Alaska 2025

[SmokinCamera]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Got you on the list. How old is your grandchild?

Our grandchild will be 9 years old in 2025

[Chris&Maureen]

Hi Donna (and all)
Just met with our financial planner and it looks like I will be able to retire early. Count us in for this trip of a lifetime.
Chris & Maureen

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Chris&Maureen

Hi Donna (and all)
Just met with our financial planner and it looks like I will be able to retire early. Count us in for this trip of a lifetime.
Chris & Maureen

Welcome to the EscapeForum! YAY! Glad things are happening for you to go on this trip. I'm still working on the big itinerary and hope to get it posted sometime after the first of the year. It will give everyone an idea of my planning process...

[Donna D.]

One year from today, those that want to camp in Denali National Park will be making our reservations. Yeah, we'll know the dates we'll be there looong before Dec. 1, 2024.


I'm still picking through all kinds of threads, etc. for recommendations on where we should consider staying on this trip. I'm about 3/4 finished and hope to get the BIG itinerary posted sometime right after the first of the year.


STILL waiting to hear from people about WHAT they want to see and do....

[Mike Lewis]

The Denali stop could be a de facto rally. I find this appealing.

[splitting_lanes]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

STILL waiting to hear from people about WHAT they want to see and do....

I want to see Alaska as it is, from the road and all the campgrounds and places we’ll be stopping. I’ll bring bikes and hiking shoes to do some exploring on the days we are stopped.

Bonus is, we’ll be traveling with other people and having some camp fires or group activities along the way.

I think you have all those things covered, Donna. I’m sure it will be memorable

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

The Denali stop could be a de facto rally. I find this appealing.

The rest stop/campground South of Denali might offer much more flexibility for a meet-up/rally gathering. Folks with different time tables could come and go with maybe a bit of an overlap in when they're there.

Ron

[Donna D.]

All, I had planned to share the big itinerary right about now. But have decided to hold off until the end of February. I'm meeting with some people in Quartzsite who are planning their own trips in 2024 and also with people who have already towed to Alaska. I want their input on what I've already 'planned.'

In the meantime, take a look at this shot. IF you care to take one of the bus tours in Denali, you'd have many close up and personal photograph opportunities.

[Ron in BC]

The bus trip is an absolute no-brainer. Absolutely a must do.

However, whether you get a shot like that depends on Mother Nature. Clouds love a mountain. We didn't get that shot until we were South of the park.

Ron

[iamunique127]

We saw grizzlies when we took the bus tour.

[Ron in BC]

We saw grizzlies also but they were quite distant. But no worries, by the time you're done with Alaska you'll probably have pulled over and had them munching dandelions beside you. A real thrill.

Ron

[BizCrate]

Evidently I've been a lurker here for sometime - bit never officially threw my hat in the ring by commenting. I'm commenting today!
Instead, I've been dreaming all this time of my E19 and a bucket trip to Alaska (I still haven't picked up the E19 yet but I did sell my Scamp and I do have my MIlepost!).
Put me down as really, really interested!
I've made notes as I read thru and have a special calendar note for reservations made Dec 1st! (I do hope the park has room for all of us! LOL)

[TZBrown]

From 2014, front seat of the bus tour in Denali

We are hoping to go again in 2024

[iamunique127]

Originally Posted by TZBrown

From 2014, front seat of the bus tour in Denali

We are hoping to go again in 2024

That's some scrawny looking grizzly.

[Iowa Dave]

Probably been on a long distance walking program to lose some winter weight. I’m gonna call him and get the details, deep snow, holiday food, and general inactivity have not been kind
Iowa Dave

[brroberts]

Holiday food hasn’t particularly helped me either, but Alaskan fried halibut is really good.

[jerryc]

Have you seen the new Canadian NP reservation system update?

[mresseguie]

Donna,

For some reason, I thought I had already mentioned to you our interest in taking part in this CA/AK group trip, but <after quickly scanning every page of this thread> I didn't see my name. Perhaps, I expressed my interest when we met at Silver Falls State Park? Anyway, Melody and I are interested in this journey. Please add our names to the list of adventurers.

Michael & Melody

[Mike G]

Originally Posted by jerryc

Have you seen the new Canadian NP reservation system update?

That seems decent. Better than trying to hit the opening bell on the dot.

[Donna D.]

I've been reading but haven't been able to respond. I'm traveling and seem to always be parked in really bad Wifi zones. Definitely getting Starlink in time for the Alaska trip!

Mary, got you on the list.

Michael and Melodie, got you on the list too. I remember our conversation at Silver Falls. Thanks for confirming.

Jerry, the new Canadian NP reservation system update is great! Thanks for posting the information

I don't know if I mentioned it, but I'm delaying posting the big itinerary information until AFTER the Quartzsite - Dome Rock gathering for all molded towables at the beginning of February. I'll be talking to people who have taken the trip or will take the trip in 2024 and I want their input into the camping and tour information that I've gathered. So stand by and please be patient.

HOWEVER, YOUR input about what you want to do while on this trip is invaluable!