Alaska trip itinerary questions

Ted Waltman · Post by **Ted Waltman** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 10:32 am

Folks,

I sent this note to one person last evening then thought that perhaps I
should email the whole list seeking more input.

I've been in grizzley country before while hiking and climbing trips,
but in every case there were big, tall trees to tie up food away from
camp. I'm wondering, what does one do when you're, say, North of the
Alaska range where the trees might be scrawny--or maybe there aren't any
trees (e.g. North of the Brooks Range)? What's one to do then to keep
the bears away from the food, plane and us? Take turns pulling "watch"
all night <grin>?

I'm updating the itinerary for my planned Alaska trip to take out Jasper
/ Banff. In reading through a list member's email, he makes it sound
like there is a strip at Rogers Pass. In looking at the Calgary
sectional, I sure don't see one. Does anyone know if there is some
unnamed, unmarked strip there?

I'm trying to figure out how else to back to Denver from the Valemount,
BC area without revisiting too much territory that we already saw on the
flight North. A list member mentioned Revelstoke as a possible stop. If
I stop in Revelstoke, I'm thinking then Castlegar, Cranbrook and on into
Libby, MT or thereabouts. Any suggestions ( current route is here:
http://www.i1ci.com/alaska/Route.html )?

Thanks a bunch!

Ted

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Mike Kimball · Post by **Mike Kimball** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 10:32 am

I did a similar trip back in 1991. From Smithers I swung out to Ketchican
waving at the pilots of the beautiful DC-3 going the other way, then on to
Sitka and Juneau. From Juneau I flew out over Glacier Bay and then followed
a Glacier across the mountains to Yakatat. Southeast Alaska is the Alaska
in all the brochures. It's beautiful. You sure you want to miss that?
Warning - weather may keep you in Southeast Alaska longer than you want.
But I thought it was worth it, even though I spent two extra days in Sitka.

Mike Kimball

-----Original Message-----
From: mike.davis@dcsol.com [mailto:mike.davis@dcsol.com]On Behalf Of Ted
Waltman
Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2005 3:26 PM
To: Murphy List
Subject: Alaska trip itinerary questions

Folks,

I sent this note to one person last evening then thought that perhaps I
should email the whole list seeking more input.

I've been in grizzley country before while hiking and climbing trips,
but in every case there were big, tall trees to tie up food away from
camp. I'm wondering, what does one do when you're, say, North of the
Alaska range where the trees might be scrawny--or maybe there aren't any
trees (e.g. North of the Brooks Range)? What's one to do then to keep
the bears away from the food, plane and us? Take turns pulling "watch"
all night <grin>?

I'm updating the itinerary for my planned Alaska trip to take out Jasper
/ Banff. In reading through a list member's email, he makes it sound
like there is a strip at Rogers Pass. In looking at the Calgary
sectional, I sure don't see one. Does anyone know if there is some
unnamed, unmarked strip there?

I'm trying to figure out how else to back to Denver from the Valemount,
BC area without revisiting too much territory that we already saw on the
flight North. A list member mentioned Revelstoke as a possible stop. If
I stop in Revelstoke, I'm thinking then Castlegar, Cranbrook and on into
Libby, MT or thereabouts. Any suggestions ( current route is here:
http://www.i1ci.com/alaska/Route.html )?

Thanks a bunch!

Ted

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Mike Davis · Post by **Mike Davis** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 10:32 am

When you hike into Denali they provide containers that look like PVC pipes
sealed on one end and a screw in cap on the other. The ones they have there
are about 10" in diameter and about 2 feet long. The end that screws in and
out has an O-ring to ensure a good seal. Not sure where you'd find large
diameter pipe like this though.

Mike

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ted Waltman" <tedwaltman@i1ci.com>
To: "Murphy List" <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2005 3:26 PM
Subject: Alaska trip itinerary questions

Folks,

I sent this note to one person last evening then thought that perhaps I
should email the whole list seeking more input.

