I still use west system epoxy. When sealing the edges paint on epoxy, heat with hair dryer, it will thin out and soak in. Reapply more and repeat 2-3 times, than finish coat. Try it on a few scrap pieces.
Take a ride in the back of local marinas. Check out the some of the hulls that are sitting around. The tops can be cut off and a sneak boat style deck can be put on. Totally custom for two and a dog. I did a 13' Whaler that worked out well for years. Just keep in mind to keep it low.
Hand tools are great. A foredom tools is a big step up. Check out the local carving clubs and DU, good source for wood, tools and carvers. Look for carving competitions, try to take a carving class and watch utube videos. Try to find floatsom foam and rasp out some bodies for practice.
Dani, you will see more scenery on the train trip than driving. Fly in fishing is a great trip,nice solitude, no noises except float planes. Or just take a remote fly over. Lake hood has many flight operators.
Train trip sounds great. I visited a friend there, great memories. Everything is a great distance apart, denali, fairbanks, wittier etc. E mail alaska tourist bureau, anchorage and your work conference for info. Good camera, comfortable cloths.