It’s coming up November 22-24 at Midwest Mountaineering in Minneapolis. It’s a great free event as we head into winter. Lots of presentations and exhibits and everything is on sale in time for Christmas.

I will have an exhibit in Hanson Hall on Saturday regarding Alaska Travel Information. I can guide you as you plan your Alaska visit. As someone who has traveled to Alaska many times, I can assist you to see and experience the best that Alaska offers. It’s all free.

At 4:45 pm, in room 104, I will be presenting ‘Fishing Alaska’s Rivers’. I will share what you need to know to have a great fishing experience in The Great Land. Don’t miss out!

Who is planning to go?

www.outdooradventureexpo.com for more information.

We got our latest xc ski packages at Midwest a few years back, but a week before the expo. Same sale price offered, zero crowd, lots of time for personal attention.

This year, I'm itching to bend someone's ear regarding the latest in skin skis...

I'm hoping to do both, Expo and Alaska, so I'll probably drop in, haven't looked at the schedule yet

what route would you suggest driving there
anything on the "do not miss list" or a better question would be what along the way did you discover without intending to and glad you did, since often the best stops are the ones that aren't widely known

I can do the research of what I want to do in Alaska, but what to do and where to stop along the way is another thing

ZaraSp00k: "I'm hoping to do both, Expo and Alaska, so I'll probably drop in, haven't looked at the schedule yet


what route would you suggest driving there
anything on the "do not miss list" or a better question would be what along the way did you discover without intending to and glad you did, since often the best stops are the ones that aren't widely known


I can do the research of what I want to do in Alaska, but what to do and where to stop along the way is another thing"

I can help you with that. First, driving to Alaska is a great way to get to Alaska. There’s lots to see and do along the way. I will send you an email next week with more specifics.

In short, you will need to decide how much time and money you can spend on the trip. When I drove to Alaska a couple of years ago, it took me seven days each way. It can be done faster, but I don’t recommend it if you want to see the sights and do some hiking and fishing along the way.

I’m assuming that you live in Minnesota. For me, the one way distance from my home to Anchorage is almost 3300 miles. I’m near Rochester. So, if you do the math, it’s a long haul, but it’s a fun drive and the scenery is awesome.

The route I recommend is to drive to Glacier NP in Montana, spend a couple of days there and then follow the Icefields Parkway North along the Canadian Rockies to Dawson Creek which is where the Alaska Highway begins.

I also recommend obtaining a current copy of The Milepost which is a comprehensive guide to everything along the way, as well as Alaska. You will want to carry it with you on the trip.

I would enjoy visiting with you at my table. I’m always up for talking Alaska!

Anyone else?

Alaska sounds like a great experience.

I will miss this years Fall Expo. Max will be standing in for me at the expo at the Cooke Custom Sewing booth in the tent just outside of the camping room door in the tent.

I will be on a trip and will not return till January 2. If all goes well I may be presenting on the unique experience at the spring expo 2020.

Dan, you will be missed. I always enjoy your tarp demos. I trust you will enjoy your trip. Looking forward to hearing about it.

I will miss it again this year, darn it. One of these years I will get there.

old_salt: ".

The route I recommend is to drive to Glacier NP in Montana, spend a couple of days there and then follow the Icefields Parkway North along the Canadian Rockies to Dawson Creek which is where the Alaska Highway begins.
"

two years ago I drove to Glacier and then on to Jasper, then back south through BC's other national park's, one of the highlights was hiking Revelstoke and seeing a grizz, then back through Glacier on home, a fabulous trip
so as great as a route that is, I am up for another route, although you wouldn't have to twist my arm to go the route you suggested

Google says Fairbanks is just over 3,000 miles from my home 51 hours of driving, and suggests going through Minot, Regina, Edmonton, ... oh gawd, that sounds boring!
I think you are right.
the above trip I contemplated bringing my kayak, as it turned out there were only two spots I wished I had it

any thoughts on lugging a boat along?

Zara,
I would like to visit with you at the Expo to learn more about your timeframe, goals, etc for the trip. I won’t send an email. But I think I can give you some ideas. As for the kayak, it depends on where you go and how much you will use it. You have lots of options.

As for the google estimate, it doesn’t seem realistic to me. Fairbanks is closer than Anchorage. Bear in mind that most highway in Canada and Alaska is 2 lane and driving in mountain terrain. There’s no interstate once you enter Canada. It’s best to drive only in daylight which may not matter depending on when you go.

Looking forward to meeting you at the show.

Rich

checked again, says 3071 miles, 52 hours which would be just under 60 mph average
I wonder if they are including the time zone changes, it would be 55 hours and just over 55mph average
When I was on the Ice Field Highway I was the only person doing the speed limit, in fact thru all of Canada I generally drive the speed limit or 5mph over, they sure get mad at people that don't drive 15 over

I think I found my route, taking the same as before to Jasper and taking 16 to Prince George and then 37 up to the Alaska highway is just under 3500 miles, that would be a much more scenic trip although I'd miss the Laird River Hot Springs, something I'm told to be sure to check out.
I suppose I could take a different route on the way back, going to Dawson Creek down to Jasper, or maybe flip the two routes.

On any trip, you need to factor in the stops which google doesn’t. Necessary stops might include gas, restrooms, food, lodging, etc.

Plus, if you want to see or do anything along the way. Google just does the math and is only driving time.

Another delay is perpetual road construction. In Canada and Alaska, northbound and southbound take turns, being led by a pilot car. Several times, I waited 30-45 minutes for my turn.

Liard Springs is on the Alaska Highway and well worth the stop, both ways.

LOVE this event!

campNgirl: "LOVE this event!"

Me Too!

A change of plans. That's why we make plans, so we can change them!
I will not be presenting on Alaska fishing, but instead will be presenting on Four Fantastic Trips to Alaska! These are some of the highlights of trips I have taken over the past few years to The Last Frontier!

I will cover the following areas in my presentation:
1) The Inside Passage on the Alaska Ferry, SE Alaska.
2) Prince William Sound, Valdez, Whittier, & more.
3) Denali NP, including Talkeetna & more.
4) Kenai Peninsula, Alaska's Playground.

The time and room are the same as previously posted.

I will be available most of the day Saturday at my Alaska Travel Display in Hanson Hall to discuss Alaska, fishing, most anything. Please stop by and say 'hi'.
I hope to see you there! Now is the best time to plan your Alaska Adventure!

old_salt: "
Plus, if you want to see or do anything along the way. Google just does the math and is only driving time.
"

that is the beauty of it, if I stop somewhere for two hours, then my trip time is extended by that amount, if road construction delays me an hour, then I have to add that

I don't plan to be anywhere at a particular time, I get there when I get there
the journey is in getting there

I hate it when they start assuming time for gas/restroom/etc. everybody is different

ZaraSp00k: "

old_salt: "
Plus, if you want to see or do anything along the way. Google just does the math and is only driving time.
"

that is the beauty of it, if I stop somewhere for two hours, then my trip time is extended by that amount, if road construction delays me an hour, then I have to add that


I don't plan to be anywhere at a particular time, I get there when I get there
the journey is in getting there


I hate it when they start assuming time for gas/restroom/etc. everybody is different


"

That’s the best way. I see that we think in a similar way when it comes to planning trips. I misunderstood your post about the time. Hope to meet you at the show.

I'll be there Friday and Saturday, looking forward to it.

It all starts tomorrow. Hope to see you on Saturday!

I am now presenting Alaska River Fishing at 2:15 pm in room 102. This is in addition to the Fab Four Alaska Trips at 4:45 pm in room 104. Both are on Saturday. Hope to see you.