USMC46 wrote:
We are planning a trip to Alaska this year. I'm reading the posts, will buy a couple of books and MilePost but would like some other advice. I have a "trip planner" that recommended a ferry from Homer to Valdez. I believe it stops at Kodiak. Anyone ever taken this ferry ? Cost ? I'm working on an estimate and was wondering if $4.50 a gallon for diesel would be a good average cost for the lower states, Canada and Alaska ? Is it reasonable to estimate that we could boondock in Alaska 50% of the two month+ we will be there ? Average full hook-up RV parking costs in AK ? Best three months to go ? Any legal way to transport a weapon through Canada ? Any and all advice appreciated and if anyone is heading that way from South Texas let me know.
The ferry trip is only if you want to go to Kodiak. If you want a ferry ride, try between Whittier and Valdez, or between Haines and Skagway.
Fuel the last few years in Canada has ranged from $1.19 to $1.41 per litre, 3.8 litres the gallon. Fuel on the Kenai has been between $4.50 and $4.96. Suggest you start with an estimate of $5/gallon or more for Canada and Alaska. It may be less.
We run about $35/night for hook-ups. Do not expect to find any 50amp north of Dawson Creek, and a lot of places only have 15 amp. Most waste dumps will be a central location, not at each site.
Do not expect to boondock within 100 miles of Anchorage or Fairbanks or on the Kenai peninsula. Yep, some locals have their spots and you may find one, just don't plan on it. Also, check campground prices before you go. Some, like some on the Kenai in June and July, can be spendy, and others are not.
There are legal ways to transport a long gun. The permit is good for 60 days. There is no way to transport a pistol. Expect extensive search activity if you are transporting. I avoid the whole thing. If I need to move my shooting gear I mail it. The border fellow in Canada last year wanted to know what we relied on for protection in Canada and IO looked at him and said "You".
The best three months depend on what you want to see. If you arrive at the border in early to mid May you can do the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper and see snow, and likely a lot of the larger lakes in Northern BC, the Yukon and Alaska will still have ice. There will usually be remnants of the massive river ice in Northern BC alon the Liard River. Also, the Bison are usually along the road there as the grazing starts earlier along the road than elsewhere. If you want bears at Hyder and Stewart on the Cassiar late August is the time. The leaves start to turn in late August, and the mountains take on a reddish hue into September.
Just keep in mind that heavy rain and road washouts, snow, and fire can delay your trip and confound your plans any time. All can and do cause road closures.
Enjoy the trip.
Terry
