Alaska 2014

[Ford_6L_E350]

Originally Posted by llamadave

Mike,

Wish you were here.

David

That makes two of us. Or, maybe three if you include my wife. Sigh.

Mike

[daveb]

Damn Mike maybe I need to start a 6.0 bank fund

[Ford_6L_E350]

Every thing they look at needs replacing. Tested the injectors - 3 leaking.

Checked main/rod bearings - scored from fuel in the oil. Who knows what else is still hidden in there.

Since a new long block has all new (latest) injectors, HPOP, pistons, bearings, etc I'm going with that. Let's see if I get out of here Thursday.

Still have to decide if I will drive up the Cassiar or take the ferry from Bellingham or Prince Rupert. Tough choice. I know I want to come down the Cassiar and stop at Hyder and check the Salmon Glacier (viewtopic.php?f=11&t=3611 near the bottom of the thread).

Ok, I went back and looked at my pictures of the Salmon and Bear glaciers. It might be nice to have pictures 5-6 weeks apart. That would mean driving up and down the Cassiar. Still undecided.

Mike

[llamadave]

Mike, glad to see that Alaska is almost back on your schedule. If you or others ever have time for a layover on the Alaska Marine Highway, we highly recommend Petersburg where we are now spending a week. Yesterday we had a small-boat tour of LeConte Glacier. Very impressive to see all the floating ice and calving off the glacier. Photos of wildlife we saw are attached.

I remember a thread on this forum about marking your spot when you go to town. We often leave out our folding table and chairs with a sign that has our names and photo of Vanessa on it. Well, they were stolen while we were touring yesterday. They left the sign on the ground. Guess we will just use the sign next time.

David

[Ford_6L_E350]

The SMB is in my driveway! New engine and all. Pack tonight and hit the road tomorrow. Blitz up I-5 and hope for the best.

Mike

[llamadave]

Good news Mike! See you soon! We catch the ferry in the morning for Juneau.

David

[Ford_6L_E350]

I'm in Washington, and on my way.

It always amazes me how many 'sounds' you can hear when you get a distance from home. But, so far the van and its new engine are running fine.

Denali or bust!

Mike

[macmcintire]

No BUST. Just a great time! Travel safe.

[REF]

In line in skagway to get on the ferry to Haines, had a great time here, camped out at Dyea flats and saw the same grizzly both nights wandering around the grassy fields, explored some remote areas and took the train up the white pass. The NPS has been great for gathering info, free informational historic tours/movies and Lake now has 3 jr. Ranger badges so far in Alaska to add to his vest.

[Ford_6L_E350]

I'm just south of Prince George. Tomorrow I head towards Hyder. Should get there mid-day Monday. Spend two nights and then North to Whitehorse. Geez, only about 1500 more miles to reach Alaska (Hyder doesn't count).

Had another noise drive me crazy today. Is that a serious rattle? Exhaust? And only at certain rpms under load. Oh, just the empty passenger seat vibrating.

Mike