12 Things to Know Before Driving to Alaska

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Күн бұрын

After a three month road trip to Alaska in a camper van, Debbie is sharing with us her twelve things to know before driving to Alaska. Many of these questions are the common Alaska road trip questions she receives from her viewers daily. She will be touching on topics from the best vehicle to drive to Alaska to how many days to visit Alaska. It is a big state and it is remote. But, with a little planning and foreknowledge you may find it really isn't that difficult.
Debbie, a.k.a. From She to Me purchased her van in the summer of 2017 (it is a 2018 Pleasure-Way Ascent). Debbie and her husband are normally on the road in their sprinter van 6 months out of the year. They traveled to Alaska in 2019 from their home in Southern California. She started her channel in 2018 and covers all topics related to their RV travels. The channel name From She to Me comes from one of her favorite poems. The "She" represents our mothers and the wisdom and love they pass from one generation to the next.
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Пікірлер: 136

@FromShetoMe 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Drew. It was fun working with you and I look forward to your next adventure.

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

You are most welcome Debbie! We owe you a big thanks as well for sharing your journey with everyone.

@justincase9519 3 жыл бұрын

We did the trip from Louisiana to the Arctic Circle just as GPS was beginning to proliferate and still somewhat inaccurate, 2005. We were in a two door Jeep Wrangler pulling a Jeep trailer and sleeping in a tent most of the time. The thing then was the MILEPOST publication. Great book then, and I assume it still is. I highly recommend it. 13,000 miles and 8 weeks. BTW, still have the Jeep and trailer.

@angpb6176 3 жыл бұрын

This was a fantastic collaboration - enjoyed both videos and perspectives. Thanks for the tips, recommendations and info. We can’t wait for the day we set off for Alaska. Best to you both and thank you for the excellent videos!

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

Anybody planning a trip up here? Or have you already been here? Can't wait to here your thoughts.

@rogers7772 3 жыл бұрын

I'll be making the trek up in March

@luminousveiws 3 жыл бұрын

30+ years ago we did a month in a 27' C with 2 small kids. Fantastic! Going back, I guess not this year, in our 30' 5er. Back then we thought about switching our sleep schedule. The animals are out dawn and dusk (after 10 and before 4!) so we were always asleep! This vid has gone into a playlist of planning help.

@pcsteve6072 3 жыл бұрын

Regarding rigs, we used a 17 ft Casita Travel Trailer pulled by a stock 4x4 pickup and did great including the Top of the World and McKenzie highways. It was nice being able to explore unencumbered while the trailer was in camp. Even for stops while hooked up, parking was not a problem - Alaska isn't crowded like the US. 4x4 not necessary. Caravanning is only necessary for social reasons. Consider if you are on the same page for things like boondocking, cell/internet and dining. To get a campsite with signal may require an RV Park at $40-50 when you could have boondocked free at a scenic location. Likewise, a stop to try the local IPA usually turns into a $50/couple dinner. On restaurant prices, plan on $15 burgers and $20 fish and chips. Just remember, their season is short so support them cheerfully. Excursions are the only way to experience some things in Alaska. I was reluctant to suggest a $400-600 excursion to my wife much less to another couple. Do your research and have those conversations well in advance so you don't miss out on something you really wanted to do. Lastly, gotta disagree with Debbie on the Seward boats, we did the full day tour into Kenai Fjords and it was great. I'm pretty sure the mountain goats on the cliffs above the water were real.

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing all of this! The 17' Casita is a dream of a trailer. And perfect for an Alaskan adventure. We take out the 13' Scamp quite often and my wife always wants the 16 or 17' fiberglass trailer. The one with the floor layout where you don't have to change the bed into a table everyday. I think I mentioned on Debbie's channel how much I love the Kenai Fjords tour. We actually own an inflatable boat that we take down there quite often. But, I still take the large boat tour every few years. Nothing beats the spotters they use to locate the wildlife. Not to mention those boats can get out to locations in 20 minutes that take me an hour or more. Another fun thing here is chasing the migrations. So you can do a gray whale tour during one part of the year and then later go and see the super pods of orcas. It is so neat how ever changing the ocean can be.

