Journey to Alaska Episode 4: Trucks, Wildlife, and Isolation

[@peach_25]

I'm watching this again, after three years. 😀

[@sobodon]

Excellent video! Lot of work....for John....behind the scenes.

[@FromShetoMe]

😂

[@gaylefadden-keffer2349]

excellent...good camera info...gave us many ideas!!! thnx for all that you do....KC & GAYLE over 80 travelers... :-)

[@bruceclyne5254]

We have yet another well-crafted video! Many thanks to both you & John for allowing us to accompany you on your Alaskan adventure. 😀

[@arunakalu]

Thank You very much guys!! We are planning to travel to Alaska from Victoria, BC and your videos have been so wonderful and helpful.

[@FromShetoMe]

Excellent. This past week we have been traveling the route you will likely take.

[@arunakalu]

@@FromShetoMe That's cool, a quick reply too. Yes we plan to do the AlCan Hwy and then return on Stewart-Cassiar Hwy back. We were mainly looking to find out what to expect in Alaska, as for BC, we are used to most of it. I was looking at your camera gear too, and telling my wife :-), I am primarily into photography so have different ideas for landscape and wildlife. All in all, thank you so much, we love watching your videos, and living your experiences. Peace and Love!!

[@msaprilbrown1]

You were in my neck of the woods (Grande Prairie). Glad you stopped to visit some of the sites. Heading to Whitehorse which is where I was born and my grandfather owned a hotel which housed workers who worked on the Alaska Highway. Get that rock chip fixed as soon as you can and it won't spread. Isn't Lliard Hot Springs beautiful? Mile's Canyon is one of my childhood memories. The bridge use to be quite flimsy when I was little and my uncles use to trap me in the middle and jump on either end to make the bridge move. Thank you for the video. Looking forward to watching more episodes.

[@FromShetoMe]

Lucky you to have personal history in this area. I was surprised by the agriculture in Grand Prairie and Whitehorse is a gem of a town. I think it is a given that we will return.

[@stan3497]

thanks for taking us along

[@petermalutin7407]

Great video, super narrator you are informative and articulate. I like your style and welcome to Alaska when you arrive.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks. Love it up here...well, except for the mosquitoes. 😅

[@flybyairplane3528]

From She to Me REI sells. Much mosquito clothing & hats with mess over your faces , Stay well& SAFE CHEERS FROM NJ🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@werapitiya1]

I’m from Sri lanka. My dream is to come to that state one day. But I cannot do it in this spirit.not enough money,and English knowledge is insufficient .I pray that the my future soul will be born in that state.❤❤❤❤ You are very kind Madam . Be careful❤❤❤❤

[@auroranite]

Great great show wonderful travelogue. Music choices compliment and narration like a visit. Hot Springs looked most relaxing. Congrats on the windshield chip, agree think its a right of passage. 😊 The camera segment really interesting too. Your kind to share so much info for viewers. Thanks.

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

Love the color of The Yukon River & the surrounding geology! Also the hot springs - I have seen “however you want the say it” hot springs in several other videos and every time I see them I just want to visit them even more! Nice camera gear. I always end up with a bag of accessories that I don’t use or even know how to use 😂

[@FromShetoMe]

Or I forget which accessory goes to which camera. 😂

[@kxrv6629]

Great video! We took the western route out of Jasper. Really enjoyed Chetwynd Chainsaw sculptures but missed dinosaurs. Paid the no sniveling diesel price of $1.89/l😱 but got a cinnamon roll too. Two two windshield chips from one truck just east of Continental Divide. Had semi-repaired in Whitehorse. Have taken two detours off Al-Can - Northwest Territories and Arctic Circle. Now trying to figure where to go in Alaska where we can avoid the forest fires and smoke. Safe travels.

[@FromShetoMe]

Wow, you did the Dempster. Rain came through last night. Smoke and heat have abated.

[@josephcorso5975]

I really enjoy your music....

