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Alaskan Discovery RV Tours 2010 RV Caravans to Alaska, The Last Frontier Small Caravans see and do more. Congratulations on taking the first step to the greatest adventure of your life. **For 2010 we have added several new tours, Nine complete meals and several mixers & potlucks. The tours consist of: Four Vehicle FULL Guide Staff, RV Tech/Road Service, Red Cross Certified CPR/BLS/AED Personnel & AED Machine/Oxygen, Each Night Satellite WiFi with Mobile Internet Access, Continuous Narration while driving, Free Pet sitting, International cell phone and Satellite phone for customer use in areas with no local service. Long Range VHF Radios are given to each rig for personal communication amongst the group and Staff. Lectures by our Staff Research Historian. Price includes above services & All RV Parks, Tours, Dinners, Events, and Activities. For More BIG Savings, we have bulk fuel discounts set up at all the Fuel Stations we use during the tour. You are not charged but refunded for any tours or events you are unable to or don't want to attend; therefore your Caravan to Alaska can easily cost less then the quoted $6733. We are your licensed Alaskan guides leading you personally through the course of the 34-day caravan tour. We guide you personally with lectures, city tours and a full narration. We are "Pet Friendly" and enjoy their company too. Free Pet walkers and watchers are available for no charge when you are on the longer tours. With us you eliminate possible problems encountered traveling alone. We are the only Caravan Company that has a Certified RV repair tech and Certified CPR/BLS and Trained AED ( Heart defibrillator machine) personnel, with a state of the art machine on each tour. We also have a full line of Medical accessories such as Oxygen, Oxygen rate sensor, eppy pen & miscellaneous items. We also carry a International cell phone and the latest "state of the art" Iridium Satellite phone to easily deal with any emergency that may come up, regardless of remoteness. VHF radios are issued to each rig for communication, caravan control, and most importantly for narration, lectures, and "questions & answers" as we drive along. They offer instant communication with all staff members and act like a party line so we can chat among ourselves as we travel, in a group, North To Alaska. Free WiFi each night with our Mobile MotoSat F2 Satellite Dish. We screen the radiators and inspect all rigs at no charge. Three self guided & narrated CD's are given to you at the end of each tour so you can travel home with a full narration, just like on the tour. Strip maps and important phone numbers are included with the three Travel CD's. We take numerous 10 minute stops during the travel day to make sure we stretch and stay active.
Everything is planned in advance. You know what to expect. So sit back, relax and enjoy the sights, adventures and friendships caravan travel brings. Plus, we have more fun that anyone else.
Please view our "Customer references" at the bottom of this page.
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Visiting "Salmon Glacier" "Jim" our great tailgunner, fisherman and trail boss Visiting Jack London's Cabin Northern Lights over Chicken, Alaska Kenai National Park Wildlife Tour Sunset over the Alaska Peninsula "Alaskan Discovery RV Tours
operates under a permit from the USDA Forest Service." Things you will see and do!
The tour is 34 days
long, ending in Kenai, Alaska. You will see all
the sights BC, Yukon and Alaska have to offer. We also include
the famous and beautiful Kenai Peninsula. By the end of
the tour you will have seen all of "RV’n Alaska." You may
desire to continue exploring and re-visiting your favorite places in
Alaska, as many do, before going home in small friendly
groups, or you may follow us back down the ALCAN to the
starting point where we will meet our next tour.
Daily orientation
meetings, lectures by Research Historian Wagonmaster and strip
maps are provided
as
we lead you personally through the course of the tour. New places
and experiences await you every
day.
All pets
are welcomed on our tours. Traveling with us
will relieve you of unnecessary stress. In the event of a breakdown,
you will not be stranded in an unfamiliar area. Our tailgunner and
mechanic will stay with you until you are up and running and able to
rejoin the group. Our routes are carefully planned and
organized to show you the most attractions at a comfortable pace.
We prepare all vehicles for
the trip by screening all radiators, "Transit-Shield" where
needed and a full inspection at no charge. Transit-Shield
is also available for a front wrap on Class A's and 5th wheels for
a small fee. Your Vehicle
insurance is good in Canada, as well as Alaska.
