STRANDED IN DENALI NP / TEK Inside Denali ALASKA 2023 Travel Tip Hack RVing to Alaska Last Frontier
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- čas přidán 28. 06. 2023
- Taking our Class C motorhome to Alaska so we can get to some remote areas and drive on roads less traveled. We've taken our Big Rig before but this time will be different. We're going to Denali and Tek campground but also the Dalton highway (we hope) and so much more.
We've been planning this Alaska the Last Frontier RV road trip for over a year and we're doing it. Enough talk, let's walk! Well...we'll drive but you get the picture.
We head deeper into Denali National Park by staying in Teklanika Campground for 7 days. It's the only campground that allows you to drive an RV this deep into the Denali. We're excited but scared because once you enter into Denali at Tek Campground, you can't leave to dump; otherwise, you forfeit your reservation or have to pay the fee again. No Way! We're sticking it out. We should be fine!
We bought our Tek bus pass which allows you to jump on the bus to the end of the road which is at East Fork River at Mile 42. The Pretty Rocks Landslide will have this road closed for 2 years until 2025.
We're going to ride our bikes a lot to get around and see wildlife!
Lots to do in Denali and fun to be this deep into the park. Not many "designated" trails but they encourage you to get out and hike!
We enjoy a first meal of hot dogs and a Ranger Program at Tek. The campground has pit toilets (nice), recycling and trash.
We hope we get some good bus drivers who stop for wildlife because Sondra wants to take a lot of pictures. The sounds of Denali are pretty incredible as we gaze at the landscape and Sondra snaps some pics.
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RV Camping
We like to "Switch it Up" between resorts and campgrounds and boondocking is always an option.
We draw inspiration from Keep Your Daydream KYD, Less Junk More Journey, Finding Our Someday and Changing Lanes. We normally travel in an HDT similar to CZcams channels Suite Travels and Watts on Wheels. I also get some ideas from the editing style of Happily Ever Hanks (Happilyeverhanks) #thankshanks
Our journey is the destination. We want to share in our experiences in our discovery of What's Next.
I get my music from:
Epidemicsound.com
Tracks:
The Village Welcoming by Adriel Fair
More than Yesterday by Daniel Kaede
Look No Further by Greta Greene
Forest Trekking by Adriel Fair
Amazon Shop (no extra charge to you)
A convenient way to see (or buy) the items you see in the video's which may help in your adventure.
www.amazon.com/shop/bigtruckb...
We use the TSD card for diesel fuel and save a bundle each time we fill up our Big Rig. We also use it to fill up our Onan generator.
The big blue boards (XL version) we use sometimes to get us "un-stuck" is from:
Gotreads.com
Our Class C is built by Thor Motorcoach on a Ford F550 chassis. It's a production build Magnitude model XG32. We tow our red Jeep Wrangler Sahara behind it. We've made some modifications to it so that we can boondock comfortably. Lithium batteries, Victron 3000w multi-plus inverter, dual alternators charge while traveling and mods to the water system greatly enhance it's boondocking capabilities.
Our extreme completely custom 5th wheel is built on a semi-trailer chassis with air suspension and air brakes. Completely loaded it weighs 42,000 lbs rolling down the highway. And we do roll down the highway nearly every week. You see, we believe that if your home has wheels they should be used.
Vehicles:
2016 Volvo VNL780 "Voyager"
2016 Smart fortwo "Pathfinder"
2019 SpaceCraft Custom built semi-trailer 5th wheel "Orion"
2023 Thor Magnitude XG32 Class C "Curiosity"
2017 Jeep Wrangler Sahara "Artemis"
Power system:
3250 watts of solar with Panasonic panels
30.1 KWH of Lithium batteries
2- 4K watt Magnum Inverters deliver power as if we are on shore power
2- 4K watt 240v Cotek Inverters deliver additional power for our LG Mini split HVAC and stove
Coachnet is our roadside assistance company we use but hopefully we don't use them too often. LOL
We are not sponsored by Whataburger but I do enjoy them anytime I can get my hands on one. They used to be just out of Texas but they have expanded.
BIg Truck Big Travels video's are based on our personal experience and not meant nor portrayed as experts in anything we do or say. It's our life on the road and our opinions are not meant to be construed as advice. Enjoy life on the road.
