As a Homer resident I thought most people took the float plane and helicopters over to Brooks Falls from here. Interesting way to go. It's definitely expensive to get around in Alaska. We have bears around our house and I'm always hoping NOT to see them. haha.
As someone who has worked in tourism in Alaska, people have to realize that animals are not guaranteed. Nature is going to nature. You got to see grizzly bears. I say that's a win. And for those in the comments talking about the price, that's the cost of bear viewing here. It's $550-$1,300 / per person because it with requires a 6-person floatplane and/or a boat to get to them. You cannot drive to these remote areas. You have to set your expectations. And, there are chances of cancellations (and reimbursement) due to weather. Patience and gratitude are the best way to experience the state.
Was I incorrect in any of my assesment? I didn’t feel like we were harsh on the tour company - just gave our thoughts that we lost our “Vegas” bet this time around. -J
@@OpenRoading My sentiments were less towards your reflection of the situation and more towards people in the comment section. Quite a few people get quite upset that their expectations were not met and they missed out on the entire beauty surrounding them. Happy y'all rolled with the punches and had a more realistic tour in Alaska and got to showcase that experience for others. It gives people an idea of nature. I wish more creators did that and still showed the joy and gratitude you did without disparaging the experience. Hopefully you'll have more success in your next bear viewing excursion.
All these familiar spots in this video made me tear up a little. Anchor Point is where we camped almost every summer growing up. I’m sorry you didn’t see all the bears you hoped for, but I’m glad you got to experience some of the adventures and see some at the end!
One of the things I like about your channel is your honesty. Prepaid excursions are like going to Vegas and there is always an element of hit or miss. - Great content :)
I come from a family of deep seas fishers. We go out about three and a half hours to our tuna fishing spot. The two things that we recommend to prevent/battle seasickness are 1. Munch dry and low acid foods the whole time to keep your stomach full. Bagels and pretzels work well. You’re literally trying to sop up stomach acids. 2. Chew peppermint chewing gum or eat peppermint candies. I know #1 sounds strange, but it really works. I’m never seasick.
I hope Trin is loving the beach. Looks like a lot of fun, I think the bears were close enough if I was there. Hope you guys are having fun and enjoying the trip. Stay safe and healthy.
She is still getting used to water but she loved running around on the sand. She loves all things soft. As to the bears - if you had a telephoto lens you could get decent photos but I felt bad because some of our group didn’t have cameras with that capability so their photos from the excursion would be a “if you look super close that brown spot is a bear” 🐻 -J
I love your videos and your sincerity! Thank you for sharing. Also the comparison with like being in Vegas was so perfect. And you are truly wonderful for giving Trinity a loving home. Looking forward to more videos!
Thank you so much! We try our best to be open and honest with our opinions while also making sure that we are overall entertaining in a positive way! Don’t want to rage bait! -J
Glad you enjoyed your trip in Homer... kinda! Wish I would have known you guys were here, but I can't keep track of all TH-camrs. Would be happy to collaborate next time. The bears can be hit or miss, and the best way to do it (and most expensive) is by air, unfortunately. They know exactly where to go, and can get to more remote regions as the bears move. Let me know if you need anymore help on your trip, and recommendations in Alaska. Should be able to contact me through my bio or socials.
Very kind of you! Getting my pilots license is a dream of mine so maybe I'll come back in a few years and do that! Couldn't think of a more beautiful backdrop to learn in. Now I'm looking forward to watching your content because all the YT algo feeds me in regards to planes is crashes 👀. -J
Great video! You stayed classy even while sharing disappointment. I would expect nothing less. 😉 Loved the cooking and totally agree with Kalyn about spouses and matching shirts!👕
🤣🤣 I’ve been “forced” to change on a few occasions over our 17 years together. L Thank you for that kind comment. We tried very very hard to share our honest thoughts without coming across as “complainers.” It’s hard to drop $1k on something and feel like it was a bust. -J
Just watched your latest vlog and realized we’ve been hopscotching across Alaska with you. We’re currently in Fairbanks. Enjoying your channel and honesty! Happy travels.
We thought about taking out this segment because we hate being negative, but we also didn’t want others to think we love EVERYTHING and are disingenuous. Thank you for your comment!! -K
I appreciate the honesty as it could help others to make important determinations in their own trip plans. The general splendor and the wildlife sightings there make it all worth it. It’s a gorgeous place.
It's nice that you are getting to spend time with good friends and enjoying all the beauty Alaska offers. I didn't realize Alaska got so much rain in the summer.
Haha - You know...when Kalyn said this in the back of my head I was thinking "I'm not sure people are going to know what this is..... but we'll see!" 😂 We'll be sure to include it in a future video. -J
I grew up in Alaska. Theres plenty of free camping areas. Depends on where you go. If you’re more inland there’s boon-docking everywhere the kenai and the homer spit are very popular areas so there’s not gonna be a lot of free places to camp.
We went on an Alaskan cruise this past May. We had three outdoor excursions that had open air dining. It was rainy and cold for all three so we were pretty miserable. But some other folks went on the same cruise the next week and it was sunny every day. As you say, you can never tell what you might experience when you are only in an area a short period of time
I hope you’re planning on going to Denali. Also, I hope you drive across the Denali Highway (hwy 8) which goes from Paxton to Cantrell. We’ve seen lots of Griz and other wildlife. Camping at Tangle Lakes is awesome also.
I love your reaction to the sunshine! 😂 Trinity’s joy on the beach with the water was just pure joy! Did it seem like a new experience for her? I LOVE that you’ve gone through that many bags of choc chips!! 😂😂 Also, the best sticky bun I’ve ever had is the sticky bun place on the ALCAN. I believe theirs is impossible to beat.
Great video, two of my favorite couples! Y’all aren’t doing too bad on your expenditures, I agree on the tour expensive but you only live once! Your videos are a great start to the weekend so keep them coming.
I loved seeing the bears just because who really gets to see them in the wild munching grass? Yes it was definitely pricey but I think this trip is pretty priceless. I’m so happy you are sharing your adventures with us! 😊❤ I got my first postcard and I’m happy to know you met Craig and Victoria in my desert backyard! The “Supes” are beautiful! 😂⛰️ In a very desert kind of way. 🌞😊
Enjoying your video as I write this! As a pescatarian and knowing you are vegan, I would love for you to share what you eat in a day! Also what your “content calendar” looks like.. thanks for sharing and always being so transparent!!
