iDRY Vacuum Kilns

Sponsors:

Taking my diesel to Alaska

Started by Qweaver, January 27, 2014, 08:51:24 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Autocar

We dove it in 2001 your never regret the drive its beautiful,I don't remember the name of the place but its at the Yukon River Bridge [ Don't stop on the bridge sence 2000 they have cameras up and get pretty wired up when they see a truck stop on the bridge ] But on the north side of the river theres a hamburger shop they claim to have the biggest hamburger in Alaska. Good road all the way I felt alot of it was blacktop. If you get a chance take the Top Of The World Highway out of Tok Alaska over to Dawson Yukon what a up hill climb, when you come to the border you drive for a number of miles into Canada before they found a flat spot to put there guard shack.
Bill

Reddog


Magicman

I am trying to figure out what it is that you are trying to figure out.  The Arctic Circle is about 125 miles North of Fairbanks.  Stop just North of the Yukon River to fuel up going and coming.   Also get your "Arctic Circle" hat pin there.   They may have the Arctic Circle certificates there but we got ours at the Arctic Circle Trading Post which is at Mile 49, Elliott Highway.

We spent the rest of the "night" at the Arctic Circle rest area after watching the sun not set.  The next morning we turned around and headed back South.

Knothole Sawmill, LLC     '98 Wood-Mizer LT40SuperHydraulic   WM Million BF Club Member   WM Pro Sawyer Network

It's Weird being the Same Age as Old People

Never allow your "need" to make money to exceed your "desire" to provide quality service.....The Magicman

Al_Smith

I got my "arctic circle" pin when I was in the navy .They call it a blue nose .Really it was being above the arctic circle under water .

Al_Smith

My dad wanted to homestead in Alaska .Had he had his way I would have been born there.

Much later 1980 to be exact he finally made it there .He was bound to spend some time above the arctic circle which he did .After a 3 month trip when they got home I asked him how cold was it .He replied not bad but the mosquitoes in summer where the size of crows .He might have been expounding a tad much on that one.

sawguy21

Not really. They have paint schemes and landing lights, take on two drums of fuel. :D Seriously they and the black flies are big and downright vicious. Couple long hours of sunlight and a short season. Bug gear and nets are mandatory if you want to preserve your sanity.
old age and treachery will always overcome youth and enthusiasm

Magicman

They also refuel in flight, so outrunning them is not an option.   :-\
Knothole Sawmill, LLC     '98 Wood-Mizer LT40SuperHydraulic   WM Million BF Club Member   WM Pro Sawyer Network

It's Weird being the Same Age as Old People

Never allow your "need" to make money to exceed your "desire" to provide quality service.....The Magicman

Qweaver

Mosquitoes and no-seeums nearly ruined a sailing trip to the Florida Keys for us a few years back.  We had to anchor far off-shore each night and if there was no wind they would still find us and the no-seeums would come right thru the netting.  Will spray and screens control them?  I would not go thru another spell with them like we did in Florida. 
So Many Toys...So Little Time  WM LT28 , 15 trailers, Case 450 Dozer, John Deere 110 TLB, Peterson WPF 10",  AIM Grapple, Kubota 2501 :D

Magicman

After the draft and the playing teams are selected for Alaska, the rejects are sent to Florida because they have short dull stingers.   :D
Knothole Sawmill, LLC     '98 Wood-Mizer LT40SuperHydraulic   WM Million BF Club Member   WM Pro Sawyer Network

It's Weird being the Same Age as Old People

Never allow your "need" to make money to exceed your "desire" to provide quality service.....The Magicman

Hollis Alaska

We always enjoy our trips through Canada. One road that we really enjoy driving if we are coming down from White Horse is to take the Cassiar Hwy down and then over to Prince George. It runs down the East side of the Coastal Range (you can make a quick side trip to Hyder). Or if you're wanting to add in a boat ride is head over to Prince Rupert and catch a ride on a BC Ferry down. Prince Rupert to Port Hardy and then drive down to the Powell River Ferry) We usually catch a Alaska Ferry into Rupert  and then drive down, really enjoy our rides down south as the scenery seems to change every couple hours. It's spectacular all the way down through the Thompson and Frasier Canyons. There are a lot of old Hotels on the way down that have clean nice reasonable rooms, and friendly folks. We usually cross the border at Sumas and stay in the left lane (after the line goes around the corner it splits into two lanes and is usually faster). If your going over to Powell River you'll have to go on through Vancover and up the Sunshine Coast (there are two short ferry rides, BC Ferries are alot cheaper then Aslaska Ferries). If you do the walk over to Skookum Chuck Rapids is pretty neat and  a good way to see a tidal flow. Be sure and get a copy of the new Mile Post it will be out pretty soon (shameless plug as we have an add in the 2014 issue) So many cool things to do, the only mistake is to not give yourself enough time. Let us know if you would like any more ideas. We usually just find a place to just drive into the bush and camp out in our tent if the weather is good (we try and avoid campgrounds). Make sure your Bear Spray has a picture of a bear on it to pass through Customs, (Be sure and say Bear Spray and not Pepper Spray when talking to customs) and if your going to carry a firearm fill out your paper work before you get to the border crossing.

