Alaska this Summer 2019

Discussion in 'Adventure, Hiking, Backpacking and Travel' started by Dennis Adams, May 2, 2019.

  1. Dennis Adams

    Dennis Adams Member

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    We are driving (motor home) to AK this Summer. Leaving in mid July and returning about mid September. 10K miles give or take.
    We are going to take two weeks getting there, a month in the State and about two weeks return to east TN.

    We have reservations in and around the Denali NP. We will make reservations for one of the Bus Tours. We have reservations in Anchorage, and in the Kenai, Coopers Landing, and water tours, glaciers, whales etc.

    I have been to Anchorage and the general area before and did a few in Town touristy things.

    Thinking about hitting the Mt Robson area, and Yoho NP on the way back.
    We have been to Banff and Jasper a few times. May spend a couple days in Jasper.

    What are the must do's on the Mother of All Road Trips?
    AK Map.jpg
    Alaska.jpg
     
    Last edited: May 2, 2019
  2. Bushman5

    Bushman5 Member

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    Word of advice if you drive thru Metro Vancouver (Vancouver and surrounding cities from Hope to Whistler) on your way up to Alaska.


    DO NOT LEAVE YOUR MOTORHOME UNATTENDED , NOR LEAVE ANY BELONGINGS INSIDE. The thieves here are brutal and will take ANYTHING.

    Try to arrange for SECURED parking in the hotel lot, preferably behind a gate. Don’t leave anything inside or on top etc. It will disappear.

    Sorry just being brutally honest about what happens here.
     
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  3. Dennis Adams

    Dennis Adams Member

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    Thanks for the heads up. Fortunately our route does not take us that far west, or near Vancouver.
    Other than an RV Park in Anchorage (casino) most of the time we will be with the vehicle or at locales with like and kind travelers or better yet, alone.
     
    Last edited: May 2, 2019
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  4. Dennis Adams

    Dennis Adams Member

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    This is our approximate route going in July.
    May return via northern Idaho to CO and pickup 70 back.

    AK Map3.jpg
     
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  5. Bushman5

    Bushman5 Member

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    Nice!!!

    My area is very beautiful, but it’s a cesspool of crime. Best to drive right past it.

    Looking forward to trip reports from you!
     
  6. JollyRoger523

    JollyRoger523 Member

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    We did an Alaskan cruise in 2002. One of the excursions available was a helicopter ride in Juneau that landed on top of the Mendenhall glacier. Once there we got to walk around on it. The excursion was pretty expensive, to the point I almost didn't do it. I finally thought "F it. When will I ever have a chance to do this again." Looking back I'm really glad I did, and would have regretted it if I didn't.

    If you have the opportunity to do one at any of the places you visit, I would go for it. For that matter, this is a trip of a lifetime. Don't hold back on anything you want to do so long as you're able to swing it.

    Enjoy man. Post up some pics.


    Edit*
    A guy I used to work with did the same as you're planning. Took about 2 months round trip from northeast Ohio. I don't have any tips there, only that he and his family loved it.
     
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  7. Hammer

    Hammer Member

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    Liard Hot Springs, between Ft Nelson and Watson Lake is a good stop.

    Kluane Nat'l Park

    Taking the road N from Whitehorse over to Dawson City and across the the Top of the World Hwy to Chicken and then Tok is a worthy drive, if the roads are dry.

    The drive from Glenallen down to Valdez (Richardson Hwy) is also a very scenic drive, and then you could take the ferry from Valdez to Whittier (which takes you across Prince William Sound) and then loop around back up to Anchorage from there.

    Or, from Whittier you can also detour down the Kenai Peninsula to Seward, etc.

    Looking forward to the trip report!
     
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  8. Dennis Adams

    Dennis Adams Member

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    Yeah, that's what I tell everyone about east TN....cesspool of crime, stay away!! Don't move here. ;- )
    I know that all the pictures , stories and 4 wheeling you've shared over the years, you are in a great place.
    Crime? That's relative. Can't be worse than Memphis or 50 other cities in the US.
     