I was worried you wouldn’t see any bears! But I also love your honesty; I would feel the same after paying that much! Thank you for sharing Alaska with us - it’s so much fun to live vicariously through your adventures ☺️
Whew!! That was a busy video! You guys are really doing a lot :) Bummer about the bears, but I'm hoping the falls makes up for it! The rain and gray can really get oppressive (why I moved from the PNW), but then I see the view out your truck window and wow, it's spectacular. I'm really hoping the weather cleared up for you and that there are BEARS in your future. Thanks again for sharing your adventures. I agree with Joseph, I think you're doing pretty darn good on the budget! We'll all be waiting for next week.....
Yup me and my wife did 10 days of mooch docking at my cousins place near Anchor point, had a great time, salmon fishing, halibit fishing, down to Homer a few times, missing already, presently we r camping near Watson lake at a provincial park, on our way home to Wisconsin.
Hey guys! Have been watching for a week or so and I need to give you some life changing advice :) If you put peanut butter on both sides of the bread then the jelly doesn't goo the bread up when you are ready to eat. Good luck on your travels. Hoping to join the rv community on the road within 6 months!
I feel like even a mediocre cinnamon bun trumps most pastries. 😅 Even though you had so many rainy days in a row your happy faces are still joyful to watch on this grand adventure. I'm very happy for you both. ❤
Oh my goodness! Your reaction to the bakery was adorable! Especially with you both normally loving peanut butter and jelly sandwiches 😜 I’m so glad you enjoyed the cinnamon rolls with turmeric much better 💕💕💕
One more quick memory of Alaska! In Yuma some years ago we met a couple, Dean and Linda. Linda had been the postmaster of Ninilchic, Alaska and Dean was a good guitar player. Dean and I would get together and jam. Well in the summer they lived in Alaska so while we were in Ninilchic we visited an open mic at a local place and low and behold there was Dean and Linda. After the jam we all went to their house and visited till quite late. Awesome memory of Ninilchic. Burlington Bill busking on the road and here on You-Tube.
Great video you all! Especially enjoyed it after getting my Alaska postcard today!!! Glad to see Trinity having fun on the beach. Joseph, a question…what is the selfie stick we saw you holding in the video?
This is the tripod selfie stick! amzn.to/3uMiFYq We LOVE it! It has wide tripod legs too! (that fold up easily). We’ve been using this one since I think November of last year. -J
Boondocking free in Alaska is very available for smaller rigs. Camper vans and truck campers in particular. We took a camper van. No issues. Boondocking is also more available if you don't need cell service or internet. I will say though, even with big rigs, you only need reservations on holidays and in very popular areas, like Seward. As you said, Alaska is amazing and well worth the challenges!
Got my first postcard🎉. What an Adventure you are sharing. There have been black bear sightings in my neighborhood recently eating from bird feeders. Stay safe and look forward to Denali👍🤩
I, too, am a pastry aficionado. Sticky buns are cinnamon rolls with caramel and pecans. Cinnamon rolls have white icing, and sometimes have raisins inside. Hope that helps. ;)
Thanks! Excellent video. I was not able to get out of the clinic in a descent time on Thursday then was call back into the hospital anyways. Will have to meet up in the lower 48 sometime further down the road. Hopefully you will be able to check out the Alaska fair ---you will see a lot of Alaska in a short time. Another thing to check out are the Cultural Centers to learn about the history of Alaska. But either way you are definitely seeing a lot of this state
Totally understand and I was also working on this video until 2am on Friday....so... it would have been difficult on my end as well. I do hope to meet up! You have been our most faithful supporter and we are so grateful. -J
Good video! Too bad you didn’t see more bears, closer. You were right about Two Sisters, the cinnamon roll was not that good, but the apple gallete was pretty good. We had a great cinnamon rolls at a tiny place on the Homer spit, First Cast Creamery. Their ice cream and coffee was also good.
It I hard to spend money that type of experience for me. My daughter did the polar bear experience in Canada was like 6000 that includes food and lodging. She only saw 3 polar bear and few fox and was there 5 days. You just can not control nature. But at least your out there giving it a go. Safe travels
Another great video. I have had that happen like you did at the hyped-up bakery. I can't figure out if I am just used to really good bakeries in my area or if I just built up the thought that the items would be amazing when even though they are good, they are not the "best ever" type of item I was expecting. I was excited tonight when I was finally able to send a donation through PayPal. I tried a couple of weeks ago and it said my address was not valid, but it worked tonight. Nice to know my address is finally valid... LOL. The eagle pics were awesome.
Thanks so much for the kind donation a month ago! I don't know if I ever said that. If I didn't - I'm sorry!! I got so far behind in comments but I'm slowly catching back up! -J
Good to know about the paid camping. We always assumed we could do a lot of free camping when we finally get to Alaska. (Had plans for 2020 and when that imploded we haven't had the opportunity to get there since.) And I love seeing Trinity playing in the water. Happy doggie.
If you have a smaller rig (small class C, truck camper, or Van) there are a lot more options for boondocking. But once you get a little longer like us, more difficult at least anywhere close to the "big attractions." -J
No matter how the day goes…..you are in an awesome environment! You are making the best of what you don’t have control of, enjoy! Where is Cody???? Haven’t seen him in a long time.
Thanks for asking about Cody. He's doing well all things considered. Still seems to be happy and still taking his meds daily. He's just a little camera shy. -J
Thank you so much! We opened the post card list before the Alaska trip because we had an outpouring of people wanting to support the channel in a tangible way. 🥹🥹 We closed the “cart” on it just before we entered Canada so that we could not get things messed up. I’m trying to convince Kalyn to let me do it again next year sometime - jury’s out on how well my convincing is going. 😀 Stay tuned! -J
@OpenRoading thank you for letting us know! I'm sure you guys get a lot of subscribers wanting to be a part of your adventure! Good luck to you both and safe travels! We hope to be traveling in our rv soon. We full time but haven't been able to travel yet, but it's definitely in our future!
I guess when it comes to unknown Alaskan excursions, sometimes you just have to grin and bear it, lol. At least mosquito viewing is free. Here's to better days ahead.
