Alaska or Bust

[Bumala]

So last year we busted, our TV blew an engine. So here we go again. The plan is to start mid June, head to Tahoe and then to Salmon Idaho. My wife is related to Emma Russell, the sheep queen of Idaho. We'll stay there for a few days, then head north. If anyone has any must stops, or fun things to do on the way up, let me know. I've done the trip four or five times as a passenger but we drove straight through. Any good RV parks? things to do, etc.
Thanks,
Bob.

[chuckster57]

I hope you make it all the way this time. Which highway up to Tahoe?

[Steve S]

I've done the trip twice in the last 8 months. The first trip while towing was straight thru and that's all that fun. Second trip was tent camping and it took 3 days and was more enjoyable as I went off rd to camp up by some of the old mines.
There's so much to explore and see if that's your thing. Check out a few of the old dredges as they're pretty cool!:)

[Desert185]

Get: www.themilepost.com before you leave. Go up the AK Hwy and return the Cassiar Hwy, or vice versa. It's a great trip.

[Pocketlake1]

Agree w Desert185. The Mile Post book probably saved us some damage and was a great investment. Very current and let's you know exactly where road damage is before it sneaks up on you. Also good tips overall. We made trip from FL to AK and found the Alaska Highway in BC very good road except the last 60-70 miles to the AK border, which was miserable, but hopefully they've worked on that since last year..I was very impressed with the road conditions in AK overall, they are investing in a lot of repairs and maint.
Make it to Homer, Anchor Point beach , where you will probably see 100+ eagles at the right time on the beach. Amazing sight. Halibut fishing there pays for itself even w 2 fish limit, due to price of Halibut. Take the all day trip that goes out to deeper water and bigger fish. They charge minimal amount for flash freezing at the docks. If u r a hiker/Trekker, make sure you tackle Flattop Mountain near Anchorage.. Amazing climb and no technical skills needed, just endurance.

We made the trip on the Dalton Highway to the Artic Circle (then took a pic a the sign, shot of Tequila to celebrate, and the 6 hours back)and the 13 hour round trip from Fairbanks was worth it to us..you will never get another chance to say you made it to the Artic Circle. You can rent a Dalton Highway rental car for about $200 to make that trip, but we took our truck, saw lots of motorcycles and even a tandem bicycle, but they were having a tough time of it. Refused an offer for a lift so guess they were happy enough. The rental car already has the windshield and body paint damage so that can take the stress out of worrying about flying rocks from the truckers, and there's a lot of them. We made it w our Denali damage free, but took washing the truck 3 times to get off the thick mud layer. Crossing the wooden bridge across the Mighty Yukon was a thrill. Moose and calves along the way as well.

You have to make it to Denali Park and take the bus shuttle as far as you can go, to Talkeetna. You will see moose, caribou, black bear and maybe a Grizzly if u r lucky. Make sure you make as early a reservation as possible for the shuttle. You can get on/ off the bus anywhere along the way to hike, which we did. Make sure u have Bear Spray, just in case, and to be safe. . We Saw Dal Sheep on one hike, and the views from the higher elevations of the hike are breathtaking.

Alaska was an amazing place to visit and we want to go back, but may consider flying into Anchorage and renting a Mini Winnie instead of hauling our rig the next time, just due to cost of gas. 13,000 miles from FL round trip, and glad we did it once

[Desert185]

Gotta drive it at least once, and remember, once you get to Los Anchorage, Alaska is just an hour away. :cool:

[Desert185]

I was just thinking that it would be a good idea to carry a spare fuel filter for your TD on your trip north.

[Bumala]

One last time (this is the third time I've had to write this because This message board wants me to re-log in and then crashes!)

I grew up in Palmer Alaska (the heart of the Matanuska Valley). Like most people who live in tourist areas, we didn't visit them. I've driven the road a number of times, usually driving straight through. The last time we drove it touristy was 50+ years ago (I was 12). My wife and I plan on stopping at every spot along the way. In Alaska we are visiting family in Wasillia and Kenai.

[Bumala]

You should always carry bells and bear spray to scare away the bears. You should also keep an eye out for bear scat (poop) to see if any bears are in your area. Bear scat is easy to spot, it's near the empty bear spray cans, and has bells in it :) (old Alaskan humor, and I should know)

[Bumala]

I hope you make it all the way this time. Which highway up to Tahoe?

