Andrew Skurka: Trekking the Wild North

welcome to the Alaska Yukon expedition

welcome to the Alaska Yukon expedition this is primo big wilderness is a place

this is primo big wilderness is a place

this is primo big wilderness is a place where you come to get humble

twenty-nine below zero that morning and

twenty-nine below zero that morning and never got above sixteen

never got above sixteen

never got above sixteen it was literally a bear charging at me

it was literally a bear charging at me

it was literally a bear charging at me right from right there right there being

right from right there right there being

right from right there right there being in those conditions you just have to

in those conditions you just have to

in those conditions you just have to always be so on there’s no relaxing at

always be so on there’s no relaxing at

always be so on there’s no relaxing at all that’s when you start to make

all that’s when you start to make

all that’s when you start to make mistakes and mistakes are quickly

mistakes and mistakes are quickly

mistakes and mistakes are quickly punished

believe it or not actually started this

believe it or not actually started this trip one year ago today and finished it

trip one year ago today and finished it

trip one year ago today and finished it about six months ago and ever since then

about six months ago and ever since then

about six months ago and ever since then it’s been still hard for me to sort of

it’s been still hard for me to sort of

it’s been still hard for me to sort of digest it and to try to because my

digest it and to try to because my

digest it and to try to because my experiences were also my previous

experiences were also my previous

experiences were also my previous experiences were also quite different

experiences were also quite different

experiences were also quite different than what I experienced during this trip

than what I experienced during this trip

than what I experienced during this trip and what’s funny if you would have told

and what’s funny if you would have told

and what’s funny if you would have told me 10 years ago that I be on stage in

me 10 years ago that I be on stage in

me 10 years ago that I be on stage in front of a National Geographic live

front of a National Geographic live

front of a National Geographic live event telling people about this crazy

event telling people about this crazy

event telling people about this crazy trip I did around Alaska I wouldn’t have

trip I did around Alaska I wouldn’t have

trip I did around Alaska I wouldn’t have believed you I think yeah when my

believed you I think yeah when my

believed you I think yeah when my parents grew up they were there were

parents grew up they were there were

parents grew up they were there were certain expectations of them that they

certain expectations of them that they

certain expectations of them that they went along the lines of get a college

went along the lines of get a college

went along the lines of get a college degree get a job get married buy a house

degree get a job get married buy a house

degree get a job get married buy a house have kids retire at 65 and maybe have a

have kids retire at 65 and maybe have a

have kids retire at 65 and maybe have a little bit of fun and you know I I

little bit of fun and you know I I

little bit of fun and you know I I bought into that mentality as well

bought into that mentality as well

bought into that mentality as well through my teenage years and even into

through my teenage years and even into

through my teenage years and even into my early college years but it was

my early college years but it was

my early college years but it was certainly this desire on my part to have

certainly this desire on my part to have

certainly this desire on my part to have some fun I’m on this planet for 70 to 80

some fun I’m on this planet for 70 to 80

some fun I’m on this planet for 70 to 80 years I want to I want to do the things

years I want to I want to do the things

years I want to I want to do the things that make me happiest in life

that make me happiest in life

that make me happiest in life so I started long-distance backpacking

so I started long-distance backpacking

so I started long-distance backpacking which was a natural marriage between my

which was a natural marriage between my

which was a natural marriage between my background as a as a high school and

background as a as a high school and

background as a as a high school and collegiate long distance runner and my

collegiate long distance runner and my

collegiate long distance runner and my growing passion for the outdoors my

growing passion for the outdoors my

growing passion for the outdoors my first long distance trip was the

first long distance trip was the

first long distance trip was the Appalachian Trail in 2002 I squeezed it

Appalachian Trail in 2002 I squeezed it

Appalachian Trail in 2002 I squeezed it between a spring and a fall semester

between a spring and a fall semester

between a spring and a fall semester finished at 95 days which yeah I guess

finished at 95 days which yeah I guess

finished at 95 days which yeah I guess at the time that sounds that was 23

at the time that sounds that was 23

at the time that sounds that was 23 miles a day and I forget that that’s yes

miles a day and I forget that that’s yes

miles a day and I forget that that’s yes still kind of fast but in retrospect to

still kind of fast but in retrospect to

still kind of fast but in retrospect to me I learned a lot on this trip and I

me I learned a lot on this trip and I

me I learned a lot on this trip and I definitely I think this is the trip

definitely I think this is the trip

definitely I think this is the trip where I definitely got the long-distance

where I definitely got the long-distance

where I definitely got the long-distance hiking bug so after I graduated college

hiking bug so after I graduated college

hiking bug so after I graduated college I decided that the Appalachian Trail

I decided that the Appalachian Trail

I decided that the Appalachian Trail wasn’t quite enough that I needed to do

wasn’t quite enough that I needed to do

wasn’t quite enough that I needed to do something a little bit bigger that I

something a little bit bigger that I

something a little bit bigger that I wanted to continue challenging myself so

wanted to continue challenging myself so

wanted to continue challenging myself so I took on the the CDC route which was my

I took on the the CDC route which was my

I took on the the CDC route which was my first mega long distance trip it was

first mega long distance trip it was

first mega long distance trip it was 7800 miles

7800 miles

7800 miles I went from cape gaspé quebec to

I went from cape gaspé quebec to

I went from cape gaspé quebec to washington’s cape a lava after my CDC

washington’s cape a lava after my CDC

washington’s cape a lava after my CDC trip a year and a half later I I wasn’t

trip a year and a half later I I wasn’t

trip a year and a half later I I wasn’t done yet I wanted to go do something

done yet I wanted to go do something

done yet I wanted to go do something even bigger so I did the Great Western

even bigger so I did the Great Western

even bigger so I did the Great Western loop it was a 60 875 mile network of

loop it was a 60 875 mile network of

loop it was a 60 875 mile network of long-distance hiking trails around the

long-distance hiking trails around the

long-distance hiking trails around the American West and went through 12

American West and went through 12

American West and went through 12 national parks including all the ones

national parks including all the ones

national parks including all the ones you recognized

you recognized

you recognized the Grand Canyon Yosemite Rainier

the Grand Canyon Yosemite Rainier

the Grand Canyon Yosemite Rainier glacier North Cascades Rocky Mountain

glacier North Cascades Rocky Mountain

glacier North Cascades Rocky Mountain and also went through 75 wilderness

and also went through 75 wilderness

and also went through 75 wilderness series if they’re if you were going to

series if they’re if you were going to

series if they’re if you were going to get in your car and drive around and go

get in your car and drive around and go

get in your car and drive around and go see the West chances are I probably

see the West chances are I probably

see the West chances are I probably linked together that location or all

linked together that location or all

linked together that location or all those locations but on foot and in

those locations but on foot and in

those locations but on foot and in retrospect the Great Western loop for me

retrospect the Great Western loop for me

retrospect the Great Western loop for me was the sort of pinnacle achievement as

was the sort of pinnacle achievement as

was the sort of pinnacle achievement as an on trail backpacker in the years

an on trail backpacker in the years

an on trail backpacker in the years preceding this trip I’d been in the

preceding this trip I’d been in the

preceding this trip I’d been in the pursuit of a mantra that went further

pursuit of a mantra that went further

pursuit of a mantra that went further faster lighter basically to see what my

faster lighter basically to see what my

faster lighter basically to see what my limits were and to see what the and see

limits were and to see what the and see

limits were and to see what the and see what where an athlete could take long

what where an athlete could take long

what where an athlete could take long distance backpacking and I think I found

distance backpacking and I think I found

distance backpacking and I think I found most the limits during this trip I ended

