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Old 09-14-2012, 08:02 PM   #11
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Re: Where's Angel?

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Originally Posted by Ford_6L_E350
The mosquitos were such that the last time we paid $5 apiece to ride the shuttle.

Mike
The mosquitoes paid $5 apiece to ride the shuttle???

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Old 09-14-2012, 08:40 PM   #12
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Re: Where's Angel?

She was sooo glad to hear that members were thinking of her...just shows the quality of the members on the forum, even those who didn't post. Kudos to Gnarvan who started the thread. We have a great group here thanks to Jage... like none I've ever seen. When times got rough for me on the way to Valley of Fire, many members supported me when I needed it. I think those forum meets mean a long life friendship for many of us and are something every member should attempt to make when possible. If I can make the LA meet I plan to but work has its hooks in me.

It was 97 degrees here in town today, Angel said she is looking for chains cause inland temps are hovering at the freezing point but costal temps are in the low 60's...with no mosquitoes! God I wish I were up there
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Old 09-17-2012, 01:27 AM   #13
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Re: Where's Angel?

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Originally Posted by Ford_6L_E350
... you can't go wrong in Alaska. Well, maybe it wouldn't be such a good idea to drive your SMB there in the winter...
Mike, why wouldn't it be a good idea?
Want to go there this winter, am I wrong or missing something?
Beside cold and snow?
Andrew
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Old 09-17-2012, 01:34 AM   #14
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Re: Where's Angel?

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Originally Posted by AndrewST
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ford_6L_E350
... you can't go wrong in Alaska. Well, maybe it wouldn't be such a good idea to drive your SMB there in the winter...
Mike, why wouldn't it be a good idea?
Want to go there this winter, am I wrong or missing something?
Beside cold and snow?
Andrew
I think he's probably thinking of limited access or road conditions but that is for Mike to answer. Myself I'd rather go just after the bugs go away about when Angel headed up.
BTW, you just waking up over there?...kinda late here. See ya Andrew
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Old 09-17-2012, 09:39 AM   #15
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Re: Where's Angel?

I don't need to experience temps below 0 anymore. And especially not temps below -30. I don't think my SMB is insulated well enough.

The roads are probably well maintained and plowed. It can be dangerous. Even a flat tire can be life threatening at those temps. You have to carry survival gear to go to the store. We talked to some locals, and the stuff they pack into their car in the winter is scary!

Not to mention the moose. Seems like those big guys like to walk on the plowed roads in the winter. It is much easier than plowing through chest deep snow. Who woulda thunk they would be as lazy as humans?

Call me a warm weather wimp, I'm not very interested in Alaska in the winter.

Mike
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Old 09-17-2012, 09:48 AM   #16
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Re: Where's Angel?

Mike:

Hey warm weather wimp! I'm looking forward to hopefully linking up with you somewhere when you're out this way on your Grand Canyon/Zion trip. Keep me posted on your plans.

And, speaking of warm weather, I was just thinking how here in my area the best camping season starts on September 1st and goes until about June 15th. You can't beat Southern Nevada for the best camping weather and central location. Life is good!!!!!

See you soon,

Mac
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Old 09-17-2012, 11:10 AM   #17
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Re: Where's Angel?

Hi everyone,

I am in Homer, Alaska, having a wonderful time. Thanks so much for thinking of me. Dave, I am so glad that you called me. It was fun hearing from you. And Mac, never think a call from you would be a bother. How wonderful to have a SMB forum family. My SMB has been doing fine. It is the perfect van to have in Alaska.

I have been out in the bush, down the Yukon River from Eagle, AK. for five weeks doing substance living and only checking my e mail. I will make a report when I get back. You can look at Mike's pictures to see some of what I have been seeing. I am still "picture posting on the computer challenged"

I need to head home before the deep snow comes. I am going to Anchorage and will try to find cables for my Toyo LT285/75R17 tires. There are none in Fairbanks but I know where they are in Seattle. If I need chains somewhere, I will just sit and wait till the storm passes.

I am going to skip Prince William Sound and Valdez this trip. The ferry is not running there today due to high winds. I have not yet decided whether to take the Cassiar Hy. or the Alaska Hy., from Watson Lake, Canada to Prince George, Canada.

Angel
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Old 09-17-2012, 11:39 AM   #18
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Re: Where's Angel?

Can't wait to see your trip report. Enjoy the rest of your adventure Angel.

Dave
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Old 09-17-2012, 11:52 AM   #19
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Re: Where's Angel?

Angel,

If you haven't taken the Cassiar Highway, it is highly recommended! It is mostly a well maintained gravel road. Gravel is much better than pavement in the snow. Plus, you can take the Hyder turnoff and visit the most southerly town in Alaska. And get some great fudge while you are there.

But, no matter which way you choose, have a safe trip home.

Mike
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Old 09-17-2012, 02:34 PM   #20
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Re: Where's Angel? ALASKA

Okay, since I live up here in the land of the summer midnight sun, here are some AK winter travel tips:

1. Limited daylight hours from about November to the end of January can make travel and PV power production a challenge. Feb and March are great winter travel months in the interior with generally clear weather and predictable road conditions. Mountain passes may have avalanche issues in Dec, Jan and Feb. Mid April sucks as everything is melting, roads have giant potholes and lots of mud
2. Most state and federal campgrounds (except National Parks) are closed from mid September to mid May to late May unless they are snow recreation sites. Most private tourist sites are also closed except winter recreation sites. those that are open often have only unheated pit toilets.
3. Moose don't like plowing through snow and love salt so they will be on the roads, ready for an unplanned 800#harvest.
4. Diesel can jell in severe cold conditions
5. Van water and waste systems will freeze up unless you are driving and maintaining a ProVan or something.

Good things about AK winter travel:
1 Ferry system rates are cheaper, usually not full but not as robust a sailing schedule.
2. no mosquitoes! No 'bagoes on the road!
3. Northern Lights!
4. Lots of winter motorized and non motorized recreation opportunities
5. Lots of flights to Hawaii from Anchorage!
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