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Post by FrostG1anT on Jul 2, 2009 19:39:51 GMT -9
The idea has been thrown around and I think it is a good one. A return to the Chilkoot Trail 2010.
Malcore, OMGCrew and myself took a trip last year along the Golden Triangle from Anchorage to Haines, to Skagway to Dawson City and back to Anchorage. The talk of making a return trip to hike the trail again has come up and I would be interested if there are any others chime in and we can plan this adventure.
The return trip would only be from Anchorage to Haines or Skagway with the hike and a return to Anchorage with a stop in Whitehorse to visit our friend Ladybugs.
Are you interested? The trip would be in July or August 2010.
Hear the cry? There's gold in them thar hills.
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Po1ar
Silver Cacher
Posts: 122
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Post by Po1ar on Jul 7, 2009 14:30:46 GMT -9
I'd be interested. That is far enough off that I can plan for it. Malcore told me all about your trip and it sounded awesome. I also got to see a ton of pictures he had. It would be awesome to see that in person. So, Yeah! I'm interested!!!!
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Post by tzipora on Jul 8, 2009 9:11:08 GMT -9
I'd like to put my name down as a potential trekker. I've always wanted to see that area.
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Post by dmzlstone on Jul 9, 2009 23:18:49 GMT -9
Sounds very interesting, but I would need a lot more details about the trip!
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Post by FrostG1anT on Jul 11, 2009 0:22:45 GMT -9
Sounds very interesting, but I would need a lot more details about the trip! This thread is for discussion of the trip. Nothing has been decided yet. If this is something people are interested in we can make it happen. We may even be the first to do a very elaborate earth cache if it has not been finalized by then. The Chilkoot Trail is less technical then Flattop Mountain in Anchorage, it is just a long VERY beautiful walk. The Canadians are even talking about putting in a road to the summit (this would ruin the entire trip) but they think it would attract more visitors. The hike is amazing and is a great park of history. Not to mention a 27 mile journey through so many types of country. It is possible to do in a day but three days would be ideal for enjoying the majesty of the trail. I have heard the train ride to Carcross is stellar. We met some folks on the trail who had done it four years earlier and they finished with taking the train to Carcross instead of Skagway, the trip along Lake Bennett was their favorite part of the trip. I would be interested in taking the train to Carcross and possibly then back to Skagway or a bus. I would like to do this trip over the July 4 holiday or labor day as I have limited vacation time and have a family reunion trip in October that I will be using all my vacation time for.
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Po1ar
Silver Cacher
Posts: 122
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Post by Po1ar on Jul 11, 2009 7:51:56 GMT -9
Labor day would work better for me. We are planning on going to Valdez again for the 4th next year. But still would love to do this trip.
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Post by Valerieseaker on Jul 11, 2009 23:00:26 GMT -9
I'd like to come. If I start training now, you won't have to carry me at the end. The train to Carcross sounds great. I've been to Carcross, many years (almost decades) ago.
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Post by omgcrew on Jul 12, 2009 12:33:56 GMT -9
This was a fun trip and I am up to doing it again. As long as I stay away from rakes. It was a fun swimming in Lake Bennett. May have to check into flying into Skagway.
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Post by ladybugkids on Jul 12, 2009 14:32:20 GMT -9
When my now wife and I hiked the trail in the mid-90s, we used frequent flyer miles to fly in/out of Juneau and rode the ferry between Juneau and Skagway. Whether one flies/boats or drives to Skagway, the scenery is awesome.
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Post by tinman4x on Jul 14, 2009 10:08:09 GMT -9
Just got back from a trip that direction last night! It was all I could do not to take the turn towards Carcross when I go there though.
A lot of things can happen between now and then but I'd say count me in for the trip, Angelfire25 as well. As far as early planning goes I'd suggest July vs August, the earlier the better as far as weather goes.
Glad to be back in Alaska after a month outside though, just wish I'd had more time for caching along the way.