I've been in grizzley country before while hiking and climbing trips,
but in every case there were big, tall trees to tie up food away from
camp. I'm wondering, what does one do when you're, say, North of the
Alaska range where the trees might be scrawny--or maybe there aren't any
trees (e.g. North of the Brooks Range)? What's one to do then to keep
the bears away from the food, plane and us? Take turns pulling "watch"
all night <grin>?

I'm updating the itinerary for my planned Alaska trip to take out Jasper
/ Banff. In reading through a list member's email, he makes it sound
like there is a strip at Rogers Pass. In looking at the Calgary
sectional, I sure don't see one. Does anyone know if there is some
unnamed, unmarked strip there?

I'm trying to figure out how else to back to Denver from the Valemount,
BC area without revisiting too much territory that we already saw on the
flight North. A list member mentioned Revelstoke as a possible stop. If
I stop in Revelstoke, I'm thinking then Castlegar, Cranbrook and on into
Libby, MT or thereabouts. Any suggestions ( current route is here:
http://www.i1ci.com/alaska/Route.html )?

Thanks a bunch!

Ted

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Ralph Baker · Post by **Ralph Baker** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 10:32 am

Ted,
There are relatively small bear proof containers for food that are available
from such as CampMor, REI and perhaps other camping suppliers. There must
be similar but larger available for the larger tour operators. I suggest
you call one of the wilderness tour operators and see what they do. Also,
Montana or Alaska state wildlife people. Don't forget to cache your
toothpaste and anything else that smells. No doughnuts in bed as a late
snack either! Good idea not to have clothes you have cooked in in the tent
as well. A bear can smell a jelly doughnut for well over a mile. I suggest
you get one of the bear repellent pepper sprays that are about the size of a
small fire extinguisher. It must say "animal repellent" or the like or
Canada won't let it in. Check with Canada customs to verify this and get a
letter if you can. Pepper spray is not 100% but it will make you feel
better.
Ralph Baker

I've been in grizzley country before while hiking and climbing trips,
but in every case there were big, tall trees to tie up food away from
camp. I'm wondering, what does one do when you're, say, North of the
Alaska range where the trees might be scrawny--or maybe there aren't any
trees (e.g. North of the Brooks Range)? What's one to do then to keep
the bears away from the food, plane and us? Take turns pulling "watch"
all night <grin>?

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Bob Andrews · Post by **Bob Andrews** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 10:32 am

Ted,

Libby's just a short detour between Kalispell and Cranbrook ...

Bob

-----Original Message-----
From: mike.davis@dcsol.com [mailto:mike.davis@dcsol.com]On Behalf Of Ted
Waltman
Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2005 5:26 PM
To: Murphy List
Subject: Alaska trip itinerary questions

Folks,

I sent this note to one person last evening then thought that perhaps I
should email the whole list seeking more input.

I've been in grizzley country before while hiking and climbing trips,
but in every case there were big, tall trees to tie up food away from
camp. I'm wondering, what does one do when you're, say, North of the
Alaska range where the trees might be scrawny--or maybe there aren't any
trees (e.g. North of the Brooks Range)? What's one to do then to keep
the bears away from the food, plane and us? Take turns pulling "watch"
all night <grin>?

I'm updating the itinerary for my planned Alaska trip to take out Jasper
/ Banff. In reading through a list member's email, he makes it sound
like there is a strip at Rogers Pass. In looking at the Calgary
sectional, I sure don't see one. Does anyone know if there is some
unnamed, unmarked strip there?

I'm trying to figure out how else to back to Denver from the Valemount,
BC area without revisiting too much territory that we already saw on the
flight North. A list member mentioned Revelstoke as a possible stop. If
I stop in Revelstoke, I'm thinking then Castlegar, Cranbrook and on into
Libby, MT or thereabouts. Any suggestions ( current route is here:
http://www.i1ci.com/alaska/Route.html )?

