PADDLER
“ The silence of the wilderness and the sight of bald eagles soaring overhead stand out as highlights of the experience .”
PADDLER
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NAVIGATION AND UNEXPECTED STOPS
With the lower water levels , navigating the Yukon Flats , a complex network of channels and sandbars , which came next , was a far more difficult challenge than in a more usual year . When winter turns to spring , the vast volumes of meltwater coming downstream dramatically alter hundreds of miles of the river as the flow reshapes it and dumps timber and other obstacles , concealing the main channels and creating dead-end meanders .
They didn ’ t use GPS and relied on their abilities to read the river , which they ’ d developed over years of rafting . In advance of the trip , Günter conducted a detailed study of Google Earth to gather the latest satellite images of this complex and challenging section to help them navigate it . They had to constantly manage the impact of the shallow water , which forced them to dismount and walk their boards on two occasions .
They eventually reached the Dalton Highway Bridge , which is the finish point of the Yukon 1000 race , but
it was only the halfway point of their journey . They were very weary as they refuelled at the local café , but they were still in decent physical condition and determined to complete their expedition .
“ We touched land at Dalton Highway Bridge to set our camp in the morning hours and met a couple there . After paddling another 12-hour night shift , we must have appeared pretty miserable because they immediately invited us for ice cream at the gas station . This was a happy omen for the next 1,000 miles ahead of us , where we found hospitality and welcome from the small villages we came across .”
Beyond that point , and for over 1,000 miles downriver , there were no roads , no bridges , and very little habitation or clear areas to pitch their tents overnight . They had expected extreme weather at this point in the Alaskan interior , and it arrived with a vengeance , leading to unscheduled multiday stops in remote villages . They took advantage of these unplanned breaks as opportunities to connect with the indigenous communities and learn about their culture .
EXPERIENCING THE LOCAL CULTURE
Spending time in the villages provided glimpses into a very different way of life from the Western world . They learned about traditional crafts , witnessed the tenacity of people living in challenging conditions , and experienced the warmth of a culture deeply rooted in the land . The villagers ’ willingness to share their knowledge and traditions left a lasting impression , highlighting the richness of cultural exchange .
THE HOME STRETCH
As they approached the end of their journey , the couple felt a mixture of emotions . They were relieved at the thought of returning to the comforts of civilisation and some sadness at leaving behind the wilderness and the welcoming people they had encountered . News of their approach travelled ahead of them , carried by the strong community network that connected the villages along the river . They received a warm welcome at each stop , with villagers made aware of their arrival by those upstream , demonstrating the tight-knit nature of the river communities .
“ We ’ ll never forget the greeting ritual the women performed to us at the river shore . Where the rivers met , they sang traditional songs and danced to welcome the incoming boats and to celebrate those departing . We were deeply moved by that act of friendship and by the warmth of the locals .”
REFLECTIONS ON THE JOURNEY
The silence of the wilderness and the sight of bald eagles soaring overhead stand out as highlights of the experience . For Günter and Barbara , the journey was more than just paddling down a river . It was proof of the strength of the human spirit , the value of careful preparation , and the transformative power of connecting with different cultures .
CONTINUING THE ADVENTURE
Günter and Barbara ’ s Yukon adventure powerfully reminds us that adventure lies in conquering physical challenges , embracing unexpected turns along the way , and forging meaningful connections with the people and places that make each journey unique . Today , the pair continue to share their love for the outdoors through their company , RAW Adventure Travel .
They lead trips to diverse destinations , including SUP trips to Finland ’ s lake district . They guide clients through pristine landscapes and share their belief in nature ’ s restorative power there . They provide their guests with an experience that is both physically and mentally rejuvenating , encouraging them to slow down , connect with nature , and gain a fresh perspective .
To upgrade your wilderness abilities and skills , join them for one of their wilderness trainings and experiences . Sleep outside in summer or winter , spark a fire without matches , and nourish your soul with nature .
The next guided SUP trip to Finland ’ s fascinating lake district : May 24th to June 1st , June 6th to 14th , or June 14th to 22nd , 2025 https :// rawabenteuer . reisen / standup-paddeln-in-finnland /
“ The silence of the wilderness and the sight of bald eagles soaring overhead stand out as highlights of the experience .”