Considering a summer in Alaska....

[Quick281]

Anyone ever been there or know someone who has worked up there?

A friend of mine has a summer job locked down in Talkeetna, which is about 2 hours north of Anchorage. Another friend and I were considering traveling up there and spending the summer working and experiencing the state.

I am set to graduate in 3 weeks and I was going to get a job in Savannah and then begin my work life until I decide to go back to school in 2 or 3 years. However, the idea of heading up to Alaska and working for a bit sounds like it would be a memorable experience.

Everyone I have suggested this idea to have given me outstanding responses so far. I was wondering if anyone here had some first hand knowledge or experience they could share with me?

I would probably head up there sometime in late May and just throw my bed, desk, and bike in a storage unit. My car can be parked at a friends house while I am gone and my mom has vowed to take care of my dog for the 5 or 6 months. I am young, single, responsible for very few bills at this point, and in dire need of adventure. If I don't this kinda crap soon, I probably never will.

Discuss!

Thanks :rockwoot:

[Captain Morgan]

Do eet!! I spent 3 weeks in Anchorage one summer. Absolutely beautiful. I say go for it while you can!!!

[Trip]

Do it. I lived in Eagle River just north of Anchorage for 3 years. Summers are amazing up there. Just don't stay for winter.

[OneSickPsycho]

Ebb's dumbass lived there...

[Rider]

See if you can get a summer job at the Denali National Park.

[t-homo]

Ebb's dumbass lived there...

:rofl:

[Mr Lefty]

I lived up there for three years... just left there in Jan actually... it's a fucking GORGEOUS place... if your just spending a summer there.... it's AWESOME... what sucks is the length of the winters... they drag on and on and on... and on!

[Mudpuppy]

i went up there in 2006 and if you spend a summer there you may never come back.. i am still trying to figure out how i can move there.. only problem with my plan is i need a lear jet that will haul my track bikes so i can still come down to the lower 48 for track days.. i think the bank is almost buying into my plan of quitting my job, hunting, fishing and flying to do track days - i actually got the branch manager on the phone and he said STOP FUCKING CALLING HERE AND GET BACK TO WORK.. that's big progress from the laughing at me and hanging up on me in the past..

[Mr Lefty]

yeah the summers are awesome... but two winters and you'll be like... what fucking summer... :lol:

the 22hrs of daylight is fucking awesome! they have lot's of "mid night sun" parties especially as you go north and they really have 24hrs of day light!

it'll fuck with ya though for a little bit... you'll be tired as shit and it'll look like it's 330 in the after noon. look at your watch and it'll be 1130. :lol:

[Trip]

i went up there in 2006 and if you spend a summer there you may never come back.. i am still trying to figure out how i can move there.. only problem with my plan is i need a lear jet that will haul my track bikes so i can still come down to the lower 48 for track days.. i think the bank is almost buying into my plan of quitting my job, hunting, fishing and flying to do track days - i actually got the branch manager on the phone and he said STOP FUCKING CALLING HERE AND GET BACK TO WORK.. that's big progress from the laughing at me and hanging up on me in the past..

It gets fucking old quick. By the end of 3 years I either wanted to murder someone or kill myself. Alaska is the devil. I did my time in that place and I will never go back.

[Mr Lefty]

especially if your want to ride! roads are not very motorcycle friendly... unless it's a dual sport. in which case that place is fucking heaven!

but I agree... I'll be up there next Feb to pack my shit and head for Colorado... and will probably never go back... cept MAYBE to see my sis... but she's probably leaving soon too.

[Quick281]

Excellent responses!

Any recommendations on the best way to go about looking for a job or two? My friend and I game to go if we can lock in work for the summer.

We will probably throw my crap in a storage unit with both of our bikes and just fly up.

Everyone I have told says that I should go, and go now.

[Mr Lefty]

hum... jobs... I dunno... I thought you already had an in... maybe see if your friend can get you a job for the summer... :idk:

I'd definatly head now... the summer is short... so you wanna get an early jump.

[Captain Morgan]

Excellent responses!

Any recommendations on the best way to go about looking for a job or two? My friend and I game to go if we can lock in work for the summer.

We will probably throw my crap in a storage unit with both of our bikes and just fly up.

Everyone I have told says that I should go, and go now.