![MUST DO in Denali National Park | Wildlife, Hikes, Park Bus, & History [S1-E15]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ELtxatW3a0s/mqdefault.jpg)
One thing we forgot to mention about staying in Teklanika Campground. It's a 3 night minimum and you have to stay in Teklanika. No driving around the park and you "can't" leave the park or you forfeit your reservation. It's done to minimize traffic inside the park. If you want to go to the Visitor Center then you must take a bus to get there.
Thank you for the update I'm gonna put it in my notes
We understood that sites were done through a lottery. Is this true??
@teresaworthley2368 no, not for any of the Denali campgrounds. Reservations open on December 1st each year for the entire following season. So, on Dec 1, 2023 you can make reservations for any date for the 2024 season.
Busses must come on the hour or so.
@@bigtruckbigtravelsYou need to raise your bike seats. I would recommend you stop at a bike shop that does bike fitting and they can dial your bike in. Raised bike seat = more energy and power. Good luck!
Sondra must feel so safe in the wilderness with you. Being able to do repairs and get things working again has to be an amazing comfort to her! And her wonderful talent is planning ahead with awesome meals in the freezer so you eat like Kings every night.
You are a great pair!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Yes, thank you, Susan. We're a good team. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the sounds of Denali. Takes me back 30 years to when I visited. (Way before electric bikes.) At that time, a grizzly chased a moose on the road straight at our bus. After they passed, the grizzly came walking back directly beside our bus. The thrill of the entire trip, other than seeing Denali in full light.
That sounds like a once in a lifetime event, Gene. It's a special place so we're glad you enjoyed it as it brought back memories. Appreciate your time watching the channel.
Another wonderful video! Loved seeing the Momma Bear with 3 baby cubs. Can’t wait to see you again next week. Thanks for sharing!!!😊
Thank you, Kay. It was an awesome ride and the wildlife viewing is really icing on the cake. Next week will be epic...see you then! More of Alaska and places that you have not been to before...actually, we haven't been before either. Exciting!
#210👍......lots of wildlife in this one, both animals and plants. Looks like a nice time to be there, not too much snow, not too many crowds about. This series/trip has been really uplifting for me during these months of post surgery. It certainly has been a joy and always looking forward to what's next! Stay safe and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
Glad you're post surgery is going well...and that we're there to help you through it! See you next week!
I'm glad you are having a great adventure. Thank you for taking us along
Thank you, David. We're excited to have you along on the journey and share in the experience. It's truly a unique area. Appreciate your time watching the channel. 😊
My husband and I love your channel! 😊
Thank you soooo much. We're glad to have you along on the journey. 😊 Alaska will be fun this summer! Appreciate your time watching the channel. 😃
We love our Sena bike helmet,they were a game changer for us and like you we recommend them to everyone 😊
Oh yeah! Definitely, game changers. Really nice to communicate clearly while riding in all conditions. Thanks for the comment. 😃
I have always loved watching travel adventures since I know I will never get to all the places I want to go on this planet.Thank You for taking me on this exciting trip‼️‼️🇺🇸🇺🇸‼️‼️What outstanding scenes from Denali❣️
Glad you enjoyed it, Sharon! We love sharing our experiences and excited that you are along on the journey. It's Alaska this summer...and it doesn't stop until the snow starts! LOL
Thank You Both for the beautiful Alaskan adventure and sharing with us 🥰
You're very welcome, Joyce. It's our pleasure to share our experiences and glad you're along on the journey. 😊
Love watching your journey. It’s so great to have a partner to share it with. Share travels.
Glad you enjoy it! It's great to have someone to share it with and who thinks along the same lines.
This is my first time watching one of your videos. I really enjoyed it , I will be watching more of them. Thank you.
Thank you, Betty, for giving us a chance. We hope you enjoyed it and are excited to have you along on the journey. 😊
Awesome footage you guys - so very cool. BTBT Nation thanks you for the amazing journey! 🎉
Thank you. Alaska was fun. We have more in 2024. Appreciate your time watching the channel. 😃
I'm running out of adjectives! I'll just say a heartfelt thank you for letting us experience the sights and sounds! ❤
Thank you so much! It was a unique and wonderful experience for sure and we're glad you're along on the journey. Next week will be fun!
