After the ATOF crew's post a couple days ago asking for ideas for their show, I mentioned to them the idea of putting together a BCP caravan to AK. So, as a VERY preliminary gauge of interest, I thought putting a poll out might be a good idea. The initial idea would be a July time frame trip, possibly launching the trip from our annual JC fly-in.

If a BCP caravan trip to AK were planned, which would describe your interest and ability to make the trip? What time frame would best work for you?

Update:

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, here we go again. Allen and I are planning a trip to Alaska this summer and thought I'd update the poll as well as this thread for those that expressed interest in going. The tentative plan is leave early June and be gone 3-4 weeks. If you're interested, chime in.

Not up for a trip up the road at the moment. That said, the best weather window is generally early June through the tenth or so of July. After that can work, but you'll GENERALLY have more rainy low WX.

And, of course, that varies......

FWIW.

MTV

I didnt see an option for "I live here keep me updated on where the BCP fun will be" LOL

Thanks MTV.

IF this gains any momentum and gets off the ground, the "when" is one of the many variables that would need to be discussed and input like this from those with experience will be invaluable.

akavidflyer wrote:I didnt see an option for "I live here keep me updated on where the BCP fun will be" LOL

Don't worry! For those locals, you'll be solicited and appropriately imposed on as needed! And of course invited to show us your playground!

As most of you know. A trip like this is next to impossible for me the next 2-3 years. But if my new job goes well, they have a great extended vacation perk and after a few years, I should be doing very well on the financial side. So a trip like this would be high on my list after 3-4 years. And I would feel much more comfortable going as a group.

Maybe start an annual group trip to AK??

That sounds like an awesome idea Cory! I don't know if I'll have the 170 ready for this year but I would love to do this sometime. Annual BCP AK Caravan sounds like a good time. Or maybe make it a biannual trip.

I'll be ready to go right after I win the Lotto, then give away that money sucking trucking company, buy a new T206.
and get directions from Gump

No doubt Russ! If I win the lotto, gas will be on me for everybody!

For me personally, I'm probably in the 2-3 year range. It's a lot of flying and Dee would like the kids to be a little older. Of course, there is always the chance of doing this with someone else and then taking the family the next time. Given the expense of the trip, short of winning the lotto, I imagine for most this will be a once or twice in a lifetime event. I wish I had done it while in college, but it didn't work out. But it is something that has always been on my list and I'm approaching the point where it is becoming doable. I like the idea of traveling in a group and I think it would be an epic trip to do it with BCP family members!

I need a few years.

I think its a great idea, and I'd love to join up with you guys when you come through Canada. But in a couple years would definitely make it easier.
David

Grassstrippilot wrote:No doubt Russ! If I win the lotto, gas will be on me for everybody!

For me personally, I'm probably in the 2-3 year range. It's a lot of flying and Dee would like the kids to be a little older. Of course, there is always the chance of doing this with someone else and then taking the family the next time. Given the expense of the trip, short of winning the lotto, I imagine for most this will be a once or twice in a lifetime event. I wish I had done it while in college, but it didn't work out. But it is something that has always been on my list and I'm approaching the point where it is becoming doable. I like the idea of traveling in a group and I think it would be an epic trip to do it with BCP family members!

In all seriousness, not this year but maybe in 2015 it could be closer to a reality. I think that would be a real good idea to depart from the 2015 BCP Idaho flyin and continue north. Use 2.5-3 hour legs.

My schedule will not allow for it this year. I made this trip a couple summers ago with some friends. It was an unforgettable experience. I am glad to contribute anything that I learned on that trip to the planning effort, though there are folks who have made the trip many times more than I have.

So cool...would be a lot of fun. Maybe I'll buy another PA-22 when the trip is happening so I have and excuse to fly along. Summer is a little hard to be gone that long, though, so perhaps instead I'll meet up to play when you all get here.

Glidergeek wrote:

Grassstrippilot wrote:No doubt Russ! If I win the lotto, gas will be on me for everybody!

For me personally, I'm probably in the 2-3 year range. It's a lot of flying and Dee would like the kids to be a little older. Of course, there is always the chance of doing this with someone else and then taking the family the next time. Given the expense of the trip, short of winning the lotto, I imagine for most this will be a once or twice in a lifetime event. I wish I had done it while in college, but it didn't work out. But it is something that has always been on my list and I'm approaching the point where it is becoming doable. I like the idea of traveling in a group and I think it would be an epic trip to do it with BCP family members!

In all seriousness, not this year but maybe in 2015 it could be closer to a reality. I think that would be a real good idea to depart from the 2015 BCP Idaho flyin and continue north. Use 2.5-3 hour legs.

I'm thinking the same thing. Or if June is the better flying month, end at JC. By getting a conversation going, I'm hoping we can get people thinking about it and get something penciled in on a calendar that we can work towards. Ideally we will have enough of both slower and faster aircraft to be able to use either the buddy system or flights by cruise speed so everyone has someone to fly with. But that's getting ahead of myself. I think this has potential and would be an amazing experience.

Zane, I think you'll have some time...but don't slack! What a great inaugural trip that would be!

You too Scolopax! And thanks for speaking up to know you're a point for information.

Would love to plan in for future like 2015

Daughter Allie and I made the trip in an Arrow in 2010 after her USAFA graduation. Sold the Arrow share last fall, won't do it in the trike, so it will have to wait for Bearhawk completion, which will be awhile - so I'm heading out to work on it now!

Mark J

Does anyone know what the distances are between available fuel? I can take MoGas too, but only have a 250nm range.

What a smokin' idea Corey!...the 2-3 yr time frame might be perfect...with some fresh time and no deadlines, i would make it a longer version than some probably...thinking i would strip and haul my ADV m/c with me and either fly back or ride back...have a couple of friends there to leave either with...! might be a total blast, and i think the group thing would add to the adventure and safety of it all for sure...

chosstronaut wrote:Does anyone know what the distances are between available fuel? I can take MoGas too, but only have a 250nm range.

You will want some extended range up there. Whitehorse to Tok Junction is 273nm. It's one of the longer legs on the interior route. You might be able to arrange some fuel in-between. You never know when the wind or weather up there will shorten your range.

Get some kind of aux tank and go. Its a trip you will never forget.

AK Bushwheel bladder bags that have been given away at the fly-in might solve your problem if you can spare the useful load.

Jo, it will be a blast!