Two years to the day after my first visit to Alaska, I will be returning to live a dream that has obsessed me for half of my 28 years – a month of exploring the remote Alaskan back country. Now before you think ‘cold’, and before you say “dangerous”, reflect on the biggest dream that you've kept alive throughout your life and fantasize of it’s fulfillment. That feeling is the substance of this trip!
Many ideas have come and gone while developing the most appealing version of the dream adventure: A climb of the tallest peak in N. America...no, too crowded. A ski traverse in the Chugach...no, who wants to hear helicopters flying around filming ski movies. A kayak trip through Prince William Sound...too much water and not enough mountain. Backpacking the Brooks Range...maybe next time!
Finally, version 2010 has taken shape through the somewhat random meeting of friends. 4 determined people have pounced on this single moment of opportunity. During a weather clearing (hopefully) in the first week of May, the baddest bush pilot in the world, Paul Claus, of Ultima Thule Outfitters will fly us in his Turbo Otter fitted with skis to the Upper Bernard Glacier dividing Mt. Bona and Mt. Bear. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park combined with Kluane National Park (Canada), makes up the largest protected mountain wilderness on earth and in 3 months, thanks to the skill set of Paul, we will find ourselves smack dab in the middle of it!
It is very difficult to find information & photos of this area as most people who visit Alaska head to one of the "less remote" national parks like Denali or Glacier Bay. There are no roads in the park and USGS maps provide the only real usable terrain info. A handful of trip reports printed in the American Alpine Journal from past mountaineers give us an idea of what challenges have been encountered while the remaining stories of this place go unpublished. This has only added to our drive to go there!
Over the coming weeks, I will detail our preparation here on this blog...
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