You guys are living the life, I hope one day we'll be able to do this. 👍👍
It's a lot of fun...a little bit of planning sprinkled with some imagination and desire to see the country. I hope you guys can get there one day. Glad you enjoyed the video and appreciate you watching the channel.
We are in a perfect boondocking spot, the upper Teton view, 7000 ft overlooking the Grand Tetons in Wyoming, temps in the 60's. , but Alaska is our trip.
That sounds fantastic! A view of the Tetons is special and not to be taken for granted so your spot sounds "one in a million"..(pun intended)! 🤣😁
My parents were able to drive out to Wonder Lake and camp about 40 years ago. They came up every other year for most of the summer for many years. Three of us nine kids lived here and we would provide a vehicle and everything they needed to travel.
That's very nice. We wanted to get out to Wonder Lake but the Pretty Rocks Landslide prevented that this year. Sounds like fun what your parents did and that was really very nice providing them a vehicle and such.
Beautiful scenery captured both on the bus and your bikes in Denali.
Sondra, you are correct.
Sheep cannot read but what surprised us was the fact there were no Ewe Turn permitted signs. 😊
You’ve managed to Ram a lot of great shots into this episode.
All the best to you both.
Stay safe and continue to have fun.
Regards,
😂🤔🤣😂😎 Ok...that's pretty funny. We didn't try to pull the wool over your eyes on this video. Sondra was a little sheepish about riding the bikes so far but it turned out great! See you next week!
So amazing watching you guys😁
Thank you. Just a week in the life... in Alaska. It's been a nice summer. Appreciate your comments.
Some really stunning shots of Denali scenery and animals. Loved it!
Thank you and appreciate your comments.
I always look forward to your videos. Thank you for taking us along with you as you explore Denali, wish you would have shown Sondra's finished soup in all it's glory though! lol
It was delicious, Carol. We had it with toasted cheese bread on sourdough. It was delicious. She may have taken a picture of it...I'll have to check!
I love your adventure videos they are beautiful
Thank you, Crissy. We enjoy RV life and the travel aspects of it are just so exciting to us. Glad you're along on the journey. Let's have some fun this summer!
Thanks for sharing. Absolutely beautiful !!
Thank you, Downtown! It's a beautiful park and truly unique experience to stay within the park for the week and be able to ride our bikes into it. It was awesome and glad we could share it with you. Let's see What's Next....
The bike helmet ( Sena ) is interesting. I'll have to check them out. Thanks for the views of Denali.
You're welcome. They are great!
Thank you so much for sharing this awesome adventure with us. Loved seeing the wildlife & hearing the calming sounds of Denali! Thank you both, continued safe travels!
You're welcome, Tony & Cathy. We enjoy sharing our experience and glad you're along on the journey. Love the "Sounds of Denali". Appreciate your time watching the channel. 😊
I enjoyed your time in Tek--- campground. Thanks for all the beautiful views of incredible scenery. What I really enjoyed was when you let me listen to the birds and sounds of the park!! It was like I was standing there with you two!!
You're welcome, Judy. I didn't know if that was a little "nerdy" but I really enjoy the sounds of nature in these areas where we visit. Glad you enjoyed it too!
What a great journey you two are having! Thanks for bringing us along!
Excited that you're along on the journey. Next week will be truly unique...see you then!
20 years ago my wife Barb and I were in Alaska on our 40th anniversary. The only thing I can say about Alaska “It’s unbelievable what God created there. We went 50 miles by bus in Denali. It was wonderful. Bob in Reese MI
Denali is amazing, Bob. That sounded like a great 40th to be in Alaska. Stay safe and appreciate your time watching the channel.
Very nicely done Thank You!!!!
Thank you, Chris. We enjoy sharing our experiences.
Thanks so much for the amazing footage and great video! Travel safe!
Thanks, Marco. Glad you enjoyed it. We had never done something like this before and it was very unique and really a great experience. Good weather helps but the area is beautiful. Let's see more of this great state.
Watching your adventures this week was a bright spot in a very stressful week. Thank you so much for sharing, loved every minute of the video, it was amazing as always!