Yes I can relate to that it's very much a gamble on expensive excursions. I once spent I think it was $600 (per person) for a van ride up to the top of the Crazy Horse memorial in South Dakota, got some great pictures. I could see tho many families that came to the area with their kids not willing to spend $2,400 or $3k for the trip tho, luckily for me I was traveling solo. If it was 200 or 300 a person they wouldn't be able to make enough trips to accommodate as many people that would spend that reasonable amount of money, so in a way it's financial gatekeeping. It is too bad you didn't have the best of luck, that misty rain can really bring fun events down a notch.
For sure for sure! The biggest struggle was the rain combined with the distance of the bears. All our photos have a billion raindrops between us and the bear giving every photo the appearance of being out of focus. It is what it is. as you probably were able to tell…we had a very different experience at Brooks falls when it came to bear viewing. 😉 -J
Did an Alaskan cruise in July and it rained everyday but one. I wanted to see the Fords so bad and the ship had to turn around because it was too foggy and we didn’t see a thing. We spent thousands but we had a great time and would do it again. So I know what you’re talking about. 💕
Oh wow! That would be so devastating! Yeah, you have to have other things that make it worth it! For us - this specific excursion wasn't worth it - but getting to spend the summer with friends has been priceless. -J
Now at the end of August it's still raining...In Alaska if you wait for the rain to end to do something you will never do it. This year, in the Anchorage area at least, we are way over the usual rain average, the summer has pretty much been terrible.
@@alaskanguy7413 I feel like we were pretty lucky for the first half of our trip - not much rain at all where we were - then it just socked in for the second half of the adventure which we were kind of expecting based on our research ahead of time. Don't know how you handle it every year though! We miss the sun! 🌞 -J
When Kalyn mentioned the $1100 to see bears farther than my eyes can see I sprayed my coffee in shock.😂😂 Hey spend it while you got you can't take it with you just make sure you got enough to make it back to the lower 48. Enjoy the rest of your trip
You should get it very soon if not already! If you don't see it tomorrow please reach out to me at rvopenroading@gmail.com! As of Monday all our 1st cards had gone out! -J
Since watching your Vlog for just a month or so, I can tell you both have truly found your voice! Besides your day-to-day and excursions, I enjoy your candor, authenticity and wit with a twist of humor. And the Vegas and Alaska excursion reference was a great analogy. What's more is ... Your stockpile of "17" bags 🍫 of chocolate chips is depleted in what seems to be a short time! I how you shop! Cheers! 🥛🍪
Another great video. I have heard through videos of other nomads that have visited Alaska that the two sisters bakery was really delicious. Sorry that it was disappointing to you, but I had to agree that the choices did not look all that delicious lol. I would’ve went for something with a little more frosting and gooeyness! I would have been disappointed too if I had paid that much to go on an excursion to see a certain wildlife and come back a little bit empty. But like you said you are in Alaska and that was your dream. ❤
Greetings from the Navajo Reservation. I just got back from working up I Alaska. I seem a few of y’all’s uploads&say? Since you’re up there. Try getting in at Purdhoe Bay working 3weeks on & 3weeks off!! The both of ya could money up! The Campus is pretty awesome.
We decided not to go all the way North this time around. We still have 4 national parks to hit (most of them hard to get to) so we're going to hit the arctic when we come back and do those...probably in a different rig for the sake of mobility. Someday! -J
You said Ninilchik perfectly. Just a point about rhubarb. The only rhubarb worth eating is Victoria and it is green, with very little red. The red rhubarbs are almost flavorless. If the rhubarb is red it's either had coloring added or it's made with non Victoria types. The idea behind rhubarb/strawberry pie is that the berries gave the pie some color. Rhubarb from our patch was always green and the pie was always snot green and it was delicious.
The scenery is absolutely glorius! Thank you so much for putting out these videos. Kayln, would you be more comfortable if you adjusted your seatbelt? It looks like it is in the highest positon, that must get annoying. I dream of going to Alaska someday
If you ever get to the Maritimes of Canada, you will have to check out the tides of the Bay of Fundy, they are the largest in the world. Just for your information, a brown bear or cinnamon bear are a sub species of the Black Bear. The Bears you photographed had the shoulder hump of a Grizzly Bear.
I may have told this story before but…went in a tour in Alaska to see wildlife. Everyone but a few of us got off the bus because we were sick or handicapped and could not take the long walk. The tour had packed sandwiches and they were not to have any onions on my sandwich but it did. So my friend took the onions off and asked to take them off the bus to toss. The bus driver said no but he could wash his hands in the bathroom at the beginning of the trail. So my friend went to the bathroom and and headed back toward the bus. As he was getting on the bus we were warned if a grizzly heading to the park. The grizzly went to the bathroom that my friend had just visited. Sniffed the door, walked to the bus and left. The bus driver said he had never seen a grip up close like that before and he lived in Alaska. The people on th bus were taking all kinds of pictures. The tour was given the permission to go back to the bus and were so upset because they didn’t see anything. Fun memories
We rode out to the Kilchers while there and did the tour of the homestead then went back and rented there Air B&B. Also went over to Halibut Cove from Homer on a Antique Boat ran by two of the sweetest girls.
You missed out!! The sticky buns are their best item. So yummy. Sorry that your excursion was a bust. Best thing to do is talk to the locals before booking ANYTHING. I lived up there for 40 years and know that the locals always know best. 😊. The market had sooooo much great produce when I was there in July. But August is the full monty of markets.
We just watch your video. It’s such a bummer you didn’t have a good bear tour. We were in Alaska last year and we went with Scenic Bear Viewing and it was absolutely awesome! It was only a little bit more then what you paid and they fly you to the spot, which is faster so you get more time with the bears. We loved it so much, we went back and did a second tour with them. Martin and Dylan are great pilots and guides. They get you right in on the action. They took us to Lake Clark and Katmi it was such an up close and personal experience. Hopefully Brooks Falls is better for you. We’ve heard that it is crowded and there’s a long wait in line to get to the good picture spot. Safe travels ❤
A question about the water jugs and a hose I see you had into or connected onto one of the jugs, I can't tell from the video as to how your pushing water uphill into the fresh water tank connection on the side of the RV. The reason I am curious is that my brother a couple of years ago was talking about how its almost impossible to put water into his truck camper as it as the similar type of fitting high up on the side of the camper as its not designed to pour in ( old campers were though but that was a LOT of work) so I said why not buy a portable 12 volt DC water pump that actually has garden hose fittings on the pump and comes with a cord with alligator clips to connect to a vehicle battery. So he did and as he tows a Jeep behind his camper truck, that is what he hauls a couple of jugs in and if he goes somewhere with the Jeep he can fill up the jugs at a water source and then suck them out and into the camper with his little pump setup at camp ( idles the Jeep with the hood up to use its 12 volt source ).
