Hello; anyone considering an alaska trip this year?
regards and happy bussin
Mike in florida
We'll be going 2017 in the truck conversion.
Not here we did that trip once ;D without a shot gun to shoot the dive booming skeeters
Part of my "Bucket List", been there, done that and will never even think of doing it again. Too much beauty in the lower 48 to me. ( 9 days one way at 300 per day to get through Canada alone) to get to Alaska. That is a total of 18 days and not allowing stopping to see things if you have the energy after that long. Happy Traveling, don't be in any hurry, bring much $$, but not worth it to us ever again. Take the Alaskan Cruise for best trip, and you get meals etc. and comfort, and see everything we seen as the ships go to every port we visited. anyhow think it over, some of those roads are terrible I don't care what anyone says. Just my 2 cents worth, stay below the Canadian Border to enjoy unless you have lots of time and many, many bucks.
Takes a lot less $ now with the Cdn $ at 75 cents US.
JC
The new owner of my bus is going up to play music, i guess that he has been doing that for several years now. He comes to Az. in the winter to play and he also plays a lot around the Portland area.
Quote from: Gary LaBombard on March 20, 2016, 11:44:39 AM
Take the Alaskan Cruise for best trip, and you get meals etc. and comfort, and see everything we seen as the ships go to every port we visited.
Take the ferry, instead of a cruise ship. So much better than a cruise ship. I don't know if I could afford to take the bus on the ferry, but it was awesome with the motorcycles.
We took the bus in 2005. 2 weeks up. 2 weeks there. 2 weeks back. Don't plan on any less time if you're going to drive. Otherwise it's just not worth it.
We took the ferry north in 1973 and spent from June until the second week in September living in and out of a then new Chevy Suburban 4X4. We then drove the Al-Can highway back. The only thing I'd change in that trip would have been to leave a week earlier as the rain and snow had started turned the highway into four wheel mud wrestling--not something I'd want to do in a bus! That said, if you have good health, time and a few extra bucks, go for it as there is nothing else quite like the Alaskan wilderness. Jack
Jack am I wrong, I think the Al-can is all paved now??? This trip is on our bucket list too.
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Mike:
If you are headed there ( and back ) again, your spot is still open here!
Mark
After surviving over 250 trips up and down the Alaska Highway, both over all gravel and now with blacktop, I'd say that it's at least a month to 11/2 months to be able to see and do things. We've been driving this road since 1968 and it's not a novelty any more, just get on and get off as quickly as possible. Even though there's quite a big conversion on the dollar, Canadian gas and diesel is still terribly expensive. We regularly tour through the Yukon and diesel in Whitehorse is close to $6.00 a us gallon. Just a little musing, as we approach another super busy tour bus season. The ferry will be super expensive for a motorhome, so might want to take out a bank loan, before you start......Bill
Every year we go to a presentation by John Holod at the annual RV show in Hershey, Pa. He has made many trips to Alaska via RV and talks about it. He says to expect about 12,000 miles round trip from Harrisburg, PA. He sells a couple of videos about RV ING to Alaska and what to expect. He also sells several others for various RV trips in the USA and Canada. The videos are very useful and also entertaining, as he has a very wry sense of humor. I would highly recommend his videos and or catching his presentations at national RV shows. Check his site for locations.http://www.rvadventurevideos.com/videos.php (http://www.rvadventurevideos.com/videos.php)
Hi Mike
We're heading to Alaska in May 2016. May stay as long as August. We'll be checking out Canada real good in both directions.
The Alcan was all paved when we went in 1995 or 96 if you care to call it paving that has to be the worst highway around. Buy your windshields before you leave so you will have them when you get home a crazy trucker passed us on one of the gravel patches and broke both windshields and 3 head lights and be sure the heater works, in June we were snowed in at the summit and don't worry about washing the bus till you get out of there enjoy the trip
Ferry to Alaska is about $3500, ONE WAY from Seattle area for a 40" bus!! We decided not to use the Ferry that we could drive it for less!! Not sure about that with the following information I am giving you. We paid up to $1.96 per LITER in YUKON, = $7.84 per gallon for Gasoline! Friends we traveled with went from Pullman, Wa. with a prevost, 40', we traveled from Pullman, WA through Canada then into Alaska for several weeks. Then they traveled back home at a total of $7,000 for fuel mostly. We traveled over 6,000 miles further in total from Piedmont, SC, to Washington, up through Canada to Alaska on the Alcan highway and then back home. We went over the (Top of the world highway). He averaged (.065 miles per gallon on that part of the trip)!! Mountain hills from 12-15 deg! This information is only to get you prepared for the unexpected. Top of the world highway is not a pleasant trip to make. We spent $15,000 and traveled 12,500 miles round trip driving a jeep Cherokee pulling a 13 Ft. Fiberglass Scamp Trailer. I will try not post any more negativity on this as I know how excited you might be to make this trip and nothing I can say will make you change your mind. But I hope this negativity will help you be better prepared for expenses you can not believe, food, fuel, Showers in campgrounds are $3.50 for 3 minutes for example.