We're going up I80. There's this RV park next to the Truckee River.

[Bumala]

Get: www.themilepost.com before you leave. Go up the AK Hwy and return the Cassiar Hwy, or vice versa. It's a great trip.

Yep, got my Milepost! The first time we went up, us kids would lay up on the camper bunk, and notch off the mileposts, and walky-talky to my folks to stop and see whatever.

[Desert185]

One last time (this is the third time I've had to write this because This message board wants me to re-log in and then crashes!)

I grew up in Palmer Alaska (the heart of the Matanuska Valley). Like most people who live in tourist areas, we didn't visit them. I've driven the road a number of times, usually driving straight through. The last time we drove it touristy was 50+ years ago (I was 12). My wife and I plan on stopping at every spot along the way. In Alaska we are visiting family in Wasillia and Kenai.

My wife is a third generation homesteader from Palmer/Wasilla. The Reeder's, if that sounds familiar.

To stay on subject, if you drive the Cassiar up or back and stop at Smithers at the southern end, eat at Louise's Kitchen. Pretty popular with the locals. Best pierogis I've ever tasted.

[notanlines]

What Desert ^^^^^ said about Louise's. Had breakfast and a blueberry muffin. Fabulous! You can have my share of the borscht.....

[gearhead]

I'm watching Alaska posts here and elsewhere. I really would like to do it in 2018. I asked the DW about going in the cabover and she said we would kill each other. I just don't want to drag the 5th up there. Looks like a "me" trip right now. I'll have to do a work around on packing a firearm. All I've read, Canada gets quite sensitive about it. Maybe just pack bear spray.

[Javi]

I'm watching Alaska posts here and elsewhere. I really would like to do it in 2018. I asked the DW about going in the cabover and she said we would kill each other. I just don't want to drag the 5th up there. Looks like a "me" trip right now. I'll have to do a work around on packing a firearm. All I've read, Canada gets quite sensitive about it. Maybe just pack bear spray.

Ferry.....:whistling:

[Desert185]

I'm watching Alaska posts here and elsewhere. I really would like to do it in 2018. I asked the DW about going in the cabover and she said we would kill each other. I just don't want to drag the 5th up there. Looks like a "me" trip right now. I'll have to do a work around on packing a firearm. All I've read, Canada gets quite sensitive about it. Maybe just pack bear spray.

Long guns OK with a $25CDN, 60 day permit. Handguns a big no-no in Canada.

[chuckster57]

Ship it to an FFL dealer in Alaska, and then pick it up. Ship it back home when you leave.

[fatcatzzz]

Ship it to an FFL dealer in Alaska, and then pick it up. Ship it back home when you leave.

Yep! X2 Have done this. Bear spray in Canada

[gearhead]

Long guns OK with a $25CDN, 60 day permit. Handguns a big no-no in Canada.
Yes, I've looked at the Canada form to do that. Need to read it some more. I guess a "black gun" qualifies. Or my standby...Remington 870 youth 20 GA.
I even thought about leaving a handgun at a gun shop in Helena MT. for "cleaning" and pick it up on the way out.

[Desert185]

Check the minimum barrel length required. I've had them measure the barrel length on my 1895... and ask what kind of action does it have. "Well...this here lever, I imagine, would make it a lever action" "Is it loaded?" "No...in fact it's taken down in two pieces. The only thing loaded is my fire extinguisher." "Well don't point it at anyone," as they then do so when measuring the barrel length. :facepalm:

[Jetfixer03]

Wow, that would be an adventure. Officially added to the wish list. Good luck, be safe, have fun!

[Desert185]

Another US CBP story.

When coming back to America at Bellingham airport with my airplane, they ask if I have any firearms or knives. I say yes. Abhorrent with the info, she asks if Canada knows that. I say yes. She asks why I have them. "Well, because if my engine quits and I survive the landing I can't call 911, AAA or a cab. I'm now in a survival situation. If I or my wife is injured and bleeding I may have to protect ourselves from predatory animals until rescued." Blank stare...