Thanks a bunch!

Ted

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Garry Wright · Post by **Garry Wright** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 10:32 am

Ted,

I haven't flown the Roger's Pass route since the early 90's but have
driven it many times. Your route south out of Revelstoke thru to Libby
looks good. You could also use Salmon Arm - its a great little airport
west of Revelstoke. Another alternate east of Revelstoke is Golden.
Salmon Arm is one of the busiest airports in the area, Revelstoke is
pretty quiet now. Nelson is another nice spot with the town very
visitable and the airport right at the edge of downtown.

The section south of Watson Lake might be a little dicey depending on
your range. Last time I did that route getting fuel between Watson Lake
and Prince George was one of those deals where you buy a barrel or
nothing - if you can get anything at all. It might have changed in
recent years but should be checked carefully.

--
Garry Wright
068R C-FOKM
403 931 1573
wrightdg@davincibb.net

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Walter Klatt · Post by **Walter Klatt** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 10:32 am

I went through that area a couple of years ago with my Rebel, and
both Golden and Revelstoke are good fuel stops. But if you are
planning to go up the interior BC side, why not head over to the
coast to the Vancouver/Chilliwack area via Libby and Washington,
and then go north to Alaska, and then come back on the eastern
side. Going north you could take the coastal route, although, not
sure if I could recommend that without floats, but it sure would
maximize the scenery and adventure factors. You would be flying
by the highest mountains in BC (bigger than the Rockies), and
they rise straight up from sea level.

Walter

-----Original Message-----
From: mike.davis@dcsol.com
[mailto:mike.davis@dcsol.com]On Behalf Of
Garry Wright
Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2005 10:05 PM
To: rebel builders
Subject: Re: Alaska trip itinerary questions

Ted,

I haven't flown the Roger's Pass route since the early
90's but have
driven it many times. Your route south out of
Revelstoke thru to Libby
looks good. You could also use Salmon Arm - its a
great little airport
west of Revelstoke. Another alternate east of
Revelstoke is Golden.
Salmon Arm is one of the busiest airports in the area,
Revelstoke is
pretty quiet now. Nelson is another nice spot with the
town very
visitable and the airport right at the edge of downtown.

The section south of Watson Lake might be a little
dicey depending on
your range. Last time I did that route getting fuel
between Watson Lake
and Prince George was one of those deals where you buy
a barrel or
nothing - if you can get anything at all. It might
have changed in
recent years but should be checked carefully.

--
Garry Wright
068R C-FOKM
403 931 1573
wrightdg@davincibb.net

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Bob Patterson · Post by **Bob Patterson** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 10:32 am

Hi Ted & Garry !

FWIW, the last several trips west, we've cut the corner off
to miss the traffic at Salmon Arm, and save a few miles ....

From Revelstoke, along the highway, we pick up the
Hydro lines, and cut south over Mabel Lake (there's a
nice strip right on the lake, in a pinch) toward Armstrong,
and south into Vernon. We call this section "Fly by Wire" -
follow the hydro line ! ;-) :-) Otherwise, "Ve Follow
Roads - Rivers, Railroads, or busses in a pinch" (VFR) !

The folks at Vernon Flying Club are GREAT, and there's
a campground on the lake, right at the end of the runway !
They also claim to have "the cheapest avgas in BC" !! :-)

We also fly-by-wire from Vernon over to Merrit, and
then down the Coquihalla Highway to Hope, and on into
Chilliwack....

......bobp

-------------------------------orig.-------------------------
On Thursday 26 May 2005 01:04 am, Garry Wright wrote:

Ted,

I haven't flown the Roger's Pass route since the early 90's but have
driven it many times. Your route south out of Revelstoke thru to Libby
looks good. You could also use Salmon Arm - its a great little airport
west of Revelstoke. Another alternate east of Revelstoke is Golden.
Salmon Arm is one of the busiest airports in the area, Revelstoke is
pretty quiet now. Nelson is another nice spot with the town very
visitable and the airport right at the edge of downtown.