Do not go with an old vehicle unless in perfect condition, parts are real expensive. We ended up getting a complete brake job on our jeep cherokee as the dusty roads were like concrete dust on our brakes and ate them up big time. The cost for all 4 brakes replaced, $1,000. If you are making this trip from Pennsylvania etc. I advise you travel with $20,000 to see all you wish to see. 5 hr. boat trips cost up to $300 pp, jeep caravans to the mountains are $369 pp. WE used $14,800 out of $15,000 we allowed to use. NEVER AGAIN> If you have deep pockets, then go for it.
Please forgive the straight information but this was in 2014, June - August 29.
Again I just want to give you information to consider. Not all Alaska is not worth seeing, we enjoyed many areas of it but it is a lot, I mean a lot of traveling and not to allow at least 90 days you will be short changing yourself to see all you can for the cost of this trip.
Gary
Bring it on
I hear some of the Western GMC Club are going this year one was talking to me and asking if I would like to make the trip again,it's off my list BTDT and enjoyed it
Same as everywhere, gas is cheaper at the moment.
A quick check online:
Dawson, Yukon, is about CND $1 per litre or USD $2.90 a US gallon
Edmonton, Alberta, is about CND $0.80 per litre or USD $2.32 a US gallon
Anchorage, Alaska, is about USD $2 per US gallon
3.78 litres to a US gallon
American dollar is worth CND $1.30
HTH.
happy coaching!
buswarrior
Not too smart....
diesel prices....
Dawson, Yukon is at CND $1.36 per litre
Edmonton, Alberta is at CND $0.77 per litre
Anchorage, Alaska is at USD $1.90 per US gallon
happy coaching!
buswarrior
Heather and I have been watching diesel and realized that if we want to make the trip, now really is the time. If it happens I don't perceive us making the journey until summer of 2017. But who knows.
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Since we live in SC & not retired & physically wouldn't put myself through the driving thing we flew to Anchorage in July of 2015. Rented a motorhome & decided before hand to only do the Kenai Peninsula for this trip. 2 weeks & didn't see it all just in that area. Of course maybe some of that was the fishing 3 times a day that I HAD to do. After all the research prior I learned a lot once there. I found out that you don't have to take everythnig with you. There's plenty of opportunity for food & gear especially at the Fred Myers stores. Talk about an all in one stop. You can even overnite in the parking lot for 3 days at a time at no charge. I booked numerous campsites ahead & discovered once there some of the areas we overnighted were on travel days between stops. Could have done that just in the pulloffs side the road. The campground in Seward was incredible. The town owns it. You can't reserve ahead but the views are tops. This post could get endless so I'll end it by saying yep we're heading back in 2017. Will go for a month next time!! All in approx. $7500.
Also obtain the Alaska Milepost. Fantastic and info about every mile of the way about campgrounds, fuel, food, etc. Sort of like a traveler's Bible. New issue published every year with updates.
It is really not a trip everyone would enjoy I got tired of driving so we rode the ferry back but it didn't $3500.00 back then either.Some enjoy the trip some don't, Idaho I enjoy more not as far and offers about the same I can't wait till Salmon season opens in Idaho love it
We went in 03 for 3 months and are looking to go back maybe next year.It is a long trip,but just take it slow and in joy the journey. Alaska is one of the best trips we have ever done and hope we can go next year.Between fishing,whitewater rafting and going to Denali National Park were just a few of the highlights from are last trip.
Don
Alaska was the first item on my bucket list ( you notice I said mine not the bosses ) It was all and more than I expected. Some of the most beautiful sites you will ever see. Even the boss admitted it was better than she thought it would be. It did not get taken off of OUR bucket list it just got moved down a ways. After we remove a few items from the bucket list we will go back and spend the whole summer doing it.
Wayne
The DRIVING for this vacation must be carefully considered.
Go to your favorite mapping software and plug in Anchorage AK and your place.
and sit and stare at the proportions. Roughly plot your biggest drives to date on there and think about doing that how many times over to both get there and home...
