Alaska 25 May to 12 June 2025

In August-September 2008, Bee Choo, Mark (turning 6) and I visited Alaska together. On the 'Alaska 2008' page, you can read all about that trip. And you will find this image there: Bee Choo and me on the western bank of the Koyukuk Middlefork River 31 Aug 2008, the 'new' bridge across was put in during the summer of 1974. My friend Bill took this photo of us; Bill sadly passed away some years later, in 2016. 

This year I want to take Bee Choo to Alaska again; it is about time, 17 years fly by! Bee Choo has a current ESTA visa waiver permit for the US already, now I have mine as will, valid for the next two years. 

Bee Choo found this connection to Fairbanks via Taipei and Seattle, WA. The times work and the price was just short of S$2K each, less than I paid in 2023. 

The only little drawback with the ticket is our arrival time in Fairbanks 26 May: Around 2 am. It will have to do. 

Because we arrive so late (or early??), I have booked a room at Sven's nearby, where I stayed in 2023. We will spend three nights there, before we head out into the state on our road-trip. 

For a road-trip you need wheels. It used to be difficult (and very expensive!) to find a rental company that allowed their vehicles up on the Dalton Highway. That is no longer so! Alaska 4x4 gave us a very good deal on a 'MID SUV' for 15 days. It is allowed on all maintained roads, including the Dalton and other public gravel roads. 

I can't wait to show Bee Choo all my favorite spots in the great state of Alaska! 

We plan to make Valdez at the Gulf of Alaska our first stop. We found this nice-looking lodge near Robe Lake and booked two nights. It is a 350 miles (560 km) scenic drive from Fairbanks. 

While at Valdez, we want to check out the coast for sea birds and marine mammals and have booked a 6 hr cruise with Stan Stephens to the Columbia Glacier and back. Because it was May (=early season) we even got a 30% discount on the price! Stay posted for the results soon ...

After Valdez, we have no more bookings or reservations ... we will take the rest of the trip as it comes ... personally I prefer it that way!? 

Always try to spend as little as you possibly can! Within reason, of course, considering you want a decent quality of life. Consume less and save more: It is better for you and for the planet as well! So far, we are below budget!?