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Post by dmzlstone on Jul 15, 2009 14:12:41 GMT -9
Here is a web site that seems to have a lot of great information for this hike: www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/yt/chilkoot/activ/activ1a_e.aspAlso, here is some good info (found in the above web site) on requirements for crossing the border into Canada and back into Alaska/United States: Border Crossing The Chilkoot Trail crosses the international boundary between the United States and Canada. Full compliance with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative goes into effect June 1st, 2009 and requires U.S. and Canadian citizens to present one of the following documents for entry into the United States by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda. US/Canadian Citizens: US Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License, US or Canadian passport, or one of the Trusted Traveler Programs card issued by US Customs and Border Protection. Landed Immigrants: Passport from their native country with U.S. Visa, if required. Resident Aliens: Permanent Resident Card Children: US and Canadian citizens under the age of 16, or under the age of 19 if traveling with a school, religious, or other youth group, may present a birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Canadian Citizenship Card, or a naturalization certificate. Birth certificates can be an original, photocopy, or certified copy. if accompanied by both parents: birth certificate if accompanied by one parent: birth certificate and notarized letter of authorization from absent parent if neither parent is present: birth certificate and letter of authorization from parent/legal guardian Other Nationalities: Passport (and Canadian and/or U.S. Visas, if required) Northbound Hikers: All hikers traveling from the US into Canada must register at the Trail Center prior to starting their hike. All hikers must be present and have proper documentation for crossing the border. Please check directly with Canada Customs for up-to-date requirements. Trail Center staff will advise hikers about post hike reporting procedures at time of registration. Southbound Hikers: Canadian and US citizens, and US resident aliens hiking from Canada into the US can register with Parks Canada in Whitehorse. All others must register at the Skagway US Customs and Border Protection Port of Entry (mile 6.8 on the South Klondike Highway) prior to commencing their hike. When registering, all party members must be present and have appropriate identification/documentation with them. You will be advised of post hike reporting requirements at the time of registration. Questions? Inquiries about Customs and Immigration requirements should be directed to the appropriate Canadian and/or US Customs and Border Protection officials. Canada Customs Whitehorse: 867-667-3943 www.cbsa.gc.caUS Customs and Border Protection Skagway Port of Entry: 907-983-3144 or 907-983-2325. www.uscis.gov
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Post by FrostG1anT on Jul 15, 2009 21:57:04 GMT -9
You need a passport to enter or leave Alaska now by any means (land, sea or air). You can get the wallet card Passport in addition (good only for road travel to/from Canada and Mexico and the USA) to the standard booklet passport from the Post Office downtown at the Post Office Mall, but you they only accept passport applications prior to 3:00pm. You will need a passport photo prior to filing your passport application.
The actual information about what is needed for the hike already exists in the previous forum for the trip that was taken last year. Just so we don't fill this thread with the same information. Now that some of us have done the trip before we know much more of how the entire system operates. It is a great trail and a beautiful hike. If you have ever hiked to the top of Flattop, you have done more technical climbing than is needed for this trip as well as almost twice the elevation gain.
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Post by omgcrew on Jul 16, 2009 12:21:13 GMT -9
Any thoughts on the length of the hiking trip? I thought the revised choice of campgrounds worked OK last year. It was a nice leisurely stroll.
Finnigans-Sheep-Happy-Lindeman
Now knowing the trail I think it could be done just stopping in Sheep and Lindeman with a long break at Happy.
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Post by FrostG1anT on Jul 16, 2009 16:25:53 GMT -9
Any thoughts on the length of the hiking trip? I thought the revised choice of campgrounds worked OK last year. It was a nice leisurely stroll. Finnigans-Sheep-Happy-Lindeman Now knowing the trail I think it could be done just stopping in Sheep and Lindeman with a long break at Happy. I think the Finnigans-Sheep-Happy-Lindeman would be a great trip for those who are not uber hikers. We left every morning around 6:00am and were almost always to the next camping area around noon. It could comfortably be done just stopping in Sheep and Lindeman with a break at Happy. This could be done by most people who did a bit of hiking before the trip (which I recommend so you are comfortable with your pack before having it on your back for a few days). Lindeman is quite nice as it has the rangers/mounties station and the interpretive tent. I would like to see Dyea as it is the one part we missed and maybe see one of the shows in Skagway. The train to Carcross has big appeal to me as well. The trail is not technical and could be done as a very long day hike, but that would be difficult for some and not have the whole historical journey the trail holds.