The trouble with maps, Alaska and Rhode Island are the same size in the book, and mysteriously, there's nothing showing above the 48th parallel until you get Alaska.
New York City to Anchorage is 75 hours of driving on the biggest roads at the limit. New York to Los Angeles is only 41 hours.
Both the driver and the co-pilot need good, supportive chairs for this adventure, this isn't a spin 'round the block to the local bus rally.
Just like the pioneers, if this takes too long, it'll start snowing...
happy coaching!
buswarrior
Yes, one of the first items on the bucket list, 35 years ago it was placed there. We have been talking about it that long. With the fuel prices the way they are - it HAS to happen this year for us. Two leading factors in the decision making department: Fuel prices and TIME... We are setting aside 5 months for this trip. NO HURRY. Take time to to take your time. We love the lower 48, been traversing it with the ole' girl for 37 years cross country (W-E-W and S-N-S) in all the mountains she's got to offer. Now retired for 3 years - we're going for it. FL - AK - FL via CA on return to welcome our marine back home... That's what life is all about, right? The only thing more fun than being a bus nut and having these conversations with all is going out and doing what these rigs were intended for. Each in our very own way. The next best thing to this conversation is the knowledge we all gain as a collective talking about our unique experiences - & there's plenty of it here! Thanks for sharing - it's great to be part of this big mess!
We are going this year. In fact, we plan to be in Canada by the 3rd week in May. We should be back in the lower 48 sometime last August or early September. All of us are looking forward to the journey. Fuel prices make this trip so much more practical as compared to just a few years ago. We have all our $$$s saved up and ready to go.
I'll start a new thread with a routing question I have.
I know those wishing to fulfill their bucket list will not listen to recommendations of how to make your trip shorter and more enjoyable so here is a couple of things to think of also before your trip that will make you better prepared. If I think of others that we found out on our trip in 2014 I will post as I remember them. some of them have slipped my mind, Getting older I guess. Here goes, this is ONLY to make you better prepared.
1) Be sure to bring a spare for all your vehicles if not just a RV or Bus. Be sure to have every wheel balanced and at full of air pressure needed.
2) Figure the length of your time you will be up in Alaska and traveling, be sure you have more than enough of every medications needed whether they be by prescription or over the counter. I run out of one of my cholesterol medications which cost only $10 here at Walmart, it was $100 at Walmart in ALASKA. I carried a prescription with me just in case, get all your prescriptions overfilled if you explain to your doctor your plans.
3) All animals to be vaccinated with documentation 30 days before your trip.
4) Do not bring vegetables and fruits to the border, they will be confiscated possibly by border patrol. Buy them in Alaska or on the way through Canada if you wish to have them.
5) DO NOT BRING ANY WEAPONS (PISTOLS, RIFLES ETC.) to the border. This will slow down your trip if they are found in vehicle. They will have to be disassembled, and mailed at your cost to your home but this will take you ALL day to get accomplished. Do not lie about not having a weapon with you if you do have one. This will truly ruin your day or several of them. Again, only a warning here, it is up to you.
5) Have ALL your money to be spent on Alaskan trip, separate in a special Debit card from your bank to keep track of your trip costs. You will have to get fuel & food etc. and in Canada you will get pissed as you can only get about $75 at a time for fuel and have to keep putting in your debit card to fill up your tank. lots of chances for overcharges here if this is one of the stations you visit. BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR BALANCES "EACH NIGHT" POSSIBLE IF YOU HAVE INTERNET to be sure you do not get ripped off from these gas stations you will forget where they are. We got stuck twice with overcharges but caught them that night and reported them so they did not get paid the overcharges but they will still overcharge you in some places if they can.
a) Keep your debit travel card separate from your home use debit card.
b) Tell your bank of your plans, they will be able to keep track of your travel expenses as they are made. You will have to list with your bank every U.S. state and canadian providence you plan to travel both way to and from Alaska but this is to protect you getting overcharged big time while on the road. KEEP ALL, ALL RECEIPTS USED FOR YOUR ENTIRE TRIP SEPARATE IN A BOX AS PROOF OF YOUR PURCHASES BECAUSE "YOU WILL BE PISSED" IF YOU HAVE NO PROOF OF NO PURCHASE OR OVERCHARGES! Only a warning now.
6) Bring the strongest BUG REPELLANT you can get as the mosquitos in Canada and Alaska are the most ferocious you will ever encounter especially at night. Be sure to bring enough and use it every day and evening.
7) If you are fortunate enough to see wild bears and moose etc. along the highway, do not be tempted to think of them as cute little pets etc. and want to get close to them. Have a good camera with Zoom and this will be the safest way to enjoy seeing them up close when you get HOME. You are in their territory and you PISS them off being there remember.