most the limits during this trip I ended

most the limits during this trip I ended up averaging 33 miles per day covered a

up averaging 33 miles per day covered a

up averaging 33 miles per day covered a distance equivalent to 262 marathons and

distance equivalent to 262 marathons and

distance equivalent to 262 marathons and my pack weight usually ranged the

my pack weight usually ranged the

my pack weight usually ranged the neighborhood of six to eight pounds –

neighborhood of six to eight pounds –

neighborhood of six to eight pounds – food and water following the Great

food and water following the Great

food and water following the Great Western loop I realized that if I wanted

Western loop I realized that if I wanted

Western loop I realized that if I wanted to keep things fun and interesting and

to keep things fun and interesting and

to keep things fun and interesting and to continue learning and challenging

to continue learning and challenging

to continue learning and challenging myself that I had to break this mold of

myself that I had to break this mold of

myself that I had to break this mold of being an entree aback Packer I needed to

being an entree aback Packer I needed to

being an entree aback Packer I needed to expand my horizons to get outside of my

expand my horizons to get outside of my

expand my horizons to get outside of my comfort zone or the comfort zone I

comfort zone or the comfort zone I

comfort zone or the comfort zone I developed and do something different so

developed and do something different so

developed and do something different so in 2008 and 2009 I want to went on a

in 2008 and 2009 I want to went on a

in 2008 and 2009 I want to went on a series of smaller trips to learn

series of smaller trips to learn

series of smaller trips to learn different skills become familiar with

different skills become familiar with

different skills become familiar with different landscapes and to kind of take

different landscapes and to kind of take

different landscapes and to kind of take my long-distance adventuring to the next

my long-distance adventuring to the next

my long-distance adventuring to the next level and one of the first skills that I

level and one of the first skills that I

level and one of the first skills that I knew I needed to learn was to travel off

knew I needed to learn was to travel off

knew I needed to learn was to travel off trail I had always been hiking on trails

trail I had always been hiking on trails

trail I had always been hiking on trails I think by the end of the Great Western

I think by the end of the Great Western

I think by the end of the Great Western if I’d hiked something like 23,000 miles

if I’d hiked something like 23,000 miles

if I’d hiked something like 23,000 miles on man-made hiking trails and but I was

on man-made hiking trails and but I was

on man-made hiking trails and but I was always limited to that network and if I

always limited to that network and if I

always limited to that network and if I could learn how to read a map and to

could learn how to read a map and to

could learn how to read a map and to pick a path of least resistance through

pick a path of least resistance through

pick a path of least resistance through a remarkable train like the High Sierra

a remarkable train like the High Sierra

a remarkable train like the High Sierra that opened up a world of new

that opened up a world of new

that opened up a world of new possibilities I also learned how to ski

possibilities I also learned how to ski

possibilities I also learned how to ski and being her being loosely based in

and being her being loosely based in

and being her being loosely based in Colorado this was a natural thing for me

Colorado this was a natural thing for me

Colorado this was a natural thing for me to do but now that I knew how to ski I

to do but now that I knew how to ski I

to do but now that I knew how to ski I was no longer relegated to slow shoes a

was no longer relegated to slow shoes a

was no longer relegated to slow shoes a case no shoes and and I and the winter

case no shoes and and I and the winter

case no shoes and and I and the winter in the winter the backcountry opened up

in the winter the backcountry opened up

in the winter the backcountry opened up to me and then the last thing I learned

to me and then the last thing I learned

to me and then the last thing I learned how to do is I learn how to pack raft on

how to do is I learn how to pack raft on

how to do is I learn how to pack raft on a pack raft it’s a four to five pound

a pack raft it’s a four to five pound

a pack raft it’s a four to five pound inflatable boat that’s some people joke

inflatable boat that’s some people joke

inflatable boat that’s some people joke about them being glorified pool toys but

about them being glorified pool toys but

about them being glorified pool toys but actually remarkably durable they’re very

actually remarkably durable they’re very

actually remarkably durable they’re very stable and in a large boulder in Syria

stable and in a large boulder in Syria

stable and in a large boulder in Syria like Alaska and the Yukon it’s a

like Alaska and the Yukon it’s a

like Alaska and the Yukon it’s a critical tool for wilderness travel just

critical tool for wilderness travel just

critical tool for wilderness travel just like skis are in the wintertime it

like skis are in the wintertime it

like skis are in the wintertime it allows you to get it to float big rivers

allows you to get it to float big rivers

allows you to get it to float big rivers to get to Ford big rivers to get across

to get to Ford big rivers to get across

to get to Ford big rivers to get across glacial glacial fjords as well as to

glacial glacial fjords as well as to

glacial glacial fjords as well as to paddle across lakes I decided that I was

paddle across lakes I decided that I was

paddle across lakes I decided that I was going to do my next long-distance trip

going to do my next long-distance trip

going to do my next long-distance trip up in Alaska I went up there and for two

up in Alaska I went up there and for two

up in Alaska I went up there and for two months in 2009 to kind of scope it out

months in 2009 to kind of scope it out

months in 2009 to kind of scope it out and just understand the land up there a

and just understand the land up there a

and just understand the land up there a little bit and I came back from that

little bit and I came back from that

little bit and I came back from that experience up there thinking that there

experience up there thinking that there

experience up there thinking that there was definitely the potential for a long

was definitely the potential for a long

was definitely the potential for a long distance trip in Alaska and if I were to

distance trip in Alaska and if I were to

distance trip in Alaska and if I were to do one then it would have to include

do one then it would have to include

do one then it would have to include full traverses of the Brooks Range which

full traverses of the Brooks Range which

full traverses of the Brooks Range which runs about a thousand miles across the

runs about a thousand miles across the

runs about a thousand miles across the northern part of the state it’s the

northern part of the state it’s the

northern part of the state it’s the geographical divide between the Arctic

geographical divide between the Arctic

geographical divide between the Arctic and the interior of Alaska and then the

and the interior of Alaska and then the

and the interior of Alaska and then the other Traverse I wanted to do is the

other Traverse I wanted to do is the

other Traverse I wanted to do is the Alaska Range which is the most majestic

Alaska Range which is the most majestic

Alaska Range which is the most majestic part of the state that’s home to Mount

part of the state that’s home to Mount

part of the state that’s home to Mount McKinley as well as a number of 14 15 16

McKinley as well as a number of 14 15 16

McKinley as well as a number of 14 15 16 thousand foot peaks as I started to play

