Date:         Wed, 9 Dec 2009 21:39:22 -0900
Reply-To:     colorworks@GCI.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Troy <colorworks@GCI.NET>
Subject:      Alaska; Okay, How Cold Is It? Vanagon Content
Comments: To: John Rodgers <inua@charter.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=Windows-1252

Alright you guys, Troy here reporting in from Fairbanks. -7 at the moment and just got back from a ride in the van. My Subaru outback is my daily drive this time of year, but occasionally I fire up the Westy. Of course, it has a Subaru 2.2 as a power plant with the Peloquin Limited slip differential. Drives like a dream, well... as long as you can tolerate the squeaks of the suspension;) If I was to drive with any kind of regularity this time of year I would definitely have to do something about the fresh air intake. Normally I overheat in the van, but not this time of year! Pretty chilly in there.

As to the weather in Fairbanks, it is really really dry, unlike Anchorage, where they get a 8" of snow that turns the slush and creates a huge mess. Here in Fairbanks we do not have those kind of issues at all. Generally the intersections have a very thin layer of ice. They do not use salt on the roads at all, as it's too cold, but rather use gravel. It's very rare to have a windshield without a crack in it, and most people give up, myself included trying to maintain a perfect windshield.

I do keep cold weather gear in the car, but generally just wear layers, and vary them according to temperatures. Above zero temperatures (less than freezing) are pretty easily tolerated as its very dry. It's fairly easy to cross-country ski down to zero or so. I think we have 90,000 people or so, so not quite so desolate as one would imagine. It doesn't take much of a drive to get away from civilization though, and that to me is one of the beauties of living in Alaska. The vast wilderness is wonderful.

Westys do quite well, at least down to 10 below;) If I go out and yell, I'm sure my neighbor will ask me what the hell I want!

Troy