Driving to Alaska in Jan, wanna go?

arctictraveller · 11-12-2016, 09:38 AM

My job has had me seperated from my van for the better part of a year, but the time has come to get behind the wheel and put on some miles. I plan to drive from Wa to Prince Rupert, catch the ferry to Ketchikan Ak and another ferry to Prince of Wales island between Xmas and New Years. This will be a winter time trip obvously, so it may be a bit of a challange depending on what the weather does. Since there will be some remote travel, being prepaired is critical. A fully serviced rig, 4wd, good tires, recovery gear, chains, tools and spare parts, full propane tank, food, spare fuel etc are all a good idea, but I always carry that stuff anyway. There are a ton of places to explore in B.C., and I hope to meet up with some folks with local knowledge to find the really good ones. Perhaps a day of skiing at Whistler, some hot springs, or what ever else comes up. I'm currently thinking of departing a day or two after Xmas, and hope to meet up with a friend in BC that day, then continue North. I have not made a ferry reservation yet, so I'm not sure when I need to be in Prince Rupert, but I'm flexible. Anyone up for some epic winter time travel and exploring?

Abitibi · 11-12-2016, 11:05 AM

I have no idea what my work will be during that time but I'm on your path and would be great to have you stay over at our place (hot shower, beer, good chat...) . I'll try to plan joining up for a few days along with some other friends. I'm due for hotsprings!

Let me know what date you'd be crossing in BC...

Cheers
David

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arctictraveller · 11-12-2016, 02:21 PM

It turns out that there is only one ferry to Ketchikan the entire month of Jan. It departs early on the 3rd, so I'll probably be departing Wa the day after Xmas. At least that's the plan at the moment. It's also remotely possible that the job will be shut down due to snow, in which case I'll have plenty of time to explore.............

Abitibi · 11-13-2016, 12:24 AM

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...
:-P

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snowy · 11-21-2016, 03:47 PM

Not this time around, but hoping to do a trip driving through BC to Alaska in the next few years. Why winter though? I loved the ferry trip in its own right when I did it many years ago, but that was summer.

freespirit1022 · 11-21-2016, 04:04 PM

Lived in Alaska for twelve years. You don't wanna do that!

arctictraveller · 11-21-2016, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowy

Not this time around, but hoping to do a trip driving through BC to Alaska in the next few years. Why winter though? .

I'm off from my job in December, and rather than fly back, I want to drive my van. I've been away from it for almost a year, and really need a fix. Besides, winter driving is a blast, and the scenery is spectacular. Why not?

arctictraveller · 11-21-2016, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freespirit1022

Lived in Alaska for twelve years. You don't wanna do that!

Oh but your wrong, I DO want to do it. I've lived here for going on 16 years, and I don't see any problem with the trip. Now, if it were going to be -40deg's, I'd think twice, but South East doesn't get that cold.