8) Call your telephone provider for special programs available for this trip both ways through Canada, it may be alittle more expensive but if you are in Canada over 18 days and you will be, it will be peace of mind to conduct business concerning your finances during your trip. You will need this also for contact with your family off and on. 9 days with no contact one say if you push right through is a long time with no contact with family.
9) If you get to see a Salmon run at one of the fish hatcheries, do not be tempted to reach down and catch one with your hands. The fine is big, big time. Take photos and be respectful of the rules. You are only a guest remember, you do not get special privileges because you are from the lower 48, at times it is just the opposite as you will see occasionally.
10) Bring extra "V" belts, my friend who had the Prevost we traveled with went through 2 belts at two different times because of the rocks and stuff you WILL encounter on the gravel roads.
11) If you travel with others, travel at the same speeds with each other, when one wants to stop to take photos have courtesy and do the same. This is a once in a lifetime trip and enjoy it as a group. You will get where you want to go, just go together in case of emergency breakdown etc.
12) Have some sort of long range communications devices or good hand radios or CB's to be in communication with everyone in your caravan or with your small group at all times to arrange stopping times for lunch, bathroom breaks etc. Most bathrooms will be outhouses so be prepared to use your bus or rv if possible for this. These outhouses are not pleasant to use as you will see and the mosquitos around them will make your butt pucker.
13) When on gravel roads and you can stop for oncoming traffic, consider doing this as you pull over as far to the right at you can without endangering your vehicle. The truckers get a challenge at breaking as many windshields as they can and if you are traveling when this happens you could lose control. This again is only a suggestion. Especially if you go on the East side road up to Alaska and against all suggestions not to use the "Top Of The World Highway" you have a lot to learn. Go slow, roads are steep, 12-15 deg. Long and very dusty and narrow. Truckers do not care, they will push you out of the way believe me. STOP when you can until they go by is only a suggestion that may make your trip more safe and enjoyable.
14) Check if you have windshield coverage on your vechicle insurance as I am sure most of you will need it when you get home. Maybe not all but most will. My friend had his windshield broken by a trucker on the trip also. Be sure your entire vehicle insurance is issued to be used in Canada and Alaska if needed. Check on Towing allowances. We had to be towed twice on our trip.
15) Try not to travel at night, in Canada it is really, really dark, animals could be anyplace at any time but nighttime is worse for bears and moose. They are always moving around. Do not feed any wild animals, against the law and very, very dangerous no matter how cute they look!
Well this is enough to start your list not mentioned a yet I believe. Just be sure you have enough money to go up and back, Remember, $20,00 is a magic number if you drive it from the East coast to Alaska and Back and wish to see as much as you can and do as much as you can. My wife reminded me I made a mistake on telling you it was $369 pp for our jeep caravan to the mountains. It was $369 for two people. Sorry, and the boat trips are about $100 - $125 pp. Any way nothing, nothing is cheap. Be prepared to pay, pay, pay.
Gary
Hello: thanks for all the info; and Good luck to all those brave souls who will take this journey.
Regards and happy bussin,
mike
It has been interesting to read all the Alaska opinions.
Here are some of mine.
Go! Just go. You won't regret it.
The Alaska Highway is pretty tame. If you can convert a bus you can handle it.
The Top of the World Highway is amazing if a little rough in places. Don't miss it.
Consider a side trip through the Northwest Territories. Well worth it if you are not afraid of gravel.
Speaking of gravel, the Dalton Highway was the best part of our Alaska trip. The Dalton Highway isn't for everyone but we found it grand.
Putting our bus on the Alaska ferry was more expensive than it was worth.
If you ever wanted to go to Alaska go. You can drive from one RV park to the next or be a little more adventurous.
Just Go!
Good stuff! We're going. Enjoying all the conversation on a subject matter that we're finally moving on...
if you need to test your mettle, start your return trip about mid October :)
A few comments about our trip from 2005, and from our bike trip in 2012...
The highway up is paved except where construction is being done. The section from Haines Junction up to Tok is in pretty poor condition. Earthquakes and frost heaves have taken
a toll. If you see an orange cone in the middle of the road, assume the road doesn't exist near it. In one instance we found a hole 1 foot in diameter that we couldn't see the bottom
of. It was in the center of one lane of the two lane road, and was marked by a single orange traffic cone. That would have been a problem on the bikes had we not seen it in time.
There are some incredible places to boondock along the way. The gravel pits which were dug when the road was paved are generally available, and great places, if you can find them.
