On Feb 11, 6:33*pm, riverman wrote:
Hey Guys;
I'm thinking of doing some camping/fishing in the great northlands
this summer, but of course I like to move around as I visit places.

Back in college in Flagstaff, there was always a glut of rental cars
that ended up in Flag as tourists would drive there from LA, leave
their car, and fly home. As a result, you could usually negotiate a
great rate on a one-way rental to bring a car back to certain
destinations....LA for example, as it saved the company to price of
sending a car carrier to retrieve cars, and generated revenue. (In
truth, I used to even get paid to drive cars back to Phoenix and LA)

I was wondering if the same thing existed in Alaska...specifically if
people tended to rent RVs or vans in the lower 48, drive them to
Anchorage and fly home, leaving a glut of vehicles that needed to be
shuttled back south. If so, I was hoping to do a one-way rental and
bring one south for a good rate...a much more preferred travel option
than either having to pay a premium for a one-way rental, or having to
do a loop trip in my limitied available time.

Anyone know anything about this?

In general the traditional flyin/floatdown Alaska trips I am sure are
the way to go, IF you have the time, If you are in shape and not
creaky, If you ONLY want to fish etc.. And yes there are combat
fishing venues. Alaska is big and people are few.

So in general what Jon and Dave say holds. However. . . . there are
at least a couple of roadtrip options that take you to real Alaska
towns, with very interesting people, cafes, bars, motels and . . .
fish. The roadtrip place to go is the Kenai Peninsula South of
Anchorage. Its got a road net, great little towns, etc, and salt and
fresh waters to fish. Its beautiful, fun, accessible and affordable.

Another way to go is up to Haines via ferry (or float) then over to
Whitehorse and the Yukon, OR up thru Haines Junction and over to the
Bristol Bay country. Alaska is super big and a road trip is a good way
to get your feet wet for subsequent trips maybe of a more wilderness
nature. I am not looking at a map, so may be off on the detail but you
can see where the main roads go.

Another way to go is to fly in, or ferry into one of the SE towns, too
small for the cruise ships (AVOID TILL REALLY CREAKY) like Petersburg,
and hookup with the local guides (after some research and phone/net
talks). And then there is Sitka, Native and Rusky, my overall fave for
Alaska towns.

Over the years I combined Alaska consulting work, and limited fishing
time and a rental car in Alaska for some great times and met some
wonderful people. Take your insect prep seriously or you will die.

Stay away from Palin country North of Anchorage. The normal hypocrisy
factor (Most Alaskans are at least somewhat conservative or
libertarian, whose political bull**** bald-face ignores how much they
suck at the Federal and oil company tit.) Never mind, they are
friendly interesting people. However, Up Palin way that humorous
contradiction is mixed in a lethal brew with radical messianic and
uncharacteristically intolerant in-your face religion. Avoid it if you
can.

Dave