Alaska or Bust

[buckland]

JD... I am a greenhorn in the blog world... but thanks...just entered the basics to get something started. It will be like keeping a captain's log ... I read through your trip and liked the map route...similar territory for my trip out. We are so lucky to have such beautiful country to travel through. The reality of this trip is just starting to sink in... big.

 

[buckland]

We only planed four things about our trip to AK...

1) 10-ply E rated tires

2) absolutely no matter what, no way driving near Chicago!

3) Yukon Brewing, very disappointed. They only sell beer, no food. We were expecting beer/food/eclectic like we have here in Michigan (151 breweries last count).

4) Northern Lights, only saw a few times and not any bright color(s), all kind of faded, not even sure they were the Northern Lights.

But, we had a great 52 nights in the camper and 11,555 miles trip from Kalamazoo, MI.

Mike

Being a beer drinker (both Ireland born parents) I tend to remember ...never be disappointed if there is beer.... food? eh. I have seen the northern lights actually 35 years ago in northern Maine... it seemed like green ghosts swirling around... I would like to see it again. Your mileage looks around what I am expecting...for truck gear I have packed what is needed for 12-15K ...

 

[flinchlock]

The Yukon Brewing beer was also eh.

We really liked the beer at https://www.49statebrewing.com/denali/
Mile 248.4 Parks Hwy. Healy, Alaska 99743

"We are located 8 miles north of the Denali hub, we offer a local shuttle for a worry free visit."

'The “Into the Wild” bus from the movie is in the garden and visitors are welcome to go aboard to see the memorabilia on display.'

"Werks on the Bus"
https://youtu.be/FveVaRQJkUA?list=PLTnARQSD7XREDqV6MXGm8jScICcqfU2tj

Mike

 

[Foy]

Rob and John,
You guys are too kind--you're making me blush.
I have a ball telling folks about some places we've enjoyed over the past 4 decades of Wandering the West in various capacities and formats. It's especially therapeutic in years, like last year and this year, when we will not be traveling to Montana and Wyoming at all.
But, over dinner a few nights ago, we agreed that a return to Big Sky Country MUST take place in 2018. And it will! We're also getting the time and the gear lined up to explore Big Bend NP, Boquillas, Mexico, the zaniness of the Chili Cook-Off outside of Terlingua, Big Bend Ranch State Park, Chinati Hot Springs, and Marfa come early November of this year. Heck, that's only 1,800 miles from home rather than 2,500!

Have a ball, Rob. Very much looking forward to following along.

Foy

 

[buckland]

I almost can't believe it is finally about to start. I do think rule # 1 is "Have a ball"... rule # 2..... there is none.
I don't ever expect smooth sailing (not how skillful sailors are made) but every now and then I do like the easy days!
At this point...heh ...I've done all I can to prepare so let go and roll. Thanks again for input. Always nice to learn from those that have gone before.