@ijblessjourney 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing... love the journey and will definitely watch your Alaska Journey series. We are planning to go in 2023.

@alexanderweaver4838 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Drew and Debbie, for this incredible collaboration. You both answered pretty much every question I had about traveling in Alaska.

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

That is great to hear! Thank you for the feedback

@mikemanjo2458 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great info! Cool collaboration!

@noniemcd 3 жыл бұрын

We were in Alaska at the same time Debbie was. We loved it. Thanks for the reminders, pictures and ideas.

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

That is so cool to hear! Small world. That also means if you were here the same time as her, you were here the same time as us! I remember that summer. Lots of smoke in the air.

@BlueCollarDIY 3 жыл бұрын

Great info. This is one trip I've always wanted to take. Hoping to finally get it done this year or next!

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

We are a bit biased. But, we say it is so worth it!

@earlhunt2815 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this perspective. Really enjoyed this format.

@ericklarson9058 2 жыл бұрын

We drove up through Canada pre-COVID (2019) and ferried back from Haines, AK, to Bellingham, WA (4-1/2 days). We had a cabin with a bath. My biggest surprise was how infrequent the Alaska Marine Highway ferries run. From Haines it was once a week, so our travel schedule had to be set and determined by the ferry schedule. I appreciated how the Canadians clear the timber on both sides of the Alaskan Highway so that wildlife is clearly visible well before you approach them.

@mwsteffen 3 жыл бұрын

That was a great idea! Enjoyed both videos.

@doncates2954 3 жыл бұрын

Great job, wonderful questions and answers. Enjoy it very much.

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed this one Don. Was so fun having Debbie share her tips with us.

@fabiomalheiro8152 3 жыл бұрын

Loved the colab! Two of the most interesting channels in KZfaq, the results couldn't be better! Oh, we really want to drive up there. Our main issue has been the time allocated for it. We were thinking of something close to what Debbie described: we may need at least 2 months for this trip, and that's the trickiest part. Thank you both Debbie and Drew, for such entertaining and informative videos.

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, I would highly agree that you need to set aside the extra time. Slowing it down through the north is such a beautiful thing. It is just so quiet and peaceful up here. I think the time you set aside will have huge payoffs for months to come. But, I also agree that is tough to do when you still have to pay the bills.

@mysticalmisfit1332 3 жыл бұрын

Great interview! I love the channel, From She To Me🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 So informative😊👌🏽

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

Isn't Debbie and John great! We were so glad we discovered them early in our camping adventures. We have learned so much from their modifications.

@hbjtf 3 жыл бұрын

Nice job, I enjoyed the videos from both of you!

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed them John! I think I saw that same hat laying on the table in one of Debbie's videos. I own the same hat as well.

@bettyjorodgers8552 3 жыл бұрын

Such a lot of great information. Thank you.

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it. Glad Debbie was able to help us out! Thanks Betty Jo for sharing.

@joanmcerlean7158 3 жыл бұрын

Love the collaboration. Great video.

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Joan! Glad you were able to catch all of Debbie's tips.

@MegaJOAOPAULO100 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! I am almost done with my teardrop and am hoping to make that trip with a tiny camper =D

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear you are almost done. I can't imagine how that must feel! You are going to have a blast making that trip. Thanks for sharing Joao.

@dakat1726 3 жыл бұрын

I enjoy both channels- wonderful to see comparative tips.

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed them!

@shesadrifter3912 3 жыл бұрын

Found your channel on She to Me. Just subscribed.

@maitildamcintyre9344 3 жыл бұрын

I can’t wait to travel to Alaska and Canada in my van but will wait until all the pandemic 😷 issues are resolved. Great video and I love From she to me KZfaq channel.

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

That sounds like you have an amazing trip ahead of you. We have our fingers crossed that these vaccines are going to really help us get through this all quicker. We are really starting to miss Canada. Glad you have already discovered Debbie. She is amazing!

@timsmith7625 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Drew for collaborating with Debbie. Enjoyed your video and hers with your suggestions. Been there and going back hopefully this summer as canceled last summer.