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Post by AKFossil on Jul 22, 2009 10:15:19 GMT -9
WOW sounds like fun.
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Post by alaskanimp on Jul 29, 2009 19:35:19 GMT -9
The Chilkoot Trail now that sounds like fun. Akbaldbob and I are thinking about going on this trip to. Where do I look for info on your last trip? I'll check that link out too. This is just too cool . . . been looking for a fun group of folks and I think we hit on it right here.
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Post by Valerieseaker on Jul 31, 2009 16:30:36 GMT -9
Where do I look for info on your last trip? here
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Post by alaskanimp on Jul 31, 2009 18:31:57 GMT -9
Thanks!!!!
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Post by hixfromthestix on Jul 31, 2009 19:09:24 GMT -9
This sounds like alot of fun. Had planned on going last year but the whole baby thing got in they way. Would love to try it and this gives me enough time to get prepared.
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Post by arcticbutterfly "Akbfly" on Aug 3, 2009 1:54:26 GMT -9
When are you guys planning your trip? There is also a group of us geocachers going around the latter part of July 2010.
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Post by arcticbutterfly "Akbfly" on Aug 3, 2009 1:57:46 GMT -9
What a dork I am. Now that I read the first page of this posting I answered my own question. On our trip we are driving to Skagway hiking Chilkoot for 5 days (taking our time and enjoying the camps along the way) Then taking the train back to Skagway and driving home. Should be a blast either way you go!
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Post by FrostG1anT on Jan 31, 2010 20:29:04 GMT -9
The trip is on. Below is the list of recommended gear: * 150 lb. bacon * 400 lb. flour * 25 lb. rolled oats * 125 lb. beans * 10 lb. tea * 10 lb. coffee * 25 lb. sugar * 25 lb. dried potatoes * 2 lb. dried onions * 15 lb. salt * 1 lb. pepper * 75 lb. dried fruits * 8 lb. baking powder * 2 lb. soda * 1/2 lb. evaporated vinegar * 12 oz. compressed soup * 1 can mustard * 1 tin matches (for four men) * Stove for four men * Gold pan for each * Set granite buckets * Large bucket * Knife, fork, spoon, cup, and plate * Frying pan * Coffee and teapot * Scythe stone * Two picks and one shovel * One whipsaw * Pack strap * Two axes for four men and one extra handle * Six 8-inch (200 mm) files and two taper files for the party * Draw knife, brace and bits, jack plane, and hammer for party * 200 feet three-eights-inch rope * 8 lb. of pitch and 5 lb (2.3 kg). of oakum for four men * Nails, five lbs. each of 6,8,10 and 12 penny, for four men * Tent, 10 x 12 feet (3.7 m) for four men * Canvas for wrapping * Two oil blankets to each boat * 5 yards of mosquito netting for each man * 3 suits of heavy underwear * 1 heavy mackinaw coat * 2 pairs heavy machinaw trousers * 1 heavy rubber-lined coat * 1 doz heavy wool socks * 1/2 doz heavy wool mittens * 2 heavy overshirts * 2 pairs heavy snagproof rubber boots * 2 pairs shoes * 4 pairs blankets (for two men) * 4 towels * 2 pairs overalls * 1 suit oil clothing * Several changes of summer clothing * Small assortment of medicines
Anyone ready for some fun?
