once again, I'm investigating possibilities for future trips. I'm interested to know if anyone has taken a trip into the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge along the Kongakut river. I see a few interesting outfits working out of there and would love to hear of anyone's first hand experience on a trip like this.
as always, thanks for your help and time.
ds
Posted by Carl Donohue on October 21, 2009 at 4:10 PM
Hey David,
I guide trips in the refuge, mostly along the Canning River, but expect to be running a trip on the Kongakut this coming summer. You're aiming for the Porcupine Herd migration, I presume? The guy to talk is Dirk, at Coyote Air, out of Coldfoot, or Kirk, with Yukon Air, out of Arctic Village. Drop me a note or post back here if you're interested in more information. I'd be glad to offer what info I have that might be of any use to you.
Carl,
Thanks for the information. I would love to hear more. I have no clue what I'm getting into here and certainly destinations aren't set in stone. Any guidance will be appreciated.
thanks,
ds
Posted by Jim DeWitt on October 21, 2009 at 7:55 PM
My friends at Wilderness Birding Adventures run a trip down the Kongakut each year. I've known the owners, Bob and Lisa, for years, have been on many of their trips, and can give an unqualified endorsement. Disclaimer: I also do their website... WBA also does trips down the Canning and along the Arctic coast. Email me if you want more information.
Posted by Carl Donohue on October 22, 2009 at 4:10 PM
Hey David,
I know Lisa and Bob from WBA as well .. and 2 nicer people would be hard to find. They're good people.
Cheers
Carl
Posted by Jim DeWitt on October 22, 2009 at 6:52 PM
David -
Re-reading your original message, I think I'll respond at a little more length.
If this will be your first or second trip to the Refuge, and you don't know first hand what to expect, then I suggest a guided trip. As I mentioned back on October 21, Wilderness Birding Adventures does a first-rate job. I've never travelled with Carl, but if he's as good with a raft as he is with a camera, you'd be in good hands. You can find less expensive packages, but this is one of those areas where the price shouldn't be the prime consideration.
If you have been to the Refuge a couple of times already, then you can probably set up your own trip. Kirk Sweetsir at Yukon Air is probably the most knowledgeable bush pilot flying into the Refuge. I've known him since high school; he's a great guy. Kirk has a limited amount of equipment he rents as well, so you won't have to schlep a boat/raft/kayak into the country. But I wouldn't do an unguided trip until you've made a couple of guided ones. It's fairly easy to get into serious trouble and help is a long, long ways away.
Discussion
5 repliesas always, thanks for your help and time.
ds
I guide trips in the refuge, mostly along the Canning River, but expect to be running a trip on the Kongakut this coming summer. You're aiming for the Porcupine Herd migration, I presume? The guy to talk is Dirk, at Coyote Air, out of Coldfoot, or Kirk, with Yukon Air, out of Arctic Village. Drop me a note or post back here if you're interested in more information. I'd be glad to offer what info I have that might be of any use to you.
My website is http://www.alaskanalpinetreks.com
Thanks.
Cheers
Carl
Thanks for the information. I would love to hear more. I have no clue what I'm getting into here and certainly destinations aren't set in stone. Any guidance will be appreciated.
thanks,
ds
I know Lisa and Bob from WBA as well .. and 2 nicer people would be hard to find. They're good people.
Cheers
Carl
Re-reading your original message, I think I'll respond at a little more length.
If this will be your first or second trip to the Refuge, and you don't know first hand what to expect, then I suggest a guided trip. As I mentioned back on October 21, Wilderness Birding Adventures does a first-rate job. I've never travelled with Carl, but if he's as good with a raft as he is with a camera, you'd be in good hands. You can find less expensive packages, but this is one of those areas where the price shouldn't be the prime consideration.
If you have been to the Refuge a couple of times already, then you can probably set up your own trip. Kirk Sweetsir at Yukon Air is probably the most knowledgeable bush pilot flying into the Refuge. I've known him since high school; he's a great guy. Kirk has a limited amount of equipment he rents as well, so you won't have to schlep a boat/raft/kayak into the country. But I wouldn't do an unguided trip until you've made a couple of guided ones. It's fairly easy to get into serious trouble and help is a long, long ways away.
Again, email me privately if you have questions.
Jim DeWitt