The Adventure is about to begin

Yesterday after our daughter very generously drove us and our luggage to the airport, we flew from Philadelphia to Minneapolis through Chicago Midway on Southwest. It was our first Southwest experience and it was painless. A 1/2 hour delay on each leg of the flight, but nothing that impacted our overall schedule. Imagine an airline where they give you pretzels and a beverage without signing over your first born; an airline where you can actually check your bags (2 per person) without incurring fees higher than the original fare. Wow, it’s like going back in time.

In Minneapolis, we boarded a pre-arranged shuttle to Forest City, Iowa: home of Winnebago Industries. 2 1/2 hours later, we arrived at the Winnebago’s Grand National Rally site where the new Great Alaskan Holiday RVs had been staged and prepped for the 2014 Spring Adventure package.

Our RV is a 32 foot model with one slider. It is nicely appointed and has all the extras we ordered in advance: grill, camp chairs, etc.

Last night was a bonus night. We were allowed to sleep in the RV in advance of our rental starting today, but they won’t give us the ignition keys until orientation is complete later this morning. It seems that they don’t want us driving off without all the paperwork complete and their legal liability covered.

Half of the RVs are being launched today and the rest on Sunday. I quickly gave up counting, but there are over 120 RV’s hitting the road over the weekend.

The goal today after hitting Walmart or Target for essential supplies is to make it to Fargo, ND or someplace north thereof.

The Logistics Challenge: Packing

Ponder, if you will, packing for a 21 day camping trip. Add to the proposition that you will be flying half-way across the country to start the trip and all the way back across the country to return home. Temperatures can still be cold at night in Canada and Alaska so you will need jeans and sweatshirts. It will likely rain in the spring so you will need rain gear. Don’t forget the hiking boots, backpacks and trekking poles. Mosquitos are vicious this time of year in the north country. You will need mosquito net coverage: jacket, pants, hood, and gaiters. Sound like fun? You will want cameras and lens. A tripod would come in handy, too. True, you will be camping, but you will still need the everyday iDevices and assorted cords plus a GPS for the RV and another for hiking. Getting the picture yet?

Two large suitcases weighing in just below the 50 lb. airline limit. One large duffle with assorted gear weighing in at around 40 lbs. Two full backpacks and a camera pack. Navigating the airport and shuttle should be interesting.

Campgrounds Have Been Chosen

It may change as we go along, but an itinerary has been set and target campgrounds chosen. Here is the current campground plan:

Fargo, ND – Walmart
Lloydminster, Alberta – Weaver Park Campground
Alberta/Northwest Territory Border – 60th Parallel Territorial Park
Wood Buffalo National Park – Pine Lake Campground (3 nights)
Liard Highway, Northwest Territory – Blackstone Territorial Park
Liard Hot Springs, British Columbia – Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park
Whitehorse, Yukon – Wolf Creek Yukon Campground (2 nights)
Dawson City, Yukon – Klondike River Yukon Campground
Dawson City, Yukon – Yukon River Yukon campground
Fairbanks, AK – Chena River Wayside Campground (2 nights)
Fairbanks, AK – Tors Trailhead State Campground
Denali National Park – Savage River Campground (3 nights)
Anchorage – Chugach State Park (3 nights)

Most of the sites have no hook-ups, but with frequent water fill-ups, good availability of dump stations, judicious use of the generator, and occasional public wi-fi, we should be fine.

Yukon River Ice Break

Great news. The ice on the Yukon River at Dawson City, Yukon broke yesterday. May 2nd is not a record, but it’s a few weeks early. This means the George Black ferry should be back in operation on schedule in mid-May and with it the opening of The Top of the World Highway and its seasonal US/CA border crossing. This news solidifies our route by allowing us to take the Klondike Loop.

The Road to Alaska 2014 to Start Soon

19 days and counting. Here’s the deal: on May 16th, we fly to the Winnebago factory in Forest City, Iowa and pick up a brand new RV. We will then spend the next three weeks traveling between there and Anchorage, Alaska and drop it off at Great Alaskan Holidays. For them, its delivery service. For us, a discounted vacation.

Our Planned Route of Travel:

We’re flexible, but the current plan is to travel through Minneapolis, MN; Fargo, ND; Regina and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Edmonton, Alberta; and the north to Wood Buffalo National Park in the Northwest Territories. From there, we will travel through British Columbia and the Yukon stopping in Whitehorse and Dawson City. We will then drive the Top of the World Highway and into Alaska where we, of course, have to stop at Chicken. We did not get to Fairbanks the last time we were in Alaska so that is a must see this time. Definitely doing Denali again and stopping in Wasilla this time around.

When I have internet access, I will post updates and photos along the way.

Its a long way to travel..approximately 4,500 miles, but it should be an unforgettable experience. Join us for an adventure of a lifetime.