Alaska-Yukon Expedition: The Halfway Point: Should I Care?

Follow adventurer Andrew Skurka as he skis, hikes, and rafts 4,720 miles through eight national parks, two major mountain ranges, and some of North America's wildest rivers in Alaska and the Yukon from March to October. Read his blog updates here.

Posted June 20 from Haines, Alaska

Before I began this trip in March my friend Buzz Burrell remarked that he thought "the crux" of it was the first two weeks, when I'd be facing severe winter conditions. If I could get through that, he seemed to say, I'd be in the clear, like a rock climber who makes it through a route's toughest sequence and has easy-going thereafter. But I remember thinking, "In the clear? Are you kidding? What about skiing across the Alaska Range, or pushing through the Wrangell's early-season, or paddling across Icy and Yakutat Bays--those sections have just as much potential to put an end to my trip as he first two weeks do."

Writing this from Haines, I'm happy to report that I've made it through the first two weeks and a number of ensuing challenges. But being "halfway there" is different than "almost there," so I'm well aware that there are still ample opportunities ahead for the wheels to fall off.

My biggest concern is meeting the ambitious mileage goals that will get me back to Kotzebue when the weather is still good. If I'm slower than I thought, or if I hit a major snag somewhere, I'll be trying to paddle down the Kobuk as it's freezing up. And avoiding stupid stuff— e.g. running into a sweeper or breaking a toe on a rock—is key as well. As another friend Forrest McCarthy pointed out, in Alaska a trip is not over until you're placing your order—i.e. it's easy for things to go wrong out here, so pay attention all the way until the end.

However, while I'm not going to celebrate wildly tonight because I've reached Haines and am at the halfway point of this trip, I do think it's a good opportunity to acknowledge the experience I've had to date. It's been a phenomenal trip so far. (I'll elaborate later.) And because of Haines' geographic location (the end of the Lost Coast, near the beginning of the Yukon, my last major US town) it's also a good opportunity to mentally transition towards the final major leg of this trip -- from Whitehorse to Kotzebue -- which I suspect is going to change my definition of wilderness forever.

Comments

[accommodation for London 2012]

Simply inspiring!!!

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Thanks for sharing! The reason for your blog is always to document your life and give your personal thoughts. A few idea are usually distinct with me but incredibly specific. What you would like to offer to the modern society, I believe I've been recognized that. As long as everyone do good and assume that.kuf

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[Greg]

Whew!
Back on foot. In the wilderness. Alone.

Sounds good to me.

Best of luck on this last half!

[neverfull]

I love traveling so much! My dream is to travel the world and visit my favorite countries.

[Slush Machine]

I love traveling so much! My dream is to travel the world and visit my favorite countries.

[Lorana Jinkerson]

Andy,

Great to see you made it to the half-way point. Been checking about once a week and have felt for you a few times as I read your blog. Best of luck as you continue on this amazing trek.

Lorana

[Account Deleted]

Good luck for 2nd hal journey, dan stay safe for us tell us more. and always waiting for more interesting story for the next days, thanks very-very much.

[Greg]

Rent the Canoe!
(assuming it IS moving water capable)

Frustrations go to zero.
Speed goes up.
Time goes down.
Pleasure goes to max.
Smiles all around.

No question in my mind.
Do it!

[Steve-o]

Have followed this trek everyday since day 1, just wanted to know if u are safe & sane. Looks that way, am envious. Do the same on 2nd half Andy... (the most organized hiker I've ever come across) :)
Good travels ahead!

[Globe Nomads]

Your adventures have been truly inspirational and they are all about pushing the limits. Good luck and stay safe for the rest of the expedition.

[Deluxe]

Good luck on the 2nd half of the journey! Think how lucky you are to be able to attempt such an awesome wilderness experience. It's beyond the realm of most people to even think about anything close to this experience! Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes! You're the man, keep it up. This must be incredibly challenging mentally considering what you've faced and the unknown to come. Cherish it. Stay Safe.

[Marc d]

Awesome running into you yesterday! I didn't expect it to happen in Haines, AK but I guess things like that happen in the last place expected. Hope the second half continues smoothly.

[Aion kinah]

Thank you very much. I am wonderring if i can share your article in the bookmarks of society，Then more friends can talk about this problem.

[Daniel]

We've never spoken or met, but I have followed your adventures the past few years. It's really great to see people going beyond the "norm" and pushing pre-concieved ideas of a wilderness experience to new levels. Your travels have helped me realize my own potential. Thanks Andy, Thanks National Geographic.

[Chris]

I have really enjoyed following your journey so far. The National Geographic updates, your Twitter updates, and your website have been inspirational. Wishing you the best in the second half of your journey.