Alaska Travel Planning Tips: Collaboration with Playing with Sticks

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thanks Debbie for everything! It was really fun to be able to collaborate with you and share our great state with your community. Looking forward to seeing more of those warm winter travels from you. We can't wait to start seeing some more sunny days up here!

[@FromShetoMe]

You're the best!

[@earlhunt2815]

Such great information with quick answers. ... very unique channel approach. Your creativity once again showing. Thank you!!

[@robertpowers6727]

This was very helpful. I would add a footnote, mosquitoes, clouds of them. Summer is the high season. Plan accordingly.

[@FromShetoMe]

For sure they can be bad. We didn't try to fight it and just stayed inside the van.

[@davebarcelon]

Debbie you rock !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@maykouhansen6713]

Great video! Both videos were very informative! Thank you Debbie!

[@mtwaggin]

I have been meaning to get on the computer and comment on your channel for weeks! I watch on my TV and of course no comments there. So wanted to say hello and what an inspiration you are! I'm ticking through your videos on the channel and honestly have loved them all. I'll call out a couple highlights - tip on the phone on your trekking pole and your windshield cover! You inspire me for sure and I may just suck it up and try to do a cover for my truck. I also have my trailer curtains made out of warm windows (great minds think alike). Keep up the good work, oh and your RAD 3 year review also peaked my interest. Great job!!!!!

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks so much! We also watch on our TVs so I know what you mean. If you do decide to make a cover for your truck, my brother will sell his mesh fabric. It is $10/yard and is 72" wide (+shipping). I haven't found anyone else that has that width. Let me know if you have any questions about it. Happy to do a FaceTime/zoom call if you need visuals.

[@metaxaanabeer]

We did the trip a few years ago with a 15 year old mid sized 4 cyl SUV pulling a 5x8 teardrop trailer. Loved it so much we did it again and as soon as the pandemic allows us to cross boarders we will do it even again. We are Canadian so not quite so far to drive as lower 48 peeps. 90% of the road issues can be eliminated by at least 80% by just slowing down a bit. In the words of the old song, keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel. Masterful collaboration you two, pat yourself on the back, how they should be done! Not one mention of a Jakery battery! Just solid info... PS: In Canada, especially the north, if it isn't signed as private property or no camping/overnights allowed then you can.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks. Good to know we won't have any issues with the Mounties. Truth is, Canadians are the friendliest people and we can't wait to get back across the border.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We were hoping someone would explain what is or isn't allowed in Canada. Thank you! And that is amazing that you have made the drive more than once and are ready to do it again. Up here most folks do it once and that is about it. Love your adventurous spirit!

[@joanmcerlean7158]

The MacGuyver of Sprinter vans. Apt moniker for you Miss Debbie. I’m checking out those blankets.

[@FromShetoMe]

LOL, I am the “how not to do it” version.

[@joanmcerlean7158]

@@FromShetoMe Hey, remember the people wanted you to start a company to produce your window coverings for them. 🤓

[@FromShetoMe]

@@joanmcerlean7158 Yes, I haven't mentioned it on my channel but if/when someone contacts me and says they want one for their Sprinter Van, I will make them one. I just don't want to get bogged down with too much side work. And there is so much paperwork in starting a business that it takes the fun out of it.

[@mikemead2315]

Your Alaska boondocking rules were pure gold!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I expect to see you up here soon using them Mike!

[@davet7663]

All good tips from both channels. I drove the Alaska hwy (Allan) over a dozen times. First in 1974 and last in 2019. I never got a flat tire on any of my trips and the chips in my windshield seemed like it was always in Alaska. I saw way more wildlife when I was on the road early, like 5AM. Slow down especially if towing. Frost heaves are nasty. One mosquito can ruin a good nights sleep 😬 Take your time driving through Canada. B.C. And the Yukon are my favorite.

[@FromShetoMe]

Wow, in 1974 the roads must have been all dirt. I had a swim coach who drove it on a Honda 90 in the late 60’s. Crazy.

[@davet7663]

@@FromShetoMe The first trip was actually in 1961 from Alaska to the east coast and back with my folks. It was pretty much a narrow dirt road back then. I think we did have some difficulty on that trip😬😊

[@mushroomlw1717]

In Seward you can do a dinner cruise Amazing if the weather is good Homer, a Kayak tour Whittier, a jet ski tour Talkeetna, zipping tour Look up Lake Louise Lodge and spend two full days and get a guided fishing trip

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks. Can't wait to get back again.

