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ALASKA WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
August 21 - September 1, 2012
$2990
Lalita Malik, Trip Leader

THIS OUTING IS NOW FULL. PLEASE CONTACT THE TRIP LEADER TO BE PLACED ON A WAITING LIST IN CASE OF A CANCELLATION.

See Alaska off the beaten track with our host ADK member and Alaska resident Carol Schlentner. Carol is the care taker at Denali West Lodge, on the shores of Lake Minchumina, the largest lake on the outskirts of Denali National Park. We will have the unique opportunity to visit places off the beaten track that tourists normally do not enjoy.      


Experience some indigenous hunting and gathering of your own food; Hike and observe Denali National Park; Explore Alaskan wilderness from the comfort of your wilderness lodge; Enjoy views of Mount McKinley (Denali in Alaska), the highest mountain peak in North America and the United States, with a summit elevation of 20,320 feet (6,194 m) above sea level, across Lake Minchumina; Enjoy Lodge Comfort and Cuisine--a Very Fine Combination; Learn about Alaskan culture, its Geology, flora and fauna and Natural History; Participate in Unique and Unforgettable Small Group  hands on  experiences; Travel into Alaskan wilderness on air taxi and mail planes

We will visit Gardens and Museums, soak in hot springs and hike in Denali National Park and its outskirts. If conditions are right, we may see the Northern Lights. We will ride the scenic Alaska railroad from Fairbanks to Denali National Park, and take a scenic and wildlife ride through the park past Wonder Lake to Kantishna. Bus ride and hiking are the only was to travel to the depths of Denali NP. We will fly Kantishna Air Taxi to Lake Minchumina, (the only way to travel to that area) and take a boat across the lake to Denali West Lodge.

At Denali West Lodge, each day will offer different hiking options.  We will hike on unmaintained trails to learn about medicinal uses of wild plants, visit different types of forests and tundra. We will pick wild berries and plants for our meals and as well as help prepare delicious homemade breads and other food.  We will have sufficient time for swimming and enjoying the wood fired sauna.  We will learn about sustainable living with solar panels for electricity, composting toilets, fishing and living off the land.  Throughout the program, experts and guides will share their expertise on the geology and natural history of this spectacular landscape. Meals will be prepared by staff, with all of us participating.   


LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:  The pace of this trip will be moderate.  Participants must be willingness to hike up to 5-6 miles round trip per day carrying a small day pack, participate in a group setting, and be at elevations up to 3, 500 feet.  Daily elevation gain/loss will vary from 300 feet to 1, 700 feet.

For more information visit:

Outing Cost: $2, 990 per person. 

Payment Policy:
A deposit of $600.00 is due at the time of registration.  The remaining balance of $2390.00 is due no later than April 01, 2012.

Cancellation Policy: 
If you need to cancel the trip at any time, an $85.00 ADK registration fee is non-refundable. The balance of the deposit is fully refundable up to April 01, 2012. After April 01, 2012, no refunds are possible unless your space can be filled from a waiting list.  However, if ADK cancels the trip or if in the opinion of the leader, this trip is not for you, the full amount will be refunded.

Included in the Cost:
  • All van transportation at Fairbanks airport
  • Train ride from Fairbanks to Denali National Park
  • Kantishna air taxi to Lake Minchumina
  • Ferry ride from air strip across the lake to Denali West Lodge (in both directions)
  • Mail plane ride to Fairbanks
  • Ten nights lodging, 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and five dinners,
  • Entrance fees to museums and preserves
  • Expert staff, and group gear & supplies
Not Included:
  • Airfare or transportation to/from Fairbanks, Alaska
  • Meals not listed above
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Alcohol, soda
  • Clothes, boots
  • Voluntary tip to the guides
For more information and to register, contact Lalita Malik, 61 Patrick Drive, LaGrangeville, NY 12540; 845-592-0204; LalitaMalik@aol.com
 

Itinerary:

Day 1: Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012
Arrive at Fairbanks International airport by 6:00 PM.  A complimentary shuttle will whisk us off to 4A Bed and Breakfast, our home for the first two nights. After settling in, explore shops and restaurants within walking distance of our home. Remember there is plenty of daylight. Dinner on own. 