The Canadians seem to understand the requirement, although I am sometimes asked why I have a firearm. Mentioning that I might be low on cash and have to knock over a liquor store is not the answer they're looking for. :angel:

[MerlinB]

Last summer I traveled to the Canadian Maritime provinces with a caravan group. One of the couples had a shotgun and they had the required Canadian paperwork to cross the border with it. However, when they attempted to pass through Customs they were not allowed to bring the shotgun because it was not "hunting season." They had to go back to the last town before the border and they were able to find a hardware store that was willing to store it for them until we returned. So, having the permit is not always the complete answer.

[JRTJH]

When we were stationed in Alaska in the Air Force we were not allowed to transport private firearms through Canada when driving to Alaska or when returning to the lower 48 after serving in Alaska. All firearms had to be shipped "in household goods" or in "advance hold baggage" to our next duty station. I often wondered why it was "OK" for some unknown truck driver to transport my firearms and I couldn't transport them myself. I asked the question several times and never got any answer other than the "proverbial shoulder shrug".....

[Steve S]

The last time that I was in Canada I bought a few handguns off of a guy who was hanging around a liquor store and looking pretty shady. He asked me why I needed the guns and my answer was " I'm from the US and I'm afraid of ghosts and I hear that there's lots of them up this way" He said oh" You're from the States!" He understood and sold me the guns. :nonono:
I've lived all over Canada and I'm still looking for these ghosts that ya all afraid of and I've never seen one! lol!
Relax, this is Canada not the US, we don't carry nor do we have the need too. :CF2:

[JRTJH]

And yet again a thread turns into a "You guys from the states and your guns". Please, this is not the place to point fingers across the border either from the states or from Canada. So, a bit of self restraint in personal opinions can go a long LONG way toward not making relations on the forum difficult.

[Desert185]

The last time that I was in Canada I bought a few handguns off of a guy who was hanging around a liquor store and looking pretty shady. He asked me why I needed the guns and my answer was " I'm from the US and I'm afraid of ghosts and I hear that there's lots of them up this way" He said oh" You're from the States!" He understood and sold me the guns. :nonono:
I've lived all over Canada and I'm still looking for these ghosts that ya all afraid of and I've never seen one! lol!
Relax, this is Canada not the US, we don't carry nor do we have the need too. :CF2:

Tell that to the bears and wolves. :lol:

I am very fond of Canadians, BTW. Always enjoy the Canadian experience whether its BC, YT, Alberta or Toronto. Very sad to see Brenda at customs in Penticton retire. Delightful woman.

[Bumala]

It's funny, and times may have changed since I was twelve (fifty one years ago), but my dad brought all of his guns through Canada on our way to Alaska. The only thing they required was the guns be rendered inoperable. As I recall, they put a special tywrap through the breach of each gun. I have no guns, so I have no idea, nor inclination to find out.

I lived in Alaska for a number of years, and never felt the need for a gun. I was never attacked by wildlife, and none of my friends have been attacked.

We're truly jazzed about heading up. This is going to be a great adventure. I will be chronicling it www\\bumala.com.

[Bumala]

My wife is a third generation homesteader from Palmer/Wasilla. The Reeder's, if that sounds familiar.



I remember the Reeders. I went to school with Curt Reader, if that's any relation.

[Steve S]

And yet again a thread turns into a "You guys from the states and your guns". Please, this is not the place to point fingers across the border either from the states or from Canada. So, a bit of self restraint in personal opinions can go a long LONG way toward not making relations on the forum difficult.

I'm not pointing fingers John nor did I. :) I just don't understand the love for guns and the need to pack one when coming to Canada. Anyone can simply do a search and understand what our rules are without the " guns and Canada " issues being brought up at every given moment. If people don't like the fact that we don't carry guns nor do we want them here then it's simple, stay at home! lol!
A long gun for protection is understandable when off grid for survival, I even own two of them which I take when I head up country. I've never used it in all of these years for protection. I'd rather take a pic of the wildlife than shoot it unless I'm hunting and I use every scrap of the carcass and it's pelt.
But the talk of handguns?? Let's at least agree that packing a handgun across the border is a little far fetched don't you think? :D

[Desert185]

I remember the Reeders. I went to school with Curt Reader, if that's any relation.

Different family. Not a relation.