thousand foot peaks as I started to play

thousand foot peaks as I started to play out how I might do a trip that included

out how I might do a trip that included

out how I might do a trip that included both ranges I saw that on the west side

both ranges I saw that on the west side

both ranges I saw that on the west side of this growing trip that I could

of this growing trip that I could

of this growing trip that I could connect the Brooks Range in the Alaska

connect the Brooks Range in the Alaska

connect the Brooks Range in the Alaska Range using the Iditarod Trail which is

Range using the Iditarod Trail which is

Range using the Iditarod Trail which is a historic trail it goes back to the

a historic trail it goes back to the

a historic trail it goes back to the serum run I think in 1908 or maybe is

serum run I think in 1908 or maybe is

serum run I think in 1908 or maybe is 1918 and nowadays it’s used as a

1918 and nowadays it’s used as a

1918 and nowadays it’s used as a recreational dogsled trail and more

recreational dogsled trail and more

recreational dogsled trail and more importantly as a snow machine trail that

importantly as a snow machine trail that

importantly as a snow machine trail that connects connects villages in the

connects connects villages in the

connects connects villages in the wintertime and then on the east side of

wintertime and then on the east side of

wintertime and then on the east side of the route I saw that there is a

the route I saw that there is a

the route I saw that there is a possibility of linking together a couple

possibility of linking together a couple

possibility of linking together a couple of different mountain ranges and rivers

of different mountain ranges and rivers

of different mountain ranges and rivers in the Yukon Territory of Canada and

in the Yukon Territory of Canada and

in the Yukon Territory of Canada and when I looked at this trip here there

when I looked at this trip here there

when I looked at this trip here there was a potential for me to link make the

was a potential for me to link make the

was a potential for me to link make the linkage using the White River writing

linkage using the White River writing

linkage using the White River writing here but when I worked out the time

here but when I worked out the time

here but when I worked out the time schedule I saw that I had some

schedule I saw that I had some

schedule I saw that I had some additional time so I decided to end or

additional time so I decided to end or

additional time so I decided to end or to add this last this last little loop

to add this last this last little loop

to add this last this last little loop here which included Rangel st. Elias

here which included Rangel st. Elias

here which included Rangel st. Elias National Park the Chugach range and then

National Park the Chugach range and then

National Park the Chugach range and then the lost coast you know I’m there why

the lost coast you know I’m there why

the lost coast you know I’m there why not why not make it a it made sense to

not why not make it a it made sense to

not why not make it a it made sense to me I don’t know why you guys all laugh

me I don’t know why you guys all laugh

me I don’t know why you guys all laugh yeah so this is the route that came

yeah so this is the route that came

yeah so this is the route that came together it was

together it was

together it was ended up being plus or minus a hundred

ended up being plus or minus a hundred

ended up being plus or minus a hundred miles about 4600 79 miles I finished in

miles about 4600 79 miles I finished in

miles about 4600 79 miles I finished in a little less than six months I averaged

a little less than six months I averaged

a little less than six months I averaged about a marathon day and then I ended up

about a marathon day and then I ended up

about a marathon day and then I ended up taking seven days off out of 176 three

taking seven days off out of 176 three

taking seven days off out of 176 three of which were not voluntary one bit

of which were not voluntary one bit

of which were not voluntary one bit where I got stuck in the field shut down

where I got stuck in the field shut down

where I got stuck in the field shut down by by the natural conditions so go ahead

by by the natural conditions so go ahead

by by the natural conditions so go ahead and get this trip started started in the

and get this trip started started in the

and get this trip started started in the middle of March and my decision to to

middle of March and my decision to to

middle of March and my decision to to start in the northwestern city of

start in the northwestern city of

start in the northwestern city of Kotzebue was both a practical and a

Kotzebue was both a practical and a

Kotzebue was both a practical and a logistical one practically speaking it

logistical one practically speaking it

logistical one practically speaking it offered it was a major airport quote

offered it was a major airport quote

offered it was a major airport quote major airport that I could get a direct

major airport that I could get a direct

major airport that I could get a direct flight in from Kotzebue so that was that

flight in from Kotzebue so that was that

flight in from Kotzebue so that was that was convenient and then logistically it

was convenient and then logistically it

was convenient and then logistically it was more important though because I

was more important though because I

was more important though because I could pick up snow machine trails

could pick up snow machine trails

could pick up snow machine trails heading south and then in when as I was

heading south and then in when as I was

heading south and then in when as I was finishing up the trip I could float the

finishing up the trip I could float the

finishing up the trip I could float the co buck River out of the Brooks Range

co buck River out of the Brooks Range

co buck River out of the Brooks Range and basically right in Kotzebue good

and basically right in Kotzebue good

and basically right in Kotzebue good morning it’s about 8:30 on March 14th

morning it’s about 8:30 on March 14th

morning it’s about 8:30 on March 14th I mean Kotzebue Alaska 30 miles north

I mean Kotzebue Alaska 30 miles north

I mean Kotzebue Alaska 30 miles north conducting circle about to begin my

conducting circle about to begin my

conducting circle about to begin my Alaska Yukon expedition it is about 25

Alaska Yukon expedition it is about 25

Alaska Yukon expedition it is about 25 below three days ago I was in

below three days ago I was in

below three days ago I was in Massachusetts running in shorts and a

Massachusetts running in shorts and a

Massachusetts running in shorts and a t-shirt should be a great trip I’m

t-shirt should be a great trip I’m

t-shirt should be a great trip I’m looking forward to starting this thing

looking forward to starting this thing

looking forward to starting this thing oven planet forever and I think that

oven planet forever and I think that

oven planet forever and I think that this trip will put me or take me to

this trip will put me or take me to

this trip will put me or take me to higher highs and lower lows compared to

higher highs and lower lows compared to

higher highs and lower lows compared to any other trip but that’s partly what

any other trip but that’s partly what

any other trip but that’s partly what this game is all about put yourself on

this game is all about put yourself on

this game is all about put yourself on the line and see what comes out of it so

the line and see what comes out of it so

the line and see what comes out of it so walk it into this thing with some

walk it into this thing with some

walk it into this thing with some humility and some respect for the land

humility and some respect for the land

humility and some respect for the land and hopefully it was some good judgment

and hopefully it was some good judgment

and hopefully it was some good judgment and some luck that will get me right

and some luck that will get me right

and some luck that will get me right back here to Kotzebue by the end of

back here to Kotzebue by the end of

back here to Kotzebue by the end of September beginning of October in six

September beginning of October in six

September beginning of October in six and a half months or so here we go I

and a half months or so here we go I

and a half months or so here we go I think it should be obvious why no one

think it should be obvious why no one

think it should be obvious why no one wanted to join me on this trip right

wanted to join me on this trip right

wanted to join me on this trip right so the tone of this trip trip was set

so the tone of this trip trip was set

so the tone of this trip trip was set was set quickly I soon as I left

was set quickly I soon as I left

was set quickly I soon as I left Kotzebue I found myself in this vast

Kotzebue I found myself in this vast

Kotzebue I found myself in this vast white frozen expanse of just these

white frozen expanse of just these

white frozen expanse of just these gently rolling hills or flat Tundra

gently rolling hills or flat Tundra

gently rolling hills or flat Tundra there’s even a section where I crossed

there’s even a section where I crossed

there’s even a section where I crossed frozen pack ice for about 30 miles and

frozen pack ice for about 30 miles and

frozen pack ice for about 30 miles and if as if the landscape were not in alone

if as if the landscape were not in alone

if as if the landscape were not in alone intimidating enough the conditions for

intimidating enough the conditions for

intimidating enough the conditions for the first couple of days of the trip

the first couple of days of the trip

the first couple of days of the trip were just brutal I was starting at the

were just brutal I was starting at the

were just brutal I was starting at the end of their winter but temperatures

end of their winter but temperatures

end of their winter but temperatures were unseasonally cold and you can see

were unseasonally cold and you can see

were unseasonally cold and you can see like you know welcome to the alaska

like you know welcome to the alaska

like you know welcome to the alaska yukon expedition right you know 29 below

yukon expedition right you know 29 below

yukon expedition right you know 29 below zero that morning and never got above 16