Day 2: Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012
Nature walk in Creamers Field, a Boreal forest where cranes and geese come each spring.  Visit Alaskan bird observatory and tour the Musk Ox and reindeer research center. We will also visit Georgeson Botanical garden where research is done on northern vegetables like corn, which is hard to grow in Alaska. The day will conclude with an Alaskan Salmon baked dinner at a local eatery.  (B&D).   Lunch on own       


Day 3: Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012
After a yummy breakfast, we will drive 60 miles to our drop off point at Angel Rocks and hike 5 miles to Chena Hot Springs. We will be above tree line and will enjoy good views of the surrounding areas.  At Chena Hot Springs we will enjoy a refreshing soak in a natural lake. There is a full service restaurant available for lunch.  If time permits, take in free geothermal tour and a tour of Northern Lights Ice Museum (not included in cost).  We will visit a section of the famous Alaska Pipe Line on our drive back. (B) Lunch and Dinner on own.  We will allow time to shop for lots of snack foods for the next three days.
.
Day 4: Friday, Aug. 24, 2012
Depart. 7:30 AM for shuttle to train station for a scenic train ride to Denali National park (included). After arrival at Denali, we will take a free shuttle bus to McKinley Village Lodge, our home for the next two nights.  After checking in, we will hike the Triple Lakes from the Lodge to the visitor’s center, with good views of the Alaska Range. It is a 2.5 hour hike, 4.3 miles round trip, 1000 feet elevation gain.  Evening will present opportunities for spending time at visitor’s center, see dog sled demo and dinner at Glitter Gulch.  The free shuttle bus allows people to do there own exploring or just go back to the hotel. (B) Dinner on own.

Day 5: Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012
Shuttle to visitor’s center from where our hike will start to Mt Healy, at 3,425 feet.  5 miles out and back on the same trail with 1700 ft elevation gain.  Benches provided at 500 ft to enjoy dramatic views. Gentle switch backs for next 500 ft., to an overlook. If time permits, we will attend informational evening Ranger programs.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner on own.   . 

Day 6: Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012
Today we will take the 6 hour guided bus ride through Denali NP. We will leave the bus at Wonder Lake at Kantishna. Stretch our legs with a short hike up Skyline Drive to Quigley Mountain with lovely views of Denali. After the hike we will take the Kantishna air taxi to Lake Minchumina. Take the boat across the lake to Denali West Lodge. We will have a late dinner as this day will be long.  (D)  Breakfast and lunch must be carried with you as no food is available as you travel on the bus or when we are at Kantishna. 

Day 7, 8 and 9: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Aug. 27, 28 and 29, 2012
Each morning, wake up early to enjoy pink glow on mountain, or sleep in.  Relax with morning tea/coffee as you enjoy sunrise over Mt. McKinley, followed by a hearty breakfast. We will prepare our meals with fish from the lake, cranberries from the front yard and vegetables from the garden and blueberries from the tundra. Hikes will be at the end of the day to enjoy the alpine glow. Other activities will include paddle to a tussock pond area. After our adventure, relax and enjoy the view. And wakeup call if anyone sees the Aurora. (B, L, D) 

Day 10: Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012
After breakfast, depart from our unique wilderness home via boat, walk to airstrip and take the one hour mail plane back to Fairbanks. After checking in at Golden Nugget Hotel, you will be on your own. We will be within easy walking to enjoy free native culture Diorama at visitor center, Alaska Air Plane and bush pilot museum, Northern Light Picture Theater.  These are some of the many options.  (B, L).  Dinner on own.

Day 11: Friday, Sep. 1, 2012
Depart for home.  Limited public transportation is available to the airport so you can depart at any time convenient for you.   

For more information and to register contact Lalita Malik, 61 Patrick Drive, LaGrangeville, NY 12540, (845)592-0204; LalitaMalik@aol.com
Please note:  Prices and trip arrangements are subject to change due to circumstances beyond ADK's control. All registration fees are non-refundable. Details including cancellation policy will be supplied to all those requesting trip information.

MEMBERSHIP IN THE ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN CLUB IS REQUIRED FOR PARTICIPATION