ALCAN Drive 2011

I'll chronicle my drive to trip to Kodiak, AK through this thread...

Well, got the house packed up - alone. Seemed like it was never going to end. Sucked.

Got on the road at 17:00, down to sister's house in Seattle for the night. Plan is to make it to Prince George, BC tomorrow.

Truck seems solid will do a final check on everything tomorrow before taking off. Going to go through tomorrow and eliminate some weight...

Got weighed at the landfill today and was 300 LBS over GWVR. She's definitely sagging in the rear, want to try and mitigate that as much as possible; especially with the brand new 2" AAL. Think a Dakar pack may be in the not-so-distant future...

Will update - stay tuned.





"Bro Lean"...Dammit.

 

I'm guessing Coast Guard?

I'm retired from Active Duty Air Force and currently working Civil Service on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Make sure you've got survival gear (shelter/food/heat) should something go wrong. Cell coverage is very sketchy to non-existent over most of your route and it might be a few days before assistance arrives should the worst occur. Not saying don't do it ... just be prepared. I've know plenty of folks that have driven it in winter with no problems. If you haven't picked one up already, get a Milepost.

 

Commercial Fisherman, moving to Kodiak - offered a Mate's position.

Have a milepost, as well as survival kit. Also, will be carrying a 406 Mhz. PLB (Personal Location Beacon). Full array of tools, snatch strap, Hi-Lift, etc.

Had a few events in my life recently that have taught me the importance of "planning for the worst".

 

Congratulations on the Mate's position! Great opportunity for you.

Good to know you're prepared. I've had too many of my airmen, coming up here or on their way out, plan to drive the ALCAN and then answer my question about survival gear with "I've got my cell phone". Some folks aren't aware how remote much of that drive is. No offense .... it's just the "old man" in me.

Good luck and Godspeed for a safe journey. I'll stay sub'd to track your trip.

 

A lifetime adventure on my bucket list. Sounds like you are prepared. I'd seriously consider a couple of large boxes of the non-essentials take the UPS route. Save fuel, wear and tear on truck. And just maybe free up enough space to crawl into the back with a sleeping bag if necessary.

Good luck with the new job at the end of this trip!

 

were you a fisherman back in RI?

 

Subbed, me and dad are planning a trip to AK next July! Oh and hey you got a 2.7 with a manual just like me! I really want to know how yours will handle all that extra weight going up all those passes and such! Good luck and keep us updated with pics!

 

Reached my planned destination of Prince George, BC. 12Hrs and 600 Miles down...

Absolutely beautiful up here; although civilization is far and few between. There are boarded up gas stations, rusting tourist traps and abandoned vehicles in front yards. Quite eery, actually. Cell service is sporadic at best, although it may be due to the fact that I have Verizon.

The roads thus far have been in very good condition, with no major delays or closures. No, it's not like driving Rt. 95 - get used to it! Watch for moose. Came upon three of them lounging right in the middle of the road around 2030 last night. Honestly, don't know if I would be as confident at night without the HID projector retro - the illumination is incredible.

Truck has been doing fine - although I can absolutely tell that she's loaded. Not going to break any speed records, although I will get where I need to be. Probably going to do the trip again in the Spring, with no excess weight/camper top. Couldn't even begin to imagine how sluggish it'd be with 285s and no re-gear.

Not too many opportunities to take photos yesterday. I really wanted to log some miles. Today's a short day - I'll be sure and take a few.

- jake

 

Started fishing out of Point Judith, RI right after High School. Got tired of all of the BS, and wondering if I'd be able to make a living after every trip.

 

I drove from Oregon to Alaska twice this year. Road is in great shape just don't try to stretch out your gas.
Many stations are closed in the winter so once you get down to a 1/2 tank fill up the first chance you get.

Enjoy the drive, hopefully you will not hit any severe cold temperatures.

Welcome to Alaska!

 

Reached Dawson Creek, BC

In the North Country now...snow!

Pretty clear driving through most of the day; note I said DAY...

Got to Chetwynd, BC just as the sun was starting to set - about 1600. Again, the trucks own the roads here, it's a fact of life. Began crossing the Rockies with heavy truck traffic and light snow - quite a ride! It's really nice when the snow limits your visibility to about 100 yards in front of your vehicle. Oh, and headlights are worthless, too! The dust and snow on the roads coated the lenses in about 10 minutes. All in all though, the crossing went smooth. It's easy to get hypnotized by the whirling snow, especially if you're fixating on the truck's brake lights ahead of you.

Had a convoy of three Tacoma's for about 150 Miles, highlight of my day!

 

more info on the mudflaps!

 

Had 'em in my FJ60 parts box...

I think they're OEM off of a 60 - Series. Soft rubber, with the old school TOYOTA - emblem across the bottom.

Pretty schweet.

 

they look like mud flaps off a late 80's toyota pickup!

Nice looking truck by the way

 

It's getting there. Think Dakar rears are in the not-so-distant future.

 

This is an awesome trip this time of year. My boy just pulled in from SC last night. He said the roads were good, but rough between Whitehorse and the border. Lots of critters along and on the road...safe travels!

 

Planning on Watson Lake tomorrow - then Whitehorse on the 23rd.

Heading to dinner in a few. No booze!

 

Awesome thread! I have wanted to drive the alcan ever since I got my drivers licence. Also I want those mud flaps on my truck! Looks good man, have a safe journey.

 

hope yourtravels are safe, I have driven this trip a dozen times, it is a beautiful drive.
Nice Truck!! and welcome to Alaska whe you get here