|
Post by FrostG1anT on Mar 4, 2008 19:02:06 GMT -9
Is anyone interested in reliving some of the greatest history of of our great State and Canada? I am looking at hiking the Chilkoot Pass this summer, probably in August and would like to gage interest in who might want to go on a historic journey. My plan is to drive to Skagway and start the trail at Dyea, then hike the Pass and go through many of the same adventures as those who came before in the rush to get into the Klondike first, chasing that ever popular golden stuff. Is anyone interested in going? is anyone interested in committing to help out? GeoGrumpy has agreed to hold a base camp for us at Skagway for those who do not wish to make the historic journey, but she would like some help so as not to be alone. It is a 38 mile adventure and could include the White Pass railway as well as some possible rafting/kayaking/canoing. This is the place to express interest, concerns, excitement. I need one interested and committed person to make this a for sure event. With one person committed to joining me on this epic adventure it can become an event and I will put the effort into making it an event of truly epic remembrance. If you are interested say so here and we can get the journey started. This would be at least a four day adventure. Cache On!
|
|
|
Post by FrostG1anT on Mar 22, 2008 14:32:21 GMT -9
It looks like this epic journey is going to become a reality. It will be epic and unforgettable. Tentative dates are the last week of July or the first week of August. Leaving Anchorage on a Friday evening and heading toward Skagway. The hike will start Sunday morning and four days are planned for the trek through the historic Pass followed by a train ride and then the return trip homeward via Haines. We will return by Sunday next.
Is anyone interested in a trip of a lifetime? We are planning to run our motorcycles down and back. Once time off from work is secured for this event the serious planning will begin. It will be an incredible journey, one to remember for a lifetime. If we get another person interested in taking the trip but not hiking the Pass, we will have a base camp set up in Skagway/Dyea for the week of the trip. We have a volunteer to host base camp if there is someone else interested in taking the trip and camping for the week. We would love to have you join us on the trail.
|
|
|
Post by NorthWes on Mar 25, 2008 9:21:47 GMT -9
What a plan! I'm out - my entire summer is to be in town thanks to company workloads / schedules & a family wedding (#2 daughter) in September. *sigh* I'd love to go... this is a trip of a lifetime!
|
|
|
Post by Malcore on Mar 25, 2008 12:04:32 GMT -9
I sure wish I had the health to do that trip. Unfortunantly you would be draging me after about five miles I do have the first two weeks of August off from work so timing would work. 35 miles though... Those were some tough people back then to be able to carry the load they had to and do it over and over. To bad they don't have an AVT trail threw there, that would be a nice trip.
|
|
|
Post by ladybugkids on Mar 25, 2008 14:00:37 GMT -9
This is a most excellent trip and I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't done it. If my off time wasn't already committed for the year, I'd jump on the chance to do it again (my wife and I hiked the trail during the Centennial celebration).
As far as backpacking trips go, this one isn't that tough with a little training starting now and building up for later in the summer. The trail is good, the hard climb part is over in one to 1.5 miles as you go over the pass from the American side, and the scenery is wonderful every step of the way. The total elevation gain for the trip is about 3500' with about half of it coming the day one goes over the pass. Other than the climb over the pass, the rest of the trip is gradual uphill or downhill with lots of places to relax and take in the view. We used four days to cover the trail and never spent more than four hours on any one day with our packs on our backs.
I'd be happy to present a slide show of the trip. Post your interest here and if enough people post, I'll try to book it as a geoevent.
|
|
|
Post by tomanoble on Mar 25, 2008 23:54:47 GMT -9
I would interested in seeing those pictures.
|
|
|
Post by oleruns on Mar 26, 2008 1:19:41 GMT -9
Delayed? The wedding was to be this spring, correct? ;D Oh well, that will give you a chance to work more overtime to pay for it.
|
|
|
Post by FrostG1anT on Mar 26, 2008 5:04:52 GMT -9
I would be very interested in seeing your pictures. I am a big fan of the history of Alaska and that area and Era are of big interest to me.
