ALCAN Drive 2011

Just checking in ... thanks for the updates.

I should have thought to mention paper towels and a spray bottle of window washer fluid for cleaning the headlights. I have a 45 min commute between Elmendorf (Anchorage) and Palmer; when it gets up above 30 degrees I sometimes have to stop 1 or 2 times (in one trip) to clean mine off.

 

Day One of the Alaska Highway

Started at "The Famous Mile Zero" in Dawson Creek, BC at 0630 this morning. I guess I'll have to get used to the whole "No light until 1030 thing"... considering that I'm moving to Kodiak!

After Fort Nelson, the "real" AlCan Highway began. Actually was beginning to think that I was on the wrong road; due to the absolute lack of traffic. Was about to do a turn around until I cross-referenced creek names with my Milepost. Yes, this is the Alaska Highway...

Roads were in decent shape, until about 200 KM north of Fort Nelson. Recent snow, mixed with ice made for some treacherous conditions - especially on a few of the steep downgrades with extensive drifting/crosswinds. Shifted into 4HI after Toad River - much, much better. Averaged 60 MPH or 100 KMH for the day; not horrible considering the deteriorating road conditions. Still amazed by the lack of traffic - probably saw 20 vehicles during the duration of the Alaska Highway. Astounding.

Again, I cannot stress enough that you put gas in the tank at every available opportunity. I've been adhering strictly to that rule. Even more so after passing several closed/abandoned gas stations; don't go by what Google Maps, or the Milepost says. Many of the stations are closed due to Christmas. Oh, and it's not cheap, either...

Stopped off at Liard Hot Springs - absolutely stunning! Natural Sulfur Hot Springs, with a panoramic view of what seemed like every star in the Northern Hemisphere - with staggering snow-capped mountains serving as the perfect picture frame. Water temps ranged anywhere from comfortable to scalding; the perfect temperature somewhere in between. Spent about an hour in the water - any longer and I would have fallen asleep!

Not too much going on up here in Watson Lake. Was expecting some nasty cheap Motel...was pleasantly surprised! Seriously, this place is in back of a Gas Station!
Start of the highway, after Fort Nelson, BC - mud and snow. Not too bad.

 

Again, fuel up when you can. Needless to say, they didn't have any gas..

 

A little dirtier...

 

Yes, it's a road. I swear. Close to an 8 on the pucker factor scale.

 

Have a bunch more, let me know if there is any interest.

 

Loving the pics man! keep em comin Good thread, sub'd

 

There is MUCH interest!!

Born and raised in NW Washington. Fished out of Dutch a season, but mostly out of Blaine. So I never had to take the drive. I'm really enjoying the pictures so keep them coming!

Please.

 

What did you fish for out of Dutch?

 

Mostly Cod as that meshed with my School schedule. Once for King Crab, but my Dad said it took too much time out of school so I had to leave after one load. Old family boat back in the day where a 13 year old could still work the deck.

 

keep em coming

 

Is there much interest? I can't be more interested. Please post all you have.


Also can you post the specs of your truck?

 

The very worst part of the highway is the last 100 miles before you reenter the USA and the first 50 miles after you enter the USA.
Frost heeves galore. When you see those little orange flags on the road which indicate a bump, heed the warning otherwise you can end up with broken suspension parts.

Once you reach Glennallen and turn right to head to Anchorage drive about 60 miles and stop at Eureka Roadhouse for a great burger and homemade pie.

PS: Fast Eddies at Tok has the best food on the Highway, but be hungary because the portions are truly Alaskan sized!

Good way to save a couple of bucks is to arrive in Tok with a empty gas tank. Fuel up at 3 bears which is on the left side of the highway. Tok is about 7-8 hours from Anchorage so it might be a good place to spend the night before your final push in.

Good luck

 

Everything Thundjet says is solid good advice.

Especially the frost heaves marked with orange flags/cones. You'll hit some unmarked ones that'll make you wonder why they weren't marked ... the marked ones are really bad! You should be okay in the truck ... a standard sedan would be another story.


Keep the updates/pics coming. I haven't done the drive yet ... took the easy route on the ferry (Haines to Bellingham); this thread has convinced me to make the drive when I can scrape together enough time off ... have to ration it out for hunting, fishing, and trips to see family in lower 48. Another 3 years and my earned leave (vacation time) per pay period goes up to where I might be able to manage enough time for the drive. Miss those 30 days a year from Active Duty time.

 

Sub'd...Thanks for this thread, I'll be making this trip myself the end of January. 3600 miles starting in Illinois.

 

Awesome pics! Keep em coming.

 

Thanks for the advice!

 

OP,

Just caught your sig ... I have a sign in my garage: "Friends don't let Friends eat farmed Salmon". Which brings to mind a sight in a local WalMart this summer ... case of frozen salmon farm raised in Chile! Blew my freakin' mind ... stood there dumbfounded for a moment, thinking "Really .... in Alaska?? !! WTF!!"

Sorry, random neural firings ... I blame it on my "sometimers."

Stay safe and keep us posted. Godspeed.

Rob