Super glad we could help out in "one of those weeks". Not fun for sure but they do make you appreciate the good ones even more. Hang in there, see you next week! 😁
Alaska is so beautiful. You guys deserve this experience, never see one couple so happy and Lovers. Enjoy because God bless you guys. A Hug from Brazil.
Thank you, Jakson. We enjoy each day as it's given to us and are grateful that we can travel in this fashion and be able to share it with everyone. Winter in Brazil...may still be warmer than many parts of Alaska!
Thank for bringing back some awesome memories!! Several years ago we fly to AK from Fl and rented RVs to drive around the state. Our first and favorite adventure was doing the bus in Denali. The wildlife we saw was just so incredible!!! The grizzlies, the grizzly cubs, the elk, the Denali ram, the moose and everything in between!! We are absolutely loving your adventures and can’t wait to see where you head next!! Thanks 😊
Thanks, Teresa. Glad this is bringing back some great memories. Our adventures next will take us to a place that you have not been before...complete wilderness. It will be fun. Appreciate your comments. 😁
How much did that cost you all together? Do you remember
@@geraldledoux125, all in, back in 2016 it cost us roughly $6k
Hi from Australia, we have been to Alaska but did not make it to Denali, I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed your Alaska adventures seeing some familiar and some new places. We stayed in Seward a few nights and seeing all the RV's parked along the water we were quite jealous that we would never get to experience that. You do a great job on the camera work and editing and keeping everything so interesting. Thanks!
Thank you, Karen and Hello down under! Really glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching the channel. 😁
Amazing.
Thank you from KSA.
Glad you enjoyed it! Excited to have you along on the journey. Our adventure continues into some pretty cool areas!
Bear Spray, now that will keep the tribe quiet bahaaaa What an incredible place. The battery feels heavier, that one's going straight into the holster. Brilliant video
Thanks Brendan. Was the family quiet tonight for this one? 🤔😂😎 Wouldn't want you to miss the "sounds of Denali"! Glad you enjoyed it. Wait until next week!
@@bigtruckbigtravels I think that they have finally learned their lesson. Lol Really enjoying the videos guys. I've been really fortunate in my life to see a lot of the world, but Alaska's landscape is just breath taking. Stay safe.
I was in the park on the 17th and had Tom as our driver. Ben is my favorite all time bus driver. He's kind of famous for being chased by a grizzly on his bike on the road near the park HQ.
I drove down with my daughter and her boyfriend who live in North Pole. I was sad when they said 43 mile was the end! We had decent weather and saw animals but no grizzly. As you have witnessed being there for 7 days, you can see who fast the weather can turn. It could be sunny and 70 at the bus depot and 30 and cloudy at the East Fork or snow at Eielson visitors center. There was a lot less snow when we went.
It's definitely an experience for people who have never been inside the park camping.
I'm excited to see your Dalton Hwy video, another great road ro explore and thought maybe I would see you in Fairbanks before I left back for the heat in AZ.
Safe travels.
hey Brad- we just missed you because we didn't leave until the 18th...we did the afternoon bus on the 17th. In Fairbanks for about 6 days now. Can't imagine being chased by a griz! The weather can turn in a heartbeat for sure. The day it hailed, we were in 70's earlier on our ride! Crazy. Stay cool in AZ! See you next week.
Great video love the sounds. So fun to watch
Thank you 🤗, Sherry. I love the sounds in a place such as Denali. It's such a peaceful feeling. Glad you enjoyed it.
Loved the big Griz and the moose. Great video!
Thanks, Steve. We love seeing wildlife. The griz and moose were super cool. We were very fortunate to get all that wildlife viewing and see Denali as well.
Y’all have inspired us to look at a class c to explore the US in (downsizing from a 41’ 5th wheel) and to visit national parks (with stickers and stamps). I hope we meet some day and near a stationary store 😂
Thanks, Kaye and I have a feeling that you and Sondra would do some "damage" in a store with stickers and stamps!
Put y’all On pause ! Waiting for my husband to get home he’ll get mad if I watch without him lol
LOL...you could watch it...then watch it again when he gets home...I won't tell...I promise! 🤔😂😎
Absolutely love your videos.
Thanks so much! We enjoy sharing our experiences.
Great wildlife along that road, when we were there we had a sow grizzly lay down and nurse her cub while we were watching.