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Post by FrostG1anT on Jan 31, 2010 21:20:48 GMT -9
All kidding aside, the trip is set. Departing Anchorage August 27 and returning September 6, Labor Day. There will be stops in Nebesna, Haines, Skagway, Carcross, Whitehorse, Tok, Delta Junction, and Paxson. If you are interested in going on this trip please let Lemurlad or myself know (as well as posting to this thread) as we are planning to have things finalized very soon. We have an itinerary, route maps, and the basic details worked out. I know several folks have expressed interest in going on this trip. If you are serious about this journey now is the time to let us know. We plan to have reservations made for the trail and the ferry from Haines completed soon. The Chilkoot is a great trail and anyone is basic good health should be able to accomplish it. We are not going to rush the trail but are going it in four days. This still puts the trail at a rather leisurely pace as there are no big days other than the day of the border crossing, but even that one is nothing substantial. It just needs to be taken one step at a time and before you know it the next camp will be in sight. The trip will involve a 1858 miles road trip, around 35-50 miles of hiking, a ride on a ferry and a train and a whole lot of geocaching.
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Post by davemeister on Feb 3, 2010 19:47:07 GMT -9
Wow, all that gear is nearly as much stuff needed to do my 10 stage micro!
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Post by FrostG1anT on Feb 5, 2010 15:44:54 GMT -9
If you are interested in this trip please respond to this thread. We are going to have a meeting in the coming weeks to discuss the trip. The most critical thing for anyone who is considering this trip to do is go down to the Post Office (downtown) and pick up a passport application.
PASSPORTS ARE REQUIRED
It takes a few months to get your passport so go down early and get the process started.
This should be a great trip.
Are you up for an adventure?
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Po1ar
Silver Cacher
Posts: 122
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Post by Po1ar on Feb 5, 2010 16:36:59 GMT -9
I'm interested!!! I wanna go!!! I already have my passport paperwork filled out. Just need to get the photos and send it on it's way. This will definately be the adventure of a lifetime. I'm SO excited!!!
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Po1ar
Silver Cacher
Posts: 122
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Post by Po1ar on Feb 5, 2010 16:37:35 GMT -9
Just in case...... I WANT TO GO!!!!!!!!!
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Post by li1gray on Feb 6, 2010 9:02:03 GMT -9
Sounds like a fun trip and I would love to go but sure need more detailed information so I may attend the meeting. Will get to work on Passport renewal, mine just expired. Hope the meeting is not during the week in the evening...
Would love to go with TM but don't have anywhere that amount of vacation time to hike the AT for 4 months.
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Post by tinman4x on Feb 6, 2010 13:56:09 GMT -9
Angelfire25 and I are still interested but why do you want to go to Nebesna, Delta Junction, and Paxson?
11 days is a pretty long trip on top of all our other Summer plans.
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Post by FrostG1anT on Feb 6, 2010 14:39:25 GMT -9
Nabesna is a side trip along the way, haven't ever been there and adding a few hours on the road with a bit of hiking doesn't add too much time to the trip. There are a few folks looking into flying into Juneau and then flying to Skagway for the hike. The Chilkoot Trail will require a week off of work no matter if you you fly or take the road trip with us. We will be on the trail Monday through Friday. This trip is doable by anyone of reasonable health. We will NOT be pushing hard on the trail as this trip is intended for everyone. We will be hiking at the pace of the slowest member of the group so that everyone has a good time and enjoys the splendor that is the Chilkoot Trail.
That being said everyone going should get out this summer and get some miles under them with a pack on so that they are used to bearing the weight of a pack and have built up their lungs so they can hike. The Chilkoot Trail is one of the most structured, organized outdoor experience's you may ever have. Where else can you take a long multi-day hike with great camping areas spread out along the trail? (If you know of any let me know, I want to do more of these types of trips.)
We are coming home via the Richardson Highway. This is one of the most beautiful road trips in all of Alaska and only adds three hours to the overall trip. Delta Junction and Paxson are on the Richardson Highway. Stops there will be brief and were included as a reference for what the road trip will entail.
Right now the meeting is being planned for a Tuesday or Wednesday evening. We would like to have everyone who is going on the trip with us to have everything together and reserved by March 1. Feel free to email me or lemurlad for detailed information.
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