We also just got back too. When we were clamming in Clam Gulch, I wondered if you had made your trip and how things were going. We spent most of our 2 weeks on the preparation for our build next year. We did get to do a couple of fishing trips as well. While we there, I wanted to compare the AK Lowes & Home Depot to what I have available in the lower 48. Totally thrilled to find out the kitchen cabinets I wanted are available in AK and at the same price as the lower 48. Same granite counter tops as well. We are now scheduled for a "2009 spring thaw" build. This year's "spring thaw" wasn't until June. Now we miss the cool AK temps. The highest AK temp we saw was 60 and since we have been back on the East Coast, the temps haven't been below 90. You will have to fill me in on the road trip through Canada. I spoke with a commuter in Anchorage that had just driven in from Pittsburgh, PA and he said they encountered quite a few Moose in the BC which slowed their trip.

Good to hear from you bdawk! That is funny because I was looking around when we were in Homer just wondering where your building site was! Who are you contracting with? We looked at a few options but still aren't sure what we are going to do so we may be delayed yet another summer which is ok. The fifth wheel is working out fine for now! Hubby is living in it now and is doing fine. I will be going back up in a few weeks to help him get everything squared away before coming home. He said that it has been a very cool summer! They just started getting some warmer weather this week. He says its hot! Wait till he gets home! The road trip up there was incredible! I loved it and wouldn't trade it for anything! It took us 10 days and I tried to savor every moment! The price of gasoline was the kicker! We saw plenty of wildlife but it didn't slow us down.. well.. maybe to stop and take a few photos but we weren't in any hurry. Keep me updated on your plans!!

We had discussions with Kevin Strong in Homer. We also discussed our plans with Beachy Construction. Beachy wasn't too big on our Cedar logs as he is mostly stick frame, where as Strong Construction is more into Timber Frame. Still waiting on the Strong Construction estimate, which will probably be a big part of the decision making as to which contractor we go with. Son told me it got up to 65 all week last week, sunny as well. I told him that once I got off the plane in Philly, I was ready to move up right then as I preferred the 60's to the 90's.

bdawk

Where did you stay and what did you do when you went in the winter? What month did you go? We thought that it might be a great idea if we visited winter as well. If you stayed in Homer.. did you drive from Anchorage? Was Sterling Highway pretty clear? Please give me info. on your WINTER vacation in Alaska!

Thanks!

Upon recommendation of our son, we flew down from Anchorage to Homer. The Sterling is maintained but if a storm blows in, your travel could be limited. When we go, we snow ski, snow shoe and ice fish. If you like snow and you think AK is beautiful when it's green, breath taking describes winter. If you visit in the winter, you will learn that it's NOT dark 24 hours a day, at least not in Anchorage or the Kenai Peninsula. Just remember to pack a good hat, gloves and wool/thermal socks and you will have a wonderful time. If you planning on going during the holidays, I would start looking into room reservations, NOW.

Thanks for the information! Do you snowshoe and ice fish with a tour guide? How do you go about finding one? I put it in the search engine. Can you give me some details on the ice fishing? Are they hard to catch and what do you catch?

Regarding the Sterling Highway, it is maintained year round.. seven months of winter makes it a necessity, with the volume of peninsula traffic and freight. The only time they might have a delay is for a bad accident, or an avalanche, or avalanche control.
Four wheel drive is sensible.. you don't want to mess with chains. The black ice along Turnagain Arm is something to keep in mind.. the road was freshly paved this summer, and they sand it well in winter.

We are here 365, and make the drive all year. Flying is a timesaver though, and you would save the cost of gas with a rental in Homer, unless you have transportation there already.

You might get lucky and see the Northern Lights as well. One night a few years ago, the entire sky was a brilliant red, almost like being on another planet!

Ice fishing is very basic.. the ADF&G puts out good booklets, and their website probably has info.
Snowshoeing guides, probably..you could Google and see what pops up.

Good luck with your future building and travels. J.

Thanks Jetset! You are always so informative and helpful!