Early Trip to Alaska

[Jerry Gaston]

It is about time to start planning an early trip to Alaska on floats. May seems like a good time to travel that direction and I'm wondering if any cub pilots out there are interested in going that way on floats? Over the next few months I want to put together a itinerary where we can meet some of the guys in that great state and hopefully follow them around on a few adventures.
I would either go up the coast from Bellingham WA or cut the corner of BC and go to Williams Lake and then to Prince Rupert.

[bushmaster]

I am interested next summer . Would need to all meet up as we cross the country and then head north to Alaska. Comeing from Maine we would need several days head start or a tow from a 185. Also should get long distance Award

[Cubus Maximus]

tow from a 185...reminds of the guy north of me who hauled a broken down Champ home with his 180. They were both on skis, only problem was, when the 180 quit flying, the Champ didn't... :o

It all worked out though with no damage. People commented that it was the fastest Champ they'd ever seen. 8)

[Jerry Gaston]

bushmaster If you can get to Minn. I've flown straight floats from there all the way to Montana and can be of some help. From here it is a cake walk to the coast.

[Christina Young]

I'm planning to fly to Alaska in my cub next summer starting late June, and spend 11 weeks flying there, flying all around the state, then flying back to New Jersey. I don't know if anyone's interested in that timeframe.

[bushmaster]

I think I can get there from here!! I can go usa or canada. Would we be better of flying north from Montana or going to coast I would think north and avoid pacific coast and winds. Have been told that Yakutat to cordova can be long tuff area havent personally done it but> Buddy did it in a 206 on floats and said was nerve wracking.

[J5Ron]

Yes there can be some substancial weather in the Yakatat Cordova Area...I have been to Cordova several times...and Yakatat once...no problem...about an hour and 30 minutes from Copper Center to Cordova.....We also go to that area a lot deer hunting...just need to pick you days...

[Jerry Gaston]

bushmaster Made the trip several times both ways. Your right the trip from Juneau up thru Icy Straights via Yakatat to Cordova is a long one that is why I put a belly tank on my Cub to give me the extra 2 Hrs. The other way is more risky unless we have worked out fuel along the way.When flying floats it is always nice to be over water rather than trees. But we can look at it both ways. I'm open.

Christina Why not get some straight floats and join us you'll have much more fun.

[bushmaster]

I am open also , maybe up one way back the other. I dont have belly tank but is some thing I would like to have some time so will see. I go to Labrador and Quebec and could use. Also long flight in Maine's north country. How long a trip are you thinking?

[Jerry Gaston]

bushmaster The length of the trip should depend on how many Alaskan there are avaiable to show us around. Its a big state and there are lots of fishing holes and beautiful camping places. I'm open.

I purchased a belly tank that holds 50# of stuff and 18 gallons seems to be perfect.

Last time in Prince Rupert I met a gal and her husband that flew across canada on straight floats all the way from Quebec. So I know it is possible to travel the length of Canada on the water.

[Jon B.]

Brother Dan went up this past June on amphibs. Next time - they're already planning the trip - he said he'll leave the floats at home and go on wheels.

Jon B.

[bushmaster]

I could do a wheel thing not a big deal to change and go. Lots of sand bars on the rivers to land on but maybe limited on and around lakes. easier and faster for trip to and from but more limited when we get there. Also can depend on water levels and what we want to do for fishing

[cubflier]

I'd be glad to give you guys some tips on a couple of must see places to go so let me know when your trip time gets close.

Jerry

[Tim]

If you guys go on wheels, let me know. I want to go, if you don't mind a 2+2 taging along.
Tim

[Christina Young]

bushmaster Made the trip several times both ways. Your right the trip from Juneau up thru Icy Straights via Yakatat to Cordova is a long one that is why I put a belly tank on my Cub to give me the extra 2 Hrs. The other way is more risky unless we have worked out fuel along the way.When flying floats it is always nice to be over water rather than trees. But we can look at it both ways. I'm open.

Christina Why not get some straight floats and join us you'll have much more fun.

Thanks for the offer Jerry, but I'm not float rated and want to do some cool off-field stuff while I'm up there! Maybe next time around....

[SJ]

I'm planning to fly to Alaska in my cub next summer starting late June, and spend 11 weeks flying there, flying all around the state, then flying back to New Jersey. I don't know if anyone's interested in that timeframe.

Christina, are you on sabatical? Wow 11 weeks that would be awesome.

I am not smart enough to have a job that gives me that kind of time off.

sj

[Christina Young]

Yep, 8 weeks sabbatical, plus 3 weeks vacation. Could take that 4th week, but saving that for something else...

[SJ]

Christina, that is fantastic! I'm envious, but am sure glad somebody gets to do it!

sj

[harneymaki]

Steve,

I have almost the same deal where I work. Only difference is I don't get paid for any of the off and I wound not have a job when I got back. Seriously considering it though.

[SJ]

HA! That is close to the deal I have, although I think they would send someone after me...

sj

[aktango58]

I am probably on floats in mid-may, but will have wheels on before that.

Many fishing holes I know about, and some good camp spots also. If you come the coast, look me up.

George

(Juneau)

[ground loop]

Don't worry, Yakatak Bay is only about 20 miles of harshly cold water, info for you guys/gals who plan on flying over it in wheels :) . Realistically, you have a better chance of surviving an engine failure over it than the big icefield soon to come. Anyone else remember Congressman Begich. I think that is where it all happened. Yakatat to Cordova is interesting even with the weather in your favor, although the statistics say that favorable weather in that region isn't very common. Plan well.