[@angelics-speak869]

According to KZbin folks, Wings and Wheels Alaska who are Alaskan natives, the best way to deal with mosquitoes is a campfire so they build them in the daylight all the time. Mosquitoes apparently don't like smoke:) Thank you for your videos. Hoping to go to AK soon!

[@frawldog]

Watching all your trip. Great itenerary

[@stephenhartley8509]

The message is all about you guy (Debbie & John) - Thank You BOTH! - What great videos. I’m a newbie, to your channel, preparing to purchase a RV to retire and travel solo stating Jan 2020. I have surfed backwards looking at so many of them- I do need to hit that LIKE button more (Sorry) From your kitchen, “what do you carry review”, wonderful feel good music as you pass through towns, and the fly in arrows and text pointing out items of interest - YIKES - Loved all the videos. You both have such pleasing personalities. Your enthusiastic adventuresome nature on what’s around the next corner, I trust, has been with you guys for your 43 years together-congrats. Keep doing what brings a smile to your faces, (with ice cream) because it absolutely shows through- in your video end products. All the best health, smiles, safely and MPG. ! Be good to yourselves ! Stephen.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks so much. Good luck on your adventure.

[@sad6503]

I wanted to give you a big shout out and say Thanks for your channel and the work that you put into each of your episodes. In part, because of your enthusiam and helpful tips, we ordered an Ascent in October 2018 at the Pomona RV show. Finally, we received word that the van has been delivered and we scheduled our walk thru Saturday. I have read nightmares about the delivery process but will persevere so that we can enjoy traveling as much as you and John do. Continued success with your shows and I look forward to your next post regarding your AK trip. Safe traveling.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks for your kind words. Another subscriber near us just received his 2020 Ascent. When we get back we're going to get a tour of it. I can't wait to see all the changes they have made. Funny but we didn't have to go through any of that. We just lucked out by visiting the dealer near us the day before he was taking delivery of one. Voila! But do hang in there, the anticipation is half the fun. I think they had a backlog for a couple of reasons, Amazon grabbed a bunch of the Sprinter vans off the market and PleasureWay was making all those new rigs (on the Ford Transit chassis) for Canadreams.

[@countmeout7414]

You guys are so lucky to be able to enjoy such beautiful scenery as well as the gorgeous weather. We "enjoyed" 98 ambient with a heat index of 106 this past Monday in Central Florida.

[@FromShetoMe]

Ouch. It was in the mid '80s here in Fairbanks yesterday and we were too hot.

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

Wow, the hot springs.

[@laurapiazza7443]

Thank you so much. Enjoy the video. Sometimes putting Germ X on the fresh bite will help with the itch.

[@cometsmom8943]

Thank you for your great videos and the nice music.

[@christineryan7522]

I just love you’re videos! I’m especially excited to watch your Alaska series. I am not sure I want to make the drive to Alaska because it is such a long drive and you only have a few months to enjoy it. I agree that 300 miles a day is a lot for this lifestyle. Enjoy and stay safe! I hope the weather turns to blue skies and warmer temps!

[@lorettahubbard2708]

I gotta say you have the best ideas! We just finished making the 2 beds with the memory foam that you showed on your video. We tried them out this last weekend and they were comfortable and worked great!! Thanks for the tips and videos!!

[@dianerizi9119]

Another great video. Thank you! Happy to hear that we have the same camera Canon M50. I just bought the 55-200 mm lense which I need to practice before my trip in August. I do understand the difficulty you have when editing. I used to put my VHS Tape from my camera and hop! We were all watching the movie. It was easier in those days! Thanks again for sharing!

[@FromShetoMe]

I’m thinking of signing up for Lynda.com. Or taking a class at the local JC.

[@marjoriehall9984]

Really enjoying your trip! :) Beautiful job you've done with filming and piecing the story together. Thank you.

[@universalsignificance9006]

Thank you for sharing!

[@Snickers_GLNY]

Beautiful video. Enjoy!

[@yeah4me2]

Luv your videos. Thank you.

