Going To Alaska 2005

[viper700]

Snapshot

You are extremely correct and I realize that the Dept of Fish and Game has set up a number of places such like this for everybody to enjoy. I just thought that it was more info than a weary traveler or eager Angler needed to know. I've been down there with a friend that lives in Homer and it is fun just to sit and watch the actions and the antics of the people in their endeavors. I would rather go out for Halibut anyway. We don't eat to much salmon anymore except if my son smokes some up for me as he has taken over the family smoker. The best eating fish is Northern Pike if you know how to filet out the Y bones. Heat up the Fry Daddy with a Tempura batter and there won't be any leftovers.

 

[snapshot]

I agree that Halibut is the preferred catch from a “what’s for dinner” point of view. I would not call it a fun fish to catch. It can be a very labor intensive form of recreation. Comparing “free” to $100 - $200 for a Halibut Charter, fishing for salmon is more affordable for a lot of us. My wife and my Dodge use up most of whatever excess (?) fixed income I have. Catching a dozen silvers in about 30 minutes or so can be quite a rush. Yes, it is combat fishing, but then so is most of the good fishing you can drive to in Alaska. As to snagging, for me it’s a spectator sport…from a distance!

I like to fish for Kings, but it is pretty much catch and release for me unless it were to be a record buster or derby winner. They are just a little too rich for my taste. Silvers, we will BBQ 2 or 3 during the year and the rest we like to use for fish cakes. Reds are what I prefer for the smoker and Halibut is what we replace chicken with for Sunday dinner when we get lucky.

Anyway, if anybody coming up from outside wants to take a Salmon or two home, I can pretty much guarantee it if you come to Homer. If you want to go for a charter, Halibut is pretty much a “slam dunk” also.

 

[RRuggles]

We've gone three times... 1994, 2000, and 2004. At no time did we get any rock damage (except in Montana), and at no time was it necessary to carry extra fuel. Each time we went there was less road construction. The old horror stories are just that... OLD. You shouldn't have any more problems on an Alaska trip than you would at home.

 

[Utah Willie]

My white 1999 3500 with my ALFA Gold in tow will be headed up north around the second week of June. We will go up I-15 to Montana, east and up through B. C. to Prince George, then over to the Cassiar and up to White Horse, down to Skagway, over to Haines and up and around to Homer. Returning, we will do Denali, Fairbanks and such on our way down and over to Jasper and Banff before entering U. S. soil again.



We have a litany of side trips (including Hyder, etc. ) but intend to stay on tarmac while towing and from what I am reading here, that should be an easy thing to do.



Any more information as to road conditions and/or sights to visit will be appreciated.



I did find that the 2005 edition of Milepost has the same maps as my 2002 edition showing several sections of the Cassiar with gravel or sealant. I only found one such section in 02 when I made it to Watson Lake.



Look for an Arizona flag front plate and a Stars and Stripes in the front receiver. That be me.

 

[snapshot]

I have questioned several people that have recently arrived from outside and did find two that came up via the Cassiar and am told it is NOT fully paved as I had previously been told. Sorry for the misinformation.

If you stop in Hyder on your way up you will miss the bears. I would suggest that you reverse your plans if seeing the bears in Hyder is something you would like to do. I have never visited Hyder without seeing a few bears but its the Chum Salmon run that brings them in any kind of numbers.

Have a great trip!

 

[Smarshall]

Thanks to all of you that have helped with your advise and info for our trip.

Well we're leaving home on the 1st 0f June. don't know when we will get to Sumas BC with all the stops we have to make. Want to see about an exhaust brake at BD and then on to Dawson Creek. Up 1 to Anchroage Valdez area the up to the Fairbanks area. May go down the Cassair and all the stops on the way home. Have till Sept till we have to be home.

Thanks again and am sorry that I haven't had time to answer each one of you personly but will try on the way if the libraries and campgronds have internet.

Thanks again, Smith & Juanita Marshall in the 96 green 2500 in front (I hope) of the 30' Westport 5th whl.

 

[DwayneKelch]

Gentlemen, Ladies (?),



I plan to drive to Alaska on 6 Jun 05. Does anyone know if you need a passport or birth certificate (raised seal copy) to cross into Canada? Two years ago they required you to possess one or the other when crossing over. It would be impossible for me to get a passport in the time I have left, but I already have the birth certificate. Would appreciate response. Thanks.



By the way, I'd be willing to haul small items (I'll have my boat in tow) to various cities/towns throughout Alaska. I'll be going north as far as Denali Park and south as far as Homer.





Dwayne

 

[jandtjil]

http://www.travelcanada.ca/tc_redesign/app/en/us/travelArticle.do?catId=51

"Visitor Requirements: U. S. Residents

Although a passport is the ideal identification, you do not require a passport or visa to enter Canada. Just make sure you carry identification to establish your citizenship such as a Birth Certificate and least one ID card with photo. "

 

[DwayneKelch]

jandtjil,



Whew, I was worried they may require a passport in response to what the U. S. will be requiring in 2006. Really appreciate the website address you provided in your reply. Thanks.





Dwayne

 

[RMachida]

I just drove up from Washington last week. They didn't ask to see any paperwork at either border beyond my drivers license.



Total road construction is maybe 20 miles but a lot of frost heaves around Beaver Creek. Wonderful trip though I wish I had more than a couple of days...

 

[DwayneKelch]

RMachda,



I appreciate the reply. It's nice to know the roads are in good shape. When I towed my boat down from Alaska in Sep 03 there was about 80 miles of road construction. Just glad I have torsion axles on my boat trailer as it keeps everything from taking a beating.



Dwayne

 

[Hemiless]

Re-live the old horror stories of the Highway. I did and loved it

We've gone three times... 1994, 2000, and 2004. At no time did we get any rock damage (except in Montana), and at no time was it necessary to carry extra fuel. Each time we went there was less road construction. The old horror stories are just that... OLD. You shouldn't have any more problems on an Alaska trip than you would at home.

RRuggles the lack of gravel and roadside repairs tends to make the trip so boring anymore :-laf but I have to admit its the truth the road is in awesome shape.



My Wife and I just drove up the highway last week with my sister and brother-n-law but to bring back the excitement of the good old days. We choose to drive up in vintage vehicles (1) 1974 Winnebago pulling three place snow machine trailer it gave use no problems other then a clogged fuel filter and ran out of gas once (fuel gauge busted )

(2) 1968 ford f250 pulling a 1963 17' skagit boat. (Fuel pump and oil change in price gorge and 15min down the rode the aux fuel tank caught fire :--) 45 min later we were back on the road to Dawson creek. 20 miles out of Dawson Creek bent 3 push rods, broke one and exploded a lifter. took the motor home back to Dawson Creek and bought a complete 390 from a u-pull it yard for $80 usd and was back on the road home with spare parts. ) That was the last of our roadside adventures and I'm sure most people would think that we had a horrible trip but we loved it. In fact we have talked of buying older cars to drive it with next time. :-laf So I say bring on the good old days.