Question:

I give in…bass raide pontoon boat.I just can’t fit into a small car with our camping gear.  I barely could fit it all in a van!  Now what? Just the tent and sleeping bags and our car is FULL. (A little Saturn). How do you experienced campers who like a bit of comfort do it? At minimum, we have a LARGE tent, air mattresses, sleeping bags, 4 collapsible chairs, cold food, dry food, lantern, Coleman stove, fuel cylinders, a tarp,bass raide pontoon boat  a little fire wood to save on the big bucks near camping areas, clothes and toiletries for a family of four -including two teenage girls so you KNOW we need a few extras, and other usual things like paper products and flashlights, etc).  The only thing I can think of to do without is the wood and buy it there.

Two of us (humans) went to the west coast in an ‘82 Colt by taking out the back seat and I made a cartop carrier out of a ski rack and some plywood with a polytarp cover. We used camping boxes which were cardboard apple boxes painted to keep them from soaking up rainwater and morning dew. bass raide pontoon boat Two of us (man and dog) camped for a month in the SE USA in the same car. Later we camped in Nova Scotia a month on two separate occasions in an ‘89 Festiva with the back seat and the passenger seat removed and no roof rack. We used camping boxes custom made from thin plywood. One for food, one for bedding, one for clothes, and one for tent stuff (rope, tarp, light, etc.) In all cases the load never came above the level of bass raide pontoon boat the rear window so I had full vision out the back for driving.

Response:

To save space on the trip,bass raide pontoon boat  you could (depending on where you are going) not take much food along, then make a stop near your site at a supermarket. That way you can load up the cooler with your other camping supplies.  At the store, only buy what you’ll use, or what won’t go bad without ice, so you can lug the remainder home. Depending on how far you travel, I’d recommend a rooftop carrier, even one of those soft ones that are just fastened to and rest on the roof like a large duffel bag over the hard ones.  With a trailer, especially the cheaper ones, the wheels are quite small, and without proper maintenance or going too fast driving larger distances you risk bearing problems or a flat tire.bass raide pontoon boat
Look at the more rigid items you take, like the cooler, the chairs, etc. They can waste a lot of space.  Perhaps you can just replace one or two of the worst offenders.  Soft coolers are available, and the new “quad” style folding chairs are better than the older chairs with a complete frame around the seat.  I’ve seen the cheapest of these for less than $10 on sale at Target once or twice a year.  If you must keep the hard items, pack soft stuff like clothing, sleeping bags, etc around them and in them to fill in the wasted space.  Sure, it means you’ve got to take more time loading and unloading, but at least more of it will fit.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I give in….I just can’t fit into a small car with our camping gear.  I barely could fit it all in a van!  Now what? Just the tent and sleeping bags and our car is FULL. (A little Saturn). How do you experienced campers who like a bit of comfort do it? At minimum, we have a LARGE tent, air mattresses, sleeping bags, 4 collapsible chairs, cold food, dry food, lantern, Coleman stove, fuel cylinders, a tarp, a little fire wood to save on the big bucks near camping areas, clothes and toiletries for a family of four -including two teenage girls so you KNOW we need a few extras, and other usual things like paper products and flashlights, etc).  The only thing I can think of to do without is the wood and buy it there. I don’t have the money to invest in anything too costly.  Should I look into some sort of car top carrier (I have no luggage racks on the car presently) or a pull-behind trailer…..and how cheap can I get away with either of these options.  Any suggestions for where I can buy whatever you think I should try? I’d hate to think we can’t go camping just because of transportation.  (We used to have a van which has since bit the dust.) Help!

I used to have ur problems. I have 3 kids and only a small car. Packing used to be the hardest part everytime we went camping.  Then one day I bought a clam shell trailer which measured 4 by 6 by 4.  It looks like a gigantic Sears car top carrier.  It is light and easy to toll.  And I only paid $75 for it ))

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I give in….I just can’t fit into a small car with our camping gear.  I barely could fit it all in a van!  Now what? Just the tent and sleeping bags and our car is FULL. (A little Saturn). How do you experienced campers who like a bit of comfort do it? At minimum, we have a LARGE tent, air mattresses, sleeping bags, 4 collapsible chairs, cold food, dry food, lantern, Coleman stove, fuel cylinders, a tarp, a little fire wood to save on the big bucks near camping areas, clothes and toiletries for a family of four -including two teenage girls so you KNOW we need a few extras, and other usual things like paper products and flashlights, etc).  The only thing I can think of to do without is the wood and buy it there. I don’t have the money to invest in anything too costly.  Should I look into some sort of car top carrier (I have no luggage racks on the car presently) or a pull-behind trailer…..and how cheap can I get away with either of these options.  Any suggestions for where I can buy whatever you think I should try? I’d hate to think we can’t go camping just because of transportation.  (We used to have a van which has since bit the dust.) Help!

How about something like this: http://www.northerntool.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr… I’ve seen cheaper ones. Of course you need a receiver hitch. Tyler Hopper

Response:

Hey, Mark! We don’t all camp in the fancy-dancy parks with Coke machines, laundry, or pre-prescribed pooping areas.  Let’s think before we post! PeePee’s on the right track for real “roughing it.” Doug Pull *yourhead* out to return e-mail

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The following is meant for it’s grin content – though it is a bit serious: Ahhh, yes, the all-American car camping family. Well, you should know that there are some necessities of car camping that backing or pack camping people don’t need to take into account. Since I am a pack camper mostly, I do have a fairly decent list that I have been fine tuning over the years… The key is to think ESSENTIALS. What do I absolutely NEED to get through the night? Right – in a camp ground – 1. water (or just a purifier and a large collapsible tank with spigut) All you need is a milk jug or collapsible carrier – the spigot of potable water is nevevr very far away. 2. food (take all food out of original packaging and put into ziplock bags..saves lots of space and weight, and only put in what you need…don’t bring a 5 gallon tub of peanut butter if you only plan to make one peanut butter and jelly sandwich) Duh – make a fiood run to the suprmarket after dropping off the kids – won’t take mor ethan an hour from most camp grounds – or pack one dinner and breakfast then do food while sight seeing the next day. 3. sleeping bag (Coleman makes a very affordable moderate temperature mummy bag that compresses to the size of about 2 basketballs, which is much smaller than a poly blend bag that is bigger than the wheel on yur car, don’t bring pillows…use wadded up sweaters or other clothes) No comment 4. spare change of clothes (with emphasis on extra socks and unmentionables) Laundry at the campground so two days unless someone can’t possibly wear the same look after the third day…. 5. tioletries (don’t skimp on mountain money…you know…toilet paper…if weight is extremely important, you can even take out the cardboard tube inside and fold it in half….ideas that backpackers always use) Don’t need it – campgrond supplies it on the wall in an appropriate space.  Might want a box of kleenes though. 6. stove/fuel/matches (the smaller the stove, the better…also useful to purify water instead of bringing yur own) 2 burner to cook like you do at home (sort of) 7. hand saw/axe for wood (so you don’t bring yur own) Forget it – illegal to cut wood around most private camp grounds, difficult to find at public one’s unless you ar eearly season. 8. flashlight (don’t skimp on a small one…vision is everything at night, and you can’t afford to twist yur ankle and be lost if you can avoid it….lantern isn’t totally necessary as long as yur flashlight has a good bright light) Need lantern to play cards, small flashlight for night calls. 9. tent/tarp (as much as I love to put out a tarp and sleep out under the stars, not everyone likes that…so find a tent that has a built-in ground tarp..saves space) 10. first aid kit (I don’t care how safety-coinscience you *think* you are…accidents always will and do happen…go through the store bought one and build up a supply of bandages and neosporin does wonders!….bring a few whistles, one for everyone, so if you get lost, you use it instead of yelling to save yur voice, since the high pitch of a whistle is more readily heard far away than the relatively low sound of one’s own voice) 11. Y2K bug repellant ;- ) and sunscreen (always bring no matter what…a cool day with no overcast can char you in a heartbeat) 12. spare change for a phonecall or misc emergencies (this is a first aid item, but I brought it out for emphasis) Don’t forget the soda machine, though campground store/office can usually make change. 13. plastic trash bags (for separating dirty laundry from clean…use for waste bags…use as temporary parkas) 14. duct tape (that darn stuff ALWAYS comes in handy…if it’s repairing a tarp tear, or silencing an obnoxious teen, it’s always useful) What would be nice to have if could afford the space? leisure (chairs, books, camera, swim suit), firewood, lantern…etc Actually – is is not nice, it is often required if one wants to go camping with certain otherwise nice partners.  ;-) and as for air mattresses, I am a definite fan, yet I have grown away from them because they are bulky and take away from the outdoor

experience…especially if – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – you bring an air compressor…removing both of these items would free up more and more space for you. I have found the WalMart wound-up hammocks, believe it or not, so be as good as, or better than, an air mattress…just put it up in between 2 trees, and put something soft underneath you in case you toss and turn in yur sleep and could fall out, in which case you’d want the hammock closer to the ground ;- ) They can be quite relaxing and lull you to sleep much faster than the rustling outside and around a tent that you’re in. While I like hammock camping with campgrounds it is: 1. often illegal to tie to trees 2. trees are optional – they get int he way of motor homes 3. aside from modesty issues there ar eindecent exposure laws 4. tough to cuddle in most hammocks 5 I have found that the WAY in which you pack yur vehicle also makes a tremendous difference. If anything is put in haphazardly, then you are indefinitely wasting some space that could be occupied. Don’t underestimate your “precious cargo”…have yur daughters hold onto the sleeping bags and let them use them as pillows…that will save a LOT of space in the trunk. and IF you are car camping and not hiking away from yur car very far with yur gear, then I would recommend using duffle bags instead of packs with metal pole frames…they are costly in taking up space in yur trunk because of their shape. Most car campers don’t even own frame packs. Carry that gear ??? It’s got to be 50  (10 really) feet to the tent!  Dyu think I’m some kind of pack mule?! There are all kinds of tricks, and these are but the essential ones to remember…if you still find trouble in making it all fit, then perhaps you could email me a list of what all you have, and I’m sure I can help you make it all work out!!! Good luck and stick to the trails – it is really a different world.  I bet you don’t even carry a hair drier.  ;-) Good luck and happy trails on your camping adventures!!! Clint Johns Eagle Scout California snip Have fun just use the right gear for the intended trip. M

Response:

Hi a few tips to fit your stuff into the car. Don’t roll up the sleeping bags just lay them out on the seat flat Find or buy wood at the campsite. Sell the big tent and invest in some dome tents. Coolers take up space try a smaller one or no cooler at all. I use a powdered drink mix and add to water no sodas needed. Clothing is a tuff one I camp in Florida so I need few warm clothes. My advice for clothing is one spare set per person. My preference is to use a camp stove but you could cook over the fire. You could omit the lantern and use glow sticks and a small flashlight. You can buy glow sticks at Kmart Wal-Mart etc. A luggage rack on top of the car will help. When you buy camping equipment think small. After a camp trip look at what you have and think did I use that? Did I need that?

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I give in….I just can’t fit into a small car with our camping gear.  I barely could fit it all in a van!  Now what? Just the tent and sleeping bags and our car is FULL. (A little Saturn). How do you experienced campers who like a bit of comfort do it? At minimum, we have a LARGE tent, air mattresses, sleeping bags, 4 collapsible chairs, cold food, dry food, lantern, Coleman stove, fuel cylinders, a tarp, a little fire wood to save on the big bucks near camping areas, clothes and toiletries for a family of four -including two teenage girls so you KNOW we need a few extras, and other usual things like paper products and flashlights, etc).  The only thing I can think of to do without is the wood and buy it there. I don’t have the money to invest in anything too costly.  Should I look into some sort of car top carrier (I have no luggage racks on the car presently) or a pull-behind trailer…..and how cheap can I get away with either of these options.  Any suggestions for where I can buy whatever you think I should try? I’d hate to think we can’t go camping just because of transportation.  (We used to have a van which has since bit the dust.) Help!

Response:

Thank for all the replies. Thinking small when buying stuff would be great if I didn’t already have the stuff!  We had a van when I was assembling the things.  Rebuying is not an option. We have so little money now that even paying for the camping areas is alot for us.  Leaving some of the things behind (like the chairs) is not what I want to do at my very close to 50 years of age.  It’s just not fun to sit on the ground for an extended time period like it used to be when I was in my twenties.  But thanks for the ideas. I think the small trailer idea is the thing to do.  I’ll look in the want ads to see if anyone is selling one cheap. Or that Home Depot kit sounds very interesting. Thanks so much for the help.

Response:

Most ‘enthusiasts’ I know would chant “lighten your load!” a million times … but … it’s just preference <G.  My dad is a devout HEAVY CAR CAMPER.  They have a small boat trailer that they’ve rigged to hold their canoe upside-down (PFD’s etc. strapped securely inside).  Underneath the canoe on the trailer, dad’s put a wooden box (probably 2′Hx4′Wx3′L — he built it, I think, from scrap lumber) with a latched lid.  The box serves not only as hauling space for their stuff, but also as storage space between trips — it’s called “the camping box” & they KNOW that the cooksets, fuel cylinders, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, etc. are all packed well in that box, so that when the urge for a trip strikes, they just need to do a quick look-over & can take off right away.  Don’t know how a Saturn would handle towing the little trailer … they’ve got some old clunky Oldsmobile type, & probably aren’t much afraid to hurt it anymore. — Danica in IL

Response:

Ahhh, yes, the all-American car camping family. Well, you should know that there are some necessities of car camping that backing or pack camping people don’t need to take into account. Since I am a pack camper mostly, I do have a fairly decent list that I have been fine tuning over the years… The key is to think ESSENTIALS. What do I absolutely NEED to get through the night? 1. water (or just a purifier and a large collapsible tank with spigut) 2. food (take all food out of original packaging and put into ziplock bags..saves lots of space and weight, and only put in what you need…don’t bring a 5 gallon tub of peanut butter if you only plan to make one peanut butter and jelly sandwich) 3. sleeping bag (Coleman makes a very affordable moderate temperature mummy bag that compresses to the size of about 2 basketballs, which is much smaller than a poly blend bag that is bigger than the wheel on yur car, don’t bring pillows…use wadded up sweaters or other clothes) 4. spare change of clothes (with emphasis on extra socks and unmentionables) 5. tioletries (don’t skimp on mountain money…you know…toilet paper…if weight is extremely important, you can even take out the cardboard tube inside and fold it in half….ideas that backpackers always use) 6. stove/fuel/matches (the smaller the stove, the better…also useful to purify water instead of bringing yur own) 7. hand saw/axe for wood (so you don’t bring yur own) 8. flashlight (don’t skimp on a small one…vision is everything at night, and you can’t afford to twist yur ankle and be lost if you can avoid it….lantern isn’t totally necessary as long as yur flashlight has a good bright light) 9. tent/tarp (as much as I love to put out a tarp and sleep out under the stars, not everyone likes that…so find a tent that has a built-in ground tarp..saves space) 10. first aid kit (I don’t care how safety-coinscience you *think* you are…accidents always will and do happen…go through the store bought one and build up a supply of bandages and neosporin does wonders!….bring a few whistles, one for everyone, so if you get lost, you use it instead of yelling to save yur voice, since the high pitch of a whistle is more readily heard far away than the relatively low sound of one’s own voice) 11. Y2K bug repellant ;- ) and sunscreen (always bring no matter what…a cool day with no overcast can char you in a heartbeat) 12. spare change for a phonecall or misc emergencies (this is a first aid item, but I brought it out for emphasis) 13. plastic trash bags (for separating dirty laundry from clean…use for waste bags…use as temporary parkas) 14. duct tape (that darn stuff ALWAYS comes in handy…if it’s repairing a tarp tear, or silencing an obnoxious teen, it’s always useful) What would be nice to have if could afford the space? leisure (chairs, books, camera, swim suit), firewood, lantern…etc and as for air mattresses, I am a definite fan, yet I have grown away from them because they are bulky and take away from the outdoor experience…especially if you bring an air compressor…removing both of these items would free up more and more space for you. I have found the WalMart wound-up hammocks, believe it or not, so be as good as, or better than, an air mattress…just put it up in between 2 trees, and put something soft underneath you in case you toss and turn in yur sleep and could fall out, in which case you’d want the hammock closer to the ground ;- ) They can be quite relaxing and lull you to sleep much faster than the rustling outside and around a tent that you’re in. I have found that the WAY in which you pack yur vehicle also makes a tremendous difference. If anything is put in haphazardly, then you are indefinitely wasting some space that could be occupied. Don’t underestimate your “precious cargo”…have yur daughters hold onto the sleeping bags and let them use them as pillows…that will save a LOT of space in the trunk. and IF you are car camping and not hiking away from yur car very far with yur gear, then I would recommend using duffle bags instead of packs with metal pole frames…they are costly in taking up space in yur trunk because of their shape. There are all kinds of tricks, and these are but the essential ones to remember…if you still find trouble in making it all fit, then perhaps you could email me a list of what all you have, and I’m sure I can help you make it all work out!!! Good luck and happy trails on your camping adventures!!! Clint Johns Eagle Scout California – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi a few tips to fit your stuff into the car. Don’t roll up the sleeping bags just lay them out on the seat flat Find or buy wood at the campsite. Sell the big tent and invest in some dome tents. Coolers take up space try a smaller one or no cooler at all. I use a powdered drink mix and add to water no sodas needed. Clothing is a tuff one I camp in Florida so I need few warm clothes. My advice for clothing is one spare set per person. My preference is to use a camp stove but you could cook over the fire. You could omit the lantern and use glow sticks and a small flashlight. You can buy glow sticks at Kmart Wal-Mart etc. A luggage rack on top of the car will help. When you buy camping equipment think small. After a camp trip look at what you have and think did I use that? Did I need that? I give in….I just can’t fit into a small car with our camping gear.  I barely could fit it all in a van!  Now what? Just the tent and sleeping bags and our car is FULL. (A little Saturn). How do you experienced campers who like a bit of comfort do it? At minimum, we have a LARGE tent, air mattresses, sleeping bags, 4 collapsible chairs, cold food, dry food, lantern, Coleman stove, fuel cylinders, a tarp, a little fire wood to save on the big bucks near camping areas, clothes and toiletries for a family of four -including two teenage girls so you KNOW we need a few extras, and other usual things like paper products and flashlights, etc).  The only thing I can think of to do without is the wood and buy it there. I don’t have the money to invest in anything too costly.  Should I look into some sort of car top carrier (I have no luggage racks on the car presently) or a pull-behind trailer…..and how cheap can I get away with either of these options.  Any suggestions for where I can buy whatever you think I should try? I’d hate to think we can’t go camping just because of transportation.  (We used to have a van which has since bit the dust.) Help!

Response:

We’ve used the car top “animal carrier” thingies and amazingly not gotten that much problem with our mileage.  May be because I don’t entirely trust them and stay within a little closer range of the speed limit?

Response:

One day, after a Dutch oven seminar, I was loading my tent, Dutch ovens, tables, tarps, flys, stove, chairs, mattress, sleeping bag, etc. etc. into the back of my little car. I had the back seat folded down and the front passenger seat was full of stuff. Some guy came up to me and said, “Damn! That is the smallest pickup truck I have ever seen!”

Response:

I give in….I just can’t fit into a small car with our camping gear.         <…. How do you experienced campers who like a bit of comfort do it?

