2019 Trip 5: Alaska: August 26

Getting ready to board our raft for the float down the Nenana River

Healy, Alaska. Monday August 26

Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. Hold on……. For any of you who know Chris, you can understand that she is telling me, over and over and over again, to hold on to the onboard safety ropes attached to our raft going down the Nanena River early this morning. Not because I am foolish. Not because I could not hear her. Not because maybe I did not remember the guide’s instructions before we left the shore. But just because that is Chris and part and parcel of who she is and who I love.

This easy float rafting trip was offered out of Denali Park Village; a 13 mile trip with Class II rapids on the Nenana River alongside Denali Park. We showed up at 7:30 AM and were fitted into our toe to chin wet suits. We waddled over to the bus to be driven to the drop-in point. The Nenana flows south to north joining the Yukon River on its journey to the Bering Sea. The Nenana is glacially fed; it is cold, dirty with glacial sand, and lacking fish. Thus, one does not see animals drinking or feeding here. The journey is for the view and the experience.

Floating down the Nenana River, photo courtesy of our guide

There were only four of us signed up for the early morning trip. The temperature was 40 degrees and we were bundled up to stay warm. One guide goes solo in front of our raft to catch anyone who flips out and to scout out rocks and obstructions. Our guide does all of the heavy work paddling/steering the boat on its journey downriver. This was his second year working in Denali, last year he was a waiter. He said waiting paid better but who could pass up the opportunity to be trained and certified as a rafter. He was born in Macedonia but lives in Albania and is just months away from receiving his veterinary degree.

Floating on the Nenana River, photo courtesy of second couple on the trip

The raft holds up to eight people and is one of those heavy, rubber rafts. With our wet suits and personal flotation devices we looked like an astronaut and waddled like a penguin. The combination of rubber and latex and neoprene will not be the next big scent in fancy perfumes. The 13 mile journey floats through wilderness canyons. Other than rushing water, you hear very little. The guide relays information as we go along; some historical, some tall tales.

Floating on the Nenana River, photo courtesy of second couple on the trip.

The trip was really enjoyable. A little chilly to be sure but better I believe than being sunburned or attacked by mosquitoes. There was no stopping for lunch, just a trip to watch the mountains and trees slip by. The wet suits are beneficial, you are splashed by very cold water. The rapids were enough to bounce you around. Nobody on our boat fell in nor did the boat flip over. Both actions do happen on this river and on the same type of journey.

Trip finished, we strip off the wet suits and return to the White Moose Lodge for a quick lunch on the patio. The afternoon was spent in a truly exciting way; doing laundry and finishing yesterday’s blog.

Cabaret show

Dinner tonight was a cabaret show. Salmon and barbecue ribs served family style with the waiters doubling as singers and musicians to entertain us while we ate. Food was good as was the entertainment. After dinner was a 30 minute show with Alaska tales, stories, and songs with the usual audience participation. Luckily I was not one of the attendees called upon to join in the festivities.

Ed working on the blog in the cold and rain showers while Chris does the laundry.

Ed and Chris. Tuesday August 27th. 4:30 AM