[@deniseb.6007]

What kind of scones? 😉 Thanks for the tip of the garbage placement in the Ascent! So much more room. Thank you. I agree, the rock chips in the window are a right of passage. If it was safe, I would try and slow down when an oncoming truck was coming. Safe travels. Hope it stops raining for you guys.

[@FromShetoMe]

I'll talk about the scones in a video coming up but it isn't anything fancy, just a Trader Joe's mix (that I cut in half) and instead of individual scones, I make it the size of one of the insert pans. Since the top doesn't brown, I flip it upside down because the bottom does brown. Cook it for 30 minutes. I think any quick bread will work. We particularly like the Jiffy corn bread mix. One box is perfect for one of the insert pans. I brought along some bisquik mix and will try biscuits.

[@hrm350694]

Thanks for the camera info. I hope you did take a windshield repair kit for your trip.

[@FromShetoMe]

No but we have zero deductible and might get it repaired in Anchorage.

[@brucemaxwell2877]

Great job! Thanks for sharing

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Great content as usual! We have a close friend with the M50, great camera! We have been wanting a small camera lately. About six or 7 years ago we had the rx100 for like a month before we broke it. Oops. That was a pretty costly camera for a point-shoot. So we felt guilty purchasing a new one after that. We finally pulled the trigger yesterday on a Canon G7X. It is a little point and shoot, but has a 1.8 aperture and a flip-up screen so you can see yourself. Will tested out the summer and let you know how he liked it. Thanks for sharing all your gear. I'm assuming these videos are backlogged, but if not make sure you don't pull that drone out until you hit Alaska with the new drone laws in Canada that came into play this month. Safe travels guys!

[@FromShetoMe]

Lots of vloggers use the G7X and I almost got it but I seem to recall there isn't a mic input. And as you know, bad audio is complaint number one from viewers. I wish I had some backlog of video because it is wearing me out getting them up (especially with the lousy connectivity up here--we're Verizon). I probably should go to every 2 weeks like you. Thanks for the tip on Canada, I didn't know. We're currently in Fairbanks (cell tower) but need to get out because of the heat and smoke. Having an awesome time though.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@@FromShetoMe I just read back over my last comment, I have to quit responding to comments with my phone dictation. My phone has a mind of its own. We had the same reservations about the G7X not having an external microphone port. We completely relate to you on the pressure to get a video out when you don't have any backlogged. The smoke down here in South Central Alaska is just as bad. For the last week we can't even see the mountains even if they're right in front of us. It has made our content a little interesting to film. If you can get near the ocean those breezes definitely clear it up enough that you can see the mountains, but still a bit hazy.

[@FromShetoMe]

Dictation can be quite hilarious and sometimes embarrassing. Rain yesterday seems to have cleared out the smoke. Now we need the clouds to move on. But we have 4 nights in Denali so maybe we’ll get some views yet.

[@ManchesterUnitedUsa]

Wow! Thank you

[@tammieconnerystephens2379]

Another great video!!! Thanks so much for sharing your video talents and your willingness to put it all together for us to share in your journey. A couple questions... What size is your instant-pot and would you share your scone recipe. Thanks in advance.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks. 3 quart and I will talk about it in an upcoming video.

[@safeharbor7]

Much enjoyed... big thumbs up...

[@lisagilardi2283]

Please provide where your bug netting jacket can be purchased. Alaska bound next summer! Last visit was 1981 so truly looking forward to our Alaskan adventure. Mosquito is the Alaska State Bird was the motto on a t-shirt we purchased oh so many moons ago.

[@FromShetoMe]

It's called the Original Bug Shirt Company: www.mec.ca/en/product/5047-909/Original-Bug-Shirt

[@lisagilardi2283]

Thank you so much!

[@rvlifeinthegrizz343]

Enjoyed very much!!!

[@jgm33884]

Tell me where I can find the zipper hood mosquito jacket you are wearing. That would be great for when I'm in the Everglades. I went to your Amazon page and didn't see it there. Love your videos.

[@FromShetoMe]

It isn't available on Amazon. The company is called, "The Original Bug Shirt Company."

