To me, Alaska tourism has always seemed to have two extremes. On the one hand there are the young backpackers out in the wilderness areas, challenging and enjoying nature, and then the cruise ship passengers passively viewing the sights. Since I’ve missed my chance as a youthful backpacker, I expected to eventually see Alaska from the deck of a floating hotel. But another alternative surfaced in the form of Kate Boor. I’ve known about Kate for almost two decades, as her parents and sister have been patients of mine for several decades. I had heard about, but never met, this adventurous daughter who was rafting wild rivers in the west, leading backpacking trips, and generally experiencing nature to its fullest. Recently her mom mentioned that Kate was in Alaska and was guiding trips for a number of large outfitters, such as Sobek Mountain travel. The proverbial light bulb lit up in my head and I wondered if she might be interested in putting together and leading an Alaska trip for me and my friends. She was!! And this trip was born.
Kate and her husband, Stan, live during the summer in Haines, Alaska, and spend the winter in Salt Lake City. They have started a small guiding company and contract with large outfitters to lead Alaska adventure trips–rafting, kayaking, hiking, etc. Kate was quite excited about working with me to put together her own trip. I told her I was looking for a trip with hiking as a focus, but time to experience the country, its people, and other attractions. She and I have been emailing for some time and we have come up with a tentative itinerary and pricing. In the process, I’ve learned a lot. First, Alaska is HUGE! Planning a trip to Alaska is not unlike planning a visit to “The American West”. There is lots and lots to see and a lot of territory to cover and we cant’ do it all! So we decided to concentrate on southeastern Alaska and the Yukon Territory of Canada–the area in which Kate lives and which she knows best. The trip will start and end in Juneau with the focus on a tour of the “Golden Circle”, Haines, Haines Junction, Whitehorse, and Skagway. The rest of Alaska will have to be explored before or after this trip or at another time. Second, I learned that Alaska is relatively expensive. The tourist season is short and the expense of building and maintaining a business has to be spread over 4 months, not 12. Third, it is beautiful and full of wildlife.
One of the nice parts about this kind of trip is that the dates and itinerary are not fixed. What Kate and I have put together is tentative and open to massaging to meet the time frame and interests of those seriously considering going along. We’ve decided to plan on 11 nights and 12 days (counting the days of arrival into and departure from Juneau). That could be shortened if people want to precede or follow the trip with visits to other parts of Alaska. Or it could be extended to 2 weeks, if participants would prefer a more in-depth look at the areas we plan to visit. Departure is tentatively set for the third week of August of ‘04. Kate says the weather is generally still good at that time, the tourists are thinning out, and she will be more available as most of her contracted trips will be finished.
ITINERARY
Aug 17, 2004 - Arrive Juneau. Optional activities depending on time of arrival. Flights from east coast generally arrive late afternoon. Stay at Goldbelt Hotel for three nights.
18-19 -in Juneau area. Variety of activities possible, including Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary, Mendenhall Glacier, Helicopter tours, Mt. Roberts Tramway, Alaska State Museum, etc. The only group trip I’ve planned and included in the cost is a day long cruise into Tracy Arm, great for wildlife and glacier viewing.
20 - Fly or take the ferry to Haines. Chilcot Guides Bald Eagle float trip in the afternoon. Three nights in Halsingland Hotel.
21-22 - in Haines area. One day for a hike to the top of Mr. Ripinsky. The other day for optional activities such as scenic flights, several shorter hikes, Sheldon Museum, or other attractions. A highlight will be a barbeque and horseshoes at the Boors’ house one evening.
23 - Using the Boors’ van, travel to Haines Junction, in the Yukon Territory of Canada, taking short walks along the way. Two nights in the Raven Motel.
24 - Hiking in the Haines Junction area. Dinner one evening at the Raven Motel restaurant is included. Kate says it is rated one of the top 10 restuarants in all of Canada!
25 - Take the van to Skagway, with overnight at Carcross Caribou Motel. Much of the time will be driving and enjoying the scenery, but perhaps some short “stretch your legs” hikes.
26 In Skagway at the MIle 0 B&B. Local hikes, various activities, including an optional trip on the Whitepass Railroad. Late in the afternoon on the 11th day take the ferry or flight to Juneau, so the last night is back in Juneau.
27 - Flight out. Flights to the east coast generally leave pretty early in the morning.
PRICE
The price went up $100 from my initial letter because some hotels raised their rates for 2004 and the inclusion of dinner at the Raven. For 10 or more participants (counting Nancy and me) the price is $1600 per person, double occupancy. It is $1750 for 8 or 9, and $1900 for 6 or 7. The single supplement is $200. There might be a price reduction if we go over 14 participants, depending on the cost of an extra car/van, more motel rooms, etc. I expect these prices to be fairly firm because aside from some motels in Canada, I don’t have exchange rate issues to worry about. However, if I’ve miscalculated or something comes up that increases the price, anyone can withdraw without penalty. For “singles”, I will either arrange for single rooms at an extra cost (to be determined) or match you with a same sex room-mate if possible. If none is available, the single supplement will have to be charged.
INCLUDED in the price
All transportation from Juneau and back to Juneau as outlined in the itinerary (not including optional excursions)
Services of a professional guide (Kate), except in Juneau, and all guide fees.
All hotels.
Tours as noted in the itinerary
At least 5 breakfasts, dinner at the Raven, and the Boor house barbeque.
Entry fees.
NOT INCLUDED in the price
Transportation at the beginning and end of the trip, to and from Juneau.
Airport transfers in Juneau. (Although if many of us are on the same flights I may be able to arrange something with a group discount)
Most meals (except as noted above)
Optional excursions.
Beverages and items of a personal nature.
Tips (I don’t think there will be many except for restaurants).