Andrew Skurka’s “big” Alaska trek

Actually I just read that a few days ago. The countryside up there is amazing.

If I was attempting that, I think I would have to carry a PLB, despite my dislike of them. And something for bears. He should have a naming contest. I just hope it doesn't end up being the "Skurka's Folly" loop.

If anyone is qualified, it's Andy. He certainly has a gold minted brain trust. I hope the sponsorship falls into place.

More than anything, I'm in awe of his ability to be out, waaay out, for weeks alone and apparently just keep digging it. I like being alone in the woods, occasionally, but I'm not anywhere near a strong enough person to be out for 7 months.

I was all the time very much interested what will be Andrew Skurkaas next "big" expedition after his Great Western Loop. And now he comes out with this absolutely amazing plan!

I would be much interested in his gear choices for this long off trail adventure, and how he will deal with the food problem. It is hard to imagine that he won't need a good number of airdrops…

Andy rocks…..I'm looking forward to following this one.

"No, I do not consider either the 800-mile Four Range trip or the 180-mile AK Mountain Wilderness Classic race "big.""

Quotes like this make me jealous, but at the same time make me question his sanity :)

Simply amazing, indeed. Can't wait to hear how it goes. I'll stick with "easy" trails. haha.

Good stuff.

But Andy, The Yukon is a Canadian Territory and not a Canadian Province.

;)

Sounds like the perfect sponsorship opportunity for SPOT Messenger. And Smith & Wesson.

You know, I can't even imagine thinking something like this up, let alone thinking I could do it.

I'm sure that the mosquitoes have already bookmarked his route plan…

I don't do this stuff for you guys but it's nice to read that you all seem impressed and are looking forward to following along.

Ryan Linn – I'm sane, really, trust me.

David Ure – Thanks for pointing that out — it reminded me to make that edit. I put most of that text together a few weeks ago before I understood there was a difference between a territory and a province. I still don't know the technical difference (I'm sure I'll learn that at some point) but I do understand that they are two different things.

Joe Clement – You point about the imagination factor is very valid. Before I went up there this summer I never would have identified this route. But after spending some time up there and understanding the land, the route came together pretty easily. In fact, it has taken me substantially less time, mile for mile, to put this route together than my Four-Range route.

An update on the naming contest…There have been some real smart @sses suggesting names, though thankfully they are just about all better than the GAY Loop. Most clever thus far include "The Great Antisocial Death Wish of 2010!" and "When Hell Freezes Over."

Good luck Andy.

Thats one crazy loop.

Sorry you won't be stopping in Juneau for a resupply, however, if you need something let us know and we can arrange a kayak rendezvous along Lynn Canal, or if you are interested the loan of a kayak for that part of the trip.

"I've discovered that it's somewhat liberating to say that I'm doing this expedition because, in essence, I can and want to."

Well said, young man!!

Andy, I read your post before I read your website. I must say that it was impossible to read "GAYL" in any way other than the "Gay Loop". That name will probably be stuck in my mind as I follow your trip. It looks fantastic. Have fun with the Gay Loop.

Um, can I go? I'll carry your pack! I promise I won't snore!

-More than anything, I'm in awe of his ability to be out, waaay out, for weeks alone and apparently just keep digging it. I like being alone in the woods, occasionally, but I'm not anywhere near a strong enough person to be out for 7 months.

Yeah, impressive all right and that's whats got me wondering…I'm lone wolf myself, but that's on a whole other level. You can gain the skills and all for expeds but going solo & training your mind to maintain sanity is tough. Thats the only thing that I question on stuff like this.

I am sure people ask him about that all the time. I never read any comments…I guess what can you really say, right. Just deal with it.hah

>>>More than anything, I'm in awe of his ability to be out, waaay out, for weeks alone and apparently just keep digging it.<<<

I agree with this.

But I'm also impressed by his ability to handle the pressure that must build from the expectations he has to set to even get a chance to pull this off.

That's one tough dude imo.

I have to say you are the man. Successfully completing so many big(my definition of big) has got to instill great wisdom. Nature is the best teacher. What you learn in the wild you cannot learn anywhere else.

The talk here is interesting. Sure, Andrew Skurka deserves commendation for his past achievements. Here we are talking about a future trip. Perhaps it's not the contexts for congratulation, but well wishes. Good luck Andrew, you'll need it.

I don't know man.

I think everyone is giving props for dreaming this stuff up and going for it.

It doesn't really matter much to me if he pulls it off or not since there are so many little things that can go wrong on a trip like this that are beyond anybody's control.

But of course if he has to pull out of it for one reason or another that won't stop the naysayers and doomsdayers from coming back with their, "I told you so's."

This GRAY Loop thing ("R" is for Realism?) sure sounds like fun. And by fun, I'm of course referring mostly to emotions entertained during the planning stages and while reminiscing.

Andy, I think you've adopted Ray Jardine's perspective on personal adventure. The world's going south, so better to head north, just for the hell of it.

Best of success!