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome to hear you are coming back soon. Glad you enjoyed the collaboration Tim!

@timsmith7625 3 жыл бұрын

@@PlayingwithSticks will be the fifth trip and second driving one via ALCAN and western Canada. Drove it once, two long flying trips, and one small boat via the inner passages.

@tdadventures 3 жыл бұрын

Great collaboration!! We just subscribed. Because of you two, we would love to visit Alaska one day.

@kswaynes7569 3 жыл бұрын

Allow the time! You will always wish you had stopped more often, seen more and taken the time to explore more areas.

@tdadventures 3 жыл бұрын

@@kswaynes7569 thank you so much for the suggestions.

@danieltaylor3396 3 жыл бұрын

In Canada once you leave the cities and farmland, almost all the land is Crown Land, owned by the provincial government. In B.C. the public is allowed to recreate on Crown Land including access to logging roads and any logging areas. The only restriction is the public is not allowed to build permanent structures or interfere with timber values (don't cut down trees). So free camp just about anywhere.

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

This is so great to hear. This is exactly what Debbie was wanting to know. Thank you Daniel!

@RVAmerica 3 жыл бұрын

This was a very helpful video. We're hoping to travel to Alaska in one year. Still trying to figure all this out. Great timing on it. Lynn and Danny

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed Debbie's tips. One year from now sounds perfect. She borders should be opened by then...we hope! You are going to have such a blast!

@RVAmerica 3 жыл бұрын

@@PlayingwithSticks we cant wait!

@kswaynes7569 3 жыл бұрын

Great detailed description on your trip to/from Alaska. We drove up 9 years ago and plan on leaving in early Fall 2021. Traveled from Kansas to Anchorage in 7 days, we were under a time crunch to get here and missed sooo much on the way here. Traveled in my work truck with a small trailer loaded with tools, two adults and a 130# dog. We will be traveling back, taking more time, bringing a second vehicle, towing a larger trailer with sleeping facilities, more tools but not my partner dog. Windshields are a "consumable item", in traveling, even in Alaska on main highways. No sand used here, more like little pebbles or small rocks.

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing. Your initial trip sounds like the trip we are about to take this summer. Because Canada isn't allowing leisure travel at the moment we will be zipping through with our trailer in tow. The last time we came up we took 30 days. It was incredible! You are going to have such a fun experience when you get to slow down a bit. But, I bet even the 7 days was a trip of a lifetime for most folks.

@sandrap3047 3 жыл бұрын

Just subscribed. She to Me led me here.

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

Aww, thank you Sandra! We really appreciate it. Big fans of Debbie and her channel.

@Chris_at_Home 3 жыл бұрын

I have driven the road twice northbound. The first time was in April of 1979 and I drove from Edmonton to Wasilla in two days. I did it again in 2013 with a new truck pulling an 19’ camp trailer and took only drove a few hundred miles a day. When I drove up in 79 the road was mostly gravel and I carried two spares and put a 1/4 screen over the grill. When we drove up in 2013 we were usually in campgrounds early along the Alcan and we never had any problems finding a place to camp. If I were going to drive it again I’d get something like a camper on a Ford Transit. I’d never want to pull a trailer a long distance again. Pulling a trailer around Alaska is fine.

@tacrewgirl Жыл бұрын

Great colab!

@PlayingwithSticks Жыл бұрын

Thanks Lisa! I have always been a big fan of Debbie, so it was exciting to work with her.

@TravelsofRedRover 3 жыл бұрын

We enjoyed the video. We follow both of you.

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

That is so neat to hear! We have been surprised to find we have quite a bit of overlap in terms of viewers. Glad you were able to find Debbie! Such a great resource!

