Note: This same information is available as part of the PDF file following the Detailed Itinerary

Accessibility/Fitness

This is in great part a wilderness trip and while no particular skills are needed for any portion, a prerequisite for personal enjoyment as well as the ability of the group as a whole to proceed without hindrance, is a moderate level of physical conditioning; this does not mean brute strength or endurance but simply the ability to sit in a canoe or kayak (of which you will have a choice) for up to two hours at once, or sleep in a tent for three consecutive nights with no established toilet facilities. A suggested minimum level of conditioning would be a couple of hours of steady walking a day in the weeks before the trip.

Clothing/Equipment

While all group equipment is provided, this is an outdoor trip and personal gear should be chosen carefully (see enclosed list). The weather we might encounter could range from temperatures in the low thirties to the upper eighties, with rain of course always a possibility. This variety would suggest being prepared for the coldest to ensure comfort at all times, with multiple layers of versatile clothing the best approach.

Clothing

Three to four changes of lightweight clothing are recommended (laundry facilities available) which can be layered on cooler evenings. For outerwear, a sweater or pullover is perfect with the best being made of polypropylene pile, accompanied by a light jacket or vest. A high quality two piece rainsuit (discount house disposable variety is not acceptable) is necessary and can also be used as a windbreaker or outer shell and should include a hood or else a rain hat. A hat is also ideal for the sun, with some also preferring an additional light stocking cap and gloves for the river. Footwear should be lightweight, comfortable and suitable for hiking. Knee high rubber boots will be issued in Eagle for the river portion, but some folks prefer to bring aqua socks or "Teva" sandals as well. A small bath towel is also useful in Eagle and in camp.

Sleeping Bag

Should be comfortable to thirty degrees to ensure warmth if it gets damp and must be lightweight and compact, with synthetic fill, mummy styles recommended. (NOTE: Clean, appropriate sleeping bags can also be rented from Adventure Alaska for a fee of $30 for the trip --please indicate in advance if needed)

A very comfortable full-length sleeping pad is provided, that with another gizmo, doubles as a wonderful camp seat. A small waterbottle for drinking is also recommended.

Luggage

Suitcases: Will be fine for travel to and from Anchorage but gear will need to be transferred to dry sacks (provided) for the actual trip; recommended to pack small items in separately labeled bags to keep everything organized and easily accessible. Total amount of personal gear for the trip including sleeping bag, should not exceed fifty pounds or fill more than approximately four standard grocery sacks (five cubic feet); suitcases, extra clothing, etc., can usually be stored in Anchorage during the trip. Packing: Waterproof nylon dry sacks are distributed upon arrival that serve as your "luggage" during the trip. Though it might take a little getting used to, we have found this system to work best throughout the trip. Space is at a premium in the vehicle, and extremely so in the boats, so please pack accordingly --what won't fit in the allotted sacks won't be able to go. A small day pack is recommended for hiking and keeping items such as camera and binoculars handy in the van.

Accommodations/Meals

Accommodations: Include a bed & breakfast and log cabins, as well as five nights camping. The bed & breakfast and Eagle cabins are set up for double occupancy with either shared baths or a central log bath house. Backcountry camps will be with two persons to a tent designed for three. Meals: Some of the meals will be in established facilities with a standard variety of dishes available. While in camp, due to the nature of wilderness travel, choice will often be limited to a single entree with choice of side dishes. We make no pretense toward gourmet cuisine, though all is hearty and cookbook-worthy! Special dietary needs cannot always be met, so let us know if you have any special or medical dietary restrictions and we'll be happy to discuss the options. Alcohol is not included.

Legal Requirements

Passport: Beginning in 2008, all US citizens crossing into Canada and returning, are required to have a valid passport. European travelers (France, Germany, Britain) no longer need a visa if planning to stay less than 90 days but do need a passport valid for at least six months beyond the trip's ending date as well as be able to produce proof of a return ticket to home country and sufficient funds for a possible planned stay beyond the trip's end. Minor children must have a birth certificate, and written notarized parental permission, if one parent is absent.

Insurance

Health: Adventure Alaska cannot require participants to provide proof of insurance but it is more than strongly recommended to retain and review your personal policy; NOTE: Adventure Alaska cannot be expected to and will not assume payment liability for medical care or treatment of any kind.

Traveler's: It is likewise strongly urged to carry traveler's insurance in case you have to cancel or cut short your trip for any reason; lose your luggage, etc., --contact your travel agent for details.

Money

Though most everything is included in the overall price, money for souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, etc., should be either in cash or in traveler's checks in dollars. While credit cards are of course a traveler's best friend, and are accepted in almost all larger towns, they are often of limited use in the more remote destinations.

Pre/Post-Trip Lodging

Many types are available in Anchorage as are independent extensions after the trip. Facilities fill up very early during the summer season, so please advise us well in advance of your needs so that we are able to guarantee suitable accommodations.

Emergency Contact

A trip list of the individual accommodation addresses and emergency phone numbers with the specific dates when you will be there is sent prior to trip departure. Due to the remote nature of this trip, the best way to be reached for emergencies is through the Adventure Alaska office in Hope.

Suggested Reading

The Far North is a story teller's dream of history, wildness, and people. Each client's appreciation will be immeasurably heightened by gaining some background beforehand of Alaska and the areas of our travels through these books and others. (You can also see if you can stump the guide!) A free catalog of these books and many others is available from: Alaska Natural History Association 605 W. 4th Ave. Ste. 105 Anchorage, AK 99501   telephone: (907) 274-8440

"Discover Alaska" Alaska Northwest Books
"Alaska's Magnificent Parklands" Alaska Geographic
"Alaska's History" Harry Ray Ritter, Jr.
"Alaska's Native People" Alaska Geographic
"The Yukon" Alaska Geographic
"Klondike Fever" Pierre Berton

Disclaimers

Adventure Alaska reserves the right to make changes to any itinerary based on external factors or safety concerns.  Costs of associated services caused by weather or factors beyond our control will be the responsibility of our guests.  Cancellations or changes by individual service providers will not necessarily result in refunds for promised services.  We also refuse the right to refuse or discontinue service to anyone. As travel and Life in general are not inherently risk-free, guests will be required to fill out a medical form and waiver prior to participation.  Enough of the legal stuff...we do look forward to you joining us!