Wow, John. That would have been epic to experience that. Congratulations! It's amazing what you can see in Denali. Appreciate your time watching the channel. 😃
Awesome video, thanks for the tour and safe travels!
Thank you very much. We try to keep it out of the ditches and on the straight and narrow...next week that will be hard to do. Let's see if we can do it...see you next week.
What a beautiful week ! The wildlife viewing and the rivers are amazing. You two had that park to yourselves; such serenity to hear nothing but mother nature. Thank you for sharing. I would love to ride my e-bike on that road! ❤
It was so cool, Jolene. To hear the sound of Denali... and not a car or bus or ...airplane! Lol. We loved exploring it on our bikes. Thank you for the comment. 😃
After reading the comments, I'll have to rewatch the vlog. I was cooking supper so must have missed alot. Hubby and I really enjoyed your bike ride and the "Sounds of Denali". We are not nerds but love the beauty of nature. As always, stay safe, have fun.
Lol... next time, Karen, have us "to dinner with you" so you can concentrate on the video... 😆 🤣 Sounds good. What did you have for dinner? Glad you enjoyed it and excited to have you along on the journey. 😊
@@bigtruckbigtravels sorry. I don't recall what I was cooking a few days ago. Trying to stick to a diabetic no carb menu.
So AWESOME! Thanks for sharing your travels. I just told my wife that we need to do this from Raleigh, NC when we get the opportunity.
We started our trip this year from Alabama, Clifton, so Raleigh is very doable. Allow several months if possible to really enjoy the trip and not feel pressured to hurry. A few of the roads can be "not smooth at all"! LOL.
what a beautiful video. thank you for taking us along
You're welcome, Susan. And thank you for the comment and your time watching the channel.
Thanks for the tour guys! Great set you have!
Thanks, Leslie. We enjoyed the week in Tek and can't wait to show our next "tour" adventure. Glad you're along on the journey. 😎
Please do a video on what to wear (clothes and shoes) while in Alaska. Love your channel!
Hey, Sandra, thanks for watching. Great comment, we plan on doing a summary of the trip and cover a lot of stuff about what to bring, where to find services, etc... we'll cover the clothing too. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait for next episode. 😊
Thanks, Peter. See you next week!
just finished watching your big binge playlist. looking forward to keeping up with your travels
Thank you and glad to have you along on the journey. 😊
Ahhhh, glad you explained the helmets as that explains why the audio got quirky at times in this episode. 😉
You're welcome. We didn't realize it until we reviewed the clips later...next time we'll turn them off or take the helmets off..it did sound a little weird. Thanks for looking past that and we appreciate your time watching the channel. See you next week!
I really enjoy how you provide both videos and still photos in your channel. Love watching your channel.
Sondra loves to take pictures and I like to include them in the video's to give everyone a sense of what we're seeing...sometimes the pics are better than a video. It's almost like capturing the moment....Glad you're along on the journey. Next week will be truly unique! See ya'.
It’s not nerdy, David. It’s peaceful.❤ Wonderful photos Sondra.
Thanks, Mary. That's exactly what came to mind in that moment. Very peaceful. Sondra loves taking pics and really gets excited when it's a good one!
You guys must be brave to be walking because that's definitely bear country. I would strap on a 44 magnum. I would rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6. Great Viedo 👍 👌 I enjoyed it , be safe and enjoy.
Very true, Scott...but I can run faster than Sondra! LOL...we were pretty sure the bears did not venture down onto the road....and we didn't have any food with us. Thanks for watching.
Wonderful production and so glad you enjoyed your bikes
Thank you Simon. We really did and the fact that they were e-bikes gave us some security in being able to ride farther into the park and not worry about "not getting back to camp" in a reasonable amount of time. Appreciate your time watching the channel.
Cool I’m happy the caribou had made it back into the park for you to see.
Hey Tony, thanks. They were roaming. A few days earlier there was a herd 40 miles away at Sable Pass. Then we see these guys as we had out. Appreciate the comments. Hope you're catching fish.
Just found your channel and I love it
Thanks, Darrell. Glad you found us! Appreciate your time watching the channel. 😃
Awesome video!!!!
Glad you enjoyed it, John. It was an awesome experience.
