Northern Lights FAQ

Where does my trip start?

You begin your trip in Anchorage, Alaska, a city that has retained remnants of its gold mining history along its streets and in its attractions. You will fly with other Moondance students on your trip from Seattle into the Anchorage airport, where you'll be met by your Moondance leaders in baggage claim.

What happens in a typical day?

That depends on whether you are backpacking, sea kayaking, or rafting, but you can expect to laugh, see a beautiful part of the country, and learn a couple of things about each activity. Each morning, one cook group will prepare a feast for everyone to enjoy and then your group will start a day of paddling, or pack packs and start hiking to the next destination! After a morning and afternoon of telling stories, paddling near calving glaciers, or summitting a peak in the area, your group will pick a great campsite, and, after setting up camp for the evening, enjoy a warm meal and a hot drink. Each night ends with 'moonup;' a chance to debrief the day, talk about upcoming adventures and challenges, and just hang out.

What if I've never been sea kayaking before?

No experience required! You and your friends will learn basic paddling strokes from professional guides as well as from your Moondance leaders while you glide through the currents of Prince William Sound. You will soon be spoiled by the intimate view of the glaciers that only travel in a kayak can afford! To ensure the safest possible experience, everyone is required to wear a Personal Flotation Device-a PFD-at all times while on the water.

What kind of marine life could I see?

Moderate summer temperatures bring humpback whales from Hawaii to the waters of southern Alaska, though they're a bit elusive! The orca, or killer whale, plays in the waters as well, so keep watch for its black fin! Tidal pools offer a wealth of marine life, from bright pink sea stars to mollusks scattered along the beach. While sea kayaking, you'll be sure to spot bald eagles along the way and the occasional porcupine on the rocky shore!

Is it really cold in Alaska?

Summer temperatures in Alaska range from the low 60s to the mid 80s with plenty of sunshine (it's the land of the midnight sun!) and brief rain showers. Against popular thought, Alaska is not covered with snow and ice year round as many think it to be! During the summer months, Alaska sees a burst of growth in its plants, flowers, and berries, often attracting wildlife to its mountain valleys and ridgelines.

Do I need to break in my boots for the backpacking section?

Absolutely. The most common medical injury we face in the backcountry is blisters. Though that may not seem like a big deal, blisters can turn a 6 mile hike into a nightmare if not properly attended. The best way to avoid blisters is to buy boots that fit you properly and to wear them often to break them in. Leather boots can take 1-2 months to break in so start early! Once your trip starts, your leaders will show you how to care for your feet to avoid any unwanted blisters!

How many miles do we backpack in a given day?

Itineraries while in the backcountry can change often since poor weather is possible at any given time. Therefore, your instructors may decide that it is safer to set up camp early rather than continue hiking. Your group will begin to read weather patterns and will start to make these kinds of decisions too, with your instructor's help. Your group may also decide to stop early in order to take advantage of a great campsite, or a possible day hike in the area. In any case, this may mean that some days you only hike a couple of miles, while on other days when the weather is perfect, and your group feels strong, you knock out 7-8 miles.

Do we backpack on trails?

Twice the size of Texas, Alaska's lands are mostly divided into state and federal parks and wildlife refuges. Due to the expansive wild areas, Alaska has very few trail systems for hikers. During the first two days of our backpacking section, we will follow the trails of fellow travelers before branching off on our own. We will have the extraordinary opportunity to follow game trails with hopes of watching caribou and moose graze along the ridges and we'll study topographical maps in order to perfect our route-finding skills.

What types of wildlife live in this part of Alaska?

While taking down your tent in the morning, don't be surprised to see curious caribou (wild reindeer) peer down from their ridges, or the occasional moose basking in the sun as you hike by. Often we'll see smaller animals such as marmots and mountain goats and if we're observant, the footprints of black and brown bears.

How much sunlight will we have during the day?

Since Alaska is close to the North Pole, it receives quite a bit of sunlight around the summer solstice-June 21. We won't be traveling above the Arctic Circle where the sunlight is almost constant for months on end, but we will experience days filled with bright sun and dusky night skies. No star gazing on this trip! The days will get shorter after the solstice, so our trip beginning in July can expect a few night skies as August approaches.

What will I learn by the end of my trip?

By the end of your Moondance experience, you may learn how to cook a great meal, how to find your way using topographical maps and a compass, or how to paddle with the currents of Prince William Sound. Most of all, you'll learn that life's lessons are often camouflaged as a brilliant rainbow that follows a storm, a challenging mountain and a heavy pack, or strangers that become family at the end of 21 days. The self-confidence that you can gain by exploring the unknown will provide a constant foundation for your life adventures down the road.