@metaxaanabeer 3 жыл бұрын

C&P from she to me's video comment, by me. We did the trip a few years ago with a 15 year old mid sized 4 cyl SUV pulling a 5x8 teardrop trailer. Loved it so much we did it again and as soon as the pandemic allows us to cross boarders we will do it even again. We are Canadian so not quite so far to drive as lower 48 peeps. 90% of the road issues can be eliminated by at least 80% by just slowing down a bit. In the words of the old song, keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel. Masterful collaboration you two, pat yourself on the back, how they should be done! Not one mention of a Jakery battery! Just solid info... PS: In Canada, especially the north, if it isn't signed as private property or no camping/overnights allowed then you can.

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

So glad you pasted this in here. I think this is the type of stuff many people want to know. Your type of travel is the travel people dream of doing. It is the "one day" travel we all talk about. So neat to see people making that "one day" be "today."

@metaxaanabeer 3 жыл бұрын

@@PlayingwithSticks We have our go go years. Then we start with the go slow years and before you know it you are into the no go years followed up by the where did everyone go years. Use your go go years wisely. It deteriorates all too fast if you ask me.

@mikemead2315 3 жыл бұрын

Yes! Thanks! Good info!

@kenpatton8761 Жыл бұрын

We have a 4x4 dually with a large truck camper. Haven’t made the trip to Alaska from Oregon yet but have driven from Portland OR to Boston MA, down to Nashville, up to the Blackhills and Custer/CrazyHorse in South Dakota and back to Portland. We never (almost) drive faster than 65 mph and when figuring daily distance (our max is 300 miles a day)we use 50 mph as a normal measurement. 50 mph into 300 is 6hrs daily. 50 also gives us a built-in buffer for fuel stops/traffic jams/construction zones…makes it easy to judge. We’re fairly new to camper traveling (our camper is a 2022 model) but so far we’re loving it! At our extended stays, we unload the camper and have the truck free to go out scouting. Safe travels to all… Cheers

@Zakk900 Ай бұрын

Nobody cares what you do

@joycejohnson1396 3 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed listening to Deb and it makes me really want to drive to Alaska to see it’s beauty and the wild life. I am reading a book called “Tip of the Iceberg” by Mark Adams it is a good read.

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

We are going to have to check out that book. Looks like it is getting really great reviews too. Thanks for sharing Joyce.

@maykouhansen6713 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! I love tip number nine about loving or hating your rig after coming to AK. I wonder how our little year drop would do on the Alcan highway?! Lol!

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

You will never know until you try it! We can't wait to make our next trip down to the Lower 48. Unfortunately it will probably take place when leisure travel is closed. But, even if we don't get to stop at least we get to drive through all that beauty.

@mikemead2315 3 жыл бұрын

Many go to Alaska with teardrops and less. In fact, one of the Field Editors, Judy Nadon of ‘The Milepost’ (the bible of Alaskan vacation travel and has all the points of interest with mileage on all the roads up to and in Alaska), traveled at least the Dempster Highway in a teardrop - looks like a LittleGuy pulled by a Pontiac sedan. From what I read, most roads are as good as any in the lower 48 (but more frost heaves). People do it with even a Prius all the time. Unless you are going way off the beaten path for a long distance, anything will make it. The more off the main roads, the better the tires needed. Not that the roads are that much worse than anything in the lower 48 - you are just farther from tire fixes or new tires. There are sone not very used roads made with big sharp gravel not recommended for trailers. Unless you are planning to go to that particular isolated place, you wont see those roads. If you do, like trying to go up to Deadhorse on the Dalton Highway, and it looks bad, just turn around.

@mark-di5pf 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! I can't wait for the apocalypse to be over so that we can explore BC and Alaska with Bean Trailer! Someday soon, fingers crossed!

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

Fingers crossed is right! I think I was being a bit too hopeful that it would be lifted this summer. It is going to kill me this summer blowing through Canada with our trailer in tow. But, on the positive side it will give us more time to explore the West. Do I see Utah and Deserts in my near future? Talking with Debbie really gets me excited to go further south than usual.

@mark-di5pf 3 жыл бұрын

@@PlayingwithSticks come see us at Bean in Utah if you get here before we get there!

@kimpbay 3 жыл бұрын

Maybe this summer I'll be able to visit Alaska.. I live in Canada, btw love your channel 😍🤩😍

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

We are hoping to do the same but in reverse. We have our fingers crossed that Canada will open the borders to leisure travel so we don't have to move so quickly through there with our trailer this summer. What part of Canada are you from Kim?

