[Note: Although this class was about a commercial RV tour to Alaska, it had a number of tips and tricks which visitors to Alaska would find of interest. It also provided, for those of us who have not taken a commercial RV group tour, some insight into how they work.]
LOWA Tour to Alaska, Summer, 1999 June 22 - August 4, 1999. This is 26 travel days out of a total of 44 days. The average travel day is 190 miles.
Many RVers are intimidated by reports of poor roads, damaged equipment, etc. This is somewhat of a myth, as the impact of road conditions can be minimized by some coaching along the way. Most damage occurs because RVers attempt to maintain speeds and daily travel distances they would in the lower 48. Most of the roads are either paved, or oiled surface. The key to Alaska travel is -- slow down! Because of permafrost, unexpected frost heaves will be a threat to speeding vehicles. But slower traveling folks will find the roadways relatively easy. The maximum number of rigs will be 20.
Briefing about each next day's travel. Wagonmaster says he's leaving at 8:00. But if you want to go earlier or later, fine. Just plan to meet up at the end of the day at the designated campground.
"Travel Master" in front, "tail gunner" bringing up the rear, with CB radio information along the way. One or both are expert mechanics, and are available to do any needed roadside equipment maintenance. Goal is not to do major mechanical, but basically to do what's needed to keep the group moving. If it's beyond capablility of mechanic, they'll help arrange for major repairs.
How useful is the towed car in Alaska? If you have a motorhome, recommends bringing it along with you. It will open up a lot of opportunities when visiting various parts of Alaska. Most of the "tow car" comments they have received are "I wish I had taken my tow car", or "I wish someone would have told me to take my tow car", or "I'm really glad I took my tow car".
Many restuarants, side tours, and shows are included in the price of the tours. Early Bird discount (before 9/30/98) will be discounted $420.
What about diesel fuel? It's as readily available as gasoline -- both plentiful and always available.
If a tour person wants to deviate from the tour route and reconect later? Yes
Cost of gasoline? Around $1.40 per gallon.
Problems of getting into Canada from the US: Pre-trip information will show limitations on border crossing, such as alcohol, tobacco and firearms. US Insurance should be valid in Canada, though you may call your insurance company to get international validation. Pets can go w/proper health documentation.
Note: The bulk of this presentation was a slide show of the 5,000 mile tour, showing most of the major attractions the tour will visit, as well as the accommodations along the route.
[Note: Because it supplements the 1998 presentation on the Alaska RV caravan, we add the following information taken from the 1996 presentation by Joe and Vicky Kieva on this same subject:]
Every time Texas starts to brag, Alaska threatens to divide itself in two -- so that Texas will only be the third largest state. It's a BIG place -- and only 500,000 people live there. Half are in Anchorage.
The good news about the Alaska Highway is that it's paved all the way. The bad news is that it gets so cold in winter that the roads are severely affected by permafrost. When the top foot or so melts and refreezes annually, the process results in some very bumpy roads. This will be your introduction to frost heaves. These aren't just little dips. They're tough to spot, and they love to attack tourists who are in a hurry. Also summer is prime time for road repairs. It's an annual event. They strip off the surface about five miles at a time, and you're suddenly driving in the gravelly subsurface. This will be either dust when its dry, or mud when its wet. How do you handle all this? It's really quite easy. Drive much slower than normal, and drive defensively. Don't plan on covering lots of miles each day. Relax and enjoy the scenery. After all, that's why you're going up there in the first place.
In early summer you'll get more mosquitoes, more bears, more tourists and more rain. In the second half of the summer, you'll have fewer mosquitoes, fewer tourists, less rain, and fewer animals to see-- by then many have been scared off by the influx of tourists.
If you drive only one way, drive north to Alaska, and take the ferry coming south -- it's a more spectacular trip going south. [But if you take the ferry northbound, you'll have a much more flexible schedule for your return trip -- you won't be locked in to leaving on a date certain.] You'll need reservations for the Alaska Marine Highway, and it's easier to get southbound reservations. Between Bellingham and Skagway, a 25'' RV and two persons with a cabin will cost about $2,000. Reservations can be made for the following season starting in December. [And they need to be made well in advance. For ferry information, call the Alaska Marine Highway offices in Bellingham at 1/800-642-0066]
Although you'll have your RV aboard the ferry, you won't be able to stay in it. [You will have a chance to access it a few times each day to retrieve things you may need.] Your choice is to get a small stateroom, or simply take a sleeping bag. Going one way by ferry makes the round trip almost like two separate trips -- one by water and one by road.
What about facilities? They are everywhere. You won't have trouble finding a place to stay. One nice thing -- they really like RVers along the Alaska highway. About every 50-60 miles there will be a service facility with fuel and other services -- even when the distance between towns is much greater. But get fuel before about 4:00 pm, because the service station may be closed -- gone fishing. If you do happen to break down, it's likely to take a while longer and it will probably cost a bit more too. But you'll be taken care of -- and by friendly, helpful people.
It's recommended that you don't tow a car to Alaska. Most of what you'd want to do is along the highway. Everything in Alaska is geared towards RVers.
Outside of Anchorage, the "restaurants" are really cafe's. They are typically mom and pop operations with a few wooden tables. And it seems that everyone advertises the biggest and best cinnamon roles or hamburgers. Make sure you try sourdough pancakes; and also give a try at reindeer sausage. And even if you're not a fish lover, be sure to try fresh salmon and halibut. There are so many local recipes, you'll never think you've had the same fish twice.
As a rule of thumb, figure things will cost about 20% more than they do here. In Canada, figure about 40% more. In addition to high taxes, Canada has a GST tax. If you keep receipts from certain purchases, you may qualify to recover the GST taxes paid in Canada after you leave.
Preparing for the trip: Make sure your vehicle is in top operating condition. If the tires have half the tread life left, they're okay. Radial tires are best, and one spare is ample. If your shock absorbers need replacing, replace them with heavy duty shocks. You might want to take an extra set of wheel bearings. Be certain the exhaust system is securely attached. If needed, add an extra suspension strap or two. Beyond that, what about flying gravel? It's usually from a vehicle that is passing you. The only things you can do is to lower your driving speed, and, importantly, lower the deductible on your car insurance. [From our experience, we'd advise completely eliminating the deductible on your comprehensive coverage]. Mud flaps are a must if you're towing car or trailer. Some folks also put a plywood shield between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle.
How about clothing? Most folks in Alaska will be dressed very casually. Jeans and tee shirts are fine. The only exception is Anchorage. If you intend to go to the theater, nice restaurants, etc, you'll want to be a bit more dressed up -- just as in any large city. If you plan to go to places along the coast, be sure to take a warm jacket. Take practical rain gear -- not fancy stuff. The same with waterproof boots. Don't let the rain stop you. In some places they do get lots of rain. On the other hand, places around Fairbanks can be quite warm -- well into the 80's. So be ready for that too.
Consistent with Canadian import restrictions, stock up as much as possible on film, paper goods, and any wines or liquors. In general, try to have enough goods to get through Canada and into Alaska -- because goods in Canada can be very expensive.
Crossing the border is a snap. Be certain NOT to take a handgun into Canada. Rifles and shotguns are okay. The Canadian border officials are extremely polite, and will ask you only a few questions. One will inevitably be about handguns.
US Currency is accepted in Canada by almost anyone. But it's best to convert some currency into Canadian dollars as soon as you get there. VISA will be widely accepted in Canada.
And finally, be certain to acquire and take a copy of "Milepost" magazine. It will be an invaluable resource for your trip.