Rafting the Wilds of Alaska

We have all dreamed about grabbing that raft or kayak and heading straight in to the wilds of Alaska and ‘Bear Country.’  Alright, maybe not all of us.  There has been a time or two when the thought has crossed my own mind.  Many of us still look to Alaska as being one of the most wild and untouched places in the world.  Moose, Bear, an occasional Penguin.  Ok, Penguins aren’t from Alaska, but they always add a bit of ‘cuteness’ to a story.  Can’t blame a guy for trying…

Jeff Varvil, who writes a monthly column for Water and Woods Magazine, shows us how easy it is to just get out there and try our hands at rafting the wild rivers of Alaska.  He takes us from where to go, to price and equipment involved.  Most of this costs as little as $60 a day for raft rental, but what is sixty bucks when your in the wilds of Alaska?

Jeff highlights a few of the more popular short rafting routes.  Those suitable for a nice day trip, but he also warns that the rivers of Alaska are as diverse as you could want.  They go from lazy crawls to wild class IV and V rapids.  For the latter, you would definitely need some experience and training, along with some kind of knowledge of survival skills.  It wouldn’t hurt to know how to swim either.

This is definitely a cool read and offers up some great information if you have ever thought about heading into the wilds of Alaska.  I have personally never been, but a friend of mine recently mentioned that his family owns a Bed & Breakfast up that way.  May have to try to pull some strings in the near future–

If you do decide to head to Alaska for a jaunt on the rivers, be sure to keep your eyes peeled.  You never know when that rare penguin might make an appearance..

Idita Trail Invitational 2008: Day 1 Update

The 2008 Iditarod Trail Invitational has kicked off.  I made a post about this yesterday, as far as what the race is about and so-forth–Click here.

The weather this morning began around 10 degrees, but soon warmed up to a sweltering 27 by the start of the race.  Over 45 bikers, skiers and trekkers began what is definately the beginnings of a long journey.

Dan McDonough, who has taken over for Bill Merchant as the official race reporter (Bill is actually racing now.) has brought us a brief update on both, a few things to keep our eyes open for during this 1,100 mile race to Nome, Alaska, as well as gave us a look at what the start of the 2008 Iditarod Trail Invitational was like.

As far as story lines go, here is what Dan had to say:

There are many great stories taking place this year. Kathi is trying to become the first woman to get to Nome, Pete Basinger almost made it to Mcgrath in under 3 days (last year), 19 people are signed up to go to Nome. I hope everyone enjoys following the race!

Dan will be bringing us updates as he gets them from other teams along the trail.  A nice leaderboard and relevent news related to the race can be accessed by clicking the “Idita Trail” banner in the upper left of this screen.

As for the beginning of the 2008 Idita Trail Invitational:

45 racers left Knik lake under blue skies with a temperature of 27 degrees farenheight. The trail was hard and looked very fast with the possibility of some ice across the dismal swamp. There are several ways to get to Flathorn lake from the start and the veterans promptly started for some of these “shortcuts” leaving the rookies to wonder if they should follow or stick to the main trail. I will try to download all the pictures of the start and anticipate hearing from the first checkpoint Yentna Station sometime this evening.

Dan left this update at 4:30 pm, just as the race had kicked off.  As you will note by his comments, we are still awaiting a late update, from the first checkpoint, sometime this evening.  Let’s hope all is going well and that everyone is safe.  

If there is an update later on tonight, I will make an update to this post–so keep your eyes out.

The Iditarod Trail Invitational Begins Saturday!

For all of you hardcore outdoor athletes (alot more hardcore than I) perhaps you will take an interest in this next item.  The great BikingBis Blog has reminded us that the Iditarod Trail Invitational Begins Sunday. 

This event is billed as “The World’s Longest Human Powered Winter Race,” and covers an area of over 1,100 miles in length.  There will actually be two seperate races taking place at the same time.  The short route–which covers the 350 mile length of the course..then the ultra-long 1,100 mile route, both following the famed Iditarod Dog-Sled route.  The race begins in Knik, Alaska then makes it’s way to Nome, Alaska with the first race stopping in McGrath.

There is a limit of only 50 participants in this season’s race–with 49 of those spots already being filled. 

From BikingBis:

 Of the 46 entrants, 12 are going by bicycle to McGrath and 10 are riding their bikes to Nome. The rest are hiking or skiing.

As you can see, you have a choice of what and how you will be participating.

This a bike from one of the participants taking part in this snow marathon.  The bike belongs to Bill Merchant, who will be trying to make his way to Nome, Alaska. 

Here is his latest report from his blog found HERE:

After having all the race business taken care of, we are ready to get to the starting line. The drops and supplies are in place.  We are able to do our last minute details for our race to Nome.
Our bikes are packed and ready.
We will be in Anchorage tomorrow at the Speedway party and have a Pre race meeting at the Loussac library Saturday before the Start Sunday Feb. 24th, 2:00PM at Knik Lake.

Sounds like it is going to be a rough and rugged race for all involved.  The snows in Alaska can be treacherous this time of year with knee-deep snow over most of the course..and much more in certain places.  Plus, you have the rugged hills and mountains and very little support for the trip if something would go wrong.

 Over on YouTube, they have a series of videos posted covering a Discovery Channel documentary put up a few years back concerning this race–actually the race being discussed takes place clear back in 1988.  Not much has changed at all though since then.  I do recommend you stopping over and checking out the documentary as it is put together very well.  I will also try to add a button to the site that you can click to follow along with the race as it happens, beginning Saturday–and will offer up some insite and coverage as well as these teams set off on their treacherous journey.  Let’s wish them all well and a safe race.

 If you would like to learn more, be sure to check out the links provided in this article.  Or click the small banner that will be found in the upper Left Corner of this site shortly.