BayouGal -
This was my reaction when I first visited Alaska in June 2002. My subsequent visits were also in summer.
Before you really decide to move talk to locals at least in Anchorage and familiarize yourself with the problems you will face there. Also, it is helpful to read Anchorage Daily News.
Alaska for tourists (in summer) is somewhat different from what its residents deal with on daily basis.

LoL, oleg. Yes, I've made friends with Fodorites from Alaska. It is a pipe dream for me - don't know if DH would ever truly go for it, and I wouldn't go without him! :)

Thanks!

Thanks, Bayougal, and wish you the same. Haven't been to Alaska, can't figure out which first, A or Big Island!

BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO!
=D> =D> =D>

The moment I opened this thread and saw your name, I knew I was in for a big treat! Spectacular, oleg!

And please, what was your itinerary? This looks like a trip I need to take.

Thanks!

Wow, Shanghainese, tough call. BUT you won't go wrong either way. Maybe make an itinerary and compare prices.

To really "do" Alaska is pretty darn expensive. And depending on how you do the BI, it can be expensive too, but I do believe it can be done more reasonably. The summer travel season is short in Alaska so you might be able to find better deals with the BI.

I'm not trying to talk you out of it, just points to consider. Personally, I hope you are able to do both soon! ;-)

kopp -

My itinenary in 2006 was:

08/10 Anchorage
08/11 Drive to Seward
08/12 Seward. Kenai Fiord NP cruise
08/13 Drive back to Anchorage
08/14 Drive to Healy
08/15 Denaly NP
08/16 Denali NP
08/17 Denali NP
08/18 Denali NP
08/19 Drive to Fairbanks ( road back to Anchorage was closed )
08/20 Back to NY

What amazing stories. Thank you so much for taking the time to share them!!!

LOVED this whole reading and the pictures are fabulous - OH! Wonder Lake - went back in 1998 and we are headed that way again - July 2007 - making my reservations now..Your info was very helpful..My husband's dream was to stay the summer in Alaska, BUT the price!!!!!!! So, we are down to 3 wks - going w/3 others to share expense of transportation/gas/and lodging..
Did you camp at Wonder Lake? Someone mentioned going the back road to Anchorage and you mentioned it was closed..Have you ever done that? Are there places to stay one night?

farm123-
I did not camp at Wonder Lake.
On 8/19/06 I had to return to Anchorage and fly home. George Parks Hwy was closed due to flood. So, I drove to Fairbanks and flew home from there.
Parks Hwy is the easiest way to reach Anchorage. There are other ways. One I know is Denali Highway - I guess you can call it 'back road'. It is unpaved and bumpy, and you need SUV there. In addition, very few rental companies allow you to drive Denali Highway. I am not aware of any places to stay along it. Denali Highway was not accessible on August 19 as well.