DALTON HWY HAUL ROAD RV Survival ALASKA 2023 / Travel Hack / RV to Alaska / Arctic the last Frontier
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ส.ค. 2024
- Is it smart to take our Thor Class C Magnitude up the Haul Road to Prudhoe Bay, Deadhorse and above the Arctic Circle? We want to feel the Arctic Ocean and test the water but we have to take our RV up there. Not sure if it's smart but we're going to try. At least it's not like the Ice Road Truckers doing it in winter but it's still going to be a wild ride.
Taking our Class C motorhome to Alaska the Last Frontier so we can get to some remote areas and drive on roads less traveled. Like up to the Arctic Ocean.
We've been planning this Alaska RV road trip for over a year and we're doing it. Enough talk, let's walk! Well...we'll drive but you get the picture.
After camping in Teklanika for a week what could be better than 12 days of more dry camping on our way to Prudhoe Bay, Deadhorse up on the Arctic Ocean. Oh, and before we left Denali we discovered that our Jeep (Artemis) had been ducked! So that was pretty exciting for us. Now, we're going to spend a week above the Arctic circle in our RV.
We've heard the roads are really bad but are they worse than Destruction Bay? We head north of the 66th parallel to take the plunge in the Arctic Ocean and visit the tundra of the North Slope while trying to keep our RV intact.
The Haul Road is everything it's supposed to be, BAD! But do we continue on to Deadhorse?
We spend the night in the Arctic Circle Campground and then to Coldfoot to fuel which is the last stop for 220 miles! We check road conditions with the rangers and off we go to cross Atigun Pass and the continental divide on the Brooks Range.
Our RV is a Thor Magnitude so we hope it survives but the views are magnificent, awesome and stunning so the trip is a once in a lifetime event.
Our second night on the Dalton, we try to find a BLM campground at Galbraith Lake but the signage is non-existent and we're not sure where it is so we continue to try and find our stop for the night. Do we find it?
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RV Camping
We like to "Switch it Up" between resorts and campgrounds and boondocking is always an option.
We draw inspiration from Keep Your Daydream KYD, Less Junk More Journey, Finding Our Someday and Changing Lanes. We normally travel in an HDT similar to TH-cam channels Suite Travels and Watts on Wheels. I also get some ideas from the editing style of Happily Ever Hanks (Happilyeverhanks) #thankshanks
Our journey is the destination. We want to share in our experiences in our discovery of What's Next.
I get my music from:
Epidemicsound.com
Tracks:
Crusaders by Adriel Fair
Island to Island by Adriel Fair
The Fellowship by Christopher Moe Ditlevesen
Amazon Shop (no extra charge to you)
A convenient way to see (or buy) the items you see in the video's which may help in your adventure.
www.amazon.com...
We use the TSD card for diesel fuel and save a bundle each time we fill up our Big Rig. We also use it to fill up our Onan generator.
The big blue boards (XL version) we use sometimes to get us "un-stuck" is from:
Gotreads.com
Our Class C is built by Thor Motorcoach on a Ford F550 chassis. It's a production build Magnitude model XG32. We tow our red Jeep Wrangler Sahara behind it. We've made some modifications to it so that we can boondock comfortably. Lithium batteries, Victron 3000w multi-plus inverter, dual alternators charge while traveling and mods to the water system greatly enhance it's boondocking capabilities.
Our extreme completely custom 5th wheel is built on a semi-trailer chassis with air suspension and air brakes. Completely loaded it weighs 42,000 lbs rolling down the highway. And we do roll down the highway nearly every week. You see, we believe that if your home has wheels they should be used.
Vehicles:
2016 Volvo VNL780 "Voyager"
2016 Smart fortwo "Pathfinder"
2019 SpaceCraft Custom built semi-trailer 5th wheel "Orion"
2023 Thor Magnitude XG32 Class C "Curiosity"
2017 Jeep Wrangler Sahara "Artemis"
Power system:
3250 watts of solar with Panasonic panels
30.1 KWH of Lithium batteries
2- 4K watt Magnum Inverters deliver power as if we are on shore power
2- 4K watt 240v Cotek Inverters deliver additional power for our LG Mini split HVAC and stove
Coachnet is our roadside assistance company we use but hopefully we don't use them too often. LOL
We are not sponsored by Whataburger but I do enjoy them anytime I can get my hands on one. They used to be just out of Texas but they have expanded.
BIg Truck Big Travels video's are based on our personal experience and not meant nor portrayed as experts in anything we do or say. It's our life on the road and our opinions are not meant to be construed as advice. Enjoy life on the road.
This is part 1 of 2...of sorts. The second part is the next video to see if we make (hmmm...) LOL Here is the link th-cam.com/video/d12ZzIKmQns/w-d-xo.html
One big thing I like about you two is that you aren’t pushing products at me in every video for 10 minutes of your video-I hope you never become commercialized-Another thing I like is that you actually put out RV video travels-Enjoying your trip right along with you ❤🚌🇺🇸
Hey Mary- thank you so much and it's funny you mention that because we were talking the other day about how it seems that we are the only ones actually traveling all the time...I mean, our home has wheels for a reason, right!?! We got into this to explore and travel so that's what we like to do. So glad you're along on the journey with us. Appreciate your time watching the channel. See you next week! 😊
@@bigtruckbigtravels It seems like it's true. Other RVers have purchased land and stay on their property to make videos. I drove up to Alaska last summer in my Prius. Nice video.
@@tonyru303 yep, we travel just about every week. No land or RV plot. We just enjoy RV traveling.
