Nabo's Adventure to Alaska 2017

Kbvols

Well-known member
Re: Anyone for Alaska in 2017???

We are taking over a week heading up I-75 with several stops before entering Canada at Sault Ste Marie. From there we are taking over 10 days to get to Calgary before heading into Banff and the Canadian Rockies up to Grande Prairie. From there it's the usual route into Alaska. Right now our plans are not to enter the states in Washington until August 3rd.

Hope you all have a great trip. Sounds like a great adventure. If you need anything as your passing thru Ohio let us know. Travel safe!


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MikeR

Well-known member
Re: Anyone for Alaska in 2017???

We are taking over a week heading up I-75 with several stops before entering Canada at Sault Ste Marie. From there we are taking over 10 days to get to Calgary before heading into Banff and the Canadian Rockies up to Grande Prairie. From there it's the usual route into Alaska. Right now our plans are not to enter the states in Washington until August 3rd.

Hi Nathan, I hope you have a great trip. We did it a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. We live about 3 miles east of I-75 in Michigan and have one recommendation for your trip. If you are heading into Sault Ste Marie and heading west across Canada for no specific reason other than to go west, you might want to look at Hwy 2 across the northern US. It is almost 4 lanes the whole way. Gas or Diesel is a lot less money in the US. In Canada your paying a high price per liter. The drive on Hwy 2 is s nice drive. Actually it will take you all the way to Washington. On our trip we headed north through Montana to cross the border into Canada. On I-75 after you cross the Macinac Bridge you will come to Hwy 2 a!most immediately to head west. This will take you across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. A beautiful drive bordering Lake Michigan. Later you will be bordering Lake Superior as you get closer to Wisconsin. Just a suggestion, have a great trip whatever road takes you to AK.
 

travelin2

Pennsylvania Chapter Leaders-retired
Anyone for Alaska in 2017???

X2 on Route 2! Although the current exchange rate is $1.36...it was $1.20 in 2015 when we traveled north through BC.


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GregP

Well-known member
Re: Anyone for Alaska in 2017???

I can't dispute the price for fuel argument given by other posters, but if you have never travelled the North Shore of Lake Superior before; the scenery is fabulous. In my opinion, it is one of the best drives (scenery wise) in Canada. The Trans Canada Highway across the North side of the lake is two lanes all the way (pretty much) from Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay and West, but fuel is readily available. We drive that route frequently and love it. There is some construction at points along the route, but hold-ups are short and infrequent. The US dollar is very strong right now, so the difference in fuel price is not that big, all things considered. The US dollar is accepted at most places in Canada, but I would suggest exchanging your money at banks when possible to get the best rate of exchange. Casinos on the border may also be a good place to exchange money. I have driven Hwy. 2 myself and only go that way when I need to; i.e.: visiting friends in Wisc.
 

Nabo

Southeast Region Director-Retired
Re: Anyone for Alaska in 2017???

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Keep them coming :)
 

dlw930

Well-known member
Re: Anyone for Alaska in 2017???

We are taking over a week heading up I-75 with several stops before entering Canada at Sault Ste Marie. From there we are taking over 10 days to get to Calgary before heading into Banff and the Canadian Rockies up to Grande Prairie. From there it's the usual route into Alaska. Right now our plans are not to enter the states in Washington until August 3rd.

We plan to take in Jasper/Banff and Glacier on our return route from Alaska, then the MT rally in Sept. Our Alaska entry at Tok is scheduled for the last week in June. Prince George on June 14-15 and again Aug. 15.


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Nabo

Southeast Region Director-Retired
Re: Anyone for Alaska in 2017???

Here it is less than 24 hours before we start our journey and the Silver Bullet is still not packed. We have been very busy helping our son move into his new house and this afternoon, helped move the farm tractor and all the stuff that goes with it. In some ways I'm be glad to hit the road, good or bad, so things will hopefully settle down.
 

usnaviator

Retired Alabama Chapter Leaders
Re: Anyone for Alaska in 2017???

Here it is less than 24 hours before we start our journey and the Silver Bullet is still not packed. We have been very busy helping our son move into his new house and this afternoon, helped move the farm tractor and all the stuff that goes with it. In some ways I'm be glad to hit the road, good or bad, so things will hopefully settle down.

It will all work out! Hope y'all have a great time, Sheila & I are looking forward to hearing about your trip.
 

RandyDeb

Active Member
Re: Anyone for Alaska in 2017???

