Our wild backcountry provides an incredible backdrop for a summer series of workshops that
integrate special interests with the outdoors. AWJ is committed to developing trips each
year that attract a select group of participants curious about Alaska and passionate about
their avocation.
Groups are small (6-8) and require a willingness to experience a truly great wilderness
on its own terms. Camps are transitory so that we may tread lightly on the fragile
vegetation typical to the Alaskan arctic and subarctic. Instruction time is flexible with
the unlimited daylight of summer, and layovers may be scheduled to allow individual
exploration. We work together. We learn together. And we share the special energy of
people stimulated by extreme challenge.
Workshops vary greatly depending on interest and instructor availability.
2004 trips
include:
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Writing In The Wilderness Our
expedition begins in Chitina at O’Brien Creek on the magnificent Copper River. This
great river borders the rugged Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and follows the old
Northwestern Railway route. It features spectacular waterfalls and glaciers on its journey
to the Copper River Delta in Cordova. This high volume glacial river will leave you in
awe. Watch for eagle, bear, moose, seal and beaver. Great material for putting pen to
paper surrounds us as we explore this wilderness with all of our senses.
8 day/7night July 15-21, 2004 $1750.00 per person
Whitewater & Women's Flyfishing Learn
the basics of this art form with world class instructor, Pudge Kleinkauf.
We'll paddle the length of the Talkeetna River as we learn what to use, how
to cast, handle fish and even cook them up where appropriate. All equipment
provided. Low instructor to student ratio.
3 day/2 night August
5-7th, 2004 $1075.00 per person
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COPPER RIVER RAFTING ADVENTURE
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park ~ Chitina to Cordova
"Writing in the Wilderness: 2004"
8 days/7 nights
| Marybeth
Holleman, University of Alaska writing instructor, joins us on
a rafting adventure that begins in Chitina at O’Brien Creek on the magnificent Copper
River. This great river borders the rugged Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and follows
the old Northwestern Railway route. It features spectacular waterfalls and glaciers on its
journey to the Copper River delta in Cordova. Watch for seals following the salmon run
upstream, bears, eagles, moose and beaver – all great material for putting pen to
paper. The focus of this trip is on techniques and forms of Nature Writing. Using Writing
Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg and The River Reader, edited by John A.
Murray, students will practice taking filed notes, keeping a trip journal and generating
and shaping material through daily creative writing exercises. |
Day
1 |
7am:
Depart Anchorage by van for a scenic 5 hours drive east to the historic town of
Chitina,
gateway to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and the launch site for the Copper River. We
have time here to organize drybags & tour the village that saw its heyday in the
1930’s copper mining boom. After a river orientation, launch rafts for the float
through Wood Canyon. Set camp among spectacular mountains and share your first recorded
impressions. |
Day
2 |
Start the
day with "Morning Pages" – writing with abandon. Layover for a great day of
hiking along the old Northwestern Railway. Take whistles as black and brown bear frequent
this corridor too. Enjoy the campfire and stories of the day’s adventures. Camps may
vary from the itinerary depending upon changes in river patterns. |
Days
3-6 |
Continue
our journey past waterfalls and mountains lush and green. Visual notes – watercolors
and sketches will enrich our descriptions of place. If you listen closely you can hear
Miles Glacier calving in the distance. As we approach the coast watch for hundreds of
eagles. Good hiking near camp. |
Day 7 |
Today is your final day on this scenic waterway. Watch for seals as we
cross Miles Lake and float beneath the infamous Million Dollar Bridge; we take out just
upstream of massive Child’s Glacier. Enjoy the short walk along the river to view
this spectacular glacier and listen and see as the ice lets go! Great photo opportunities.
Transfer by van along the only road (60 miles) to Cordova. Overnight B& B. Dinner on
your own. Tonight we will wrap up writing assignments. |
Day 8 |
Catch a commercial flight back to Anchorage late morning. |
TRIP COST: $1750.00 PER PERSON
| This adventure begins and ends in Anchorage. College credit can be
arranged – students will meet prior to and after the trip. Follow-up will focus on
publishing and marketing strategies. Instructor, Marybeth Holleman is a nationally
published writer and co-founder of the Alaska Nature Writing Institute.
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Alaska Wilderness Journeys (800)348.0064 fax (907)733-4444
journeys@alaska.net
Copyright TCSAlaska
2002 All Rights Reserved
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