The section south of Watson Lake might be a little dicey depending on
your range. Last time I did that route getting fuel between Watson Lake
and Prince George was one of those deals where you buy a barrel or
nothing - if you can get anything at all. It might have changed in
recent years but should be checked carefully.

--
Garry Wright
068R C-FOKM
403 931 1573
wrightdg@davincibb.net

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WALTER KLATT · Post by **WALTER KLATT** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 10:32 am

I don't understand the references to Salmon Arm as a busy traffic area. I have used it as a preferred fuel stop when I return to Vancouver from the Shushwap area. It even has Mogas, which is fairly rare at airports in BC. The only one to really avoid in the Okanagan is Kelowna. Kamloops, too, has quite a bit of commercial activity including regular airline commuter service. Vernon is fine, except for the occasional Air Canada jet that mistakes it for Kelowna. That actually happened a couple of years ago, and he aborted only at the last minute after scaring the crap out of a Cessna pilot who was landing at the time in the other direction.

Garry mentioned Nelson, and that too, is a great spot for overnight or a lunch stop, as it is right in town next to the water. Nice little old hippy town with great scenery all around.

Can't remember your return timing, but another thing to watch out for later in the summer (after mid July) is forest fires. It's been bad the last couple of years, but hopefully not this year again. So that could affect your planned routes.

Walter

----- Original Message -----
From: Bob Patterson <beep@sympatico.ca>
Date: Thursday, May 26, 2005 9:14 am
Subject: Re: Alaska trip itinerary questions

Hi Ted & Garry !

FWIW, the last several trips west, we've cut the corner off
to miss the traffic at Salmon Arm, and save a few miles ....

From Revelstoke, along the highway, we pick up the
Hydro lines, and cut south over Mabel Lake (there's a
nice strip right on the lake, in a pinch) toward Armstrong,
and south into Vernon. We call this section "Fly by Wire" -
follow the hydro line ! ;-) :-) Otherwise, "Ve Follow
Roads - Rivers, Railroads, or busses in a pinch" (VFR) !

The folks at Vernon Flying Club are GREAT, and there's
a campground on the lake, right at the end of the runway !
They also claim to have "the cheapest avgas in BC" !! :-)

We also fly-by-wire from Vernon over to Merrit, and
then down the Coquihalla Highway to Hope, and on into
Chilliwack....

......bobp

-------------------------------orig.-------------------------
On Thursday 26 May 2005 01:04 am, Garry Wright wrote:
Ted,

I haven't flown the Roger's Pass route since the early 90's but have
driven it many times. Your route south out of Revelstoke thru
to Libby
looks good. You could also use Salmon Arm - its a great little
airport> west of Revelstoke. Another alternate east of Revelstoke
is Golden.
Salmon Arm is one of the busiest airports in the area,
Revelstoke is
pretty quiet now. Nelson is another nice spot with the town very
visitable and the airport right at the edge of downtown.

The section south of Watson Lake might be a little dicey
depending on
your range. Last time I did that route getting fuel between
Watson Lake
and Prince George was one of those deals where you buy a barrel or
nothing - if you can get anything at all. It might have changed in
recent years but should be checked carefully.

--
Garry Wright
068R C-FOKM
403 931 1573
wrightdg@davincibb.net

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Ryan Mowat · Post by **Ryan Mowat** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 10:32 am

The locals prefer Salmon Arm - the fuel is always cheaper as well.
There is a moose parked on the Salmon Arm grass area with a 300 hp flat
head - it is for sale.

Merrit has a self serve fuel station too - but can be windy during the
afternoon.

Salmon Arm is minutes by plane (10 min) from a grass strip by my cabin
if you need a place to stay the night.

Ryan Mowat

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