@kimpbay 3 жыл бұрын

@@PlayingwithSticks born and raised in Ontario, I've been living in Alberta for 10 years.

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

@@kimpbayThat is neat that you have both perspectives. We have spent quite a bit of time in Alberta, but never have worked our way East. It is very high on the bucket list.

@martykong3592 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks much for another wonderful share and video! Paid close attetnion to her rig, and how small it is; seems to be exactly as she said, small and nimble, but kudos for prep to Van before the trip... no spare tire is a big deal, but her shop did an amazing job in lift and tires for trip. Confirms for me at least, Class C is too big. Cheers from south of the border! :)

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

We had very similar takeaways from this video Marty. It was the nimble comment that stuck with May and I as well. You can't put a price on simplicity. Especially when it comes to minimizing anxiety and stress on the road. I will admit as you get more comfortable towing trailers, you start getting less stressed when towing larger trailers. But, that takes years of towing and practice to feel no different driving to work than towing a trailer. Again I can't place a value on those first few years being so simple and easy. It is like any hobby. If you have a positive start you tend to have a long smooth road ahead of you. If the start is rocky your chances of sticking with that hobby are much less. What I found interesting about her lift was it didn't look that high. I am guessing part of that is due to the ground effects/trim on the bottom of her van. I love the offroad/overland look on vans. But I also like the classy versions too. Neat to see you can keep it classy, but make it a bit more overland capable.

@FromShetoMe 3 жыл бұрын

After 3+ years with our van, I am amazed at how we continue to find ways to consolidate and minimize.

@omaraviles3515 Жыл бұрын

Do I need a front license plate to drive through Canada, BC, if my car is registered in Arizona ? We only get one, the back one.

@ellchisholm5010 10 ай бұрын

Im thinking of doing a trip to Alaska myself and i have a question for all of you. Can i bring livestock or no? I was thinking of maybe bringing my cats and a few gaots lamanchas preferably. Would it make more sense to bring my fav breed or buy dairy goats in the state when i arrive? I really love lamanchas and im not sure they are in alaska or not.

@chelsea7229 3 жыл бұрын

11:30. Couldn’t disagree more on this one thing. My boat tour out of Seward was one of my absolute favorite things I did, and I have an aversion to “touristy” things. The ferries just don’t get as up close and personal with the wildlife, and the on board naturalists added so much to the experience. Spring for a boat tour- you won’t regret it.

@barbaradowney4207 3 жыл бұрын

I agree Chelsea. The Kenai Fjords boat ride was also one of my favorite things. The stopping at the glacier and all the animals were awesome. Took a fly-in fishing and bear viewing with High Adventure Air out of Soldotna was also a trip of a lifetime.

@kswaynes7569 3 жыл бұрын

@@barbaradowney4207 My boat trips have been with my son and 2 granddaughters on the Kenai River, fly fishing. Seeing a brown bear pop out less than 15' in front of you gives your and the little girl with me some real pucker affect, but I've been here over 8 years, so no real tourist excursions for me.

@heathersmith6416 4 ай бұрын

For camping in Canada, I use the backroad maps app which shows crown land which is available for free camping. It also shows camp sites, and fishing spots.

@PlayingwithSticks 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing this

@cjroaming997 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Drew, I've watched some of your videos before so it was fun to see From She To Me was collaborating with you. My question for you is based on your trailers and if they have an insulated or enclosed under belly? If not then does this pose a problem for you and your family comfort wise. Although we have a Pleasureway it's 15 years old and doesn't have an enclosed under belly. My concern is the cold would be too much. Yes we have a heater but not sure it would be able to keep up. When we have camped in cold weather we winterized and laid down foam padding on the floor and it helped tremendously.