zero that morning and never got above 16

zero that morning and never got above 16 there was a 20 mile or across when I

there was a 20 mile or across when I

there was a 20 mile or across when I remember just thing I just remember

remember just thing I just remember

remember just thing I just remember skiing with my head down and you know

skiing with my head down and you know

skiing with my head down and you know just being so thankful that I had taken

just being so thankful that I had taken

just being so thankful that I had taken a lesson from the natives and had my mom

a lesson from the natives and had my mom

a lesson from the natives and had my mom so on a coyote fur off to my hood that

so on a coyote fur off to my hood that

so on a coyote fur off to my hood that was you know it saves my nerves and I

was you know it saves my nerves and I

was you know it saves my nerves and I guess you can say that on day three we

guess you can say that on day three we

guess you can say that on day three we started a heatwave when temperatures

started a heatwave when temperatures

started a heatwave when temperatures finally climbed above zero for the first

finally climbed above zero for the first

finally climbed above zero for the first time between the winds and the

time between the winds and the

time between the winds and the temperature it was just I was just way

temperature it was just I was just way

temperature it was just I was just way outside of my comfort zone I was kind of

outside of my comfort zone I was kind of

outside of my comfort zone I was kind of always focused on my immediate survival

always focused on my immediate survival

always focused on my immediate survival I had to make sure that my my nose

I had to make sure that my my nose

I had to make sure that my my nose didn’t get frostbitten my hands and feet

didn’t get frostbitten my hands and feet

didn’t get frostbitten my hands and feet didn’t get too cold that my water didn’t

didn’t get too cold that my water didn’t

didn’t get too cold that my water didn’t freeze up being in those conditions you

freeze up being in those conditions you

freeze up being in those conditions you just have to always be so on there’s no

just have to always be so on there’s no

just have to always be so on there’s no relaxing at all that’s when you start to

relaxing at all that’s when you start to

relaxing at all that’s when you start to make mistakes and mistakes are quickly

make mistakes and mistakes are quickly

make mistakes and mistakes are quickly punished in these conditions I reached

punished in these conditions I reached

punished in these conditions I reached the Alaska Range in about a month it was

the Alaska Range in about a month it was

the Alaska Range in about a month it was the middle of April I was really excited

the middle of April I was really excited

the middle of April I was really excited about getting me to the Alaska Range

about getting me to the Alaska Range

about getting me to the Alaska Range this was one of this was again one of my

this was one of this was again one of my

this was one of this was again one of my original inspirations for the trip this

original inspirations for the trip this

original inspirations for the trip this is just this incredibly majestic part of

is just this incredibly majestic part of

is just this incredibly majestic part of the state is just these huge mountains

the state is just these huge mountains

the state is just these huge mountains and enormous glaciers and of course

and enormous glaciers and of course

and enormous glaciers and of course you’re always skiing in the shadow of

you’re always skiing in the shadow of

you’re always skiing in the shadow of Mount McKinley at least while you’re

Mount McKinley at least while you’re

Mount McKinley at least while you’re going through Denali National Park

going through Denali National Park

going through Denali National Park I remember I I had I carried satellite

I remember I I had I carried satellite

I remember I I had I carried satellite phone with me and I would send home a

phone with me and I would send home a

phone with me and I would send home a short message that my mother would

short message that my mother would

short message that my mother would upload to my Facebook and Twitter

upload to my Facebook and Twitter

upload to my Facebook and Twitter accounts to kind of keep everyone posted

accounts to kind of keep everyone posted

accounts to kind of keep everyone posted somehow in the span of 140 characters

somehow in the span of 140 characters

somehow in the span of 140 characters and but there were a couple of days like

and but there were a couple of days like

and but there were a couple of days like it was like three days in a row where I

it was like three days in a row where I

it was like three days in a row where I wrote home and said best day of skiing

wrote home and said best day of skiing

wrote home and said best day of skiing ever and then the next day was like best

ever and then the next day was like best

ever and then the next day was like best day of skiing ever even better than

day of skiing ever even better than

day of skiing ever even better than yesterday and then the third day was

yesterday and then the third day was

yesterday and then the third day was something to that effect to you just one

something to that effect to you just one

something to that effect to you just one beautiful day after next

eventually you’re gonna need a job so

eventually you’re gonna need a job so that was the the photo assistant that

that was the the photo assistant that

that was the the photo assistant that National Geographic crew came out for

National Geographic crew came out for

National Geographic crew came out for about a week and that was the photo

about a week and that was the photo

about a week and that was the photo assistant giving me some some advice

assistant giving me some some advice

assistant giving me some some advice once the summer arrives there are two

once the summer arrives there are two

once the summer arrives there are two important things that happen if you are

important things that happen if you are

important things that happen if you are traveling through the Alaskan bush and

traveling through the Alaskan bush and

traveling through the Alaskan bush and the Yukon bush as well one is that the

the Yukon bush as well one is that the

the Yukon bush as well one is that the Bears come out and the other is that the

Bears come out and the other is that the

Bears come out and the other is that the bugs come out I’ll talk about the bugs

bugs come out I’ll talk about the bugs

bugs come out I’ll talk about the bugs later but we’ll do the bears now since

later but we’ll do the bears now since

later but we’ll do the bears now since I’m sure everyone everyone loves to ask

I’m sure everyone everyone loves to ask

I’m sure everyone everyone loves to ask me those do you see any bears well like

me those do you see any bears well like

me those do you see any bears well like well I was in Alaska yeah

well I was in Alaska yeah

well I was in Alaska yeah and they’re like what did you do and I

and they’re like what did you do and I

and they’re like what did you do and I tell them I carried a can of pepper

tell them I carried a can of pepper

tell them I carried a can of pepper spray and they’re just in disbelief that

spray and they’re just in disbelief that

spray and they’re just in disbelief that I didn’t you know carry a semi-automatic

I didn’t you know carry a semi-automatic

I didn’t you know carry a semi-automatic weapon with me so ideally this is how a

weapon with me so ideally this is how a

weapon with me so ideally this is how a bear encounter goes down you see it from

bear encounter goes down you see it from

bear encounter goes down you see it from a distance you can get out your bear

a distance you can get out your bear

a distance you can get out your bear spray you yell at the bear and the bear

spray you yell at the bear and the bear

spray you yell at the bear and the bear decides you know you’re human I don’t

decides you know you’re human I don’t

decides you know you’re human I don’t really want to mess with you plus you

really want to mess with you plus you

really want to mess with you plus you smell bad and and it either runs away or

smell bad and and it either runs away or

smell bad and and it either runs away or it or it’s wanders away like this one

it or it’s wanders away like this one

it or it’s wanders away like this one did and this one this encounter was

did and this one this encounter was

did and this one this encounter was actually really funny on the bear it

actually really funny on the bear it

actually really funny on the bear it came at Roman enough I actually

came at Roman enough I actually

came at Roman enough I actually geographically was out again and during

geographically was out again and during

geographically was out again and during this photo the bear came running down

this photo the bear came running down

this photo the bear came running down and the bear and I I was the only one

and the bear and I I was the only one

and the bear and I I was the only one that there spray and the bear and I’d

that there spray and the bear and I’d

that there spray and the bear and I’d end up doing this western-style duel we

end up doing this western-style duel we

end up doing this western-style duel we were like around the circle and he ended

were like around the circle and he ended

were like around the circle and he ended up going the way that he was coming and

up going the way that he was coming and

up going the way that he was coming and I we eventually we continue going down

I we eventually we continue going down

I we eventually we continue going down our way too and then you know if

our way too and then you know if

our way too and then you know if everything ends well then you can laugh

everything ends well then you can laugh

everything ends well then you can laugh about it wasn’t that fun yeah but some

about it wasn’t that fun yeah but some

about it wasn’t that fun yeah but some very encounters don’t end that well or

very encounters don’t end that well or

very encounters don’t end that well or they’re a little bit scarier than this

they’re a little bit scarier than this

they’re a little bit scarier than this one here so I have another video clip of

one here so I have another video clip of

one here so I have another video clip of some some bear footage that I took as

some some bear footage that I took as

some some bear footage that I took as well as two really good bear encounters

well as two really good bear encounters

well as two really good bear encounters the latter of which is probably the best

the latter of which is probably the best

the latter of which is probably the best footage I’ve ever taken during any of my

