Alaska or Bust!

[Keith 0]

A friend of mine and I are taking a road trip to Alaska in June for Alaska Skydiving's summer solstice boogie. We're going to hit as many DZ's between San Diego and Alaska as possible. We plan to make the trip as cheaply as possible and was wondering if someone could tell me what kind of accommodations there are at the DZ's along the way like food, lodging, showers etc. I know the USPA DZ guide tells such info but I've found that it can be less than accurate.
Thanks!
Keith

[TEB6363 0]

The list in the back of Parachutist is pretty up to date.
:::OK, Canopy is Open, No Traffic Around, .. Why are these "Extra" Lines Draping Down??, Damn!

[steve1 5]

You should swing through Western Montana. There's two great drop zones here. The first is about 30 miles south of Missoula, at Stevensville. Ask for Gary (Hod) Sanders. He lives in Missoula. Lost Prairie is West of Kalispell. Ask for Fred Sands. Both places have plenty of experienced jumpers. The drive across Canada is long and sometimes boring. I've driven it several times to Alaska. They have a newer road now that runs closer to the Coast Ranges to the West of the old Alaska Highway. I think it is more scenic. Try to stop at Liard Hot Springs in Northern B.C. It's free and has super hot water right in the river. We usually stop and fish some of the streams and lakes on the way up. We usually take an old canoe along. If you have time you should go to Denali Park in Alaska. It's really a scenic wild place. If you have more time drive up the haul road to the North Slope. You can hunt caribou there about 10 months out of the year. If you are within five miles of the road it is archery only. I got a pretty nice bull there once in August. It was still in Velvet and made a nice mount. An out of state caribou tag is around $300. It's really God's country up there. Once coming back down through Canada we drove over to Dawson City in the Klondike (Yukon). You take your vehicle across the Yukon River on a Ferry. Have a good trip. If you come through Montana ask for Steve Anders. Maybe I'll get to jump with you.

[Keith 0]

Hey Thanks! I'll suggest that to my travel partner. How do I find out about the new road? I've been searching the net to map a route but must admit I haven't had much luck.
Keith

[bbarnhouse 0]

Skydive Eugene in Creswell, OR off of I-5. No accom,showers and fly 182.
Skydive OR in Molalla,showers,camping,tents,kitchen.
Have an Otter,Caravan and 182 beautiful scenery. Just 18 miles off of 205 on the way to Seattle. $18 jumps 13,000
Slydive Toledo (WA) Off I-5 N fly a 182
Kapowsin Issaquah Wa. check their website for details
Hope this is a little helpful.
It only takes a little pixie dust......

[jtval 0]

well, by the chioce you gave me in the subject line...i'll take the BUST! i wont be gwetting to alaska for a few years so can i have the bust now?
getting high is fun, but coming down is the best part
JT

[steve1 5]

Keith,
Quality maps really are worth their price. The last time we went up I bought the Alaska Atlas & Gazetteer. It is full of detailed maps of Alaska and a few maps of Canada. It sells for about $20, but worth the price. I've seen them advertised in Alaska magazine. Their old phone number, for this book, is (207)865-4171. Their mailing address is P.O. Box 298, Freeport, Maine 04032. This info. is about five years old but maybe it will help. The new Highway I mentioned turns West, just South of Dawson Creek. I think at Prince George. Most people probably follow the old Alaska Highway out of Dawson Creek. You'll probably hit some new construction, but most should be paved. Go slow though. There are lots of kelly humps, frost heaves, and pot holes in places. The first time we drove it we were a bunch of kids right out of High School (back in 1969). It used to be all gravel from Dawson Creek up to Alaska. Now nearly all is paved.