Some are secluded and when pulling the toad, if you pass it, it can be a long ways before you can turn around.
The Top of the World highway was not rough, but was extremely dusty. Frankly, I thought there was better scenery in other areas. I enjoyed it the one time, but would probably not do that one again. The ferry ride across the Yukon at Dawson scarred the crap out of me, but then again, I'm not real big on fast moving water when crammed so tight onto a boat that you could not even open the door, and there's water washing over the deck!
The Dalton is rough, and I do mean rough! We did 20-30 mph and only went up to where the road crosses the Yukon. The tour buses were going by us at 60mph or more. They don't pay my repair bills, though. The trucks on the haul road don't like it being open to tourists, and they will intentionally try to break your windshields. They will lock up the brakes on the trailers to throw rocks at you as they pass. If your goal is to simply go to the Arctic Circle, as was ours, then do a day trip from Fairbanks in the toad instead of taking the bus up. If you are looking to get to the Brooks Range or beyond, then take it easy.
Water and sewer dumps are plentiful. Most gas stations have them. Most people are friendly, but there's a general sense they'd just prefer you left your money and went home.
Moose are very large. Especially when viewed from the front seats of the bus as they walk out of nowhere in front of you. Do not take the roads for granted!
Mosquitoes are as large as the moose.
Do not make the mistake of opening the bedroom window at 3:00 in the morning because you heard something outside. You will not get back to sleep due to the buzzing of the invaders.
Pay special attention to the toad. It's a long, long way between each point of civilization along the Alaska Highway. Plan accordingly. Your toad is you insurance plan. Cell phones don't work well there.
Hey Gumpy, thanks - that's great info!
I was ready to give up at the Yukon as well. Glad I didn't. The road improved, but this was in 07 things can change.
Quote from: Alan N on March 28, 2016, 07:58:26 PM
I was ready to give up at the Yukon as well. Glad I didn't. The road improved, but this was in 07 things can change.
I assume you are referring to the haul road where it corsses the Yukon.
We actually didn't give up there. That was the original destination plan. My Father-in-Law, who was with us on the 2005 trip, had worked on the pipeline in the 70s. There was
a man-camp just across the Yukon River where he had stayed for awhile. He wanted to go see what was left there, so we did. After we got there, we realized how close
we were to the Arctic Circle, so we decided to do a day trip to it in the car, which turned out to be a great decision. Both of our teenage kids got to drive in the Arctic Circle,
which was a big deal. None of their friends could say that! We also collected a bug, which was brought back to a young girl with some leaning disabilities and self
esteem issues for her class summer assignment (3rd grade, I think). She and the Arctic Circle Bug were the talk of the school and she remembers it still today. :D
Someday I'd like to go farther up the road.
That is a nice drive to the arctic circle. There is no gas between Fairbanks and the Yukon river. My jeep would not make the round trip on 1 tank of gas so I filled up at the yukon ( 5 dollars a gallon ). On the way back I stopped and topped of the tank same 5 bucks a gallon. When driving around up there I like to run on the top 1/2 of the tank.
Wayne
We went all the way to Dead horse. The young folks jumped in the Arctic Ocean (they said it's warmer than Lake Superior). I would like to do it again someday. We lived in Alaska when I was young and I wanted to drive that road since they built it. It would be fun to do it in the semi, ONE time.
Another possibility is to take the Alaska ferry from Prince Rupert to Haines or Skagway. Much less cost than from Washington state. It's worth the trip one way. You can look at ferry schedules via internet and if you like you can make reservations. We run tours from Fairbanks to the Arctic Circle for Japanese and Chinese tourists and I did one the first part of March. The Arctic Circle is at mile 115 on the Dalton highway ( Haul road). Don't know anything about the rest of the road. The "Top of the World" highway runs from the Yukon river at Dawson City, Yukon and connects with the Taylor highway, which connects with the Alaska highway 12 miles south of Tok, Alaska. The 13 miles of the top are paved to the tune of 16,000,000 dollars of stimulus money. How about that for wise us of US dollars??....Bill
I looked at the cost to run the ferry from Haines to Skagway and it was about $380 for bus and toad. I think we'll save those dollars and use them for whale watching or a fishing excursion. It does look like a nice way to go though...
Brian, if you look at the mileage to backtrack and go to Skagway along with the price of fuel cost up there it would cost close to $350 to drive it. Time saved and the view is worth it.
