ALASKA-My Thoughts
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2015 11:34 am
Following are some random thoughts on visiting Alaska. Your Born Free unit is the ideal way to see this great state. You can drive it anywhere without worrying about pulling a towed vehicle all those miles. You are self-contained and can stop anywhere you want (you will find many motor homes overnighting at random roadside pull-outs). Road conditions are similar to the lower 48 but construction zones may be longer and rougher. Mosquito's are sometimes a problem but no worse than what we encounter in our home states under certain conditions. I wouldn't worry to much about reservations because you many times don't know how far you are traveling that day and just as important what the weather will be on a certain date. (if you are taking a glacier boat excursion wait until the day before or morning of to confirm your trip).
The wildlife viewing is great but don't expect to see something around every turn. The animals have millions of square miles to roam and expecting them to be right beside the road is unrealistic. Invest in high quality binoculars, they will be your best friend in Alaska. Make sure you have good rain gear, it rains a lot in Alaska!
Don't be surprised if Mt. McKinley is cloud covered on your visit to the Park. If possible, use weather forecasts to time your park excursions. One of the best views of the mountain is as you enter the town of Talkeetna south of Denali National Park.
If time permits spend some time in the Canadian Rockies. The Banff/Jasper area is very scenic. One of the most impressive sights is Moraine Lake (near Lake Louise) and it's often overlooked.
To me SE Alaska is the most scenic part of the state and the best way to see it is via the Alaska Ferry System.. You can take your motor home to the various ferry stops and stay for a few days each. Sitka and Ketchikan are my favorites. Enjoying the ferry from Haines to Prince Rupert or Bellingham, WA is a great way to return to the Lower 48.
If you really want a "bucket list" experience and want to see big bears up close consider a trip to Katmai National Park. If you want to stay overnight you may have to make reservations two years in advance. Day trips out of Homer are available.
Enough rambling, just thought I'd pass along some of my thoughts. Have a good trip!
Rich
The wildlife viewing is great but don't expect to see something around every turn. The animals have millions of square miles to roam and expecting them to be right beside the road is unrealistic. Invest in high quality binoculars, they will be your best friend in Alaska. Make sure you have good rain gear, it rains a lot in Alaska!
Don't be surprised if Mt. McKinley is cloud covered on your visit to the Park. If possible, use weather forecasts to time your park excursions. One of the best views of the mountain is as you enter the town of Talkeetna south of Denali National Park.
If time permits spend some time in the Canadian Rockies. The Banff/Jasper area is very scenic. One of the most impressive sights is Moraine Lake (near Lake Louise) and it's often overlooked.
To me SE Alaska is the most scenic part of the state and the best way to see it is via the Alaska Ferry System.. You can take your motor home to the various ferry stops and stay for a few days each. Sitka and Ketchikan are my favorites. Enjoying the ferry from Haines to Prince Rupert or Bellingham, WA is a great way to return to the Lower 48.
If you really want a "bucket list" experience and want to see big bears up close consider a trip to Katmai National Park. If you want to stay overnight you may have to make reservations two years in advance. Day trips out of Homer are available.
Enough rambling, just thought I'd pass along some of my thoughts. Have a good trip!
Rich