[JRTJH]

I'm not pointing fingers John nor did I. :) I just don't understand the love for guns and the need to pack one when coming to Canada. Anyone can simply do a search and understand what our rules are without the " guns and Canada " issues being brought up at every given moment. If people don't like the fact that we don't carry guns nor do we want them here then it's simple, stay at home! lol!
A long gun for protection is understandable when off grid for survival, I even own two of them which I take when I head up country. I've never used it in all of these years for protection. I'd rather take a pic of the wildlife than shoot it unless I'm hunting and I use every scrap of the carcass and it's pelt.
But the talk of handguns?? Let's at least agree that packing a handgun across the border is a little far fetched don't you think? :D

Steve S,

You know the sensitivities you touch when you comment about guns. You have been cautioned that laws are different in Canada and the US and that the feelings of many members are different on the subject of guns, gun ownership and carrying a firearm for protection. NOWHERE has anyone spoken of "ghosts" (except you) and nowhere has anyone been critical of Canadian law. We (me included) have posted the difference and/or the limitations of travelling in or through Canada, but nobody has "made negative comments" or "made light" of the differences between the two countries. Nobody, except you. It seems that at every opportunity you make negative comments about US citizens exercising their lawful right to own and to carry a firearm. It's not appropriate for you to criticize our laws any more than it's appropriate for us to criticize your laws. I don't remember (if you have an example, please share it) where anyone has posted negative comments about Canadian laws or about Canadian citizens "being afraid of ghosts" or other "nonsensical, rude comments".

As with your comment that "If people don't like Canadian laws, just stay home" the same can be said about US law. If you don't like the way US law is structured, just don't come south and please, don't comment negatively about it. Your comments won't change US law, all they do is make people feel negatively about your thoughts.

So, as with the requests that have been sent privately in PM's to you about the subject, I'm asking publically that you please refrain from creating negativity on the forum by posting disparaging comments about another country, its laws, its citizen's and their rights. The situation won't change by your activism and it causes stress, anger and negativity in an otherwise friendly topic on the forum.

[ctbruce]

Steve S,

You know the sensitivities you touch when you comment about guns. You have been cautioned that laws are different in Canada and the US and that the feelings of many members are different on the subject of guns, gun ownership and carrying a firearm for protection. NOWHERE has anyone spoken of "ghosts" (except you) and nowhere has anyone been critical of Canadian law. We (me included) have posted the difference and/or the limitations of travelling in or through Canada, but nobody has "made negative comments" or "made light" of the differences between the two countries. Nobody, except you. It seems that at every opportunity you make negative comments about US citizens exercising their lawful right to own and to carry a firearm. It's not appropriate for you to criticize our laws any more than it's appropriate for us to criticize your laws. I don't remember (if you have an example, please share it) where anyone has posted negative comments about Canadian laws or about Canadian citizens "being afraid of ghosts" or other "nonsensical, rude comments".

As with your comment that "If people don't like Canadian laws, just stay home" the same can be said about US law. If you don't like the way US law is structured, just don't come south and please, don't comment negatively about it. Your comments won't change US law, all they do is make people feel negatively about your thoughts.

So, as with the requests that have been sent privately in PM's to you about the subject, I'm asking publically that you please refrain from creating negativity on the forum by posting disparaging comments about another country, its laws, its citizen's and their rights. The situation won't change by your activism and it causes stress, anger and negativity in an otherwise friendly topic on the forum.
To piggy back on to what John succinctly stated I would add this thought and request for the Americans on this site: LET It Go! There is zero need to stand up and sling mud or defend yourselves or our rights. Forum arguments change nothing except to get everyone fired up and in a pissy mood. Just move on, there's nothing to see here. Now, go outside and play nice with each other, said in a stern Momma's voice.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

[gearhead]

If I EVER again combine the two words "Canada and firearms" in a post please delete it. Jeez the intolerance.

[Steve S]

Steve S,

You know the sensitivities you touch when you comment about guns. You have been cautioned that laws are different in Canada and the US and that the feelings of many members are different on the subject of guns, gun ownership and carrying a firearm for protection. NOWHERE has anyone spoken of "ghosts" (except you) and nowhere has anyone been critical of Canadian law. We (me included) have posted the difference and/or the limitations of travelling in or through Canada, but nobody has "made negative comments" or "made light" of the differences between the two countries. Nobody, except you. It seems that at every opportunity you make negative comments about US citizens exercising their lawful right to own and to carry a firearm. It's not appropriate for you to criticize our laws any more than it's appropriate for us to criticize your laws. I don't remember (if you have an example, please share it) where anyone has posted negative comments about Canadian laws or about Canadian citizens "being afraid of ghosts" or other "nonsensical, rude comments".

