Alaska
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The price is per person, and is fully inclusive of return flights London - Anchorage, accommodation, most meals as specified in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), park entrance and other activity fees for activities described in the itinerary, the flight from Anchorage to Fairbanks mid-way through your journey, train travel from Fairbanks to Denali and from Denali to Anchorage, the all day boat tour in Kenai Fjords National Park, and the services of the leader(s).
The price excludes meals as described, airport taxis in Anchorage on arrival and departure days (allow $25 each way), travel insurance, tips to the leader(s), drinks and other personal expenses. *Please note that single rooms may not be available throughout, and are especially hard to book at Camp Denali, so are not included there. If we can get any single rooms here we will increase the single supp. This trip will be operated in conjunction with Naturalist Journeys of the USA Please note that we require full payment 18 weeks before departure on all USA tours. Principal Leader: Greg Smith |
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In a world where the treasures of wildlife and wild places are dwindling, Alaska remains a wilderness jewel. More than any place in North America, it retains its wild character and ecological integrity, making a visit here simply a 'must do' experience. |
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We visit in June when we have endless hours of daylight to explore. It is an active time for birds and wildlife feeding young in the short summer season. Our journey is designed to visit signature landscapes from seacoast to tundra. Look for Moose and a variety of birds in thick spruce forests, circumnavigate seabird islands amid narrow fjords at Kenai, and hike in Denali National Park. We visit wildlife-rich areas near Denali, Fairbanks, and Seward, and on our extension, Anchorage and Nome.
A sampler of Alaska's magnificent scenery would not be complete without a boat trip into the Gulf of Alaska and Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward. From our comfortable boat, we look for close encounters with Humpback Whales, large groups of Orca, dolphins, and the increasingly rare Steller's Sea Lion. Our route takes us past several large glaciers in Resurrection Bay, and then travels through the rich waters of the Chiswell Islands where seabirds such as Tufted and Horned Puffins, Thick-billed and Common Murres, Black-legged Kittiwake, and Red-faced Cormorant nest in the long days of summer. We enter Northwestern Fjord, one of the most spectacular of the Kenai Fjords National Park. At its head, we stop the boat very close to the calving glacier, taking in its magnificent beauty and myriad sounds of ice falling. We feature three nights at renowned Camp Denali, a naturalist's paradise with views of Mt. McKinley possible on clear days from the porch. The proprietors' commitment to fine food, great hikes, local expertise, and conservation in the region provides many of the highlights of our stay. Scott Weidensaul, well-known conservationist and author, is the invited Guest Speaker during our stay. In Fairbanks we visit the Alaska Bird Observatory, a local dog musher who was the first woman to finish the Iditarod Race, and search out forest species such as Black-backed and American Three-toed Woodpeckers. Sandhill Cranes nest here and their calls are a delight over fields and rivers. We stay in cabins on the Chena River, and enjoy a chance to learn more about Alaska's history. Our main journey ends in Anchorage, and we add a night here with our extension as there is much to see and experience in this beautiful city, rimmed by water and mountains. The local museum is excellent, we enjoy a walk at Eagle Creek Nature Center, and we check local ponds for Pacific Loons in breeding plumage and other beautiful species. Perhaps we linger here a bit as Anchorage has such excellent restaurants! On our extension to Nome, we explore a wild and beautiful landscape close to the Arctic Circle. Perched on the sea, with a backdrop of mountains behind, Nome draws regular and vagrant Asian birds from nearby Russia. Many plants exhibit Old World affinities and this far north tree-line has given way to open tundra. Nome's unique community is locked in by ice for much of the year. Our visit is timed for the ice 'break-up', an exciting time when locals celebrate the end of winter and birders from around the world gather with