A luggage pod on the roof might help.  FWIW, we have the largest luggage pod made by Packasport mounted on top of our minivan.  On one occasion, we had it loaded with 2 Dahon folding bicycles, a tent (~8′ x 12′), screen house, 2 sleeping bags, 3 folding camp stools, 2 folding camp chairs (with backs), a roll-up camp table, several tarps, plus a bunch of miscellaneous stuff. These things are a little pricey, but might very well make the difference between insufficient cargo space and adequate cargo space. We chose a Packasport pod because it was the largest available, most sturdy construction, completely weatherproof, and very aerodynamic (low air drag).  Yakima and Thule also make luggage pods which are reasonably streamlined.           http://www.packasport.com/         http://www.yakima.com/         http://www.thule.com/ There are other similar things.  I’ve also seen some big fat tall luggage pods (Sears?) which look like they would have a lot of wind resistance, but are somewhat cheaper.  There are also some cloth things (canvas? nylon?) which are advertised to be like a backpack for your car.         — Gerry

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I give in….I just can’t fit into a small car with our camping gear.         <…. How do you experienced campers who like a bit of comfort do it? A luggage pod on the roof might help.  FWIW, we have the largest luggage pod made by Packasport mounted on top of our minivan.  On one occasion, we had it loaded with 2 Dahon folding bicycles, a tent (~8′ x 12′), screen house, 2 sleeping bags, 3 folding camp stools, 2 folding camp chairs (with backs), a roll-up camp table, several tarps, plus a bunch of miscellaneous stuff. These things are a little pricey, but might very well make the difference between insufficient cargo space and adequate cargo space. We chose a Packasport pod because it was the largest available, most sturdy construction, completely weatherproof, and very aerodynamic (low air drag).  Yakima and Thule also make luggage pods which are reasonably streamlined.         http://www.packasport.com/         http://www.yakima.com/         http://www.thule.com/ There are other similar things.  I’ve also seen some big fat tall luggage pods (Sears?) which look like they would have a lot of wind resistance, but are somewhat cheaper.  There are also some cloth things (canvas? nylon?) which are advertised to be like a backpack for your car.

The Sears luggage pods aren’t bad, though they’re not real heavy duty. You may have to buy special hooks to fit your Saturn if it doesn’t have gutters (the ones Ive seen don’t have ‘em). IIRC our Tercel mileage went from about 39 mpg to about 35-36 with the Sears carrier. Like everyone else has said, think backpacking when you choose equipment. Get a compact nylon tent for starters, quality sleeping bags that will compress, and make sure everyone travels light. Coleman propane stoves are more compact than the white gas stoves, and backpacking stoves are even smaller. Minimag flashlights are smaller than D-Cell lights. For a campground light, get a small electric light. Gotta go–packing for a camping trip. — Pat O’Connell Take nothing but pictures, Leave nothing but footprints, Kill nothing but vandals…

Response:

I had this exact problem a couple of years ago. I was a happy owner of a Saturn, but had the same problem. I bought a receiver hitch for it from Saturn (about $100 back in ‘95) and a small utility trailer. As you know, the Saturns can’t tow much. The receiver hitch was great ’cause I had a bike rack for it. Never did use the trailer (wasn’t supposed to go over 40mph with it). Finally broke down and sold both the trailer and the Saturn. I bought a Ranger with tow package and a small pop-up for the same monthly payment I was making on the Saturn. I did have to extend the payments out a bunch though. I now can camp to my hearts content with everything I need. The pop-up is great for convenience although I find all I do is sleep in it. I am now going to try to  sell the pop-up and go back to tent (with cushy cots ) so that I can tow a boat.

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I give in….I just can’t fit into a small car with our camping gear.  I barely could fit it all in a van!  Now what? Just the tent and sleeping bags and our car is FULL. (A little Saturn). How do you experienced campers who like a bit of comfort do it? At minimum, we have a LARGE tent, air mattresses, sleeping bags, 4 collapsible chairs, cold food, dry food, lantern, Coleman stove, fuel cylinders, a tarp, a little fire wood to save on the big bucks near camping areas, clothes and toiletries for a family of four -including two teenage girls so you KNOW we need a few extras, and other usual things like paper products and flashlights, etc).  The only thing I can think of to do without is the wood and buy it there. I don’t have the money to invest in anything too costly.  Should I look into some sort of car top carrier (I have no luggage racks on the car presently) or a pull-behind trailer…..and how cheap can I get away with either of these options.  Any suggestions for where I can buy whatever you think I should try? I’d hate to think we can’t go camping just because of transportation.  (We used to have a van which has since bit the dust.) Help!

Response:

Way back, we had a VW beetle, with a roof rack.  Later we added a tiny trailer from Sears Roebuck.  We didn’t even realize we were suffering. Ol’ Bab – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I give in….I just can’t fit into a small car with our camping gear.  I barely could fit it all in a van!  Now what? Just the tent and sleeping bags and our car is FULL. (A little Saturn). How do you experienced campers who like a bit of comfort do it? At minimum, we have a LARGE tent, air mattresses, sleeping bags, 4 collapsible chairs, cold food, dry food, lantern, Coleman stove, fuel cylinders, a tarp, a little fire wood to save on the big bucks near camping areas, clothes and toiletries for a family of four -including two teenage girls so you KNOW we need a few extras, and other usual things like paper products and flashlights, etc).  The only thing I can think of to do without is the wood and buy it there. I don’t have the money to invest in anything too costly.  Should I look into some sort of car top carrier (I have no luggage racks on the car presently) or a pull-behind trailer…..and how cheap can I get away with either of these options.  Any suggestions for where I can buy whatever you think I should try? I’d hate to think we can’t go camping just because of transportation.  (We used to have a van which has since bit the dust.) Help!

Response:

When we tent camped with 4-5 kids we packed everything in a station wagon, secured tent and other gear on roof rack. Did this for about 5 years (limited distance and lentgth trips) by the time our sixth child came along we decided we needed a utility trailer. . before we knew it we were the proud owners of a popup camper. Best investment we ever made…until we retired and bought our 24′ MH. 8~)   Now I smile when  I  see a similar rig and family pull into the CG. BTW; Now two daughters have MHs, One daughter and one son popups we all STILL enjoy the outdoors but with more comfort these days . Digger AKA Grumps (old and crusty) Y2K  COMPLACENT

Response:

actually, just the PFD’s were strapped to the seats of the canoes….hard to fill when they’re upside down on the roof…. yes, smaller stuff is good to have….more pricey, but still cheaper than a bigger car, or renting a trailer in the long run…and well worth it too…good quality sleeping bags are much more comfortable then cheap ones… you could also look into getting one of those roof thingies…not sure what they’re called, but they just look like big animal carriers that you stick on the roof of your car….i bet it kills your mileage though….. james – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Let me guess, the canoes were filled. It’s all a matter of perspective, relative to your comfort level.  An RV camper might have difficulty fitting in a van.  I’m always humbled by people taking camping trips on motorcycles.  Last year I saw a family of 3 doing a cross-country camping trip in a Geo Metro.  Learn to think like a backpacker. How much of that stuff do you need to survive?  Not the chairs for sure.  Find the smallest incarnation of each piece of equipment, and buy it. Cheap sleeping bags are real space hogs.  Find some compessible models. Without replacing equipment your choices are limited, trailer or roof rack. I’m a pretty compact camper, but I would have trouble with your load. if you don’t mind being a little uncomfortable while driving, then it should be no problem….most i’ve done is 6 people (aged 20-23), 2 canoes (6 life jackets, 6 paddles), 6 packs, all in a cavelier…if there’s a will, there’s a way….looked really funny, but hey, that’s what memories are made of…. james I give in….I just can’t fit into a small car with our camping gear.  I barely could fit it all in a van!  Now what? Just the tent and sleeping bags and our car is FULL. (A little Saturn). How do you experienced campers who like a bit of comfort do it? At minimum, we have a LARGE tent, air mattresses, sleeping bags, 4 collapsible chairs, cold food, dry food, lantern, Coleman stove, fuel cylinders, a tarp, a little fire wood to save on the big bucks near camping areas, clothes and toiletries for a family of four -including two teenage girls so you KNOW we need a few extras, and other usual things like paper products and flashlights, etc).  The only thing I can think of to do without is the wood and buy it there. I don’t have the money to invest in anything too costly.  Should I look into some sort of car top carrier (I have no luggage racks on the car presently) or a pull-behind trailer…..and how cheap can I get away with either of these options.  Any suggestions for where I can buy whatever you think I should try? I’d hate to think we can’t go camping just because of transportation.  (We used to have a van which has since bit the dust.) Help!

Response:

Let me guess, the canoes were filled. It’s all a matter of perspective, relative to your comfort level.  An RV camper might have difficulty fitting in a van.  I’m always humbled by people taking camping trips on motorcycles.  Last year I saw a family of 3 doing a cross-country camping trip in a Geo Metro.  Learn to think like a backpacker. How much of that stuff do you need to survive?  Not the chairs for sure.  Find the smallest incarnation of each piece of equipment, and buy it. Cheap sleeping bags are real space hogs.  Find some compessible models. Without replacing equipment your choices are limited, trailer or roof rack. I’m a pretty compact camper, but I would have trouble with your load. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – if you don’t mind being a little uncomfortable while driving, then it should be no problem….most i’ve done is 6 people (aged 20-23), 2 canoes (6 life jackets, 6 paddles), 6 packs, all in a cavelier…if there’s a will, there’s a way….looked really funny, but hey, that’s what memories are made of…. james I give in….I just can’t fit into a small car with our camping gear.  I barely could fit it all in a van!  Now what? Just the tent and sleeping bags and our car is FULL. (A little Saturn). How do you experienced campers who like a bit of comfort do it? At minimum, we have a LARGE tent, air mattresses, sleeping bags, 4 collapsible chairs, cold food, dry food, lantern, Coleman stove, fuel cylinders, a tarp, a little fire wood to save on the big bucks near camping areas, clothes and toiletries for a family of four -including two teenage girls so you KNOW we need a few extras, and other usual things like paper products and flashlights, etc).  The only thing I can think of to do without is the wood and buy it there. I don’t have the money to invest in anything too costly.  Should I look into some sort of car top carrier (I have no luggage racks on the car presently) or a pull-behind trailer…..and how cheap can I get away with either of these options.  Any suggestions for where I can buy whatever you think I should try? I’d hate to think we can’t go camping just because of transportation.  (We used to have a van which has since bit the dust.) Help!

Response:

I give in….I just can’t fit into a small car with our camping gear.  I barely could fit it all in a van!  Now what? Just the tent and sleeping bags and our car is FULL. (A little Saturn). How do you experienced campers who like a bit of comfort do it? At minimum, we have a LARGE tent, air mattresses, sleeping bags, 4 collapsible chairs, cold food, dry food, lantern, Coleman stove, fuel cylinders, a tarp, a little fire wood to save on the big bucks near camping areas, clothes and toiletries for a family of four -including two teenage girls so you KNOW we need a few extras, and other usual things like paper products and flashlights, etc).  The only thing I can think of to do without is the wood and buy it there. I don’t have the money to invest in anything too costly.  Should I look into some sort of car top carrier (I have no luggage racks on the car presently) or a pull-behind trailer…..and how cheap can I get away with either of these options.  Any suggestions for where I can buy whatever you think I should try? I’d hate to think we can’t go camping just because of transportation.  (We used to have a van which has since bit the dust.) Help!

Response:

Have you given any thought to a trailer? maybe rent one from U-HAUL to try it out first. I used to get all our stuff in my honda accord…but everyone else had to follow in another car.  Wen we got a boat (bass tracker) I towed it behind the honda and could get more stuff packed in the boat.  It wasn’t good for the honda tho. I now have a full size truck, a quad cab. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I give in….I just can’t fit into a small car with our camping gear.  I barely could fit it all in a van!  Now what? Just the tent and sleeping bags and our car is FULL. (A little Saturn). How do you experienced campers who like a bit of comfort do it? At minimum, we have a LARGE tent, air mattresses, sleeping bags, 4 collapsible chairs, cold food, dry food, lantern, Coleman stove, fuel cylinders, a tarp, a little fire wood to save on the big bucks near camping areas, clothes and toiletries for a family of four -including two teenage girls so you KNOW we need a few extras, and other usual things like paper products and flashlights, etc).  The only thing I can think of to do without is the wood and buy it there. I don’t have the money to invest in anything too costly.  Should I look into some sort of car top carrier (I have no luggage racks on the car presently) or a pull-behind trailer…..and how cheap can I get away with either of these options.  Any suggestions for where I can buy whatever you think I should try? I’d hate to think we can’t go camping just because of transportation.  (We used to have a van which has since bit the dust.) Help!

Competition brings out the best in products and the worst in people.–David Sarnoff  Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts.  Don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours

Response:

if you don’t mind being a little uncomfortable while driving, then it should be no problem….most i’ve done is 6 people (aged 20-23), 2 canoes (6 life jackets, 6 paddles), 6 packs, all in a cavelier…if there’s a will, there’s a way….looked really funny, but hey, that’s what memories are made of…. james – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I give in….I just can’t fit into a small car with our camping gear.  I barely could fit it all in a van!  Now what? Just the tent and sleeping bags and our car is FULL. (A little Saturn). How do you experienced campers who like a bit of comfort do it? At minimum, we have a LARGE tent, air mattresses, sleeping bags, 4 collapsible chairs, cold food, dry food, lantern, Coleman stove, fuel cylinders, a tarp, a little fire wood to save on the big bucks near camping areas, clothes and toiletries for a family of four -including two teenage girls so you KNOW we need a few extras, and other usual things like paper products and flashlights, etc).  The only thing I can think of to do without is the wood and buy it there. I don’t have the money to invest in anything too costly.  Should I look into some sort of car top carrier (I have no luggage racks on the car presently) or a pull-behind trailer…..and how cheap can I get away with either of these options.  Any suggestions for where I can buy whatever you think I should try? I’d hate to think we can’t go camping just because of transportation.  (We used to have a van which has since bit the dust.) Help!

Response:

Question:

I recently bought a used Bass Tracker which has a 40HP Johnson motor with the original 6 gallon metal fuel tank and hose.sumtracler by Bass Tracker <SNIPShould I seek out an “official” OMC gas line and tank, or are they all about the same

Any type of gas line is fine, provided it is a fuel line. I’ve found the engine hard to start the first time after each filling. I presume that it’s loosing the pressure inside the tank. I fill then close the tank.sumtracler by Bass Tracker  The seal on the gas cap is 8 years old, but looks okay. I then squeeze the pressure bulb several times, but it never seems to become “hard” to squeeze … so I’m not sure if I’m developing enough pressure inside the tank. The engine always starts,sumtracler by Bass Tracker but it takes considerably more time to start after re-fueling. Am I doing something wrong here??

Single line Evinrude or Johnson outboards pump the fuel by suction into the carburators.  The tank must be vented for proper operation.   The fuel line bulb just pumps sufficient fuel into the pump to allow it to pump.sumtracler by Bass Tracker  If air cannot enter the tank, the bulb cannot move fuel.  Make sure the tank vent is open.

Response:

I recently bought a used Bass Tracker which has a 40HP Johnson motor with the original 6 gallon metal fuel tank and hose. Although I’ve only used it a half-dozen times, it appears that I burn 2-3 gallons of fuel per fishing outing – just enought that I can’t feel comfortable starting on the next trip unless I stop and fill up on my way to the  boat ramp. It appears that I have room in the compartment where the gas tank is stored to put a second 6-gallon tank, but have the following questions: Would it make more sense to replace the original tank with a single 12-20 gallon tank?   – fewer fillups, but no redundancy of tank and fuel line   – two six-gallon tanks with two gas lines would provide full redundancy Any preferences for plastic or metal tanks?   – Boater World had plastic tanks on display, but they all specified ” for external storage” or something similar… Should I seek out an “official” OMC gas line and tank, or are they all about the same I’ve found the engine hard to start the first time after each filling. I presume that it’s loosing the pressure inside the tank. I fill then close the tank. The seal on the gas cap is 8 years old, but looks okay. I then squeeze the pressure bulb several times, but it never seems to become “hard” to squeeze … so I’m not sure if I’m developing enough pressure inside the tank. The engine always starts, but it takes considerably more time to start after re-fueling. Am I doing something wrong here?? Thanks in advance for any advise. Kit Maloney Kit, It maybe that the fuel line you have is simply wornout and while not

yet leaking does not provide an airtight seal.sumtracler by Bass Tracker  I had an old skeeter with twin 6 gallon metal tanks and one fuel line that I could conect to either tank with a quick disconnect.   There are a couple of different styles of connections based on how old the tanks are.  I would think you could find a similar tank and just switch the fuel line at the tank when needed.  No need for an additional fuel line, just another tank.  If the fuel line you have has grown stiff and brittle, replace it and you might find the motor easier to start. Hope this helps. B. Weaver – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Response:

Kit Maloney writes: Would it make more sense to replace the original tank with a single 12-20 gallon tank?   – fewer fillups, but no redundancy of tank and fuel line   – two six-gallon tanks with two gas lines would provide full redundancy

Back in May I bought my first bass boat – 17ft. Grumman w/74″ beam and 50HP Johnson – all brand new. It came with a six gallon tank and I bought another just in case. I bought one from Wal-mart which is the generic brand found everywhere. I don’t like it as much as the origianl OMC tank, but the differences are not serious. The OMC has some type of valve that automatically vents the tank, whereas the cheaper one has a screw down vent on top of the filler cap. The hoses don’t appear to be as high of quality, either. But, it was cheap enough. I like having two separate six gallon tanks. It is takes the worry out of gas levels, as I usually always keep a full tank. The only times I run the other is when I am trolling, which is seldom, sight-seeing, or boat-camping. Usually six gallons lasts all weekend. Separate tanks would allow you to let someone take the tank and buy gas for you while you’re out fishing, too. The second tank should include the bulb, line and quick-disconnect. It takes only a minute to switch tanks. I’ve found the engine hard to start the first time after each filling. I presume that it’s loosing the pressure inside the tank. I fill then close the tank. The seal on the gas cap is 8 years old, but looks okay. I then squeeze the pressure bulb several times, but it never seems to become “hard” to squeeze … so I’m not sure if I’m developing enough pressure inside the tank. The engine always starts, but it takes considerably more time to start after re-fueling. Am I doing something wrong here??

You say the boat is used. Has it had a tune-up? You could even have the heads re-torqued. I had this stuff done at my 20 hour check. When I start my boat I have to push the key in to prime the carbs. It will start if I don’t, but it would take a while and isn’t good for the motor. Good luck!

Response:

Any preferences for plastic or metal tanks?

Go with plastic. OMC doesn’t even manufacture the steel tanks anymore. Should I seek out an “official” OMC gas line and tank, or are they all about the same

They are not the same. OMC tanks meet a higher spec and when comparing the two side by side, the differences become quite clear. Ditto for the fuel lines. I’ve found the engine hard to start the first time after each filling. I presume that it’s loosing the pressure inside the tank. I fill then close the tank. The seal on the gas cap is 8 years old, but looks okay. I then squeeze the pressure bulb several times, but it never seems to become “hard” to squeeze … so I’m not sure if I’m developing enough pressure inside the tank. The engine always starts, but it takes considerably more time to start after re-fueling. Am I doing something wrong here??

First, the fuel system is not pressure driven (only the double line tanks from yesteryear were). It is not necessary for the brimer bulb to get rock hard as it’s only job is to fill the carbs with fuel. Once the engine starts, the bulb will go soft as the valves open within it. As for hard starts after fuel, I can’t think of any reason this would occur other than the possibility that you tilited the engine during the process. Otherwise, the engine doesn’t know what you just did. Regards,         Dave Brown         Brown’s Marina

Response:

I recently bought a used Bass Tracker which has a 40HP Johnson motor with the original 6 gallon metal fuel tank and hose. Although I’ve only used it a half-dozen times, it appears that I burn 2-3 gallons of fuel per fishing outing – just enought that I can’t feel comfortable starting on the next trip unless I stop and fill up on my way to the  boat ramp. It appears that I have room in the compartment where the gas tank is stored to put a second 6-gallon tank, but have the following questions: Would it make more sense to replace the original tank with a single 12-20 gallon tank?    - fewer fillups, but no redundancy of tank and fuel line    - two six-gallon tanks with two gas lines would provide full redundancy Any preferences for plastic or metal tanks?    - Boater World had plastic tanks on display, but they all specified ” for external storage” or something similar… Should I seek out an “official” OMC gas line and tank, or are they all about the same I’ve found the engine hard to start the first time after each filling. I presume that it’s loosing the pressure inside the tank. I fill then close the tank. The seal on the gas cap is 8 years old, but looks okay. I then squeeze the pressure bulb several times, but it never seems to become “hard” to squeeze … so I’m not sure if I’m developing enough pressure inside the tank. The engine always starts, but it takes considerably more time to start after re-fueling. Am I doing something wrong here?? Thanks in advance for any advise. Kit Maloney

Response:

Question:

I am moving to Alaska this August.Bass Tracker tournament  Any need for me to take my  Bass Tracker 17 boat with 60 horse power?  Would the haul be worth the effort?  I am being stationed in Anchorage.

