Date:         Thu, 6 May 1999 18:56:30 -0500
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <inua@ROADRUNNER.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <inua@ROADRUNNER.COM>
Subject:      Re: travel to ak

-- [ From: John Rodgers * EMC.Ver #2.5.02 ] --

Tim,

I lived in Alaska for 30 years, and drove down the Alaska Highway a couple
of years ago, and now just traveling the country waiting 'til the roads are
good to drive back this summer.

The Alaska Highway( us old timers still know it as the Alcan Hwy) is paved
now, all the way except for intermittent stretches where road crews are
doing maintenance or upgrading. Those areas can be rough at times. A couple
of spare tires are in order. Re-inforced sidewall tires are a must. You can
do it in standard passenger car low profile tires but you are asking for
trouble. No point begging for it. You want this trip to be trouble free.
Carry extra oil,  spare belts, and a cheater bar for your lug nuts, unless
you thightened them your self at last tire servicing.

You have had lots of advice, but look up "The Milepost" on  inernet, and
order a copy. For a first timer you should not be with out it. It is an
annual publication and has been published for many years. It has a map of
the highway and a description of each mile of the journey, what you will see
and where to go, where to eat, etc. It also has maps of adjoining highways,
as well as providing information on the best ways to get to Dawson Creek,
the southern terminus of the Alaska Highway, whether coming from the East,
West, or Central US.

Carry plenty of mosquito dope. They can be savage, and in areas, thick as
fleas on a new pups back. Depending on where you plan to go and your
activities, you might want to consider some head gear with mosquito nets
tucked inside. Though it's daylight most all night, in the evenings,
especially in mountanins areas,  it can get quite cool, so jackets are in
order.

Be careful of moose crossing the road. Moose often have twins, and if a
seemingly  lone adult suddenly crosses the road, just about the time she is
in the bushes at the edge, expect one or two calves to suddenly bolt out of
of nowhere into the road right in front of you. When mama crosses, they will
hesitate, then when they realize they are about to lose sight of her in the
brush, the will charge after her, of course having no idea of the fate that
may be hurtling towards them like a demon on four wheels about to take their
life.  A moose can make a real mess of a vanagon, and ruin a good trip.

Be sure you have a good camera and lots of film, or a video camera.

And finally, be prepared for a most incredible journey!!!!

Enjoy!!

John Rodgers
Alaska Curmudgeon driving an '88 GL
-------- REPLY, Original message follows --------

Date: Thursday, 06-May-99 12:45 PM

From: Tim Lott                 \ America On-Line: (TkIrMiMsY)
To:   Vanagon                  \ Internet:    (vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com)

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


-------- REPLY, End of original message --------