We are 14 days out today. Getting wheel bearings repacked and after reading about the tire issues, new Sialuns or G 614's next week x 5. Staying south of the border crossing at Del Bonita in MT because its less congested, then on to Banff and Jasper. Being retired military you can get used to doing a lot of things on your own because that's the way it is... Not a bad thing, just an independent spirit I guess. We never really considered traveling with anyone else because didn't want to be on a schedule or feel like we were holding someone up. Would sure keep an eye out for any HL travelers that we run across on the road. We plan on about 7 weeks total. Leaving MN the 4th or 5th of June and back late July. If anyone is interested in getting together up there for some fishing or gold panning or just want to say hi, let me know and we can work out details. I have been told that the Milepost is a must, so we have that and also a book called "RVing North to Alaska" by Rich and Gloria Eskew. Not as detailed as the Milepost, but good information. Make sure you have a good cell phone plan, once your in Canada the price goes way up!!! We have the Verizon international plan that is $10.00 per day, per line but only if you use it. So I'm going to turn my phone off while in Canada and just use the navigators phone.

Happy trails to all!
 

Nabo

Southeast Region Director-Retired
Re: Anyone for Alaska in 2017???

We also did the repacking of wheel bearings but tires are good so we are carrying two extra wheels/tires. As for Verizon phone service, they told us we were covered for cell and data at no extra charge. Hummm - we'll see.
Day 1 of trip - traveled about 225 miles to Georgetown, KY, over nighting at Whispering Hills RV Park in Georgetown, KY. We stayed here a couple of years ago for a KY Chapter Heartland Rally. This is a nice clean park with good tv and ez satellite service. They honor Good Sams and AARP, AAA discounts.
 

travelin2

Pennsylvania Chapter Leaders-retired
Anyone for Alaska in 2017???

We are 14 days out today. Getting wheel bearings repacked and after reading about the tire issues, new Sialuns or G 614's next week x 5. Staying south of the border crossing at Del Bonita in MT because its less congested, then on to Banff and Jasper. Being retired military you can get used to doing a lot of things on your own because that's the way it is... Not a bad thing, just an independent spirit I guess. We never really considered traveling with anyone else because didn't want to be on a schedule or feel like we were holding someone up. Would sure keep an eye out for any HL travelers that we run across on the road. We plan on about 7 weeks total. Leaving MN the 4th or 5th of June and back late July. If anyone is interested in getting together up there for some fishing or gold panning or just want to say hi, let me know and we can work out details. I have been told that the Milepost is a must, so we have that and also a book called "RVing North to Alaska" by Rich and Gloria Eskew. Not as detailed as the Milepost, but good information. Make sure you have a good cell phone plan, once your in Canada the price goes way up!!! We have the Verizon international plan that is $10.00 per day, per line but only if you use it. So I'm going to turn my phone off while in Canada and just use the navigators phone.

Happy trails to all!

Another must...when you get to Dawson creek stop at visitors center. The gal there gave us a nice 1 piece handout that marries nicely with the milepost from Dawson Creek to Tok AK. It provides services along the route at a glance.
Also at the TOK visitors center ask for (cost us a $1) a map/listing of all public parks and campgrounds in AK.
Get whatever plan you want for cell service. Unless you're in a heavily populated metro area, there ain't none ... in British Columbia and the Yukon, Canada or Alaska
We made the trip from Oroville WA returning to Eureka MT 55-56 days in 2015
Everyone have a great trip. It's quite the adventure. Definitely on our "return to" list some day


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travelin2

Pennsylvania Chapter Leaders-retired
Another footnote, Sirius satellite radio is very unreliable in the Yukon and Alaska
Check out the stationary sat dishes on homes when you get there...
We didn't/don't have satellite TV so I can't comment on lower 48 vs Alaska reception.
Maybe someone else???


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Nabo

Southeast Region Director-Retired
DirecTv has told us no satellite service in Canada and of course the person I talked with wasn't sure about Alaska and wouldn't check with someone else - REALLY - grrrr:(. I forgot to check with Sirius radio. We do have a couple of books on tapes to listen to just in case.
 

travelin2

Pennsylvania Chapter Leaders-retired
DirecTv has told us no satellite service in Canada and of course the person I talked with wasn't sure about Alaska and wouldn't check with someone else - REALLY - grrrr:(. I forgot to check with Sirius radio. We do have a couple of books on tapes to listen to just in case.

You'll be too busy or tired to watch TV anyway LOL!!!


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hogan

Past Mississippi Chapter Leader (Founding)
Just noticed your adventure has begun. Will be checking in to the thread to keep up with your travels.

Hogan and Donna
 

dlw930

Well-known member
We avoided the worst of the CO/WY snow storm last weekend, but had to spend one night in a rest area at Cheyenne waiting for I-80 to open between Cheyenne & Laramie. We're currently in NV, going to Donner Pass this afternoon. Weather is great! Pic is from near Elko NV.
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