I want to move to Alaska - yes, another cheechako with unrealistic dreams (Bethel: fit in, rentals)

[Rockskipper]

OK, I actually HAVE been to Alaska. Only once, last June. I drove up and back. Only stayed a week and camped out, not much money, as my alternator went out. I like the Mat-Su area and I know I could make it there, even though I don't have a job yet. I want to load up my old pickup and get there before winter hits. I know, it's probably snowing there now. I'm used to snow, I'm from the Rockies (Montana). I'll have about 2k to get started on. I'll camp down by the Knik River until I get work. I'm tough.

I spend all day on the internet reading about it and looking at photos. I'm totally enthralled with the idea of moving there. I don't have a lot of skills, but I can learn fast. I'm in my 30s and have always worked in fast food places, so I can probably find work pretty fast, I think.

My expectations are low. I don't expect to get rich or have much or maybe even be able to live indoors. I just want to move to Alaska and learn to fly a bush plane. That's my lifelong goal. Thanks for any advice in advance. Rockskipper

[GnomadAK]

[quote=Rockskipper;41381706
My expectations are low. I don't expect to get rich or have much or maybe even be able to live indoors. I just want to move to Alaska and learn to fly a bush plane. That's my lifelong goal. Thanks for any advice in advance. Rockskipper[/quote]

I have a better idea. Get your pilot's license, then move to the bush and build your hours from there. Learning to fly in AK is going to be really expensive and affording a plane is off the charts.

Get yourself a basic single engine commerical license and get on with one of the bush carriers. I always seemed to end up with the new guys, once flying out from Bethel to Quinhagak with a guy who was making his first flight under the guidance of a bush pilot who looked the part.

[Haolejohn]

Originally Posted by Rockskipper

OK, I actually HAVE been to Alaska. Only once, last June. I drove up and back. Only stayed a week and camped out, not much money, as my alternator went out. I like the Mat-Su area and I know I could make it there, even though I don't have a job yet. I want to load up my old pickup and get there before winter hits. I know, it's probably snowing there now. I'm used to snow, I'm from the Rockies (Montana). I'll have about 2k to get started on. I'll camp down by the Knik River until I get work. I'm tough.

I spend all day on the internet reading about it and looking at photos. I'm totally enthralled with the idea of moving there. I don't have a lot of skills, but I can learn fast. I'm in my 30s and have always worked in fast food places, so I can probably find work pretty fast, I think.

My expectations are low. I don't expect to get rich or have much or maybe even be able to live indoors. I just want to move to Alaska and learn to fly a bush plane. That's my lifelong goal. Thanks for any advice in advance. Rockskipper

Sounds like a plan. I bet 57 below has some great advise for you. Hopefully he chimes in.
Even though I live here I have nothing for you rock skipper. Sounds like you got it figured out.

[Metlakatla]

-57 has left the building, and not of his own choosing.

Don't have any words of wisdom, but if you're tough enough to live in your truck by the Knik River, you'll probably make it just fine.

[6.7traveler]

This can't be real, but on a positive note fast food places and other retail jobs always seem to be hiring up here.....

[Haolejohn]

Originally Posted by Metlakatla

-57 has left the building, and not of his own choosing.

Don't have any words of wisdom, but if you're tough enough to live in your truck by the Knik River, you'll probably make it just fine.

Did his parents ground him?

[Metlakatla]

Originally Posted by Haolejohn

Did his parents ground him?

LOL. I think Rance did. He's no longer a member.

[jrpuff]

are they still doing that yearly drawing in Alaska for a chance to enter and win a bush/float plane?

[HannahTravels]

M advice is, wait until spring/summer and apply for a seasonal job through Summer Jobs and Seasonal Jobs in Great Places | CoolWorks.com or World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms - WWOOF. Seasonal work is always the best bet for moving to AK without professional job skills.

However, if you do come up for the winter you are going to need more than 2K. The drive up will eat up a good chunk of that money. The going rate for many 1bd rentals is $1,000/month and any landlord will expect double that in move-in costs. That doesn't even leave you any money for food, utilities, gas, etc. If it takes you more than a week to find a job you're going to have a bad time.

[Rockskipper]

Thanks for all the replies. Just for a little more background - I lived in a teepee in the Montana mountains for several years, winter and summer. Saw a few grizzlies out there, but we got along OK (mutual respect, you leave me alone and I'll do the same - gulp). I'm currently living in my truck. I have a small propane heater in the shell and lots of down bags. I know it's lots colder in Alaska, but I think I can survive OK. I can always build a fire and sleep by it - I checked out the Knik and other people say they're doing it (right out of Palmer on the Old Glen H.). I can live on almost nothing and I have a good attitude, so people hire me, and I keep clean.

I can't afford flying lessons, so I'm hoping once up there I can hang out at the Palmer Airport and maybe trade some work for flights - you know, clean the plane, hanger, whatever I can do. guys and gals, I've been on my own since I was 14 as my dad kicked me out for complaining about his drinking, so I'm pretty much a can-do guy. I hope I fit in with all you sourdoughs. Any more advice very welcome.

And NomadAK - any ideas for me? You sound like a pilot.