Response:

There are no freshwater bass in Alaska.Bass Tracker tournament  However, if Arctic Greyling is to your liking, take the boat (but they’re abundant in rivers as well and can be caught off the bank).  I am moving to Alaska this August.  Any need for me to take my  Bass Tracker 17 boat with 60 horse power?  Would the haul be worth the effort?  I am being stationed in Anchorage. Ron

Response:

Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me)Bass Tracker tournament frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs? magpi (owned by a BC conure)

Response:

Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me) frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs?Bass Tracker tournamentv  magpi (owned by a BC conure)

If you go to http://www.upatsix.com/afa/ and click on “Find your local club online,” then click on Alaska, you will find: Alaska AFA State Coordinator: Mark Lyke 907-346-2008 email Member Clubs:  Alaska Bird Club If you have trouble getting someone contact: AFA Northwestern Regional Director   Natalie Frumin-Weiss   253-927-6983   Fax 253-952-6983 ——- ***To help legalize native-to-the-US crow family birds as pets go to: http://www.ieighty.net/~jhigbee/congress.html

Response:

There are several Alaskans on EXOTIC-L mailing list; most are in Anchorage I believe. with this message: SUBSCRIBE EXOTIC-L YOURFIRSTNAME YOURLASTNAME (no subject needed). Kathy J. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me) frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs? magpi (owned by a BC conure)

Response:

Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me) frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs? magpi (owned by a BC conure)

Response:

Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me)Bass Tracker tournament frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs? magpi (owned by a BC conure)

If you go to http://www.upatsix.com/afa/ and click on “Find your local club online,” then click on Alaska, you will find: Alaska AFA State Coordinator: Mark Lyke 907-346-2008 email Member Clubs:  Alaska Bird Club If you have trouble getting someone contact: AFA Northwestern Regional Director   Natalie Frumin-Weiss   253-927-6983   Fax 253-952-6983 ——- ***To help legalize native-to-the-US crow family birds as pets go to: http://www.ieighty.net/~jhigbee/congress.html

Response:

There are several Alaskans on EXOTIC-L mailing list; most are in Anchorage I believe. with this message: SUBSCRIBE EXOTIC-L YOURFIRSTNAME YOURLASTNAME (no subject needed). Kathy J. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me) frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs? magpi (owned by a BC conure)

Response:

Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me) frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs? magpi (owned by a BC conure)

Response:

Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me) frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs? magpi (owned by a BC conure)

If you go to http://www.upatsix.com/afa/ and click on “Find your local club online,” then click on Alaska, you will find: Alaska AFA State Coordinator: Mark Lyke 907-346-2008 email Member Clubs:  Alaska Bird Club If you have trouble getting someone contact: AFA Northwestern Regional Director   Natalie Frumin-Weiss   253-927-6983   Fax 253-952-6983 ——- ***To help legalize native-to-the-US crow family birds as pets go to: http://www.ieighty.net/~jhigbee/congress.html

Response:

There are several Alaskans on EXOTIC-L mailing list; most are in Anchorage I believe. with this message: SUBSCRIBE EXOTIC-L YOURFIRSTNAME YOURLASTNAME (no subject needed). Kathy J. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me) frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs? magpi (owned by a BC conure)

Response:

Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me) frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs? magpi (owned by a BC conure)

Response:

Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me) frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs? magpi (owned by a BC conure)

If you go to http://www.upatsix.com/afa/ and click on “Find your local club online,” then click on Alaska, you will find: Alaska AFA State Coordinator: Mark Lyke 907-346-2008 email Member Clubs:  Alaska Bird Club If you have trouble getting someone contact: AFA Northwestern Regional Director   Natalie Frumin-Weiss   253-927-6983   Fax 253-952-6983 ——- ***To help legalize native-to-the-US crow family birds as pets go to: http://www.ieighty.net/~jhigbee/congress.html

Response:

There are several Alaskans on EXOTIC-L mailing list; most are in Anchorage I believe. with this message: SUBSCRIBE EXOTIC-L YOURFIRSTNAME YOURLASTNAME (no subject needed). Kathy J. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me) frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs? magpi (owned by a BC conure)

Response:

Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me) frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs? magpi (owned by a BC conure)

Response:

Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me) frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs? magpi (owned by a BC conure)

If you go to http://www.upatsix.com/afa/ and click on “Find your local club online,” then click on Alaska, you will find: Alaska AFA State Coordinator: Mark Lyke 907-346-2008 email Member Clubs:  Alaska Bird Club If you have trouble getting someone contact: AFA Northwestern Regional Director   Natalie Frumin-Weiss   253-927-6983   Fax 253-952-6983 ——- ***To help legalize native-to-the-US crow family birds as pets go to: http://www.ieighty.net/~jhigbee/congress.html

Response:

There are several Alaskans on EXOTIC-L mailing list; most are in Anchorage I believe. with this message: SUBSCRIBE EXOTIC-L YOURFIRSTNAME YOURLASTNAME (no subject needed). Kathy J. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me) frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs? magpi (owned by a BC conure)

Response:

Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me) frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs? magpi (owned by a BC conure)

Response:

Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me) frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs? magpi (owned by a BC conure)

If you go to http://www.upatsix.com/afa/ and click on “Find your local club online,” then click on Alaska, you will find: Alaska AFA State Coordinator: Mark Lyke 907-346-2008 email Member Clubs:  Alaska Bird Club If you have trouble getting someone contact: AFA Northwestern Regional Director   Natalie Frumin-Weiss   253-927-6983   Fax 253-952-6983 ——- ***To help legalize native-to-the-US crow family birds as pets go to: http://www.ieighty.net/~jhigbee/congress.html

Response:

There are several Alaskans on EXOTIC-L mailing list; most are in Anchorage I believe. with this message: SUBSCRIBE EXOTIC-L YOURFIRSTNAME YOURLASTNAME (no subject needed). Kathy J. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me) frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs? magpi (owned by a BC conure)

Response:

Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me) frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs? magpi (owned by a BC conure)

Response:

Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me) frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs? magpi (owned by a BC conure)

If you go to http://www.upatsix.com/afa/ and click on “Find your local club online,” then click on Alaska, you will find: Alaska AFA State Coordinator: Mark Lyke 907-346-2008 email Member Clubs:  Alaska Bird Club If you have trouble getting someone contact: AFA Northwestern Regional Director   Natalie Frumin-Weiss   253-927-6983   Fax 253-952-6983 ——- ***To help legalize native-to-the-US crow family birds as pets go to: http://www.ieighty.net/~jhigbee/congress.html

Response:

There are several Alaskans on EXOTIC-L mailing list; most are in Anchorage I believe. with this message: SUBSCRIBE EXOTIC-L YOURFIRSTNAME YOURLASTNAME (no subject needed). Kathy J. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me) frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs? magpi (owned by a BC conure)

Response:

Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me) frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs? magpi (owned by a BC conure)

Response:

Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me) frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs? magpi (owned by a BC conure)

If you go to http://www.upatsix.com/afa/ and click on “Find your local club online,” then click on Alaska, you will find: Alaska AFA State Coordinator: Mark Lyke 907-346-2008 email Member Clubs:  Alaska Bird Club If you have trouble getting someone contact: AFA Northwestern Regional Director   Natalie Frumin-Weiss   253-927-6983   Fax 253-952-6983 ——- ***To help legalize native-to-the-US crow family birds as pets go to: http://www.ieighty.net/~jhigbee/congress.html

Response:

There are several Alaskans on EXOTIC-L mailing list; most are in Anchorage I believe. with this message: SUBSCRIBE EXOTIC-L YOURFIRSTNAME YOURLASTNAME (no subject needed). Kathy J. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me) frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs? magpi (owned by a BC conure)

Response:

Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me) frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs? magpi (owned by a BC conure)

Response:

Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me) frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs? magpi (owned by a BC conure)

If you go to http://www.upatsix.com/afa/ and click on “Find your local club online,” then click on Alaska, you will find: Alaska AFA State Coordinator: Mark Lyke 907-346-2008 email Member Clubs:  Alaska Bird Club If you have trouble getting someone contact: AFA Northwestern Regional Director   Natalie Frumin-Weiss   253-927-6983   Fax 253-952-6983 ——- ***To help legalize native-to-the-US crow family birds as pets go to: http://www.ieighty.net/~jhigbee/congress.html

Response:

There are several Alaskans on EXOTIC-L mailing list; most are in Anchorage I believe. with this message: SUBSCRIBE EXOTIC-L YOURFIRSTNAME YOURLASTNAME (no subject needed). Kathy J. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Are there any other Alaskan bird owners (besides me) frequenting this newsgroup?? I’m wondering if there are any bird clubs? magpi (owned by a BC conure)

Response:

opporunities,fishing,hiking etc. One Outstanding Adventure that the whole family enjoyed. I can go on about the this area and Alaskan Scenic Waterways, but you just have to go and see it for yourself. Alaskan Scenic Waterways offers other trips into this wilderness country.As for Myself,my family,and friend will return for more exploring this wonderful area.  If anyone is interested you can contact Alaskan Scenic Waterways at Alaskan Scenic Waterways P.O. Box 943 Petersburg, Alaska 99833 1-800-ASW-1176

My wife and I have three favorite places in Alaska and Petersburg is one of them. It has been a few years since we have been there, but look forward to our next trip. I think anyone who goes would agree Petersburg is GREAT! Chris & Barbara

Response:

Greetings to the group Last year myself and family spent some exiting time in S.E.Alaska. We made our arrangements through a company called Alaskan Scenic Waterways. They are located in Petersburg, Alaska which is home to the largest halibut fishing fleet on the west coast and has the record King Salmon at 126 lbs. This small fishing town of about 3000 is not a tourist attraction, and is surrounded by the Tongass National Forest (Pure Wilderness). The adventure we decided on was the Stikine River float trip. We where taken to Telegraph Creek by a Very nice Jet Boat, 40 miles from Petersburg we entered into the mouth of the Stikine river (one of the last truly free flowing rivers of North America) 160 miles later we arrived at telegraph creek to begin the trip down. What an outstanding time we had. The guides of Alaskan Scenic Waterways are great,they put us into wildlife sightings that were magnificent,inspiring scenery photo opporunities,fishing,hiking etc. One Outstanding Adventure that the whole family enjoyed. I can go on about the this area and Alaskan Scenic Waterways, but you just have to go and see it for yourself. Alaskan Scenic Waterways offers other trips into this wilderness country.As for Myself,my family,and friend will return for more exploring this wonderful area.  If anyone is interested you can contact Alaskan Scenic Waterways at  Alaskan Scenic Waterways  P.O. Box 943  Petersburg, Alaska 99833  1-800-ASW-1176

Response:

I live in alaska and i have found that the cheapest way to get tickets is to buy them up here.  I buy tickets for relatives and can get them 100 to $200 cheaper.  Call “One Stop Travel” or ” American Express Travel” in Anchorage (call information for their 800 #).      Ask them when there will be a fare war and them buy your tickets long distance.  I hope this helps. — Surf Usenet at home, on the road, and by email — always at Talkway. http://www.talkway.com

Response:

Hi, I plan on travelling to Alaska next summer from the lower 48. My dates are open. What are the best ways to get the cheapest airfare? I’m willing to travel via charter and on relatively little notice. TIA CS

Hi, I don’t think there is such a thing as cheap airfare to Alaska. The best thing you can get is the (about) $170 rt from Seattle to Anchorage. This is a usual fare. Except for this unusual exception, Air travel in Alaska is very expensive – rt fare from Juneau to Seattle is $280 (3 week advance) and Juneau is HALF the distance from Seattle then Anchorage. RT fare from Juneau to Haines is $140 and Haines is only 80 miles away! ( there is no road between Haines and Juneau – the ferry takes 6 hrs and  costs $52 RT – its a time or money thing. ) Get the picture? Everyone flys around in Alaska, and because there are so few people doing that flying around, the typical American economies of scale that result in low airfares just don’t exist. The problem with the cheap fare from Seattle to Anchorage is, Anchorage really isn’t Alaska at all, its a city of 300,000++. It takes about a day to drive to the edge of the “Alaska” of myth from Anchorage. The truth, for whatever its worth…I know I didn’t answer your question.

Response:

Hi, I plan on travelling to Alaska next summer from the lower 48. My dates are open. What are the best ways to get the cheapest airfare? I’m willing to travel via charter and on relatively little notice. TIA CS

Response:

I’ll be going to Anchorage, Alaska for business towards the end of July. Can anyone suggest a website where I can get a inexpensive ticket for my wife to join me. Depart –PHL 7-24-00 Arrive —ANC 8-2-00 Thanks,

Response:

I’ll be going to Anchorage, Alaska for business towards the end of July. Can anyone suggest a website where I can get a inexpensive ticket for my wife to join me. Depart –PHL 7-24-00 Arrive —ANC 8-2-00 Thanks,

Look at other airports. It looks pretty expensive and Northworst seems to be one of the few options. alec

Response:

I’ll be going to Anchorage, Alaska for business towards the end of July. Can anyone suggest a website where I can get a inexpensive ticket for my wife to join me. Depart –PHL 7-24-00 Arrive —ANC 8-2-00 Thanks,

you might try “”"shudder”"” Priceline and expect to get America West thru Phoenix.  At least both directions will be non-stop.

Response:

I use ITA Software (http://www.itasoftware.com/) which is a beta site with some features that I haven’t seen in any other air fare site. You can’t book through them, but they give you all the booking information you need. A nice feature is that you can search on alternate airports up 300 miles from you designated airport. If I plug in your dates, the lowest fare is $724 from BWI and 2 stops in each direction. Otherwise Delta seems to be the lowest with $767 from PHL with a change in SLC. So, I guess the Priceline alternative is next /Pete I’ll be going to Anchorage, Alaska for business towards the end of July. Can anyone suggest a website where I can get a inexpensive ticket for my wife to join me. Depart –PHL 7-24-00 Arrive —ANC 8-2-00

* Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

What would you put a bid in for? The only prices I can find are around $800 give or take $50.

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ll be going to Anchorage, Alaska for business towards the end of July. Can anyone suggest a website where I can get a inexpensive ticket for my wife to join me. Depart –PHL 7-24-00 Arrive —ANC 8-2-00 Thanks, you might try “”"shudder”"” Priceline and expect to get America West thru Phoenix.  At least both directions will be non-stop.

Response:

Thanks Pete.

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I use ITA Software (http://www.itasoftware.com/) which is a beta site with some features that I haven’t seen in any other air fare site. You can’t book through them, but they give you all the booking information you need. A nice feature is that you can search on alternate airports up 300 miles from you designated airport. If I plug in your dates, the lowest fare is $724 from BWI and 2 stops in each direction. Otherwise Delta seems to be the lowest with $767 from PHL with a change in SLC. So, I guess the Priceline alternative is next /Pete I’ll be going to Anchorage, Alaska for business towards the end of July. Can anyone suggest a website where I can get a inexpensive ticket for my wife to join me. Depart –PHL 7-24-00 Arrive —ANC 8-2-00 * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What would you put a bid in for? The only prices I can find are around $800 give or take $50. I’ll be going to Anchorage, Alaska for business towards the end of July. Can anyone suggest a website where I can get a inexpensive ticket for my wife to join me. Depart –PHL 7-24-00 Arrive —ANC 8-2-00 Thanks, you might try “”"shudder”"” Priceline and expect to get America West thru Phoenix.  At least both directions will be non-stop.

send me an e-mail and I’ll contact you – use numbers at the end of the name and not the words

Response:

What would you put a bid in for? The only prices I can find are around $800 give or take $50.

Have you given a look at the new Alaska Airlines service from O’Hare?  They might have a low introduction fare, though you do have to get to Chicago from Philly. -Erik

Response:

: I’ll be going to Anchorage, Alaska for business towards the end of July. : Can anyone suggest a website where I can get a inexpensive ticket for my : wife to join me. : Depart –PHL 7-24-00 : Arrive —ANC 8-2-00 It would be difficult to find an inexpensive ticket at the hight of the tourist season. On a different note, I flew to Anchorage on TWA last summer, via St. Louis and I really liked their service.         – Manny.

Response:

Hi, The fare should be $792.00 with all taxes. The fares to Alaska in the summer tend to be really high! Sometimes the night flights are less expensive. Hotels are also high, but I am  sure that your company is paying for that. Good Luck, Deb I’ll be going to Anchorage, Alaska for business towards the end of July. Can anyone suggest a website where I can get a inexpensive ticket for my wife to join me. Depart –PHL 7-24-00 Arrive —ANC 8-2-00 Thanks,

* Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

I suggest you get in touch with Northwest as they are opening up a new Amsterdam to Seattle run and are selling the seats cheap for a while.  They can sell you a connecting code share with Alaska Airlines to get you from Seattle (“The largest city in Alaska”) to wherever you want to go to.  There are more flights from Seattle to cities in Alaska then there are from Anchorage, Fairbanks or Juneau.   I assume AMS isn’t to far away for you. Call Northwest ASAP -Erik

Response:

Hi, I want some information about flights to Alaska from Belgium ,last week of july,all info welcome….                         thanks in advance

Response:

I live in alaska and i have found that the cheapest way to get tickets is to buy them up here.  I buy tickets for relatives and can get them 100 to $200 cheaper.  Call “One Stop Travel” or ” American Express Travel” in Anchorage (call information for their 800 #).      Ask them when there will be a fare war and them buy your tickets long distance.  I hope this helps. — Surf Usenet at home, on the road, and by email — always at Talkway. http://www.talkway.com

Response:

Hi, I plan on travelling to Alaska next summer from the lower 48. My dates are open. What are the best ways to get the cheapest airfare? I’m willing to travel via charter and on relatively little notice. TIA CS

Hi, I don’t think there is such a thing as cheap airfare to Alaska. The best thing you can get is the (about) $170 rt from Seattle to Anchorage. This is a usual fare. Except for this unusual exception, Air travel in Alaska is very expensive – rt fare from Juneau to Seattle is $280 (3 week advance) and Juneau is HALF the distance from Seattle then Anchorage. RT fare from Juneau to Haines is $140 and Haines is only 80 miles away! ( there is no road between Haines and Juneau – the ferry takes 6 hrs and  costs $52 RT – its a time or money thing. ) Get the picture? Everyone flys around in Alaska, and because there are so few people doing that flying around, the typical American economies of scale that result in low airfares just don’t exist. The problem with the cheap fare from Seattle to Anchorage is, Anchorage really isn’t Alaska at all, its a city of 300,000++. It takes about a day to drive to the edge of the “Alaska” of myth from Anchorage. The truth, for whatever its worth…I know I didn’t answer your question.

Response:

Hi, I plan on travelling to Alaska next summer from the lower 48. My dates are open. What are the best ways to get the cheapest airfare? I’m willing to travel via charter and on relatively little notice. TIA CS

Response:

I live in alaska and i have found that the cheapest way to get tickets is to buy them up here.  I buy tickets for relatives and can get them 100 to $200 cheaper.  Call “One Stop Travel” or ” American Express Travel” in Anchorage (call information for their 800 #).      Ask them when there will be a fare war and them buy your tickets long distance.  I hope this helps. — Surf Usenet at home, on the road, and by email — always at Talkway. http://www.talkway.com

Response:

Hi, I plan on travelling to Alaska next summer from the lower 48. My dates are open. What are the best ways to get the cheapest airfare? I’m willing to travel via charter and on relatively little notice. TIA CS

Hi, I don’t think there is such a thing as cheap airfare to Alaska. The best thing you can get is the (about) $170 rt from Seattle to Anchorage. This is a usual fare. Except for this unusual exception, Air travel in Alaska is very expensive – rt fare from Juneau to Seattle is $280 (3 week advance) and Juneau is HALF the distance from Seattle then Anchorage. RT fare from Juneau to Haines is $140 and Haines is only 80 miles away! ( there is no road between Haines and Juneau – the ferry takes 6 hrs and  costs $52 RT – its a time or money thing. ) Get the picture? Everyone flys around in Alaska, and because there are so few people doing that flying around, the typical American economies of scale that result in low airfares just don’t exist. The problem with the cheap fare from Seattle to Anchorage is, Anchorage really isn’t Alaska at all, its a city of 300,000++. It takes about a day to drive to the edge of the “Alaska” of myth from Anchorage. The truth, for whatever its worth…I know I didn’t answer your question.