hopes of seeing unusual species. After exploring many areas, we think Nome provides Alaska's premier birding experience - 'there's no place like Nome', as they say! Itinerary Day 1 We fly from London to Anchorage, Alaska, arriving later the same day. As the plane comes in over Cooke Inlet, watch for possible pods of Beluga Whale below - if you can take your eyes off the snow-covered peaks on the west side of the bay, or the verdant Chugach Mountains that give a dramatic background to Anchorage, Alaska's vibrant and most populous city. Overnight Anchorage Please note: Anchorage is a delightful small city with easy access to some great museums, shops and restaurants. You may want to consider arriving early to spend time here at your leisure. We can certainly help with your arrangements. Day 2 After breakfast we make a birding stop at nearby Westchester Lagoon. Here we may find Red-necked Grebe (often with babies on their backs), Hudsonian Godwits and Short-billed Dowitchers. Mew Gulls call overhead, and in wooded areas we walk through between tidal mudflats we may find Alder Flycatchers, Blackpoll Warblers or other songbirds. We then drive south to Seward, a spectacularly situated fishing town on Resurrection Bay, at the edge of the Gulf of Alaska. This is a stunning route, and we stop for photography, birding and sightseeing. From the boardwalk trail at Potter's Marsh we hope to observe spawning salmon as well as nesting Bald Eagles and a number of waterfowl and waders. We follow the edge of Cooke Inlet, and from viewpoints, we scan the rugged slopes for signs of Dall Sheep and Moose, and the waters of the bay for Belugas. On arrival, settle into accommodations on the small boat harbor of Seward. Enjoy fresh seafood or steaks tonight at Ray's, located on the waterfront - our favorite restaurant in Alaska and a great place to host the official welcome dinner! It's fun to wander after dinner, watch the halibut harvest come in, marvel at the many boats, and look for Sea Otter often just off the docks! Overnight Seward (B,L,D) Day 3 Today we embark on an all-day boat trip into Kenai Fjords National Park. This is a marvelous day spent cruising among glaciers and seabird nesting islands of the Gulf of Alaska. As we leave the dock, we look for Northern Sea Otters, Marbled Murrelets, Pigeon Guillemots, Double-crested and Pelagic Cormorants, Bald Eagles and Glaucous-winged Gulls. Scenery is on a massive scale and we should find several active feeding Humpback Whales that spend summers feeding in these rich ocean waters. We may also find pods of Orcas or Dall's Porpoises, and on glacial ice chunks near Northwestern Fjord, we should find Harbor Seals with tiny pups. The Chiswell Islands are prime seabird nesting areas, and here we find numerous Tufted and Horned Puffins, often quite close to the boat. Common Murres are incredibly common and our captain knows where to find the more local Thick-billed Murres, likely now on eggs on very steep-sided seamounts. Black-legged Kittiwakes are abundant and vocal. In a sheltered cove, we hope to spot a few Parakeet Auklets. As we enter the narrow channel that leads to Northwestern Fjord, we look for Rhinoceros Auklets, possibly Ancient Murrelets and, by small freshwater inlet streams, rare Kittlitz Murrelets. The boat must navigate floating ice, recently calved from Northwest Glacier. Our captain pulls up quite close to this glacier, turns off the engine, and lets us float among the sights and sounds of an active calving glacier - extraordinary! On the way back, we venture into deeper water where we look for Sooty and Short-tailed Shearwaters. As we reenter Resurrection Bay heading for Seward, we quietly venture close to a Red-faced Cormorants nesting colony, and hope to find Black Oystercatcher in a rocky bay. Dinner is on your own tonight; dine in style or get a quick bite to eat after this exciting day. Overnight Seward (B,L) Day 4 This morning we visit the Alaska Sea Life Center, built as part of the mitigation of the Exxon-Valdez oil spill. This modern, interactive museum has live puffins, other seabirds and sea mammals (photographers, take your cameras!) and highly informative exhibits. In nearby Resurrection Bay, we search for Marbled Murrelets and Harlequin Ducks, which often come quite close to shore. We then gather our belongings at the hotel, and drive north to beautiful Alyeska Resort, in winter a ski resort and in summer, a lovely mountain lodge. Here, we look for birds of the temperate rainforest, a habitat that extends up from Southeast Alaska to rim