Rafting Down the Nenana River
Holland America Line’s Director of Public Relations Erik Elvejord recently participated in the land-portion of a CruiseTour that visits Denali National Park in Alaska and sent us these cool photos.
On Sunday, July 24, I headed out for an early morning paddle rafting trip on the Nenana River, one of the optional tours offered on CruiseTours that include Denali National Park. At 36 degrees, the water is cold and it looks dirty due to the silt created by the glacier. Our guide Jake told us the water is about 12 hours old. Fortunately, everyone suits up in a dry suit to stay warm and, well, dry. It’s a bit like being in a human shaped Zip-lock bag. I stayed dry except for some water on my face going through the ten Class III-IV rapids. Options are to float and let the guide do the work in an oar boat or paddle on your own. Between rapids, Jake chatted about the river, the geology, a bit of history, and his passion of kayaking. Old Sourdough Studio was kind enough to provide a couple photos of our boat for this post. Located at the McKinley Chalet Resort where many CruiseTour guests overnight, the studio shoots pictures of rafters that can be purchased afterward and also does fun portraits with Alaskan clothing and props.