Response:

Hi, I plan on travelling to Alaska next summer from the lower 48. My dates are open. What are the best ways to get the cheapest airfare? I’m willing to travel via charter and on relatively little notice. TIA CS

Response:

I’ll be going to Anchorage, Alaska for business towards the end of July. Can anyone suggest a website where I can get a inexpensive ticket for my wife to join me. Depart –PHL 7-24-00 Arrive —ANC 8-2-00 Thanks,

Response:

I’ll be going to Anchorage, Alaska for business towards the end of July. Can anyone suggest a website where I can get a inexpensive ticket for my wife to join me. Depart –PHL 7-24-00 Arrive —ANC 8-2-00 Thanks,

Look at other airports. It looks pretty expensive and Northworst seems to be one of the few options. alec

Response:

I’ll be going to Anchorage, Alaska for business towards the end of July. Can anyone suggest a website where I can get a inexpensive ticket for my wife to join me. Depart –PHL 7-24-00 Arrive —ANC 8-2-00 Thanks,

you might try “”"shudder”"” Priceline and expect to get America West thru Phoenix.  At least both directions will be non-stop.

Response:

I use ITA Software (http://www.itasoftware.com/) which is a beta site with some features that I haven’t seen in any other air fare site. You can’t book through them, but they give you all the booking information you need. A nice feature is that you can search on alternate airports up 300 miles from you designated airport. If I plug in your dates, the lowest fare is $724 from BWI and 2 stops in each direction. Otherwise Delta seems to be the lowest with $767 from PHL with a change in SLC. So, I guess the Priceline alternative is next /Pete I’ll be going to Anchorage, Alaska for business towards the end of July. Can anyone suggest a website where I can get a inexpensive ticket for my wife to join me. Depart –PHL 7-24-00 Arrive —ANC 8-2-00

* Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

What would you put a bid in for? The only prices I can find are around $800 give or take $50.

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ll be going to Anchorage, Alaska for business towards the end of July. Can anyone suggest a website where I can get a inexpensive ticket for my wife to join me. Depart –PHL 7-24-00 Arrive —ANC 8-2-00 Thanks, you might try “”"shudder”"” Priceline and expect to get America West thru Phoenix.  At least both directions will be non-stop.

Response:

Thanks Pete.

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I use ITA Software (http://www.itasoftware.com/) which is a beta site with some features that I haven’t seen in any other air fare site. You can’t book through them, but they give you all the booking information you need. A nice feature is that you can search on alternate airports up 300 miles from you designated airport. If I plug in your dates, the lowest fare is $724 from BWI and 2 stops in each direction. Otherwise Delta seems to be the lowest with $767 from PHL with a change in SLC. So, I guess the Priceline alternative is next /Pete I’ll be going to Anchorage, Alaska for business towards the end of July. Can anyone suggest a website where I can get a inexpensive ticket for my wife to join me. Depart –PHL 7-24-00 Arrive —ANC 8-2-00 * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What would you put a bid in for? The only prices I can find are around $800 give or take $50. I’ll be going to Anchorage, Alaska for business towards the end of July. Can anyone suggest a website where I can get a inexpensive ticket for my wife to join me. Depart –PHL 7-24-00 Arrive —ANC 8-2-00 Thanks, you might try “”"shudder”"” Priceline and expect to get America West thru Phoenix.  At least both directions will be non-stop.

send me an e-mail and I’ll contact you – use numbers at the end of the name and not the words

Response:

What would you put a bid in for? The only prices I can find are around $800 give or take $50.

Have you given a look at the new Alaska Airlines service from O’Hare?  They might have a low introduction fare, though you do have to get to Chicago from Philly. -Erik

Response:

: I’ll be going to Anchorage, Alaska for business towards the end of July. : Can anyone suggest a website where I can get a inexpensive ticket for my : wife to join me. : Depart –PHL 7-24-00 : Arrive —ANC 8-2-00 It would be difficult to find an inexpensive ticket at the hight of the tourist season. On a different note, I flew to Anchorage on TWA last summer, via St. Louis and I really liked their service.         – Manny.

Response:

Hi, The fare should be $792.00 with all taxes. The fares to Alaska in the summer tend to be really high! Sometimes the night flights are less expensive. Hotels are also high, but I am  sure that your company is paying for that. Good Luck, Deb I’ll be going to Anchorage, Alaska for business towards the end of July. Can anyone suggest a website where I can get a inexpensive ticket for my wife to join me. Depart –PHL 7-24-00 Arrive —ANC 8-2-00 Thanks,

* Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

I suggest you get in touch with Northwest as they are opening up a new Amsterdam to Seattle run and are selling the seats cheap for a while.  They can sell you a connecting code share with Alaska Airlines to get you from Seattle (“The largest city in Alaska”) to wherever you want to go to.  There are more flights from Seattle to cities in Alaska then there are from Anchorage, Fairbanks or Juneau.   I assume AMS isn’t to far away for you. Call Northwest ASAP -Erik

Response:

Hi, I want some information about flights to Alaska from Belgium ,last week of july,all info welcome….                         thanks in advance

Response:

can anybody tell me the season dates for small game hunting in Alaska. By small game I mean birds and hares/rabbits. Thanks in advance. marek — Dulce et ducorum est pro patria vitae Remove “t” in .not for email. Thanks. Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at:         http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING

Response:

Hare hunting in much of Alaska has no closed season, in other areas it is August or September thru March 31. Grouse/ptarmigan season is basically August 10 thru March or April.  The seasons vary, but they are long! Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at:         http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING

Response:

can anybody tell me the season dates for small game hunting in Alaska. By small game I mean birds and hares/rabbits. Thanks in advance. marek — Dulce et ducorum est pro patria vitae Remove “t” in .not for email. Thanks. Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at:         http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING

Response:

Hare hunting in much of Alaska has no closed season, in other areas it is August or September thru March 31. Grouse/ptarmigan season is basically August 10 thru March or April.  The seasons vary, but they are long! Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at:         http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING

Response:

can anybody tell me the season dates for small game hunting in Alaska. By small game I mean birds and hares/rabbits. Thanks in advance. marek — Dulce et ducorum est pro patria vitae Remove “t” in .not for email. Thanks. Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at:         http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING

Response:

Hare hunting in much of Alaska has no closed season, in other areas it is August or September thru March 31. Grouse/ptarmigan season is basically August 10 thru March or April.  The seasons vary, but they are long! Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at:         http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING

Response:

Hello, we are planning an August Cruise to Alaska 7 dayer. Any help is appreciated: Is there a worthwhile difference between a 4.5  or 5 star rating We are hoping to find a cheaper balcony or suite using vacations-to-go.com any advise? Any good or bad experiance to share?

Response:

My wife and I were aboard the Celebrity SUMMIT late last August, Seward to Vancouver.  We had an outside cabin w/balcony and don’t regret the extra investment.  We had friends aboard, one couple had a lower outside with window, and the other, an inside.  No comparison!  Even though we didn’t spend a whole lot of time on the balcony, it was great to be on the balcony while in port, sit there and watch the sites.  At night, it was wonderful to open the sliding glass door, smell the aroma of the sea salt, feel the cool air and listen to the “surf” as we were underway. The SUMMIT itself was as good as we could have hoped for.  Maybe since it was late August – around the 22nd I believe – there were hardly any young children aboard and the passengers were pretty diversified.  I recall some who had to be in their early to mid-30’s, and some old codgers as well.  All in all, I think we both agree it was one of the best weeks we’ve ever experienced.  To sum it up, Alaska is fantastic – you need to spend a little time in Denali (a day or two, which we did on our own before the cruise) – and the SUMMIT exceeded our expectations.  I’m sure you’ll get other recommendations as well, but that might be a start for you.

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, we are planning an August Cruise to Alaska 7 dayer. Any help is appreciated: Is there a worthwhile difference between a 4.5  or 5 star rating We are hoping to find a cheaper balcony or suite using vacations-to-go.com any advise? Any good or bad experiance to share?

Response:

What are you looking at- round trip or one way.  I don’t recommend any one ways without adding several days to tour the interior- take advantage of being all the way there.  There are several factors to consider –  ports, time in ports, glacier, route, price.  My opinion only- I would not consider Celebrity for the lack of College Fjord on their one ways- a must do for me.  Also their routing now does less inside passage sailing- look at their routing in to Juneau.  Any Alaska cruise will be a compromise- choose carefully.  :)

Response:

For Alaska I would recommend that you book on a ship that has a covered pool area that has a sliding roof. HAL does for instance .

Response:

Hello, we are planning an August Cruise to Alaska 7 dayer. Any help is appreciated: Is there a worthwhile difference between a 4.5  or 5 star rating We are hoping to find a cheaper balcony or suite using vacations-to-go.com any advise? Any good or bad experiance to share?

#1  Don’t trust the “star” ratings — what ships are you talking about? #2  As someone said, do a round trip if you’re going for 7 days. One-way is a little better but the flight and airfare one way from Anchorage is not worth it. You can get better prices than Vacations to Go (although they are reasonable and I haven’t heard a lot of complaints about them). My best advice is to pick the cruise you want, then run a reverse ad on www.cruisemates.com  and see how it stacks up to VTG.  The biggest problem I would have with VTG, I think, is that you can’t choose your cabin at the time of booking.   The cruiselines are rather different (although the differences are minimized on Alaska cruises) — you might hate one cruise and love another at nearly the same price.  What is your approximate age, interests, etc.? My favorite ships for Alaska, while I’m at it, are Holland America’s Statendam class ships.   They have the best viewing areas of any mass market cruise liners.  This would be a quieter, more sedate, and somewhat upscale cruise line btw. Mason Barge “If this is coffee, please bring me some tea.  If this is tea, please bring me some coffee.”         — Abraham Lincoln

Response:

Is there a worthwhile difference between a 4.5  or 5 star rating

ffff

Response:

Is there a worthwhile difference between a 4.5  or 5 star rating ffff

Thank you for your helpful and informative reply, MCT

Response:

ffff Thank you for your helpful and informative reply, MCT

Daaaannnnnnii, Goldie is out of his room agaiiiiiiiin.

Response:

Daaaannnnnnii, Goldie is out of his room agaiiiiiiiin.

Micheeellllllleeeeee!  Stuff a friggin’ sock in it.

Response:

Daaaannnnnnii, Goldie is out of his room agaiiiiiiiin. Micheeellllllleeeeee!  Stuff a friggin’ sock in it.

She gets off on dirty socks in her mouth, Danni.

Response:

She gets off on dirty socks in her mouth, Danni.

Unfortunately for me Comcast is doing work in our building and I have been unable to use my cable modem since last Thursday.  I was fortunate enough to find an AOL disk and thus I am able to use my computer and the Internet but I can’t use Outlook Express for newsgroups and I don’t have any filters here. That is why I answered Michelle. I won’t make that mistake again. DG in Cherry Hill, NJ

Response:

Daaaannnnnnii, Goldie is out of his room agaiiiiiiiin. Micheeellllllleeeeee!  Stuff a friggin’ sock in it.

She gets off on dirty socks in her mouth, Danni.

Beats having to get off IN dirty socks, Howie.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – She gets off on dirty socks in her mouth, Danni. Unfortunately for me Comcast is doing work in our building and I have been unable to use my cable modem since last Thursday.  I was fortunate enough to find an AOL disk and thus I am able to use my computer and the Internet but I can’t use Outlook Express for newsgroups and I don’t have any filters here. That is why I answered Michelle. I won’t make that mistake again. DG in Cherry Hill, NJ

I thought we were talkin bout dirty socks, Dick? Howie

Response:

Unfortunately for me Comcast is doing work in our building and I have been unable to use my cable modem since last Thursday.  I was fortunate enough to find an AOL disk and thus I am able to use my computer and the Internet but I can’t use Outlook Express for newsgroups and I don’t have any filters here. That is why I answered Michelle.

Outside Howie the Boron, who gives a shit, Goldie? I won’t make that mistake again.

Uh-huh. Bet your false teeth you do.

Response:

I won’t make that mistake again. Uh-huh. Bet your false teeth you do.

You lose.  He does not have false teeth.

Response:

I won’t make that mistake again. Uh-huh. Bet your false teeth you do. You lose.  He does not have false teeth.

Ok, where do  pay?

Response:

Wife and I have decided to travel to Alaska. We have already discovered that a ten day trip will not handle this, more likely 3 ten day trips. For our first trip we thought about flying to Fairbanks, train to Anchorage, rent a motor home to Kenai, (Homer) Does anyone have any input based on their experiences? Thanks Jim —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wife and I have decided to travel to Alaska. We have already discovered that a ten day trip will not handle this, more likely 3 ten day trips. For our first trip we thought about flying to Fairbanks, train to Anchorage, rent a motor home to Kenai, (Homer) Does anyone have any input based on their experiences? Thanks Jim Train from Fairbanks to Anchorage is beautiful. —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

Homeer, alaska is one of the most beautiful places on earth. My daughter and I will be going back there after our 8th Alaska cruise next summer. Here’s a link to some great photos. Carole http://www.homeralaska.org/photos.htm

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wife and I have decided to travel to Alaska. We have already discovered that a ten day trip will not handle this, more likely 3 ten day trips. For our first trip we thought about flying to Fairbanks, train to Anchorage, rent a motor home to Kenai, (Homer) Does anyone have any input based on their experiences? Thanks Jim —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

Wife and I have decided to travel to Alaska. We have already discovered that a ten day trip will not handle this, more likely 3 ten day trips. For our first trip we thought about flying to Fairbanks, train to Anchorage, rent a motor home to Kenai, (Homer) Does anyone have any input based on their experiences? Thanks Jim

I just returned from my 10th trip.  Several further questions???? Will you be returning to Fairbanks? Spending time in Denali?  ( need at least 2 overnights), I rented a RV in Anchorage- plenty of companies to choose from.  Will Homer be your destination on the Kenai?  I assume no cruise???

Response:

Hi Everyone, I’m Toni just breezing through looking for info on Alaska. I want to do the 7 day cruise there next July. I haven’t chosen a ship yet, all I know is I want a baloney. So my questions are…. which ship when should I book Should I book my own hotel for a few day stay in Vancouver should I get my own air and are there any secretes to getting a great fare? Thanks for any help you can give me. Toni

Response:

<< all I know is I want a baloney Dear Toni … You will find lots of baloney on this bulletin board! And I know in the buffet on the ship you will be able to get a baloney sandwich … But on an Alaska cruise you might think about booking a balcony! <VBG Ain’t it funny how our fingers manage to hit keys we never intended them to hit??? Seriously, to answer your questions: << which ship   There are many wonderful ships in Alaska.  A good local Travel Agent who is a CLIA Accredited Cruise Counselor will be able to make many suggestions.  My personal choice would be Radiance of the Seas, and my DWs personal choice would be a Sun class ship from Princess. << when should I book As early as possible.  Balconies sell out fast.  Start planning now and book as soon as you have made a decision.  Then be sure your TA monitors the fares for good deals. << Should I book my own hotel for a few day stay in Vancouver should I get my own air Why do your own?  Again a good TA will prove invaluable to you in finding the best fares and flights and hotels.  Depending on which cruise to Alaska you take, the ship’s cruise/air may or may not prove to be the best deal.  Your TA will help you explore the options. <<  are there any secretes to getting a great fare? Book early, book the minimum cabin you will be happy with, and investigate booking on a guarantee basis, then have your TA monitor closely for special offers and upgrades. Have a GREAT cruise! Mike posted and emailed

Response:

Choose carefully- I make my Alaska cruise choices based on ports, time in ports and glacier with Glacier Bay a clear preference. Based on cost, I choose a ship that fits.  :) Smaller is better for me, but there really aren’t any small ships on the major lines left, sad to say.  You can book anytime, but do keep track of trends and reductions on your own, very easy to do via the net through online agencies.  I always book my own hotels and air.  Getting great fares require some research and the abiltity to act quick when a good fare comes out.

Response:

We just went on a Princess cruise(Star) and the ship was wonderful. The cabins with a balcony on D-deck are great, HOWEVAEAR the food was about like hospital cafeteria food. It saved me from myself Tom Barnett

Response:

Tom, What week were you on the Star Princess?  We just sailed 9/23/03  - 9/30/03. We had the best weather possible in Alaska! Grant Hyde

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We just went on a Princess cruise(Star) and the ship was wonderful. The cabins with a balcony on D-deck are great, HOWEVAEAR the food was about like hospital cafeteria food. It saved me from myself Tom Barnett

Response:

Hmmmm!   Time machine. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Tom, What week were you on the Star Princess?  We just sailed 9/23/03  - 9/30/03. We had the best weather possible in Alaska! Grant Hyde We just went on a Princess cruise(Star) and the ship was wonderful. The cabins with a balcony on D-deck are great, HOWEVAEAR the food was about like hospital cafeteria food. It saved me from myself Tom Barnett

Response:

Hmmmm!   Time machine. We just sailed 9/23/03  - 9/30/03.

Not his fault they designed the keyboard with a “9″ too close to an “8″ … Be seeing you In the Village Number 6

Response:

Wondering if anyone has taken the inside passage Alaskan cruise on Norweign Star or Sun.  Thanks for your help. chris

Response:

How about the Norwegian Sky out of Seattle last year 6/2  ??

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wondering if anyone has taken the inside passage Alaskan cruise on Norweign Star or Sun.  Thanks for your help. chris

Response:

Norwegian Star doesn’t do Alaska.  It’s in Hawaii year-round.

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wondering if anyone has taken the inside passage Alaskan cruise on Norweign Star or Sun.  Thanks for your help. chris

Response:

Have taken the sun the week over memorial day 2003.  Beautiful ship. Typical adequate food.  night clubs dead by 10:30PM due to older crowd. Enjoyed it though, we are 50ish and needed to rest up from hectic lives. Romeo Raabe in Green Bay

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wondering if anyone has taken the inside passage Alaskan cruise on Norweign Star or Sun.  Thanks for your help. chris

Response:

Norwegian Star is being repositioned to do 7 day Alaska round trips out of Seattle for the 2004 season.  I remember reading that they will be adding a casino to the ship sometime between it’s final Hawaii cruise and first Alaska cruise.                                -p – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Norwegian Star doesn’t do Alaska.  It’s in Hawaii year-round. Wondering if anyone has taken the inside passage Alaskan cruise on Norweign Star or Sun.  Thanks for your help. chris

Response:

You are correct, sir!  I should have done my homework.  I forgot that NCL is putting brand new ships in Hawaii this year. BTW, does this mean that NCL will be putting a casino into the Star?

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Norwegian Star is being repositioned to do 7 day Alaska round trips out of Seattle for the 2004 season.  I remember reading that they will be adding a casino to the ship sometime between it’s final Hawaii cruise and first Alaska cruise.                                -p Norwegian Star doesn’t do Alaska.  It’s in Hawaii year-round. Wondering if anyone has taken the inside passage Alaskan cruise on Norweign Star or Sun.  Thanks for your help. chris

Response:

Which is the best one to do Alaska.  Do we cruise all the way to Seward or just do Vancouver to Vancouver.  Time is not an obstacle since we are retired.  Please advise.  Thank you.

Response:

Assuming cost wasn’t an issue either I would sail north all the way to Seward and then do an excursion into the interior for a few days.

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Which is the best one to do Alaska.  Do we cruise all the way to Seward or just do Vancouver to Vancouver.  Time is not an obstacle since we are retired.  Please advise.  Thank you.

