Alaska via Alberta Canada & The Yukon

[GSDrifter]

Just returned from my 30 day AlCan GS Adventure. I won't have my pictures ready for posting for a while, just wanted to report that it was a great trip with stellar weather for 75% of the way.

As an overview: I left Folsom, CA on june 1st, and took the back way to I-80 east, then north on 89 to 70 then north on 395 until I could connect with 95 north up through Idaho. (95 through Idaho, and the Hell's Canyon region was a supurb ride). I stayed on 95 and entered Canada at the top of Idaho. Then it was Jasper National Park, Alberta Canada. THIS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE / RIDE THERE COULD POSSIBLY BE!!! Literally brought tears to my eyes.

From Jasper, 16 West to 37 North to Whitehorse and then Dawson City. Then up and over the Top-Of-The- World Highway and into Alaska. Then I did the Alaska Highway loop. Originally, I intended to go to the Artic Circle, but reports of huge roadwork delays and dark clouds approaching, I decided that being in Fairbanks (about 266 miles from the Artic Circle) was close enough.

Then it was down to Denali where I was fortunate enough to view Mt. Mckinley completely clear of coulds -- something that happens only about 45 days out of the year. Then down past Anchorage and to Valdez. After recharging in Valdez for a couple of days (I took a Glacier / Wildlife cruise), I took the Alaska Ferry to Whitier. Then the rains came! I intended to head down to Seward and Homer to complete my Alaska road trip, but the rain was too intense and besides, it's no fun riding in wet. So, after 3 days waiting-out the rain, I booked a ride on the Alaska Marine Highway and took the ferry 5 days and 2,200 miles down through the inside passage to Bellingham Washington. This was a five day boat ride through some spectacular scenery and several Alaska towns accessible only by air or water.

In total, I saw 7 black bears, 1 grizzley, 6 moose, 3 mountain sheep, 1 cayote, a zillion sea lions, 12 humpback whales, 3 killer whales, porpose, umteen sea otters and more bald eagles than you could shake a stick at. They were everywhere!!

Alaska is huge! And the scenery is unique and diverse -- but as dramatic as it is (and it is!), it is by no means the best there is. Alaska is something you should see at least once -- as there is truly nothing that compares to the Alaska experience. But I would note, that one of the most dramatic views I experienced on this entire 8,000 mile trip was when I was on 97 south in Oregon on my way home. There is a stretch on 97 where you can see no fewer than 7 snow-capped volcanos in one view.

I will post my trip photos soon. If you are heading to Alaska here are a few pointers I'll pass along: When in doubt, fill your tank. There are some very lean stretches in Canada and Alaska. Top-off often. Expect gravel roads and road construction. The food is good, people are friendly and there are plenty of places to stay (at least in early june). (I hear it picks up in July and August.) Try to make it to Dawson City, Yukon, Canada. It's a neat place and very biker friendly. Try to get to Jasper National Park Alberta. Get a Passport. I took my camping gear but only as a back-up plan. I didn't use it at all. Motel rooms averaged about $70.00 per night.

Riding to Alaska is not the rugged adventure that it was 20-30 years ago. It is not much different than riding anywhere else, just some longer distances between gas stations. You will love the lack of cars on the open roads up there. You will have plenty of road-miles to yourself for long stretches.

Photos to follow soon.

[whitelocust02]

Just what I wanted to read

Glad to hear you had a good time and returned home safely. Pics, pics, pics!!!

[akfxdl]

Originally Posted by GSDrifter

. Then it was Jasper National Park, Alberta Canada. THIS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE / RIDE THERE COULD POSSIBLY BE!!! Literally brought tears to my eyes.

I decided that being in Fairbanks (about 266 miles from the Artic Circle) was close enough.

Then down past Anchorage and to Valdez. After recharging in Valdez for a couple of days (I took a Glacier / Wildlife cruise), I took the Alaska Ferry to Whitier.
So, after 3 days waiting-out the rain, I booked a ride on the Alaska Marine Highway and took the ferry 5 days and 2,200 miles down through the inside passage to Bellingham Washington. This was a five day boat ride through some spectacular scenery and several Alaska towns accessible only by air or water.

