Alsek River Day 8

July 13, 2012

While paddling today the weather was cloudy with occasional light rain so most of the scenery was blocked by the low clouds, it was still extraordinary.

We are looking for the camp above Turnback Canyon at the base of Mt. Blackadar. This is a must stop camp! If you miss this one you go through the canyon, which is way harder than we anything we want to be tackling. The guide book says to look for the 3000 foot glacier and DO NOT go past it. 

Michael and John

You can see the glacier coming for quite some distance so we stay really close to the far shore and stop at places that look like they might be camps. We figure we have made it to camp when we get out of the boats and there are paths lined with rocks and a big flat area also outlined with stones. Perfect for the helicopter to land in tomorrow morning.

Pat called to confirm the helicopter for tomorrow and, at Michael and Anita's request, he also called in an order for two pizzas and 15 pastries to the Village Bakery that the helicopter pilot is going to pickup and bring with him. 

Anita

Now we have to deflate the boats and repack some gear. Small things that we have just been clipping in the boat need to go into something bigger. Plus, almost all the gear will go in one flight and all of the people in a second flight, so we want make sure that we have a couple of sleeping bags, medical kit and some food with us just in case the helicopter can't come back.

John and Michael find the memorial paddle for Walt Blackadar tucked between a snowbank and a cliff.