So there are a couple of ways to do this depending on your setup. Craig and Victoria actually have a pump for their cordless tools that allows them to pump it into their camper (much like you described). You would just have your valves set to how you would if you were filling your tank from a spigot. In our case we have a “sanitize” setting with the valves. Technically it’s used if you are wanting to pump bleach water into your fresh tank. Basically the pump is just sucking from the intake and pushing to the fresh tank. As long as the hose isn’t too long and it’s thick enough not to collapse it works great! Let me know if I made it more or less confusing. 😂 -J
@@OpenRoading Very interesting, I did not realize that some RV's have this sanitize system which allows for sucking from a container. I assume either my brothers camper does not have that feature built into the valving system or it does and he is not aware of it !. I've never had much of an urge to own and deal with an RV myself but as a kid along with my siblings we knew all about being pack mules for water at every campsite we went to as "back in the day" truck campers were far more basic and they had a small moulded half cup with a lid on it so to speak that sat on the side of the camper. Either the tank was filled with sticking a garden hose into that cup or by pouring water into it. We would be told ( the word is "told" not asked ! ) by one of the parents to take these containers/buckets and go find potable water and that often consisted of a hand pump jack in campgrounds at the time if you have ever seen or used one ?. Then carry the water back and water is heavy and kids are not as strong, holding the said container over our heads to reach the fill cup and do this trip to the hand pump over and over again ... we were the little slaves that supplied the water .... in fact that was running water although we weren't running 😅
You went to freaking Lake Clark! The home of the original content creator Richard Proenneke. Watch the 2004 film "Alone in the Wilderness" if you haven't already done so and wear your street cred with pride. Even if you didn't see everything, you were there! Too cool.
We did Katmai a couple years ago. It was AWESOME!! We were so close, we could have touched them. We didn’t touch them because we wanted to keep our hands.
Thank you so much for your videos always look forward to them, but the weather seems to be cold and wet from all the people that have gone to Alaska this year,
Hi, Another great video, Sure was disappointed for you both about the Bear excursion, Please Joseph and Kalyn keep on keeping it real, Kalyn loved your gumboots Many thanks Aussie Fan 🧡
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As a Homer resident I thought most people took the float plane and helicopters over to Brooks Falls from here. Interesting way to go. It's definitely expensive to get around in Alaska. We have bears around our house and I'm always hoping NOT to see them. haha.
You are correct! That is what most people do. We...are not most people. 😂 We will move mountains to save $400. 😁 -J
As someone who has worked in tourism in Alaska, people have to realize that animals are not guaranteed. Nature is going to nature. You got to see grizzly bears. I say that's a win.
And for those in the comments talking about the price, that's the cost of bear viewing here. It's $550-$1,300 / per person because it with requires a 6-person floatplane and/or a boat to get to them. You cannot drive to these remote areas.
You have to set your expectations. And, there are chances of cancellations (and reimbursement) due to weather. Patience and gratitude are the best way to experience the state.
Was I incorrect in any of my assesment? I didn’t feel like we were harsh on the tour company - just gave our thoughts that we lost our “Vegas” bet this time around. -J
@@OpenRoading My sentiments were less towards your reflection of the situation and more towards people in the comment section. Quite a few people get quite upset that their expectations were not met and they missed out on the entire beauty surrounding them.
Happy y'all rolled with the punches and had a more realistic tour in Alaska and got to showcase that experience for others. It gives people an idea of nature. I wish more creators did that and still showed the joy and gratitude you did without disparaging the experience.
Hopefully you'll have more success in your next bear viewing excursion.
All these familiar spots in this video made me tear up a little. Anchor Point is where we camped almost every summer growing up. I’m sorry you didn’t see all the bears you hoped for, but I’m glad you got to experience some of the adventures and see some at the end!
@@FairylyBookish Glad we were able to give you a moment to reminisce! -J
One of the things I like about your channel is your honesty. Prepaid excursions are like going to Vegas and there is always an element of hit or miss. - Great content :)
Thank you so much!! That means a lot to hear that. -K
Great job on your video. We are following along, and enjoying it!
I come from a family of deep seas fishers. We go out about three and a half hours to our tuna fishing spot.
The two things that we recommend to prevent/battle seasickness are 1. Munch dry and low acid foods the whole time to keep your stomach full. Bagels and pretzels work well. You’re literally trying to sop up stomach acids. 2. Chew peppermint chewing gum or eat peppermint candies.
I know #1 sounds strange, but it really works. I’m never seasick.
Awesome thank you. We have become converts to Ginger chews as well! -J
I hope Trin is loving the beach. Looks like a lot of fun, I think the bears were close enough if I was there. Hope you guys are having fun and enjoying the trip. Stay safe and healthy.
She is still getting used to water but she loved running around on the sand. She loves all things soft. As to the bears - if you had a telephoto lens you could get decent photos but I felt bad because some of our group didn’t have cameras with that capability so their photos from the excursion would be a “if you look super close that brown spot is a bear” 🐻 -J
When I watch your videos, they make me smile. So happy you all are having a great time. Thank you for letting us come along.🐾❤️🇺🇸
I got my postcard and absolutely loved it. Especially Trinity's addition. It is priceless. Thank you so much.
So glad! 🙂 You got a limited set...trying to get her involved was...um...an adventure. LOL -J
My son got his postcard earlier this past week. He LOVED it! Thank you so much!!
Yay!!! I'm so glad! We'll be sending out the second one out in about 8 days! Sending EVERYONES second card on the same day. 😁 -J
Looks like you all are having a great time. Thank you for taking us along with you.❤ I will cherish my piece of Alaska. ❤
Thanks for coming along each week on Friday!! -J
You guys are quickly becoming our favorite TH-cam RV channel! Thank you for being straightforward and honest in your videos!
