[ASOC]

Where to start....
Buy a copy of Milepost magazine, it has all the roads and mile by mile data, ferry schedule, what gas stations are still in business and general info on travel in the Northland.

You HAVE to go thru Canada to catch the ferry - it leaves from Prince Rupert. So, NO GUNS (well almost) check with the local Canukastan embassy/email the Canadian Tourist Board for the latest rules. NO slack and they could seize your rig, and that would cut your trip short.

Bring lots of money/a couple of good credit cards. Budget gas at 3USD/gallon. Gas is $2.64 in Anchorage and that's about as cheap a place as you will find. Food is *expensive* as well. If you are self-contained with an RV, you can cook and save quite a bit on grub. It is less expensive now than back in the 70s or 80s.

Work in route? Better come in the summer, unemployment outside of the major population centers runs anywhere from 10% to 90% depending on local. It gets a lot worse in the winter. Don't be surprised if nobody will talk to you about work without a Alaska driver license, or some kind of sense that you have lived here for at least a couple of winters. Pick up work as as grunt labor is sketchy at best.

Folks are friendly enough. Just remember - Are Alaskans peculiar because they live in Alaska or, do they live in Alaska because *they* are peculiar? Whatever you do, DO NOT tell anyone you are from California (if you are)!

That said, if you can weld (certified union welder) they are currently paying $67/hr on the slope. You will have to have local certification to apply. IF you have your FAA A&P ticket, you can likely work in the major population centers. Or you can work the slime line (fish processing) at about $8/hr, helps if you speak Spanish, Tagalog or Chinese.

If nothing else, you will most certainly enjoy the scenery, the clean air and open spaces. YMMV

[Issaquahking]

Please don't spread mis-information. Welders are not getting $67 an hour!The billing rate maybe greater than $67, but ther is a lot of overhead As an electrician, I get $28 an hour. I lived in Alaska for over 40 years, and am calling BS on the big dollars mentioned. There's just as much, or more opportunity, in America.

[seacapn]

I was able to take a 12ga. shotgun through BC and the Yukon, including a ferry hop to the Queen Charlotte Islands of BC, without any trouble, since I had a permit that was issued at the border crossing north of Lynden, Washington.

More details are available at this link, including the required forms.

[conservative in nyc]

You HAVE to go thru Canada to catch the ferry - it leaves from Prince Rupert.

Depending on the time of year, you can take the ferry from Bellingham, Washington to Juneau and then get on a very infrequently run Cross-Gulf Ferry ride to Whittier (near Anchorage). Or you can take the ferry from Bellingham, Washington (at least once a week on Fridays) to Haines or Skagway and drive through B.C. and the Yukon to Alaska - of course, that doesn't avoid Canada.

The only other way to Alaska while avoiding Canada would be to fly.

[thackney]

Buy a copy of Milepost magazine

This is the best advice you will read on this thread. Do not skip it.

You HAVE to go thru Canada to catch the ferry

Not true, the ferry does go to Belinham, Washington.

Alaska Marine Highway System Schedules for Fall 2006

[Bear_Slayer]

Buy a copy of Milepost

Got it . . . and the DeLorme mpa book for the state.

[Bear_Slayer]

Buy a copy of Milepost

Got it . . . and the DeLorme mpa book for the state.