Bethel, AK (Anchorage, Central: housing, rental, travel)

[Barkingowl]

Ask warpt for pics of Bethel. He has some really great ones.

[warptman]

Its funny in the winter, you can tell the new people from the hospital here wear them airforce parkas.

[Barkingowl]

No survival suits?

[northwoodsgal]

I moved to Bethel 7 years ago and moved away last year. Here's some about my experience....maybe you can find some of it helpful.

Clothes: I went to REI, told them where I was going and bought what they suggested, and they did not steer me wrong. Specifically, 2 pairs of lightweight capilene long underwear (I don't like silk) and 2 pairs of expedition weight bottoms. I only needed one, though. A really good pair of midweight leather hiking boots that I still wear every day in the winter. The first winter the only jacket I had was a Columbia shell/fleece liner, but since then I got a heavyweight down anorak parka from Cabelas. I also got a long down coat from Eddie Bauer,,. the exact one that the Alaska Airline flight attendants use, but I rarely wear. I got good midweight hiking socks by wigwam and smartwool....paid around 15 bucks a pair, but 7 years later they have still held up. I found knit mittens totally useless...get a good pair of down mittens or use a double layer of gloves. It's the wind that gets ya.

Oh, I bought a pair of Baffin boots (like Sorels), but I rarely used them.

I had a 10,000 dollar moving allowance, so I had the movers come out and estimate the weight of stuff. I mailed up parcel post anything that I would want right away...TV, kitchen stuff, etc.

I bought a junker car when I was there and sold it when I left. If you decide to ship your vehicle, make sure to have it completely repaired before you ship it. Labor for car repair is outrageous!

Bethel's not really pretty unless you go out on the river, but I made the best friends of my life there, Being happy anywhere is pretty much a choice, doncha think?

[warptman]

What did you do here?

[northwoodsgal]

Also got to do quite a bit of village travel

[breezey514]

I am coming to live in Bethel around the end of May. I too will be a nurse. What is the best way to get your things from the midwest to bethel? I have heard that garage sales are the best way to pick up things for your apartment including beds and furniture, dishes etc. Is this true? Is it better to come straight into bethel or go through anchorage? I have enjoyed reading these posts. they are very informative!
wendy

[Rance]

You have no choice but to land in Anchorage first. Warpt...can you give us a picture of the Bethel airstrip? And maybe a few from around town?

[warptman]

Sure.

Bethel on the Kuskokwim River


From upriver a little ways.
































Alaska Airlines will bring you here.


Bethel Airport

[Rance]

Thanks Warpt. Wendy I'd imagine this is nothing like what you expected (judging from your flying direct to Bethel comment). Hope it all works out for you. Please come back and keep us updated on your trip and experiences!