FIRST: Call
us to make your reservation. THEN: print out
and fill in the registration form and mail
it with your
$500 check to guarantee your place. We will confirm your
reservation by email or letter. You pay the remainder at
orientation on the first day of the tour. Some tours are "fixed
priced". The problem with such tours is you cannot take
advantage of reduced rates. All events must be paid in advance even
if you do not attend them all. There is no accounting of where or
"how much" you have paid for anything. No narration as they travel
separately. You must then return with the
caravan to the starting point before you have really finished seeing
and enjoying
Alaska. With us, you truly see and do more. We have more fun
then anyone else. Transit Shield available to
protect your rig. We limit our caravans to
18 rigs which
allows us to make your tour a dream
vacation. Our groups form friendship
bonds that last a lifetime. We are known for seeing and doing much
more as we
travel
north to Alaska, "The Last Frontier." I hope that you find the enclosed
information helpful, however, do not hesitate to call to ask
any
questions you may have. 800 842 7764 Iditarod Dog
Sled Race
Spike & lindy Iditarod
2007 We are Business Members and Sponsors of
the "Iditarod Sled Dog Race" and our leader, Spike Fortier, is
a Trail Committee Member with the Iditarod. Susan
Butcher
"Dave, Christana & Tekla" Susan's husband &
Daughters are first out in bib number one during the 2007
Iditarod as a Memorial in Susan's honor. We meet Susan Butcher's
family & see famous Trail Breaker Kennels ( www.susanbutcher.com
) and home to see her "Iditarod dogs". There we have a
family style dinner, see a video of her life and learn
interesting new facts about Dog Mushing. We then go for rides
at the Iditarod Headquarters with the Historic Iditarod
family "the Redingtons." Ryan Redington: http://www.callintrail.com/ Susan Butcher & Spike Iditarod
2002 The Yukon Quest dog sled
race A 1000 mile dog sled race from
Whitehorse, YT to Fairbanks, AK. We are also business sponsors
for the Quest and sponsor Michelle Phillips the famous Yukon Quest
Musher. Dave Monson (Susan Butchers husband) has won the Quest
and states that it is as tough if not tougher then the Iditarod.
Michelle states that she will run the Iditarod after she wins the
Quest. We wish her the best of luck. We visit her and her dogs
during our tour where she shows and runs her dogs
in Carcross, Yukon. She is a Author, Musher and is
featured in the film "Women of the Yukon Quest". Michelle is entering the 2010 Iditarod dog sled race......we need to
help push her into Nome. Please sponsor a
dog: www.yukonhuskies.com/sponsorship.html
Famous Lady musher "Michelle Phillips" with leaders "Joel
& Patches". Michelle likes to humiliate Spike "My commitment to you, is
to show you Alaska, at an affordable price, in a fascinating
and safe environment. I look forward to seeing you on our next
tour." Gilbert (Spike) Fortier, Research Historian, Tour
Guide & Wagonmaster Summer 2010 34 Day Tour Dates:
  
FMCA, Good Sam and AARP members when you sign up, you will get a free Alaskan vest. ************************************************************************************ 2005 RV Fuel Study!! Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) "Despite this summer's increased gas prices, RV trips remain the least expensive type of vacation." This is a great article on traveling By RV. The article can be seen at the bottom of the "News Letter" page, click "News Letter" . OR, Click this link to go to FMCA to view the entire page at their site: FMCA ***************************************************************************** OUR COMPETIORS Below are links to three of our closest competitors. Visiting their sites will help you make a decision on which Caravan Company you want to go with. There are several others available but in our experience we can not recommend them as freely as they are not quite up to the professionalism or experience needed in Alaska. Fantasy Caravans: http://www.fantasyrvtours.com Tracks to Adventure: www.trackstoadventure.com Camping World: www.campingworldrvtours.com **********************************************************************************
Support Our Partners: (Click on their Logo's to visit their Sites) Join the " Good Sam
Club"
Join our
growing list of AARP
Members
Visit ALASKA Travel Industry Association
Be a member of the
"IDITAROD" Team Member of the
Better Business Bureau
Alaska Member of the "Alaska State
Chamber of Commerce" Visit the Alaska Good Sam's
Club (Sourdough
