Join me and Jonathan on a unique Arctic journey as we experience the beauty and magic of Alaska’s vast interior, from the Alaska Range to the Brooks Range, crossing the mighty Yukon River and the Arctic Circle in between.

We begin in the legendary gold rush city of Fairbanks on the Chena River, where we’ll get oriented at a local museum and enjoy the Sandhill Crane Festival. The next day the adventure begins when we depart by small planes to a bush airstrip at the Wood River Lodge, where we spend four days and three nights nestled in the huge roadless wilderness of the Alaska Range.

We return to Fairbanks and next day depart for the North by van on our optional Arctic Circle two-day extension. We’ll cross the mighty Yukon River and then the Arctic Circle on our way to the quirky roadhouse camp of Coldfoot, at the base of the Brooks Range.

Why August? It’s our favorite time in Alaska: it’s fall in the high north, with willows and alders and birches turning golden and red; blueberries, cranberries, and mushrooms are abundant; snow is often already dusting the dramatic mountains; and best of all, the mosquitoes are pretty much gone.

You will experience a full range of classic interior Alaska habitats and wildlife and seven days of pure immersion in field arts: nature journaling, field sketching and watercolor, animal tracking, birdwatching, reading the weather, using field optics, found pigments and inks, and much more.

Imagine the luxury of doing nothing but exploring wild nature and journaling in a cohort of like-minded fellow journalers . . . and with customized one-on-one feedback and skills-specific tutoring throughout the whole experience. No excuses. Just pure nature journaling growth and mindset.

Suitable For:

All journalers, from beginners to advanced, as your Bootcamp experience is tailored to your appropriate level: nurturing, inquisitive, and expansive. Not suitable for non-journalers, so please consider carefully if your travel partner is not a journaler, field sketcher, or nature photographer.
A moderate level of mobility, fitness, and health. We’ll be walking up to half a mile on flat sidewalks or dirt trails in Fairbanks; the trails around the Lodge can take you as far as you like within your ability; and we’ll be walking on uneven and potentially difficult terrain around the Koyakuk River and at various stops on the Arctic Extension. We will be in very remote locations away from quick emergency medical help; we will have a satellite phone but keep in mind, response and transport could be a significant wait.
You will be required to secure trip cancellation and medical evacuation insurance. Trust us, it’s worth it, and very affordable.

What’s included:

One-on-one attention in areas in which you would like to improve;
Skills-specific mini-tutorials in field arts such as sketching, watercolor, nature writing, animal tracking, reading the weather, and using optics;
Orientation day in Fairbanks (museum and Sandhill Crane Festival) and accommodation and meals (lunch and dinner) at the Marriott Springhill Suites on the Chena River (Saturday, August 19);
Four days and three nights at Wood River Lodge in the Alaska Range south of Fairbanks (August 20–23);
Small-plane flights from Fairbanks to the Lodge and back;
Wine and beer happy hour each evening;
Use of Swarovski Optics binoculars throughout the Bootcamp;
Field kit gift bags;
Accommodation and dinner on return to Fairbanks (August 23) at the Marriott Springhill Suites. Fly out on the 24th or join the Arctic Extension, below.
OPTIONAL ARCTIC EXTENSION:
- Van to Coldfoot, driving up the Dalton Highway, crossing the Yukon River and the Arctic Circle (August 24–25).
- Stopping along the way for sketching and wildlife viewing.
- Overnight at the classic “haul road” roadhouse Coldfood Camp in the tiny hamlet of Coldfoot (this is the only accommodation on the Dalton, and a true rugged worker’s accommodation, built in the 1970s).
- Visit to the Koyakuk River and the BLM Interagency Interpretive Center.
- Return to Fairbanks and stay at Pike’s Landing (or similar) on the Chena River (August 25). Fly out on the 26th.

Pricing:

Base cost Aug 19-23 only, one person, sharing room – $3,250
- Single supplement (4 available) – + $580
Optional two-day Arctic Extension Aug 24-25 – +$725
- Single supplement, Coldfoot Arctic Extension (4 available) – + $580
A deposit will be required to secure your space. Final payments will be due in June. See FAQ for refund policy (below).

for more details and to register

Alaska Field Arts Bootcamp – August 19–25, 2023

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