[@mikesrvcamping7012]

That trip is on my bucket list. Think it be fun to drive up there one day

[@FromShetoMe]

For sure, you have to do it.

[@janm8477]

Excellent pair of videos - wonderful photography and useful info. Thanks so much for these!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad you were able to see both perspectives Jan. Thanks for watching!

[@michaelbecnel63]

Great video....thanks Drew

[@gailhobson658]

I followed the planning and adventures of your recent trip to Alaska and I'm now reviewing them as I plan my own trip. This is a fabulous addition. Thanks to both of you.

[@mikemead2315]

Good one! Forgot about the roadside assistance! And thanks for mentioning AAA. I would not even known were to start!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

You are most welcome Mike! I put up a screenshot of Good Sam as well. We have never used them, but I notice a lot of Good Sam stickers on RVs traveling up here.

[@sonymclean5229]

Wow! Can't wait to visit Alaska! Great collaboration with Playing with sticks, I have already subscribed!

[@pamt6829]

Awesome video.

[@mikemead2315]

Very interesting cross-video concept. Always liked different points of view of the same thing! Nice!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

That is us too. Love seeing the same thing from different perspectives.

[@roadtripsmargaritas599]

Just finished watching this and saw the other.. man I can't wait to go back to Alaska. Have been there before during my military career, and have always wanted to return as a traveler. None of my friends boondock, let alone want to do this type of travel. If someone is going and leaving from LA. I would love to caravan. Have a GD 312bhts towed with a GMC2500HD. 🚙🍻

[@FromShetoMe]

We discovered quite a few people who hooked up with other travelers along the way.

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Awesome collaboration! What better way to disperse information than for two great channels to get the information out. I will begin my quest in two months and should be in or near Alaska by the end of 2022. Thank you, Debbie and Drew, for doing this.

[@FromShetoMe]

You’re welcome. Have an awesome trip. We’ll be going back in a year or so.

[@fabiomalheiro8152]

We loved both videos! You guys are great, two of my favorite channels (if not the most). Thanks for all the info, the beautiful footage, and all ideas/solutions you show in every video.

[@cheryl7917]

Two great videos, they really make one want to make the trip to Alaska. Your videos never disappoint. Thanks for the continued interesting, informative, useful and well put together van/travel information! Thanks for introducing Drew, he has some great videos as well.

[@doncates2954]

Wonderful video, both of you did an excellent job with your comments, answers and recommendations. You both seemed like naturals, warm friendly and helpful. I hope you collaborate on presentations in the future.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad to hear you enjoyed this format Don. It was really fun to make. I think my favorite part was seeing how similar Debbie and I answered the same questions. I think when you travel as long as Debbie did you really get an insider view of the North.

[@wellsonwheels457]

Great! Wonderful! Thank you

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad to see you enjoyed the collaboration. So glad we were able to do this.

[@tdadventures]

Wow!! Alaska is so beautiful!! We would love to visit one day with our kayaks and the RV. Thanks for the info to you both.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

You will have a blast with those kayaks! Hopefully your one day is sooner than later.

[@mikemead2315]

Wow! Great “Michelin” style scenic tour route! Thanks!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Haha. That is about as Michelin as it gets up here. We are known for a lot of things, but food isn't one of them. Not to say there isn't some great food up here. But it is pretty limited. We will get there some day. Baby steps.

[@angpb6176]

Great info and insights - hope to put them to use soon! Very enjoyable to watch as you & Drew seem to have the same generous & genuine nature. I look forward to watching your perspective and his family’s channel. Thanks as always for your videos.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Excited to hear you may be heading up north soon. Definitely worth the trip.

[@RVAmerica]

Great video. We have plans to go to Alaska in 2022. The tips from both videos were very helpful - we took notes! Thanks for sharing. Danny and Lynn

[@martykong3592]

WOW! And thank youo SO MUCH! I came over from Drew's channel, as I have been following him and family for a bit... LOVE his littel ones adventures :) BTW, love your rig / Van as it looks great and seems to be well suited with the lift and tires. All the BEST to you! Cheers :)

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks so much. Yes, Drew and family are special.

[@cometsmom8943]

That was fun. I will go to his channel.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it! You are going to love Debbie's version.

