For the adventure this year, I went with Exposure Alaska. This was my second expedition with them (first was in 2007). I completed the Xxtreme Week expedition and can say this was one intense trip.
I have gone with other companies for trips to Alaska and the San Juan Islands, and feel this company is the best overall. Don and Tina, the owners, have many years of experience in the field, guiding, logistics, training guides in Alaska that they bring to each trip.
After tough and sometimes brutal days in the water, on the ice, or hiking, the guides put together great meals that I looked forward to before heading off to bed for rest. Education is always part of the trip, and we learned various knots, especially when pitching a tent and tarp in Prince William Sound (gale-force winds, waves, cold temperatures), history of Alaska, flora and fauna, leave no trace principals, and backcountry cooking.
One of the highlights was half-way through the trip and hanging out at Don and Tina’s homestead. We enjoyed an Alaskan BBQ, cold beer, and great conversation around the fire while the sun set and stars emerged.
I would definitely recommend Exposure Alaska for an expedition in Alaska.
Day 1 – Meet in Anchorage. Start sea kayaking. Remote Camping.
Day 2 – Continue sea kayaking. Remote Camping.
Day 3 – Paddle to pick up point. Return to Whittier. Short drive to remote camping near Hope, AK.
Day 4 – Whitewater rafting on Six Mile Creek! Pizza & beer in Anchorage. Camping at our Homestead.
Day 5 – Glacier Trekking & Ice Climbing. Alaska-style BBQ and camping at our Homestead.
Day 6 – Challenging Backpacking. Remote camping.
Day 7 – Challenging Backpacking. Return to Anchorage.