If anyone is interested in making this trip contact me and I will get you more information. It will be an incredible journey. The crossing permits are made by reservations and the entire trip has to be planned prior to reserving a crossing permit. As of today there is only one day that is "sold out" but it is not a day we are looking at. Malcore, you could easily make this trip, it only has one real day of elevation gain, the rest is all downhill. It would be great to have you along.
|
|
|
Post by NorthWes on Mar 26, 2008 12:05:08 GMT -9
Delayed? The wedding was to be this spring, correct? ;D Oh well, that will give you a chance to work more overtime to pay for it. What a cruel jape you make at my expense... (ooh - great pun...)
|
|
|
Post by Forum Admin on Mar 26, 2008 13:09:21 GMT -9
Delayed? The wedding was to be this spring, correct? ;D Oh well, that will give you a chance to work more overtime to pay for it. What a cruel jape you make at my expense... (ooh - great pun...) Cruel WHAT? ?
|
|
|
Post by NorthWes on Mar 31, 2008 15:34:31 GMT -9
What a cruel jape you make at my expense... (ooh - great pun...) Cruel WHAT? ? Ahhhh... 'jape' is one of those good old words from my North Atlantic islander heritage... From the online Merriam-Webster dictionary: Pronunciation: \ˈjāp\ Function: verb Inflected Form(s): japed; jap·ing Etymology: Middle English - 14th century
intransitive verb : to say or do something jokingly or mockingly transitive verb : to make mocking fun ofNote: I was not japing the original poster's thread (the absolutely too-cool geo-journey across the Chilkoot!) Rather, I was remarking on how Olerun's hilarious remark poked fun at my father-of-the-bride expense account needs... My apologies to FrostG1anT for this ramble far afield.
|
|
|
Post by FrostG1anT on Apr 3, 2008 21:04:49 GMT -9
Some updates on the trip for those interested in going: The plan is to mount our motorcycles after work and hit the highway August 1, 2008 heading for the Border, stopping along the way to camp for the night, then traveling the road and stopping in Whitehorse on the way to Skagway and spending the night in Skagway/Dyea on August 2. The morning of August 3 the hike begins and the next four days will be an incredible ascent into the history of Alaska and the Yukon. Once we hit Lake Bennett, after getting a good look around we will board the White Pass Express and head back into Skagway to grab out bikes and spend the night. August 7, morning we will board the ferry to Haines and explore Haines and the Bald Eagle Sanctuary just outside of town as well as hike some of the lowland beaches in Haines. Then it is on the road for a trip North to Dawson City and the destination of those early adventurers on the Gold Rush. After getting a chance to ride and hike and explore the history of Yukon and Alaska we will return home, perhaps via Denali and arrive back in Anchorage on August 10. This should be a grand trip. Even if you don't have a motorcycle, put a carpool together and come join us as we hike into history and get a chance to explore some of the vastness of Alaska.
I have heard from a few who are untested in making the trip and I highly encourage everyone who is interested to join us.
Things you will need for the trip: Passport - this is very important, even though you do not need one officially until January 1, 2009, it makes crossing into Canada much easier and since we will be crossing the border at least 6 times it will save time on the crossing and will not require you to carry your birth certificate with you.
Hiking boots Backpack Water & purification Food for at least five days clothes - try to avoid cotton - layers work best Rain gear tent or bivy sleeping bag GPS personal stove first aid kit hat camera
ABSOLUTELY NO FIREARMS are allowed on the trail! Please leave your guns at home.
The Chilkoot Trail is the most regulated trail in Alaska and has some guidelines that must be adhered to. The cost of a trail hiking permit is $50 + a $12 reservation fee. The entire trip itinerary must be scheduled at the time of purchase of the permit as there are only certain designated camping areas along the trail. The pass is for the day you will be crossing the Chilkoot Pass it self and entering Canada. Only 50 permits are allowed for each day and of those only 42 are available to reserve, 8 are reserved for walk up hikers.
If you are considering this journey let us know. There are two of us going for certain and it would be great to have more join us as this will be a trip to remember forever.
|
|
|
Post by oleruns on Apr 3, 2008 22:39:55 GMT -9
You guys should have a great trip. Getting into Canada is no problem; it's getting back into the USA that's a pain. We had a lady on our team born in Kuwait and a Canadian citizen who forgot her ID... that was fun post 9-11! Just an FYI Yukon Gold (beer) was $15.00 a six-pack two years ago! Man, it's good The boarder officer told me you can bring back a six-pack per person, so I did. If you bring back more, just let them know, you may have to pay a duty on it. He said, and they did not charge me a duty when I had couple cases. (It's all I could afford) I put an album on my facebook page of pictures if you would like to look at them. I know the road well from Whitehorse to Skagway; I have run 45 miles of the 110. From Carcross (end of leg 6 and a 3km downhill ;D to the wooden bridge.) to Skagway (Leg one) is just awesome. My goal is to run all the legs some day. Hotel in Whitehorse - the Best Western is pretty clean. One of the other hotels is the worst hotel I have ever seen. You would rather sleep in the dumpster behind the bar - I am not kidding. Eat at Giorgio's, it's great, it's about $40 - $45 a head. Bostons is pretty good too; it's like the one here. I don't eat in Skagway, it's too close to race time If you get a few people going, rent a motorhome it's the way to go. I will tell you this, it WILL RAIN! It can be clear and hot but it will rain everyday in Skagway and Whitepass.
