U.S. and Canada 2004 winter and spring trips: includes all of our Alaska and Arctic Canada trips for the entire year!

Sierra, Nov-Dec, 2003

ALASKA & ARCTIC CANADA

Birds, Wildlife, and Wildflowers of Alaska, Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks. June 1-20. Alaska--the last frontier--is a premier destination for birders, botanists, and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Join us as we explore tundra, taiga, mountains, marshes, rainforests, shorelines, and oceans. In vans and boats and on foot, we'll search for Alaska's specialty wildlife and hopefully see wildflowers in bloom. Round-trip flight from Anchorage to Nome, a variety of comfortable accommodations, and most meals included. Leaders: Les Chibana and Kay Partelow. Price: $4,295. [04010A]

Backpacking the Last Wilderness, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska. June 9-20. Witness the greatest wildlife migration on Earth as spring arrives on the tundra and the 120,000-member Porcupine caribou herd starts its journey north. With 24-hour days of sun for just six short weeks, birds return to nest, flowers bloom, and mammals rush to complete their life cycles. In this untracked and threatened wilderness, we'll backpack amid glacier-fed rivers, taking time out for close observation and photography. Charter flights included. (Rated M.) Leaders: Don and Mickey Murch. Price: $2,995. [04011A]

Kongakut River Expedition Through the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska. June 12-21. The Class I-II Kongakut River winds its way through the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, summer home of the Porcupine caribou herd. Our bush plane will take our small group to the Kongakut headwaters, where we'll begin our exploration of this amazing valley. We'll enjoy several layover days to explore side canyons, look for caribou, and quietly enjoy the immense beauty and solitude that Alaska offers. Minimum age: 12. Charter flights included. Leader: Cristina Breen. Price: $3,795. [04012A]

Kachemak Bay Family Lodge Adventure, Alaska. June 13-19. Bring the kids up north for an adventure they'll never forget! We'll hike, kayak, and mountain bike through [he rainforest and along the pristine shoreline of beautiful Kachemak Bay. At night, we'll relax and enjoy meals, saunas, and family fun from the comfort of the lodge's spacious dining/ living room that overlooks the bay. You'll enjoy special bonding time, as each family sleeps in their own canvas-wall tent nestled in the forest. Minimum age: 12. Leaders: Mike MacFadyen and Sharon Vaissiere. Price: adult $1,495, child $1,395. [04013A]

Rafting and Service in the Yukon--Charley Rivers National Preserve, Alaska. June 21-July 1. Leaving from Fairbanks, we'll raft 100 miles of the National Wild and Scenic Charley River, looking for peregrine falcons on the bluffs in a protected area that is home to moose, bears, wolves, and caribou. We'll then spend three days clearing trail brush at a historic mining site, finishing with a two-day float on the majestic Yukon River. Don't miss this rewarding trip amid pristine Alaskan wilderness! Charter flights and some cabin accommodations included. Leader: Kathryn Hannay. Cook: Lee Bowen. Price: $1,975. [04014A]

Exploring the Central Brooks Range: Rafting and Hiking in Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska. June 21-July 3. We'll travel by raft for 13 days from mountain tundra through lower hills to our takeout near the spectacular Arrigetch Peaks. Depending upon winter snows, the first two days may include either moderate whitewater or more difficult shallows. We'll also have five great days to explore various side canyons on foot. Wildlife is expected, 24 hours of daylight are guaranteed, and adventure is certain. Charter flights included. Leader: Craig Deutsche. Price: $2,595. [04015A]

Living a Naturalist's Dream: Touring Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska. July 3-10. From the comfort of our moving yacht "base camp," we'll observe and learn about tidewater glaciers, brown bears. humpback whales, sea lions, seals, bald eagles, puffins, and more, using kayak trips and short hikes to supplement our journey. This is an excellent chance to live among and make a connection to a powerful glacial landscape that's changed dramatically over time. Two B&B nights, yacht accommodations, and kayak rental included. Leader: Rod Hall. Price: $3,495. [04016A]

Rafting Among Glaciers, Grizzlies, and Eagles: Tatshenshini--Alsek Wilderness Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada, and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska. July 3-12. The Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers are considered by many to offer the world's premier mountain rafting experience, flowing through three World Heritage Sites amid towering peaks, glaciers, and the St. Elias Mountains. Our 160-mile adventure travels through two of these preserved areas and introduces us to pristine wilderness, lush forests, and broad valleys full of wildlife. Don't miss this river trip of a lifetime. Charter flight included. Minimum age: 12. Leader: Margie Tomenko. Price: $2,395. [04017A]

Exploring Southeast Alaska Wilderness by Yacht, Tongass National Forest. July 7-16. Join us as we explore the natural and Native American heritage of southeast Alaska aboard a 65-foot motorized yacht. We'll witness icebergs, glaciers, and whales; enjoy a rare trip to the Anan Creek Bear Observatory; take beautiful forest walks to tumbling waterfalls and alpine meadows; and soak in warm springs. An accompanying naturalist, fine food, and the comfort of our vessel will enhance our enjoyment of this remote wilderness. Minimum age: 12. Leader: Mary O'Connor. Price: $3,345. [04019A]