Another great adventure, on to the next one! Some majestic views. Safe travels and Happy 4th of July!
Thanks Edward...and Happy 4th to you as well. Next week will be a truly unique adventure for us. See ya'!
Hi guys...good video...beautiful sights...thanks...stay safe...J&A
Thank you, J&A. I hope the weather is good for you and not hot wherever you are...appreciate your time watching the channel. See you next week.
Great video. You took some beautiful pictures Sandra of wildlife and plants during the trip. Well done and enjoyed the story you made into the video.
Thanks, Todd. Sondra enjoys getting wildlife shots and doesn't "count" the sighting unless she gets a picture of the particular wildlife. LOL. Really appreciate the comments and watching the channel. 😊
@@bigtruckbigtravels Thanks. Sorry Sondra for mis-spelling your name in the original post. I too have a Nikon, but an older D60 DSLR and am amazed how well it does with photos of nature. Nikor lenses are incredible.
Great video….we will be there next week for 4 days
Nice, Barb. Hope the weather is great and Denali is clear. Enjoy!
We have those Sena helmets too. Love them!!
They are great, Cindy. We joke about them being "game changers" for bike riding but they are really nice. Thanks for the comment. 😃
Hi guys you both look very well. I totally loved the Vlog. The video was great. Whe l saw the Grizzly moments with her three cubs l said Oh Oh l hope you weren't going to meet them crossing a road! It seems that the norher you go the greener gets.Happy travel travels.😊
Hey Linda, glad to hear from you this week. It's almost July so it better start getting green or Sondra will give me an earful! 🤣😂
Love your videos! We depart on 7/13 in route to Alaska. We get inspiration from the same you-tubers you watch but we add y’all to our list. We’ll wave if we see you on the road in mid August when we arrive in Alaska!
Thank you so much, Lila. That's an honor to be mentioned with those other channels. Say "hi" if you see us in August. Safe travels and enjoy your trip to Alaska. 😊
Loved walking with you from my sofa, Thank you
We enjoyed it as well, Sue. Glad you're "up for the hike" with us! It turned out to be a nice day.
Incredible amount of wildlife - just wonderful! The scenery is something I would never get tired of. Amazing country we live in and amazing how much there is to see right here in the USA! Have a wonderful 4th of July!
Thank you. Have a great and safe 4th of July. Enjoy. Great country we have and are privileged to live in.
I drove the haul road back in 1994-96 . I love the scenery and the people.
It's amazing how remote it is and the scenery is spectacular. It was neat going over the highest road in Alaska and the continental divide through the Brooks Range.
Great Video. Love your truck, I think it would hold up a lot better than are tow-able RV.
I think so too... but driving slow is the key no matter what you drive. I think our big rig would handle it well but going slow...very slow! 😆
@@bigtruckbigtravels Thanks! Looks like the one that got the empty space next to mine a couple months back. Serious chassis. That thing is made super heavy duty. My wife hasn't seen it yet. If she does, I'm going to be in trouble. ;-)
Thanks for the info on Cena headsets…just found your channel from 🇨🇦
Welcome, Bonjour and thanks for finding us. Appreciate your time watching the channel. The Sena headsets are great and very helpful.
Very beautiful scenery
Thank you, Brad. It is stunning especially with the weather we experienced. Glad you enjoyed it.
I hiked across Denali in 2016, unbelievable awe inspiring. Always bear aware, but only came across 10 in 14 days. Only saw 2 people in the wilderness in between start and end.
Ok, that is incredible! Wow! What a hike! Hats off to you. That is epic. Appreciate your comments. Thanks.
We’re at Riley Creek Campground in Denali NP headed to Talketna tomorrow.
Riley Creek is a nice campground. Enjoy Talkeetna. It's such an interesting town. Are you going to do the Hurricane Train? Jet boat rides? Glacier flightseeing? Rafting? Hopefully the weather cooperates and you'll have a clear view of Denali. Enjoy!
Just drove up to the bridge where they stop you before traveling on to Tek..saw two Caribou! Wildlife count..two moose and two Caribou!
We love our Sena helmets, total game changer for bike rides!