|
|
|
Post by FrostG1anT on Apr 9, 2008 21:46:41 GMT -9
Other things to consider: The Whitepass Railroad offers a hikers service with a historic ride from Lake Bennett to Skagway: $90 You can get more information at www.whitepassrailroad.com/The ferry trip from Skagway to Haines has varied rates for vehicles and passengers: $31 per passenger, $31 for motorcycles, $41 for vehicles under 15'. The ferry ride is an hour long and is a scenic trip to Haines and the beauty that is Haines and the Bald Eagle sanctuary. For more information visit www.alaskaferry.com/ or www.akmhs.com/The Chilkoot Pass crossing permit is $50 plus a reservation fee. Visit www.nps.gov/klgo/planyourvisit/chilkoottrail.htm for more information. Fuel prices are expected to rise all summer long and carpooling would be a great option for cutting fuel costs or ride a motorcycle for an incredible adventure ride. Motor-homes are available for rent and offer self contained dry travel while on the road. The round trip from Anchorage to Skagway, then Skagway to Haines, Haines to Dawson City, BC, and Dawson City, BC to Anchorage is just shy of 1800 miles. This should be a fabulous trip in some beautiful country. One that will not be forgotten.
|
|
|
Post by omgcrew on Apr 10, 2008 5:58:48 GMT -9
I am 99% there. But due to time constraints I will have to go straight to Skagway and back. I am slowly acquiring all the necessary gear. If anyone wants to carpool let me know as it would save a bunch on fuel costs.
|
|
|
Post by akgrayscale on Apr 11, 2008 14:57:22 GMT -9
uluboy and I (AKgrayscale) are doing the hike in mid-June. The mileage is closer to 33 miles. We hiked the trail in 1995. If you are use to hiking, it is not that hard. One of the best ways to prepare is to climb Wolverine Peak here in Anchorage a couple of times. Keep your pack weight light and enjoy the incredible scenery. Google "lightweight" of "ultralight" backpacking for suggestions on how to lighten your load. If there is anything we can help you with, let us know.
|
|
|
Post by FrostG1anT on Apr 11, 2008 16:01:30 GMT -9
|
|
Eagle618
Silver Cacher
The Eagle Watches Over
Posts: 117
|
Post by Eagle618 on Apr 13, 2008 14:07:23 GMT -9
I am really interested in going on this trip. If health keeps going and improving I think I can do it. I just have to get a few things like a tent and stove. I have the survival kit and first aid. Just should get a bigger pack also have water pack. I do honestly believe I can do this. This would be a dream come true. My truck is going to suck the gas so I am going to start saving now. Brian I am interested in carpool but are you planning on only making part of the trip. So think about it or hopefully more will want to go. I don't want to miss this. Any more info you can give me or Greg you can call me. 355-7243 cell number. Something just tells me not to pass this one up. If you think I will slow you down or don't think I can do this please be honest. I am a determined and strong person and like it was said, this is and will be a one in a life time deal and what a trip it would be! I really hate to pass this up.
|
|
|
Post by omgcrew on Apr 13, 2008 19:46:12 GMT -9
I am going to go to Skagway doing the full hike. Then returning via the railway to Skagway. Then spending the night in either Skagway or Whitehorse on the way back to Anchorage. I am bypassing the Ferry to Haines and Dawson City part of the trip. As I will be leaving for Idaho as soon as I get back.
|
|
|
Post by FrostG1anT on Apr 27, 2008 7:03:47 GMT -9
Meeting this Wednesday 7:00pm at Guido's Pizza for those interested in going on the Skagway/Chilkoot Pass/Dawson City Alaska History AdventureN 61° 10.470 W 149° 53.651 We will discussing details of the trip in preparation of scheduling and booking our crossing date on Thursday. If you are interested in going on the trip please come down. Make sure you have started the process of getting your passport. You can get passport photos for $5 at Costco and Sam's Club. The passport applications are available online travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html and the 5th Avenue Mall Post Office or the Post Office Mall Post Office can process the application. These are the only two Passport offices in Anchorage. It is a must to have a passport for the trip as we will be crossing the border 6 times during the trip and the White Pass Railroad requires a passport for travel. I hope to see you there!
|
|
|
Post by FrostG1anT on May 7, 2008 19:54:41 GMT -9
It is now official, the reservations have been made. Five lucky souls (plus one traveler) will be making their way to Haines, Skagway, the Chilkoot Trail, Dawson City on the Quest for the Golden Road to the Klondike this August.