Check monster.com and careerbuilder.com as they might have something. Also find some of the local newspapers online and search their job listings. Keep in mind that rent is HIGH up there, so you'll probably also want to check roommates.com to see if there is anyone wanting to split a place.

[OneSickPsycho]

Check monster.com and careerbuilder.com as they might have something. Also find some of the local newspapers online and search their job listings. Keep in mind that rent is HIGH up there, so you'll probably also want to check roommates.com to see if there is anyone wanting to split a place.

That's surprising.. I figured it would be cheap as hell.

[Quick281]

hum... jobs... I dunno... I thought you already had an in... maybe see if your friend can get you a job for the summer... :idk:

I'd definatly head now... the summer is short... so you wanna get an early jump.

I do have a lead, but its not 100%. I would really like to get a good grasp of my chances before I hop on a plane and fly up there!

Check monster.com and careerbuilder.com as they might have something. Also find some of the local newspapers online and search their job listings. Keep in mind that rent is HIGH up there, so you'll probably also want to check roommates.com to see if there is anyone wanting to split a place.

Thanks, I am going to look into that tonight and see what I can find.

[Captain Morgan]

That's surprising.. I figured it would be cheap as hell.

You would think, but the overall cost of living is high up there, including rent. Maybe they don't over-build like some other places do, keeping supply low. :idk:

[Mudpuppy]

Excellent responses!

Any recommendations on the best way to go about looking for a job or two? My friend and I game to go if we can lock in work for the summer.

We will probably throw my crap in a storage unit with both of our bikes and just fly up.

Everyone I have told says that I should go, and go now.

From what I know you can head to like Kodiak and get a job in a fish factory pretty easy if you don't have a weak stomach.. gutting fish.. from there you can work your way onto a fishing boat.. from there to a crabbing boat.. some of the best boats make $40,000-$60,000 in 3 days.. of course you are pushing 750 lb baskets across the bow in 30 foot waves and most likely a couple of people per boat fall off and die.. but it just depends on how high your threshold is for adventure.. you could make 6 figures easy in a summer.. not saying it is easy though..

other than that not too sure about jobs because not sure what you are looking for.. i can inquire with my friend who lives up there if you give me some specifics..

[Mr Lefty]

That's surprising.. I figured it would be cheap as hell.

rent in Anchorage is High... it was higher there than it was in Sacramento. and cost of living sucks... I eat a lot of fast food so that's where I noticed it the most... no $1 menues... they're $1.50 menues or $2 menues... serious.

Gas is average price up there... but due to the cold... if you have to pay them... your utilities durring the summer are WAY low... it's usually 60-75*... and with the 22hrs of sun... you don't need your lights on very often...

but invest in some of those sleep masks or really thick (black out) curtains to allow you to sleep... or your first couple months if not the entire summer!

[ceo012384]

Alaska would be a sick trip in the summer... just look out for faggots named Brandon, I hear there have been a couple notorious ones up there :pebbs:

[Mr Lefty]

good think I'm in Korea then... so I'm not confused with those butt pirates...

[ceo012384]

good think I'm in Korea then...
Wait, nevermind, looks like you'll be in the clear.

[Mr Lefty]

that's what I'm saying... I'm in the clear... fuck tard

[ceo012384]

that's what I'm saying... I'm in the clear... fuck tard
No fucker, I meant he is in the clear and doesn't need to worry about faggot Brandons because YOU won't be there.

Damnit now you ruined it because I had to explain it to your dumb ass.

[Mr Lefty]

:lol: I know what you meant... but made you explain it anyways so it'd ruin the fuck'n lame burn that it was...

[JoJoYZF]

No fucker, I meant he is in the clear and doesn't need to worry about faggot Brandons because YOU won't be there.

Damnit now you ruined it because I had to explain it to your dumb ass.

I believe ruining it was his plan all along

[Mr Lefty]

I believe ruining it was his plan all along
great observation... did you pick that up your self or read my post above yours :lol:

[JoJoYZF]

great observation... did you pick that up your self or read my post above yours :lol:

I got it myself, but my internet is dragging ass right now

[ceo012384]

:lol: I know what you meant... but made you explain it anyways so it'd ruin the fuck'n lame burn that it was...

