So, Jeff and I booked an 8 AM rafting tour w/ Denali Outdoor Center. When we woke up this morning, it was misting with a hint of snow. I’m not sure what the temperature was, but even with my 4 shirts, 2 pairs of pants and 2 pairs of socks I wasn’t too warm. When we arrived at the rafting center, they informed us we should add some more layers they had lying around. So, I added another fleece jacket, a scarf, Jeff’s fleece hat, and 2 pairs of gloves. Jeff also added another pair of pants, a wool sweater, a hat, and a pair of gloves.


We then suited up in some stylish drysuits. You can see us looking good in the attached photo. My face still felt cold, but I was ready!

We went on a 4-hour raft trip. Our boat consisted of 2 macho New Yorkers, Al and Dean, a young German high school grad, Andy, Jeff and I, and our guide Paul from Philly. The first 2 hours was spent just floating down the river. It was pretty, but it was cold and I almost fell asleep because it was so boring. However, Jeff, Andy and Paul were having lots of good conversation so it wasn’t terrible. AND we floated on the part of the river that was used in the movie “Into the Wild” when Chris is trying to get back and the river is all crazy. Our tour guide was actually the one who took Sean Pean (the director) and others down the river for the filming. The major problem on this part of the trip was my freezing feet. They were inside rubber boots as part of the one piece drysuit and had slip on shoes on top of that, but sitting in the 30 degree water in the boat didn’t make them any warmer.

After the float trip, we stopped for a quick break. However, when we headed back to the rafts for round two (the rapids) we were minus one member. You may think it was me. We all know I’m not a huge fan of the cold. But, no. It was good old Dean from New York. He bailed because “he couldn’t feel his feet” and “his face was so cold.” Jeff was pretty pumped up about me sticking it out…but I wasn’t going anywhere till I saw some rapids. Frostbite or not.

After our short break, where I was able to run around and get the feeling back in my feet, we headed back out on the water for the real rapids. It had warmed up a little at this point and the sun was out, and I was starting to feel good. The only thing that was really cold on the second part were my hands as they got wet and stayed wet. The rapids were pretty sweet. However, they weren’t as crazy as usual because the glaciers haven’t melted completely yet and so the river is a little low. But, we still had fun.

We’re in our cabin now, but I’m still cold as this place holds NO heat. I’m thinking of fixing myself a glass of hot tea cuz it’s just sooo cold. But, now I can say I’ve rafted the Nenana river in Alaska.