[@TravelsofRedRover]

Really enjoyed the video. We follow both of the channels. Really hoping Canada will open the boarder soon to make it possible to make the trip.

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Awesome!! Thank you. Blessings

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad you enjoyed this Betty. Thanks for letting us interrupt one of Debbie's videos. Blessings to you as well!

[@tarac5137]

That was very informative, thanks for putting the video together. Will go watch over on Drew’s channel.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad you enjoyed this one Tara. You are really going to enjoy Debbie's take on all of this.

[@mysticalmisfit1332]

What an amazing video! Great info👌🏽😊

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Fun seeing you on both channels. Glad you were able to see both perspectives.

[@ijblessjourney]

Amazing video thank you.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad you were able to check it out.

[@mikemanjo2458]

Great info!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad it was helpful Mike! Debbie has even more helpful info on her version of the video.

[@kathyowens9901]

That was really cool! Thanks so much

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad you enjoyed the collaboration Kathy!

[@camperab]

Great info. Thank you to the two of you. Now I will only have my dreams to come true - one day. Greetings from Bavaria, Germany.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thought of you yesterday as I was using the Omnia Oven in the Arizona desert.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@@FromShetoMe Somebody just turned us on to the Omnia Oven a couple of weeks ago. We did a lot of research and seems like a great fit for our lifestyles. Unfortunately may and I are cooks, not really bakers. We are going to have to start with some easy recipes.

[@camperab]

@@PlayingwithSticks I am sure you will love it. BTW, I also started out with easy recipes and cooking, not baking! Found your channel through Debbie. Thanks for showing your lifestyle to the world.

[@timsmith7625]

Hoping to make the trip again this summer, but 2022 may be more realistic as Covid will probably have the borders still closed and don’t want to ferry up, but rather slow roll western Canada and then around Alaska. Stay safe!

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks Tim. I think you are right. We're are adjusting our plans as well. Although this year, if we could get the van to Alaska, it could be an all time great year with few people.

[@timsmith7625]

@@FromShetoMe Would be great as I am sure a lot of the small businesses there that depend on the tourist season are hurting and may end up going out of business. Have the plan for this year again and now we wait.

[@ritchgilleland6279]

Thanks so much for another outstanding video! I hope to retire in the next year or two and driving to Alaska is on the very top of our bucket list. You are awesome :)

[@PlayingwithSticks]

It would be a great trip to kick of the retirement. And the beauty of being retired is you can extend your stay into the early fall season which is absolutely one of the most beautiful times to be here.

[@diann546]

Planning to do that in May. However, I think it will be hard to match during the rest of retirement!

[@HeAndHis]

A lot of very helpful information. Both videos are fantastic! Saved for our future trip lol. I did not see a question on the best time to travel to Alaska or that's too obvious?

[@FromShetoMe]

They say that there is less rain in the spring/early summer. And of course, the season winds down in early fall and lots of places close. I would shoot for May-August.

[@HeAndHis]

@@FromShetoMe that doesn't seem to be the best season to see northern lights?

[@FromShetoMe]

No. Winter is the time for the Northern Lights.

[@richardolitsky1377]

Great video. What about the elephant in the living room? How do we get there from here (US). I already looked at ferries from Whittier but they aren’t booking. Any suggestions?

[@FromShetoMe]

Everything is up in the air right now. I'm hoping, as the vaccine gets rolled out, that the border crossing rules will change. We were hoping to cross in June but we'll see.

[@waterwalker2424]

This was great! Can you tell me which RV insurance carrier you use? Have you been happy with their response to claims? Thanks in advance.

[@FromShetoMe]

We use State Farm and they’ve handled 2 window claims without any problems.

[@garretlewis4103]

An Alaska trip sounds fun. It would be a really long way for us since we live in Virginia. You mentioned your trip was 10,000 miles. What did you do for vehicle maintenance along the way?

[@FromShetoMe]

We didn't need any maintenance at all. We met quite a few travelers from Florida so you can definitely do it!

[@garretlewis4103]

@@FromShetoMe That is good! I usually change my oil at 5K. A 10K I would need a couple of oil changes. Definitely would need maintenance doing Alaska or anything else out west. Just kind of curious what people were using on the long trips for preventive maintenance.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@@garretlewis4103 We have been chancing it more lately. But our first few trips on the highway we would have a basic preventative maintenance performed. Radiator flush, belts/hoses checked etc. If anything it just makes you feel a little more confident heading down the road.