[@BurtGearhart]

Deb: YAGV - Yet Another Great Video. Thanks for explaining your camera gear and software. The road looks punishing.

[@FromShetoMe]

A little punishing but worth it!

[@BurtGearhart]

@@FromShetoMe We have a 2019 59K Travato and would like to go to Alaska, but after following the progress of a number of Class B's we are not so sure. So far everybody has windshield rock dings. We are considering flying and renting an RV in Alaska now. Hope your trip goes well.

[@FromShetoMe]

Don’t let that deter you but do wait until your vehicle is a couple years old. Then it won’t be so precious. Just make sure you have zero deductible on your windshield replacement.

[@michaelkurz9067]

Beautiful

[@timsmith7625]

Did you get to meet Karl Brown at the Heritage Center? The roads are exciting that’s for sure......On our 5 months trip next year, most days driving are only 100-200 miles.....Thanks for the mention and will look for your sign next year when we hang ours up, will be our second sign there too!

[@FromShetoMe]

Didn't meet Karl and we didn't spend enough time there as it was a bit chilly. Next time. BTW, you really should do the Klondike and Top of the World.

[@timsmith7625]

@@FromShetoMe Okay on not meeting Karl and will relook at the trip or better yet, will do it a few years later as there are things on the ALCAN I want to se again, but could come back that way and then down to Whitehorse. Will take a look.

[@FromShetoMe]

John tells me we did meet Karl.

[@timsmith7625]

@@FromShetoMe Okay, he is the old guy with a white beard and close to 80 years old. He is the keeper and finder of all the stuff in the Heritage Museum. Looking at my rerun route and I think we cn return from Tok, to Whitehorse via Dawson City and the Klondike Hwy. Will require some back tracking to go to Haines, then back over to Skagway, but will map it out and see what happens.

[@weweresnowedin5801]

Hello. We are enjoying your videos. On this one while you were videoing the instant pot beeper went off and you said the "scones were ready". Do you have a recipe for the scones and if so would you post when you get back from your trip?

[@FromShetoMe]

I’ll talk about it in an upcoming video. But it is just any box mix-that one from Trader Joe’s-and cooked in an insert pan in the instant pot for 30 minutes. Only the bottom gets brown but still nice to have a warm “scone” on a cold morning.

[@RoadsofLife]

Wonderful video! I'm living vicariously through y'all! I can't get over the "Please take note of how many liters taken"... Gas by the honor system! And a "sign forest"? You just gotta explain how that came about! For camera geeks: The M50 is a Canon APS-C format. Couldn't tell what lens you had on it though. The kit lens they sell now is the 15-45mm, which is equivalent to 24-52mm on full frame. The 55-200mm lens is 88-320mm on full frame and the 22mm is 35mm on full frame. Doesn't really matter though, as long as you are getting the shots you want (and it sure does seem like you do!) Be seeing you!

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks for ''xplaining.". Mine came with the 15-45 lens. Doesn't seem to matter how much I try to understand all this camera jargon, It's not gonna stick in this old brain. I think the brain at this age is one bit in and one bit out. I wish I'd thought of explaining the forest. You probably know that it was started by a homesick GI when they were building the highway. And I'll give everyone a gas summary next week.

[@RoadsofLife]

@@FromShetoMe As long as I wasn't "mansplaining"! I hate when I do that! I was a photographer (got a degree in it!), taught it for years (way before digital!), and now mostly use my iPhone! It ain't what you know... it's how you use what you do know that counts! Believe me, your videos are incredible and your story telling more so!

[@kradwonders]

Get the wireless connection for the Osmo, it makes things much easier. Great for setting up the Osmo when you want to take photos or video without having to be right next to the Osmo. I use it all the time and it connects to the iPhone without issues.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks. I did not know. Will look it up immediately.

[@bsjcook]

Another fun and informative video! Were those dinosaur bones or mosquito skeletons? When you said "not now" during the camera show and tell, we're thinking it was directed at John? :) Keep 'em coming!!

