I will be going from Petaluma to Bellingham, WA to catch teh Ferry to Haines. Driving from Haines to Homer then the ferry from Homer to Kodiak.
Was wondering what advice I can get on places to stay, places to eat, things to see, and what I need to be aware of for the drive between Haines and Homer.
The day after our wedding June 16, 1990; the wife and I drove from Tampa, FL to Seattle, spent time with friends got the “Jimmy” tuned & tightened up for the drive from Billingham, WA to Homer, AK., then the ferry to Kodiak. Spent nights all along the ALCAN in hunting camp hotels, the best place was White Horse, AK we spent an extra day there. Homer is hands down the first place on my list to live. But now that I’m retired & still married to the same woman, here I sit in Tampa, FL. Retiring here close to her family is my “penance” for dragging her thru Canada. Get a couple of spare tires, couple extra lug nuts (you really don’t want to chase those pesky things down any hills) standard travel first aid kit, little extra water & food. As long as you fill up when every you get a chance and not wait till your below ¼ tank you wont need a spare 5 gal of gas. But there is always that one other driver you will encounter that rolled the dice. For me it was an Air Force Sergeant heading south.
I envy you, been up and down several times. Milepost magazine is good, tells you everything you can possibly think of and more. What time of year is big thing. The Hwy is very well maintained these days. If winter driving survival gear/emergency supplies become extra important.
I recently made the similar drive... but I stopped in Juneau. It is awesome! if you have some extra time... and the weather is nice.. drive up the 101 up the coast north of Petaluma. The northern Cali and Oregon coasts are amazing! The ferry ride was great, bring a book to read or something. You'll get bored. The milepost magazine is a great idea for your actual drive in Alaska... has great info in it. Other than that I dont have much info for the drive to homer, but if you can, take your time and enjoy it... dont make it a chore.
Also I would bring some food on the ferry, the food can be a bit pricey. I had a cooler in my car that I just brought up to my cabin with some snacks and drinks. Good luck and have fun!
A few years ago the Mile Post was sent to you from the servicing ISC in AK. Use it read it and enjoy the trip. Remember the day light lasts alot longer in the summer and you may forget how late it really is. I loved the trip started in VA and ended my travel in Cordova, AK took 23 days and me and the family enjoyed it all the sights that last a lifetime!!!
I did that trip twice, going and coming, it was nice! The first time I drove from Haines to Tok and stayed at this little B&B called Cleft of the Rock, and then I stayed in Anchorage and then made it to Homer. Coming Back I went from Homer to Palmer then back to that B&B in Tok (they were really hospitable) and then to Haines. I took my time, which I would suggest but you can drive pretty quick through the hills and valleys! Take Pictures the scenery is beautiful!
having been alaska for the past 6yrs the drive between haines and homer is long you can stop in TOK and stay at fast eddies if you have the time head up through delta ang go to denali is costs us around 700 for the park tour and hotel rm (2 kids/me/wife) fairbanks is only a few hours north of denali
also if you get the chance go to seward and thers a animal rehab center its only about 100 miles from homer
anchorage is big and traffic sucks this will become your getaway from kodiak so learn how to nav in anchorage
but make sure you see the mount rushmore and yellow stone on the way out
It happened to mstkb during his drive up with the family. Damn moose fell down a slope onto the roadway right in front of Ken. Luckily he missed it and it missed him.
No trophy head for the wall...
This message has been edited. Last edited by: JerryG,
JFTR note! A member is authorized lodging reimbursment (dollar for dollar) in addition to PCS per diem when changing transportation methods. This applies in AK when you change methods from driving to the ferry. Since it rarely occurs anywhere else, the reimbursement is often overlooked by the member.
As an example, if you take the ferry from Juneau to Haines, you are authorized one night lodging before you begin driving (again, this is in addition to advanced travel). If needed, I can dig up the reference if contacted at work.
