May be in Bethel soon (Hope: maintenance, costs, move)

[cofapelpc]

I have been asked to consider a position in Bethel and must say I am looking forward to the prospect. I have loked at most of the web sites on Bethel and it's lack of Neman Marcus....(smiles) won't be my first rodeo in rustic places.

Do have a few questions:

1. Given the reported water conditions is it worth bring a washer and dryer up?

2. Since I enjoy playing and listening to music are there some local bands?

3. What if any would be the most practicle vehicle to bring along?.

Thanks
Doc

[Rance]

Try looking Bethel up in the city-data section. I don't think there are a whole lotta roads there.

[Blueberry]

Given the reported water conditions is it worth bring a washer and dryer up?

Absolutely. There's no longer a laundromat in Bethel. The water is fine for washing clothes. I just added extra bleach to my whites.

Since I enjoy playing and listening to music are there some local bands?

Several local bands. Most get to show off at the various local fundraisers and dances.

What if any would be the most practicle vehicle to bring along?

I wouldn't consider anything other than a 4X4. During mud season, Bethel has some serious axle eating roads, and a 4X4 will help you maneuver more easily. Plus the 4X will sometimes save your bacon on the winter roads. You'll need to have an engine block heater and an oil pan heater installed for winter driving; bring a heavy duty extension cord for plugging your vehicle in during the winter months. We managed without studded tires, but we did have chains which we only used a couple of times in seven years.

There is a debate whether you want to take a "good" vehicle to Bethel because the roads will do a number on them. However, if you're not mechanically inclined, maintenance on a not-so-good vehicle will eat into your wallet. Most of our routine maintenance (and misc. tweaking and/or repair) seemed to run about $1600 a pop, and that was for a good 4x4 truck. Luckily, it seems like we only had to pay that out about once a year; payment is cash only. We used Ed exclusively for maintenance because we heard various stories about "hidden" costs at "the competition" and work being done that the owner didn't authorize. Build a good relationship with Ed and he will treat you right; he also does very good work.

Our 16 year old vehicle still looks and runs pretty good after 10+ years in the Bush. We attribute that to starting with a decent vehicle and not skimping on maintenance.

[cofapelpc]

Thank you for your responses! This entire idea has come to me rathe abruptly and I suppose I will have to decide in the next week. So far I am all for it (the move that is)

I have a good Ford Explorer (though not 4x4 it has been many places in the Rockies and Northern Midwest in all types of snow and slop. Sounds like a washer/dryer will be a must bring item....Thanks again

Hope to talk with you all another time

Thanks
Doc