Adventures in 2019

Last year I did an intermediate packrafting course see: Learning the art of Packrafting on the Mersey River, Tasmania . I was very impressed with it and decided that there is still much to learn, so I enrolled for both the intermediate and advanced courses with Paddle Tasmania . Again I we were privileged to have Mark Oates, Dan Hall and a new instructor Richard Guy to lead our courses. These people are at the top of the field and were well skilled in teaching their skills to us.

I decided to do the Swiftwater Rescue Technician Unit 1 (SRT-1) course as I felt that this kind of knowledge and its practical application is important. Packrafting is a lot of fun, but when things go awry knowing how to implement a proper rescue could save a life.

Yesterday was exciting on the Canyon run and today we repeated that.  We learn about old and current disrespect of rivers

Today are are doing an actual pack haul along with the rafting. We will hike a couple of hours to get the most out of the Deadwood river (the name sounds sinister !). This was a fun packed adventure day.

The 12 days succeeding my Tatshenshini trip were kept free as I was uncertain of how I would feel after it. It turns out I felt great and still in the mood for some more packrafting. The Idaho Packrafting roundup was on and I was able to attend.

What a journey. I am glad that I was able to participate in this adventure. This experience is what I live for- adventure and that immersion in what nature has been providing us since our world began: a life. The packraft was a great variation to the trip and I am thankful I could bring it along, I am not one to sit down for long periods, the packraft provides me with the action and excitement I need.

I thought yesterday was something, today we headed into Alsek lake. Loaded with ice bergs,  glaciers thundering away as they collapse into the see. If yesterday was the main course, today was the dessert.

In "The Complete Guide to the Tatshenshini" there is a discussion about eyegasms and SOS - scenic overdose syndrome.  The skies are a bit hazy from the wildfires but I do get it. Hopefully my photographs on this post reflect that statement.

Today we see the spectacle of clear waters running down Melt Creek converging into the silt laden Tatshenshini river. The additional water pumps up the volume.

Let's get down to it straight away. This day had our hearts bleeding as watched a mother moose trying to keep her youngsters alive in the dangerous waters of the Tatshenshini river.

I had images of freezing cold nights, blizzards and all that is associated with a glaciated northern region. Did I expect and was I ready for hot summery weather ?  No.

I start the day well.  Donning my dry suit I forgot to zip it closed. This was an easy omissione, as the zip is on the back of the suit. As I often do, I did a test immersion, and of course the dry suit was now a wet suit much to the amusement of my fellow adventurers.

Before we set off on the river I had a chat with the guides Maxime and Bethany. They explained that the water was quite high and our first day is through a narrow demanding section of class 4 rapids. With only two guides in big rafts, support will be limited and most unlikely as far as my person if things go awry.

There is something special about a UNESCO. They have nailed their world heritage listings. The Tatshenshini - Alsek watershed is truly a marvel (refer to link): These parks comprise an impressive complex of glaciers and high peaks on both sides of the border between Canada (Yukon Territory and British Columbia) and the United States (Alaska). The spectacular natural landscapes ....

The Canadian Packraft Rendez-vous was the catalyst for my trip to Canada. I started packrafting in April 2018, did a wildwater course in October in Tasmania and was keen to go places. This event crossed my path at here I am.