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  9. Dennis Adams

    Dennis Adams Member

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    AK4.jpg
    Thanks for the suggestions. I wanted to ferry from Whittier to Prince Rupert on the way back. About $3500! Multi-stops. May just drive it.
    If we drive it we will come back on BC HWY 37 Cassiar. to Hyder. Hopefully the Griz will be chomping salmon.
     
  10. Bushman5

    Bushman5 Member

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    The Cassiar is an amazing drive. Bring lots of hi capacity memory cards for your camera!
     
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  11. Hammer

    Hammer Member

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    Agreed. It's been over a decade since last rode it on a moto - how much of it is paved now?
     
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  12. Bushman5

    Bushman5 Member

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    was on it as a kid....not sure....but i remember the views. mind blowing.
     
  13. McKROB

    McKROB Member

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    If you’re bringing a firearm with you to Alaska, remember to fill out the appropriate paperwork at the Canadian border crossing, apparently a lot of Americans don’t declare them and end up getting them confiscated. It’s no problem bringing a non-restricted firearm with you (i.e. most long guns) if you declare it and fill out the form, but bringing a handgun is a lot more trouble, not to say it can’t be done, but with the large quantity of red tape involved it’s probably not worth it, probably easier to buy one in Alaska and ship it home at the end of your trip.

    http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/fs-fd/visit-visite-eng.htm

    I can remember grocery shopping at the Fred Meyer in Fairbanks and thought is was pretty cool you could buy groceries, whiskey, and a pistol all in the same store... we don’t have anything like that in Canada :)
     
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  14. Dennis Adams

    Dennis Adams Member

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    I'm thinking of bringing this inexpensive 12 Mav 88. Pay the $25 coming and going. Although it has a 20 inch barrel I think I might pistol grip it while in the US. Just need to restock prior to the Borders, just easier to store in the vehicle.
    It will be used for "trapshooting".
    No handguns.

    I've already printed Form 5859.
    Information Sheet: Non-Resident Firearm Declaration

    AK 12.jpg
     
  15. McKROB

    McKROB Member

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    That’s a good choice for a bear gun and you’ll have no problem with that in Canada. The pistol grip is no problem either as long as the overall length is greater than 26”. Personally I prefer the Butler Creek folding stocks, still nice and compact but the stock can be deployed quickly and it’s a lot easier to manage/shoot accurately with the stock. When they ask you what it’s to be used for, “ defence against wild animals attacks” is a legit use, but if you mention it’s for personal defence from the two legged variety of predator you’ll most certainly be denied entry with it. There are also storage and transport rules. Although trigger locks are mandatory when a non-restricted is being stored, they are not required during transport (must be unloaded) but to be on the safe side I’d suggest always use the trigger lock when not in use, and keep it in a case, I always go one step further and lock the case too. There may be other regional rules as well, and in National Parks they must be unloaded and securely stored (i.e. locked in a case and out of sight).
     
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  16. Dennis Adams

    Dennis Adams Member

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    The trigger lock, and case lock are good ideas. I was going to put it in a case but a trigger lock for appearances sake seems like a good idea. Unloaded yes. Ammo in ammo can.

    “ defense against wild animals attacks”

    Seems to be the best response.

    I still have some time so I think I will look into the Butler Creek folder.
     
  17. Dennis Adams

    Dennis Adams Member

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    27 Days to Departure.
    Install TPMS tire pressure monitoring system.
    Debating new house batteries.
    Spare booster solenoid
    Spare propane regulator
    Spare fuel filter
    Contain excitement.
     
    Last edited: Jun 20, 2019
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  18. Dennis Adams

    Dennis Adams Member

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    image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg

    This tool is ready. Meets all acceptable cross Country criteria.
    The scabbard case works well for this and when traveling exclusively in the US, it can be shortened up for a Mossberg Shockwave.
     
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  19. Dennis Adams

    Dennis Adams Member

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  20. Bushman5

    Bushman5 Member

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    ok that shotgun is growing on me........i'll admit it......

    i'm still getting the DP12 for kicks and giggles, but i like that pistol grip right there. (still need to deal with paperwork etc)
     

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