Unfortunately, summer vacation has come to a very quick end. What does that mean? Time to start planning for next summer! There are so many options, so here is a potential adventure for Summer Vacation 2k18, courtesy of HC @ UNCG’s very own, Abby Gustafson.
Where did you travel to over the summer?
I traveled to the Gateway to the Arctic Camp in Talkeetna, Alaska; it’s a sustainability and agriculture camp that specifically seeks to empower youth and young adults with special abilities. I worked as an intern, alongside seven other interns and a camp director, helping to run camps, construct various things (including a door; didn’t think I’d say I learned how to build a door in Alaska, but it happened!), garden, and help with renovations around the camp.
How long were you there? Who did you go with?
I was there from May 19th to August 7th. I went completely on my own, but it wasn’t as bad as it sounds; I thrive in new environments! I was also able to meet the other interns and the camp director beforehand through Skype conferences, so not all of it was completely unfamiliar when I got there.
Why did you decide to go on this adventure?
I decided to go on this adventure because I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about Alaska. Growing up in a military household, my parents always hoped they would get stationed in Alaska because they had military friends who did, and they always raved about how incredible it was and how badly they wish they could go back. Also, I got the opportunity to spend the month of June in Asheville last summer (another cute mountain town that I highly recommend), and I fell in love with the mountains. Alaska’s the real deal with the mountain scene, so I applied immediately when I found out about the internship opportunity.
What were the easiest and most difficult aspects of your time in Alaska?
The easiest aspect was, as cliche as it might sound, just being there. Being surrounded by mountains and astounding views, being in a completely different culture, being away from all of the craziness of the semesters back here- it was so easy just to be there and soak up the fact that I was somewhere so different. The most difficult aspect was coming to terms with the reality of leaving. Alaska became my home for 2 ½ months, and it was so much more difficult than I thought it would be to leave, especially knowing that I had a billion things I needed to do back here to get ready for the semester. Out of all the days of working long hours, wishing it was warmer, and whatever else might’ve been difficult to get through, leaving was by far the hardest thing I had to do.
What is your favorite memory?
There are SO many! But I think one of my favorites is definitely backpacking through resurrection pass; it’s a 38 mile trail that we hiked through for 3 ½ days. The entire trail was breathtaking; all of it looked like something straight out of a Nat Geo magazine, times a thousand. It was such a remarkable feeling to be somewhere that’s completely untouched by society. The trail varied from rainforest-type environments to Lord of the Rings style mountains to Sound of Music open fields. We saw plenty of bear tracks (but no actual bears, thank GOODNESS), two eagles, marmots (kind of like prairie dogs), and heard the most amazing symphony of birds singing the entire trip. We used a filter pump to get water straight from beautifully clear, cold streams (from snow melting off the mountains). I learned that hiking many miles per day probably shouldn’t be done with my no-grip-whatsoever Nikes, and I gained a huge appreciation for how light my school backpack is in comparison to backpacks filled with tents, clothes, food, etc. It was nothing short of extraordinary, and I highly recommend backpacking if you haven’t tried it!
Do you plan on going back again? Would you suggest this to others?
Absolutely, I’m planning to go back either this December or next, and I seriously can’t wait! I 100% suggest Alaska to anyone looking for an outdoor adventure; I will say, however, that it is definitely not for everyone. It’s very rural and very outdoorsy (and unpleasantly chilly compared to the Carolinas!), so anyone with an appreciation of beautiful views without a ton of buildings and/or people will fall in love with it immediately.
If you could do it all again is there anything you would do differently?
I think I would’ve brought back more things specifically from Alaska; I got so carried away with just being there that I forgot about coming back and having mementos to remind me of it! I picked a bunch of flowers while I was there and pressed them to give to people in picture frames and cards (I’m not a fan of the typical touristy gifts), but I wish I would’ve picked more to keep for myself or picked up a few more rocks or something- it’s always nice to have unique reminders!
(“Pics from top to bottom: Checking out the mud flats in Anchorage, backpacking through resurrection pass (~mile 19 of 38), an 11:45 p.m. Alaskan sunset with Denali not covered in clouds (it’s 200 miles away from the camp and it still looks massive), and adding my first rock to the stone wall!”)