Gary

Qweaver

Cell phones are going to be a problem for us as we travel thru Canada on our way back to the US from Alaska.  Is it possible/practical to buy a track phone for use while we are in Canada?  How good will coverage be if we get one?  June is approaching fast and we are really getting excited about this trip.
So Many Toys...So Little Time  WM LT28 , 15 trailers, Case 450 Dozer, John Deere 110 TLB, Peterson WPF 10",  AIM Grapple, Kubota 2501 :D

Magicman

You could lease a satellite phone if you felt that you were that desperate for phone coverage.  Trac Fone is simply a prepaid cellphone that uses existing towers/service and does not offer any advantage as far as coverage.
Knothole Sawmill, LLC     '98 Wood-Mizer LT40SuperHydraulic   WM Million BF Club Member   WM Pro Sawyer Network

It's Weird being the Same Age as Old People

Never allow your "need" to make money to exceed your "desire" to provide quality service.....The Magicman

Qweaver

We brain stormed our Alaska check list last night. I think I will post it to get your suggestions.  Should I post it as plain text or could I attach the Excel worksheet?  It's quite a long list.  I hope we can fit it all.  The storage area in the extended cab area may be packed.   The test 2 day camping trip next week should tell the tale.
So Many Toys...So Little Time  WM LT28 , 15 trailers, Case 450 Dozer, John Deere 110 TLB, Peterson WPF 10",  AIM Grapple, Kubota 2501 :D

Qweaver

Here is our Check List  BTW, Where do we buy Bear spray and what brand is best?

Tools

Socket Set
Wrench Set
Screw Driver Set
Allen Wrench Set
Plier Set
4 way Lug Wrench
Hyd Jack
Jumper Cables
12v Compressor ?
Duct Tape
Fix a flat
18v Drill & charger
Tire Plug kit
Brake Fluid
Spare fuses
Motor oil
12 v deep C Batt
Camper Things
Blankets
Pillows
Sheets
Towels
Binoculars 2ea
Water Jug
Clothes Pins/ Line
Compass
Coolers  1 lg 1 sm
Lock Box
First Aid kit
Fishing gear
Flash lights
Folding Chairs 2 ea
Folding Table
Knives/ sharpener
Fuel tank
Extension Cord
Matches/ lighter
Tarp
Pepper Spray  3ea
Sleeping bag
Folding Shovel
Pota-Potty
Toilet paper
Cooking Things
Skellet
Pots
Dish Soap
Plates/ cups
Silver ware
Paper Towels
Trash Bags
Snacks/Drinks
Zip Lock Bags
cheese
seasoning
Beans
Picante Sauce
Drier Sheets
Dish Pan
Cutting Board
Chefs Knife
Personal Things
Reading Material
CDs
Ball Caps
Bath Soap
Tooth Paste
Tooth Brushes
Medicine
Bug Spray
Cameras
Cash
Cell Phone\charger
Gloves
Credit Cards
Deodorant
eye glasses / strap
Long Sleeve shirt 2
Antacid
Rain Gear
Sun Block
Cloths Quinton
Medium Jacket
2 Sweat Shirts
7 shorts
7 Tee Shirts
7 socks
3 blue Jeans
Boots 1
Tennis Shoes
Rain Gear



So Many Toys...So Little Time  WM LT28 , 15 trailers, Case 450 Dozer, John Deere 110 TLB, Peterson WPF 10",  AIM Grapple, Kubota 2501 :D

loghorse

toliet paper?, also turn one battery in flashlight around so wont accidentily stay on if gets bumped.if you go by calgary stop at the space needle or tower and ha ve breakfastor a meal.while you are eating you will move complete 360 degrees and see all the way around.extra camera batt. you are in for a blast of fun.

Magicman

Your list looks good.  I do not believe that you will have any problem finding whatever you may not have.  There are Napa and general stores in most of the smaller towns and Wal-Mart in the larger ones.  The general stores are very will stocked because the residents need stuff too.  I would not worry too much about bear spray, but the stores will have it if you think that you need it.
Knothole Sawmill, LLC     '98 Wood-Mizer LT40SuperHydraulic   WM Million BF Club Member   WM Pro Sawyer Network

It's Weird being the Same Age as Old People

Never allow your "need" to make money to exceed your "desire" to provide quality service.....The Magicman

