A few days after graduating from Prince William Sound College, Hannah Bogdan, A.A.S. Outdoor Leadership '24, joined five other students and two instructors for a two-week kayak expedition from Whittier to Valdez as part of a capstone course for the college’s outdoor leadership program.

The adventure was not without its trials. After an issue acquiring permits, the team was almost forced to replan their entire route before learning they could camp below high tide. "That changed the whole trip for the better," said Bogdan. "Once we figured that out, we were able to relax and enjoy our time more." The relatively relaxed pace gave the group more time for reading, hiking and exploring.

The varied scenery along the route added to the trip's appeal. "Each campsite that we stopped at was completely different. It was cool to see how diverse [Prince William] Sound is. I didn't expect it to be that breathtaking every single time." She noted that Fairmount Island, where the group saw the northern lights at sunset, was one of her favorite sites. Also notable was South Esther Island State Marine Park for what everyone referred to as the "five-star porta-potty" thanks to its massive size, water views and plentiful toilet paper.

Throughout the expedition, the group was treated to numerous wildlife sightings, from jellyfish swarms (a "smack") and sea stars to sea lions and whales. “We saw whales a bunch of times — the humpback whales. It was so cool because they would come up, and it would just be so loud, too, and then you’d see like the flukes of their tails,” Bogdan said.

Although the weather eventually cleared, the first three days were marked by heavy rain, leaving the team wet and cold. “We were just constantly wet, living out of our dry suits,” Bogdan said.

Despite these hurdles, Bogdan was astonished by her own resilience. “What surprised me most about the trip was that I could do the trip. We had never kayaked that many miles before, and just to do that every single day without being sore was amazing,” she said. The group’s efficiency and teamwork improved as the trip progressed, contributing to a smoother experience.

Food logistics (overseen by Bogdan and Ryan Tulloch) added a unique dimension to the adventure, with meals becoming a highlight of the trip. One standout dish was the backcountry apple pie made with white rice, apples, cinnamon and granola. Although the group packed enough food  for two weeks, they made it a point to fish and forage when possible, harvesting blue mussels, beach greens and kelp.

Team dynamics were a crucial aspect of the trip. The group created nicknames for each other and their kayaks, fostering a spirit of camaraderie along the way. Aliases like "Mermaid Man" and “Barnacle Boy” (Bogdan's nickname) as well as boat names like "SS Jellyfish" and "Sockeye" became part of their shared experience. “It was really fun coming up with the names and continuing to use them throughout the trip,” she said.

The expedition left an impression on Bogdan, who is eager to undertake more adventures. “I would definitely do this trip again in a heartbeat. I’d like to continue the trip to Cordova or even focus more on fishing,” she said.

Reflecting on the journey, Bogdan offered advice to future students: “Don’t get so stressed out. Relax, and everything will work out.”