Mountain Climbing on Knight Island, Alaska with Lea and David

 

I don't think that is the easiest way, David.

There is a past time here in Alaska called 'bushwhacking,' that outsiders are astonished with at first. Bushwhacking is kind of like hiking, except that there is no trail. Today our bushwhack came with a destination, although sometimes its just the experience of nature's obstacle course that is the goal. Today we were going to try and summit a massive, rocky knob, sticking out atop the Alaskan rainforest fringe.

We were in Knight Island, on the western side of Prince William Sound. This island was hit hard by the Exxon Valdez oil spill back in 1989, but now you would have to really try to find any residual oil. We landed on a rocky beach at extreme low tide. We had to try hard not to step on any of the bright red sea stars in the shallow water. After saying goodbye to our small boat dropoff, we scrambled up a small cliff into the forest. The way up was a combination of river crossings, open boggy areas called muskegs, and whacking our way through dense bushes. All the while we tried to avoid the most dangerous plant in our path, the thorn-filled devils club.

I imagine there were a few times where different members of the group were unsure if they were going to make it to the top. A few folks were definitely pushing the boundaries of their normal activity level. But everyone persevered, and ended up standing on top of the summit, soaking in all the views. We were surrounded by hidden coves, lakes, waterfalls, snow capped mountains, and pristine wilderness.
Once we were back on the boat, the conversation level between the guests was up tenfold. The bonding that happened, just from this one adventure, was enough to make everyone feel like family. They had made it. And they made it together.

This is why you expedition cruise to places like this.

Lea's inchworm. Stuff like this happens when you go bushwhacking with me.

Early morning reflections in Lower Herring Bay, Knight Island.

Climbing above the trees on our way to the top!

The entire group made it! I never had a doubt.

The views from the top were dynamite.

Lea, looking like she is a little dubious about her next step. I did tell her that some of these muskeg puddles you could step in and disappear.

Finding our way.

It just gets prettier and prettier as we get higher.

Looking good Elias.

Look at us, two Tamarack's at the top of their game.

Even on the way down, we still had to go up. Just a little.

And there was plenty of downhill as well.

We don't call it bushwhacking for nothing. An Alaskan pasttime.

I pushed the group, but we all made it. It was a huge challenge for some. It is quite rewarding to see how proud guests are at the end of one of these adventures.

The final push.

On the path of a bear. There were signs, like this pile of bear scat.

Panorama: Soaking up the Peace of the Wilderness