Response:

Good Morning: Given your two choices I would suggest the full transit between Vancouver and Seward with a few days before/after the cruise to enjoy interior Alaska. The Vancouver roundtrip pretty much limits you to the Panhandle area. Still a great Cruise but not a total “Alaska” experience. Also, you may want to consider the Roundtrips being offered from San Francisco this year by Princess. Spending a few days in San Francisco in conjunction with a Cruise to Alaska sounds very attractive also. Cal Ford Lido Deck Cruises 800-511-4417 says… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Which is the best one to do Alaska.  Do we cruise all the way to Seward or just do Vancouver to Vancouver.  Time is not an obstacle since we are retired.  Please advise.  Thank you.

Response:

I would do a oneway and spend time in Anchorage etc — Sheree

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Which is the best one to do Alaska.  Do we cruise all the way to Seward or just do Vancouver to Vancouver.  Time is not an obstacle since we are retired.  Please advise.  Thank you.

Response:

Given your two choices I would suggest the full transit between Vancouver and Seward with a few days before/after the cruise to enjoy interior Alaska. The Vancouver roundtrip pretty much limits you to the Panhandle area. Still a great

I have to disagree, I would only consider an interior trip of at least 5 days. Also the cruise portion is the same on both round trips and one way for 6 out of 7 cruise days.  It is a big expense in time and money to get to Anchorage and you are greatly shortchanging yourself if you don’t see more of Alaska once there.

Response:

If you’re not able to spend additional time in Alaska after the cruise, I would recommend the round trip out of Vancouver.  We did the South bound last year and we’re doing the round trip this year.  I can’t see that we’re going to really miss anything that we saw last year, plus there is a savings on airfare, not to mention the travel time.  However, that being said, you will enjoy whichever you pick. Pat Williams St. George, UT – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Which is the best one to do Alaska.  Do we cruise all the way to Seward or just do Vancouver to Vancouver.  Time is not an obstacle since we are retired.  Please advise.  Thank you.

Response:

Assuming cost wasn’t an issue either I would sail north all the way to Seward and then do an excursion into the interior for a few days.

I actually prefer sailing south.  I greatly enjoy the last sailing day back into Vancouver for the great marine wildlife watching all day.  I don’t recommend an interior tour less than 5 days.

Response:

Hi

Assuming cost wasn’t an issue either I would sail north all the way to Seward and then do an excursion into the interior for a few days. I actually prefer sailing south.  I greatly enjoy the last sailing day back into Vancouver for the great marine wildlife watching all day.  I don’t recommend an interior tour less than 5 days.

With the prices and the deals out there, why not a back to back Vancouver Seward Vancouver?  You save the Airfare out of Alaska and get a 14 day cruise to boot. PMM

Response:

With the prices and the deals out there, why not a back to back Vancouver Seward Vancouver?  You save the Airfare out of Alaska and get a 14 day cruise to boot.

Then I would have no time interior!!!!  

Response:

After coming in on the Princess cruise is it worth taking a trip to the Portage Glacier or will I have seen enough of the glaciers on the way to Seward?

Response:

After coming in on the Princess cruise is it worth taking a trip to the Portage Glacier or will I have seen enough of the glaciers on the way to Seward?

I assume you will be going to College Fjords and Glacier Bay/ Hubbard??  Will you be driving on your own?  The visitor center is worth a visit but the boat ride is not- unless you are really into glaciers.  :)  I greatly prefer climbing up to Exit Glacier myself.  If driving and time allows, skip the glacier and drive about 25 miles north of Anchorage and tour the Eklutna spirit houses.  Extremely interesting and worth the reasonable $6–  AAA discounts available.

Response:

Anyone know of a cruise from Seward returning to Seward? I see Vancouver to Vancouver and Vancouver to Seward southbound and northbound Vancouver to Seward. I will be traveling in July.

The several Seward day trips, 3 or 4 day trips out of Whittier on Cruise West, also check with the visitor center-   www.sewardak.org

Response:

Anyone know of a cruise from Seward returning to Seward? I see Vancouver to Vancouver and Vancouver to Seward southbound and northbound Vancouver to Seward. I will be traveling in July. — Joe

Response:

We’re thinking about a cruise to Alaska, leaving from Vancouver if we can get a good price.  We’d like to go a few days early and visit Vancouver.  Has anyone stayed in Vancouver before their Alaska cruise and could you recommend a hotel and some tips on sightseeing?

Response:

Plenty to see in Vancouver with Stanley Park a highlight.  People have had very good luck with priceline on downtown Vancouver hotels.

Response:

We’re thinking about a cruise to Alaska, leaving from Vancouver if we can get a good price.  We’d like to go a few days early and visit Vancouver.  Has anyone stayed in Vancouver before their Alaska cruise and could you recommend a hotel and some tips on sightseeing?

Vancouver is nice and a good tourist destination in itself.  Hotels are very steeply discounted, i.e. HAL will get you over 50% off rack rate at the excellent Pan Pacific. A couple of major attractions are Stanley Park (the aquarium is awesome), the Gaslight District (a bit of a tourist trap), and Vancouver Island/Victoria.   A short floatplane ride to see the area from the air is fun, and there are lots of operators. — “If this is coffee, please bring me some tea.  If this is tea, please bring me some coffee.”          - Abraham Lincoln

Response:

I thought I’d add… Weather can vary during the last weeks of June. Temperatures are usually between 15 – 25 degrees Celsius (64 – 84 F?). Sometimes June can be really dry and sunny. Other times it can be overcast and rainy. But don’t let that get you down. Vancouver’s weather is usually quite unpredictable, but June, July and August tend to be the driest months of the year.

Response:

MLD, who started the thread is going June 22nd.  I’m going June 17.

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone have any info on the weather that time of year?  Is it cold on deck when the ship is out to sea?  Are the skys fairly clear? Thanks!! What time of year.  It is usually brisk out on deck and I am always in my lined nylon jacket- with a knit hat and gloves on.  :)  can’t predict the weather.

Response:

Anyone have any info on the weather that time of year?  Is it cold on deck when the ship is out to sea?  Are the skys fairly clear? Thanks!!

What time of year.  It is usually brisk out on deck and I am always in my lined nylon jacket- with a knit hat and gloves on.  :)  can’t predict the weather.

Response:

Actually, the Pan Pacific Hotel is probably the most expensive hotel in Vancouver, so if you’re looking for something a little less, try some of the other hotels. Downtown Vancouver is physically quite compact, so you don’t necessarly need to be right next to Canada Place. The hotels downtown are only a short 5 minute taxi ride to Canada Place, or a short walk away. The Sylvia Hotel, www.sylviahotel.com is probably the best bang for your buck as it’s located right on the beach at English Bay, in an old ivy covered brick building. It’s also at the entrance to Stanley Park and is quite scenic. The Pacific Palisades (on the corner of Robson & Jervis) are really nice too, and they’re located in the shopping district of downtown, and just a few blocks away from the water. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – there’s a group of us from RTC going on the infinity end of Aug. Please make sure to tell us all about it when you get back! Pacific Palisades and Pan Pacific are both nice hotels near the pier (pan pacific is at Canada place) — Sheree Join us for the SGC2001 on Aug 24 2001 on the Celebrity Infinity sailing to Alaska http://www.geocities.com/tbruin3235/sgc2001 Hi All: Booked an Alaska cruise leaving on June 22 with Celebrity, on the Infinity. Any comments regarding the line or ship?    How about the weather at that time of year? Also, leaving from Vancouver, BC and will get there 2 days before the ship sails–looking for a good but not too expensive hotel in the downtown area. Any recommendations? MLD

– – Carmanah

Response:

Hi, I recommend the Renaissance Vancouver hotel.  Very close to pier and only $75 a night CAD with internet special. I will be on the Infinity too on September 7th. Hi All: Booked an Alaska cruise leaving on June 22 with Celebrity, on the Infinity. Any comments regarding the line or ship?    How about the weather at that time of year? Also, leaving from Vancouver, BC and will get there 2 days before the ship sails–looking for a good but not too expensive hotel in the downtown area. Any recommendations? MLD

– Best regards, ourselves. Cruise and Travel Company If you don’t book from us, you’re paying too much! Cruise Review Library http://www.cruisereview.net

Response:

Booked an Alaska cruise leaving on June 22 with Celebrity, on the Infinity. Any comments regarding the line or ship?    How about the weather at that time of year? Also, leaving from Vancouver, BC and will get there 2 days before the ship sails–looking for a good but not too expensive hotel in the downtown area. Any recommendations? MLD

I liked the cheap downtown Days Inn but really like the funky Sylvia.  Only downside to your cruise is the that is doesn’t go to Glacier Bay- make it there next time!!!!!   I have a lot of information on shore tours if that is at all of interest to you.  My best tour experience???    A glacier helicopter

Response:

SUGGESTION….. I got a hotel room in Vancouver from PRICELINE.COM….. I bid for a 3 star downtown… Got the Renaissance Hotel Downtown Vancouver… a BEAUTIFUL hotel… for $50 a night using my American Express Card with the $20 add-on bonus. I am staying there on June 8th for 1 night. The link is: http://www.priceline.com/hotels/Lang/en-us/itinerary.asp?free=amexsave Robert

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All: Booked an Alaska cruise leaving on June 22 with Celebrity, on the Infinity. Any comments regarding the line or ship?    How about the weather at that time of year? Also, leaving from Vancouver, BC and will get there 2 days before the ship sails–looking for a good but not too expensive hotel in the downtown area. Any recommendations? MLD

Response:

Anyone have any info on the weather that time of year?  Is it cold on deck when the ship is out to sea?  Are the skys fairly clear? Thanks!! Jeanette First-time cruiser Going to Alaska June 17 on HAL Statendam

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All: Booked an Alaska cruise leaving on June 22 with Celebrity, on the Infinity. Any comments regarding the line or ship?    How about the weather at that time of year? Also, leaving from Vancouver, BC and will get there 2 days before the ship sails–looking for a good but not too expensive hotel in the downtown area. Any recommendations? MLD

Response:

there’s a group of us from RTC going on the infinity end of Aug.  Please make sure to tell us all about it when you get back! Pacific Palisades and Pan Pacific are both nice hotels near the pier (pan pacific is at Canada place) — Sheree Join us for the SGC2001 on Aug 24 2001 on the Celebrity Infinity sailing to Alaska http://www.geocities.com/tbruin3235/sgc2001

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All: Booked an Alaska cruise leaving on June 22 with Celebrity, on the Infinity. Any comments regarding the line or ship?    How about the weather at that time of year? Also, leaving from Vancouver, BC and will get there 2 days before the ship sails–looking for a good but not too expensive hotel in the downtown area. Any recommendations? MLD

Response:

I’d love to hear about the weather, Vancouver hotels or anything else!  I’m booked on my very first cruise. It’s to Alaska from Vancouver, on June 17 with HAL Statendam. Jeanette

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – there’s a group of us from RTC going on the infinity end of Aug.  Please make sure to tell us all about it when you get back! Pacific Palisades and Pan Pacific are both nice hotels near the pier (pan pacific is at Canada place) — Sheree Join us for the SGC2001 on Aug 24 2001 on the Celebrity Infinity sailing to Alaska http://www.geocities.com/tbruin3235/sgc2001 Hi All: Booked an Alaska cruise leaving on June 22 with Celebrity, on the Infinity. Any comments regarding the line or ship?    How about the weather at that time of year? Also, leaving from Vancouver, BC and will get there 2 days before the ship sails–looking for a good but not too expensive hotel in the downtown area. Any recommendations? MLD

Response:

Hi All: Booked an Alaska cruise leaving on June 22 with Celebrity, on the Infinity. Any comments regarding the line or ship?    How about the weather at that time of year? Also, leaving from Vancouver, BC and will get there 2 days before the ship sails–looking for a good but not too expensive hotel in the downtown area. Any recommendations? MLD

Response:

Anyone cruise to Alaska? Looking for advice. — Joe Byrne

Response:

Hi JOe, Are you already booked on an Alaska cruise.  I will be gong on my first this Aug.30th on Celebrity Infinity and still trying to figure out what to do at the different ports, all of them sound so exciting, hard to make the right choice. I am leaning toward a helicopter ride to a glacier, sounds like thats the thing to do in Alaska. I know there are still some cabins left on this sailing if you want to check it out further, would love to have you join us.   Here are the details: http://www.cruisemates.com/Articles/CMcruises/alaska2002.cfm This Alaska cruise goes through the inside passage from Vancouver. I know there are a lot of ships going up there this summer, its a tough decision, hope you find what you are looking for, have fun! Donna Tuesday Chat Host http://www.cruisemates.com

Response:

Hello, we are planning an August Cruise to Alaska 7 dayer. Any help is appreciated: Is there a worthwhile difference between a 4.5  or 5 star rating We are hoping to find a cheaper balcony or suite using vacations-to-go.com any advise? Any good or bad experiance to share?

Response:

My wife and I were aboard the Celebrity SUMMIT late last August, Seward to Vancouver.  We had an outside cabin w/balcony and don’t regret the extra investment.  We had friends aboard, one couple had a lower outside with window, and the other, an inside.  No comparison!  Even though we didn’t spend a whole lot of time on the balcony, it was great to be on the balcony while in port, sit there and watch the sites.  At night, it was wonderful to open the sliding glass door, smell the aroma of the sea salt, feel the cool air and listen to the “surf” as we were underway. The SUMMIT itself was as good as we could have hoped for.  Maybe since it was late August – around the 22nd I believe – there were hardly any young children aboard and the passengers were pretty diversified.  I recall some who had to be in their early to mid-30’s, and some old codgers as well.  All in all, I think we both agree it was one of the best weeks we’ve ever experienced.  To sum it up, Alaska is fantastic – you need to spend a little time in Denali (a day or two, which we did on our own before the cruise) – and the SUMMIT exceeded our expectations.  I’m sure you’ll get other recommendations as well, but that might be a start for you.

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, we are planning an August Cruise to Alaska 7 dayer. Any help is appreciated: Is there a worthwhile difference between a 4.5  or 5 star rating We are hoping to find a cheaper balcony or suite using vacations-to-go.com any advise? Any good or bad experiance to share?

Response:

What are you looking at- round trip or one way.  I don’t recommend any one ways without adding several days to tour the interior- take advantage of being all the way there.  There are several factors to consider –  ports, time in ports, glacier, route, price.  My opinion only- I would not consider Celebrity for the lack of College Fjord on their one ways- a must do for me.  Also their routing now does less inside passage sailing- look at their routing in to Juneau.  Any Alaska cruise will be a compromise- choose carefully.  :)

Response:

For Alaska I would recommend that you book on a ship that has a covered pool area that has a sliding roof. HAL does for instance .

Response:

Hello, we are planning an August Cruise to Alaska 7 dayer. Any help is appreciated: Is there a worthwhile difference between a 4.5  or 5 star rating We are hoping to find a cheaper balcony or suite using vacations-to-go.com any advise? Any good or bad experiance to share?

#1  Don’t trust the “star” ratings — what ships are you talking about? #2  As someone said, do a round trip if you’re going for 7 days. One-way is a little better but the flight and airfare one way from Anchorage is not worth it. You can get better prices than Vacations to Go (although they are reasonable and I haven’t heard a lot of complaints about them). My best advice is to pick the cruise you want, then run a reverse ad on www.cruisemates.com  and see how it stacks up to VTG.  The biggest problem I would have with VTG, I think, is that you can’t choose your cabin at the time of booking.   The cruiselines are rather different (although the differences are minimized on Alaska cruises) — you might hate one cruise and love another at nearly the same price.  What is your approximate age, interests, etc.? My favorite ships for Alaska, while I’m at it, are Holland America’s Statendam class ships.   They have the best viewing areas of any mass market cruise liners.  This would be a quieter, more sedate, and somewhat upscale cruise line btw. Mason Barge “If this is coffee, please bring me some tea.  If this is tea, please bring me some coffee.”         — Abraham Lincoln

Response:

Is there a worthwhile difference between a 4.5  or 5 star rating

ffff

Response:

Is there a worthwhile difference between a 4.5  or 5 star rating ffff

Thank you for your helpful and informative reply, MCT

Response:

ffff Thank you for your helpful and informative reply, MCT

Daaaannnnnnii, Goldie is out of his room agaiiiiiiiin.

Response:

Daaaannnnnnii, Goldie is out of his room agaiiiiiiiin.

Micheeellllllleeeeee!  Stuff a friggin’ sock in it.

Response:

Daaaannnnnnii, Goldie is out of his room agaiiiiiiiin. Micheeellllllleeeeee!  Stuff a friggin’ sock in it.

She gets off on dirty socks in her mouth, Danni.

Response:

She gets off on dirty socks in her mouth, Danni.

Unfortunately for me Comcast is doing work in our building and I have been unable to use my cable modem since last Thursday.  I was fortunate enough to find an AOL disk and thus I am able to use my computer and the Internet but I can’t use Outlook Express for newsgroups and I don’t have any filters here. That is why I answered Michelle. I won’t make that mistake again. DG in Cherry Hill, NJ

Response:

Daaaannnnnnii, Goldie is out of his room agaiiiiiiiin. Micheeellllllleeeeee!  Stuff a friggin’ sock in it.

She gets off on dirty socks in her mouth, Danni.

Beats having to get off IN dirty socks, Howie.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – She gets off on dirty socks in her mouth, Danni. Unfortunately for me Comcast is doing work in our building and I have been unable to use my cable modem since last Thursday.  I was fortunate enough to find an AOL disk and thus I am able to use my computer and the Internet but I can’t use Outlook Express for newsgroups and I don’t have any filters here. That is why I answered Michelle. I won’t make that mistake again. DG in Cherry Hill, NJ

I thought we were talkin bout dirty socks, Dick? Howie

Response:

Unfortunately for me Comcast is doing work in our building and I have been unable to use my cable modem since last Thursday.  I was fortunate enough to find an AOL disk and thus I am able to use my computer and the Internet but I can’t use Outlook Express for newsgroups and I don’t have any filters here. That is why I answered Michelle.

Outside Howie the Boron, who gives a shit, Goldie? I won’t make that mistake again.

Uh-huh. Bet your false teeth you do.

Response:

I won’t make that mistake again. Uh-huh. Bet your false teeth you do.

You lose.  He does not have false teeth.

Response:

I won’t make that mistake again. Uh-huh. Bet your false teeth you do. You lose.  He does not have false teeth.

Ok, where do  pay?

Response:

Wife and I have decided to travel to Alaska. We have already discovered that a ten day trip will not handle this, more likely 3 ten day trips. For our first trip we thought about flying to Fairbanks, train to Anchorage, rent a motor home to Kenai, (Homer) Does anyone have any input based on their experiences? Thanks Jim —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wife and I have decided to travel to Alaska. We have already discovered that a ten day trip will not handle this, more likely 3 ten day trips. For our first trip we thought about flying to Fairbanks, train to Anchorage, rent a motor home to Kenai, (Homer) Does anyone have any input based on their experiences? Thanks Jim Train from Fairbanks to Anchorage is beautiful. —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

Homeer, alaska is one of the most beautiful places on earth. My daughter and I will be going back there after our 8th Alaska cruise next summer. Here’s a link to some great photos. Carole http://www.homeralaska.org/photos.htm

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wife and I have decided to travel to Alaska. We have already discovered that a ten day trip will not handle this, more likely 3 ten day trips. For our first trip we thought about flying to Fairbanks, train to Anchorage, rent a motor home to Kenai, (Homer) Does anyone have any input based on their experiences? Thanks Jim —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

Wife and I have decided to travel to Alaska. We have already discovered that a ten day trip will not handle this, more likely 3 ten day trips. For our first trip we thought about flying to Fairbanks, train to Anchorage, rent a motor home to Kenai, (Homer) Does anyone have any input based on their experiences? Thanks Jim

I just returned from my 10th trip.  Several further questions???? Will you be returning to Fairbanks? Spending time in Denali?  ( need at least 2 overnights), I rented a RV in Anchorage- plenty of companies to choose from.  Will Homer be your destination on the Kenai?  I assume no cruise???