footage I’ve ever taken during any of my

footage I’ve ever taken during any of my trips

I need to go that way don’t go that way

I need to go that way don’t go that way another very nerve-wracking bear

another very nerve-wracking bear

another very nerve-wracking bear encounter was like huh you know you

encounter was like huh you know you

encounter was like huh you know you should stop for a second and you get a

should stop for a second and you get a

should stop for a second and you get a good vantage point I wonder if there he

good vantage point I wonder if there he

good vantage point I wonder if there he bears grazing on the hillside here and I

bears grazing on the hillside here and I

bears grazing on the hillside here and I was like this and I came around this way

was like this and I came around this way

was like this and I came around this way and there was literally a bear charging

and there was literally a bear charging

and there was literally a bear charging at me right from right there right there

at me right from right there right there

at me right from right there right there is it possible I have two close calls

is it possible I have two close calls

is it possible I have two close calls with grizzly bears within like 30

with grizzly bears within like 30

with grizzly bears within like 30 minutes because I just had a second one

minutes because I just had a second one

minutes because I just had a second one and he came running he must come running

and he came running he must come running

and he came running he must come running across your his footprints that’s my

across your his footprints that’s my

across your his footprints that’s my trekking pole right there I threw it at

trekking pole right there I threw it at

trekking pole right there I threw it at him I threw my trekking pole at him and

him I threw my trekking pole at him and

him I threw my trekking pole at him and those are his footprints right there now

those are his footprints right there now

those are his footprints right there now look he is running he’s still running

look he is running he’s still running

look he is running he’s still running everybody came running across I threw my

everybody came running across I threw my

everybody came running across I threw my trekking pole at him yelled at him and

trekking pole at him yelled at him and

trekking pole at him yelled at him and he ran up here and he’s actually he was

he ran up here and he’s actually he was

he ran up here and he’s actually he was so scared I scared the bottom look I

so scared I scared the bottom look I

so scared I scared the bottom look I scared the out of a grizzly bear

scared the out of a grizzly bear

scared the out of a grizzly bear he’s ready he’s buried Yallah he is so

he’s ready he’s buried Yallah he is so

he’s ready he’s buried Yallah he is so scared he himself ha I love that I

scared he himself ha I love that I

scared he himself ha I love that I scared

literally anyway he’s gone he all scared

literally anyway he’s gone he all scared the V I need to go she is to use

the V I need to go she is to use

the V I need to go she is to use freaking clothes he was too close that’s

freaking clothes he was too close that’s

freaking clothes he was too close that’s that’s way too close

so I hit the coast after floating the

so I hit the coast after floating the Copper River which is famous for its

Copper River which is famous for its

Copper River which is famous for its Copper River red salmon and this began

Copper River red salmon and this began

Copper River red salmon and this began my 500 mile section along the lost coast

my 500 mile section along the lost coast

my 500 mile section along the lost coast and into the Inside Passage and I did

and into the Inside Passage and I did

and into the Inside Passage and I did describe the Lost Coast as mostly easy

describe the Lost Coast as mostly easy

describe the Lost Coast as mostly easy beach walking punctuated by moments of

beach walking punctuated by moments of

beach walking punctuated by moments of terror and the terror is all due to how

terror and the terror is all due to how

terror and the terror is all due to how big nature is along that Gulf of Alaska

big nature is along that Gulf of Alaska

big nature is along that Gulf of Alaska coastline there was nothing blocking

coastline there was nothing blocking

coastline there was nothing blocking anything that came off that ocean and me

anything that came off that ocean and me

anything that came off that ocean and me I was walking along the beach and

I was walking along the beach and

I was walking along the beach and encountering gales that were at their

encountering gales that were at their

encountering gales that were at their their full force just inland from the

their full force just inland from the

their full force just inland from the beach is the Chugach range and you have

beach is the Chugach range and you have

beach is the Chugach range and you have peaks like Mount st. Elias at 19,000

peaks like Mount st. Elias at 19,000

peaks like Mount st. Elias at 19,000 feet Cape Fair or Mount Fairweather at

feet Cape Fair or Mount Fairweather at

feet Cape Fair or Mount Fairweather at 15,000 feet and these mountains just

15,000 feet and these mountains just

15,000 feet and these mountains just catch a tremendous amount of that

catch a tremendous amount of that

catch a tremendous amount of that moisture that comes down a lot of which

moisture that comes down a lot of which

moisture that comes down a lot of which falls as snow and if you end up with all

falls as snow and if you end up with all

falls as snow and if you end up with all that snow over tens of thousands years

that snow over tens of thousands years

that snow over tens of thousands years you end up with huge glaciers and for

you end up with huge glaciers and for

you end up with huge glaciers and for scale this is where you wish you had a

scale this is where you wish you had a

scale this is where you wish you had a hiking partner for scale when I walked

hiking partner for scale when I walked

hiking partner for scale when I walked right next to this piece of ice right

right next to this piece of ice right

right next to this piece of ice right here is about up to my like upper like

here is about up to my like upper like

here is about up to my like upper like sternum area so I figured that the face

sternum area so I figured that the face

sternum area so I figured that the face of this glacier this is the Brady

of this glacier this is the Brady

of this glacier this is the Brady glacier was somewhere in the

glacier was somewhere in the

glacier was somewhere in the neighborhood of 150 200 feet high just

neighborhood of 150 200 feet high just

neighborhood of 150 200 feet high just massive massive glaciers and of course

massive massive glaciers and of course

massive massive glaciers and of course if you have all of that ice and you’re

if you have all of that ice and you’re

if you have all of that ice and you’re there in the summertime a lot of it is

there in the summertime a lot of it is

there in the summertime a lot of it is melting so a quick video clip here of

melting so a quick video clip here of

melting so a quick video clip here of one of the outlets of one of the large

one of the outlets of one of the large

one of the outlets of one of the large glaciers the grand plateau glacier

glaciers the grand plateau glacier

glaciers the grand plateau glacier thankfully there was a way I forwarded

thankfully there was a way I forwarded