[@lindajoplin8054]

What type of tire rack do you have? Does it swing down to open the back doors? Looks great!

[@FromShetoMe]

It is attached to the door and so swings with the door. It was fabricated by Agile Offroad in Santee, California but another company makes one that is similar. They are called Owl Vans.

[@peggyd3643]

I really enjoy your informative videos. You both look like you are having a lot of fun even with all the rain and mosquitoes. That hot spring looked really nice with the rain falling, bet it felt good. That sign forest would not be for me, I prefer the pristine environment. Have fun making lots of memories. I see that you are making good use of the mosquito jacket. I think I would want one of those if I was going that way. Is it pretty good in the rain? Can’t remember if it is a rain jacket with mosquito protection.

[@FromShetoMe]

It is just for Mosquitoes.

[@Jeff-rs6ki]

Alaskan Highway … if travel do you recommend carrying the insurance for rental RVs? The insurance is expensive … and additional $45 per day for the entire rental period I was quoted and we’re still responsible for the first $300.

[@FromShetoMe]

Our State Farm RV insurance covers Canada. But you may need to show proof of insurance at the border. We didn't, but heard that we might.

[@toddjudkins4941]

NIce!! Remember, Canada has new drone flying rules. As of June 1 you need a pilot's license to fly a drone.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks. Good thing I'm a chicken then. I do plan on taking the test when we get back home.

[@christinebrigham4732]

Scones in the instant pot? Can you share the variety of things you use it for in the van?

[@FromShetoMe]

Chocolate cake, French toast or bread pudding, all kinds of pasta dishes. I’ve heard you can make bread but haven’t tried that yet.

[@brianbullard8902]

I have been really enjoying your videos very much. This is my dream trip but....... How are you both getting along on such a long journey in close quarters? Do you find that you are on top of each other a lot? Do you find that there is room to move about inside when the weather turns bad? Is your class B all that you hoped it would be? looking forward to your next installment. Safe travels.

[@FromShetoMe]

I think I'll answer that in a video as I'm sure lots of people are wondering.

[@terrys.4293]

Has the suspension and tire upgrade shown to have been a life changer since you have been on some rugged roads at this point?

[@FromShetoMe]

Best thing we have done!

[@jeep4dirt]

We so enjoy your videos and following your travels. What is the source of your music? We will be picking up our new RV and our first one in about a month. Jim and Fran.

[@FromShetoMe]

I have a subscription with Epidemic Sound. Hope you enjoy your rig as much as we have ours.

[@jeep4dirt]

@@FromShetoMe Thank u for the help. I have opened an ES acct. Fran and I r active cyclists and hikers and I document all of our activities with videos and stills (live photos r so much fun) . We recently returned from NM and tom'w we head to CO. BTW, I can appreciate how much time and work it takes to produce your videos especially while doing so on the road. A suggestion if I may, u might be better off using iMovie instead of FCP while on vacation given that, I believe, the former is much less resource intensive than the latter. Jim

[@FromShetoMe]

WonderBike Probably right but my biggest challenge is taking too much video. But it is so hard to stop myself. BTW, while cars can’t drive into Denali, cyclists can. First place we’ve been that we could have used our bikes.

[@marshaburlingame3760]

I love your videos. We hope to get to Alaska as well before too long so you are giving us a great preview and ideas. Three Questions: 1. It sounds like you have been lucky to get spots to camp. Are you traveling with or without reservations? 2. I don't see too many people with dogs. Is this a trip we could make with dogs (2 boxers) and how would taking them along limit what we can do? 3. After trying your chocolate cake, which came out very dense, I have been less inclined to try IP baking again. How do you make scones in an Instant Pot? I would probably choose to use a Dutch oven or bake them on the griddle.

