Northern Lights - FAQ
FAQ Trip Specific Questions
- Where does my trip start?
- What happens in a typical day?
- What if I've never been sea kayaking before?
- What kind of marine life could I see?
- Is it really cold in Alaska?
- Do I need to break in my boots for the backpacking section?
- How many miles do we backpack in a given day?
- Do we backpack on trails?
- What types of wildlife live in this part of Alaska?
- How much sunlight will we have during the day?
- What will I learn by the end of my trip?
Where does my trip start?
Your Northern Lights trip begins in Anchorage, Alaska, a city that has retained remnants of its gold-mining history along its streets and in its attractions. Your Moondance leaders will meet you and your group at the Anchorage airport baggage claim.
What happens in a typical day?
There is no typical day on a Moondance adventure! You may be backpacking one day, whitewater rafting the next, or sea kayaking next to glaciers on Prince William Sound. Either way, each day will be filled with a new adventurous activity. After a day of fishing, learning how to belay, or summiting a peak in the area, your group will find a beautiful site to set up camp for the evening and enjoy a warm meal with a hot drink. No matter what adventure you choose, 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! Your group will learn basic paddling strokes from both professional guides and your Moondance leaders as you glide through the currents of Prince William Sound. You will soon be spoiled by the incredible view of the glaciers that accompanies sea kayaking… a view only a select few have ever witnessed. To ensure the safest possible experience, everyone is required to wear a Personal Flotation Device (or 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 contain 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 as well as find yourself paddling alongside sea otters and seals!
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 ridge lines. However, temperatures in Alaska can always vary, and even though the sun never sets, it will be chilly when it dips behind the mountains.
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 in order break them in. Leather boots can take 1-2 months to break in so start early! Once your trip begins, 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?
During your time in the backcountry, you will find that the weather can change both frequently and quickly. Thus, your itineraries could vary, and 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. In any case, this may mean that some days you only hike a couple of miles, while on other days when the weather is ideal and your group feels strong, you knock out 7-8 miles.
Do we backpack on trails?
Twice the size of Texas, Alaska's land is primarily divided into state parks, federal parks and wildlife refuges. Because of these preserved areas, there are very few designated hiking trails. However, 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, possibly watch a caribou and moose graze along the ridges, as well as perfect our topographical map-reading skills to know our exact location, trail or no trail!
What types of wildlife live in this part of Alaska?
While taking down your tent in the morning, don't be surprised if you see a curious caribou (wild reindeer) peer down from the ridges, or the occasional moose basking in the sun as you hike by. Although moose and caribou are abundant throughout Alaska, we’ll often see smaller animals such as marmots and mountain goats with the occasional footprints of black and brown bears!
How much sunlight will we have during the day?
Since Alaska is located near the North Pole, it receives quite a bit of sunlight around June 21st, the summer solstice. We won't be traveling above the Arctic Circle where 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 belay a new friend who is climbing above you. 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 one gains by exploring the unknown provides a constant foundation for life’s adventures down the road.
See also
- Trip Finder
- Program Chart
- Get Your Gear
- Leadership Adventures - Other trips