thankfully there was a way I forwarded this was I went hiked hiked along

this was I went hiked hiked along

this was I went hiked hiked along up-stream and found the terminal Lake

up-stream and found the terminal Lake

up-stream and found the terminal Lake where the glaciers receded blew up my

where the glaciers receded blew up my

where the glaciers receded blew up my pack raft floated across the terminal

pack raft floated across the terminal

pack raft floated across the terminal lake for about a quarter mile took out

lake for about a quarter mile took out

lake for about a quarter mile took out and walked down to the beach so

and walked down to the beach so

and walked down to the beach so thankfully I didn’t have to try to

thankfully I didn’t have to try to

thankfully I didn’t have to try to afford that I would have been exciting

afford that I would have been exciting

afford that I would have been exciting most of this route was off trail in

most of this route was off trail in

most of this route was off trail in 2,100 miles so–but imagine hiking from

2,100 miles so–but imagine hiking from

2,100 miles so–but imagine hiking from Georgia to Maine which is basically the

Georgia to Maine which is basically the

Georgia to Maine which is basically the length of the Appalachian Trail but not

length of the Appalachian Trail but not

length of the Appalachian Trail but not having a trail to do that and then about

having a trail to do that and then about

having a trail to do that and then about a quarter of the trip was was on water

a quarter of the trip was was on water

a quarter of the trip was was on water and then about 20% of the route was was

and then about 20% of the route was was

and then about 20% of the route was was on winter route namely the Iditarod

on winter route namely the Iditarod

on winter route namely the Iditarod Trail so basically the rest of this

Trail so basically the rest of this

Trail so basically the rest of this route was was extremely organic in

route was was extremely organic in

route was was extremely organic in nature where I was just sort of finding

nature where I was just sort of finding

nature where I was just sort of finding my way across and obviously if you if to

my way across and obviously if you if to

my way across and obviously if you if to travel that much off trail map reading

travel that much off trail map reading

travel that much off trail map reading was a was a critical skill but it’s not

was a was a critical skill but it’s not

was a was a critical skill but it’s not just enough when you’re traveling off

just enough when you’re traveling off

just enough when you’re traveling off trail like this to be able to look at a

trail like this to be able to look at a

trail like this to be able to look at a map and identify exactly where you are

map and identify exactly where you are

map and identify exactly where you are and say I’m here or to find North that’s

and say I’m here or to find North that’s

and say I’m here or to find North that’s that’s basic stuff but really in

that’s basic stuff but really in

that’s basic stuff but really in planning this trip I needed to be able

planning this trip I needed to be able

planning this trip I needed to be able to look at the maps and I needed to be

to look at the maps and I needed to be

to look at the maps and I needed to be able to figure out in the wintertime

able to figure out in the wintertime

able to figure out in the wintertime which passes in the Alaska Range would

which passes in the Alaska Range would

which passes in the Alaska Range would be Avalanche prone and which ones

be Avalanche prone and which ones

be Avalanche prone and which ones wouldn’t be and then I also needed to be

wouldn’t be and then I also needed to be

wouldn’t be and then I also needed to be able to look at the maps and figure out

able to look at the maps and figure out

able to look at the maps and figure out the gradients of rivers and which is a

the gradients of rivers and which is a

the gradients of rivers and which is a good indication of how fast they might

good indication of how fast they might

good indication of how fast they might be flowing as well as the size of the

be flowing as well as the size of the

be flowing as well as the size of the rapids and then Alaska is also not

rapids and then Alaska is also not

rapids and then Alaska is also not shortage of nastiness there is just you

shortage of nastiness there is just you

shortage of nastiness there is just you know probably several states like

know probably several states like

know probably several states like Virginia’s worth of heinous bushwhacking

Virginia’s worth of heinous bushwhacking

Virginia’s worth of heinous bushwhacking to be found in Alaska and you know the

to be found in Alaska and you know the

to be found in Alaska and you know the force often times it’s this black spruce

force often times it’s this black spruce

force often times it’s this black spruce and tego with the sponge of floor or

and tego with the sponge of floor or

and tego with the sponge of floor or these this is a giant tussock just

these this is a giant tussock just

these this is a giant tussock just brushy and nasty and then once you get

brushy and nasty and then once you get

brushy and nasty and then once you get above or outside of the forest

above or outside of the forest

above or outside of the forest oftentimes you end up in the brush so

oftentimes you end up in the brush so

oftentimes you end up in the brush so all there dwarf birch resin birch willow

all there dwarf birch resin birch willow

all there dwarf birch resin birch willow and then even when you get above the

and then even when you get above the

and then even when you get above the brush you oftentimes will find tussocks

brush you oftentimes will find tussocks

brush you oftentimes will find tussocks and tussocks I can only describe it as

and tussocks I can only describe it as

and tussocks I can only describe it as imagine like take them take it bunch of

imagine like take them take it bunch of

imagine like take them take it bunch of like one gallon paint cans cover them in

like one gallon paint cans cover them in

like one gallon paint cans cover them in like six inches of grass and then space

like six inches of grass and then space

like six inches of grass and then space them out evenly and try to walk across

them out evenly and try to walk across

them out evenly and try to walk across them for miles without twisting an ankle

them for miles without twisting an ankle

them for miles without twisting an ankle or falling the only thing that I’ve ever

or falling the only thing that I’ve ever

or falling the only thing that I’ve ever seen be able to walk across tussocks

seen be able to walk across tussocks

seen be able to walk across tussocks with grace where the caribou the rest of

with grace where the caribou the rest of

with grace where the caribou the rest of us just stumble there is no way to get

us just stumble there is no way to get

us just stumble there is no way to get across tussocks with with any sort of

across tussocks with with any sort of

across tussocks with with any sort of elegance

elegance

elegance so in Alaska it’s critical to be able to

so in Alaska it’s critical to be able to

so in Alaska it’s critical to be able to look at that map

look at that map

look at that map and figure out where all the nasty stuff

and figure out where all the nasty stuff

and figure out where all the nasty stuff is hiding and generally speaking the one