They really are, Cindy. So clear even if it's windy. We really enjoy them.
what was your first vlog like compared to now? did you think that you would get so much love from on youtube. i’m glad you guys decided to make a channel and just show us all how our country looks for those who can’t do it.
Lol...I think our first vlog was not very good. The content was nice but the pictures and video were lacking and the editing was terrible! We didn't think we'd get 20K subscribers so quickly and the love from our viewers had been amazing and totally unexpected. Thank you.
You gave me some new ideas about traveling the Denali road when camped. I’ve been able to travel the road by private car for a week twice with a photographers pass. I don’t enjoy the bus rides due to the tiny window openings….😅
That's sweet, Bob. A photographer pass is what Sondra would love to be able to do. Glad you're along on the journey. 😊
With all the headgear not sure if Sondra still needs her earmuffs. Stay warm and dry. Good shots and keep having fun.
🤣You would think that but she still needs them on her ears...she says the helmet keeps trying to knock them off ! LOL.
The grizzly cubs were so cute.
They really were... from a distance! 😆 Thanks for watching the channel. 😁
Yes great video did you have your hot dogs I thought maybe not with the black bear around I am sure you know this the bear sense of smell is like 100 times better than us humans and your cooking hot dogs LOL on your electric panel is there a spot for charging the battery's for the bikes take care happy camping
Thanks, James. We had our hot dogs...but no bears showed up! We charge our bikes on a regular 110v outlet. We don't have much solar on the Class C so it's generator dependant....we like having the solar like we do on our big rig (Voyager and Orion).
Thanks for the information ya it's on my bucket list Alaska take care happy
camping
Our bus driver. In the park was from Ohio. Lots of workers are from out of Alaska. They stay all summer in a camp. And we’re well versed in the park and wildlife.
Our driver was from Fairbanks, Stephen, but the others we rode with were all from our of state... one guy was from Florida! Lots of knowledge for sure! Thanks for watching and the comments.
Hello from Vermont ❤
Well, Cary here's a "hi" from AK right now. Thanks for watching the channel.
You should come through Vancouver BC on your way back to the US.
We definitely want to plan a longer visit to Vancouver. Not sure of our route to the lower 48 yet but a Vancouver visit is in the future. Thanks for the comments. 😃
I am really enjoying your videos, thank you. Can you tell me which evelo model you have? It looks like you sit up nicely on it.
Thanks, Patricia. I had to do some modifications to get Sondra sitting upright but it works well. She has the Aurora Limited and I have the Delta-X (discontinued). I switched handlebars, seats, seat posts, stems and added extensions but it's working nicely. Thanks
Our last trip there was in 2010 and we hit a day when there were no clouds, a lot of wind, up to 40 MPH but got fantastic photos of the "big hill" Denali... We left our camper near Fairbanks and rented a log cabin right outside the entrance. I love my electric bike, however, they didn't exist in 2010, and the gas ones weren't very good.
I have been to every state, and put Alaska at the top, even over Hawaii as the top to see by far, mostly due to the wildlife, and all the glaciers, especially Glacier Lake, and Denali, however we saw most of what could be accessed by road during the month we were there. Australia and Panama are the only places I have been to that top Alaska in my opinion...
I get so amused by older people, me included, as we will spend over a hundred dollars for less than a day's fuel, but balk at paying 7 dollars for a gallon of milk which may last us a week... 🙃
Lol... oh, I know. Milk at $4.50 a gal is more palatable than the same for fuel! You were very fortunate for the cloudless day. Australia is a place I'd like to visit. Thanks for watching the channel. 😁
I heard the sounds of Denali, and the sounds of your Sena intercom system echoing a little 🤏. Nice video, thanks for sharing.
Lol... yes, we wanted to make sure you heard the sounds... from both sides! We didn't realize it until after. We take them off now. Thanks.
Shame the road was closed. We took the bus all the way to the end and Mirror Lake was pretty impressive although had the worst mosquitos of our whole trip.
Back in 2017, we took it to the end. Saw the airport and Mirror Lake as well as Wonder Lake with a hike at Eileson VC. We were fortunate with mosquitoes that year... this year is a little different. No bugs until the last day or so at Tek... then they started to make themselves known. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Around 2:50- Do you recall where you got the Alaska Highway hoodie?