Quote from: Brian Diehl on March 30, 2016, 03:57:45 PM
I looked at the cost to run the ferry from Haines to Skagway and it was about $380 for bus and toad. I think we'll save those dollars and use them for whale watching or a fishing excursion. It does look like a nice way to go though...
That's too bad. That's a lot of money for that short little boat ride.
Both are incredibly beautiful drives. Haines seemed to have some things to do. Skagway, not so much, other than the train.
I've heard the drive down into Valdez is really nice, too, but we have not done that one. Evidently there's nothing there but oil tanker loading dock, so not other reason to
go other than the scenery.
Quote from: gumpy on March 30, 2016, 07:37:52 PM
That's too bad. That's a lot of money for that short little boat ride.
Both are incredibly beautiful drives. Haines seemed to have some things to do. Skagway, not so much, other than the train.
I've heard the drive down into Valdez is really nice, too, but we have not done that one. Evidently there's nothing there but oil tanker loading dock, so not other reason to
go other than the scenery.
Unless you like to fish... then there is Thompson Pass and salmon fishing and camping at Blueberry lake and Worthington Glacier and Keystone Canyon and Bridal Veil Falls and Halibut fishing and ;D
Quote from: niles500 on March 30, 2016, 07:27:34 PM
Brian, if you look at the mileage to backtrack and go to Skagway along with the price of fuel cost up there it would cost close to $350 to drive it. Time saved and the view is worth it.
I agree with the thoughts expressed, but would not drive down to both Skagway and Haines.
Yes the trip to Valdez is worth it. If you get there take a day trip on the LuLu Belle out to columbia glacier. The trip was billed a 7 hour trip but it took us close to 9 hours. The captain will give you your moneys worth. You will see some unbelievable sites, lots of wildlife, he stays at the glacier for an hour, and he will go to where the whales are. Also the man talks about things from the time you step on the boat until you get off. The day we were there we ran along side the Northwestern for a ways. Looked like Sig was hauling salmon that day.
Safe travels
Wayne
Made the Alaska trip in 2001. Short trip as our youngest was on summer vacation before Junior year in high school. Schedule was 3 weeks to Alaska, 3 weeks there and 3 weeks back to Maine. Obviously the trip was fast in the beginning and the end. ie Wednesday morning left Wall SD at 1030 EDT, pulled into the driveway in Maine at 003 EDTSaturday. Glad no log books were involved. We didn't see Haines or Skagway. Valdez is a not to be missed. Top of the World is pretty spectacular.
Our plan for this trip is a more relaxed. Leaving Rio Grande Valley mid April. Entering Canada first week of May. Alaska first or second week of June. Hard date is September 15 in Bremerton, WA for a crew reunion of the submarine Halibut. Then back to Texas via (maybe) the Balloon Fest in New Mexico.
Bill
Quote from: rusty on March 31, 2016, 06:05:34 AM
Yes the trip to Valdez is worth it. If you get there take a day trip on the LuLu Belle out to columbia glacier. The trip was billed a 7 hour trip but it took us close to 9 hours. The captain will give you your moneys worth. You will see some unbelievable sites, lots of wildlife, he stays at the glacier for an hour, and he will go to where the whales are. Also the man talks about things from the time you step on the boat until you get off. The day we were there we ran along side the Northwestern for a ways. Looked like Sig was hauling salmon that day.
Safe travels
Wayne
Brenda and Hector of islandgirl.com also highly recommended the LuLu Belle trip out to the columbia glacier. Thanks for the reminder.
They are having a sale on their videos till the 15th. Great deal and you won't be disappointed with all the pictures,info and narration. I don't have anything in these videos or the presenter, but highly recommend them after viewing them.
http://www.rvadventurevideos.com/ (http://www.rvadventurevideos.com/)
Quote from: Brian Diehl on March 31, 2016, 06:32:28 PM
Brenda and Hector of islandgirl.com also highly recommended the LuLu Belle trip out to the columbia glacier. Thanks for the reminder.
We did the 26 Glacier Cruise out of Whittier when we were there. It was well worth the money and time.
Don't take your bus through the tunnel. Not worth the extra money. There's not really much else to do in Whittier.
