Thnak You so much for such a valuable resource. We will be traveling with our Ford Explorer in 2025 and would heavily relay on your data. THANX A MILLION
Alaska State ferries: Routes and some stops have changed in 2023. Prince Rupert is not a stop in 2023. The Cross Gulf ferry did not run either. Meal options vary with the ferry. Bigger ferries like the MV Columbia have both a restaurant and a cafe/snack bar. Other ferries have just the cafe/snack bar. Cabins (2-berth and 4-berth) are a comfortable option if you book early enough. They sell out quickly. You can also sleep out on the open deck in a tent. (Bring duct tape!) You can also overnight in a sleeping bag in a reclineable deck chair underneath a half open solarium which has infrared heaters. I have done both the cabin option and the deck chair option. Ferries often navigate through channels where the bigger cruise ships cannot go. A plus!
That campground always has trouble with bears because people leave out food, etc. I'm guessing the bear was being shooed away by campers who often bang pots and pans and honk their car horns.
@@FromShetoMe That makes sense. Thanks for responding getting back to me! I love your details it really helps one look deeper into your suggestions, which are brilliant!
Recuperating from my second Covid-19 vaccine yesterday afternoon. Nothing better than watching the kindest couple on TH-cam share their Alaska adventure. 😌
I live on Vancouver Island and I also own that same Irish wool hat you bought. It’s perfect for our drizzly winters on the wet coast! Warm enough and keeps you dry! I’ve been enjoying all your Alaska videos. What an adventure!
Wow. The Google map camping itinerary is a wonderful resource. Thank you for putting it together. I am planning our trip to Alaska for next spring/summer from San Diego and this is a real help.
Thank you that was very helpful. It sad that other rv people never include their fuel cost even as they travel state to state. They don't want to seem cheap? Or the other hand maybe they feel more utube traveler would take away from their Chanel. Celebrity dreaming LOL
I wish I could hit the Like button more than once! This video was very helpful and I loved the footage of the squirrel and bear at the end. Alaska is on my bucket list
Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put in to putting out the wonderful videos of such amazing country. The information you included was extremely useful. I couldn't help but giggle when you showed your spread sheet for expenses. LOL!! When my husband and I would drive cross-country to see the kids, I had a notebook that I made a spreadsheet in. LOL!!! We did that so we would have a rough idea how much money we would need to make the next trip. So, now I know I am not so weird. But, we had to stay in motels and eat in restaurants or drive thrus the entire way. I can't wait to see the rest of the videos. Thank you again!!
This is the best travel/RV show. Professional. Great audio. The Google map used in this video looks to be web-based, features on iOS Google Maps is not 1-1 to web based. Thanks
The fuel stop you missed marking was likely Buckinghorse River Lodge, B.C. It is 172 miles north of Dawson Creek according to Google Maps, and your mileage shows 182 miles traveled before fueling up.
Thank you for the detail information of your trip , you seemed to do very well with regards to the cost your camp grounds cost was lower then I would have thought. We look forward to make this journey ! Thanks again for sharing !!
Headed to Alaska next summer /fall. I would be interested in a list of where you were able to upload yourTH-cam videos - libraries, businesses, spots with good wifi you used and upload speeds. Both Canada and Alaska.
I wouldn't be able to re-create a very accurate map with speeds. The ones we can remember that had great speeds, other than people's homes, were the library in Haines, the Starbucks in Prince George, and Ft Telkwa River Front Campground. Some of the visitor centers had adequate service but I didn't upload there. The two private campgrounds where I uploaded, in Homer, and Dawson Creek, took 10-12 hours (overnight). The secret is to find an RV park that doesn't kick you off after 500 Megabytes of data. Almost all of them claim to have free wifi, but the data cap is what kills you. But if you are an AT&T customer, then you'll probably have a different experience in Alaska. Would help to have a NetGear Nighthawk so you can use cellular. Verizons new plans might be helpful in that you can now use your phone as a hotspot with 4G instead of 3G. We thought Whitehorse would be better but even the Starbucks was down on the day we were there. When campgrounds suggest that you can buy more data for a fee, don't do it. Waste of money, we couldn't get them to work. Hope that helps.