Wow. That’s such incredible encouragement! Thank you so much -J
Happy Friday!!! Always excited for your videos.
🏆🏆🏆 We so appreciate you watching!! -K
I love your videos and your sincerity! Thank you for sharing. Also the comparison with like being in Vegas was so perfect. And you are truly wonderful for giving Trinity a loving home. Looking forward to more videos!
Thank you so much! We try our best to be open and honest with our opinions while also making sure that we are overall entertaining in a positive way! Don’t want to rage bait! -J
Thanks for another great video Kalyn & Joe!
I always feel the weekend starts when I get to watch your adventures! Take care!
Glad you enjoyed your trip in Homer... kinda! Wish I would have known you guys were here, but I can't keep track of all TH-camrs. Would be happy to collaborate next time.
The bears can be hit or miss, and the best way to do it (and most expensive) is by air, unfortunately. They know exactly where to go, and can get to more remote regions as the bears move.
Let me know if you need anymore help on your trip, and recommendations in Alaska. Should be able to contact me through my bio or socials.
Very kind of you! Getting my pilots license is a dream of mine so maybe I'll come back in a few years and do that! Couldn't think of a more beautiful backdrop to learn in. Now I'm looking forward to watching your content because all the YT algo feeds me in regards to planes is crashes 👀. -J
Always looking forward to your videos!
Yay! Thank you for watching! -K
Another great video and another park checked off! Keep enjoying this trip
My jaw dropped when they said Montreal seasoning. That’s my go to if I’m not doing a recipe.
$1100 long distance grizzly is better than $111,000 close up surgery. 😮
This is true. Very true. -J
As always very informative and picturesque, wouldn’t miss your down to earth wholesomeness.. c. u. next time ❤
Great video! You stayed classy even while sharing disappointment. I would expect nothing less. 😉
Loved the cooking and totally agree with Kalyn about spouses and matching shirts!👕
🤣🤣 I’ve been “forced” to change on a few occasions over our 17 years together. L
Thank you for that kind comment. We tried very very hard to share our honest thoughts without coming across as “complainers.” It’s hard to drop $1k on something and feel like it was a bust. -J
Your trip is amazing and you both have personalities to match. Continue your fun. 🧸🐻
Thank you! -J
It looked like the fur baby liked the water! 💗 What beautiful moose!
She’s still figuring water out. 😂 I know she can swim…she doesn’t know it yet. Lol -J
Just watched your latest vlog and realized we’ve been hopscotching across Alaska with you. We’re currently in Fairbanks. Enjoying your channel and honesty! Happy travels.
Keep your eyes open...we're 4-5 weeks behind real time on videos...So....you might run into us. 😉 -J
Thanks for being honest on the pastries. It means we can really trust you when you say something is amazing. I appreciate it.
We thought about taking out this segment because we hate being negative, but we also didn’t want others to think we love EVERYTHING and are disingenuous. Thank you for your comment!! -K
I appreciate the honesty as it could help others to make important determinations in their own trip plans. The general splendor and the wildlife sightings there make it all worth it. It’s a gorgeous place.
Great video! And I thought Joseph was kneeling there praying for good weather instead of answering comments. 😂
hahaha! I've done my share of that over the past few weeks!!! 😂 -J
I'm so proud of you both! Keep getting out there on those boats!!!!!
Great video guys! You’re definitely getting your money’s worth! Trip of a lifetime.
For sure! While this excursion didn't pan out the whole trip certainly did! -J
It's nice that you are getting to spend time with good friends and enjoying all the beauty Alaska offers. I didn't realize Alaska got so much rain in the summer.
This year has actually been drier than the past two years as well. 😳
Being with friends is honestly the highlight of our summer. -J
Wait, wait, wait. Apple nachos? Did I miss that video? We need a recap on that. 👍🏼🦘
Haha - You know...when Kalyn said this in the back of my head I was thinking "I'm not sure people are going to know what this is..... but we'll see!" 😂
We'll be sure to include it in a future video. -J
I grew up in Alaska. Theres plenty of free camping areas. Depends on where you go. If you’re more inland there’s boon-docking everywhere the kenai and the homer spit are very popular areas so there’s not gonna be a lot of free places to camp.
My hubby and I were I Homer for a few days at the end of July and loved it. It was nice to see it again in your video.
We may have just missed each other then! We left Homer on July 19th! -J
Hi Trin! You need to sign the postcards with a paw print, cause you’re a star! Another great video to start my weekend. Thank you!
We tried….it was…shall we say…a failure of an adventure. 😂 -J
We went on an Alaskan cruise this past May. We had three outdoor excursions that had open air dining. It was rainy and cold for all three so we were pretty miserable. But some other folks went on the same cruise the next week and it was sunny every day. As you say, you can never tell what you might experience when you are only in an area a short period of time
I hope you’re planning on going to Denali. Also, I hope you drive across the Denali Highway (hwy 8) which goes from Paxton to Cantrell. We’ve seen lots of Griz and other wildlife. Camping at Tangle Lakes is awesome also.
I love your reaction to the sunshine! 😂 Trinity’s joy on the beach with the water was just pure joy! Did it seem like a new experience for her? I LOVE that you’ve gone through that many bags of choc chips!! 😂😂 Also, the best sticky bun I’ve ever had is the sticky bun place on the ALCAN. I believe theirs is impossible to beat.
I promise you that Kalyn's reaction to sun is 100% real. -J
@@OpenRoading I loved her reaction to the sun! I have felt the same way a few times. You captured it perfectly. 🤩
Awesome video again. You two make it look so fun!
Thank you! -J
Thanks for being honest about all the activities. I would have dug a bigger trench to move that water. I do not blame you for doing that. Great video!
Great video, two of my favorite couples! Y’all aren’t doing too bad on your expenditures, I agree on the tour expensive but you only live once! Your videos are a great start to the weekend so keep them coming.
Hello. Oh , my friends received their first post card. Thank you!!!!! Safe travels and thanks for sharing.
Trinity has been a blessing for you two, and I can see the difference she has made in y’all’s life. You two did good to adopt her.