Response:

Hi Everyone, I’m Toni just breezing through looking for info on Alaska. I want to do the 7 day cruise there next July. I haven’t chosen a ship yet, all I know is I want a baloney. So my questions are…. which ship when should I book Should I book my own hotel for a few day stay in Vancouver should I get my own air and are there any secretes to getting a great fare? Thanks for any help you can give me. Toni

Response:

<< all I know is I want a baloney Dear Toni … You will find lots of baloney on this bulletin board! And I know in the buffet on the ship you will be able to get a baloney sandwich … But on an Alaska cruise you might think about booking a balcony! <VBG Ain’t it funny how our fingers manage to hit keys we never intended them to hit??? Seriously, to answer your questions: << which ship   There are many wonderful ships in Alaska.  A good local Travel Agent who is a CLIA Accredited Cruise Counselor will be able to make many suggestions.  My personal choice would be Radiance of the Seas, and my DWs personal choice would be a Sun class ship from Princess. << when should I book As early as possible.  Balconies sell out fast.  Start planning now and book as soon as you have made a decision.  Then be sure your TA monitors the fares for good deals. << Should I book my own hotel for a few day stay in Vancouver should I get my own air Why do your own?  Again a good TA will prove invaluable to you in finding the best fares and flights and hotels.  Depending on which cruise to Alaska you take, the ship’s cruise/air may or may not prove to be the best deal.  Your TA will help you explore the options. <<  are there any secretes to getting a great fare? Book early, book the minimum cabin you will be happy with, and investigate booking on a guarantee basis, then have your TA monitor closely for special offers and upgrades. Have a GREAT cruise! Mike posted and emailed

Response:

Choose carefully- I make my Alaska cruise choices based on ports, time in ports and glacier with Glacier Bay a clear preference. Based on cost, I choose a ship that fits.  :) Smaller is better for me, but there really aren’t any small ships on the major lines left, sad to say.  You can book anytime, but do keep track of trends and reductions on your own, very easy to do via the net through online agencies.  I always book my own hotels and air.  Getting great fares require some research and the abiltity to act quick when a good fare comes out.

Response:

We just went on a Princess cruise(Star) and the ship was wonderful. The cabins with a balcony on D-deck are great, HOWEVAEAR the food was about like hospital cafeteria food. It saved me from myself Tom Barnett

Response:

Tom, What week were you on the Star Princess?  We just sailed 9/23/03  - 9/30/03. We had the best weather possible in Alaska! Grant Hyde

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We just went on a Princess cruise(Star) and the ship was wonderful. The cabins with a balcony on D-deck are great, HOWEVAEAR the food was about like hospital cafeteria food. It saved me from myself Tom Barnett

Response:

Hmmmm!   Time machine. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Tom, What week were you on the Star Princess?  We just sailed 9/23/03  - 9/30/03. We had the best weather possible in Alaska! Grant Hyde We just went on a Princess cruise(Star) and the ship was wonderful. The cabins with a balcony on D-deck are great, HOWEVAEAR the food was about like hospital cafeteria food. It saved me from myself Tom Barnett

Response:

Hmmmm!   Time machine. We just sailed 9/23/03  - 9/30/03.

Not his fault they designed the keyboard with a “9″ too close to an “8″ … Be seeing you In the Village Number 6

Response:

Wondering if anyone has taken the inside passage Alaskan cruise on Norweign Star or Sun.  Thanks for your help. chris

Response:

How about the Norwegian Sky out of Seattle last year 6/2  ??

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wondering if anyone has taken the inside passage Alaskan cruise on Norweign Star or Sun.  Thanks for your help. chris

Response:

Norwegian Star doesn’t do Alaska.  It’s in Hawaii year-round.

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wondering if anyone has taken the inside passage Alaskan cruise on Norweign Star or Sun.  Thanks for your help. chris

Response:

Have taken the sun the week over memorial day 2003.  Beautiful ship. Typical adequate food.  night clubs dead by 10:30PM due to older crowd. Enjoyed it though, we are 50ish and needed to rest up from hectic lives. Romeo Raabe in Green Bay

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wondering if anyone has taken the inside passage Alaskan cruise on Norweign Star or Sun.  Thanks for your help. chris

Response:

Norwegian Star is being repositioned to do 7 day Alaska round trips out of Seattle for the 2004 season.  I remember reading that they will be adding a casino to the ship sometime between it’s final Hawaii cruise and first Alaska cruise.                                -p – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Norwegian Star doesn’t do Alaska.  It’s in Hawaii year-round. Wondering if anyone has taken the inside passage Alaskan cruise on Norweign Star or Sun.  Thanks for your help. chris

Response:

You are correct, sir!  I should have done my homework.  I forgot that NCL is putting brand new ships in Hawaii this year. BTW, does this mean that NCL will be putting a casino into the Star?

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Norwegian Star is being repositioned to do 7 day Alaska round trips out of Seattle for the 2004 season.  I remember reading that they will be adding a casino to the ship sometime between it’s final Hawaii cruise and first Alaska cruise.                                -p Norwegian Star doesn’t do Alaska.  It’s in Hawaii year-round. Wondering if anyone has taken the inside passage Alaskan cruise on Norweign Star or Sun.  Thanks for your help. chris

Response:

Which is the best one to do Alaska.  Do we cruise all the way to Seward or just do Vancouver to Vancouver.  Time is not an obstacle since we are retired.  Please advise.  Thank you.

Response:

Assuming cost wasn’t an issue either I would sail north all the way to Seward and then do an excursion into the interior for a few days.

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Which is the best one to do Alaska.  Do we cruise all the way to Seward or just do Vancouver to Vancouver.  Time is not an obstacle since we are retired.  Please advise.  Thank you.

Response:

Good Morning: Given your two choices I would suggest the full transit between Vancouver and Seward with a few days before/after the cruise to enjoy interior Alaska. The Vancouver roundtrip pretty much limits you to the Panhandle area. Still a great Cruise but not a total “Alaska” experience. Also, you may want to consider the Roundtrips being offered from San Francisco this year by Princess. Spending a few days in San Francisco in conjunction with a Cruise to Alaska sounds very attractive also. Cal Ford Lido Deck Cruises 800-511-4417 says… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Which is the best one to do Alaska.  Do we cruise all the way to Seward or just do Vancouver to Vancouver.  Time is not an obstacle since we are retired.  Please advise.  Thank you.

Response:

I would do a oneway and spend time in Anchorage etc — Sheree

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Which is the best one to do Alaska.  Do we cruise all the way to Seward or just do Vancouver to Vancouver.  Time is not an obstacle since we are retired.  Please advise.  Thank you.

Response:

Given your two choices I would suggest the full transit between Vancouver and Seward with a few days before/after the cruise to enjoy interior Alaska. The Vancouver roundtrip pretty much limits you to the Panhandle area. Still a great

I have to disagree, I would only consider an interior trip of at least 5 days. Also the cruise portion is the same on both round trips and one way for 6 out of 7 cruise days.  It is a big expense in time and money to get to Anchorage and you are greatly shortchanging yourself if you don’t see more of Alaska once there.

Response:

If you’re not able to spend additional time in Alaska after the cruise, I would recommend the round trip out of Vancouver.  We did the South bound last year and we’re doing the round trip this year.  I can’t see that we’re going to really miss anything that we saw last year, plus there is a savings on airfare, not to mention the travel time.  However, that being said, you will enjoy whichever you pick. Pat Williams St. George, UT – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Which is the best one to do Alaska.  Do we cruise all the way to Seward or just do Vancouver to Vancouver.  Time is not an obstacle since we are retired.  Please advise.  Thank you.

Response:

Assuming cost wasn’t an issue either I would sail north all the way to Seward and then do an excursion into the interior for a few days.

I actually prefer sailing south.  I greatly enjoy the last sailing day back into Vancouver for the great marine wildlife watching all day.  I don’t recommend an interior tour less than 5 days.

Response:

Hi

Assuming cost wasn’t an issue either I would sail north all the way to Seward and then do an excursion into the interior for a few days. I actually prefer sailing south.  I greatly enjoy the last sailing day back into Vancouver for the great marine wildlife watching all day.  I don’t recommend an interior tour less than 5 days.

With the prices and the deals out there, why not a back to back Vancouver Seward Vancouver?  You save the Airfare out of Alaska and get a 14 day cruise to boot. PMM

Response:

With the prices and the deals out there, why not a back to back Vancouver Seward Vancouver?  You save the Airfare out of Alaska and get a 14 day cruise to boot.

Then I would have no time interior!!!!  

Response:

After coming in on the Princess cruise is it worth taking a trip to the Portage Glacier or will I have seen enough of the glaciers on the way to Seward?

Response:

After coming in on the Princess cruise is it worth taking a trip to the Portage Glacier or will I have seen enough of the glaciers on the way to Seward?

I assume you will be going to College Fjords and Glacier Bay/ Hubbard??  Will you be driving on your own?  The visitor center is worth a visit but the boat ride is not- unless you are really into glaciers.  :)  I greatly prefer climbing up to Exit Glacier myself.  If driving and time allows, skip the glacier and drive about 25 miles north of Anchorage and tour the Eklutna spirit houses.  Extremely interesting and worth the reasonable $6–  AAA discounts available.

Response:

Anyone know of a cruise from Seward returning to Seward? I see Vancouver to Vancouver and Vancouver to Seward southbound and northbound Vancouver to Seward. I will be traveling in July.

The several Seward day trips, 3 or 4 day trips out of Whittier on Cruise West, also check with the visitor center-   www.sewardak.org

Response:

Anyone know of a cruise from Seward returning to Seward? I see Vancouver to Vancouver and Vancouver to Seward southbound and northbound Vancouver to Seward. I will be traveling in July. — Joe

Response:

We’re thinking about a cruise to Alaska, leaving from Vancouver if we can get a good price.  We’d like to go a few days early and visit Vancouver.  Has anyone stayed in Vancouver before their Alaska cruise and could you recommend a hotel and some tips on sightseeing?

Response:

Plenty to see in Vancouver with Stanley Park a highlight.  People have had very good luck with priceline on downtown Vancouver hotels.

Response:

We’re thinking about a cruise to Alaska, leaving from Vancouver if we can get a good price.  We’d like to go a few days early and visit Vancouver.  Has anyone stayed in Vancouver before their Alaska cruise and could you recommend a hotel and some tips on sightseeing?

Vancouver is nice and a good tourist destination in itself.  Hotels are very steeply discounted, i.e. HAL will get you over 50% off rack rate at the excellent Pan Pacific. A couple of major attractions are Stanley Park (the aquarium is awesome), the Gaslight District (a bit of a tourist trap), and Vancouver Island/Victoria.   A short floatplane ride to see the area from the air is fun, and there are lots of operators. — “If this is coffee, please bring me some tea.  If this is tea, please bring me some coffee.”          - Abraham Lincoln

Response:

I thought I’d add… Weather can vary during the last weeks of June. Temperatures are usually between 15 – 25 degrees Celsius (64 – 84 F?). Sometimes June can be really dry and sunny. Other times it can be overcast and rainy. But don’t let that get you down. Vancouver’s weather is usually quite unpredictable, but June, July and August tend to be the driest months of the year.

Response:

MLD, who started the thread is going June 22nd.  I’m going June 17.

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone have any info on the weather that time of year?  Is it cold on deck when the ship is out to sea?  Are the skys fairly clear? Thanks!! What time of year.  It is usually brisk out on deck and I am always in my lined nylon jacket- with a knit hat and gloves on.  :)  can’t predict the weather.

Response:

Anyone have any info on the weather that time of year?  Is it cold on deck when the ship is out to sea?  Are the skys fairly clear? Thanks!!

What time of year.  It is usually brisk out on deck and I am always in my lined nylon jacket- with a knit hat and gloves on.  :)  can’t predict the weather.

Response:

Actually, the Pan Pacific Hotel is probably the most expensive hotel in Vancouver, so if you’re looking for something a little less, try some of the other hotels. Downtown Vancouver is physically quite compact, so you don’t necessarly need to be right next to Canada Place. The hotels downtown are only a short 5 minute taxi ride to Canada Place, or a short walk away. The Sylvia Hotel, www.sylviahotel.com is probably the best bang for your buck as it’s located right on the beach at English Bay, in an old ivy covered brick building. It’s also at the entrance to Stanley Park and is quite scenic. The Pacific Palisades (on the corner of Robson & Jervis) are really nice too, and they’re located in the shopping district of downtown, and just a few blocks away from the water. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – there’s a group of us from RTC going on the infinity end of Aug. Please make sure to tell us all about it when you get back! Pacific Palisades and Pan Pacific are both nice hotels near the pier (pan pacific is at Canada place) — Sheree Join us for the SGC2001 on Aug 24 2001 on the Celebrity Infinity sailing to Alaska http://www.geocities.com/tbruin3235/sgc2001 Hi All: Booked an Alaska cruise leaving on June 22 with Celebrity, on the Infinity. Any comments regarding the line or ship?    How about the weather at that time of year? Also, leaving from Vancouver, BC and will get there 2 days before the ship sails–looking for a good but not too expensive hotel in the downtown area. Any recommendations? MLD

– – Carmanah

Response:

Hi, I recommend the Renaissance Vancouver hotel.  Very close to pier and only $75 a night CAD with internet special. I will be on the Infinity too on September 7th. Hi All: Booked an Alaska cruise leaving on June 22 with Celebrity, on the Infinity. Any comments regarding the line or ship?    How about the weather at that time of year? Also, leaving from Vancouver, BC and will get there 2 days before the ship sails–looking for a good but not too expensive hotel in the downtown area. Any recommendations? MLD

– Best regards, ourselves. Cruise and Travel Company If you don’t book from us, you’re paying too much! Cruise Review Library http://www.cruisereview.net

Response:

Booked an Alaska cruise leaving on June 22 with Celebrity, on the Infinity. Any comments regarding the line or ship?    How about the weather at that time of year? Also, leaving from Vancouver, BC and will get there 2 days before the ship sails–looking for a good but not too expensive hotel in the downtown area. Any recommendations? MLD

I liked the cheap downtown Days Inn but really like the funky Sylvia.  Only downside to your cruise is the that is doesn’t go to Glacier Bay- make it there next time!!!!!   I have a lot of information on shore tours if that is at all of interest to you.  My best tour experience???    A glacier helicopter

Response:

SUGGESTION….. I got a hotel room in Vancouver from PRICELINE.COM….. I bid for a 3 star downtown… Got the Renaissance Hotel Downtown Vancouver… a BEAUTIFUL hotel… for $50 a night using my American Express Card with the $20 add-on bonus. I am staying there on June 8th for 1 night. The link is: http://www.priceline.com/hotels/Lang/en-us/itinerary.asp?free=amexsave Robert

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All: Booked an Alaska cruise leaving on June 22 with Celebrity, on the Infinity. Any comments regarding the line or ship?    How about the weather at that time of year? Also, leaving from Vancouver, BC and will get there 2 days before the ship sails–looking for a good but not too expensive hotel in the downtown area. Any recommendations? MLD

Response:

Anyone have any info on the weather that time of year?  Is it cold on deck when the ship is out to sea?  Are the skys fairly clear? Thanks!! Jeanette First-time cruiser Going to Alaska June 17 on HAL Statendam

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All: Booked an Alaska cruise leaving on June 22 with Celebrity, on the Infinity. Any comments regarding the line or ship?    How about the weather at that time of year? Also, leaving from Vancouver, BC and will get there 2 days before the ship sails–looking for a good but not too expensive hotel in the downtown area. Any recommendations? MLD

Response:

there’s a group of us from RTC going on the infinity end of Aug.  Please make sure to tell us all about it when you get back! Pacific Palisades and Pan Pacific are both nice hotels near the pier (pan pacific is at Canada place) — Sheree Join us for the SGC2001 on Aug 24 2001 on the Celebrity Infinity sailing to Alaska http://www.geocities.com/tbruin3235/sgc2001

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All: Booked an Alaska cruise leaving on June 22 with Celebrity, on the Infinity. Any comments regarding the line or ship?    How about the weather at that time of year? Also, leaving from Vancouver, BC and will get there 2 days before the ship sails–looking for a good but not too expensive hotel in the downtown area. Any recommendations? MLD

Response:

I’d love to hear about the weather, Vancouver hotels or anything else!  I’m booked on my very first cruise. It’s to Alaska from Vancouver, on June 17 with HAL Statendam. Jeanette

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – there’s a group of us from RTC going on the infinity end of Aug.  Please make sure to tell us all about it when you get back! Pacific Palisades and Pan Pacific are both nice hotels near the pier (pan pacific is at Canada place) — Sheree Join us for the SGC2001 on Aug 24 2001 on the Celebrity Infinity sailing to Alaska http://www.geocities.com/tbruin3235/sgc2001 Hi All: Booked an Alaska cruise leaving on June 22 with Celebrity, on the Infinity. Any comments regarding the line or ship?    How about the weather at that time of year? Also, leaving from Vancouver, BC and will get there 2 days before the ship sails–looking for a good but not too expensive hotel in the downtown area. Any recommendations? MLD

Response:

Hi All: Booked an Alaska cruise leaving on June 22 with Celebrity, on the Infinity. Any comments regarding the line or ship?    How about the weather at that time of year? Also, leaving from Vancouver, BC and will get there 2 days before the ship sails–looking for a good but not too expensive hotel in the downtown area. Any recommendations? MLD

Response:

Anyone cruise to Alaska? Looking for advice. — Joe Byrne

Response:

Hi JOe, Are you already booked on an Alaska cruise.  I will be gong on my first this Aug.30th on Celebrity Infinity and still trying to figure out what to do at the different ports, all of them sound so exciting, hard to make the right choice. I am leaning toward a helicopter ride to a glacier, sounds like thats the thing to do in Alaska. I know there are still some cabins left on this sailing if you want to check it out further, would love to have you join us.   Here are the details: http://www.cruisemates.com/Articles/CMcruises/alaska2002.cfm This Alaska cruise goes through the inside passage from Vancouver. I know there are a lot of ships going up there this summer, its a tough decision, hope you find what you are looking for, have fun! Donna Tuesday Chat Host http://www.cruisemates.com

Response:

Question:

Help..Bass Tracker pro team. Who makes the better aluminum bass boat? Additional comments welcome. Thanks, Scott

Response:

If you are specifically looking for a Bass boat, you will be very satisfied with the Ranger Cherokee.Bass Tracker pro team A little pricey, but the best aluminum out there. Help… Who makes the better aluminum bass boat? Additional comments welcome. Thanks, Scott

– Bob Symonds,  Secretary, FOCAS Ministries Central Conn. Chapter (King’s Kid’s BassMasters) Home Page-  http://nw3.nai.net/~kingskid/ “No matter how much you wish and worry, Your past will never get any better!!!”

Response:

writes: Who makes the better aluminum bass boat?

Scott,Bass Tracker pro teamBass Tracker pro team It really depends on your desires and the type of water you will be fishing. I own a couple of aluminum boats: a 1969 Monark 14′ and a 1992 Tracker TX 17. Both are great boats depending on how you want to use them. One quality that I look for in a boat is stability. To get this you will need to find a boat with either a thick hull material (which will add weight to the boat) or braces across the width of the boat. The Monark boat I have is made of .070 hull material which makes it very strong and stable, but very heavy for such a small boat. My Tracker is made of much thinner hull material, but has many cross braces and decks which help provide stability. Another thing I like in a boat is a built-in livewell. My Monark does not have one, so I have to carry a 48 quart cooler with me and keep fresh water in it.Bass Tracker pro team It makes for a little trouble and a lot of inconvenience while you are trying to fish. Another thing I really like is a foot controlled trolling motor. Again, my Monark does not have this. I might put one on it in a year or so, but if I bought a boat to replace it I would demand a foot controlled trolling motor. The convenience it provides while fishing is wonderful, especially in windy conditions. My Monark is a jonboat… it does not have raised decks, electric start motor, or good electronics. These are all desirable if you are wanting a bigger boat for major lakes or rivers. As for name brands, I have fished from Tracker, Monark, Lowe, and Alumicraft.Bass Tracker pro team My favorite hull is the Monark because it is so heavy and stable. As for the packages that come with the boats, Lowe offers good packages on their boats. Tracker is OK, but things like power tilt and trim will cost you extra… they are standard on the Lowe’s with a 40 HP or bigger motor. One other piece of advise… be sure you get a big enough outboard. My Tracker has a 40 HP motor, and it will run about 25 MPH empty. I got to use a Tracker (18′) with a 75 HP this summer, and it was wonderful. The motor had plenty of power to plane the boat and still run at about 50 MPH. You might not want to run this fast, but having enough motor and running it slower is better for the motor than running it wide open all the time. Hope this helps. Good

Response:

Mr. Gattis had some good advice in his post. I own a 17ft. Grumman (I think they are the same as a Lowe) and we really love it. One feature that helps is the width of the boat, with a 74″ beam. This gives a good sized casting deck fore and aft. I have a foot-controlled trolling motor which I also couldn’t live without. 50 HP Johnson comes out of the hole quickly. I find the auto trim/tilt to not be as useful in this aluminum boat, as it is so light in the bow. If I am weighted in the bow – such as with camping gear – then I can plane it out better. Otherwise, I tend to keep the motor down when running to avoid high bow and porpoising. I suggest you try to find a boat with a good sized beam. The extra width adds stability, and also adds so much more room it is amazing. With three dogs fishing with us, the extra room is a great feature.

