CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS
Below is a sampling of letters and email we've received from some of our very happy customers!
Also, a travel log of photos of the summer tour by one of our
customers in 2018. From Arizona to Anchorage and
back. Click here:
2018 TOUR
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Jeanne Paddison-Tidy
(Presidential
Award Recipient)
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Spike, we had the time of our lives. As you know John was a
bit unsure about taking at "caravan" but after 35 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 Alaska as only a true
Alaskan can. We also miss your Sunday prayer meetings along
some of the most beautiful highways know to man.
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
Trip 2
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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 Canada, and Nova Scotia. This truly has surpassed all the
other trips. Not that Alaska is more beautiful than most of the
places we have been, but you and Lindy made it so.
Brenda said she talked to you, Spike, and told you how much she and
I enjoyed your oral narration from the beginning, and now through
the return tapes. She mentioned you sometimes wondered if it was
really enjoyed that well. I know I can only speak for myself and
Brenda, but we thoroughly enjoyed those narrative explanations of
rock formations, mountains, rivers, Natives, Totem poles, and so
many more things that I couldn't remember and had to ask
again.
You provide a service that can't be bought, only lived. And on that
note, let me say that you and Lindy give something no other tour
group even offers and that is a genuine love of others no matter
where you’re from, or your economic status. You really touched my
heart the way you lead by example in your works and your deeds. God
bless you and Lindy for the love you show to everyone.
Thank you again for the best time of our lives.
Your friends forever,
Joel & Brenda Scalf
Hey Spike,
Thanks you for your Christmas dance.... so entertaining and just
what we would expect of you and your gang!
We know you get tons of email and thanks etc. but we
want to once again, thank you.......
We want to tell you that your Alaska tour was more than we could
have ever, ever hoped for and we recognize it is
you who is at the heart of
all these tours. Of course, like everyone else who believes
their tour was the best as they tagged along behind you on the
Alaska Highway, we believe our ‘04 tour was the fabulous!
Spike, YOU have the gift to touch folks’ hearts and souls. I
remember like it was yesterday.... it was the very best ‘church’
experience I have ever attended! It was on a hot day [100
degrees was the high] in Skagway, sitting in our folding chairs,
under a huge tree, with our beloved dogs, whom you personally
invited to attend. You smiled but didn’t bat an eye when our
Skeeter barked a suggestion. I don’t recall exactly the words
that were said but those moments touched my heart and soul. My
brain can take me back to that joyful place in time like it was
yesterday, as happens with so many other experiences shared with
you!!
We are from California and knew that during the tour, we would meet
travelers from other states. However, we did not realize they
would become so close. Even after all these years, we continue
to cherish that circle of friends, who we keep close in our hearts
even though they live in Illinois, Texas, New York, Florida,
Wisconsin, Tennessee and New Mexico.
So sorry we had to cancel coming to the rally this year, but know
all in attendance will have a grand time. For those who are
yet to follow you on the ‘Trip of a Lifetime,’ we envy you!
I
don’t know if you will read this at the rally as it may seem you are
tooting your own horn, but if we were there, I would read it aloud
and you know I would. Anyway, we want YOU to know what a
joyous and wonderful impact your have made in our lives! We
thank you more than our words can say!!
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We are almost back in Texas, and I finally have some time to send
you a
note. There really are not any words to fully express my thanks, and
my joy
at what you gave me on this adventure. Tears still come to my eyes
as I try
to write this, and a month almost has gone by. I always felt drawn
to
Alaska, but I could never make it happen on my own. You provided me
with the
greatest adventure of my life so far! I didn't just SEE the North, I
EXPERIENCED it thanks to YOU! You gave me knowledge, and an
education of
the area, the customs, the people, the land, the smells, the sounds,
the
waters, the.mountains, the tundra, the foliage, the geology, and so
much
more than I ever dreamed I would find. When people ask me what was
my
favorite part of my trip, at first I couldn't pick a favorite. But
now, I
realize and tell them, my favorite part of this trip was you!
Without you,
and your wisdom and knowledge, it would have been a great beautiful
trip,
but you made it a life changing experience for me. I love that you
gave us
so much of your love for the people and the history and customs. I
have a
first hand knowledge and love and appreciation for mushers, for gold
panning, for all those that have created and made Alaska and the
Yukon what
is is. I love the Yukon and all it represents, and I never even knew
that it
existed really. I know that this was a job for you, and we were
clients. But
you matter to me so very much, and I want you to know that my heart
is full
of gratitude and love for sharing so much of yourself with us. You
touched
my soul, and my heart, and I thank you! You gave me a great gift and
its one
that ranks up there with Santa in events that changed me and made me
a
better person. I look so forward to seeing you again, and enjoying
your
spirit! Save travels to you, and much love. Connie Travis
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, Yukon and Alaska.. He is very knowledgeable
and a kind-hearted, gentleman.
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 two 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 USA. I just wish I had brought a
better camera with us, one that has a nice telephoto lens. Ours was
digital, and took great pictures, but others in our group got the
better shots of bears up -close and moose.. They were nice to share
those close-ups with us, though.
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.
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Dear Fellow RV'ers
Yes, Yes, 1000 times Yes!!! Go with Spike to Alaska.