[@FromShetoMe]

Sorry your cake didn't turn out. But definitely try making any quick bread, like Jiffy Corn Mix--we had that last night and it was delicious. The "scones" were one large scone in one of my insert pans. I'll demonstrate in the next video. As far as dogs, we see a lot of Americans with dogs. Yes, you can do it but it is just a matter of your dogs being in the car when you are visiting museums or things like that. No different than at home. You can't take dogs into stores the way I see people do at home. As far as reservations, we only made them at two places, Denali, and Skagway because we have to catch the ferry at Skagway. Other than that, nothing. Banff and Jasper would be the only other place I would recommend reservations because it can get quite busy there.

[@grandmanormie684]

where do you find your background music in your videos?

[@FromShetoMe]

I have a subscription with Epidemic Sound.

[@byronbrasher8118]

what about using your screen tent ?

[@FromShetoMe]

Didn’t bring one.

[@stjohnluxuryvillas6829]

I’ve noticed your hair is getting longer and longer. What is/was your plan for ir. I loved the short kicky look you had before. Just curious. Silly I know. Love the videos. Thank you.

[@FromShetoMe]

I've had every length and I guess I just like changing it up. But the grow out this time has been long and painful. So we'll see what happens. Oh, and my grandson asked me to grow it out--he carries a lot of weight with me. ;-))

[@stjohnluxuryvillas6829]

That makes sense. Grandsons rule.

[@Ahrobak]

I think I heard you say you have been traveling four weeks. What's the longest trip, time wise, to date? Wondering if you are getting tired? I enjoyed the vlog, thanks.

[@FromShetoMe]

I think 10 weeks is longest. Not tired of the trip at all. Slow leisurely pace.

[@Ahrobak]

@@FromShetoMe thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. slow leisurely pace is the way to go :-) good luck

[@JGSuttonJr]

The M in RAM stands for memory. You need more storage.

[@FromShetoMe]

New computer fixed it!

[@JGSuttonJr]

@@FromShetoMe Very Nice.

[@TheOriginalCoda]

Adam Sandler's cousin @5:33 :)

[@a2zandbackagain334]

Sorry, probably already answered this. Were did you get your tan jacket with the mosquito netting?

[@FromShetoMe]

www.bugshirt.com

[@a2zandbackagain334]

Thanks. Might need to get one for our trip to Alaska

[@FromShetoMe]

Just depends on weather and where you are in state. I’ll probably end up using it at home in the evening when I am in the garden.

[@mikefrommaryland9652]

I love the name “from she to me” what does it actually mean?

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks. Here is a video that explains: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqOxkJmNg6yYZtE

[@mikefrommaryland9652]

@@FromShetoMe finished. Wonderful. Thx

[@Travelaround82]

nice movie

[@carolbotting2307]

Re your problem with your cell service not working so you cannot use google maps. Try downloading an app called maps.me It is free and it works perfectly all over the world, we have used it in Asia, Africa, and all over the Americas. You download the map for the country you want when you are on wifi, then it works just like google maps but without the need for cellular data. We are enjoying your blogs as we just bought a Lexor FL Pleasureway (Class B) Being Canadian and driving the beautiful road you just described on a regular basis, we found some of your comments about Canada pretty funny. We will return the compliment when we drive south to Mexico from Vancouver this winter!

[@LivingTheRVLocaLife]

I found a lot on freecampsites.net hope that helps wow nice places loving the videos take care oh how do you get the pop socket? we will be upgrading our phones we have a good camera but not a good microphone still looking loving your videos thanks girl your a big helpI understand about the seasons we tried to record a big video and it took pictures we figured it out now one press to video not hold down lol operator error for us lol

[@FromShetoMe]

I got the pop socket as a give-away from Canon but you can find them at Verizon and AT&T stores or various checkout counters in stores like Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

[@LivingTheRVLocaLife]

@@FromShetoMe thanks a bunch :)

[@unacamper9123]

Don't think that was a Mosquito stick,,,,,,Think you been doing the wacky tobacky.

[@Jeff-rs6ki]

Mosquitos through the screens … seriously? Through the screens on your RV?

[@FromShetoMe]

Yes, those little buggers would squeeze through between the frame and screen. But taping them up solved the problem.