Maybe the shop that installed your suspension and tires would be able to calibrate your speedometer. Or any major offroad shop does that all the time. You can compare your speedometer reading to GPS speed reading to see how far off it is. Speedometer is probably only showing 1 to 2 mph slower than your actual speed. From what I hear there are nearly as many offroad shops in Cali as Starbucks. :-)
We think it is 5% based on the difference in tire size. Agile doesn't do it, our mechanic doesn't do it, everyone kept pointing to Mercedes and we'll just have to keep hounding them until we have an answer.
From She to Me I wonder what Winnebago does? They put these larger tires on the Revel if ordered as an option. I will ask them about it. I use a speedometer app on my phone to check speedo accuracy for a situation like this. (i.e. winter tires on our car). I was glad to hear the mileage was better than 18 with the new tires.
@@balahmay John mentioned that to me just yesterday. If you find out anything, we would love an answer. We did find out that the tires are 5% larger than the stock tires so probably safe to increase our mileage by 5% to get a more accurate accounting.
@@FromShetoMe I submitted the question via email to a Winnebago factory rep. Will let you know if I learn anything. I am curious about it too because we have a Revel on order.
When going through Canada, did you have to exchange U S dollars for Canadian? How was that handled? And what about passports to go through Canada? How long did that process take to get one?
You do need a passport and the expiration date can't be within 6 months of entering. It takes a few months to get a passport or to get one renewed. Of course right now, Americans can't get in and even Canadians have restrictions between certain provinces. We used ATM machines to get Canadian dollars. But most everything can be paid with your credit card. Some of the campgrounds will accept US dollars but on a 1:1 basis so you do want to use Canadian dollars there.
When you plan/make your next trip through the inland passage, I strongly recommend making a stop in Sitka - much more so than Juneau. It is very beautiful and full of history. One morning waiting for our ferry we watched a bald eagle playing cat-and-mouse with a fisherman who had a couple of salmon laying on the beach. And your plan to get a berth makes a LOT of sense. Some people set up camp on deck or in the lounge and it is not at all inviting. Berths are private and nice. Back in the day the ferry went all the way to Seattle!
You can use miles while driving with GPS, or check Google maps. Both can be used to calculate a standard error to be used from then on. So if I understand, you actually got better gas mileage then calculated, because the bigger tires meant you went further then your odometer indicated. Nice!
For your information, unfortunately our State of Alaska ferry boat system has gone downhill with our new governor, he has cut back on the ferry schedule and operating budget, the crew even has low moral, not like it used to be! By the way, I live here in Alaska “year round “ the past 39 years, have taken our ferry boats all along. It’s sad for my Alaska to see what’s going on with our boat system?
Fantastic, but then never thought any less of your organizational skills, extremely helpful as all of your videos are to those thinking about making the journey to Alaska. Glad to hear you are planning to return, as a retired travel agent, interestingly Alaska is a one time 'Bucket List' destination, whereas, Hawaii, and other exotic locations are places people return to.
Thoughts in passing, Gotta disagree with you on Alaska being a “ one time” bucket list. Anyone who really see’s Alaska for the first time, realizes how huge it is, and they can’t possibly take it all in one one trip! As us longtime Alaskan’s say, “it’s an Alaskan thing! Most will never get it”!!!😉😂
Thanks for providing all of the details. This will really help me to plan our trip one day. You are super organized! Love your videos keep them coming.
Great information! Thanks for putting this all together and sharing with us. Great to tag along with you both since my adventure to Alaska is well into the future!
ok 1 question how long do you recommend to make reservations for Denali and the ferry to Ketchikan we don't know if we should book them to soon to make us rush to get to those reservations any tip would be much appreciated thanks a bunch
Yes, I worried about the same thing. I would say a minimum of 4 nights in Denali. We gave ourselves 3 weeks between Denali and the Ferry which we felt was enough time. We booked the ferry in March so you still have time. But book Denali as soon as it is comfortable to do so. Fairbanks was our least favorite spot and really just a re-supply place for us. Do stop at Talkeetna on your way between Denali and Anchorage and probably 2 nights there, 3 if you want to do both a flight and a train ride. Do book a camping spot in Talkeetna. We were just lucky that we got one.
From She to Me Hello, thanks for all, the trip vids Etc, but tell me, did you ever ran into places that would NOT accept credit/debit cards ? You can only safely carry enough cash as is safe to carry, Thanks,, CHEERS FROM NJ🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Being a spreadsheet geek, I totally love your video!! Heading to AK on 7/14 for 9 weeks. I am beyond excited :)
We can’t wait to go back. Safe travels.
Excellent video. Lots of useful tips.