[aktango58]

In reality, that time of year you should be able to make any flight you want with plenty of celing and vis. Plan on traveling in the afternoon outside, better weather.

But in May and June we have lots of days with good weather out there.

IN bad weather, low, there is lots of beach, and hardly anything to hit. Actually a better scud trip down most of the beach than the road.

Fuel on floats: Juneau then Cordova. You can (sometimes) get fuel in cans at the Yakutat bulk plant then walk it down to the plane...

Yakutat fuel is usually less expensive than cordova. :o

The beach is better wheel country, but the road will have it's share of ice on lakes also, so either has it's early season challenges.

Extra fuel is good, even if you use two cans in the back seat with an automotive auto-pulse, and some soft line run to an inlet on your cap 8)

Maybe not approved, but many planes have made it to their destination that way.

[cubscull]

when you folks make it up here, swing on by big lake & I will stoke up the BBQ & have an iced tub of frosted barley pops waiting for ya. the trip sounds like big fun! i can show you some good fishen holes near by.

[ground loop]

For those interested in monitoring the weather in that area check out www.akweathercams.faa.gov I believe Cape Yakataga would give the nearest visual. It can reveal how fog can hover near the beach on clear days, potentially forcing you inland. Also, bear in mind that on clear days, you can't see wind and that you are completely exposed to the Gulf of Alaska (no wind breaks) .
The State weather cams are super cool when they are working, it might pay dividends to use them if you are visiting our State.

[Torch]

Anyone coming through Fairbanks should know the airport here has a beautiful campground available to transient pilots. They even supply bicycles for you to ride. The campground is adjacent to the floatpond. Like any place in Alaska though, make sure you have some mosquito repellant. Stop by and say hi if you come to Fairbanks. I ain't hard to find. Just look around when you get here.

[Sam Beckett]

Yea I am planning on heading up to Kenai during fishing season!
I have an extra passenger that needs a ride and would love to find a set of nice used Amphibs!
Lemme know....

Sam

8)

[cubscull]

i forgot I have camping space also but no float pond!

[Jerry Gaston]

Does any one have any experience on flying either the Alaskan Hwy or the Trench on floats? Is there places to get fuel along the route that are spaced 350 miles or less?

[Torch]

Jerry those are the way I would opt for if there are suitable landing/refueling places along the routes. I don't don't want my plane in salt water.

[Jerry Gaston]

Somebody out there must have experience flying to Alaska on straight floats and staying on fresh water. I would love to hear from you. :angel:

[bushmaster]

There was a story and video tape out in the passed about doing just this trip. As best I can remmeber it may have been on old cubcrafters chat page. Might be of use if some one had info.

[T.J.]

Jerry:
Not a float pilot but I've flown the inland route a couple times.

Penticton.....Port of entry, Lake next to strip

McKenzie, located on Lake Williston, S. end of the Trench.

Watson Lake....Lake next to strip

White Horse...Land on river.

Northway....Port of entry, land on lake near town, Customs meet you there.

That's a start. Its been done hundreds of times.
:)

[Jerry Gaston]

Thanks TJ that is what I needed. How far is the flight from McKenzie to Watson and is there fuel at Mckenzie? I'll have to get my sectionals out but it is hard to fing out if fuel is available at some spots.

[T.J.]

I can make it from Watson to Prince George in the 180 without fueling. With the Pacer, I stop at Ingenika for fuel.

[don d]

I was through there in 2000 and bought fuel at Mackenzie. Large aircharter outfit there with fuel.

[Jerry Gaston]

TJ Where is Ingenika? And Don D are you talking about the airstrip at MacKenzie or the Seaplane base. Lots of ltime the seaplane bases don't have any fuel and you have to figure out how to get it from the airstrip.

[aktango58]

If you look in the Alaska Suplement it actually has info for all of the routes south. Phone numbers for contacts.

I am having trouble remembering the name, but south of smithers about 1.5 hours is a lake (Louise) with fuel for a float plane, but I can not remember if Smithers has fuel.

We just use the coast from there, Prince Rupert, Ketchikan and then Juneau all have fuel.

Yes, salt is bad, but you can wash the birds in lakes.

George

[AkPA/18]

Ran across this----may or may not have some info you can use.

http://www.popav.com/alaska.asp

Mark

[T.J.]

Jerry:
Ingenika is on the West side of Williston Lake about half way up it. They have a strip. Not sure if gas is available on floats.

[CaptFox]

I picked up this brochure a few years ago from a local FBO at Watson's Lake I believe, I just found it again. It might be outdated but might have some useful info in it.

Trench Guide (http://sparky.supercub.org/photopost/data/500/Trench_Guide.pdf)

I have done straight floats through the trench about 6-7 years ago, E-mail me if you are still in need of any more info and I'll see if I can help.

David.

[scott]

If your flying the trench route on floats Fort Ware would be the best stop for fuel.
There is also a logging camp on the Ospika arm of wiliston lake that you can get fuel at.

Scott

[Jerry Gaston]

Captfox That trench guide was really helpful thanks

[Jerry Gaston]

Getting closer to that time of year for floats and the trip to Alaska. Anyone wanting to fly the trench this late May or early June let me know.

[pwfeenstra]

I am headed up around June 18, if anyones plans change. It will be a wheel trip for me. If a cub wants to run a buddy system through the Trench, I'd be all for it. Let me know.