We traveled from Northern West Virginia to Washington in six
days--visited with relatives and then went on from there. We stopped
each day to tour something and enjoy the scenery. We spent an
extra night in SD to see Crazy Horse and tour the cultural center
there plus Mt Rushmore. It took us three or four days to reach
the Indian Village from Seattle. We came home from Kenai
across the Alaskan Highway and down through Montana and back to WV
in 9 or 10 days. I think the June 27th trip is
ideal--that way you get to celebrate the 4th of July in Skagway
which is great fun. We are tempted to tailgun for Spike in a
year or so. Have not made up our mind yet due to family
vacation conflicts. He's one great guy with a heart of
gold!!!! Traveling with Spike was one of the most wonderful
trips we have ever taken--and we have been to Egypt, Australia, etc.
We were traveling with another couple in their big rig on the June
27th Caravan last year (2004-trip 2) to share expenses and save on
gas. Our brand new 5th wheel stayed at home waiting for
us--we've used it several times now and love it. We liked
traveling in the motor coach and pulled a Cavalier. It is not
necessary to have a tow car because Spike and others will help
transport you. You become close friends on the Caravan--one
big, happy family. This is assuming you have a good sense of
humor and lots of patience. They do lots of fun skits and
teasing at get-togethers! Also, sometimes forest fires and
roads test your patience. We loved every inch of Alaska and
hope to go back once in the winter and once more in the summer.
Our ages are 62 and 65.
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)
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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 to the starting point; especially the great 34 day tour;
the Special friendships that we made with all of you; and the trip
back to Texas.
On the way back we traveled with Andy June; and "Plain ole Larry"
and Karen and we saw Clyde and Betty and Vivian Gary and in northern
California we saw Richard and Charlotte (moosey, moosey, moosey).
We really enjoyed those extended relationships.
...... 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.
Stay in touch, David & Minka & Elvis dog (Jesse)
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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 Nevada,
but spends the summers in her place along the Kenai River...so that
was fun.
We then headed to Valdez, where we encountered Larry and Margaret as
they headed out of Valdez and Katina and Nick...we all noticed each
others "Alaska Tour" signs and turned on our CB's right away and was
able to visit for a short time. Once we were in Valdez, we
went looking for Chet & Ellen, and Lynna, Bob, and Alex...can't miss
the RV's with the orange signs, but they were not there, so we left
a note, and that evening they all came by our campsite at another
campground and for a visit. So fun to hookup after the tour...
The next day Newell & Marie came to our campground and we camped
together another night and then we both headed off together for
Hyder. Spent a night at Glennallen and then 2 nights at
Whitehorse...Ate at Chet & Chris's and Clo and Doug's restaurant
they enjoyed two times while in Whitehorse...it was good....After
Whitehorse, headed to the gravel/dirt road to Hyder. Stopped
at Jade City and spend the night there...they have a free
campground..then off to Hyder...we were trying to get there before
Spike and gang got there with tour 3.. We got to Hyder and stayed 2
nights at camp run-a-muck...(made reservations) We ate at the
SeaAlaska where we had the halibut casseroles with Spike previously
and Clo and Doug and Newell and Marie got hyderized...was good, but
I was kind of getting halibut overdose. We tried the
bakery/pizza restaurant where Spike got our sticky buns and had very
good pizza...
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
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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 Alaska.
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 Texas Two - Marie & Newell Sartain
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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 Alaska
adventure. So many people want to see our pictures and hear
all about it. What a marvelous opportunity it was for us and
thank you so much for how wonderful you made it for us!!
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 Alaska pictures and there are some on your
website for tour 2 that I would like to have. I have not been
able to download them or even just print them off of the website.
Is there any possible way I could get a disk with those pictures on
it.
I hope all is well with you and we plan to see you in January.
Sincerely
Lynna and Bob Schauer and Alex too.
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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 Alaska
was.
Thanks again.
Kerry & Joyce Taylor
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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
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There are so many wonderful memories from our time together.
Now that we are on our own, we are missing everyone terribly and we
talk of you often.
Traveling mercies to all.
Larry and Karen
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Hi, we are Jim and Joyce Tiedeman. We live in Sauk City, WI and have been on 3 tours to Alaska with Gilbert Fortier - first in 1999, and again in 2002 and 2004 as tailgunners for Gilbert. In 1999, we were on the first tour which started the first part of May. In 2002 and 2004, we were on the third tour and that is the one that we enjoyed the most. The weather is good, the flowers are beautiful, there aren't as many people as during the middle of the summer, there are more animals and fishing is good.
Gilbert is a great guide, very friendly and extremely knowledgeable about B.C., the Yukon and Alaska. If you go on a tour with him, you will know more about these areas and see more attractions than most of the natives. While you do not have to do all the things that are on his itinerary, most of his customers do as they may never have the opportunity again. He knows where to shop for the best bargains, where to buy the most reasonable fuel and the best cinnamon rolls. Gilbert keeps his groups small so you get to know and enjoy all the other travelers. We have become friends with many of the people we've met on the tours and have visited them at their homes and keep in touch by e-mail.
Jim & Joyce Tiedeman
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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 Alaska and also several weeks coming home. We met individuals
traveling to the caravan in Banff and went the remainder of the way
with them.
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
Alaska was exactly what we had paid in Florida before leaving.
The fact that Spike lives in Alaska and obviously loves it is a real
plus in our opinion. The small caravans are also a plus. You are
NEVER left alone. If a rig experiences problems, the tail gunner is
left with you.
Hope to see you in Kissimmee, Florida at the Rally,
Joel & Carolyn Laney
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The trip to Alaska was very special to us. We had always
wanted to go. But
now the trip is even more special because we have made some
friendships that
we want to carry with us for the future. God Bless Each of
You, and I hope
your lives have been enriched as ours have.
Larry & Alice
Larry & Alice Collins
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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
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