Response:

Help… Who makes the better aluminum bass boat?

Have had a Sea Nymph, friends with Bass Tracker, Fisher, Ranger, Alumaweld, Lowe, and Alumacraft. For the money, I think the Alumacraft is the best equiped and best aluminum bass boat available. Look at the “Bandit” model. If it’s too much, the next size down is a good all around boat. If money is no object, check out the Fisher. Great boat but definately more $$. Forget the Bass Tracker. Every one I’ve seen has trouble with leaks and cracks after 2 years.

Response:

Xpress, made by AlumaWeld .  I have and 18′-3″  tournament ready rigged with a 115 oil-injected Yamaha.  Best all-round boat I have ever owned.  I fish two national women’s circuits with this boat.  It takes rough water real well, is going on gasoline, oil and is a very safe boat. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Help… Who makes the better aluminum bass boat? Additional comments welcome. Thanks, Scott

Response:

| | | Help… | | Who makes the better aluminum bass boat? | |Have had a Sea Nymph, friends with Bass Tracker, Fisher, Ranger, Alumaweld, |Lowe, and Alumacraft. For the money, I think the Alumacraft is the best |equiped and best aluminum bass boat available. Look at the “Bandit” model. |If it’s too much, the next size down is a good all around boat. If money is |no object, check out the Fisher. Great boat but definately more $$. Forget |the Bass Tracker. Every one I’ve seen has trouble with leaks and cracks |after 2 years. Have owned three trackers (so I do like the boats), but all did develop leaks, although minor around the rivets.   I found that an automatic bilge pump that would cycle on about every four hours of fishing or so, gave me peace of mind….. Tony Elrod 770.569.9486 770.663-4064 (fax) http://www.flash.net/~telrod/

Response:

I’ve been running a Monark 16′ since 1981. It has a  .72 guage aluminum hull and after all the use and sometimes even abuse in both fresh and salt water it is still water tight. BE SURE TO GET A BOAT THAT IS SUITED FOR THE WATER YOU PLAN TO FISH!!!! . I fish mostly in the La. swamps and marshes – thus have a shalow draft with little freeboard. The boat is powered by a 40HP Johnson and runs about 28 – 32 MPH. There may well be better boats out there, but I am well pleased with this one.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – | | | Help… | | Who makes the better aluminum bass boat? | |Have had a Sea Nymph, friends with Bass Tracker, Fisher, Ranger, Alumaweld, |Lowe, and Alumacraft. For the money, I think the Alumacraft is the best |equiped and best aluminum bass boat available. Look at the “Bandit” model. |If it’s too much, the next size down is a good all around boat. If money is |no object, check out the Fisher. Great boat but definately more $$. Forget |the Bass Tracker. Every one I’ve seen has trouble with leaks and cracks |after 2 years. Have owned three trackers (so I do like the boats), but all did develop leaks, although minor around the rivets.   I found that an automatic bilge pump that would cycle on about every four hours of fishing or so, gave me peace of mind…..

Funny, I’ve owned a Tracker Pro17 for 7 years now, and can’t find a leak on it. Should I write the company and ask them why I didn’t recieve any leaks with my boat, I feel cheated.

Response:

Funny, I’ve owned a Tracker Pro17 for 7 years now, and can’t find a leak on it. Should I write the company and ask them why I didn’t recieve any leaks with my boat, I feel cheated.

Did you buy your boat at sale price.Sometimes sale prices don’t include all the options

Response:

Help… Who makes the better aluminum bass boat? Have had a Sea Nymph, friends with Bass Tracker, Fisher, Ranger, Alumaweld, Lowe, and Alumacraft. For the money, I think the Alumacraft is the best equiped and best aluminum bass boat available. Look at the “Bandit” model. If it’s too much, the next size down is a good all around boat. If money is no object, check out the Fisher. Great boat but definately more $$. Forget the Bass Tracker. Every one I’ve seen has trouble with leaks and cracks after 2 years.

I owned a BassTracker for 4 years, not the same one mind you. During that four years the boat was replaced 3 times due to popped rivots and broken welds. I must say that Tracker does have a great warranty though. Each boat had the same problem of popping rivots in the same place (passenger side, where front of bench seats meet the side and on the bow where side and bottom were welded together). Was afraid the last boat would break too so traded the 4th boat in on a 17′6″ Fiberglass Stratos. That was the best move I could have made!!      Would suggest any other boat that is welded and wish them better luck than my experience. -Tom This article was posted from <A HREF=”http://www.slurp.net/”Slurp Net</A.

Response:

Forget<BR the Bass Tracker. Every one I’ve seen has trouble with leaks and cracks<BR after 2 years.

I’ve never had a problem with this.  Anyway, isn’t the hull warranteed for six or seven years? Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit.

Response:

Xpress, made by AlumaWeld

I second this vote whole-heartedly.  Have owned an XPress 18-3 with the 115 for 3 years now and find it by far the best boat I’ve run.  Previously had Alumacraft, SeaNymph and HydraSport (glass).  The Champion and Ranger are too pricey for me, but I’ve fished many tournaments out of them.  They’re nice rigs, but don’t compare to the XPress for the way I fish.  That’s the key–how do you want to fish?

Response:

Question:

I have a 94 Bass Tracker with a 90 horsepower Mercury outboard.fishing for bass and panfish  Any suggestions as to the best cranking battery?  Thanks for any tips.

Response:

I have the same (94 Tracker TX17 w/ Merc. 90)fishing for bass and panfish and AC Delcos have lasted longer than any others I’ve tried

I have a 94 Bass Tracker with a 90 horsepower Mercury outboard. Any suggestions as to the best cranking battery?fishing for bass and panfish  Thanks for any tips.

Response:

Thanks Randall,fishing for bass and panfish I have not had good luck with Sears Die Hard! My trolling battering IS  an AC Delco and it seems to perform quite well.

Response:

Question:

Never had a Tracker,large mouth Bass Tracker so I hate to comment.  Have ridden in a couple and find nothing outstanding, but everything good.  Bought an Alumaweld X52 last year and love it.  Have owned 4 boats in the last 20 years, including Hydra-sport and Monarch.large mouth Bass Tracker  The Alumaweld would come out on top in my book. The ride is excellent in heavy water; the upkeep minimal.  The boat layout is super.

Response:

i have a 5 year old TX17 w 40hp.  Its been a good boat.large mouth Bass Tracker  I agree with everything Larry says.  I fish Ray Roberts in the trees and don’t worry about scratches.  Besides the big boats don’t go much faster than me up with all those trees.  For the $$s I think its been a great boat

Response:

|Larry, |My first bass boat was a Tracker Tournament V 17 w/ a Merc.large mouth Bass Tracker 60 H.P. on |it. I really liked the boat and its performance. If you can, get at |least a 60 hp as the smaller, stock 40s and 50s just dont seem to cut |it. I fish tournaments so I outgrew it quickly, but if you want a boat |thats good on gas, gets up and goes and takes you where you want, I |vote for the Tracker. |I never had problems with the hull or components but I did have a |severe paint flaking problem on the trailer.large mouth Bass Tracker I got it re-painted and |was happy. I didn’t see the original post, so I’ll jump in here… I owned three of them and two of them leaked.  If not for the leaks, rough ride, and lack of dry storage, I’d still own one.large mouth Bass Tracker You can’t beat the economy of the boat….. Tony Elrod 770.569.9486 (voice/fax) http://www.netime.com/~telrod/

Response:

Tony,   You can’t beat the economy of the boat.large mouth Bass Tracker If you’re getting your money’s worth, it’s a good boat.  And as far as a rough ride goes, it all depends on the water you’re riding on.  Yesterday,  I had my Champion airborne a couple of times and I thought it was a rough ride – well, not the airborne part, the landing part

Response:

| |Tony, | | You can’t beat the economy of the boat. | |If you’re getting your money’s worth, it’s a good boat.  And as far as a |rough ride goes, it all depends on the water you’re riding on.  Yesterday, | I had my Champion airborne a couple of times and I thought it was a |rough ride – well, not the airborne part, the landing part | | Try that water with the aluminum!  :) Seriously, a slight chop makes for a pounding on open water….. Tony Elrod 770.569.9486 (voice/fax) http://www.netime.com/~telrod/

Response:

Any recommendation about buying a bass tracker 17′ or alumweld bass boat?? Thanks Larry

Response:

My first bass boat was a Tracker Tournament V 17 w/ a Merc. 60 H.P. on it. I really liked the boat and its performance. If you can, get at least a 60 hp as the smaller, stock 40s and 50s just dont seem to cut it. I fish tournaments so I outgrew it quickly, but if you want a boat thats good on gas, gets up and goes and takes you where you want,large mouth Bass Tracker I vote for the Tracker. I never had problems with the hull or components but I did have a severe paint flaking problem on the trailer. 

Any recommendation about buying a bass tracker 17′ or alumweld bass boat?? Thanks Larry

I have a 2 yo TX 17 w/ 40hp Merc. It has plenty of locking storage, but the rod locker is small. It’ll do 30mph and run all day on less than 10 gallons of gas. I have a F150 w/4.9I6 and can’t tell it’s back there when towing. I fish Lake Fork a lot and would’nt like to scratch up a fiberglass boat. Besides, 30mph is a lot faster than the fish go!

Response:

Question:

I am pretty sure that the transom mount transducers have a universal hole pattern .Bass Tracker shops There will also be another piece to mount for a speed sensor . Since you mentioned that you are getting an aluminum boat , make sure you are getting one with a hull thickness of at least .10 and that it is all welded construction . You mentioned before that you were planning on keeping it for a while and a riveted boat will not take quite the pounding that an all welded one will. Plus most riveted aluminum boats have hull thicknesses of .080 and less .Bass Tracker shops Bass Tracker offers both riveted and welded , but mostly riveted to keep them cheaper . I like the models offered by Sea Ark and Express . I hope that didn’t make your brain cramp tighten up !!

Response:

I talked with the dealer today,Bass Tracker shops and he said it’s not a problem to do any setup we want with the fish finders.  Everything except the factory installed unit is ordered & installed a day or two before delivery, so to move a few things around isn’t a problem. This past year we bought a cheapy entry level boat to see if we liked boating, and we liked it so much we bought this one.  It’s a Lowe, all welded and .100 thickness all around.  I knew our first boat would be with us for a season at most because we’d upgrade if we liked boating or sell it if we didn’t,Bass Tracker shops but this one we do plan on keeping for awhile. I’ve never heard of the two names you mentioned, but this one has a good warranty, and I talked to a few people through the summer who had them and said they’re nice boats.  We looked at Bass Trackers, but I really wanted one of the new Ficht type motors, and the Trackers couldn’t be ordered in that configuration, so that also influenced our decision. Mark Since you mentioned that you are getting an aluminum boat , make sure you are getting one with a hull thickness of at least .10 and that it is all welded construction Bass Tracker shops. You mentioned before that you were planning on

keeping

Response:

You cannot use a through hull transducer with an aluminum hull.

Response:

I didn’t know that, but I do know that it comes with a transom mounted unit…  You cannot use a through hull transducer with an aluminum hull.

Response:

Question:

Well, yet another Mid-TN is in the books.discount bass fishing jon boats Those of you who weren’t able to come, missed out on a fantastic time with some really great people. I don’t believe anyone who showed had a bad time. Even if they went fishless in some tough water for the weekend. Now listen up group. There is no way you guys or gals should miss the next one. Huber brought down the Pro Craft all the way from Wisconsin and my guess is he would do it again after all the fun that was had. No excuses next time, just show up and fish, eat, drink, and be merry.discount bass fishing jon boats It’s an experience you will remember forever. P.S. The real reason behind this message is so that the cash pot will grow even bigger for my next win. So don’t miss the next one, baby needs a new

Response:

Yeah, you almost won that much in Vegas! Good job Bryan!

discount bass fishing jon boats, yet another Mid-TN is in the books. Those of you who weren’t able to come, missed out on a fantastic time with some really great people. I don’t believe anyone who showed had a bad time. Even if they went fishless in some tough water for the weekend. Now listen up group. There is no way you guys or gals should miss the next one. Huber brought down the Pro Craft all the way from Wisconsin and my guess is he would do it again after all the fun that was had. No excuses next time, just show up and fish, eat, drink, and be merry. It’s an experience you will remember forever. P.S.discount bass fishing jon boats The real reason behind this message is so that the cash pot will grow even bigger for my next win. So don’t miss the next one, baby needs a new

Response:

Hah! Didn’t G3Loomis write a little while back that luck has little to do with tournament fishing….. Fool4Bass sure proved him wrong this weekend, at least on Center Hill. He brought his Vegas mojo from the blackjack table with him. TNBass

Yeah, you almost won that much in Vegas! Good job Bryan!

Response:

Yeah, And went home with all the glory! Glad to see ya made it home ok Bryan! And thx fer helpin to make to year’s event memorable. Thx to all the guys that slide down to party with us. Hope we showed them a Tenn. good time! — ~~~~ The RodMaker (aka) The Shadow http://millenniumcustomrods.com http://finditoutdoors.com You meet your destiny; on the road  you took to avoid it!

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hah! Didn’t G3Loomis write a little while back that luck has little to do with tournament fishing….. Fool4Bass sure proved him wrong this weekend, at least on Center Hill. He brought his Vegas mojo from the blackjack table with him. TNBass Yeah, you almost won that much in Vegas! Good job Bryan!

Response:

We are pleased to hear that everyone had a great time. The word is: “True Die Hard Anglers”     It’s too bad the wind was a problem.  The Drop Shot may have produced.  Often the drop shot way can be a waiting game, but that just until you find out what color the bass want then it’s like catchin crappies.  At times boat position can be a problem. But you can bet that I’ll be tying on a Secret Weapon Spinner Bait just before launch. That just proves once more that the Spinner Bait is one of the most fishable baits made allowing it to be fish in just about any fishing condintion.  To top it off, the Bob Rickard Spinner Bait is just what the Bass wanted.  It truly is a must have bait”"     We will just have to see how many Western Bassers are willing to make the hual to Tenn. to share some good times for something good to remember.  This is true.  ” I can never have too many fishing Buddies”  I may just have to make the hual my self. Thanks, Gil — Mesa Tackle Supply http://www.tacklesupply.com

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, yet another Mid-TN is in the books. Those of you who weren’t able to come, missed out on a fantastic time with some really great people. I don’t believe anyone who showed had a bad time. Even if they went fishless in some tough water for the weekend. Now listen up group. There is no way you guys or gals should miss the next one. Huber brought down the Pro Craft all the way from Wisconsin and my guess is he would do it again after all the fun that was had. No excuses next time, just show up and fish, eat, drink, and be merry. It’s an experience you will remember forever. P.S. The real reason behind this message is so that the cash pot will grow even bigger for my next win. So don’t miss the next one, baby needs a new

Response:

I don’t know about that!  Was Fool4Bass driving or riding?  If he was driving and picked his own water, I’d have to say skill for locating bass had to be the answer.  If he was riding, he must have been doing something a little different to score the fish his partner didn’t! Either way, angler skill won and luck had nothing to do with it! — Craig

Response:

Congrats to you Bryan.  I haven’t heard the play by play yet but I’ll bet Roland would have been impreseed.  You’ve got something nobody can take away from ya now, a ROFB Classic title!  Y’know, I’m in next year, unless there’s one on the Potomac. Warren – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, yet another Mid-TN is in the books. Those of you who weren’t able to come, missed out on a fantastic time with some really great people. I don’t believe anyone who showed had a bad time. Even if they went fishless in some tough water for the weekend. Now listen up group. There is no way you guys or gals should miss the next one. Huber brought down the Pro Craft all the way from Wisconsin and my guess is he would do it again after all the fun that was had. No excuses next time, just show up and fish, eat, drink, and be merry. It’s an experience you will remember forever. P.S. The real reason behind this message is so that the cash pot will grow even bigger for my next win. So don’t miss the next one, baby needs a new

Response:

I was driving Craig. But I share credit in our pattern with my partner for the two tourney day, Mr. Rob Storm. After having trouble with a rented boat, we headed back to the marina for a switch out. Upon waiting for another rig, we decided to take a look at the lake map to kill time and both agreed on an area that we felt had the best possibilities. We worked well as a team and I felt as if I provided good boat positioning to allow Rob every possible fishing option that I had. The results were that we both landed fish and prizes for those fish. We placed in the cash ,first and second, in the first days event, and Rob got third big fish prize overall. It was real teamwork. Numerous times I asked Rob if he wanted the front of the boat. He told me with the water I was giving him, I could not be to blame if he didn’t catch fish. I passed up some good casting spots just so Rob could get at them. Would I have landed more fish in those spots? Maybe? But that’s not the point. The point is everyone had a good time, no, a great time. Even if I had not landed a fish all week, it would still have been a wonderful pleasure to fish with Rob and have us learn about each other. I feel as if I made a new and great friend. I hope the rest of you can show up for the next one to experience the same things that the rest of us did this time.

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I don’t know about that!  Was Fool4Bass driving or riding?  If he was driving and picked his own water, I’d have to say skill for locating bass had to be the answer.  If he was riding, he must have been doing something a little different to score the fish his partner didn’t! Either way, angler skill won and luck had nothing to do with it! — Craig

Response:

Gil, for expense purposes, you are more than welcome to fly into Oklahoma and have me taxi you there for the next one. You would not be disappointed. Well, other than my driving that is…..LOL

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     We are pleased to hear that everyone had a great time. The word is: “True Die Hard Anglers”     It’s too bad the wind was a problem.  The Drop Shot may have produced. Often the drop shot way can be a waiting game, but that just until you find out what color the bass want then it’s like catchin crappies.  At times boat position can be a problem. But you can bet that I’ll be tying on a Secret Weapon Spinner Bait just before launch. That just proves once more that the Spinner Bait is one of the most fishable baits made allowing it to be fish in just about any fishing condintion.  To top it off, the Bob Rickard Spinner Bait is just what the Bass wanted.  It truly is a must have bait”"     We will just have to see how many Western Bassers are willing to make the hual to Tenn. to share some good times for something good to remember.  This is true.  ” I can never have too many fishing Buddies”  I may just have to make the hual my self. Thanks, Gil — Mesa Tackle Supply http://www.tacklesupply.com Well, yet another Mid-TN is in the books. Those of you who weren’t able to come, missed out on a fantastic time with some really great people. I don’t believe anyone who showed had a bad time. Even if they went fishless in some tough water for the weekend. Now listen up group. There is no way you guys or gals should miss the next one. Huber brought down the Pro Craft all the way from Wisconsin and my guess is he would do it again after all the fun that was had. No excuses next time, just show up and fish, eat, drink, and be merry. It’s an experience you will remember forever. P.S. The real reason behind this message is so that the cash pot will grow even bigger for my next win. So don’t miss the next one, baby needs a new

Response:

I got all my fish on a white spinnerbait, with twin willow blades. Rob and I found water on the map we both liked and headed there. There were shelves that came off about six feet out and another six feet deep off each shelf until you worked out to around 18 feet of water. Then it got real deep. The banks favored, faced south and east respectively and worked around a main lake point. We threw the baits to the bank and dragged them off the shelves around submerged trees and bushes and blow downs. The bites came after the spinnerbaits dropped of the first and second shelves as we began slow rolling them back to the boat. Every fish I caught came around three feet off and to the left of cover in 5 to 10 feet of water. I never set a hook. Every fish caught hit hard and hooked itself. And best of all, all but 1 fish was caught less than 1 mile from the launch point. I did lose 1 fish that was a real hog on that first day do to ignorance. I neglected to check my line for scuffing while fishing the cover and broke off at the boat. I don’t know how big it actually was, but it could have been even bigger than the 4.6 from what little I did see of the it. So remember folks, don’t neglect that equipment just because the bite’s on. It could cost you a beauty.

