In This Issue... DHC-6 TWIN OTTER - BUSH PLANE OR FLYING MARVEL? Report on the Electronic Wilderness What to do in the winter wonderland... Feature Rivers: Alsek River Feature Rivers: Firth River Past Newsletters... Current - Spring 2006 Winter 2006 Fall 2005 Spring 2005 Winter 2005 Fall 2004 Spring 2004 Spring 2003 Fall 2002 Summer 2002 Spring 2002 Winter 2002 Spring 2001 Winter 2001 Fall 2000 Winter 2000 Spring 1999 Fall 1998 Fall 1997 Archived Articles

The Yukon River runs through the valley below our house. Even thought the ground is now covered in snow and the lakes have been frozen for a number of weeks the Yukon remains open. Each morning fog precipitated by the open water shrouds the river and fills the valley bottom with a mist that hugs the surrounding mountains.

From where I write I enjoy the changing panorama as the sun works on the clouds below, slowly revealing the expanse of the beautiful valley.

Around here canoes and rafts are now traded for skis. It has been a very busy season, the best ever. In keeping with everything we hear about current trends these days I can confirm that eco/adventure travel is indeed a popular and growing pursuit. Perhaps most rewarding is the fact that many of our participants are returning from past seasons or sending friends with glowing referrals! It was an enjoyable season and each day I open the mailbox or E-mail to a sheaf of notes from people who are still revelling in the beauty of the northern summer.

As wilderness guides we are frequently quizzed about our vocation. It is clear that most people envision us leading a "beer commercial" life or perhaps living in a Patagonia catalogue. Well in truth - it's not far off! Oh sure, I spend a lot of time in front of a computer and glued to the phone, but it's balanced off by pouring over maps, exploring rivers and hiking through majestic landscapes with clients who become friends and return over the years to enjoy yet a new destination - truly a labour of love!

This winter I hope to share some of the inside view of our expeditions - things that don't immediately meet the travellers eye. Simply "getting to our remote destinations" is a remarkable feat when one understands the high performance aircraft that we use to get there and how well suited they are to the task at hand. Over the next 3 issues we will feature the Beaver, Otter and Twin Otter aircraft on which we depend.

We will continue to feature specific rivers in each issue and the wonderful wildlife and flora that inhabit and colour the regions.

To better accommodate these writing ambitions we have moved our "books for sale" section to the Internet at www.nahanni.com (with the exception of the Nahanni book - couldn't bring myself to do that yet). I hope you enjoy the articles here.

Best wishes for your winter adventures.

Sincerely,

Neil Hartling
outfitter and guide