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If
you dream of getting out into the fjords for more than just a
quick visit... then this is the trip for you.
Aialik Bay is unreal. Simply put. There are two tidewater
glaciers here - Aialik and Holgate. You will watch them both
calve enormous chunks of ice into the sea before you. Pederson
Lagoon, which can only be entered at high tide, is filled with
curious seals, black bears, bald eagles, and more. The upper
lagoon is a sea of icebergs where Pederson Glacier meets the
water. Abra cove is a haven of waterfalls, which you can paddle
up to and explore. There are good chances of seeing whales on
the water taxi ride to and from Aialik Bay, and you will
certainly see puffins, sea lions, and other sea birds during the
boat ride. Once in the fjord, the wildlife is stunning. Aialik
Bay is probably the best choice for wildlife viewing.
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About your Three Day Adventure...
Day 1: We'll meet the water taxi at 8am,
and head out of Resurrection Bay and into Aialik (eye-al-ik)...
the next fjord to the west. Usually we'll see orcas,
humpbacks, and sea lions on the way, and we'll certainly
stop for good viewing and photo opportunities. The water
taxi will drop us off near the Ranger station in Aialik
Bay... and we'll pack our gear and cover all the basics of
paddling before we leave the beach. We'll spend the
afternoon exploring the coast - checking out sea stars,
waterfalls, caves, and looking for wildlife. Views of Aialik
and Pederson glaciers will follow us while we paddle all
afternoon. We'll camp in Abra cove this first night. From
this idyllic cove, we watch Aialik glacier in the distance,
and waterfalls tumble down the sheer cliffs nearby. We'll
pass a relaxing night on the beach listening to the rumble
of the glacier, and rest up for the next day.
Day 2: After a hearty breakfast, we'll
pack up camp and head off to see Aialik Glacier. Chunks of
ice typically float all around, and harbor seals poke their
heads out, watching you paddle past. The glacier is very
active, and you'll watch giant chunks of ice tumble into the
sea before you. We'll spend as much time as you'd like
watching this massive face of ice, and listening to the
cracking, rumbling, and roaring as it carves its way down
the mountainside.
After leaving the giant face of Aialik glacier behind, we'll
paddle along Slate Island, and to Pederson Lagoon. Pederson
Lagoon is a phenomenal paradise... a haven for marine
mammals, black bears, bald eagles, and the like. Sea otters
are often cruising around the lagoon on their backs,
munching on some variety of tasty seafood. There is a
population of over 200 harbor seals in the lagoon - and
they'll sometimes swim close, checking you out with their
dark, curious eyes. We'll keep our eyes open for black bears
walking the beaches here, too. We'll paddle into the upper
lagoon, where Pederson Glacier calves into the icy waters,
leaving large icebergs. This is a magical paradise that
will take your breath away.
After exploring the lagoon, we'll head out and find our
nearby camping beach. Since we carry all our food in bear
canisters - we can camp anywhere, and can get away from
other people. Enjoy a quiet and secluded night - watching
the otters and seals offshore, and taking in stunning views.
Day 3: After a great breakfast, you'll
break camp and make your way toward Holgate Glacier. There
are some great sights along the way, including a brilliant
rock arch that you can paddle through (given the tide is
right and the seas are calm). Sea stars cling to the walls,
and jagged rock hangs above you as you pass through the arch
and emerge to stunning views of hanging glaciers and
waterfalls. It's magnificent. We'll stop for lunch on the
beach in Holgate Arm, and then make our way toward Holgate
Glacier. This giant tidewater face is pretty active and
always impressive. We'll spend time at the face, hoping for
a good show, and then paddle to meet our water taxi.
On the way home, again, we'll look for wildlife and whales
and enjoy the pristine scenery of these remote areas.
For the five day itinerary:
The three days listed above will be the middle three
days of your trip. In addition, you will most likely
explore all the way out to Bear Cove and McMullen.
These stretches of coastline are simply spectacular.
There aren't many people who venture as far out to
the southern ends of the fjord, and so you'll enjoy
the rock formations, arches, and gorgeous beaches in
solitude. There is no end to the exploration you can
do out here... and having the two extra days adds so
much to what you'll be able to see!
Please keep in mind that this
is only a sample itinerary. The real itinerary will
be similar, but will be determined by the guide
depending on tides, weather, and paddling abilities.
Fully Outfitted vs Guided Rental style
trips:
We offer two separate types
of trips. The Fully Outfitted type
of trip is an all inclusive trip. You can show up
with a sleeping bag and pad (or rent one from us)
and we'll take care of the rest. Of course you'll
need clothing apprpriate for sea kayaking, but we'll
provide the guide, the tents, the cooking gear and
food. The guide will take care of most of the
cooking and handle the details you may not have time
for. For a lot of people, this is a much easier and
enjoyable option.
Many people prefer
Guided Rental style trips. Some people
come to Alaska already prepared to camp on their
trip. If you're a seasoned camper and have
reasonably good gear, the guided rental trip can
save you some money. We'll provide an experienced
guide as well as all the kayaks, gear and safety
equipment. You provide your own tent, food, cooking
and camping gear, and drybags. You'll prepare your
own meals and be a bit more of an independent
camper, while everyone still travels and acts as a
group.
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