Alaska Natural History Touring Expedition Denali National Park and Interior Alaska

DATES/TIMES: Pre-brief: May 26, 1999 (6:00pm-10:00pm) Expedition: May 28 - June 4, 1999 (8 days) LEADER: John Wenger, Naturalist/Wildlife Biologist FEES: $1285 (includes all transportation, even train fare, and all cabin costs in Alaska for expedition). QUESTIONS: Write leader, John E. Wenger 3217 Doil Drive Anchorage, AK 99507 Phone: (907) 562-5838 Office hours: 7:00-9:00am Tue or 3:00-5:00pm Fri (Anchorage time) Please call during office hours; otherwise, all requested long distance return calls are collect. E-mail gowild@alaska.net

      Join a small group of nature lovers to explore Alaska's natural history by day and then stay in cozy cabins at night! Enjoy, photograph, and learn the bird, mammal, and flower plant species. Physically, a very easy expedition.

      You'll ride the famous Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Denali National Park--see majestic Mt. McKinley... caribou, moose, sheep, and grizzlies! Later, van through the best of Interior Alaska to explore more rugged scenery and mountains. Hike on the tundra. Marvel at alpine flowers blooming and birds just arriving from Central and South America! Return to secluded mountain lodges each day for dining and rest.

      This Alaska Natural History Expedition is designed for those who desire more comfort but still want to truly explore Alaska's wilderness. It is very easy to prepare for...pack a duffle and come! Participants pay for their own meals. 13 maximum.

Getting Started
      The expedition originates and ends at Anchorage. Although you will have received detailed preparation lists and instructions before the expedition begins, your first day starts with an important pre-brief. It will cover all final considerations and equipment checks. You will have one free day to make any needed changes or purchases before the expedition departure.

Trip Itinerary
      On your first expedition day, you'll ride the train from Anchorage to Denali National Park. There, you'll be met by the leader with his comfortable 15-passenger van and trailer. After a short hike, a wildlife tour, and a stop at the Park's visitor center, you'll become quite familiar with this world famous Park. Then after dinner at Denali Lodge, as with each day, we're off to our rustic cabins for the evening. Next day, we are back in the Park for an all-day bus ride towards Wonder Lake...wildlife galore! On our third day, we'll take easy hikes in the Park.
      After our stay in Denali, we'll head east across the 135 mile, unpaved Denali Highway with the glacier-filled Alaska Mountain Range alongside--Trumpeter Swans, Pacific Loons, Bald Eagles, and other exotic species just arrived from their wintering grounds. At Tangle Lakes with its expansive vistas, we'll hike and explore the remote backcountry. After two days, we continuing on, driving south on the Richardson Highway. We'll pass the Wrangell Mountain Range in the gigantic Wrangell- St. Elias National Park. Finally, we'll take the Glenn Highway west alongside the Chugach Mountain Range... caribou may be migrating across the road.
      Then, at Sheep Mountain Lodge with picturesque log cabins, we have the best of comfort and wilderness. Luxuries await us...fantastic meals and drinks, even a sauna or hot tub afterwards, if you like! Each day there, we'll take short hikes on nearby mountainsides to enjoy nature. On our last day back en route to Anchorage, we'll stop at Hatcher's Pass in the Talkeetna Mountains, visit Eagle River Nature Center, and other superb spots for natural history. That evening in Anchorage, there will be an optional celebration dinner.

Fun Learning
      If you enjoy learning about nature, here is the perfect opportunity. Study the natural history of Alaska in a relaxed, nonacademic manner. The leader, an interpretive naturalist and wildlife biologist, will discuss nature from both a natural and scientific viewpoint. In other words, metaphysical aspects of nature will be considered as much as topics as, say, the Alaskan wildflower families or the social order of wolves.
      Hikes are moderately placed to "take in" bird, wild plant, and mammal observations. If you would like pointers, nature photography techniques are discussed and demonstrated.
      Days are long during far northern summers so you will have ample time with the leader to "pick his brain." You decide what Alaska natural history subjects you want to learn more about. Just ask. Of course, you may be as serious about learning as you desire and might prefer to just "sniff the flowers" and think about nature on your own.

Preparation and Responsibilities
      All details of the expedition have been carefully considered. All required permits have been obtained. This expedition is extremely well-planned and organized. Since space is limited, a detailed list of all essential clothing and equipment will be sent after fees are paid. Also included are packing instructions, the itinerary, and all trip details. You must be in FAIR physical condition and have no serious health impairments. Hiking with a daypack for one mile on trails will be the most strenuous part of the expedition. You must know, not guess, that you can comfortably handle this expedition (if in doubt, request in advance, a physical fitness questionnaire to be completed at home).
      You are not to become a burden on the leader or the other members due to ill-preparedness, lack of experience, or poor mental and/or physical conditioning for these bush travels.
      You will need to arrange for your own transportation to and from the pre-brief and departure site in Anchorage plus any lodging, if needed. You are responsible for meeting the schedule of the expedition and acting in a safe and conscientious manner in the field.

Reservation and Cancellation Policy
      To reserve a place for the expedition before March 1 (90 days before the pre-brief), a $200.00 deposit is required. The balance is due March 1. For those applying after this date, the full fee is required. Reservations are guaranteed when the full fee has been paid and the applicant’s requirements (physical fitness) has been approved.
      Cancellation would mean a loss of a percentage of fees paid, as follows: (number of days from pre-brief) within 30 days=100%, from 31-40 days=90%, from 41-50 days=75%, from 51-60 days=60%, from 61-70 days=45%, from 71-80 days=30%, from 81-90 days=15%, before 90 days=$100 (non-refundable fee to cover processing expenses).
      Make check to Alaska Natural History Expeditions. For each person applying, submit clearly printed name, age, complete mailing address, and phone number. Send fee and information to leader, John Wenger, 3217 Doil Drive, Anchorage, AK 99507

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