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff187/ceo012384/shutup.jpg

[Mr Lefty]

again... blocked at work... :lol:

[Mudpuppy]

i think you two need a cage match or something or just get a room already.. i forget what this thread was about anymore.. think it turned into a gay lover's spat or something.. ok who cheated? :panic:

[Quick281]

Can't remember if I mentioned this but the place my buddy will be working is Talkeetna.

I believe it is about 2 or 3 hours north of Anchorage. Anyone know anything about it? I am going to start calling for jobs tomorrow.

I might have a place to crash there for a little while till I can get on my feet.

[Mr Lefty]

Can't remember if I mentioned this but the place my buddy will be working is Talkeetna.

I believe it is about 2 or 3 hours north of Anchorage. Anyone know anything about it? I am going to start calling for jobs tomorrow.

yeah I've been there... but only drove through... it's small... course every town outside of Anchorage and maybe Fairbanks is fucking TINY...

I think Talkeetna probably has 3 gas stations, a grocery store, and maybe a fast food joint or two... at most. 70% of AK's population lives in Anchorage... and anchorage is just a LARGE town... (as opposed to a city) in my mind.

[Quick281]

yeah I've been there... but only drove through... it's small... course every town outside of Anchorage and maybe Fairbanks is fucking TINY...

I think Talkeetna probably has 3 gas stations, a grocery store, and maybe a fast food joint or two... at most. 70% of AK's population lives in Anchorage... and anchorage is just a LARGE town... (as opposed to a city) in my mind.

Hmmmm, maybe Anchorage would be a better choice. I will be with 2 good friends so I am sure we will entertain ourselves even in a small town.

What the hell is there to do? This is going to be an adventure.

[Mr Lefty]

anchorage is nice... and in your time frame you'll have a blast (gets old after a couple months) even in Talkeetna you'll be fine for a summer... so don't rule that out. besides, if your going for an Alaska experience then I'd say stay out of Anchorage as much as possible. though Anchorage is diffrent than the cities of the lower 48... it's still very diffrent from the rest of the small towns in AK.

[Quick281]

Excellent, would you say the town is small enough that I can walk around or get around on a bike? I am just trying to have all options figured out so that I have my shit together whenever I get up there.

[Mr Lefty]

Yeah... most definatly... you can ride a bike... or walk... no issues... though you'll wanna catch a ride in to anchorage once or twice. just to check it out

oh... invest in a camera... and either lots of memory cards or bring your laptop to store them... it's FUCKING GORGEOUS... and everywhere you look is picture-esk

[anyexcuse2ride]

I went to middle school and 9th and 10th grade down in seward. I worked on fishing boats and in the cannerys and for the coal exporting out of seward. My dad is still there, he owns a bed and breakfast and a video store. It is a great place to VISIT, as for living? not for me.

[Quick281]

Awesome, I am so glad I have someone with first hand experience on tap.

My friend will be driving up to Talkeetna so we will have his car on hand for trips into Anchorage or where ever we choose. I really wanted to drive with him, but I don't think there is any way I could get my passport renewed in less then 3 weeks. I may road trip with him back though, which would be a lot of fun.

[Mr Lefty]

That drive is one of the best I've ever been on. I just took it in October. I drove from Anchorage to Portland Or, took 4 days... but I was in a hurry and only slept for 3 hrs both nights. (drove through the last night) would have been a bit faster but ran into issues with my bank cutting off my account cause they thought my card was stolen.

when I get home I'll post some pics... if you can do the trip... DO IT... you'll see some AMAZING country... and I guarentee you'll see lots of wildlife... I saw, Moose, Bear, Bison, Doll sheep, Carabou, Elk, Mountain goats, Wolves, and a couple bald Eagles.

wished I'd gotten pics of them all...

[Quick281]

That drive is one of the best I've ever been on. I just took it in October. I drove from Anchorage to Portland Or, took 4 days... but I was in a hurry and only slept for 3 hrs both nights. (drove through the last night) would have been a bit faster but ran into issues with my bank cutting off my account cause they thought my card was stolen.

when I get home I'll post some pics... if you can do the trip... DO IT... you'll see some AMAZING country... and I guarentee you'll see lots of wildlife... I saw, Moose, Bear, Bison, Doll sheep, Carabou, Elk, Mountain goats, Wolves, and a couple bald Eagles.

wished I'd gotten pics of them all...