the more easterly situated Prince William Sound. Birds here that are less likely to be found north of here include Rufous Hummingbirds, Steller's Jay, Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches and Townsend's Warblers. We take a tram ride up to the top of the mountain for dinner at the Seven Glacier's Restaurant. If weather cooperates, we'll also enjoy some birding atop the mountain as well! Overnight Alyeska Resort (B, L,D) Day 5 This morning we enjoy the scenic drive back to Anchorage and stop to look for American Dipper known to nest in the clear mountain streams. Mid-morning, we take a flight bound north to Fairbanks. With good weather we have some fantastic views, perhaps even of Denali ('THE mountain'). Fairbanks is located at the confluence of the Chena and Tanana rivers; on arrival we settle in at accommodations on the Chena River. In the afternoon, we visit the fabulous University of Alaska Museum, which offers a grand array of cultural and historical exhibits. We also visit the University's Arctic Botanical Garden where many flowers will be in bloom and, with luck; we may see Sandhill Cranes in lush fields nearby. The evening is at your leisure; several restaurants are within walking distance of our hotel. Overnight Fairbanks (D) Day 6 Today we explore Fairbanks and its surroundings in more detail, with a local birder from the Arctic Audubon Society. We visit the Alaska Bird Observatory, and depending on their schedule, we may be able to watch a bird-banding demonstration. We stop at Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge and check out trails at key birding locations that let us explore true boreal forest where we hope to find Northern Hawk Owls, or a variety of woodpeckers. Three-toed and Black-backed Woodpeckers may be found in this northern realm, as well as Ruffed Grouse, Hammond's and Alder Flycatchers, and other species. After time afield, history buffs may enjoy learning of the gold-rush history of the area, and several may want to see the famous Alaska oil pipeline. Tonight we have a lovely salmon dinner, and then share a special evening with Mary Shields, the first woman to complete the Iditarod; now an author, educator and enthusiastic dog-musher. She shares with us her 'Tales of the Trail' and we meet her working and well-loved canine companions. Overnight Fairbanks (B,L) Day 7 We get an early start for Denali National Park, boarding the train for Denali Station about 8:00 AM for this very exciting part of our journey. Our Alaska Railroad train passes through boreal forest, where we see abundant Black Spruce interspersed with ponds and wetlands. We keep our eyes peeled for Trumpeter Swans, Moose and other wildlife as the train moves along. As we get close to Healy, Alaska, the mountain scenery is quite dramatic and our train makes wide curves through picturesque tunnels. Guides from Camp Denali await us at the station. As they load luggage and pick up supplies, we have time to view exhibits at the National Park Visitor's Center. We then head to the wilds, driving 90 miles through Denali National Park to our intimate, peaceful lodge with front porch views of Mt. McKinley (Denali). En route any number of exciting wildlife sightings are possible, from Gyrfalcons to Grizzly Bears, Moose, Dall Sheep and more. Along the way, we enjoy a great picnic dinner featuring wild Alaskan delicacies. We arrive in time for dessert, an orientation to the lodge, and hopefully beautiful views. Overnight Camp Denali (D) Days 8 - 9 We have two full days to enjoy the spectacular wilderness of Denali. Our lodgings offer us great comfort, delicious meals and warm hospitality. We have chosen this year to stay at Camp Denali, the upper of the Cole/Hamm family's two lodges, where a special session with an emphasis on Bird Migration and Conservation is taking place. Views from the cabins, library and resource center, and lovely dining room are superlative! Camp Denali has a rich history and reputation as one of the first wilderness lodges in Alaska. At Camp Denali, lodge accommodations are in well-spaced cabins, appointed with traditional cabin amenities including hand-sewn quilts made by the staff, wood stoves and propane lights. Drinking water comes from a spigot by your door, and may be heated in your cabin for a quiet cup of coffee, tea or for washing up. The dining hall, lodge, natural history resource collection and a modern bath and shower facility are a three to seven-minute walk from your cabin. In addition each cabin has a meticulously kept handmade outhouse.