Thnak You so much for such a valuable resource. We will be traveling with our Ford Explorer in 2025 and would heavily relay on your data. THANX A MILLION
Thank you! It's a trip of a lifetime and I hope yours is wonderful.
Alaska State ferries: Routes and some stops have changed in 2023. Prince Rupert is not a stop in 2023. The Cross Gulf ferry did not run either. Meal options vary with the ferry. Bigger ferries like the MV Columbia have both a restaurant and a cafe/snack bar. Other ferries have just the cafe/snack bar. Cabins (2-berth and 4-berth) are a comfortable option if you book early enough. They sell out quickly. You can also sleep out on the open deck in a tent. (Bring duct tape!) You can also overnight in a sleeping bag in a reclineable deck chair underneath a half open solarium which has infrared heaters. I have done both the cabin option and the deck chair option. Ferries often navigate through channels where the bigger cruise ships cannot go. A plus!
Wonderful information. Thank you curious, what startled the bear at the very end of the video? Looking forward to your next video
That campground always has trouble with bears because people leave out food, etc. I'm guessing the bear was being shooed away by campers who often bang pots and pans and honk their car horns.
@@FromShetoMe That makes sense. Thanks for responding getting back to me! I love your details it really helps one look deeper into your suggestions, which are brilliant!
You look very young for over 62.
Thanks. 68
Recuperating from my second Covid-19 vaccine yesterday afternoon. Nothing better than watching the kindest couple on TH-cam share their Alaska adventure. 😌
Thanks. My second shot kicked my butt but such a great sense of relief now. Even the grand kids are coming next week! Hurray!
Red shoes are always a win
Such great advice! Thanks so much.
I live on Vancouver Island and I also own that same Irish wool hat you bought. It’s perfect for our drizzly winters on the wet coast! Warm enough and keeps you dry!
I’ve been enjoying all your Alaska videos. What an adventure!
That’s hilarious. And you are so lucky to live there.
Wow. The Google map camping itinerary is a wonderful resource. Thank you for putting it together. I am planning our trip to Alaska for next spring/summer from San Diego and this is a real help.
Good to hear. We may go back in 2023.
Was that Bear in your Campground? Wow.
Yes, in South Lake Tahoe not Alaska
Ty great info
Great vid.....
Love your videos. So much great information.
k i'll wait
Very informative thank you! Do you remember the prices of the fairy?
I don’t and prices have risen dramatically since the State pulled their subsidies.
Thank you so much for such an informative Vlog and your effort!
I love the detail ❤️
I'm glad Lt. Dan put all these numbers together.:-)
LOL, but he is good at taking out the trash.
Very good information, thanks. The B C Ferries are very nice and hold a lot of vehicles.
thank you soooo much
Cute hat. Great data. Thanks.
Thank you that was very helpful. It sad that other rv people never include their fuel cost even as they travel state to state. They don't want to seem cheap? Or the other hand maybe they feel more utube traveler would take away from their Chanel. Celebrity dreaming LOL
You just reminded me that I forgot to include in the video I just uploaded after I figured it all out. Maybe I’ll remember next week.
I wish I could hit the Like button more than once! This video was very helpful and I loved the footage of the squirrel and bear at the end. Alaska is on my bucket list
Thank you, thank you, and one more thank you!
Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put in to putting out the wonderful videos of such amazing country. The information you included was extremely useful. I couldn't help but giggle when you showed your spread sheet for expenses. LOL!! When my husband and I would drive cross-country to see the kids, I had a notebook that I made a spreadsheet in. LOL!!! We did that so we would have a rough idea how much money we would need to make the next trip. So, now I know I am not so weird. But, we had to stay in motels and eat in restaurants or drive thrus the entire way. I can't wait to see the rest of the videos. Thank you again!!
You are most welcome. But know that I didn't keep such records until I had a channel to feed. ;-))
Wonderful info.....thanks so much!
This is the best travel/RV show. Professional. Great audio. The Google map used in this video looks to be web-based, features on iOS Google Maps is not 1-1 to web based. Thanks
Hmmm. It is web-based but you'll have to bring this ole gal up to speed on what you mean by 1-1 web based.
Google Maps for iOS has less features than desktop version
@@davebutler6521 I only use the desktop version for creating "my maps." Haven't experimented with the iOS version.
Great details on your journey. Thanks for sharing this adventure with us.
