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If you are an avid fan of paddling , this scenery will change your life .
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WATER
ADVENTURES
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KAYAKING , CANOEING , AND WHITEWATER RAFTING
If you are better at navigating the waters , rather than catching what lives within them , plan a kayaking or rafting trip . Kayaking , canoeing , and whitewater rafting are three relatively different sports , but all have the manual rowing foundation in common . The major differences actually occur in the places they are used . Canoeing is something you want to do perhaps with a partner , whereas with kayaking , you prefer to be alone in a single-manned boat , paddling downstream at a faster pace . Whitewater rafting is a little tougher , though some people opt to use kayaks on the rapids anyhow . It all depends on the class of the system , the severity of the rapids , and how you are choosing to take them on .
A lot of nature fanatics immediately spread a goofy childlike grin across their faces when they hear about anything that has to do with canoeing or kayaking . Maybe it ’ s got to do with the peace they find in a forest , or maybe it ’ s in remembrance of the adrenaline that surges through their bodies as they are taking on a new system . But even among those with the most experience , there always seems to be one place they haven ’ t paddled , that they dream about .
This season , one of those places is most definitely Prince Edward Sound . Known locally as “ The Sound ,” it is a place of the purest natural beauty , “ where the forest meets the sea .” This pristine Alaskan wilderness is controlled ( on the western side ) by the Chugach National Forest , and no permits are required for general camping and travel within its borders . Feel free to kayak through the icy waters of the Sound , and you ’ ll come to a mecca of snowcapped glaciers . You may even spot an orca or two ! All camping within the forest is completely primitive , so if you are staying for a night – or more – you ’ ll want to pack plenty of gear . Stay warm and dry , but enjoy these waters . There is truly nothing like it , and if you are an avid fan of paddling , the scenery will change your life .
126 | Spring 2017 | Adventure Outdoors