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Old 03-10-2009, 09:30 AM
 
1 posts, read 5,013 times
Reputation: 11

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My wife and I just found out we are moving from the panhandle of florida to Elmendorf AFB. It's a huge move for us and any advice would be appreciated. We plan on driving and towing a small trailer and taking our three dogs. Is it easier to take the ferry or drive through Canada? What preperations do we need for the ferry/ boarder crossing? Thanks for any advice.
-Clint
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Old 03-10-2009, 10:28 AM
 
Location: part way up Mt. Magnificent
153 posts, read 462,928 times
Reputation: 69
Quote:
Originally Posted by clintpb16 View Post
Is it easier to take the ferry or drive through Canada? What preperations do we need for the ferry/ boarder crossing? Thanks for any advice.
-Clint

Hey! How about that. ANOTHER AF family heading to Elmendorf. When are you going? Because that will probably dictate the best route for you.



As for finding information here, use the nifty little search thinger up in the control bar for anything by warptman (he has a whole buttload of links prepared for n00bs like us), or just read most of the entries on the first page of the Alaska/Anchorage forum. There's LOTS there.


Also, order the Milepost book!

Here's a good thread to start with- April Drive.

Here's the Elmendorf Newcomer's Guide (http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/8d5da3bd#/8d5da3bd/1 - broken link).

Here's the Housing thinger that is from base housing.

Couldn't tell you about the ferry, but MommaF8 took the ferry with her huge family, so she could tell you.. if she weren't so busy settling in




Shan - who is driving up from south-central Texas, also with a small trailer and a husband + kid which = 3 dogs....

Last edited by browncoatflan; 03-10-2009 at 10:39 AM.. Reason: spellingks.
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Old 03-10-2009, 06:30 PM
 
Location: Eagle River
119 posts, read 387,375 times
Reputation: 81
From the east coast, it is probably faster and less expensive to drive. The ferry can be fun, but some don't enjoy several days on it, some love it. If you plan to live on base, you might check with Elmendorf Housing, they may have a two dog limit. Traveling through Canada takes some planning, health certificates for the dogs, firearm restrictions, passports,etc, there are several threads on this. If you decide on the ferry (Alaska Marine Highway) make sure you have a reservation, and get a stateroom.
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Old 03-11-2009, 11:18 AM
 
Location: part way up Mt. Magnificent
153 posts, read 462,928 times
Reputation: 69
Quote:
Originally Posted by AKNana View Post
From the east coast, it is probably faster and less expensive to drive. The ferry can be fun, but some don't enjoy several days on it, some love it. If you plan to live on base, you might check with Elmendorf Housing, they may have a two dog limit. Traveling through Canada takes some planning, health certificates for the dogs, firearm restrictions, passports,etc, there are several threads on this. If you decide on the ferry (Alaska Marine Highway) make sure you have a reservation, and get a stateroom.

They do have a 2-pet limit.


Shan
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Old 03-11-2009, 01:03 PM
 
Location: Bethel, Alaska
21,368 posts, read 38,109,972 times
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By all means, drive up! You will love the Alcan. Don't bother driving to the west coast, come up through either Manitoba or Saskatchewan/Alberta/BC/Yukon, a direct route.

from: Pensacola, fl to: anchorage, ak - Google Maps




YouTube - Marshall Tucker Band Take The Highway
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Old 03-11-2009, 05:55 PM
 
1,858 posts, read 3,102,653 times
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I agree with the comment that the Ferry can be kind of long - especially once you have gotten into the "driving groove." There is lots of housing on Elmendorf. Much of it is fairly new. Given the economy (although its not as bad as it is in other parts of the country), I'd consider buying if that is an option for you. Its a buyers market. Lots of houses to choose from.
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Old 03-14-2009, 11:13 PM
 
Location: Wouldn't you like to know...
138 posts, read 428,365 times
Reputation: 34
The ferry was not fun. The food was gross and over priced. The views were great but it was like being stuck on an extra long international flight; well, international flights have better food and the movie selection is way better. My husband and I drove to Washington and took the ferry. We got here in February. If you are leaving when it is Spring, you could do the whole ALCAN thing. But make sure you carry $500 cash on you and be ready to drive for stretches of miles (100) where you don't see a gas station. Fill up every chance you get!
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Old 03-16-2009, 12:56 PM
 
Location: Wasilla, Alaska
17,823 posts, read 23,442,152 times
Reputation: 6541
I concur with everyone else about driving up instead of taking the ferry. The ferry takes longer and costs more than driving. If you have problems getting into Canada (a past DUI for example) then the ferry may be your only option.

If you do decide to drive, be sure you have your passport. You will also need to obtain a veterinarian health certificate for your dogs that is not older than 30 days.
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Old 03-23-2009, 09:29 PM
 
Location: Anchorage
25 posts, read 98,522 times
Reputation: 43
Everyone is right about the drive - its much faster and probably cheaper. I am actually taking that drive from Anchorage to VA Beach when I move next month. I hear it's pretty descent this time of year. Good luck in your move!
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Old 03-30-2009, 02:12 PM
 
Location: Anchorage AK
13 posts, read 88,956 times
Reputation: 18
Quote:
Originally Posted by clintpb16 View Post
My wife and I just found out we are moving from the panhandle of florida to Elmendorf AFB. It's a huge move for us and any advice would be appreciated. We plan on driving and towing a small trailer and taking our three dogs. Is it easier to take the ferry or drive through Canada? What preperations do we need for the ferry/ boarder crossing? Thanks for any advice.
-Clint

clintpb16,
Just made the drive from FL to Anchorage this month. We are a military family as well. Stationed at Ft. Ricardson. The ALCON was much, much better then I had thought it would be with this time of year. A bit rough around the last 100 miles to the boarder though. We towed a small boat with trailer. I would most definatly get a mile post, it will be your bible along the way. Take your time, such beauty along the way, and the Bison (many, many) some right out in the ALCON itself. As for gas stations stop when ever you see one and even if your close to full stay that way we found that during March there were many gas stations and campgrounds that were closed for the season. There are places to stay but they are a bit limited. We tried to stay in larger areas for the night. Enjoy your trip and make sure you pack a camera....
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