering behind, is an unforgettable experience. Several waterfalls flow into the fjord; in one intimate cove we often find Mountain Goats on the hillside. Back in Seward, choose from the restaurant of your choice, either along the waterfront or in the historic district.
Accommodations at the Breeze Inn, Seward. (CB, L – both on the boat)

Sat., Aug. 16 Anchorage / Flight to Fairbanks / Museum / Visit to a Dog Musher’s Kennels and Home
We have a 60-mile drive back to Anchorage, stopping along the way at Potter’s Marsh to look at spawning salmon, and hopefully to find the Bald Eagles that have been nesting there for years. Views of the Chugach Mountains are tremendous as well. We catch a late-morning or mid-day flight to Fairbanks, and if it is a clear day, we should have fine views of Mt. McKinley.

Arriving in Fairbanks, we have time to visit the University of Alaska’s impressive museum, which features exhibits on every aspect of the Arctic – natural and cultural, past and present. The adjacent Arctic Botanic Gardens is fascinating as well, and it’s an easy walk from the museum. After settling into our accommodations, we venture out after an early supper to spend the evening at the home of a local dog musher. We think you’ll be enchanted by Mary Shield’s tales of the trail, her dogs, and the delightful setting of her Alaskan log home.
Accommodations in River’s Edge Resort, Fairbanks (B,L,D)

Sun., Aug. 17 Fairbanks / Chena Hot Springs
Fairbanks is surrounded by boreal forest, and today we explore a wonderful trail with fascinating geologic features at the Chena Hot Springs State Recreation Area. Here, a moderate 3.5 mile loop trail lets us visit Angel Rocks, where an intrusion of granite has weathered into fanciful forms. We’ll take a picnic lunch on the trail, then soothe our muscles in one of the most natural, delightful hot springs you can imagine! Natural pools connect to each other, letting you soak, swim and enjoy. En route back to our lodgings, we stop at the Alaskan pipeline, an engineering feat that ends here in Fairbanks. This evening you can relax at a riverfront restaurant at your leisure.
Accommodations in. River’s Edge Resort, Fairbanks (L, D)

Mon., Aug. 18 Train to Denali / Denali National Park / North Face Lodge
This morning, we board the train for Denali National Park, arriving mid-day at the Denali station. We pass the shipping yards at Fairbanks and several small towns en route, as well as grand expanses of boreal forest, ponds where we may spot Moose, Canada Geese or Trumpeter Swans. Enjoy an early lunch aboard the train, or catch a quick sandwich at the station or at the small café adjacent to the Denali National Park Visitor’s Center on arrival. Now a new phase of our adventure begins: a 90-mile incredibly scenic journey through the heart of Denali National Park over dirt roads and through high-mountain passes, surrounded throughout by incredible scenery.

We stop frequently to see wildlife: Grizzly Bear, Moose, Dall Sheep, Caribou, Gyrfalcon, and Hawk Owl are all possibilities. We hope for excellent views of Denali (Mt. McKinley). En route, we take advantage of the long daylight hours to enjoy a fine picnic dinner featuring Alaska’s specialty foods and prepared by our naturalists from North Face Lodge. Once at the lodge, we settle in and have a brief orientation over tea, coffee, and some scrumptious dessert.
Accommodations at the North Face Lodge, Denali National Park, AK. (D)
(See sidebar on North Face Lodge)

Tues., Aug. 19 – Thurs., Aug. 21 Denali National Park / North Face Lodge
Our next three days are spent in Denali National Park, days that have been the highlight for many on our Alaska trips. Each morning, expert naturalists from North Face Lodge offer a variety of hikes in tundra and forest habitats. These are described in detail at breakfast, and you can select from an easy paced “naturalist foray,” or either a moderate or strenuous hike that often follows ridgelines or riverine routes in Denali National Park.

