Alaska Kayak Expedition

G

Glamdring

New member
I just thought I would share this idea that was inspired by reading Jeff Cooper's book "Another Country". He had a section about a kayak trip down the Rio Balsas in Mexico.

I want to someday start near the head waters of an Alaskan river and kayak down stream with a group of friends.

Have talked to a few friends about this. Wondering if anyone can recommend rivers to consider for such a expedition.

This is just a dream at this point but I am putting together a list of people who are interested. And thinking about logistics.

[This message has been edited by Glamdring (edited June 01, 2000).]
 
You might contact Mike Davidson at Far Flung Adventures. They did a run on the river which flows past Bettles, a number of years back. I know they have a website and an 800 #, but they're closed for the day. (915) 371-2489. Maybe the staff could put you on to some reputable folks.

Are you involved with any local canoing/kayaking group?

There are outfitters up there, I know. Try a web search; also, try a web search for Alaska Tourism. The State of Alaska publishes a comprehensive book on recreation opportunities.

But have a truly serious wet suit!

:), Art
 
I was there two years ago. Go for it, you won't regret it.
As for Kayaking in those rivers,,,that's some damn cold water. When it's warmest there the rivers run high, fast and *cold* with meltwater.
I'm looking forward to going back, someday ;)
 
There are several river "drop hunts" in Alaska, using rafts. The outfitter will supply the raft and most of the gear, and put you in the river. A guide costs extra. YOu float at your own pace, stopping to hunt or fish along the way. The raft is more stable and holds more gear and meat than a kayak. We're thinking about doing something like this 2 years from now, and starting to get information. I think Cabela's outfitter service has something like this, and it's not extremely expensive. I think Moose John outfitters offers trips too, but they cater to bowhunters.
If you decide to do it, let us know.
Yeah, the Cooper story was great!

[This message has been edited by Matrix (edited June 01, 2000).]
 
Orcas and Eagles and Otters...oh my!!!

Kayaking....*sigh*

Alaska...*bigger sigh*

Otter raises her paw..."I want to go!!!" :D

Although I must say, I prefer sea kayaking...out with my Orcas and Otters! Maybe it could be a post "river run" trip. ;)

So when are we leaving, Glamdring???!!! :)
 
I love Kayaking. I try to go every other weekend. Florida has some geat lakes, springs and creeks to go kayaking in plus the ocean is nearby. I think I need to leave work now get my boat and head to St. Johns. Who wants to come with? :)

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Shop Smart! Shop S-Mart
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by cobraman:
I love Kayaking. I try to go every other weekend. Florida has some geat lakes, springs and creeks to go kayaking in plus the ocean is nearby. I think I need to leave work now get my boat and head to St. Johns. Who wants to come with? :)
[/quote]
ME! :D
I could use some sun.
It has been raining for a LONG time here!!!
I might need a boat just to get around on the streets. :eek:
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Ottergal:
Orcas and Eagles and Otters...oh my!!!
Otter raises her paw..."I want to go!!!"
Although I must say, I prefer sea kayaking...out with my Orcas and Otters! Maybe it could be a post "river run" trip. ;)
So when are we leaving, Glamdring???!!! :)[/quote]

Well Otter I would really like to start at the headwaters of a river and go all the way to the sea :)

I know probably have to be done in stages over couple of years...so maybe we could head south when we hit the sea?

I wonder if some kind hearted TFL souls could be persuaded to meet the expedition at strategic points along the cost with Shinner? And other key suppies. :eek: :D

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jeffer:
I don’t take up much space, REALLY. Anybody got room in their backpack?
[/quote]
Well jeffer could you arrange air drops of shinner? :rolleyes: :D
 
Hey we need some rain down BAD. Wildfires, low water tables, having to work all freaking day. Hey at least its Friday. If anyone in Central Fl wants to go kayaking or canoeing sometime I am definately game.

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Shop Smart! Shop S-Mart
 
Thats to bad :( We could give you some of our rain.
Up here in MN we have had rain for over a week solid...today is first time sun has been out more than a couple of minutes in a while.

Many bridges around here have been closed down for a day...which is real unusual for here.
 
I will recommend two things:

1) Use a folding kayak like a Klepper or a Feathercraft or Folbot.

2) Carry a Mossberg 500 Marine 12 Gauge with an assortment of slugs and shotshells.

What an adventure!
 
Well the 45-70's with garrett ammo seems to get more votes than the 12 gauges.

Myself will have 4" 629 all the time..not sure yet about long gun. Something inexpensive in case it ends up hiding in the river.
 
Glamdring: I made a couple of canoe trips down the Rio Grande, below Big Bend National Park. It's about 100 to 120 miles, depending on your put-in point. I carried and old Mauser 98, in case something attractive in the way of supper showed up. (This was back before it was officially a "Wild and Scenic River"; in those days Maw Nature made it just wild and scenic.)

I just tied the trigger guard to the thwart in front of me, with a three-foot length of heavy string. Strong enough to hold it if I rolled; easy enough to break with a jerk against the relatively sharp edge of the trigger guard. Had a can of WD 40 in the ammo can...

Fun trips.

:), Art
 
I have a 2nd cousin who went saltwater kayaking in Canada a few years ago. she wanted to know whether her Star 9mm would be ok against bears! LOL! I had to tell her that, in the first place, NO WAY would Canada let her bring in a pistol! So, I loaned her my Rossi 12ga hammer double with ramp front and ghost-ring rear sights, and a good asst. of ammo incl. BRI sabot-slugs. Canuk official said it fit the bill as well as anything he'd seen.
crankshaft
 
If you want to kayak up here, I would start with something easy. The kenai river is nice. its about 80miles, road access and I believe it has class 3's on it.
Last weekend we floated the first 15 miles of it in a zodiak and it was nice. we got out before the canyon (not to smart for a loaded down zodiac).
One river to forget about is the susitna. I dont know what your skill level is but the susitna is mostly class 1-3 but there is one spot (devils canyon) that is bad. not to many try it.
take care and good luck
 
Spartacus and I both already have parkerized Mossberg 12-gauges. I'm sure he would want to bring his Model 29, and I, my 1895G (Thanks, Byron!). Glam, if you want to carry my .45-70, I could carry my Mossberg...
 
bou3 - Our son, Michael, is a guide with Alaska Rivers Co. in Cooper Landing... smack dab on the Kenai. It's Miriam's and my favorite place to vacation. :)

For those of you that have never been to the breath takingly beautiful state of Alaska - stop jawin' and get movin'!

For a preview, check out http://www.saranap.com/alaska.html

Some pics and a travelogue from our trip there last year.

Cliff
 
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