Date: Thu, 6 May 1999 14:53:03 -0700
Reply-To: "Steven X. Schwenk" <Steve@SCHWENK-LAW.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "Steven X. Schwenk" <Steve@SCHWENK-LAW.COM>
Subject: Re: travel to ak
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
I have traveled from pennsylvania to alaska overland three times (twice
hitchhiking), but that was back in the 80's when the alcan was still a small
road, and a lot of gravel. We never once had a flat tire. A 2nd spare is great
if you can swing it, but don't let that stop you if you can't.
Unless you're in a great hurry, i wouldn't worry about a second flat. It might
force you to have an adventure or two, getting the spare fixed. We met some
neat people and had some great times on those occassions when we were stranded
in the mddle of nowhere waiting sometimes 2 and 3 days for a ride. There are or
were some interesting characters living near that highway.
i would also suggest that you take a look at the cassier highway. I found it
far prettier than many of the dreary monotonous streaches of the Alcan. It was
all dirt...one lane in places, with beautiful lakes, glaciers ande more. not
all that turck traffic either.
Definitely do go to Homer. I spent a winter on crossman ridge in small cabin
several miles off the road and about 10 miles from homer. Head up into the
hills for some spectacular views. I couls see Mt. Illiama from my cabin...an
actiuve volcano. And if you go there and have some $ to burn, the McBrides run
quite a place across the bay...if you don't mind traveling in a skiff. I met
Walter kronkite in a small bar on the homer spit once, he was apparently staying
at the McBrides. There is also a cove across the bay where you can catch kings
that are 6' long, like sooting fish in a barrel, but you need a boat to get
there.
Have fun. sure wish i was going.
Chris Paquette wrote:
> I agree with this suggestion wholeheartedly. Take two spares, as suggested.
> I rode the Alcan from Los Angeles up to the Arctic Circle and then over the
> Top of the World Highway (which is actually a dirt road, in spite of the
> grandiose name) into Alaska a couple of years ago (in a Chevy pickup, not a
> Westy). Since the Summer months are really the only viable period that roads
> can be worked on, road crews tend to tear up long sections at a time, and
> tear it down to bedrock. There was one stretch in British Columbia where
> such a stretch lasted for 30-odd miles. I got a flat there from the sharp,
> exposed rocks.
>
> Also, be prepared to have your windshield cracked at least once. Logging and
> oil trucks are abundant, and they're in a hurry. They can (and often do)
> kick up baseball-sized rocks as they pass and you WILL suffer the
> consequences. Give them a wide berth. If your windshield does get cracked,
> there are places along the way that can mend it with a chemical, provided
> the crack hasn't spread too much.
>
> Besides the TWO spare tires, I would suggest a good CB radio. There are long
> stretches between towns, and cellular coverage is still relatively sparse.
> If you need to call for help, a CB is likely to be your best bet.
>
> Trip suggestions: Try to make it to Homer - a fantastic, scenic, eccentric
> little town. Also, if you're in Alaska when the State Fair rolls around (in
> Palmer), by all means try to go. Great fun, and an unbelievable setting.
>
> You should be in for the time of your life! Alaska is the most beautiful
> place I've ever seen.
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
> > Of John Morris
> > Sent: Thursday, May 06, 1999 10:54 AM
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: Re: travel to ak
> >
> >
> > Tim, aside from the obvious I'd bring a good spare and another
> > just in case,
> > the alcan can be almost an off-road experience in some spots.
> > Good luck (I'm jealous)
> >
> > John Morris
> > '85 Westy
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Tim Lott <TkIrMiMsY@AOL.COM>
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> > Date: Thursday, 06 May, 1999 12:40 PM
> > Subject: travel to ak
> >
> >
> > >Hello list:
> > > I'm traveling to Alaska this summer in my 82 westy from the West
> > >coast and I'm looking for any experienced travelers who have
> > made this trip
> > >in the past. In preparation I have collected extra fuel line, fuel pump,
> > >clamps, and fan belt. What are some other must haves?
> > >Thanks akbound
> > >
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