the last quote brought tears to my eyes. we did the 5 month trip in 2012 cost us 2 fifth wheels and 17500 miles plus the ferry from Haines to Prince Rupert. This past August we flew from Boston to Wrangel,then ferry to Petersburg, Juneau and to Haines. Although wasn't the same as in the 5th wheel 2 years ago (for health reasons necitated flying) but we loved it both times. Alaska is a special place that unless you've seen and experienced is difficult to describe. Yes there were problems, dust, gravel roads, bumps and loose or missing things (we lost the excape window somewhere outside of Whitehorse) but it was worth every minute, day and $$$$