Sam) *********************************************************************** WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN US AND OTHER CARAVANS, AND WHY ARE WE THE BEST? 1. We limit our caravans to 18 rigs. 2. After the tour, stay to
continue experiencing Alaska. 3. We are fully guided and
narrated. 4. We include Southeast
Alaska. 5. Over 141 events and
attractions. 6. We are Alaskan guides and cannot wait to show you our home state. 7. We have a RV tech and
tailgunners & Research Historian Leader. 8. CPR, BLS and AED
(Automatic External Defibrillator) trained wagonmasters. 9. We have more fun than anyone else. 10. For safety we carry international cell phones & a satellite phone. 11. We furnish all rigs with a VHF radio for group communication. 12. We enjoy broadband WiFi each night with our F-2 Mobile Satellite Dish. 13. We enjoy friendship as we explore Alaska's magnificent landscape and wildlife. 14. Free pet service. We walk and care for your pets on the longer tours. 15. Bulk fuel discounts are set up for us all along the travel route. 16. Self-guided Narration CD's with strip maps and important phone numbers are given you at the end of the tour....so you can travel home with the same Narration you had on the tour not missing a thing. You will learn the history of the area you are traveling through and more about the rich Native Heritage. 17. Prayer meetings available on
the Sundays we are on the
road.
2010 Alaska RV Rally in Tampa Bay January 22nd & 23rd. Every Winter we hold a "Customer Rally". The past six years they have been in Florida. The photos can be seen by clicking the "Tour Photos" button at the top of the page. Hundreds of past customers from our Caravans to Alaska show up to relive the Alaskan experience. Feel free to join us and meet some Alaskan travelers. Below is the information on this winters "Alaska RV Rally-2010"
Place: (Lazydays) Rally Park , 6210 Country Road, # 579, Seffner, FL 33584. (Located 10 Miles east of downtown Tampa on interstate 4.) How to sign up? Call Lazydays/Rally Park reservation number 800 905 6627 and advise the receptionist that you want to make a reservation for the ALASKAN DISCOVERY RV TOURS Rally that will be held on January 22nd & 23rd. They will take your reservation with a credit card. Cost: *One rig-two persons will be $95.54, including tax, for the two nights stay and two person BBQ/RIBS catered dinner on the 23th. *One rig-one person will be $82.38 including tax. *People flying or driving in and not staying at Lazydays pay for the BBQ dinner at a cost of $13.16 Per person. You also need to make that reservation for the dinner with the receptionist for the 23 of January. Early and Late Birds are charged a daily rate of $34.99 per site. THE ITINERARY: Friday January 22, RV arrivals go to check-in, get your site then move on in. Check-in time is after 1:30 pm. That afternoon will be visiting and schmoozing. 3 pm a "Block Party" in the middle of our section. At 5:30 pm come to the rally room for Spike & Lindy's Pizza night and more visiting. Day visitors come on down anytime to join the fun. Saturday the 23rd will have a 10 am class on "Stretching for RV'ers" and at 11 am a class on "Healthy RV'ing". 2 pm block party again......then at 5:30 head over to the rally room for a catered BBQ dinner. More visiting with songs, awards, maybe a bunch of give-aways and a raffle. Most important is our time together reliving those Alaskan memories, making new friends and seeing all the new Alaskan photos in our continuous slide show. Stay tuned for more updates as time gets closer. To get on our newsletter email a request to: spikealaska@earthlink.net If you are newly "signed up" for our summer 2010 tours or just an interested party, you are invited to join us and meet a bunch of RV'ers who have taken our tours to Alaska. COME EARLY STAY LATE TALK PLENTY
800-842-7764 Member: Better Business Bureau Alaska Chamber of Commerce Alaska Travel Industry Association National Forest Service E-Mail Us: Click Here
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References:
"The RV caravan tour I took with Alaskan Discovery RV Tours was the trip of a lifetime. The wagonmaster, Spike Fortier, is an Alaskan professional. With the ever-present narration, new friendships and the security a caravan brings, he showed us the best of Alaska, THE LAST FRONTIER."
******************************************************************************** Spike, we had
the time of our lives. As you know John was a bit unsure about
taking at "caravan" but after 34 days with you is convinced that a caravan
is the only way to go. As long as you are the wagon master!
