wrote:
On Mon, 09 Mar 2015 16:22:56 -0500, Califbill
wrote:

wrote:
On Sun, 08 Mar 2015 18:29:18 -0400, Wayne.B
wrote:



It was recommended to us that we do the reverse route where you fly
into Fairbanks, work your way south on the bus and train tour, and
then board the cruise ship in Whittier for the ride south to
Vancouver. It worked out very well and the weather was great even
though there was still snow on the ground in Fairbanks.

We flew into Fairbanks, rented a van and drove around for 3 weeks,
flying out of Anchorage.

After driving to Alaska. I would fly in and rent a 4x4 camper. As there
were places where lodging was very scarce. That way you have sleeping
accommodations when no hotel or motel is available. Do not have to sleep
in the camper if near a nice hotel.

We didn't find that many "nice" (as in ritzy) hotels but they were
better than a camper. They were pretty much mom and pop operations and
"nice" in the other way.
We stayed at one chain that really surprised us. It was the Best
Western in Homer. It had "lower 48" pricing, great food and it was
pretty much like any other BW.

Since we were driving to AK we ran through a lot of places with no
availability of lodging. Talked to a couple different couples on the trip
who were in cars. Said was hard to get a room at times. None there, or
full. We stayed in our truck camper most of the time, but hotel in
Telketna. And Roseburg, OR on way home. Being you like back country, even
better for those hikes. And some of the campers are really nice.