Alaskan Redwood caravan in 2016

[ksaltman]

I know it may sound premature to start a thread about a trek to Alaska in 2016 now, but if I think about it not really, this is big and takes time to plan.

Given the planning time and length of the journey a year and a half out sounds about right to me.

So I open the floor to thoughts, comments, concerns and start the conversation.

I'd start by asking if anyone has some good resources, I.e. Websites, DVDs, books or apps that could aid in the planning or execution of an Alaskan adventure, please toss them out.

I'm ready it start talking about this, are you?

[Foxfire]

My wife just said sign her up. NY to Alaska the trip of a lifetime.

[jhardin]

We would consider it, wonder how long would it last?

[johnboytoo]

We would love to !!!

fyi - a crossroads owner is ON that trip right now
http://www.crossroadsowners.com/foru...ead.php?t=8541

Many threads on it on irv2.com
https://www.google.com/search?q=alas...com&gws_rd=ssl

[coloradolivin]

We are definitely in!! Let us know what we can do towards the planning, coordination etc.

[hoosierguy]

Originally Posted by ksaltman

I know it may sound premature to start a thread about a trek to Alaska in 2016 now, but if I think about it not really, this is big and takes time to plan.

Given the planning time and length of the journey a year and a half out sounds about right to me.

So I open the floor to thoughts, comments, concerns and start the conversation.

I'd start by asking if anyone has some good resources, I.e. Websites, DVDs, books or apps that could aid in the planning or execution of an Alaskan adventure, please toss them out.

I'm ready it start talking about this, are you?

I went to Alaska with my parents as an 11 year old in 1954. We traveled by car and it was an 11,000 mile round trip from Indiana. I would love to make the trip again but it can be a fairly strenuous trip.

I have started looking into some of the guided tour caravan outfits that have been making the trip for a few years. They make the trip 2 or 3 times each summer. They schedule all of the campgrounds and include a maintenance vehicle to follow up the caravan in case anyone has a problem.

I don't have a lot of information with me at the present time because we are traveling in Washington state. I will do some online research to see if I can come up with some suggestions.

[Rick]

We are going to Alaska via a caravan starting in May of 2015. We are going on the 60 day trip that originates in Dawson Creek, BC. The price is around $6900 which includes all campgrounds and 80+ activities, shows, dinners etc. Additional side excursions are available. For instance I plan to do the day of salmon fishing for an extra $325. We are excited and looking forward to the trip.

[Rick]

Here is the link to our caravan organizer: www.RVAdventureTreks.com

[atom ant]

Originally Posted by ksaltman

I know it may sound premature to start a thread about a trek to Alaska in 2016 now, but if I think about it not really, this is big and takes time to plan.

Given the planning time and length of the journey a year and a half out sounds about right to me.

So I open the floor to thoughts, comments, concerns and start the conversation.

I'd start by asking if anyone has some good resources, I.e. Websites, DVDs, books or apps that could aid in the planning or execution of an Alaskan adventure, please toss them out.

I'm ready it start talking about this, are you?

I could tell the thought of that got you excited on the other post!

Another few years before we could consider....

[Oriana]

We actually have a RW owner from Alaska, who we met in Indio last winter and will be meeting up with her again Nov 1st. We talked extensively with her regarding our initial thought of touring Alaska in the summer of 2016.

I believe she recommended crossing into Alaska about early June and being back in Canada by Sept 1st, as everything closes about that time.

Last time in Skagway by cruise ship in June 2014 we walked out to the RV Park and chatted with a chap with a reasonable sized 5th wheel. He indicated the roads were OK, but be prepared.

If we do visit Alaska in summer 2016 we are thinking about following it up with a few weeks in British Columbia's wine country in the Okanagan Valley, which is southern BC, but on the same road that exits Alaska.

[rob_fla]

An Alaska trip is on our Bucket List but it is still a few years off before we can take that much time off for a trip like that.

Wife wants to do an Alaskan Cruise in the next year to two which we could get time off for.

[Dave&Ginny]

Piperguy and Tracy were talking about a trip like this at the rally. Is this in conjunction with him or a separate trip?

[JohnEileen]

We would be interested if the roads are good enough to handle our RW's! Someone on this list was going to Alaska this summer, but not taking the RW. Perhaps they could shed some light on road and campground conditions. We haven't been to Alaska since July 2012. We love it there!

[ksaltman]

Dave,

Piperguy planted the seed at the rally. The idea and timing would be perfect for us.

Ken

[NW Snowbirds]

Three years ago my Kiwi relatives took their RV to Alaska for the summer and kept an on- line blog with photos of the day to day. They started in Montana and ended in WA, and had many adventures. You may want to take a look at their blog if you want a preview of the journey. You have to back up to May 28 and then proceed day by day. BTW, she is a professional photographer in NZ and the photos are stunning.

http://www.ruakiwi.blogspot.com/search?q=alaska

[piper guy]

Hopefully, we would all be going together. That was our thinking. Tracy and I have been kicking around the idea for a while. And we had such a good time with everyone at the rally's that it seemed like a great idea. It's going to take a great deal of planning and preparation. I'm glad to see Ken taking the initiative in getting the dialogue started.

[JellyStonePark]

Jellystone Park is definately interested in the trip of a life time. This is one of our "Bucket List Trips" we had always dreamed of but was a bit chicken to do alone. We're In

[ksaltman]

I think doing it as a group would be amazing! We just all need to take time watering to make the seed grow.

Looked at the guided tours. Some very interesting benefits but at a price. No idea what people are thinking budget wise.

What do you think of setting up a live chat so we can start to toss ideas around?

[piper guy]

One of the things you're paying for with the guided tours is their research. If we are willing to do that for ourselves , there is a savings in cost. Also - the tours are in it to make a profit. I think we have enough time if we start now to lay out a good itinerary.

While we had proposed a redwood convoy, I think we might also consider other individuals that are friends that might want to go. I have a very good friend for instance that owns a Tiffin Allegro Bus that is also a HVAC tech and good all around wrench.

Topics for consideration:
When to go - we've heard that it's best not to enter Alaska prior to June 1st. Also, it's best to avoid the construction period for the road repairs that take place every year.

Duration - we've heard anywhere from 6 - 12 weeks.

Where to stop, how long at east stop, how long to travel each day?...

Can't speak for anyone else, but we're looking to take our time and to stop and smell the roses along the way.

Tracy and I will be attending the Hershey show in a few weeks. They've had seminars on RV'ing to Alaska in the past and I'm hoping that this will be repeated. If so, we'll collect whatever pearls of wisdom we can and share here afterward.

[Oriana]

Vaughan - We will meet up with Marilyn when we get to Indio on Nov 1st and she the lady that lives in Alaska and owns a Redwood. Will sound her out for ideas. I know she is on one of the forums, but not sure if it is this one or Tony's.

I can also have Judi talk to her on facebook.