The fuel stop you missed marking was likely Buckinghorse River Lodge, B.C. It is 172 miles north of Dawson Creek according to Google Maps, and your mileage shows 182 miles traveled before fueling up.
A wonderful video and very informative as always.
Thank you for the detail information of your trip , you seemed to do very well with regards to the cost your camp grounds cost was lower then I would have thought. We look forward to make this journey ! Thanks again for sharing !!
We could have done it for a lot less but when you are in unfamiliar territory it’s easy to overdo private campgrounds.
Headed to Alaska next summer /fall. I would be interested in a list of where you were able to upload yourTH-cam videos - libraries, businesses, spots with good wifi you used and upload speeds. Both Canada and Alaska.
I wouldn't be able to re-create a very accurate map with speeds. The ones we can remember that had great speeds, other than people's homes, were the library in Haines, the Starbucks in Prince George, and Ft Telkwa River Front Campground. Some of the visitor centers had adequate service but I didn't upload there. The two private campgrounds where I uploaded, in Homer, and Dawson Creek, took 10-12 hours (overnight). The secret is to find an RV park that doesn't kick you off after 500 Megabytes of data. Almost all of them claim to have free wifi, but the data cap is what kills you. But if you are an AT&T customer, then you'll probably have a different experience in Alaska. Would help to have a NetGear Nighthawk so you can use cellular. Verizons new plans might be helpful in that you can now use your phone as a hotspot with 4G instead of 3G. We thought Whitehorse would be better but even the Starbucks was down on the day we were there. When campgrounds suggest that you can buy more data for a fee, don't do it. Waste of money, we couldn't get them to work. Hope that helps.
Maybe the shop that installed your suspension and tires would be able to calibrate your speedometer. Or any major offroad shop does that all the time. You can compare your speedometer reading to GPS speed reading to see how far off it is. Speedometer is probably only showing 1 to 2 mph slower than your actual speed. From what I hear there are nearly as many offroad shops in Cali as Starbucks. :-)
We think it is 5% based on the difference in tire size. Agile doesn't do it, our mechanic doesn't do it, everyone kept pointing to Mercedes and we'll just have to keep hounding them until we have an answer.
From She to Me
I wonder what Winnebago does? They put these larger tires on the Revel if ordered as an option. I will ask them about it. I use a speedometer app on my phone to check speedo accuracy for a situation like this. (i.e. winter tires on our car). I was glad to hear the mileage was better than 18 with the new tires.
@@balahmay John mentioned that to me just yesterday. If you find out anything, we would love an answer. We did find out that the tires are 5% larger than the stock tires so probably safe to increase our mileage by 5% to get a more accurate accounting.
@@FromShetoMe I submitted the question via email to a Winnebago factory rep. Will let you know if I learn anything. I am curious about it too because we have a Revel on order.
@@brucelahmayer2414 Thanks!
Love your Ireland wool hat. Wish my husband was as adventurous as yours. Great info.
Loved this...Watched all vids. Just got my Ascent will travel solo...not AK though!
Hurrah for you! It is the perfect solo travel vehicle, IMO.
When going through Canada, did you have to exchange U S dollars for Canadian? How was that handled? And what about passports to go through Canada? How long did that process take to get one?
You do need a passport and the expiration date can't be within 6 months of entering. It takes a few months to get a passport or to get one renewed. Of course right now, Americans can't get in and even Canadians have restrictions between certain provinces. We used ATM machines to get Canadian dollars. But most everything can be paid with your credit card. Some of the campgrounds will accept US dollars but on a 1:1 basis so you do want to use Canadian dollars there.
When you plan/make your next trip through the inland passage, I strongly recommend making a stop in Sitka - much more so than Juneau. It is very beautiful and full of history. One morning waiting for our ferry we watched a bald eagle playing cat-and-mouse with a fisherman who had a couple of salmon laying on the beach. And your plan to get a berth makes a LOT of sense. Some people set up camp on deck or in the lounge and it is not at all inviting. Berths are private and nice. Back in the day the ferry went all the way to Seattle!
Thanks for the tips. I heard Sitka was the place to go.
You think Juneau, and Sitka is “ real Alaska “??? You have no clue.
Great tips. Do the ferries allow travel trailers?
Yes. Even the tiny ferry in Dawson City that crosses the Yukon.
Don't count on the Alaska ferry system in the foreseeable future. Governor shut it down except for some very localized service areas. Call first.
Yes, it’s too bad.
