Adventure in Alaska + Perminant living. (Dillingham: buy, buses, cabin)

[snkalaska]

Originally Posted by Grannysroost

Survivor man is the hokey'est set up thing I have ever seen...if that were real, OMG help me....with a camera crew behind him ever step, kind of like the crabbin....won't go there....anything for an audience and reviews, forget the rest....

Actually Dangerous Catch is not contrived. They have a Kodiak boat this season and I know a couple guys on the crew. They probably ham it up for the cameras but overall pretty darn real.

[Glitch]

Originally Posted by Rance

OP...for the love of God...don't plan on sleeping or hanging out in an outhouse. Thats just gross. Keep an ample amount of dry wood at hand. In your tent if you have to. But keep it dry.

Rance is right. Keeping dry and warm is critical. Here are a just few more winter camping suggestions:

• Buy a four-season, or at the very least, a three-season tent;
• Buy an extra long mummy bag rated to at least +20°F or lower;
• Pack your food and clothes in water-proof containers (like large Zip lock bags);
• Keep a towel in a Zip lock bag;
• Do not wear, or bring, into your tent damp or wet clothes. Too much moisture in your clothes will make you cold as it evaporates and the moisture will condensate inside your tent forming ice on the ceiling and walls when it freezes;
• Remove damp or wet clothing before entering your tent;
• Wear as little cotton as possible;
• Wear as much wool or synthetics as possible;
• Put on dry socks as soon as camp is set up. Socks that are wet from hiking will not keep your feet warm for long.
• Dress in layers so you can easily adjust your clothes to regulate body moisture and temperature (you do NOT want to be too warm where you sweat).
• Keep your head covered in order to retain body heat;
• Make sure your shoes and gloves fit properly (don't wear too many pairs of socks, or it may constrict your blood flow to your feet and your feet will still be cold regardless of how many pairs of socks you put on);
• Your diet should be rich in carbohydrates to keep your body warm and provide the energy you will need;
• Drink lots of water, even when you are not thirsty;
• Water mixed with something such as Gatorade, lemonade, etc. will freeze at a lower temperature than plain water;
• Water filters are not suited to below freezing temperatures. Water left in the filter can freeze and split the internal seals, destroying the effectiveness of the filter. Melt snow for your water;
• In below-freezing weather, turn your water bottles upside down so that the ice forms at the bottom of the bottle instead of in the opening;
• Instead of stopping for a long lunch, snack on food all during the day at short breaks. This will keep you from cooling down too much;
• Snack before you go to bed so that your body will have enough fuel to generate heat during the night;
• Sleep with a balaclava on your head;
• To keep your boots from freezing at night, put them in a stuff sack (you can use your sleeping bag stuff sack) and put them inside your sleeping bag at the foot of the bag;
• Do NOT use your stove inside your tent;
• Chemical heat packs can be used to warm feet and hands if necessary. Most types usually last several hours;
• Instep crampons are helpful if you will be walking over a lot of ice or hard packed snow. They will keep your feet from slipping;
• Walking sticks or a ski pole is another way to help you keep your balance on icy or snowy trails; and
• Take the Red Cross EMT-W Course before you leave Vermont.

Winter camping in Alaska is not for novices.

[mongazid]

Sidney Huntington asked an old Koyukon indian "How did you keep warm in the winter?"
He said, "You did'nt, thats how you get tough indians. Only the ones that lived through the winter had childern.

[starlite9]

Originally Posted by JakeVT

Hello, I've been reading these forums for a while, and decided its time for me to finally post.
About 5 months ago some friends decided that they wanted to move to Alaska. I thought it was a great idea, and wanted in. They plan on moving up to Anchorage in July, but i wanted to head up in March/April and go exploring, and take a vacation of sorts, experience the wilderness on my own.

Now that is 3 months that i want to fill. Ideally i would find someone willing to rent a room for cheep, so i can stash some gear, then use that as a base camp. i want to explore southern Alaska as well, check out the Kenai river, and the Juneau area.

I am 23 and have 4 years of carpentry experience and would love to help a few families build cabins, be they log, timber frame, or a typical 2x4 framed.

Things i need to know are:
Is any if this possible, or conceivable?
How hard is it to travel around in late winter/spring without a vehicle?
Are there ride shares available, is hitch hiking doable?
What are average temperatures in southern Alaska during those months?
With a good tent/sleeping bag, is camping an option?

Other goofy questions:
Is there anyone out there that wants help building a cabin?
Anyone got a room for rent, and wants some company?
Does anybody want to do any fishing with me?
How would i find a job in a state park?

i just need something to do until summer hits and my friends come up.
Would appreciate any advice, tips, do's/dont's, or just a simple chat about all the fun winter/spring stuff i can/should do.
thanks!
-jake

Sounds like you are looking for a great adventure. Wish you the best.

Get a good GPS to carry around so you know where you are going, much better than a compass as long as you have extra batteries if you are going off the road very far.

As far as the proper gear, you can get it here when you arrive at either the Stores new or used at the Salvation Army to save some bucks.

Make sure you have some backup funds in case the place isn't what you thought it would be and need to head back home. There is a lot of work for someone whom wants to work hard, many come here figure on handouts or want the jobs "As seen on TV".

Let me know when you pass though Nenana, I would be glad to point you into some good areas of work or travel. You can IM me from the library if you don't have computer access.

[JakeVT]

hello again
was trying to plan out a few hikes in south central / south east Alaska, anyone got any good locations? I was thinking of hiking from Anchorage to Sterling, about 140 miles, so 14-16 days of hiking. Stopping in Cooper Landing for a day to clean up and restock. Planning only 10 miles a day because i want to explore and play! my plan is to do that trip in late April or early May.
Another trip would be from Sterling to Homer in mid June, maybe 9-10 days. then after that, hitch from Homer to Anchorage again to meet up with friends.
This sound possible? Can i hike along AK-1? Will the weather be warm enough to fish in ponds/rivers along the way? what special gear would i need (rain gear etc.) Any places to camp along those routes, or just the woods by the road?
another odd question, what is the cost of good sharp cheddar in Alaska? because i may be tempted to fly a pound up with me.
thanks!
-jake

[Rance]

There are many places along the highway to camp. And many trails within the park. You could do trout fishing along the way from Kenai Lake (in CooperLanding) all the way to Sterling in the Kenai River. There are also many lakes with fishing and camping along the highway. I think trout fishing closes in May. In Sterling we don't start seeing king salmon or bluebacks (reds) until early June.

[JakeVT]

wow, you respond fast
thanks for the info. if anyone could give me a few websites i should look at that would be great. i was roaming around the Alaska fish and wildlife website and had issues finding any fishing season dates.
thanks!
-jake

[Rance]

The Kenai Peninsula Clarion | Special Sections | 2009 Recreation Guide | Page 1

[Wrennie]

Um, we have cheese. It's not expensive. No need to fly with it in your pocket.

[JakeVT]

you may have cheese, but i doubt you have the worlds best cheddar! Cabot! :P