Getting home from Alaska.

[Intimid8tor]

I go to Alaska fairly often for work. With all the issues happening I am a little nervous about getting to the lower 48 from Alaska if something were to happen.

Drive to Washington is about 2400 miles from Anchorage. I always have a car when I am there and am lightly armed. Taking a rifle this time.

I need to figure out some kind of ghb that I can store up there but that is somewhat discreet. Most of the people I know up there aren't as concerned with world issues since, they are well removed in Alaska.

Thoughts?

[sunborder]

Getting through Canada while armed ought to be entertaining...Have you considered that they may close the border in certain circumstances (pandemic, nuclear exchange, major terrorist attacks, etc...)? They being the Canadians OR the US?

Do you have some plan for getting your firearms across both borders, or are you planning to ditch them before Canadian border?

Honestly, hope you have access to a boat, rather than a car.

[Neuvik]

If its a situation like another version of 9/11 where all air traffic is grounded and border closed you might just have to wait it out. I doubt they would really close the border, there was still vehicle, pedestrian and maritime traffic after 9/11. But if you can't get through by car or air; on the southwestern area there are protected waterways that have varying forms of traffic. Whos knows, maybe you could hitch a ride with an ITB (integrated tug and barge) or other small transient craft. The bunkering and commercial terminals wont work for hitch hiking, you need with TWIC card to get in. But smaller ports might work. One the waterways you can cover a lot of ground. There is also rail to consider.

Theoretically maritime traffic in the next 9/11 event will be seriously scrutinized but I think the USCG are just going to be a walk on board, do a few checks, then off to the next vessel. They are going to be busy, and forced to spend real time verifying the documentation on foreign commercial vessels.

But certainly have various forms or copies of ID, and cash. Failing that, a map of the border area, or local townships and just wait it out. Maybe phone numbers to local town chambers of tourism and call from a pay phone. The physical phone system should still be up. I think cell service would be up too since the populations centers just aren't as big there. But who knows. Maybe keep a prepaid phone too?

[Intimid8tor]

I would be fine up there as long as they are functional. My issue is getting home to families. All of those books I've read about getting home after an event suddenly seem more real.

My buddy just retired from the Air Force and he and his wife live a few houses down. I probably should spend more of my time making sure he is in time to help out. My wife is not as prepperish as I am so she will need some help and she will have out son as well. We have basic necessities covered for 6-8 weeks with the exception of water. Time to add some more.

[C&Rtrader]

If something terrible happens when you are in Alaska I would accept the fact you won't make it home anytime soon and plan for it.
At home: make sure the wife understands your preparations and how to use them. Work a deal with your air force buddy to keep an eye on them.
For you in Alaska.. Find a cheap self storage place and leave stuff there. Perhaps enough cash to buy a used car and gas money for the drive? 2400 miles is no joke.

[71MUSTY]

Just procure a boat and sail strait North to Arizona.

[kbenson]

If it were not for the family, I would stay in Alaska

[Steve_In_29]

Personally in the event of a truly SHTF situation, I would be more concerned about getting the family TO Alaska.

[Ripon83]

That

Actually Alaskans won't fair well with out supplies brought to them. They grow almost nothing for consumption their and fish, fowl and four legged critters only sustain you so much without greens. Aquaponics indoors might work their, but with out such a plan getting your family there is not a good idea.

Air craft or boat is your only serious option. I'd look into a sea kayak as the inland passage is pretty easy to navigate. They are easy to hide and carry a decent supply line of goods. Safer then driving.

Personally in the event of a truly SHTF situation, I would be more concerned about getting the family TO Alaska.

[DavidR310]

Just procure a boat and sail strait North to Arizona.

problem solved.

[jyo]

It's a loooooong walk back...

[Steve_In_29]

Actually Alaskans won't fair well with out supplies brought to them. They grow almost nothing for consumption their and fish, fowl and four legged critters only sustain you so much without greens. Aquaponics indoors might work their, but with out such a plan getting your family there is not a good idea.

Anchorage has mild enough summers to grow at least some crops outdoors and green houses can extend the season when temps start to dip.

[GW]

Yes but 3000 miles just to the California border.
I agree with the fellow who said get storage up there and plan to stay a while. Its great when you read stories about folks who make that 3500 mile trek to get to their families but what you never seem to hear about are all of those who don't make it. And driving? Figure to need 200 to 250 gallons of gas to get from Anchorage to home in CA. That's a big trailer/target.
Bug in up there and pray

[DavidR310]

Yes but 3000 miles just to the California border.
I agree with the fellow who said get storage up there and plan to stay a while. Its great when you read stories about folks who make that 3500 mile trek to get to their families but what you never seem to hear about are all of those who don't make it. And driving? Figure to need 200 to 250 gallons of gas to get from Anchorage to home in CA. That's a big trailer/target.
Bug in up there and pray

He's in Idaho, but it's still a drive.

[bigguns85]

you can do it lewis and clark style anc kyak back just be aware you will need to hunt and gather food on your way back and it will probally take a few months. If your going to do that make sure to get a system to be able to roll the kyak over land when needed or get a colapsable kyak to not have to drag it everyhwere. You should also get alot of differant maps so you can use them to get home multiple ways. Just my thoughts for your situation.