Alaska wilderness: am I overreacting or just playing it safe?

dglvrk2

We plan to visit my family in Alaska this summer.  DD will turn two during the vacation.  My parents have a cabin on a remote lake in the Brooks Range, above the Arctic Circle.  You have to fly there, by small aircraft.  I've been there and it's beautiful, to say the least! When we go to AK, my mom and dad want to spend time at this cabin. As a childless person, I was all for it. We sat around, read books, drank wine, did construction projects, played cards etc.  My parents LOVE it too. That's an understatement. They even made remarks about giving up their cabin time to visit me in California when DD was born (in late June 2011).

Problem is - I have a whole new perspective on this sojourn as a mom.  

If DD were to require medical attention, the nearest hospital is hours away. By plane, On a good weather day.  

There is very little that's kid friendly....lake water is too cold for swimming, and the ground is too boggy for running around.  DD is a typical, on the go toddler.  How do I keep her busy?

There are guns around.  Yes, I'd watch her like a hawk, the guns would not be loaded, but we need to load and shoot if a bear is around and threatening.

There are bears....

My dad is a small aircraft pilot.  I love him with all of my heart and he's been flying since before I was born.  However, he's almost 70.  His reflexes and overall health are not what they were even 10 years ago.  I hate to say it, but I don't trust him flying such a long distance (300) miles with my DD in the airplane.  

Thoughts???

My plan right now is to wait until my parents bring up this trip.  (Who knows, perhaps one week in the Alaska wilderness with a toddler will seem rather unappealing to them when they think about it too.) When they do, I'll bring up my concerns (probably hold off on my dad's flying skills for now) and have an alternative side trip that is more family friendly.  

Any other ideas on discussing this with them? 

Thank you :-) 

mexicolombiana

Wow this is a tough one for me. Part of me says GO! Have fun! your toddler will love it! And part of me would have all the concerns you have.  Especially getting into a small plane! 

Anyway I really don't know what to say this is a toug

DawnJM25

We used to live in Alaska.  We didn't have kids at the time, but I can imagine.  You could always keep bear spray with you for the bears.  As for the other things, it really has to be your judgement as to whether you want to chase DD aro

Nel11

Huh, I'm not really sure about this one either.  On the one hand, it sounds like an amazing place, and I would think your toddler would love to explore, be outside, etc.  But I think your points are all valid and of real concern.  Honest

dglvrk2

Nel11:

Huh, I'm not really sure about this one either.  On the one hand, it sounds like an amazing place, and I would thi

Jen0204

I agree with others that it would be more fun in a few years.  However, if you went in  a few years would your dad be willing to let someone else do the flying?  My only concern about putting off the trip is that his reflexes will only get

kristennd

I'm from Fairbanks and we'd regularly visit family (including small children) who permanently lived out in the Bush. It wouldn't be very much fun (says the outdoors-hating person) but it wouldn't be particularly unsafe. The flying thing is a separate issu

Mustardseed2007

we live in Texas and our inlaws have some property in the hill country with a cabin, very rugged and pretty scene. Not as nice as AK probably. No bears, some coyotes though. We get there by driving not flying so that is not an issue for us, fortunately

pitterpatter129

No medical care if needed would be the only point needed to have me staying at home!  I want to have a doctor nearby at all times!  The rest doesn't sound kid friendly either though. 

Twirple

I grew up (from babyhood) spending a large part of my summer at our family cabin on a remote lake in Alaska.  Bears were a concern, but they are more dangerous when startled.  If you encourage your kid to make noise, it will help keep them away.