In total, I saw 7 black bears, 1 grizzley, 6 moose, 3 mountain sheep, 1 cayote, a zillion sea lions, 12 humpback whales, 3 killer whales, porpose, umteen sea otters and more bald eagles than you could shake a stick at. They were everywhere!!

Riding to Alaska is not the rugged adventure that it was 20-30 years ago. It is not much different than riding anywhere else, just some longer distances between gas stations. You will love the lack of cars on the open roads up there. You will have plenty of road-miles to yourself for long stretches.

Hey thanks for the report....
I will be heading south your way next Sat. the 8th. I am taking the Ferry from Skagway to Prince Rupert then on to Jasper, Lake Louise, Bamf,and into the US. Sounds like I should have some great scenery.
When were you in Valdez? Wish I had known you were coming into town, I would have bought you a cold one of your choice. Glad you liked your Prince William Sound Tour.
You were probably very smart to avoid the Haul Road North to Prudohe, there is major construction going on, and the road would not be fun. A good way to break something 300 miles from help.
The Ferry south was a good idea, most folks don't get to see that part of the state unless they are on a cruise ship.
I do have a couple of questions. About how much were you paying for fuel in Canada? Also I heard the worst section of the Alcan was from Beaver Creek about 20 miles south, is that true?

Thanks

[GSDrifter]

[quote=akfxdl]Hey thanks for the report....
I will be heading south your way next Sat. the 8th. I am taking the Ferry from Skagway to Prince Rupert then on to Jasper, Lake Louise, Bamf,and into the US. Sounds like I should have some great scenery.
When were you in Valdez? Wish I had known you were coming into town, I would have bought you a cold one of your choice. Glad you liked your Prince William Sound Tour.
You were probably very smart to avoid the Haul Road North to Prudohe, there is major construction going on, and the road would not be fun. A good way to break something 300 miles from help.
The Ferry south was a good idea, most folks don't get to see that part of the state unless they are on a cruise ship.
I do have a couple of questions. About how much were you paying for fuel in Canada? Also I heard the worst section of the Alcan was from Beaver Creek about 20 miles south, is that true?

I think gas in Canada was around $1.12- $1.23 per liter depending where you are. Actually, I didn't really pay much attenton to the price of gas because it was what it was and I didn't have much of a choice. Basically, it was either buy it or park the bike. I took the Top-Of-The- World Highway into Alaska from Dawson City, Yukon, so I don't know anything about condition of the Alcan Highway.

Sice you live in Valdez, please do me a small favor. Next time you're at the Totum Inn restaurant, tell a very, very cute waitress Stephanie, that Mike from California says hello and for her to shoot me an e-mail via my Website (I gave her the URL). Tell her I want to be pen pals. Also tell her that she was hands down the most babealicious cutie-pie I met on my entire 8,000 mile trip. (Oh if only to be in my twenties again)

Thanks

[akfxdl]

[quote=GSDrifter][quote=akfxdl
Sice you live in Valdez, please do me a small favor. Next time you're at the Totum Inn restaurant, tell a very, very cute waitress Stephanie, that Mike from California says hello and for her to shoot me an e-mail via my Website (I gave her the URL). Tell her I want to be pen pals. Also tell her that she was hands down the most babealicious cutie-pie I met on my entire 8,000 mile trip. (Oh if only to be in my twenties again)

Thanks[/QUOTE]

Not a problem...will do for you. I will be heading to the Totem for breakfast on Wed. the 5th traditional end of 2 week night shift breakfast. If Stephanie is not there I will get her a message via Hazel. Did you take a Stan Stephens cruise? If so did you have Capt. John?

[GSDrifter]

[quote=akfxdl]

Originally Posted by GSDrifter

Not a problem...will do for you. I will be heading to the Totem for breakfast on Wed. the 5th traditional end of 2 week night shift breakfast. If Stephanie is not there I will get her a message via Hazel. Did you take a Stan Stephens cruise? If so did you have Capt. John?

Yes, I took a Stan Stephans cruise -- I'm not sure of the Skiper's name -- maybe Greg? Possibly John?? He was in his late 20's or early 30's, somewhat stocky build (but not overweight), short dark hair, about 5-9 to 5-10. Very knowledgable and a skilled boat driver.