lilswift

Hello All,
You can call me Eliza Thornberry. I am new to bike touring. I'm 23 year old female who would like to go on a biking adventure starting from Portland Oregon to Bellingham Washington. But it doesn't stop there! Once in Bellingham I would like to aboard the Alaskan Marine Highway and explore South East Alaska! Ketchikan, Juneau, Haines, Sitka, Skagway and other places in this region. I plan to spend however long it takes at each stop, all while fishing, exploring on bike, foot, trying all the local brews and meeting new faces. The tour will eventually end with me taking the ferry to Whittier Alaska, where I will ride to Anchorage. I grew up in Anchorage so once I'm there I will meet up with great friends and will have finished my adventure.

I have yet to get a partner to join me. I would like a male figure due to security reasons. As of now, I am trying to convince my guy friends to join me. Its really hard to get one of them to commit and join me.

I plan on going on this adventure June 1st 2013. Right after I graduate College.

Bike:
so i just purchased a specialized Dolce Apex Compact Elite. A friend of mine recommended this bike, as his gf rode this bike for 900 miles and liked it. I love the bike so far and it feels really comfortable. What do you think?? (see picture)

I am working a job to save up for this trip. With that said, how much do you think it will cost me (ferry will be 900$ total) ?Food? lodging? etc?

I am also wondering on what would make the best touring racks and bags for this trip?

What would be the best shoes?
Clip-ins?

Anyone ever do a similar trip to my trip idea?