Nice conclusion to a wonderful trip! Where was your favorite ice cream shop?
No one can beat Graeters, as you know. I’d say the place in McCarthy was our favorite on the trip.
Thank you so very much for sharing your information! We hope to take this journey next year! Your information will be most helpful!
Great tip on taking a photo of your park pass. I now have a pic of my Golden Access Passport on my phone!
Loved all the videos and information. I don’t think the cost is too bad for 81 days. A class B is the way to go.👍👍
Wow...those spreadsheets...lots of OCD there....makes me look sloppy. Thanks for the Google Maps My Places tips. So much I do not know. Thumbs up!
LOL. No way I would do that except for you guys!
You can use miles while driving with GPS, or check Google maps. Both can be used to calculate a standard error to be used from then on.
So if I understand, you actually got better gas mileage then calculated, because the bigger tires meant you went further then your odometer indicated. Nice!
For your information, unfortunately our State of Alaska ferry boat system has gone downhill with our new governor, he has cut back on the ferry schedule and operating budget, the crew even has low moral, not like it used to be! By the way, I live here in Alaska “year round “ the past 39 years, have taken our ferry boats all along. It’s sad for my Alaska to see what’s going on with our boat system?
I agree.
👍👍
Thanks for sharing this great info. We are planning to travel to Alaska next summer. :)
Felicitations! Great work, you are so organized! Usefull info for our future trip on the west coast and Alaska.
The organization of our small van is inversely proportional to the size of our home.
Wow! Such great information and thorough too! Good job! Thank you for taking the time to do all of it! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks for sharing the info and looks like a wonderful trip and time spent in Canada and Alaska.
Fantastic, but then never thought any less of your organizational skills, extremely helpful as all of your videos are to those thinking about making the journey to Alaska. Glad to hear you are planning to return, as a retired travel agent, interestingly Alaska is a one time 'Bucket List' destination, whereas, Hawaii, and other exotic locations are places people return to.
Thoughts in passing, Gotta disagree with you on Alaska being a “ one time” bucket list. Anyone who really see’s Alaska for the first time, realizes how huge it is, and they can’t possibly take it all in one one trip! As us longtime Alaskan’s say, “it’s an Alaskan thing! Most will never get it”!!!😉😂
Thank you for another great video, great info!
Thanks for providing all of the details. This will really help me to plan our trip one day. You are super organized! Love your videos keep them coming.
Great information! Thanks for putting this all together and sharing with us. Great to tag along with you both since my adventure to Alaska is well into the future!
Are you able to keep the refrigerator running in battery power while on the long Ferry ride?
We can probably go about 6-8 hours on battery.
Super organized--I've never used Google Maps that way before, great tips. Thanks for sharing the actual costs. Loved the little trip snippets too.
Great, thorough info and thanks for info on how to do a map.
Were there any variations of diesel that was available when you stopped? All compatible with the Mercedes Sprinter? Thanks for the great video.
Thankfully, we didn't see any B20 diesel.
ok 1 question how long do you recommend to make reservations for Denali and the ferry to Ketchikan we don't know if we should book them to soon to make us rush to get to those reservations any tip would be much appreciated thanks a bunch
Yes, I worried about the same thing. I would say a minimum of 4 nights in Denali. We gave ourselves 3 weeks between Denali and the Ferry which we felt was enough time. We booked the ferry in March so you still have time. But book Denali as soon as it is comfortable to do so. Fairbanks was our least favorite spot and really just a re-supply place for us. Do stop at Talkeetna on your way between Denali and Anchorage and probably 2 nights there, 3 if you want to do both a flight and a train ride. Do book a camping spot in Talkeetna. We were just lucky that we got one.
What dates from and to did you travel to AK?
May 29 to August 23.
Its always nice to see the American flag, and its always nice to see from she to me (Beautiful)
Michael, It’s always nice to see the Alaskan flag, to me!😉🤣😂😳
Over 62? You mean 32
You guys are waaaaaay too nice.
@@FromShetoMe well deserved young lady
Over how many days/months are these totals?
81
From She to Me Hello, thanks for all, the trip vids Etc, but tell me, did you ever ran into places that would NOT accept credit/debit cards ? You can only safely carry enough cash as is safe to carry,
Thanks,, CHEERS FROM NJ🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
If you add the depreciation of your van the trip cost will more than triple.
Yes, but one of my favorite sayings is, "you can't tow a u-haul behind a hearse.