Top trips for groups, from Utah to Maine
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Week of April 18-24, 1996 Denali's alter ego: Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias Doggy dos and don'ts in national parks Block Island: Your funky, affordable Nantucket Activities on Little Cayman Island Backcountry in Arizona's Petrified Forest Top trips for groups, from Utah to Maine Top trips for groups, from Utah to Maine Question: I'm looking for an economical group outdoor adventure experience with my 18-year-old nephew as a high school graduation gift. Dates he's available: May 24-31 or August 16-30. Ideal location in May would be drivable from Houston. In August, ideal location would be somewhere in New England. Bonnie Day
In August, consider a seven-day canoe trip down the Allagash River, one of New England's best bets for paddling that cuts a wide slash through north-central Maine. Allagash Canoe's group-camping trip runs from August 18-24. You'll enjoy a wide range of river conditions, from flatwater to Class II rapids. Camping each night is in remote sites along the banks. Keep your eyes open for moose, loons, osprey, deer, and eagles. Be prepared for late-August Maine weather, which can mean anything from 80 degrees and sunny to 40 degrees and rainy. Bring a warm sleeping bag, since it's not unusual for nighttime temps to drop below freezing. For $625 per adult and an ultrareasonable $475 for 18-and-under paddlers, Allagash Canoe Trips will supply all equipment (except sleeping bags), food, shuttle transportation, and instruction. Call 207-695-3668 more information or visit their Web site at http://www.maineguide.com/mooshead/alcanoe.html. Another New England possibility is Backroads' five-day cycling trip through southeastern Vermont's West River and Connecticut River valleys. You'll pedal out of Ascutney on August 25 and spend five nights camping in state parks en route to Queeche Gorge and its network of Green Mountain hiking trails. Average daily mileages top off around 55 miles. Expect to shell out $698 per person, including meals; call 800-462-2848 for more information. |