I loved seeing the bears just because who really gets to see them in the wild munching grass? Yes it was definitely pricey but I think this trip is pretty priceless. I’m so happy you are sharing your adventures with us! 😊❤ I got my first postcard and I’m happy to know you met Craig and Victoria in my desert backyard! The “Supes” are beautiful! 😂⛰️ In a very desert kind of way. 🌞😊
The Supes hold a special place for Kalyn and I. I am 100% sure we will be back to explore some more. So many spectacular hikes. -J
Enjoying your video as I write this! As a pescatarian and knowing you are vegan, I would love for you to share what you eat in a day! Also what your “content calendar” looks like.. thanks for sharing and always being so transparent!!
Love Montreal Seasoning. The only thing we love more is Omaha Steak seasoning. Try some of that if you can get your hands on it.
Great video as always. Also, I was "beary" excited to receive our first postcard from Alaska!
Yay! It made it! One more on its way next week! -J
We went to Two Sisters in 2019 and what we got was delicious! Sorry you didn’t have the same experience! You two are so cute! 🥰
So glad it lived up to the hype for you!! 😀 -J
Oh boy that is a lot of money to see Bears! Better luck next time, we saw several Grizzly Bears on our Denali land tour before we went on the Cruise!
Put all the money on black and it came up red. 😂 -J
The weather on the spit reminds me of my childhood summer holidays in Wales in the mid 1970s!
And the wellies sealed the deal!
Kalyn loves her Wellies. 😁 -J
I was worried you wouldn’t see any bears! But I also love your honesty; I would feel the same after paying that much! Thank you for sharing Alaska with us - it’s so much fun to live vicariously through your adventures ☺️
Thanks so much for watching! -J
Whew!! That was a busy video! You guys are really doing a lot :) Bummer about the bears, but I'm hoping the falls makes up for it! The rain and gray can really get oppressive (why I moved from the PNW), but then I see the view out your truck window and wow, it's spectacular. I'm really hoping the weather cleared up for you and that there are BEARS in your future. Thanks again for sharing your adventures. I agree with Joseph, I think you're doing pretty darn good on the budget! We'll all be waiting for next week.....
Great footage Folks .. Makes me want to make a trip to Alaska
It’s a beautiful state! -J
That chicken with veggies meal looked gooood!
Other than the slightly burnt broccoli it turned out pretty good! 😊 -J
Yup me and my wife did 10 days of mooch docking at my cousins place near Anchor point, had a great time, salmon fishing, halibit fishing, down to Homer a few times, missing already, presently we r camping near Watson lake at a provincial park, on our way home to Wisconsin.
Very nice! Moochdocking is always fun! 😁 -J
I think most Alaskan would approve of your problem solving skills draining that lake!
Hey guys! Have been watching for a week or so and I need to give you some life changing advice :) If you put peanut butter on both sides of the bread then the jelly doesn't goo the bread up when you are ready to eat. Good luck on your travels. Hoping to join the rv community on the road within 6 months!
Haha - this is an approved method. -J
I feel like even a mediocre cinnamon bun trumps most pastries. 😅 Even though you had so many rainy days in a row your happy faces are still joyful to watch on this grand adventure. I'm very happy for you both. ❤
Oh my goodness! Your reaction to the bakery was adorable! Especially with you both normally loving peanut butter and jelly sandwiches 😜 I’m so glad you enjoyed the cinnamon rolls with turmeric much better 💕💕💕
One more quick memory of Alaska! In Yuma some years ago we met a couple, Dean and Linda. Linda had been the postmaster of Ninilchic, Alaska and Dean was a good guitar player. Dean and I would get together and jam. Well in the summer they lived in Alaska so while we were in Ninilchic we visited an open mic at a local place and low and behold there was Dean and Linda. After the jam we all went to their house and visited till quite late. Awesome memory of Ninilchic. Burlington Bill busking on the road and here on You-Tube.
Great video you all! Especially enjoyed it after getting my Alaska postcard today!!! Glad to see Trinity having fun on the beach. Joseph, a question…what is the selfie stick we saw you holding in the video?
This is the tripod selfie stick! amzn.to/3uMiFYq
We LOVE it! It has wide tripod legs too! (that fold up easily). We’ve been using this one since I think November of last year. -J
Boondocking free in Alaska is very available for smaller rigs. Camper vans and truck campers in particular. We took a camper van. No issues. Boondocking is also more available if you don't need cell service or internet. I will say though, even with big rigs, you only need reservations on holidays and in very popular areas, like Seward.
As you said, Alaska is amazing and well worth the challenges!
Got my first postcard🎉. What an Adventure you are sharing. There have been black bear sightings in my neighborhood recently eating from bird feeders. Stay safe and look forward to Denali👍🤩
I received my postcard today. I'm sorry you didn't find a starfish. I'm always excited to see your new adventures.
I, too, am a pastry aficionado. Sticky buns are cinnamon rolls with caramel and pecans. Cinnamon rolls have white icing, and sometimes have raisins inside. Hope that helps. ;)
Appreciate that! Genuinely! 😁 -J
Thanks! Excellent video. I was not able to get out of the clinic in a descent time on Thursday then was call back into the hospital anyways. Will have to meet up in the lower 48 sometime further down the road. Hopefully you will be able to check out the Alaska fair ---you will see a lot of Alaska in a short time. Another thing to check out are the Cultural Centers to learn about the history of Alaska. But either way you are definitely seeing a lot of this state
Totally understand and I was also working on this video until 2am on Friday....so... it would have been difficult on my end as well. I do hope to meet up! You have been our most faithful supporter and we are so grateful. -J
Good video! Too bad you didn’t see more bears, closer. You were right about Two Sisters, the cinnamon roll was not that good, but the apple gallete was pretty good. We had a great cinnamon rolls at a tiny place on the Homer spit, First Cast Creamery. Their ice cream and coffee was also good.
Well shoot! Now I have to go back to Homer to try another Cinnamon roll! 😂 -J
It I hard to spend money that type of experience for me. My daughter did the polar bear experience in Canada was like 6000 that includes food and lodging. She only saw 3 polar bear and few fox and was there 5 days. You just can not control nature. But at least your out there giving it a go. Safe travels
I would be absolutely crushed unless those bears were extra-ordinary encounters. You are 100% right. No control over where and when. -J
Another great video. I have had that happen like you did at the hyped-up bakery. I can't figure out if I am just used to really good bakeries in my area or if I just built up the thought that the items would be amazing when even though they are good, they are not the "best ever" type of item I was expecting. I was excited tonight when I was finally able to send a donation through PayPal. I tried a couple of weeks ago and it said my address was not valid, but it worked tonight. Nice to know my address is finally valid... LOL. The eagle pics were awesome.
