View of Byron Glacier
NOTE: To participate in the Q & A with Julie, click on the comments link at the end of the article.
By Julie Johnson, Walk Leader & Designer
Mom practically had to drag me kicking and screaming onto an airplane to
I am absolutely thrilled to share my love of
I’ve also combined hikes with some of Alaska’s most fun and adventurous attractions, including a ride on the Alaska Railroad, a boat tour of Kenai Fjords National Park, a trip to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and you’ll get to meet the real stars of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race -- Alaskan Huskies! You will definitely need your camera for this trip!
I'll be checking the blog regularly to answer your questions about Alaska. Just click on the comments link below, leave your comments and questions and I'll respond to them. I'm also available to phone you personally to answer your questions. Call The Wayfarers' Newport Office on 1-800-249-4620 and I'll get right back to you!
NOTE: To participate in the Q & A with Julie, click on the comments link at the end of the article.
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6 comments:
Julie - How many miles will we be walking each day? Betsy
Hi Betsy,
The number of miles we will walk depends upon the day. Most days we hike (at a leisurely pace about five miles. One day features a long hike, about ten miles, but it's a flat walk along the beautiful coast of Turnagain Arm. One day we won't hike at all, except between the train and boat in Seward and I have designed a couple of afternoons where you'll have some time to explore our destinations on foot on your own or relax in your hotel if you'd like.
Thanks for the question!
Julie, what kind of weather can we expect at the end of August?
Hi Louise!
That's a pretty common question because many people imagine Alaska is cold and snowy all year long -- not true! While we may see a few snow flakes up in Hatcher Pass as it is a higher elevation, you won't need a parka because it would still be in the 40s and 50s. We can probably expect cool rain in Seward, but please be sure to bring sunscreen because when the sun comes out in Alaska, it is very strong! In fact, I remember one August day a few years ago that was almost 80 -- I got a terrible sunburn! That's not hot for the Lower 48, but really hot for Alaska. So in other words, Louise, we could see sunny and 80 and snowy and 40 in the same week.... I'd recommend bringing shorts, hiking pants and a light rain jacket. And I truly believe that an Alaskan's best friend is fleece. It's just right for cool days. It's also a good idea to bring gloves and ear protection, too, just in case it's cold on the Kenai Fjords boat cruise.
Will we be actually walking on Galciers? how much climbing can we expect?
Hi!
We won't be walking on glaciers but we'll be standing right next to them at Exit Glacier. Depending upon how warm the summer turns out to be in Alaska, we will probably be walking on an ice field at Byron Glacier, especially if it's a good day to go "ice worm hunting." Byron Glacier is the "hanging glacier" in the photo just above this blog.
We won't be doing a lot of climbing, mostly gentle up and down. If you've done the Cornwall or Scotland walks, you will probably find those hikes similar. I've selected hikes that don't include much elevation gain. The exception is a climb to an alpine lake in the Hatcher Pass area. We gain about 200 feet in half a mile and we'll pass over some rocks and tundra. You'll be happy to have hiking boots there! The trail is new and beautiful and the lake is simply something to be seen. We'll take it slowly, especially because people will want to take photos of the amazing view!
Thanks for asking!
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