is hiding and generally speaking the one

is hiding and generally speaking the one way to go is to get to get high to get

way to go is to get to get high to get

way to go is to get to get high to get in areas that recently have been

in areas that recently have been

in areas that recently have been glaciated and also try to find areas

glaciated and also try to find areas

glaciated and also try to find areas that are well-drained so old River old

that are well-drained so old River old

that are well-drained so old River old gravel river bars this is a good example

gravel river bars this is a good example

gravel river bars this is a good example in the Brooks Range where there’s

in the Brooks Range where there’s

in the Brooks Range where there’s there’s there’s a the force is slowly

there’s there’s a the force is slowly

there’s there’s a the force is slowly coming back but this is hard travel and

coming back but this is hard travel and

coming back but this is hard travel and then the other option sometimes is to

then the other option sometimes is to

then the other option sometimes is to follow game trails and there are

follow game trails and there are

follow game trails and there are extensive game trails in Alaska and if

extensive game trails in Alaska and if

extensive game trails in Alaska and if you can if you put yourself in the mind

you can if you put yourself in the mind

you can if you put yourself in the mind of an animal and you can look at the map

of an animal and you can look at the map

of an animal and you can look at the map and know exactly where they are they’re

and know exactly where they are they’re

and know exactly where they are they’re generally going to run along creeks they

generally going to run along creeks they

generally going to run along creeks they run along the noses of Ridge lines they

run along the noses of Ridge lines they

run along the noses of Ridge lines they follow natural geographic boundaries

follow natural geographic boundaries

follow natural geographic boundaries like like the edges of slopes so you

like like the edges of slopes so you

like like the edges of slopes so you need to be able to just kind of put

need to be able to just kind of put

need to be able to just kind of put yourself in the mind of an animal and

yourself in the mind of an animal and

yourself in the mind of an animal and believe it or not I mean you look at

believe it or not I mean you look at

believe it or not I mean you look at these trails you think oh no someone was

these trails you think oh no someone was

these trails you think oh no someone was out there with a Pulaski but no these

out there with a Pulaski but no these

out there with a Pulaski but no these are this is a bear trail here along the

are this is a bear trail here along the

are this is a bear trail here along the Lost Coast and this is a caribou and

Lost Coast and this is a caribou and

Lost Coast and this is a caribou and moose trail up in the Brooks Range of

moose trail up in the Brooks Range of

moose trail up in the Brooks Range of Alaska and sometimes you end up with

Alaska and sometimes you end up with

Alaska and sometimes you end up with both well-drained areas as well as game

both well-drained areas as well as game

both well-drained areas as well as game trails and this is a photo in the Brooks

trails and this is a photo in the Brooks

trails and this is a photo in the Brooks Range taken of the caribou trail and

Range taken of the caribou trail and

Range taken of the caribou trail and walking along these game trails can be a

walking along these game trails can be a

walking along these game trails can be a powerful experience so uh how did here

powerful experience so uh how did here

powerful experience so uh how did here in northern Yukon Onam follow on the

in northern Yukon Onam follow on the

in northern Yukon Onam follow on the trail the caribou basically me and I

trail the caribou basically me and I

trail the caribou basically me and I just I came up and over this Ridge and

just I came up and over this Ridge and

just I came up and over this Ridge and there’s just this like I’m not sure how

there’s just this like I’m not sure how

there’s just this like I’m not sure how well you’re gonna be able see it but

well you’re gonna be able see it but

well you’re gonna be able see it but just you know dozens of dozens of tracks

just you know dozens of dozens of tracks

just you know dozens of dozens of tracks following the base of this mountain you

following the base of this mountain you

following the base of this mountain you gotta think you’re like wow this species

gotta think you’re like wow this species

gotta think you’re like wow this species been doing this for thousands of years

been doing this for thousands of years

been doing this for thousands of years and they’ve got it figured out they know

and they’ve got it figured out they know

and they’ve got it figured out they know exactly where to go this is the best

exactly where to go this is the best

exactly where to go this is the best travel that I’ve seen I feel like I’m

travel that I’ve seen I feel like I’m

travel that I’ve seen I feel like I’m like I’m kind of like tapping into the

like I’m kind of like tapping into the

like I’m kind of like tapping into the energy of their migration it’s like like

energy of their migration it’s like like

energy of their migration it’s like like I’ve got that mentality where just like

I’ve got that mentality where just like

I’ve got that mentality where just like it’s like you know move eat sleep move

it’s like you know move eat sleep move

it’s like you know move eat sleep move eat sleep it’s like you know just it’s

eat sleep it’s like you know just it’s

eat sleep it’s like you know just it’s the same thing over and over you just

the same thing over and over you just

the same thing over and over you just you got you got destination in mind and

you got you got destination in mind and

you got you got destination in mind and you know you’re like you know what the

you know you’re like you know what the

you know you’re like you know what the seasons are changing you got to move you

seasons are changing you got to move you

seasons are changing you got to move you got to move and on and eating and and

got to move and on and eating and and

got to move and on and eating and and sleeping those are just your tools

sleeping those are just your tools

sleeping those are just your tools there’s

there’s

there’s there’s in a blurs but it’s all about

there’s in a blurs but it’s all about

there’s in a blurs but it’s all about the movement so here’s a better view of

the movement so here’s a better view of

the movement so here’s a better view of these trails just dozens of them

these trails just dozens of them

these trails just dozens of them hey they haven’t figured out why I’m

hey they haven’t figured out why I’m

hey they haven’t figured out why I’m crying by the side of these trails maybe

crying by the side of these trails maybe

crying by the side of these trails maybe cry but I think I is I think it has

cry but I think I is I think it has

cry but I think I is I think it has everything to it like I’m just an animal

everything to it like I’m just an animal

everything to it like I’m just an animal right now I’m just like these guys my

right now I’m just like these guys my

right now I’m just like these guys my just like creature uh sure I get all

just like creature uh sure I get all

just like creature uh sure I get all this trick down hearing it like deal

this trick down hearing it like deal

this trick down hearing it like deal with the same stuff that they are it’s

with the same stuff that they are it’s

with the same stuff that they are it’s like this it’s this very natural connect

like this it’s this very natural connect

like this it’s this very natural connect like this it’s primal just raw and you

like this it’s primal just raw and you

like this it’s primal just raw and you know I think and I’m looking at these

know I think and I’m looking at these

know I think and I’m looking at these caribou and I’m thinking to myself like

caribou and I’m thinking to myself like

caribou and I’m thinking to myself like wow these guys been doing this for

wow these guys been doing this for

wow these guys been doing this for thousands of years and like no one no

thousands of years and like no one no

thousands of years and like no one no one publishes story is about about them

one publishes story is about about them

one publishes story is about about them a National Geographic or you know they

a National Geographic or you know they

a National Geographic or you know they don’t have a blog you know the magnitude

don’t have a blog you know the magnitude

don’t have a blog you know the magnitude of my trip kind of kind of pales in

of my trip kind of kind of pales in

of my trip kind of kind of pales in comparison

so route finding and identifying my map

so route finding and identifying my map or identifying my route was probably the

or identifying my route was probably the

or identifying my route was probably the biggest task that I had in planning for

biggest task that I had in planning for

biggest task that I had in planning for my trip and I was planning for on both a

my trip and I was planning for on both a

my trip and I was planning for on both a macro level and a micro level as well

macro level and a micro level as well

macro level and a micro level as well and this is all before I left so on a

and this is all before I left so on a

and this is all before I left so on a macro level I was I made the decision

macro level I was I made the decision

macro level I was I made the decision that I needed to go from The Lost Coast

that I needed to go from The Lost Coast

that I needed to go from The Lost Coast into the Inside Passage and icy

into the Inside Passage and icy

into the Inside Passage and icy straights area was a fairly good way to

straights area was a fairly good way to

straights area was a fairly good way to do that this is the exact route I

do that this is the exact route I

do that this is the exact route I planned alongside the Brady glacier so I

planned alongside the Brady glacier so I

planned alongside the Brady glacier so I was spent hours and hours in National

was spent hours and hours in National

was spent hours and hours in National Geographic topo software making comments

Geographic topo software making comments

Geographic topo software making comments and planning my exact route and I would

and planning my exact route and I would

and planning my exact route and I would go up and over this pass and float float

go up and over this pass and float float

go up and over this pass and float float across this river or go along the edge

across this river or go along the edge

across this river or go along the edge of the glacier and my route was very

of the glacier and my route was very

of the glacier and my route was very much dependent or was based on what I

much dependent or was based on what I

much dependent or was based on what I thought to be the path of least

thought to be the path of least

thought to be the path of least resistance based on where I thought the

resistance based on where I thought the

resistance based on where I thought the game trails would be where the best

game trails would be where the best

game trails would be where the best travel would be where there’s going to

travel would be where there’s going to

travel would be where there’s going to be the least amount of brush and nasty

be the least amount of brush and nasty

be the least amount of brush and nasty force and oftentimes I was having to

