Yukon River Log Raft Campout

*PLEASE READ THROUGH ALL INFORMATION, INCLUDING REFUND INFORMATION AND COVID SCREENING REQUIREMENTS AT THE END*

*This adventure is limited to 4 people. If we get a lot of interest we may offer one more segment. In the event we don't get 4 registrations, this event will be cancelled. REGISTRATION WINDOW WILL CLOSE ON AUG. 1, 2020.

*To see some sights from log rafting on the Yukon, go to my "PHOTOS" page on this website.

*To see a video my husband Dave put together about log rafting the Yukon, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJdT6ZoRUnU

Join Brooke Whipple, Neil Eklund and Lauro Eklund for a wilderness campout like no other- on a log raft on the Yukon River in Alaska! Neil is THE master of log rafts (only guy in the WORLD who builds 'em like this) and Brooke and Neil have been teaming up for over 2 decades bringing adventure to life on the Yukon River. (You may remember this crew from the National Geographic show, Yukon River Run.) Neil's son Lauro is an accomplished dog musher and has grown up running log rafts down the Yukon with his dad, Neil. Together, this team will transport you to another place in time... a place that is quiet, majestic, and full of wonder as you experience life on the river from a genuine Huck Finn log raft. 

Your days will be filled with easy schedules- no hard deadlines here, as we explore, learn, eat and laugh together at a leisurely pace. Here are some topics we'll cover and things we may do:

- Bushcraft skills: Firestarting, shelter building, how to clean fish, cooking fish over coals, hot smoking fish, self defense in bear country, traveling safely in the backcountry, wild edibles, survival fishing, how to make cordage, survival mentality, survival psychology, etc.

-Wilderness skills: How to read a river, traveling in boats including canoes, how to fish for pike/sheefish, rustic camp cooking and cleaning, how to fish with a fish net (you will get to see it working right in front of you!), how to use a wood stove, etc.

Another thing you may enjoy is learning about sled dogs (we'll have some along!) as Lauro talks about how they feed the dogs with fish from the river, how he trains the dogs in summer, and will demonstrate how to harness and run the dogs. Lauro has run many races in Alaska and has his hopes set on running the Ididarod one day- just like his dad Neil did! Lauro loves his dogs and cares deeply for them, and loves to share his knowledge of the sport. 

We'll enjoy beach campfires (the best!), great food (I'm the cook!) and hopefully a glimpse of the northern lights if we're lucky! Bring a fishing license if you'd like to fish. (Pike, sheefish, and grayling are the target species.) We'll be eating fresh fish from the net or the hooks and all food will be homemade! AND NEIL WILL TELL LOTS OF STORIES! (But don't play poker with him. He's a dirty cheat.)

You'll be sharing a traditional wall tent with one person (maybe a stranger, or maybe the friend you bring along- just like old camp days!). Ladies will sleep together, men together (unless couples) in the wall tents (2 per tent). Each person will have a cot. You are responsible for bringing your own sleeping bag and all other clothing/gear you'll want to have along. (A full list of recommend clothing and gear will be emailed to you.) All fishing gear will be provided, as will food and beverage. (Purchase your fishing license prior to arrival.)

This is a RUSTIC wall tent camp (think the '98 gold rushers!) and ammenities will reflect that. (Read- outhouse!) If you want a shower- you ain't gettin one! HA! But... I'll show you how to bathe with just a gallon of river water and a little biodegradable soap! (It's an art!) Each wall tent will have a wood stove and we'll have plenty of wood to keep you warm and cozy. The cook tent will be fully stocked and will be warm and inviting with good smells emenating all the time and snacks and beverages on demand- coffee, tea, and hot cocoa 'round the clock. We'll be eating as much local Alaskan food as we are able. Though rustic, it's elegant and simple. I think it's heavenly!

*All transportation to the Yukon River is the responsibility of the traveler. This includes flights to Fairbanks, AK (prices will vary- but ticket prices are VERY GOOD right now!) and then a shuttle each way from Fairbanks to the Yukon River and back again. (Shuttle is $68 each way.) We will be meeting you at the bridge near Yukon River Camp (a rustic lodge/traveler stop) on the Dalton Highway, which is 179 miles north of Fairbanks. You may extend your trip on either end here if you'd like. (See more information at: https://www.yukonrivercamp.com.) From there we will either canoe or take a skiff a short distance to the raft where our adventure will begin. 

**To ensure a safe experience for all adventurers, we will require you to provide a Covid test with a negative result within 72 hours prior to arrival. Just bring your paperwork with you, stating you are negative, and we will be good! (By the way, many airlines and travel facilities are now requiring this.) 

This adventure is suited to anyone aged 12 and up. (Youth must be accompanied by an adult.)  Please be in good heath as medical facilites are VERY FAR AWAY. You will be required to sign a waiver before you arrive, and will need to share any pertinent medical information. THERE IS NO CELL SERVICE HERE. We do have an emergency communication device for emergencies, but medical help is hours away, and most likely by air. Please make the right decision for your own health about whether or not you are capable of enduring this trip and have adequate health insurance. This adventure is not strenuous, just remote.

Due to the short timeline until the start of this adventure, payments must be made IN FULL at time of reservation. No refunds will be available after purchase.

More detailed information will be emailed to you upon confirmation. Space is limited to 4 guests. In the event 4 people do not sign up, the event will be cancelled. If we get enough interest, we may open one more segment. We reserve the right to cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances, acts of God, or any other reason we deem necessary. In that case, all registration fees will be refunded.