Awesome. I will probably drive down to Oregon because I have a brother who is expecting his first child and I will want to see it. Then drive over to Kentucky and fly home to Savannah from there. Should be a hell of a drive.

Going to start trying to find a job in the am. :dthumb:

[Mr Lefty]

i'll see if I can get my GPS info off my computer and post it up... the route I took from Anchorage to Portland...

[Quick281]

Is it true you can get paid to move to Alaska? I have heard that from a couple people with no real confirmation.

[Mr Lefty]

I never heard that... but if you set up your residency there... after 1 year you will recieve the dividen check. seen it range from 400-1400 depending on the year

[Mr Lefty]

Pics
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/53/145898753_7cd7255f0a_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/52/145898755_fb96ffd72a_b.jpg

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http://farm1.static.flickr.com/128/396135617_41e76bd765_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/148/408550204_16660a152e_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/214/459606519_4e1390b49b_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2108/1752929104_fc07b0f052_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2267/2098995565_350decd046_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2394/2102932061_d04347e95f_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2082/2103716920_565e1ef736_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2387/2225268512_c3ce48f788_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2039/2225291302_c99653eb28_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2299/2224502263_c5baf4dc12_b.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/Ebbs15/regular%20stuff/LastdaysinAK005.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/Ebbs15/regular%20stuff/ertyu.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/Ebbs15/regular%20stuff/Alaska094-1.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/Ebbs15/regular%20stuff/Alaska067.jpg

[Quick281]

Awesome pictures!

Just spent the day getting my passport done. Having it overnighted there and back, as well as expedited on the slight chance I could get it back in time to make the road trip from Kentucky to Talkeetna. Bout call around for jobs until my evening class. Wish me luck.

[Mr Lefty]

good luck!

[Mudpuppy]

awesome pictures man.. i wish i had some that good.. here is a couple of mine..

[Mr Lefty]

that elk shot and the rainbow in Wasiphilis (wasilla) are fucking bad ass...

[Mudpuppy]

the elk shot was at the reindeer farm and the rainbow was in denali..

[Mr Lefty]

no shit? that looks like where you just come down the hill in Wasilla...

[Mudpuppy]

no shit? that looks like where you just come down the hill in Wasilla...

actually now that you say that it does but no it was in denali..

[Mr Lefty]

where did you live? I never did make it up to Denali... I'm planning on take'n a trip up to Fairbanks when I go back to get my shit. never made it before I left. should be nice in Febuary :lol:

[Mudpuppy]

no i went up for 2 weeks for my friend's wedding - my aunt lives in wasilla and he lives in anchorage (now leaving alaska entering civilization aka anchorage)

[Mr Lefty]

Any update?

oh... found more pics... these are all from the drive from Anchorage to Oregon (cept for the first one... that's Seward bay)

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/Ebbs15/Alaska%20and%20Canada/DSCN0036.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/Ebbs15/Alaska%20and%20Canada/IMG_0287.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/Ebbs15/Alaska%20and%20Canada/IMG_0336.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/Ebbs15/Alaska%20and%20Canada/IMG_0371.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/Ebbs15/Alaska%20and%20Canada/IMG_0417.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/Ebbs15/Alaska%20and%20Canada/IMG_0467.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/Ebbs15/Alaska%20and%20Canada/IMG_0469.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/Ebbs15/Alaska%20and%20Canada/IMG_0476.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/Ebbs15/Alaska%20and%20Canada/IMG_0480.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/Ebbs15/Alaska%20and%20Canada/IMG_0499.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/Ebbs15/Alaska%20and%20Canada/IMG_0503.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/Ebbs15/Alaska%20and%20Canada/IMG_0533.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/Ebbs15/Alaska%20and%20Canada/IMG_0613.jpg

[comonboys]

Did that semi drive over that buffalo laying in the highway?????/

[Mr Lefty]

:lol: no... I had been sitting there for an hour waiting for them to move... he drove up bumpped them... they got up and walked 15' down the road and laid back down in the middle of the road:lol:

he bummped them again and they finally moved off... wasn't gonna try that in my truck though... they would have seriously fucked up my truck had they gotten pissed

[Quick281]

Great pictures Ebbs.

Haven't had time to call them and see if I got the job. Just finished moving out of my college town and putting all my crap in storage.

I fly up to Kentucky on Saturday to begin the great drive.