You are the BEST. I can't tell you how many times I reached for the
radio on the way home when I wanted to know what something was. I
missed having you right there with all the answers. You shared with
us all the best places to eat, shop, and down right enjoy the true
Roger and
Stef were also great to have along. How would we ever park our rigs
without Stef there go guide us along and what would happen if we had a
flat without Roger there to help. All in all, our trip with Alaskan
Discovery RV Tours was without a doubt our trip of a lifetime.
For this we thank you. It would not have been the same without you
at the helm. John &
Susan Dear
Spike and Lindy, I hope that I can
relay the way I feel about our tour this year. Brenda and I have had
the most rewarding experience of our lives. As I said in our first
orientation meeting, Brenda and I are not new comers when it comes to
traveling and visiting beautiful places. We did it for 10 years, going
from coast to coast and all in between including
Thank you again for the best time of our
lives.
Your friends forever, Joel & Brenda
Scalf ************************************************************** I
would (and have) recommended this 'Tour of a Lifetime' to everyone who has
the chance to go. It was just FANTASTIC, much more than we ever
expected. - Spike was a great wagonmaster who is well-known and
respected by everyone, everywhere we stopped, along our journey through
BC, Our
15 rigs were hooked up to the same cb channel during our journey...Spike
would narrate to all of us as we started out each day and would point out
things along the way...like 'Moose to your right' or truck coming from
behind, pull over and let him get thru' or simply showing us 'permafrost
forests' along the way. We learned so much from him...He also would
direct us to the cheapest gas stations and where to get the best
food..Believe me, he never steered us wrong! We dream of eating
another of the 'World's largest cinnamon buns'..and it sure was....
(dinner plate size!) We
went on Tour 3 last year...This was nice because we got to see the bears
in Hyder AK actually grabbing salmon out of the river...just
incredible (and Spike knew just the right time of day (dawn &
dusk) to be able to see them). We didn't have a problem with
mosquitoes or flies either, as we expected....it was very warm and
dry for our trip. We found a lot of bargains in the shops on Tour 3
also, since the end of August; beginning of Sept. most stores are
getting ready to close shop for the winter. We purchased salmon half
price at one of Spike's favorite seafood markets so we were able to bring
a lot home in our cooler. As far as Tour 1 and 2, I would suggest checking
his website to see what would be different. We would go on Tour 3
again next time..... We
did not tow a vehicle...really didn't need to.. A few times Spike would
ask people who had a car to share with us and others who did not tow one,
so we would carpool to the top of Salmon Glacier, a road where rv's could
not possibly go...also, we carpooled to a couple of shows and
casino....and also for dinners, farmers markets and city tours,
etc. This was nice too, because we really got to know the
people we would ride with. Our group of people were so nice, we all
got along great and to this day, we all email and keep in touch, hoping to
do the trip again in a couple of years..None of us knew each other until
we met at Hazelton...and now we have friends all over the
You
will not be disappointed. Spike's tour is very well organized and he is a
'professional' and is proud of what he does. We talked to other
caravan people along our trip and most of them said their wagonmaster gave
them a map, split the group in two and said, 'have fun, will meet you
tonight'...Our wagonmaster, Spike, was ALWAYS with us, as well as our
tailgunners...great people.. Good
luck in making your decisions. Whatever you decide, have
a good time. I hope I have been helpful, and feel free to contact us
again for further questions... Sincerely, Barb (and Dan)
Burgmaster P.S.
we live in Rochester NY...so we drove from here toward Chicago, WI, MN, ND
into Saskatchewan then straight West toward Jasper, Alberta, where we
stayed a couple of days before heading to the starting point at
Hazelton. We took our time, drove only about 300-400 miles per day,
enjoying the sites along the way. We were glad we arrived 3 days
ahead of time to meet people and prepare for the Tour..we were not
rushed. Some people arrived a couple of days after we did and wished
they had come earlier.. Dear Fellow
RV'ers Yes, Yes, 1000 times Yes!!! Go with Spike to
Get ready for the trip of a lifetime---GO FOR
IT!!! Sincerely, Max and Laura Garlitz who were traveling with Judy
and Charles Shaffer (who do not have
e-mail--sorry) ********************************************************* Hello Spike & Lindy We finally made it home on Monday afternoon. We were gone a total of 98 days and we drove a total of 14,260 miles from start to finish. I
think it's incredible that we did all of that without
any problems. We thoroughly enjoyed everything that we saw and did
on the way On
the way back we traveled with Andy June; and "Plain ole Larry" and
Karen and we saw ...... It was quite a journey and we thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Thank you for providing such a great tour; for being so knowledgeable; and
for the lasting memories that we will have. Feel free to use our
email address for future references that prospective tour members might
request.