It is crunch time if you are interested in going as there are only two remaining slots for the Chilkoot Pass crossing the day we are crossing over. If you want to go as part of our group contact me ASAP so I can give the details of the trip. Tomorrow may be the last day to get a space on the trail with our group. It should be truly the trip of a lifetime. It will be awesome to get to journey into the history of this land with this great group and create some of our in the process.
To the Klondike and Beyond!
|
|
|
Post by FrostG1anT on Jun 20, 2008 4:41:41 GMT -9
Is there anybody interested in making this trip with us? We unfortunately have lost one of our travelers due to health reasons, but before we cancel the reservation I wanted to check to see if anyone may want to go on the trip. We have room for one. Please respond back to me ASAP via email and this forum as we have to release the reservation prior to July 1 in order to get any of the cost back.
It is going to be an incredible trip. We will be going to Haines, Skagway, Whitehorse, Dawson City, Eagle, Tok, and several towns along the way.
|
|
|
Post by FrostG1anT on Jun 29, 2008 20:48:13 GMT -9
Last call for anyone interested in taking this trip with us. We have one reservation that is going to be canceled tomorrow June 30 if no one is interested . If you want to go contact me ASAP and early to secure the spot. The reservation will be canceled at 12:00 noon June 30, 2008 sharp. After that there will just be the four of us who are locked in to this epic journey.
Those of us who are going, I will be checking on fairy reservations and rail reservations tomorrow as well. We need to get those confirmed tomorrow so that all things are a go. I am very excited about this trip as it will be one that will live in memory forever. If you have any questions please contact me soon. I will be out of town for the holiday weekend starting on Weds.
If you do not have your passport please go get it this week to ensure it arrivesd in time as you will need it to ride the train out of Lake Bennett. It took just over a week for mine to process.
|
|
|
Post by FrostG1anT on Jul 22, 2008 13:23:22 GMT -9
We lost one of our riders due to an emergency. We are going to have to cancel his Chilkoot Pass crossing, White Pass Railroad ride back to Skagway, stay at the Skagway Home Hostel and the rest of our awesome ride from Anchorage to Haines, Skagway, hike the Chilkoot Trail, train back to Skagway, ride to Whitehorse, Dawson City, Eagle, Chicken, Tok, Delta Junction, HAARP and back home to Anchorage (ferry reservations hadn't been locked in yet).
Are you interested in going? Do you know someone who can get the first week of August off and take this trip? Contact me ASAP if you are interested and can go.
This will truly be the trip of a lifetime and it is a great loss to not have our comrade for this voyage.
|
|
meljo
Bronze Cacher
Posts: 47
GeocacheAlaska! Membership Level: Sourdough
|
Post by meljo on Jul 29, 2008 21:13:03 GMT -9
Just wanted to wish you all a safe, fun hike along the Chilkoot Trail this weekend. Will be anxious to see pictures when you return.
|
|
|
Post by FrostG1anT on Jul 29, 2008 23:02:24 GMT -9
Just wanted to wish you all a safe, fun hike along the Chilkoot Trail this weekend. Will be anxious to see pictures when you return. Thanks, it will be a most incredible adventure and I get to take it with two good friends. This is a trip that I put on my bucket list when I was 10 years old and since I don't think I have a chance at becoming an astronaut this is as good as it gets. There will be lots of pictures and video and good times to be had by all. We will return a part of history. I wish you all could be there. For those of our original group who could not make it we will ride for you, hike for you and return so that you can live vicariously through our travels. I hope the best for everyone's health and may the future bring good things for you all. I wish you could have made this journey with us. Ride on my friends, ride on!
|
|
|
Post by omgcrew on Aug 10, 2008 18:49:06 GMT -9
Well we made it. What a FUN!! trip that was. Will post more details after some rest and binge eating.
|
|
meljo
Bronze Cacher
Posts: 47
GeocacheAlaska! Membership Level: Sourdough
|
Post by meljo on Aug 11, 2008 8:41:25 GMT -9
Glad you are back safe and sound and had a good trip. Will be anxious to hear all about it.
|
|
|
Post by Malcore on Aug 11, 2008 14:27:18 GMT -9
I still can't beleave I made it. What a great trip it was. Here are a couple pic's to start with. I made it!!! One minute later. More to come as soon as I get the energy...
|
|
|
Post by oleruns on Aug 11, 2008 15:18:01 GMT -9
Did you notice that the spelling is about 50/50 Skaguay vs Skagway in town?
Looks like you had fun!
|
|