Each outing is unique. While learning about fascinating aspects of tundra ecology, geology, and more, we check tundra ponds for ducks and geese and berry-rich hillsides for bear. This is the best time of year to see Moose, Caribou, and Grizzly Bear. In addition to the large mammals, we may encounter Hoary Marmot, Pine Marten, Rock and Willow Ptarmigan, a variety of songbirds, and a wonderful mix of tundra wildflowers. You can hike as much or as little as you wish. The lodge offers an on-site learning lab and library, as well as trails just outside the door. Evening programs given by the lodge staff, or visiting guest speakers, focus on Denali’s natural and cultural history.
Accommodations at North Face Lodge, Denali National Park. (B,L,D, all days)

Fri., Aug 22 Denali National Park / Train to Anchorage / Farewell Dinner on the Train
On Friday, we drive back through the park and return to Anchorage by train. Even on the trip out of the park we are alert for views of wildlife, and the drivers schedule time for viewing stops.

We return to the train station mid-day and catch the train to Anchorage. This is long trip, about eight hours. It can be quite restful after all the stimulation – time to write in your journal, catch up on those postcards, or simply visit with friends and watch the scenery go by. We prefer it to a drive, as you can get up and walk about, or watch for Moose and Tundra Swan from the dome car. After all of your feasting at North Face Lodge you may want a simple sandwich from the station, or wait and have a lingering lunch on the train. We celebrate our final dinner with a bit of old-style elegance in the dining car.
Accommodations at the Copper Whale Hotel, Anchorage, AK. (B,D)

Sat., Aug 23 Departures / Optional Trip to Anchorage Museum and Downtown
Anchorage is a fascinating city, and we encourage you to stay on and explore. If you must leave in the morning by all means do so as the local Saturday Market is just outside your door. You might also enjoy a great walk along the waterfront, with views of Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains, before your flight home. You may leave at your convenience today.

NORTH FACE LODGE, DENALI NATIONAL PARK

Over 50 years ago, people with vision and a true love of the wilderness had the foresight to establish Camp Denali in one of the most pristine areas adjacent to Denali National Park. Since 1975, the Cole family has extended this vision, adding North Face Lodge and managing both properties with an impressive commitment to both conservation and quality of experience. With the expansion of Denali National Park and Preserve in 1980, this owner-operated facility now sits in the center of the most scenic and wild portion of Denali National Park. Guided hikes and programs conducted by expert naturalists, with a keen focus on geology and natural history, are the key to providing far more than just a backcountry stay. Combine unparalleled views of Mt. McKinley with an unparalleled educational and wildlife viewing opportunity and you have the North Face/Camp Denali experience. With all this to their credit, they also provide incredible service, delicious meals with fresh foods from their own greenhouse and gardens, and well-appointed comfortable rooms with private bath at the Lodge. Canoes and bikes are available, as is optional flight seeing (additional cost). The location, facilities, and programs are unique, and Naturalist Journeys is proud to offer this location as part of our EXTRAORDINARY ALASKA itinerary.

COST OF JOURNEY Cost of the journey is $4,495.00 from Anchorage, based on double occupancy. This cost includes all accommodations, meals as specified in the itinerary, professional guide services, the flight from ANCHORAGE to FAIRBANKS, train tickets (Fairbanks/Denali and Denali/Anchorage), all-day boat tour in Kenai Fjords National Park, other park and program entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses. Single supplement (as available) is $TBD if including North Face Lodge (limited availability), or $TBD for other locations if sharing at North Face Lodge. Tour cost does not include: round-trip transportation from your home city to Anchorage; local airport transfers as we arrive at different times making taxi service a better option, optional activities such as “flight-seeing” in Denali, or items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone charges, maid gratuities, or beverages from the bar. Cost is based on a minimum of 8 persons; with fewer than 8 traveling, we may charge a small group surcharge (typically $100-$300). TRANSPORTATION Many airlines serve Anchorage, AK. You’re likely to find better fares the earlier you can book your travel – summer is popular in the North Country! You may wish to arrive early to rest up from your travels and see a bit of the city. You may depart Anchorage at your leisure on August 23. If you elect to take the red-eye flight home (several leave Anchorage around mid-night or slightly afterwards) you may do that early the morning of Aug. 22, transferring to the airport from the train station), or the following day. Remember you have left Denali that morning, so leaving that very night would be a LONG day! Photo Credits Dall Sheep, Dave Utterback; Tufted Puffin, Greg Smith; Common Loons, Bud Ferguson; North Face Lodge photo, NFL; all other photos by Peg Abbott.

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