**************************************************************** We had a great time during the Caravan Tour...it was
an experience of a lifetime and we especially enjoyed our Guide "Spike"
and staff and our traveling companions.
We stayed 3 more nights in Kenai and Gino met with
his friend from his "wild days". And it really was exciting for them
both...they fished and reminisced and just had a ball. I was able to
visit with a friend who lives in our development in
We then headed to
The afternoon Spike and tour was due in we put on
our yellow jackets and hid until they had their group meeting at camp
run-a-muck. Marie and I sat next to some of the ladies in tour 3 and
Newell and Gino stood behind Spike...I think Danny tipped him off, but he
was really surprised...he introduced us and it was sure great to see them
all. Roger went with us to dinner that night at the SeaAlaska
restaurant...We left Hyder, reluctantly, Gino had "Bear Fever", he had to
keep going back to the viewing stand...Did see about 7 bear and loved
it. We are planning to go to the Jan 06 rally in
Florida....I hope you will all be there...we have a bond now and we would
love to see you all again...take care, be good, stay out of trouble, and
most of all, please keep in touch...I hope our paths can cross again...
Miss you all, Ethel &
Gino We had already had a wonderful trip and met many
wonderful and neat people and Spike did an incredible job leading the tour
and we will recommend his tour to anyone who plans on going to
Like Ethel and Gino, we also plan on trying to
attend the rally in January, and hope to see lots of others from our group
there also. Everyone take care and keep in touch and to those
that I promised copies of my poem I promise to get it to you as soon as I
can. We went back to work last Tuesday and have been busy
since. Oh, as for my Bells Palsy, it's getting better each
day I believe and I have an appt. with my dr. next Thurs. so I will keep
all informed about that also. Thanks for all the prayers and
concerns while on the trip and for all prayers even
now. The ************************************************************* Hi Spike and
Lindy, How is everything going with the two of you?
What exciting adventure are you doing
now? We are back to reality and it has really been
hectic. We have Alex back in school. Alfred or Seymore as he
was known in his past life is doing just great! Alex is doing well
also. I can tell you that we are still in the
"afterglow" of our Chuck and Ellen are coming over next Sunday night
for dinner so we can go over some pictures and just "relive" our great
experience. I am working on my
I hope all is well with you and we plan to see you
in January. Sincerely Lynna and Bob Schauer and Alex
too. *********************************************************
Spike, This is the picture that Kerry took while we
were camped in Homer in June. He just kept getting closer and closer
until the flag and the eagle went into the frame like
this. We would like to thank you for such a wonderful
trip last spring. It was way more than we expected and we
would never have done or learned near the things you presented
to us. We'd love to go back there but it sure won't be the same
without your guidance. We praise your Tour anytime someone asks
us how our trip to Thanks again. Kerry & Joyce
Taylor
********************************************************* Greetings
Spike!! Got home Thursday. Finally got the computer
unloaded this afternoon and was going to download the tour two pics but
they don't seem to be where I expected
them. Also want to thank you, Spike for enabling a
very life enhancing experience this summer, in so many ways. None of
it really belongs in an email but at some point after I sort it out maybe
we can talk. At any rate, I really appreciate your input in my
life. Thank you so much,
Beth ************************************************** There are so many wonderful We are on our own, we are missing Hi, we are Jim and Joyce Tiedeman. We live
in Gilbert is a great guide, very friendly and
extremely knowledgeable about B.C., the Jim & Joyce
Tiedeman ******************************************************** I wish
I had the time to tell you how much we, my wife and I, enjoyed our
caravan. We would go back in a heart beat. We have a motorhome and we tow
a Chevrolet Tracker four wheels down. At the time we went we could have
gotten along without the tow while we were on the caravan, but it would
have been inconvenient especially on the way out and on the way back. At
the time we went, Spike had a van in which he could transport those who
did not have a tow vehicle. Don’t know if he still does this or
not. As to
whether we would recommend it? Yes we have had four couples go with Spike
