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Logistics and Safety

May 17, 2016

Sitting at my desk, looking through the photos from our most recent adventure in the Eastern Alaska Range some feelings arise.  Normally, at least for me, it’s tough to look at photos right away.  They seem small.  The colors aren’t right and the scale isn’t true.  They lack the smell and feel that is still fresh within.  As the time passes emotions start to arise and it’s funny to notice the photos that say the most at first.  It’s not the epic shot of powder flying over the skiers head as he carves turns down a no-named peak above thousands of years of flowing ice in a place that might get a few more visitors than the moon.  It’s shots like this:

When I see this photo, I remember all of the questions that this moment held that I now have the answers to – Yes, there is enough fuel for the plane.  Yes, the light was a little flat on the glacier,  but we were still able to land.  Yes, we have enough food.  Yes, I brought all the necessary equipment, had the right layers and my sleeping bag was warm enough.  Yes, we should have more beer (the temps could accommodate the right kind of canned beverages without freezing).  Yes, we will have good flying weather on the day we want to fly out. And most importantly, yes, it’s all still here, the world didn’t end without me and my wifi connection.

The things things that are impossible to think about when preparing to leave are what one ends up with at the end of a successful adventure.  Intangible feelings that can only be stirred by setting off into the unknown without the illusion of security our modern world provides.  Digging holes in snow on top of a moving, frozen, block of ancient ice and calling it home.  The way that it starts to feel like home with furniture carved out of snow.  Getting comfortable with the fact that “going inside” means a snow hole covered by a thin piece of nylon and reminded of this by a 60 mph wind and snow storm.

When we leave camp we travel on a rope securely attached to each member of the party.  We bring bamboo sticks with brightly colored, orange flags attached to mark our way.  We proceed with caution, pausing at times to probe the ground in our path.  Always, listening, trying to feel beneath our skis for hints of unstable ground.  Letting go of the things we can’t control and prudently attending to the things we can. Traveling only when the weather and land invite us. Safety first, always, and for real up here. 

As we move into the busy summer season of adventure at lower altitudes in Alaska with alpine wildflowers, wildlife, more liquid forms of precipitation and solid ground, it is important to remember to travel safely, be prepared, listen to the land, be flexible and have a positive attitude.

Here’s to another great year in Alaska!

Filed Under: Blog

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Traverse Alaska Philosophy

We are dedicated to providing experiences that build meaningful connections with Alaska. Our team works diligently to immerse clients in educational exploration. Each and every adventure is personalized to challenge clients while discovering the last frontier at their own unique pace.

Traverse Alaska

Human Powered Adventure

Phone
(907) 903-0979

Email
info@traversealaska.com

Mailing Address
PO Box 90875 | Anchorage, AK 99509

Testimonials

Mike S. – San Francisco, CA

"Three of us buddies wanted an authentic Alaska trip that included hiking in the mountains by Denali as well as fly fishing and bear viewing via helicopter in Homer. Traverse Learn More

Read All Testimonials

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Gorgeous views! Our team is based in Denali, but w Gorgeous views! Our team is based in Denali, but we often have guides around the state on private and custom multi-day trips.
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The first photo is from Talkeetna, on a bluebird day shot by guide Joe. The second image captured in the backcountry in the Denali area by guide Freddie.
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The sweet smells of summer have arrived! #mosscamp The sweet smells of summer have arrived!
#mosscampion
Early season trips sent our team of guides as far Early season trips sent our team of guides as far south as Seward, on the edge of the Alaska Range in Talkeetna, and of course Denali-area trips. Summer is off to a great start!
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Photos captured by Guide Joe on a hike in Seward on a bluebird day today.
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It’s a special time of year—brand new moose ca It’s a special time of year—brand new moose calves, migratory birds, and green leaves are popping out all around us—summer has arrived in Interior Alaska!
We’re SO excited for our Packraft-specific Swift We’re SO excited for our Packraft-specific Swiftwater Rescue Training course this weekend with instructor Luc Mehl! More photos to come from the course and our early season private and custom packrafting trips. 
#cultureofsafety #swiftwaterrescuetraining
Guess when (what season) these photos were taken i Guess when (what season) these photos were taken in @denalinps…
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If you guessed a few days ago—you are correct! It still looks like winter in some areas in Denali right now. We’re actually skiing to scout some of our summer area routes. As always, we are ready to adapt to whatever Mother Nature decides to throw our way and have a great time outside (even if it means using our winter gear for getting around!).
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If you’re coming to Denali in the early season—prepare for there to be snow! 
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