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

Of the three trailers we own none have insulated floors. And it is very noticeable once it gets below zero. For the teardrop it is not a big deal because the insulated pad we sleep on solves the problem. It also seems to stop the cold from moving up into the camper. But something like your van where there’s a walkway inside you will feel it a bit. Now all that said. Most folks living full-time in Alaska in a camper van do not have an enclosed underbelly. And they get by, but I’m not sure how. A Great resource for this would be Bob Wells. He lived up here in Anchorage for ...I believe 12 years in his van. Not once did he leave during the winter. I wish we could be of more help. But, I know he can. He also has some really great winter videos where he covers how to stay warm in a van. Really it’s not the warmth that is the issue it comes down more to the moisture. Winter camping and removing moisture is probably the toughest battle.

@Shumi-kr3tc 10 ай бұрын

What is the best resource to find campgrounds in Canada?

@YilmazArdaSingh 3 жыл бұрын

Trying to find a video you'd made that recommended a fold up kitchen featured on a fellow youtuber's channel. Sorry, I know not related to this video (which is great!) but am trying to find that fold up kitchen counter. Searching through your videos but can't remember / find it.

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

Oh yes, I know exactly what you are referring to. The table you are looking for is amzn.to/3ukmaAh and the video where we highlight it is kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jdeGh9eZtajZe6M.html

@aharquail 3 жыл бұрын

Can’t wait to make the drive from British Columbia one day!

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

We are the opposite. We can't wait to get back to BC! 😆

@aharquail 3 жыл бұрын

@@PlayingwithSticks We live on Vancouver Island so it’s hard to leave to take a “vacation” 😁

@tarac5137 3 жыл бұрын

Great collaboration! I followed along with Debbie and John during that trip, and having this concise overview was helpful. My question - are dogs allowed on the ferries? And if so, what’s the situation for them? Thanks! 🐶

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

Good question. Yes, they are allowed. But, it is kind of interesting the setup. If you go to this link dot.alaska.gov/amhs/policies.shtml and then click the dropdown for "pets" you will see the info. My only hesitation is those longer trips. If your dog struggles to handle an 8 hour timeframe of being alone you may want to avoid the long routes.

@tarac5137 3 жыл бұрын

@@PlayingwithSticks thank you for sharing the info!

@barbaradowney4207 3 жыл бұрын

@@tarac5137 We went with our Dobie years ago and he had to stay in the pickup. We would go down and visit with him but he did spend a lot of time in the truck. Not sure if that's changed over the years.

@tarac5137 3 жыл бұрын

@@barbaradowney4207 thanks!

@rachealmcdaniel9268 Жыл бұрын

Those that have been to Alaska and the ones that want to go 😊

@mikemead2315 3 жыл бұрын

I like your advice about under packing, especially the easy to buy inexpensive items that can be easily purchased (to others, don’t make my mistake of packing enough food for 6 weeks and returning with most of it 😬🤣. Local restaurants really are a treat!). I liked your comment about liking your short and maneuverable camper. Both attributes are bit more important to me as I get older, as I am leaning more toward a tiny pop-up truck-camper vs tiny enclosed pull-behind just for the maneuverability, though there is more functional room with a tiny enclosed pull behind. I am hoping the rain is like Portland, Oregon with very light continuous rain needing a hat or waves of rain then sun and rainbows. Glad you liked your KOs. Seem to be well thought of. Thanks!

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

Yes! May and I have wasted/ruined so much food from overpacking perishable items. The fridge pretty much eliminated that, but I really don't think a fridge is needed. Just some thoughtful packing will do the trick.

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, in terms of rain we are much more like Portland than other places in the country with the big storms and sideways blowing winds. We don't have a lot of downpours. It is more like all day, heavy sprinkling that makes you cold to the bone if you aren't dressed right. But, if dressed right you barely even realize it is raining.

@goldgoat22 3 жыл бұрын

Shout out to Pleasureway! Great Saskatoon company.

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

That’s neat! I had no idea they were out of Saskatoon. Classy little camper vans.

@FromShetoMe 3 жыл бұрын

If the border opens, we hope to get to their factory for a tour.

@lesliehatun2044 Жыл бұрын

Wish I had an interstate 19. Love to drive there. 🚗 Alaska. Do I need a passport?