CAMP DENALI, DENALI NATIONAL PARK
www.campdenali.com Over 50 years ago, people with vision and a true love of the wilderness had the foresight to establish Camp Denali in one of the most pristine areas adjacent to Denali National Park. Since 1975, the Cole family has extended this vision, adding North Face Lodge and managing both properties with an impressive commitment to both conservation and quality of experience. With the expansion of Denali National Park and Preserve in 1980, this owner-operated facility now sits in the center of the most scenic and wild portion of Denali National Park. Guided hikes and programs conducted by expert naturalists, with a keen focus on natural history, are the key to providing far more than just a back country stay. Combine unparalleled views of Mt. McKinley with an unparalleled educational and wildlife viewing opportunity and you have the Camp Denali experience. With all this to their credit, they also provide incredible service, delicious meals with fresh foods from their own greenhouse and gardens, and well-appointed comfortable rooms with private bath at the Lodge. Canoes and bikes are available, as is optional flight seeing (additional cost). The location, facilities, and programs are unique, and we are proud to offer this location as part of our itinerary. Camp Denali sits right at the 2,400 foot tree line, providing access to native tundra and taiga habitats right from your door. Well-known author Scott Weidensaul is the invited speaker while we are here. His book about migration, Living on the Wind, is perhaps his best known title, along with the Ghost with Trembling Wings, a fascinating tale about searching for rare and lost species. Being able to interact with Scott Weidensaul during hikes and at meals is a real treat! During the day, we join other talented guides of Camp Denali, mingling with lodge guests as we wander across tundra and forest in search of grand scenery, abundant wildlife, and newly emerging flowers. With luck, we should find Caribou or Moose with calves, Common Loons with chicks on nearby Wonder Lake, a variety of ducks including Long-tailed Ducks, and some special birds of the north such as Long-tailed Jaegers, Arctic Warblers, Boreal Chickadees and Varied Thrushes. Each day naturalists offer three varying levels of activity from leisurely 'naturalist's forays' to energetic hikes to scenic high points that you can choose from. We take a picnic lunch, and return to the lodge for wonderful, carefully-crafted dinners ahead of Scott Weidensaul's presentations. Two nights Camp Denali (B,L,D) Day 10 Our return trip through the park has the feel of an African safari, as we never know what animals we will see. We'll keep our eyes open for rare sightings of Gray Wolf, and even Lynx! We have seen Arctic Ground Squirrels, the blue morph of Red Fox and, in some years, Hawk Owls. Often we find Rock or Willow Ptarmigans and nesting Wandering Tattlers or Surfbirds. We do have to meet the train so we can't linger, but we always hope for excellent sightings. By noon, we are at Denali Station, where we board the train to Anchorage. You may take your lunch here, or wait and eat on the train at your leisure. This is an eight-hour trip, so bring your journal or a good book, or just enjoy sightseeing from the dome car. Our final dinner is on the train. Overnight Anchorage (B,D) Day 11 We will be sad to leave the great far North, but will do so with treasured memories, flying from Anchorage and then onward to London, arriving on Day 12. Nome extension To Monday 18 June (5 days) Day 11 Those staying on for the extension can enjoy time to explore Anchorage. In the morning we focus on culture, seeing the city highlights and the excellent local Anchorage Museum with exhibits on art, history and science. Enjoy some free time to shop and have lunch at your leisure with a great choice of restaurants. After lunch, we meet back at the Copper Whale to drive north of the city for a walk at beautiful Eagle Creek, an impressive valley with an easy trail that affords views of the mountains and wildlife. The evening is free to attend films, choose a restaurant you like, or walk the Cooke Inlet trail. Its near to the solstice so it remains light LONG into the night. Overnight Anchorage (B) Day 12 After a delicious breakfast at the Copper Whale, we catch a morning flight from Anchorage to Nome; typically a jet-carrier flight where we share space with cargo. Weather can delay or even prevent landing in Nome, but with good luck, we will land on time to begin our exploration. Once in Nome we store our luggage (rooms will be ready early afternoon), and head out to explore. There are a number of excellent birding sites close to town where we find White Wagtails, Long-tailed Ducks and Pacific, Arctic, Red-throated and possibly Yellow-billed Loons. Explore the Harbor area and historic sites of Nome, with some free time in town to check out the shops, museums, the Iditarod Finish Line Arch and the birder-friendly Visitor's Center on Front Street. After settling in to our lodgings and exploring a bit, we have an early dinner and enjoy a wildlife watching loop drive to search for Grizzly Bears, Muskoxen and arctic birds in the beauty of evening light. Overnight Nome (B, L, D) Days 13 - 15 Three main roads lead out into the wilds of the Seward Peninsula, and we travel a combination of routes based on current bird sightings and the interests and abilities of the group. En route, we should find Yellow Wagtails perched up on an old gold dredge, sight Grizzly Bears digging up arctic Ground Squirrels or we may encounter a roadblock of Reindeer, which are herded here instead of cattle. Gyrfalcons, Long-tailed Jaegers and Snowy Owls nest in the region and can be found hunting the open tundra in some years (they cycle with the lemmings, their prey). The Nome-Council road leads out to Cape Nome, with a panoramic view of the Bering Sea and possible sightings of Aleutian and Arctic Terns as well as a variety of eiders and scoters. It continues on to Safety Lagoon and points beyond where we should find Bar-tailed Godwits, Arctic Loons and large flocks of Tundra Swans. Near Solomon, old railroad engines can be seen as the 'Last Train to Nowhere'. The Nome-Kougarok Road leads 83 miles north into the Kigluaik Mountains. It is a beautiful drive, with many areas for birding along the way. Willow bottoms attract Arctic Warblers, Gray-cheeked Thrushes and Bluethroats; they may also hide a group of Musk Oxen with their young! Willow and Rock Ptarmigans, Northern Wheatears and Horned Larks perch on lichen-covered rocks of the tundra, while Rough-legged Hawks and Peregrine Falcons hunt overhead. The open tundra provides nesting habitat for Black-bellied Plovers, Ruddy Turnstones, and Pomarine Jaegers. For willing hikers, Bristle-thighed Curlews nest high on the slopes in the tundra. With luck they may be calling or displaying - a great reward for the tough climb to find them. Twenty thousand people lived in Nome at the turn of the century, seeking their fortunes in gold found in the abundant beach sands. Today about 5000 people live here at the edge of the Bering Sea. Nome is the service center for much of Western Alaska. Watching huge barges being unloaded gives us insight into the hardships and joys of life on a 21st century frontier. Birding from the rock sea wall near the harbor can be rewarding with sightings of large flocks of sea ducks, Glaucous and Slaty-backed Gulls and a variety of shorebirds - now bright in breeding plumage. At Pilgrim Creek, we find the remains of an agricultural settlement, an historic orphanage and a delightful small hot springs amid trees that attract Hoary Redpolls and Blackpoll Warblers. Salmon Lake provides us a wonderful picnic spot, and at this time of year there will likely still be snowfields around parts of the lake. The Nome-Teller road leads off to the Northwest. Bluethroats enjoy the willows of several small drainages en route, while other habitats along the road provide us with nesting American Dippers and Long-tailed Jaegers. The sand spit at Teller is well known for its rarities, which may include Black Guillemots, Northern Shrikes and various sandpipers. Close to Nome, a side road up Anvil Mountain provides majestic views of the Bering Sea and King Island, possibly Moose and Musk Oxen and wonderful early spring wildflowers. We look for Red-throated Pipits, Northern Wheatears and Pacific Golden Plovers as we explore. There is abundant daylight, and we vary the times we go afield so those who wish can experience midnight sun! Dinners are at your leisure so you can pace yourself. Some will want to call it a day and relax for the evening and keen birders may want to continue taking in some of the long hours of daylight. Three nights Nome (B, L daily; dinners at your leisure) Day 16 We plan on morning flights from Nome to Anchorage to connect with the return flight to London, arriving Day 17. Accommodation: Hotels and lodges with all rooms en suite. Most meals are included, as specified in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner Numbers: Max. 14 clients |
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