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Congrats to you Bryan.  I haven’t heard the play by play yet but I’ll bet Roland would have been impreseed.  You’ve got something nobody can take away from ya now, a ROFB Classic title!  Y’know, I’m in next year, unless there’s one on the Potomac. Warren Well, yet another Mid-TN is in the books. Those of you who weren’t able to come, missed out on a fantastic time with some really great people. I don’t believe anyone who showed had a bad time. Even if they went fishless in some tough water for the weekend. Now listen up group. There is no way you guys or gals should miss the next one. Huber brought down the Pro Craft all the way from Wisconsin and my guess is he would do it again after all the fun that was had. No excuses next time, just show up and fish, eat, drink, and be merry. It’s an experience you will remember forever. P.S. The real reason behind this message is so that the cash pot will grow even bigger for my next win. So don’t miss the next one, baby needs a new

Response:

It’s ok but it may take me a few days just to get there.  ha ha Hey Great Job and a great win. Gil — Mesa Tackle Supply http://www.tacklesupply.com

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Gil, for expense purposes, you are more than welcome to fly into Oklahoma and have me taxi you there for the next one. You would not be disappointed. Well, other than my driving that is…..LOL     We are pleased to hear that everyone had a great time. The word is: “True Die Hard Anglers”     It’s too bad the wind was a problem.  The Drop Shot may have produced. Often the drop shot way can be a waiting game, but that just until you find out what color the bass want then it’s like catchin crappies.  At times boat position can be a problem. But you can bet that I’ll be tying on a Secret Weapon Spinner Bait just before launch. That just proves once more that the Spinner Bait is one of the most fishable baits made allowing it to be fish in just about any fishing condintion.  To top it off, the Bob Rickard Spinner Bait is just what the Bass wanted.  It truly is a must have bait”"     We will just have to see how many Western Bassers are willing to make the hual to Tenn. to share some good times for something good to remember.  This is true.  ” I can never have too many fishing Buddies”  I may just have to make the hual my self. Thanks, Gil — Mesa Tackle Supply http://www.tacklesupply.com Well, yet another Mid-TN is in the books. Those of you who weren’t able to come, missed out on a fantastic time with some really great people. I don’t believe anyone who showed had a bad time. Even if they went fishless in some tough water for the weekend. Now listen up group. There is no way you guys or gals should miss the next one. Huber brought down the Pro Craft all the way from Wisconsin and my guess is he would do it again after all the fun that was had. No excuses next time, just show up and fish, eat, drink, and be merry. It’s an experience you will remember forever. P.S. The real reason behind this message is so that the cash pot will grow even bigger for my next win. So don’t miss the next one, baby needs a new

Response:

You know what? Maybe I can stop by and pick you up and drive us there. Then we can talk bass tactics..he he Hopfully, if I get drawn for Elk and I bag one, I can take some of the burger to Tenn and have an ELK Storm Burger (R) I’d like to learn to cook the best Burger in the world”" gil — Mesa Tackle Supply http://www.tacklesupply.com

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Gil, for expense purposes, you are more than welcome to fly into Oklahoma and have me taxi you there for the next one. You would not be disappointed. Well, other than my driving that is…..LOL     We are pleased to hear that everyone had a great time. The word is: “True Die Hard Anglers”     It’s too bad the wind was a problem.  The Drop Shot may have produced. Often the drop shot way can be a waiting game, but that just until you find out what color the bass want then it’s like catchin crappies.  At times boat position can be a problem. But you can bet that I’ll be tying on a Secret Weapon Spinner Bait just before launch. That just proves once more that the Spinner Bait is one of the most fishable baits made allowing it to be fish in just about any fishing condintion.  To top it off, the Bob Rickard Spinner Bait is just what the Bass wanted.  It truly is a must have bait”"     We will just have to see how many Western Bassers are willing to make the hual to Tenn. to share some good times for something good to remember.  This is true.  ” I can never have too many fishing Buddies”  I may just have to make the hual my self. Thanks, Gil — Mesa Tackle Supply http://www.tacklesupply.com Well, yet another Mid-TN is in the books. Those of you who weren’t able to come, missed out on a fantastic time with some really great people. I don’t believe anyone who showed had a bad time. Even if they went fishless in some tough water for the weekend. Now listen up group. There is no way you guys or gals should miss the next one. Huber brought down the Pro Craft all the way from Wisconsin and my guess is he would do it again after all the fun that was had. No excuses next time, just show up and fish, eat, drink, and be merry. It’s an experience you will remember forever. P.S. The real reason behind this message is so that the cash pot will grow even bigger for my next win. So don’t miss the next one, baby needs a new

Response:

Bryan, I would gladly sit in the back of your boat any day.  Sharing a day on the water and a tale or two is, for us non-professionals, what fishing is all about.  Again, hats off to the organizers and those who made the trip. —    Go Fishing.  And may your fish be as big as your tales.    Columbia, SC  Lake Murray

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was driving Craig. But I share credit in our pattern with my partner for the two tourney day, Mr. Rob Storm. After having trouble with a rented boat, we headed back to the marina for a switch out. Upon waiting for another rig, we decided to take a look at the lake map to kill time and both agreed on an area that we felt had the best possibilities. We worked well as a team and I felt as if I provided good boat positioning to allow Rob every possible fishing option that I had. The results were that we both landed fish and prizes for those fish. We placed in the cash ,first and second, in the first days event, and Rob got third big fish prize overall. It was real teamwork. Numerous times I asked Rob if he wanted the front of the boat. He told me with the water I was giving him, I could not be to blame if he didn’t catch fish. I passed up some good casting spots just so Rob could get at them. Would I have landed more fish in those spots? Maybe? But that’s not the point. The point is everyone had a good time, no, a great time. Even if I had not landed a fish all week, it would still have been a wonderful pleasure to fish with Rob and have us learn about each other. I feel as if I made a new and great friend. I hope the rest of you can show up for the next one to experience the same things that the rest of us did this time. I don’t know about that!  Was Fool4Bass driving or riding?  If he was driving and picked his own water, I’d have to say skill for locating bass had to be the answer.  If he was riding, he must have been doing something a little different to score the fish his partner didn’t! Either way, angler skill won and luck had nothing to do with it! — Craig

Response:

Thanks Bryan, was wondering if anyone was going to tell us their strategy. Tried something similar at the ‘Dead Sea’ last fall, but I was using worms. Didn’t think of using spinner baits that way. And, congrats on the wins.  So, which reel are you going to mount on that custom Rodmaker rod?  And you do own the other Bob who couldn’t make the trip, which gave you a chance! —    Go Fishing.  And may your fish be as big as your tales.    Columbia, SC  Lake Murray

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I got all my fish on a white spinnerbait, with twin willow blades. Rob and I found water on the map we both liked and headed there. There were shelves that came off about six feet out and another six feet deep off each shelf until you worked out to around 18 feet of water. Then it got real deep. The banks favored, faced south and east respectively and worked around a main lake point. We threw the baits to the bank and dragged them off the shelves around submerged trees and bushes and blow downs. The bites came after the spinnerbaits dropped of the first and second shelves as we began slow rolling them back to the boat. Every fish I caught came around three feet off and to the left of cover in 5 to 10 feet of water. I never set a hook. Every fish caught hit hard and hooked itself. And best of all, all but 1 fish was caught less than 1 mile from the launch point. I did lose 1 fish that was a real hog on that first day do to ignorance. I neglected to check my line for scuffing while fishing the cover and broke off at the boat. I don’t know how big it actually was, but it could have been even bigger than the 4.6 from what little I did see of the it. So remember folks, don’t neglect that equipment just because the bite’s on. It could cost you a beauty. Congrats to you Bryan.  I haven’t heard the play by play yet but I’ll bet Roland would have been impreseed.  You’ve got something nobody can take away from ya now, a ROFB Classic title!  Y’know, I’m in next year, unless there’s one on the Potomac. Warren Well, yet another Mid-TN is in the books. Those of you who weren’t able to come, missed out on a fantastic time with some really great people. I don’t believe anyone who showed had a bad time. Even if they went fishless in some tough water for the weekend. Now listen up group. There is no way you guys or gals should miss the next one. Huber brought down the Pro Craft all the way from Wisconsin and my guess is he would do it again after all the fun that was had. No excuses next time, just show up and fish, eat, drink, and be merry. It’s an experience you will remember forever. P.S. The real reason behind this message is so that the cash pot will grow even bigger for my next win. So don’t miss the next one, baby needs a new

Response:

Oops, owe. —    Go Fishing.  And may your fish be as big as your tales.    Columbia, SC  Lake Murray

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks Bryan, was wondering if anyone was going to tell us their strategy. Tried something similar at the ‘Dead Sea’ last fall, but I was using worms. Didn’t think of using spinner baits that way. And, congrats on the wins.  So, which reel are you going to mount on that custom Rodmaker rod?  And you do own the other Bob who couldn’t make the trip, which gave you a chance! —    Go Fishing.  And may your fish be as big as your tales.    Columbia, SC  Lake Murray I got all my fish on a white spinnerbait, with twin willow blades. Rob and I found water on the map we both liked and headed there. There were shelves that came off about six feet out and another six feet deep off each shelf until you worked out to around 18 feet of water. Then it got real deep. The banks favored, faced south and east respectively and worked around a main lake point. We threw the baits to the bank and dragged them off the shelves around submerged trees and bushes and blow downs. The bites came after the spinnerbaits dropped of the first and second shelves as we began slow rolling them back to the boat. Every fish I caught came around three feet off and to the left of cover in 5 to 10 feet of water. I never set a hook. Every fish caught hit hard and hooked itself. And best of all, all but 1 fish was caught less than 1 mile from the launch point. I did lose 1 fish that was a real hog on that first day do to ignorance. I neglected to check my line for scuffing while fishing the cover and broke off at the boat. I don’t know how big it actually was, but it could have been even bigger than the 4.6 from what little I did see of the it. So remember folks, don’t neglect that equipment just because the bite’s on. It could cost you a beauty. Congrats to you Bryan.  I haven’t heard the play by play yet but I’ll bet Roland would have been impreseed.  You’ve got something nobody can take away from ya now, a ROFB Classic title!  Y’know, I’m in next year, unless there’s one on the Potomac. Warren Well, yet another Mid-TN is in the books. Those of you who weren’t able to come, missed out on a fantastic time with some really great people. I don’t believe anyone who showed had a bad time. Even if they went fishless in some tough water for the weekend. Now listen up group. There is no way you guys or gals should miss the next one. Huber brought down the Pro Craft all the way from Wisconsin and my guess is he would do it again after all the fun that was had. No excuses next time, just show up and fish, eat, drink, and be merry. It’s an experience you will remember forever. P.S. The real reason behind this message is so that the cash pot will grow even bigger for my next win. So don’t miss the next one, baby needs a new

Response:

You guys are fantastic. What a superb group of bassers. I think you guys are stupendous. You are all a class act with great talent. Sounds like the food and prizes were out of this world.There were freebies too. Standing ovation to all of you in organizing and making this event happen.When/where is the next one? Al Have fishing rod…will travel. Prospective fishing accomplice Gratuitous fishing consultant

Response:

Oops, owe.

Sounds like Bryan’s rod is a better rod than Bob’s rod. Maybe that’s why you made the freudian slip. Al Have fishing rod…will travel. Prospective accomplice in fishing

Response:

To overhear the high quality conversations in that boat between two such quality individuals would have been worth the trouble of trying to swim alongside their boat for the two days. — Bob Rickard SECRET WEAPON — World’s absolute finest spinnerbaits! All others are now obsolete . . . See for yourself at http://inetsa.com/user/secretweapon

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was driving Craig. But I share credit in our pattern with my partner for the two tourney day, Mr. Rob Storm. After having trouble with a rented boat, we headed back to the marina for a switch out. Upon waiting for another rig, we decided to take a look at the lake map to kill time and both agreed on an area that we felt had the best possibilities. We worked well as a team and I felt as if I provided good boat positioning to allow Rob every possible fishing option that I had. The results were that we both landed fish and prizes for those fish. We placed in the cash ,first and second, in the first days event, and Rob got third big fish prize overall. It was real teamwork. Numerous times I asked Rob if he wanted the front of the boat. He told me with the water I was giving him, I could not be to blame if he didn’t catch fish. I passed up some good casting spots just so Rob could get at them. Would I have landed more fish in those spots? Maybe? But that’s not the point. The point is everyone had a good time, no, a great time. Even if I had not landed a fish all week, it would still have been a wonderful pleasure to fish with Rob and have us learn about each other. I feel as if I made a new and great friend. I hope the rest of you can show up for the next one to experience the same things that the rest of us did this time. I don’t know about that!  Was Fool4Bass driving or riding?  If he was driving and picked his own water, I’d have to say skill for locating bass had to be the answer.  If he was riding, he must have been doing something a little different to score the fish his partner didn’t! Either way, angler skill won and luck had nothing to do with it! — Craig

Response:

WHAT?  They rented bass boats!  If you don’t mind, what did that cost you? Were they aluminum (Bass Trackers) or glass?  I think that is fantastic! How do they work out the insurance?  WOW! — Craig

Response:

I agree, with one exception. “Great” is an understatement. To you guys that couldn’t make it, I’m sorry for you. We all wished that you would show, and even thought about Al! Well…I need to start planning my next adventure…hehe…gotta a little trip to Rhinelander Wisconsin to iron out!

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, yet another Mid-TN is in the books. Those of you who weren’t able to come, missed out on a fantastic time with some really great people. I don’t believe anyone who showed had a bad time. Even if they went fishless in some tough water for the weekend. Now listen up group. There is no way you guys or gals should miss the next one. Huber brought down the Pro Craft all the way from Wisconsin and my guess is he would do it again after all the fun that was had. No excuses next time, just show up and fish, eat, drink, and be merry. It’s an experience you will remember forever. P.S. The real reason behind this message is so that the cash pot will grow even bigger for my next win. So don’t miss the next one, baby needs a new

Response:

You boys just wait til this westerner shows up then we will see just how big the bass get in Tenn. I’ll get-um on the drop shot with my secret soft plastics…he he how far from Wi.??? Gil — Mesa Tackle Supply http://www.tacklesupply.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I agree, with one exception. “Great” is an understatement. To you guys that couldn’t make it, I’m sorry for you. We all wished that you would show, and even thought about Al! Well…I need to start planning my next adventure…hehe…gotta a little trip to Rhinelander Wisconsin to iron out! Well, yet another Mid-TN is in the books. Those of you who weren’t able to come, missed out on a fantastic time with some really great people. I don’t believe anyone who showed had a bad time. Even if they went fishless in some tough water for the weekend. Now listen up group. There is no way you guys or gals should miss the next one. Huber brought down the Pro Craft all the way from Wisconsin and my guess is he would do it again after all the fun that was had. No excuses next time, just show up and fish, eat, drink, and be merry. It’s an experience you will remember forever. P.S. The real reason behind this message is so that the cash pot will grow even bigger for my next win. So don’t miss the next one, baby needs a new

Response:

The boat are Crestliner aluminums Craig. Small but surprisingly have a comfortable ride in the chop we had. Slow for the 50hp motor, but it was plenty once we eliminated  a lot of water on the map. The cost was ridiculous, but most things are inflated at a marina. As far as insurance goes, I would have been responsible for damage other than motor or electrical break down. You could make a couple of boat payments on a rig 5 or 6 times as good as this for what I payed for the weekend rate.

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – WHAT?  They rented bass boats!  If you don’t mind, what did that cost you? Were they aluminum (Bass Trackers) or glass?  I think that is fantastic! How do they work out the insurance?  WOW! — Craig

Response:

Gilbert <SNIP how far from Wi.??? The trip meter on the ol’ Dodge showed just under 900 miles, from Rhinelander to Edgar Evans State Park.  We did the trip in 16 hours stopping to eat a couple times and for the needed fuel stops. –

Response:

When I have fished Lake Fork, I see boats for rent.  A couple of websites http://www.ets-systems.com/lakeforkboatrental/ http://ets-systems.com/lakefork/services/boatrent.htm Bill

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The boat are Crestliner aluminums Craig. Small but surprisingly have a comfortable ride in the chop we had. Slow for the 50hp motor, but it was plenty once we eliminated  a lot of water on the map. The cost was ridiculous, but most things are inflated at a marina. As far as insurance goes, I would have been responsible for damage other than motor or electrical break down. You could make a couple of boat payments on a rig 5 or 6 times as good as this for what I payed for the weekend rate. WHAT?  They rented bass boats!  If you don’t mind, what did that cost you? Were they aluminum (Bass Trackers) or glass?  I think that is fantastic! How do they work out the insurance?  WOW! — Craig

Response:

hic” I’ll plan to fish the next one in the spring of 2002. Maybe the one in the fall of 2001. Fool4bass, if planned I can styop by and pick you up in Tulsa cuz it’s on the way to Tenn. “I’ll be ready this time”  :-) gil — Mesa Tackle Supply http://www.tacklesupply.com

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, yet another Mid-TN is in the books. Those of you who weren’t able to come, missed out on a fantastic time with some really great people. I don’t believe anyone who showed had a bad time. Even if they went fishless in some tough water for the weekend. Now listen up group. There is no way you guys or gals should miss the next one. Huber brought down the Pro Craft all the way from Wisconsin and my guess is he would do it again after all the fun that was had. No excuses next time, just show up and fish, eat, drink, and be merry. It’s an experience you will remember forever. P.S. The real reason behind this message is so that the cash pot will grow even bigger for my next win. So don’t miss the next one, baby needs a new

Response:

Question:

If anyone on here has a boat that fits that description they’d like Bass Tracker trout fly to sell please email me Thanx

Response:

I got a Bass Tracker III. 16′ 6″ Completely redone!New plywood, carpet, seats, trolling motor, 3 depth finders. SHARP.Bass Tracker trout fly Buying 40 hp merc., runs great, just serviced, in the Atlanta area.

Response:

Question:

Chuck,ricky green fishing machine xl bass  Electric brakes will quit on you in a short period of time with a boat trailer as they are not designed to be submerged in water. Surge brakes are the way to go. The newer surge brakes on trailers have a wire that connects to your trailer plug so that when the tow vehicle is put in reverse the trailer brakes do not apply. Your neighbor’s need to look into that. Those prices you mentioned I am not sure about as it would depend on the part of ricky green fishing machine xl bass the country you are in. My brother-in-law installs hitches, fifth wheels and does wiring on trailers as part of his welding shop business and he told me it was about $800 to install brakes on a trailer that had no brake system on it yet. Hope this helps.ricky green fishing machine xl bass Illegal?? Wow!!! I am assuming, although I have never checked, that it is legal here in Florida.. I have actually priced a set of Disc brakes for the trailer. . I really doubt I’ll go with surge brakes, especially since the truck is rigged for electrics. Two of my neighbors have surge brakes and both of them have problems with them, my neighborhood have fairly steep graded driveways and when backing the boat up them they have a tendency to lock. I also have a Ford F-150 and can’t stop the boat in the rain. However the Tahoe will stop that boat very well. Bear in mind I don’t run my truck at 90 down the road and try to stop 10 feet before a light. I realize that the concern is for the ignorant driver who pulls out in front of you, and expects you have the same braking capabilities as they do.ricky green fishing machine xl bass That is my biggest fear in pulling a boat, I call it Semi Syndrome. You know those people who pull out in front of a fully loaded rig and expect them to stop before they hit them.. Two new questions are: 1. Drums or Discs? Is this pricing good or should I look around? ricky green fishing machine xl bass No trailer Brakes In that case, you’re lucky that you can stop at all. You pull a 20 footer without brakes? That trailer would be illegal up here! RichZ