Qweaver

Quote from: Magicman on April 13, 2014, 03:02:42 PM
You could lease a satellite phone if you felt that you were that desperate for phone coverage.  Trac Fone is simply a prepaid cellphone that uses existing towers/service and does not offer any advantage as far as coverage.
Sarah signed us up for a Sprint option today that will allow us to take and make cell calls in Canada for 20 cents a minute.  So problem solved.
So Many Toys...So Little Time  WM LT28 , 15 trailers, Case 450 Dozer, John Deere 110 TLB, Peterson WPF 10",  AIM Grapple, Kubota 2501 :D

scsmith42

Here are some ideas... Spare batteries for all battery items, rechargeable flashlight, army pack shovel, a few MRE's, first aid kit, high lift jack, blocks of wood to go under the hyd jack, cardboard or carpet remnant in case you have to slide under the truck, extra bungee cords, funnel for pouring fuel into your tank, electric tape, paper and pens/pencils, tow straps/chains in case you get stuck, silicone sealer.
Peterson 10" WPF with 65' of track
Smith - Gallagher dedicated slabber
Tom's 3638D Baker band mill
and a mix of log handling heavy equipment.

sandhills

Just reiterating what scsmith said mostly, highlift jack (very nice to have in a pinch if you would get stuck or if your hydraulic jacks work like mine most of the time  :)) and definitely paper and pens.  My Uncle that took me there had me keep a log on our trip, can't find it right off hand but I could tell you everywhere we went, stopped, fuel mileage/prices, camp grounds we stayed at, people we met along the way etc. etc.  You won't regret writing it all down!  Being me I'd also throw in a gallon of anti freeze and one of water (mainly because I drive junk  :D).  A little different now in the digital age but I believe I took over 300 pictures along the way with my little camera, plan accordingly.  You guys are gonna have a blast and a wonderful trip!

Qweaver

OK!  We are almost completely loaded-up and still have plenty of space left.   I may put the cargo carrier on the front receiver and just carry it folded up just in case we want to buy something to bring home with us. 
I still need to wire the house battery into the battery charger/12v power supply.  There are only a few lights and a fan using 12v so the draw on the battery will be just a few amps,  but I wonder how large a wire I need for charging the battery from the rectifier.
So we hit the local lake campground for two days then we leave for Alaska on the 22nd.   

 
So Many Toys...So Little Time  WM LT28 , 15 trailers, Case 450 Dozer, John Deere 110 TLB, Peterson WPF 10",  AIM Grapple, Kubota 2501 :D

scsmith42

Most battery isolators that I have seen used either 10 or 8 guage wire.
Peterson 10" WPF with 65' of track
Smith - Gallagher dedicated slabber
Tom's 3638D Baker band mill
and a mix of log handling heavy equipment.

Qweaver

The 2 day "shake down" cruise ends today and I'm glad we did it.  We learned a lot about living in a really small space.   We have taken long trips in our 25' sailboat but this camper has  only 6' x 8' of main cabin and a queen size sleeping space.   We are going to consider how to reduce things on our list that we can do without.  i.e.  Sarah insists that she needs 3 cooking pots. So she needs to figure out where to store them in already full cabinets. 
It rained non stop for the past 24 hours but dawned clear this AM.  We are going to utilize the front carrier for a lot of the boxed items that are now constantly in the way in the main cabin.  Everything worked as it should but I did not try the furnace yet.  My homemade step are a long reach and I'm going to try and buy a set at the camper dealers that might work better.  We would also like to buy an awning but we have not found one that will fit and the manufacturers are back ordered.   
We have not found "The Next Exit" locally so I am going to mail order it today and hope it gets here by the 22nd.
So Many Toys...So Little Time  WM LT28 , 15 trailers, Case 450 Dozer, John Deere 110 TLB, Peterson WPF 10",  AIM Grapple, Kubota 2501 :D

Gary_C

Electrical wire ties and hose clamps can be real handy for temporary repairs and they don't take up much space. Carry an assortment and you can hook them together for longer needs.

Also a small electrical multimeter and some crimp on wire connectors might be useful.

I've heard the roads can be very dusty. Make sure you have clean air filters and perhaps carry a spare.
Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.

Magicman

They have NAPA Stores, etc most everywhere.  Except for road construction the roads are paved.

The Milepost will be your traveling companion.  It may be confusing when two roads combine together.  You may be traveling on the "smaller" road and then the larger road's name will take over.  You may get confused, but the book is right.  Trust it.
Knothole Sawmill, LLC     '98 Wood-Mizer LT40SuperHydraulic   WM Million BF Club Member   WM Pro Sawyer Network

It's Weird being the Same Age as Old People

Never allow your "need" to make money to exceed your "desire" to provide quality service.....The Magicman

AK Newbie

Qweaver the drive up the Alcan is spectacular!  Take lots of pictures!  So far we are having a very warm and sunny spring!  Usually when it's this warm the forest fires start and visibility and air quality are impacted.  Let's hope that doesn't happen this year.  Like Lynn mentioned there are plenty of stores throughout the route that carry pretty much anything you might need.  Anchorage even has a new Cabelas and Bass Pro Shop!  I also recommend the Milepost it is invaluable for a trip up the Alcan.  If you don't have time to order don't worry it will be available along the way.  When you get to Anchorage give me a call I would love to meet a fellow Forestry Forum member!  I'll PM you my number.  This will be a trip of a life time, have a safe and enjoyable trip!
Kevin
LT28, Logosol M7, Husky 385XP, Stihl MS 250, Echo

Thank You Sponsors!