Thanks so much for the kind donation a month ago! I don't know if I ever said that. If I didn't - I'm sorry!! I got so far behind in comments but I'm slowly catching back up! -J
Good to know about the paid camping. We always assumed we could do a lot of free camping when we finally get to Alaska. (Had plans for 2020 and when that imploded we haven't had the opportunity to get there since.)
And I love seeing Trinity playing in the water. Happy doggie.
If you have a smaller rig (small class C, truck camper, or Van) there are a lot more options for boondocking. But once you get a little longer like us, more difficult at least anywhere close to the "big attractions." -J
No matter how the day goes…..you are in an awesome environment! You are making the best of what you don’t have control of, enjoy! Where is Cody???? Haven’t seen him in a long time.
Thanks for asking about Cody. He's doing well all things considered. Still seems to be happy and still taking his meds daily. He's just a little camera shy. -J
Watching your new video today! My hubby and I love seeing your adventures! Thank you for sharing with us! Also, how do you get on your post card list?
Thank you so much!
We opened the post card list before the Alaska trip because we had an outpouring of people wanting to support the channel in a tangible way. 🥹🥹 We closed the “cart” on it just before we entered Canada so that we could not get things messed up.
I’m trying to convince Kalyn to let me do it again next year sometime - jury’s out on how well my convincing is going. 😀 Stay tuned! -J
@OpenRoading thank you for letting us know! I'm sure you guys get a lot of subscribers wanting to be a part of your adventure! Good luck to you both and safe travels! We hope to be traveling in our rv soon. We full time but haven't been able to travel yet, but it's definitely in our future!
I guess when it comes to unknown Alaskan excursions, sometimes you just have to grin and bear it, lol. At least mosquito viewing is free. Here's to better days ahead.
When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. When your campground hands you a lake, dig a river to drain it! 😀
To be honest... I enjoyed every minute. Inside this heart 41 year old guy is his 8 year old self who grew up playing in creeks and ponds. 😂 -J
Yes I can relate to that it's very much a gamble on expensive excursions. I once spent I think it was $600 (per person) for a van ride up to the top of the Crazy Horse memorial in South Dakota, got some great pictures. I could see tho many families that came to the area with their kids not willing to spend $2,400 or $3k for the trip tho, luckily for me I was traveling solo. If it was 200 or 300 a person they wouldn't be able to make enough trips to accommodate as many people that would spend that reasonable amount of money, so in a way it's financial gatekeeping. It is too bad you didn't have the best of luck, that misty rain can really bring fun events down a notch.
For sure for sure! The biggest struggle was the rain combined with the distance of the bears. All our photos have a billion raindrops between us and the bear giving every photo the appearance of being out of focus. It is what it is. as you probably were able to tell…we had a very different experience at Brooks falls when it came to bear viewing. 😉 -J
Did an Alaskan cruise in July and it rained everyday but one. I wanted to see the Fords so bad and the ship had to turn around because it was too foggy and we didn’t see a thing. We spent thousands but we had a great time and would do it again. So I know what you’re talking about. 💕
Oh wow! That would be so devastating! Yeah, you have to have other things that make it worth it! For us - this specific excursion wasn't worth it - but getting to spend the summer with friends has been priceless. -J
Now at the end of August it's still raining...In Alaska if you wait for the rain to end to do something you will never do it. This year, in the Anchorage area at least, we are way over the usual rain average, the summer has pretty much been terrible.
@@alaskanguy7413 I feel like we were pretty lucky for the first half of our trip - not much rain at all where we were - then it just socked in for the second half of the adventure which we were kind of expecting based on our research ahead of time. Don't know how you handle it every year though! We miss the sun! 🌞 -J
When Kalyn mentioned the $1100 to see bears farther than my eyes can see I sprayed my coffee in shock.😂😂 Hey spend it while you got you can't take it with you just make sure you got enough to make it back to the lower 48. Enjoy the rest of your trip
For sure for sure! We had a specific amount set aside for excursions and it looks like we are actually going to come out under that budget! -J
I'm enjoying your experiences so much and looking forward to receiving my post card 💕.
You should get it very soon if not already! If you don't see it tomorrow please reach out to me at rvopenroading@gmail.com! As of Monday all our 1st cards had gone out! -J
Since watching your Vlog for just a month or so, I can tell you both have truly found your voice! Besides your day-to-day and excursions, I enjoy your candor, authenticity and wit with a twist of humor. And the Vegas and Alaska excursion reference was a great analogy. What's more is ... Your stockpile of "17" bags 🍫 of chocolate chips is depleted in what seems to be a short time! I how you shop! Cheers! 🥛🍪
Can u make a cookbook? Lol all ur food ideas sound so yummy! Even the chocolate chips! 😅❤
Burnt broccoli on page 4. 😂 -J
Love your content 😎😎😎🐾🐾
Another great video. I have heard through videos of other nomads that have visited Alaska that the two sisters bakery was really delicious. Sorry that it was disappointing to you, but I had to agree that the choices did not look all that delicious lol. I would’ve went for something with a little more frosting and gooeyness! I would have been disappointed too if I had paid that much to go on an excursion to see a certain wildlife and come back a little bit empty. But like you said you are in Alaska and that was your dream. ❤
Thanks!
Thanks so much Dennis. So appreciate this and your kind comment. -J
Enjoy it👍👍👍
Greetings from the Navajo Reservation. I just got back from working up I Alaska. I seem a few of y’all’s uploads&say? Since you’re up there. Try getting in at Purdhoe Bay working 3weeks on & 3weeks off!! The both of ya could money up! The Campus is pretty awesome.
We decided not to go all the way North this time around. We still have 4 national parks to hit (most of them hard to get to) so we're going to hit the arctic when we come back and do those...probably in a different rig for the sake of mobility. Someday! -J
Brooks Falls hands down for bear viewing, very costly but very worth the trip!