I know this topic died about 4 months ago but its been alive for a couple of us these last few months. We left FL on May 16. In GA we realized that the coolant was being pressurized that the toad was being bathed in antifreeze. We also had a compressor fail in Atlanta rush hour. I almost turned back but the wife was screaming Alaska or bust, so we pushed on. In IN we put a new 4 valve cylinder head on. A coolant o ring & an adjacent cylinder fire ring had failed allowing exhaust gas to enter the coolant. We replaced the head because of crack between valves. The compressor failure was caused by a bad drive gear. After leaving IN we realized we were making oil. It took a spell to pinpoint the problem and changed out a few fuel crossover tubes (also created 2 forced oil changes). In IL the starter failed. After our 1st oil change in ND it was fair uneventful sailing through Canada into Alaska until a few weeks ago when the blower seized up and exploded. Thankfully it didn't send anything into the cylinders but we removed a lot of shrapnel from the air boxes. We learned that breakdowns are not a negative thing in Alaska. The blower sat us along the Seward hwy in a pullout for 11 days. In that time we had a royal blast running around with the toad seeing many places we probably wouldn't have. In fact we had so much fun we can't wait for our next breakdown (not really) LOL. A week ago when returning to Tok to start our return trip home we had such an empty feeling about leaving this great adventurous state that we came into a stall pattern & are awaiting to close on the purchase of a small parcel. Only then can we leave with the thought that an Alaskan journey doesn't have to be a once in a lifetime journey! We got bit, real bit. Not just from the Alaskan mosquitos but the grandure of this great last frontier. It has shed many years off our psychie and has us wanting to do things we haven't in a long time. The only way to weather a winter is in a permanant structure, not an RV, not even a bus @ -50. So until we can get a structure built, which may never happen ~ we'll just return in the bus for another round of "this is too good to be true stuff". We hope to leave by the last week in Aug to start our return trip home, if we don't do it voluntarily we're sure that the onset of winter will do it for us...
I really must congratulate you on your excellent attitude, many people would have given up after all those mechanical troubles. Many people on this thread don't recommend the trip as being worth the big bucks involved, yet you thrived on it. Outstanding!
It's worth the money for most it all depends on the individuals,we enjoyed it but I have no desire for another trip that one is off our bucket list.We have friends that live in AK I would like to go to visit but haven't done it.
Joe Laird has made the trip to Anchorage 20 times over the years in his and Frankie's Eagle.
Joe and Frankie even held a rally one time in Anchorage lot of people made the trip (we didn't). Canada is on our list for next year we want to see all of Canada not just the western part.
Asking our Canadian friends is that wise we know you guys have a lot of untamed territory and we want to see it
Clifford, lots to see in Canada. Beautiful country. You are welcome to stay here for a few days. Lots of room. We'll point you to some sights nearby. And the dollar difference is to your advantage now. Lots of american tourists here this year.
JC
Thanks Walter, We appreciate that... Still up here having a blast!
Couldn't possibly give up on an item that has been sitting in the bucket list for over 35 years, no matter wtf happens.
That's our story & we're sticking to it.
And it's perfect timing, the Alaskan mosquitoes don't carry Zika virus. ;)
Now thats a good thing otherwise we would have it! That would be the ultimate repair! I have enough brain farts as it is...:~)
I met a young man at the library in Tok AK today while Wi Fi ing. He was on a bicycle from Argentina, on the journey for 4 years and covered over 24,000 miles. He was headed to Prudhoe Bay! Hope he doesn't get caught in winter... His name is Guillermo Federico Solar. He has a Facebook page _ Protector Ushuaia Alaska. He is an awesome person & that is awesome stuff! Wanted to share that...
He must be carrying some spare tires with him, that is one long bicycle trip!
Met up with Dan and Sandy in Tok. Dan has already made friends. Got his tale of not good things happening to them. But they did fix everything that broke.
Thanks for the meeting. It was our pleasure. Especially liked the rainbow!
Bill
And Dan & Sandy Have a new pit at his Garage in AK. ;D
Dave
Hey Bill it was a pleasure meeting you also, couldn't help to notice the FL plates as you were pulling through...Safe travels
Dave, yes it's a pit but it would be rreeaall tricky getting a bus to straddle it! Maybe with a crane!