As with your comment that "If people don't like Canadian laws, just stay home" the same can be said about US law. If you don't like the way US law is structured, just don't come south and please, don't comment negatively about it. Your comments won't change US law, all they do is make people feel negatively about your thoughts.

So, as with the requests that have been sent privately in PM's to you about the subject, I'm asking publically that you please refrain from creating negativity on the forum by posting disparaging comments about another country, its laws, its citizen's and their rights. The situation won't change by your activism and it causes stress, anger and negativity in an otherwise friendly topic on the forum.

John,

I was simply pointing out a few things about handguns and it's just a simple thing to leave them at home. The American laws and the Canadian border laws have changed big time since Trump did his thing.
As I stated, " Bring your long guns " If you actually plan to camp off grid in certain places in BC I wouldn't suggest to our American friends to bring bear spray as you'll be dead, no joke you'll be dead. Also as I've stated I've never had to shoot any animal in self defence but some of the places that I go I sure as hell wouldn't be without my guns. I have pics here somewhere that show what a single very mad bear did to a trailer, it actually tore it to shreds and killed the guy in it. If he had a 12 gauge he'd be alive today.
I'm honestly not trying to start an argument with anyone or to piss off my American neighbors. I've watched the Canadian border shows and it's amazing what happens if you're caught trying to bring across handguns or even ammo for a handgun and it's not worth it. They not only take everything they also send you back and you can't return until you pay a huge fine and fill out a pile of paperwork which as we all know isn't any fun!
I apologize if I pissed anyone off as this wasn't my intentions at all. Is that cool with everyone? :):flowers:
Oh one last thing John, what did you mean by people sending me pm's as I've received 0?

[vampress_me]

To maybe get this back on track.

Bumala, I hope you have a blast driving up to Alaska this summer. That has been a dream of mine, to see Alaska, for many years. My hubby lived up there for a while as a kid, and doesn't necessarily see the need to go back. Sigh... But, we shall have to see what persuasion can be used to get him and our camper up there some year! :)

Enjoy! And no busting this year!

[Steve S]

To maybe get this back on track.

Bumala, I hope you have a blast driving up to Alaska this summer. That has been a dream of mine, to see Alaska, for many years. My hubby lived up there for a while as a kid, and doesn't necessarily see the need to go back. Sigh... But, we shall have to see what persuasion can be used to get him and our camper up there some year! :)

Enjoy! And no busting this year!

Omg don't sit around and think about it just do it.:) It's such an enjoyable trip and every time we went it was always different.
We've been there with truck and trailer, just the truck and the last trip I went alone with just a tent. So many people think that it's a gravel road up there but it's not. Years ago with our first beat up RV we would have 6 spares as we needed them as the roads were horrendous but now you can hardly feel a bump on the way up there.:)
It's one of the most peaceful trips that we've ever been on and everything changes with each trip. :)

[ctbruce]

Going on an Alaska cruise a year from August. Just don't have the time off to do a camping trip up there...yet.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

[Bumala]

We are really looking forward to our trip. Only three days. First stop is Donner summit. You know it's different seeing Alaska as a Tourist. I grew up there, in Palmer. We laughed at all the tourist watching the salmon spawning by the roadside. Now I think it would be kinda cool.

[chuckster57]

Watch the weather reports. Just had rain and snow and mud slides. Drive safe and enjoy.

[GMcKenzie]

Watch the weather reports. Just had rain and snow and mud slides. Drive safe and enjoy.

Check www.Drivebc.ca for any road closures if your coming through BC.

I know the main road in from Alberta was closed and it may get worse before it gets better

[Steve S]

Check www.Drivebc.ca for any road closures if your coming through BC.

I know the main road in from Alberta was closed and it may get worse before it gets better

X 2 on drivebc, it's pretty accurate and it's updated by the minute from what I've noticed while on my trips. It'll also give you alternate routes with times, pit stops and parks to stay the night. My GPS shows the costs of the parks and gas prices along the way which is kind of nice.:)