It was at the Dawson Creek Mile 0 Visitor Center. Thank you for the comment. They had several designs but I liked this one to start the trip.
Loved the video and photography, as usual. Can you put a link to your rain jackets? (if you have it)
Hey Phyllis, glad you enjoyed it. Our rain jackets were purchased a few years ago from REI. They are the Precip rain jackets. We really like them as they are also windproof. Hope that helps. Appreciate your time watching the channel.
Thanks for the insights!
What time in the morning did you board the bus at Tek?
It was the 9:15am bus when we went to Savage River Loop trail. From Tek to the end of the road and back (roundtrip) takes about 2-3 hours.
your holding tanks are plenty big enough for 1 week. mine are only 17 gallons x 2 for black tank & grey water. that gets dicey after 8 nights. done it. 1974 airstream sovereign 31ft. not Alaska though.
Hey Teddy, yes, they are plenty big enough for a week, even 2 weeks if we watch it. Sondra always gets a little freaky about enough water.
Love your videos. We just missed you guys this summer in Denali. We were a little bit behind you. Not in our RV. Cruise for a week out of Vancouver then a week on land on our own. How do you guys like your Sena smart helmets? Any issues with them? We just ordered a couple of e-bikes and want to get smart helmets so we don't have to yell at each other while we are trying to talk to each other while riding. :-)
Love the Sena bluetooth helmets. You can talk/hear in all conditions. The mics work great with a good range. That would have been cool to see you on Alaska. Thanks for watching the channel.
Barbq those Tube-Steaks.
Oh yeah, Beverly. We don't have them often but tasty on the grill!
I noticed something you don't have and it's a good Is survivor tool. GPS tracking like garman GPS Where you can mark where your truck is as a way. Point and travel as we get lost. You can follow the same trail. You've taken back to your vehicle or road or trail
Very true, Gerald. We should look into it...also, a Garmin inReach will have satellite communications for texting and keeping family informed.
I did not realize sheep could tell time
🤔😂😎🤣I know, right?!? I guess the National Park Service knows something that we don't...
David and Sondra, I have subscribed and have binge-watched your channel a good portion of the day! I saw the transition from your Freightliner to your Thor Magnitude and have been watching you prepare and travel to Alaska. My question is this; we are taking delivery of a Coach House RV (27ft) on a E450 Chassis this October. We just purchased our toad Jeep Wrangler and are looking to have a similar set up with the bikes in between the RV and the toad (vs putting on the back of the jeep.). Could you please share your hitch and tow bar set up that allows you to set up this way? I realize I will need to insure I have the proper tongue weight capacity (can you share yours?). Thanks for your help and looking forward to following you guys all the way through Alaska and back! All the best.
Hi John- Thanks for subscribing. Each motorhome has slightly different dimensions but our hitch is 26" above the ground. Thus, I got the items based on that. I've put the items on the Amazon store to make it easier to review. If you do move forward with these items, check around for pricing as Amazon may charge slightly more than going directly to Blue Ox or Gen Y but at least this list will help you get started. Due to our bike sizes, I had to get an extension off the hitch to insure the Jeep doesn't rub on the bikes when making really tight turns. I hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarification. The link is below:
amzn.to/46yglTg
@@bigtruckbigtravels thanks so much for taking the time to reply. Very helpful. Was your decision to but the bikes on the RV based on getting in and out of the Jeep trunk easier?
@johnmreale several factors actually. Using the trunk but also you can't see the Jeep taillights with the bikes on the back. We also figured that less potential damage, dust, mud on the back of the RV too. Easier to store on the RV since we'll take the Jeep and can leave the bikes stored on RV.
I’ve been curious since I started watching your adventures, what occupations did you guys have before retirement?
Hey Deb. We worked in corporate America (Sondra was Director of Sales for an electronics mfg and I was a GM at a Logistics firm). We've always enjoyed camping and traveling so fulltiming was a natural for us. Appreciate your time watching the channel. 😊
I see Sondra got to see lots of wildlife. Did she get real good pics with the camera?
She was happy with most of the pics. She takes 500 in the hopes that she can get 10 really good ones. 👍
Don’t forget the fire weed ice cream
Oh man! We did not get the firewood ice cream! We'll have to go back! Appreciate the comments. 😁