We're home, it is a blessing to have been able to do the round trip safe & sound and return safely home. Mechanically speaking the return trip was much easier. Only the brake drum issue. Ran like a top. Burned through 40 gallons of propane injection in 12,000 miles over a 17 week period. Brought it in on three brakes. It's truly a civilian tank. Built like one, feels like one and holds up like one. Burned five quarts of oil in the last 4800 miles. For the benefit of those that want to make the journey or make the journey again - How about some general facts & numbers on the FL - AK - FL cross continent journey that we completed... Total miles round trip - 12,000. Total road time away from home: 17 weeks (119 days). 70 days in AK. 1 week each way in Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon), 23 days lower 48 going (FL, GA, KY, IN, IL, IA, MN, ND, MT), 12 days lower 48 returning (MT, WY, SD, IA, NB, MO, TN, MS, AL, FL). The following #s are total costs for each category (rounded out)... Generator gas (6.5kw Onan & .8 kw Power Source) - $700. Bus Diesel (dd671IL NA 4 valve head with at-will propane injection - coach = 28,000 lbs, toad = 7,000 lbs @ 34,000 lbs total) - $4700. Camping Fees - $784. Food (Meals & groceries) - $2400. Maintenance, Parts, & Repairs (Departure - running north - Radiator surge tank repair GA, Engine compressor drive replacement & cylinder head replacement IN, Starter replacement IL, Making oil, oil change ND, fuel crossover tubes replaced, oil change AK, blower failure/replacement AK. Return - running south - brake drum failure - removed drivers side drum & blocked air to can MO) $5600 total. Toad gas (2005 GMC Sierra 4X4 Quadrasteer with camping topper) - $750. Total travel related costs - $15,000. More than double that figure when including Misc. (Gifts, Memorabilia, and AK land purchase). Some how we're a lot closer to broke but feeling as rich as we ever have. Go figure! We plan on doing it again...& again...
Welcome home!! Thanks for the breakdown of costs. Hope to try it myself.
Wow. Nice cost breakdown. Cool info here actually.
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As I break down the info in more detail I'll post it, like gallons consumed, average price per gal. Etc. I thought the (actuals) would be good info. We would have liked to spend more time in Canada but dipping back into the lower 48 really saves on fuel cost!
Probably the last I'll post on this trip
Crunched the last of the numbers
Some interesting stuff for those who could use it
Total miles covered with the bus - 10,922
Total miles covered with the truck (incl. towed miles) - 12,030
Total bus diesel used - 1472.77 gallons
Overall average buss mpg - 7.4159
Average price per diesel gallon (USA $$) $2.44
Highest diesel gal price - Chicken AK - $3.29/gal.
Lowest diesel gal price - TN, MO, & MN - $2.199/gal.
Average price per diesel liter (Canada $$) $1.088
Highest diesel liter price - Watson Lake BC - $1.259/L
Lowest diesel liter price - Grand Prairie AB - $.919/L
The bust in the average price per diesel (using overall #s) would be due to Can-US$ conversion. I ain't going there... broke out diesel separate (US - CAN)
We've read about AK & CAN all our lives but there's no comparison to actually doing it
In comparing Autumn & Spring temps between FL & AK, if we dual residence we would do 6 mos. & 6 mos. April thru Sept in AK. Oct thru March in FL.
It was really tough returning to FL temps & humidity (both 95+)
And we've lived here for over 30 years and originally are from northern states
Go figure...
A little correction to bringing guns. Handguns are not allowed at all and if you don't declare them and then later get found out, a big fine, confiscation, and maybe jail time. Rifles and shotguns may be brought, but have to be declared with Canada customs at the border and a form filled out for each one, plus a 25 dollar charge. I guess I am so used to paying the high prices that I don't consider them at all. We usually try to leave before snow and cold starts and come back when it starts to warm up. The most beautiful state in the US. I have lived here for 56 years and no plans to move "outside" permanently". Exchange rates are good, but a lot of Canadian establishments either won't exchange money or the exchange is given in Canadian. Your best bet is to exchange currency before you enter Canada. Wells Fargo banks exchange funds at no cost to you if you have a wells fargo account and a charge if you don't. They do not exchange change. Iguess I've spent more time in Canada than most. I've been driving the Alaska HIghway since
I don't know how that happened, but I'll try to finish up here. Since 1968, have been stranded on it twice and stopped counting after 250 trips. I will be happy to answer any questions anyone might have......Bill
I also just recently completed my Alaska Trip. Here is our final blog posting on our trip with my family's reflections.
We are so glad we went!
http://www.brihil.com/2016/09/23/alaska-reflections/ (http://www.brihil.com/2016/09/23/alaska-reflections/)
We carried two shotguns, something to consider is they WILL do a background check for the person on the gun papers.
Keep that in mind, Canada is real thorough & strict on screening when carrying firearms. We had no problem.
The $25 charge is for the permit to carry - OK for multiple long guns on one permit. The permit expires in 60 days at which time another permit needs to be purchased (as in our case)Handguns are restricted but can be carried with papers equivalent to an act of congress (hardly worth it)
Billy I envy you on how many alcan trips you've done, that's awesome!
Brian, we really enjoyed meeting up with you & your wonderful family during our trip.
The best of luck on all your & your family's endeavors...
Really enjoyed the tour of your bus, you did a fine job
Forgot to mention, really nice blog!