Video on it soon! Ish.
You said Ninilchik perfectly. Just a point about rhubarb. The only rhubarb worth eating is Victoria and it is green, with very little red. The red rhubarbs are almost flavorless. If the rhubarb is red it's either had coloring added or it's made with non Victoria types. The idea behind rhubarb/strawberry pie is that the berries gave the pie some color. Rhubarb from our patch was always green and the pie was always snot green and it was delicious.
The scenery is absolutely glorius! Thank you so much for putting out these videos.
Kayln, would you be more comfortable if you adjusted your seatbelt? It looks like it is in the highest positon, that must get annoying.
I dream of going to Alaska someday
Saving money? Buy baked goods at Safeway. Boom!
Love your honesty about things! I must say that Joe could be a brother to Sean from Long Long Honeymoon!
If you ever get to the Maritimes of Canada, you will have to check out the tides of the Bay of Fundy, they are the largest in the world. Just for your information, a brown bear or cinnamon bear are a sub species of the Black Bear. The Bears you photographed had the shoulder hump of a Grizzly Bear.
Alaskan call grizzlies brown bears, especially coastal ones. Kodiak bears another name
I may have told this story before but…went in a tour in Alaska to see wildlife. Everyone but a few of us got off the bus because we were sick or handicapped and could not take the long walk. The tour had packed sandwiches and they were not to have any onions on my sandwich but it did. So my friend took the onions off and asked to take them off the bus to toss. The bus driver said no but he could wash his hands in the bathroom at the beginning of the trail. So my friend went to the bathroom and and headed back toward the bus. As he was getting on the bus we were warned if a grizzly heading to the park. The grizzly went to the bathroom that my friend had just visited. Sniffed the door, walked to the bus and left. The bus driver said he had never seen a grip up close like that before and he lived in Alaska. The people on th bus were taking all kinds of pictures. The tour was given the permission to go back to the bus and were so upset because they didn’t see anything. Fun memories
We rode out to the Kilchers while there and did the tour of the homestead then went back and rented there Air B&B. Also went over to Halibut Cove from Homer on a Antique Boat ran by two of the sweetest girls.
You missed out!! The sticky buns are their best item. So yummy. Sorry that your excursion was a bust. Best thing to do is talk to the locals before booking ANYTHING. I lived up there for 40 years and know that the locals always know best. 😊. The market had sooooo much great produce when I was there in July. But August is the full monty of markets.
Nice!! We just visited a farmers market in Fairbanks today and picked up some produce. 🙂 -J
We just watch your video. It’s such a bummer you didn’t have a good bear tour. We were in Alaska last year and we went with Scenic Bear Viewing and it was absolutely awesome! It was only a little bit more then what you paid and they fly you to the spot, which is faster so you get more time with the bears. We loved it so much, we went back and did a second tour with them. Martin and Dylan are great pilots and guides. They get you right in on the action. They took us to Lake Clark and Katmi it was such an up close and personal experience. Hopefully Brooks Falls is better for you. We’ve heard that it is crowded and there’s a long wait in line to get to the good picture spot. Safe travels ❤
A question about the water jugs and a hose I see you had into or connected onto one of the jugs, I can't tell from the video as to how your pushing water uphill into the fresh water tank connection on the side of the RV. The reason I am curious is that my brother a couple of years ago was talking about how its almost impossible to put water into his truck camper as it as the similar type of fitting high up on the side of the camper as its not designed to pour in ( old campers were though but that was a LOT of work) so I said why not buy a portable 12 volt DC water pump that actually has garden hose fittings on the pump and comes with a cord with alligator clips to connect to a vehicle battery. So he did and as he tows a Jeep behind his camper truck, that is what he hauls a couple of jugs in and if he goes somewhere with the Jeep he can fill up the jugs at a water source and then suck them out and into the camper with his little pump setup at camp ( idles the Jeep with the hood up to use its 12 volt source ).
So there are a couple of ways to do this depending on your setup. Craig and Victoria actually have a pump for their cordless tools that allows them to pump it into their camper (much like you described). You would just have your valves set to how you would if you were filling your tank from a spigot.
In our case we have a “sanitize” setting with the valves. Technically it’s used if you are wanting to pump bleach water into your fresh tank. Basically the pump is just sucking from the intake and pushing to the fresh tank. As long as the hose isn’t too long and it’s thick enough not to collapse it works great!
Let me know if I made it more or less confusing. 😂 -J
@@OpenRoading Very interesting, I did not realize that some RV's have this sanitize system which allows for sucking from a container. I assume either my brothers camper does not have that feature built into the valving system or it does and he is not aware of it !. I've never had much of an urge to own and deal with an RV myself but as a kid along with my siblings we knew all about being pack mules for water at every campsite we went to as "back in the day" truck campers were far more basic and they had a small moulded half cup with a lid on it so to speak that sat on the side of the camper. Either the tank was filled with sticking a garden hose into that cup or by pouring water into it. We would be told ( the word is "told" not asked ! ) by one of the parents to take these containers/buckets and go find potable water and that often consisted of a hand pump jack in campgrounds at the time if you have ever seen or used one ?. Then carry the water back and water is heavy and kids are not as strong, holding the said container over our heads to reach the fill cup and do this trip to the hand pump over and over again ... we were the little slaves that supplied the water .... in fact that was running water although we weren't running 😅
@@charlesb4267 😂 Literal running water. 💧 -J
You went to freaking Lake Clark! The home of the original content creator Richard Proenneke. Watch the 2004 film "Alone in the Wilderness" if you haven't already done so and wear your street cred with pride. Even if you didn't see everything, you were there! Too cool.
When visited Alaska last summer, we really enjoyed the Fireweed Jelly! Fireweed grows wild there and they make a ton of tasty stuff out of it?
We did Katmai a couple years ago. It was AWESOME!! We were so close, we could have touched them. We didn’t touch them because we wanted to keep our hands.
Thank you so much for your videos always look forward to them, but the weather seems to be cold and wet from all the people that have gone to Alaska this year,
Hi,
Another great video,
Sure was disappointed for you both about the Bear excursion,
Please Joseph and Kalyn keep on keeping it real,
Kalyn loved your gumboots
Many thanks
Aussie Fan 🧡