since we went and all four came back extremely
satisfied!! As to
hidden costs: What we liked about RV Alaskan Discovery Tours was that it
is unlike any of the other caravans in that it is a la cart. You pay Spike
the guide fee he states in his information; and he requires the campground
fees to be paid up front; and if you are planning to take the nature trip
at Denali NP you pay for that also so he can secure the tickets and
reserve a place for you when you arrive at the park. Other than that you
pay for the attractions as you come to them. And if you choose to skip one
or more of them, you can do so and you don’t lose any money as you would
on other caravans. As to
the time to go - the early trip experiences colder, wetter weather as a
rule, but see more wildlife, especially young. The last trip you see bears
due to the fact that the salmon are running later in the summer. We took
the middle trip which afforded us the best weather, but less wildlife. We
saw lots of wild flowers and some
wildlife. I am
sure that it would be pleasant to travel to the beginning of the caravan
with friends, but we never felt insecure or unsafe traveling alone. We
spent two months traveling to the caravan beginning point; and two months
after the caravan concluded, partly in The
number of rigs taking each caravan is limited. This is a plus. We have had
friends who did this trip with huge caravans (33 rigs) and all they did
was wait on each other. Spike’s caravans travel together and he points out
over the CB radio things of interest and helps with road conditions as you
approach them. We strongly believe that this is a real advantage over
other caravans who sort of turn you loose and expect you to get to the
next point on your own. There are two breaks each day - morning and
afternoon - as well as a lunch break. Most times these are at locations
where food can be purchased or eaten in your
rig. As to "hidden costs" - we had some
"bean counters" on the caravan with us who reported at the end that the
expenses predicted were right on target. Of course, you must figure in
your personal costs for gifts, extra food costs according to your eating
habits etc. Fuel was almost exactly what he predicted it would be. In the
year we went, the fuel in
The
fact that Spike lives in Hope to see you in Kissimmee, Florida at the Rally,
Joel & Carolyn Laney
********************************************************************* The
trip to
****************************************************************************************** We went to Alaska by RV in May 2001 and it was one of the
greatest trips of our lives.
We are still close to our fellow RVers we met on the
trip. The owner of the company is
also the guide. He only takes three tours a year
between mid-May and early Sep.
The trips start in Hazelton, BC and end in Kenai,
AK. You get home on your own.
We did a side trip on the way back to Valdez and also took
a tour out of Anchorage to
Kotzabu and Nome, just so we could say we crossed the
Arctic Circle. The last was a two
day deal and we left the RV at a park in Anchorage,
because we flew out of Anchorage airport.
The tour company name is Alaskan Discovery RV Tours, LTD
and the owner/guide is
Gilbert "Spike" Fortier. His web site is www.rvalaskatours.com, his e-mail address
is
spikealaska@earthlink.net and his phone is (800)
842-7764. His web site should give you a
good overview of how his tour works and approximate
costs. He only charges the guide fee
and you pay for everything else directly. The nice
thing about this is that if you don't want to
go to a particular show, dinner, or outing, you haven't
prepaid for it and feel you need to get
your money's worth.
Spike is a great guy and since he owns property in Alaska,
he knows the state and loves to show it to off.
If you need more info, just give him a call. He
would love to hear from you.
Linda and Larry Troutman
****************************************************************************************
Alaskan Discovery RV Tours is an equal opportunity service provider. We are the sole owners of the information collected on this site. We only have access to/collect information that you voluntarily give us via email or other direct contact from you. We will not sell or rent this information to anyone. We will use your information to respond to you, regarding the reason you contacted us. We will not share your information with any third party outside of our organization, other than as necessary to fulfill your request, e.g. to ship an order.
Unless you ask us not to, we may contact you via email in the future to tell you about specials
new products or services, or changes to this privacy policy.
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