@JamesSmith-co1kt 3 жыл бұрын

Wife and I are coming to fairbanks in July. My major concern is Canada. What are their rules about entry and covid? We are coming from Tennessee. We plan on a month in Alaska and have all the time in the world to get there. We will not be in a rv and plan on sleeping in the truck topper.

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

We will have to look into the Covid requirements as we will be making that trip this summer as well. The last I heard they were allowing you to go through, but no stops. Basically essential travel. Really hoping everything moves quick and they open it up for leisure travel the summer.

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

On our trips to Canada we do very similar to Debbie’s style. We go 160 miles a day. We have found that was like the perfect distance to mosey through there. The best blessing you have going for you is that you have all the Time in the world. Thanks for sharing James. Hopefully somebody will chime in about the Covid entry requirements.

@ph1ca 3 жыл бұрын

Currently land crossings are closed in either direction. The only exception is essential travel including Alaskans needed to go to or come from there. Here in the Yukon such travellers have 24 hours to pass through and can only stop for fuel. I’m not sure of time limits in BC or Alberta. There have not been any Covid cases here for about three weeks so I don’t see anything changing until other jurisdictions get things under control.

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

@@ph1ca Thank you Phil for sharing this. Great to hear about your Covid cases. Hopefully we will start hearing similar stories across North America sooner than later.

@FromShetoMe 3 жыл бұрын

We keep hoping the rules may allow those with vaccines to enter but if not, our planned trip to Nova Scotia will have to wait yet another year.

@jazzyroly 8 ай бұрын

Has anyone does this without a camper or a van? I'm in a RAV4 and am super curious about the safety and comfort of traveling while just car camping in an SUV

@PlayingwithSticks 8 ай бұрын

Yes, this is a great option. We did this for years in the back of our jeep.

@PlayingwithSticks 8 ай бұрын

Comfort, not so much. But, simplicity to the max. The most difficult thing we found was balancing storage space and sleeping/living space. Today with rooftop tents, that is another option to free up more space for storage. As for safety...you can get in the drivers seat and get out fast. In Canada we did got a lot of knocks on the windows at night from the police. Many areas are very keen on moving sleeping travelers along.

@byronbrasher8118 3 жыл бұрын

2014 Keystone Cougar fifth wheel 26 SAB

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

This is what you took up to Alaska? Was it the right one for you? Any issues on the road. I bet you guys had a blast!

@heathersmith6416 4 ай бұрын

A cdn SIM card won’t help. Rural Canada doesn’t have great cell coverage. We make up for it with great scenery

@billtcheng2316 2 жыл бұрын

Any advise for EV cars driving to Alaska? Charging places?

@IAmThePrepper 3 жыл бұрын

Hi drew, what is your email I can send you some questions on the passion project you and your family will do?

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Leo. Would love to chat. Our email is contactplayingwithsticks@gmail.com

@guiltazaour2871 2 жыл бұрын

2:36 that price

@michaelconchscooter8940 3 жыл бұрын

You don’t need to go to Alaska to get a chipped windshield. I spent $400 to have a weird plastic sheet put over my Promaster’s windshield. Spent most of a day getting it done by a Boca Raton dealer. madico.com/dealers/automotive/windshield-protection/clearplex My wife swears in the past three months we’ve taken two rocks that should have cracked the windshield. It seems to work. Once installed it’s invisible and you wax it monthly to keep it supple. Easy.

@PlayingwithSticks 3 жыл бұрын

Now that is neat! Thank you for sharing this Michael. This is all new to us.

@justme-ll1qz 28 күн бұрын

Don’t short change Canada lol It’s the second largest country in the world lady

@Alan-Albany 2 жыл бұрын

JESUS SAVES!!!

@thevanshe 8 ай бұрын

Are there any channels that dont waste time talking about irrelvant crap? My time to watch is limited and i dont care to hear 5 minutes of a life story or a back story. I want the facts. Miles. Money. Camp spots. Etc. I have been searching and searching and have yet to find that. 🙄

@PlayingwithSticks 8 ай бұрын

Good luck. You will find it.