force and oftentimes I was having to

force and oftentimes I was having to check these topographical maps with land

check these topographical maps with land

check these topographical maps with land satellite images because the landscape

satellite images because the landscape

satellite images because the landscape up there is changing fairly dramatically

up there is changing fairly dramatically

up there is changing fairly dramatically in

in some regions so keep your eyes on north

some regions so keep your eyes on north

some regions so keep your eyes on north deception lake here and they give you

deception lake here and they give you

deception lake here and they give you some scale this section this is a

some scale this section this is a

some scale this section this is a section line which is square mile and

section line which is square mile and

section line which is square mile and this the new edge of the glacier is is

this the new edge of the glacier is is

this the new edge of the glacier is is this red marked and then if you also

this red marked and then if you also

this red marked and then if you also want to watch you can watch North trick

want to watch you can watch North trick

want to watch you can watch North trick Lake and south trick lake which are now

Lake and south trick lake which are now

Lake and south trick lake which are now just trick Lake so this map here this is

just trick Lake so this map here this is

just trick Lake so this map here this is a 1961 map and in the land satellite

a 1961 map and in the land satellite

a 1961 map and in the land satellite image you see a great deal receding on

image you see a great deal receding on

image you see a great deal receding on that lobe at the deception Lake and then

that lobe at the deception Lake and then

that lobe at the deception Lake and then the North trick lake and South trick

the North trick lake and South trick

the North trick lake and South trick lake or now are now combined

lake or now are now combined

lake or now are now combined once I had a route that I that I liked I

once I had a route that I that I liked I

once I had a route that I that I liked I started putting it into Microsoft Excel

started putting it into Microsoft Excel

started putting it into Microsoft Excel and I guess I sort of fall on the camp

and I guess I sort of fall on the camp

and I guess I sort of fall on the camp that all the world’s problems can be

that all the world’s problems can be

that all the world’s problems can be solved in Excel so this is the this is

solved in Excel so this is the this is

solved in Excel so this is the this is the meticulous planner part here you

the meticulous planner part here you

the meticulous planner part here you know yes this is also where those Wall

know yes this is also where those Wall

know yes this is also where those Wall Street’s skills come in as well so I

Street’s skills come in as well so I

Street’s skills come in as well so I identified the distances between key

identified the distances between key

identified the distances between key landmarks so and then once I did that I

landmarks so and then once I did that I

landmarks so and then once I did that I was able to figure out where I was going

was able to figure out where I was going

was able to figure out where I was going to resupply not only where I was going

to resupply not only where I was going

to resupply not only where I was going to resupply with distances between them

to resupply with distances between them

to resupply with distances between them how many days it probably would take me

how many days it probably would take me

how many days it probably would take me and then based on that figuring out

and then based on that figuring out

and then based on that figuring out exactly what supplies and food needed to

exactly what supplies and food needed to

exactly what supplies and food needed to be sent there so I needed 36 snacks I

be sent there so I needed 36 snacks I

be sent there so I needed 36 snacks I needed a new pair of socks I needed a my

needed a new pair of socks I needed a my

needed a new pair of socks I needed a my lighter weight sleeping bag so the last

lighter weight sleeping bag so the last

lighter weight sleeping bag so the last third of the trip starting here in

third of the trip starting here in

third of the trip starting here in Dawson and going 1,700 miles through

Dawson and going 1,700 miles through

Dawson and going 1,700 miles through northern Yukon across the Arctic and

northern Yukon across the Arctic and

northern Yukon across the Arctic and through the Arctic National Wildlife

through the Arctic National Wildlife

through the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and Crossgates directly National

Refuge and Crossgates directly National

Refuge and Crossgates directly National Park this section of the trip had a

Park this section of the trip had a

Park this section of the trip had a distinctly different feel in the first

distinctly different feel in the first

distinctly different feel in the first two-thirds of the trip I thought that in

two-thirds of the trip I thought that in

two-thirds of the trip I thought that in the first 2/3 that I had been I felt I

the first 2/3 that I had been I felt I

the first 2/3 that I had been I felt I had experienced wilderness and I’d felt

had experienced wilderness and I’d felt

had experienced wilderness and I’d felt more exposed and vulnerable than I had

more exposed and vulnerable than I had

more exposed and vulnerable than I had on any other previous trip but the last

on any other previous trip but the last

on any other previous trip but the last third of the trip was on a totally

third of the trip was on a totally

third of the trip was on a totally different scale and even the locals in

different scale and even the locals in

different scale and even the locals in Alaska in Yukon refer to the northern

Alaska in Yukon refer to the northern

Alaska in Yukon refer to the northern parts of their regions as as a different

parts of their regions as as a different

parts of their regions as as a different part of the state this stretch here was

part of the state this stretch here was

part of the state this stretch here was the most remote stretch of the entire

the most remote stretch of the entire

the most remote stretch of the entire trip I went 657 miles and 24 days

trip I went 657 miles and 24 days

trip I went 657 miles and 24 days without seeing a human being and without

without seeing a human being and without

without seeing a human being and without crossing a road now in addition to just

crossing a road now in addition to just

crossing a road now in addition to just the you know the magnitude of it and the

the you know the magnitude of it and the

the you know the magnitude of it and the weight of my pack leaving Fort McPherson

weight of my pack leaving Fort McPherson

weight of my pack leaving Fort McPherson and this was also a challenging stretch

and this was also a challenging stretch

and this was also a challenging stretch for a couple of different reasons one

for a couple of different reasons one

for a couple of different reasons one was that the bugs were just horrific oh

was that the bugs were just horrific oh

was that the bugs were just horrific oh my gosh so a video clip here and I think

my gosh so a video clip here and I think

my gosh so a video clip here and I think after this trip or after this video clip

after this trip or after this video clip

after this trip or after this video clip I’ll again prove to you why no one

I’ll again prove to you why no one

I’ll again prove to you why no one wanted to join me here we go this will

wanted to join me here we go this will

wanted to join me here we go this will forever be known as the Black Flag camp

forever be known as the Black Flag camp

forever be known as the Black Flag camp at least they’re not mosquitos

wish the wind were blowing just a little

wish the wind were blowing just a little bit and that would help a lot oh I

bit and that would help a lot oh I

bit and that would help a lot oh I thought I’d seen bugs but I hadn’t seen

thought I’d seen bugs but I hadn’t seen

thought I’d seen bugs but I hadn’t seen Arctic bugs boy our bad – my aren’t they

so I’m out here on blow pass which has

so I’m out here on blow pass which has become the the tussock the tussock II

become the the tussock the tussock II

become the the tussock the tussock II and bug infested nightmare that I had

and bug infested nightmare that I had

and bug infested nightmare that I had hoped it wouldn’t be as miles of

hoped it wouldn’t be as miles of

hoped it wouldn’t be as miles of tussocks and the whole time these bugs

tussocks and the whole time these bugs

tussocks and the whole time these bugs are mean you have to keep in mind is

are mean you have to keep in mind is

are mean you have to keep in mind is that there’s nothing attracting the bugs

that there’s nothing attracting the bugs

that there’s nothing attracting the bugs my camera it doesn’t have blood it’s not

my camera it doesn’t have blood it’s not

my camera it doesn’t have blood it’s not breathing it’s no warmer than the air so

breathing it’s no warmer than the air so

breathing it’s no warmer than the air so the bugs that you see immediately

the bugs that you see immediately

the bugs that you see immediately swarming in front of the camera that’s

swarming in front of the camera that’s

swarming in front of the camera that’s you kind of consider that the ambient

you kind of consider that the ambient

you kind of consider that the ambient bug intensity and you can only imagine

bug intensity and you can only imagine

bug intensity and you can only imagine what was flying around my head this

what was flying around my head this

what was flying around my head this stretch of the trip was also difficult

stretch of the trip was also difficult

stretch of the trip was also difficult due to a couple of floods that I got

due to a couple of floods that I got

due to a couple of floods that I got caught in but I think mostly I struggled

caught in but I think mostly I struggled

caught in but I think mostly I struggled with just how wild this place was the

with just how wild this place was the

with just how wild this place was the sense of being so big and so open and so

sense of being so big and so open and so

sense of being so big and so open and so vast and feeling as I said the

vast and feeling as I said the

vast and feeling as I said the introduction feeling like I could have

introduction feeling like I could have

introduction feeling like I could have been the last person on the earth that

been the last person on the earth that

been the last person on the earth that the outside world was fairly irrelevant

the outside world was fairly irrelevant

the outside world was fairly irrelevant it didn’t it didn’t matter that I was a

it didn’t it didn’t matter that I was a

it didn’t it didn’t matter that I was a human or that my name was Andrew skorca

human or that my name was Andrew skorca

human or that my name was Andrew skorca I was just I was out there completely

I was just I was out there completely

I was just I was out there completely self dependent on myself and for a long

self dependent on myself and for a long

self dependent on myself and for a long time I

time I

time I I really felt like I actually had much

I really felt like I actually had much

I really felt like I actually had much more in common with the animals on this

Andrew Skurka: Trekking the Wild North | Nat Geo Live

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