I’ve driven that highway for over 10 years, made more then a thousand north and south trips on that highway, in a tractor trailer truck hauling loads to Deadhorse and Prudhoe Bay. I only run that route in the winter season, when the roads aren’t as rough and sloppy. The road goes to hell about mid March, so we normally try to get the bulk of everything done in that time period. You asked “why do they run the pipeline above ground?” So the answer to that question is because of the crazy amount of seismic activity in the area, when an earthquake happens, they run the pipeline in a zigzag pattern, so that it does not pull apart, when the earths crust shifts on the surface. If they was to run it, underground, and straightahead, it would break apart and pull apart. So the answer to that question is because of seismic activity.
The pipeline also slides on those plates and some of the bends are designed to slow the oil down, plus the towers dissipate the heat so it doesn't thaw the permafrost. It's buried in parts near Fairbanks and Delta Junction and once you get into Valdez. Some of the mountain passes it's completely encased and buried in concrete. Amazing thing they built almost 50 years ago!
Wow, Alexander, my hats off to you for making those trips...and living to tell about it! Hard to believe that the road is better in the harsh conditions of winter but I guess the snow covered ice helps to fill the potholes and wash boarding. Appreciate your comments and adding to the experience. Thank you.
@@bigtruckbigtravels not a lot of people who traveled that road lived to tell the tail, lots of their names are on the wall at the Hill Top Truck Stop in Fox AK. Every year I ran the haul road I lost a friend or someone I knew. We all, or most of us make safety our top priority, and never cut corners, no exceptions! The road is much better in the winter because the ground is frozen, and running the plow over the snow and ice keeps it smooth. But still it’s not like the I-5 down in California, it will still beat your ass, and your truck to death if you run to fast in certain places. In the flat area you can run 70mph no problem, but there is no way you could right now, you can even get near the speed limit at 50mph right now, but in the winter speeding is a real problem, and 8 out of 10 times that’s why you see so many trucks wrecking, or running in the ditch. I never do speed personally, like NEVER EVER, do I ever speed, and there has been so many trucks pass me, then I end up pulling their ass out of the ditch, or getting them help, just ten miles up the road. It gets down to -70°F, and hovers around -40°F on average. As you seen there are a lot of very steep grades on that road, in the winter months they’re solid ice, and require tire chains to make it up them at times. But NO ONE likes to get out and throw tires chains at -40°F and below, with a windchill of -100°F so a lot of people will elect to go bear foot, or (without tire chains) so they don’t have to get their ass cold. Lots of times you can make it if you keep good momentum, and shift, just right, and throttle just right, but sometimes they don’t, and best case, it just causes a temporary traffic jam, and worst case scenario they lose their life. Y’all be careful up there, keep outta the truckers way, and remember if you have problems, they’ll help you out in a pinch, but most importantly, stay safe, and stay prepared for any situation!
@@Melting_Fireman back in 1972/73 i worked on building Commercial Camp Trailers for the Pipe-line Construction. Hundreds of them.
There was a TV program ice road truckers I loved that show to see what they go through the good and the bad
Having watched Ice Road Truckers many years ago struggling with the Dalton, I applaud your courage.
Thanks, Regina. We never watched that show but we will try to see some episodes now that we've driven it. Amazing experience. Thanks
SUCH GREAT TRAVELING along with you such a nice couple and caring for each other never stop Loving each other. THANKS FOR THE RIDE. Lord Bless You.
Thank you, Josie. We're excited to have you along on the journey. 😊
How generous of you to just share your adventures without thought of repayment through merchandise sales, Patron Sponsorship’s, But Me A Coffee, or $Thanks. You are the first channel I have ever seen do this. Thank you so much!
Thank you for recognizing that about us. We started the channel because Sondra thought I needed a hobby so she could bullet journal, scrapbook more. We also do it for the grandchildren to let them see where we are plus our memories of traveling. Finally, we do it to give back to the RV community to help those people find their own path. It's been fun. Glad you enjoy it.
@@bigtruckbigtravels , indeed I do! It’s just so unusual to see giving back, just for the pleasure of doing so. You are lovely people and I’m so happy I stumbled on your channel as I don’t follow and camping adventure channels. But you two are just a delight. Thanks you for giving generously of your time and talents. I’m sure you have made many new friends on your adventures! All the very best!
First time viewer. You all are driving my husband dream RV. Won’t be buying one, just admire from afar!
I have been to Alaska 3 times and still have so much to see! Definitely want to travel there with our camper one day!
Thanks, Julie. It's a nice unit and good for this Alaska journey. You know what a beautiful state it is and hopefully can share that experience with your husband someday. 😊 Glad you found us, hope to see you next week. 😁
Thanks for taking us on your Alaska adventure enjoying every moment 🥰
Excited that you're along on the journey, Joyce and can experience this amazing trip with us as we explore the "last frontier".
Your video brought back memories of our trip on the Dalton Hwy in 1988 in a Ford Econoline van with two kids ages 6 and 12. We only went as far as Coldfoot. Then you were required to have a permit to go further and we were told you really traveled at your own risk. There was not a campground that I remember. We did pull under the pipeline and sleep, We had gone to the Arctic Ocean in Canada when we drove to Inuvik and flew to Tuktoyaktuk in Canada. My 6 year old loved saying "Not a single mosquito in Alaska. All married with large families."
That's fantastic, Thelma. Quite a bit has changed since 1988. It's easier to access but not to drive it! Lol. Glad you enjoyed it and very cool to have rekindled those memories. Excited that you're along on the journey. 😊
Just wanted to say thank you for taking us along. I love watching the journey ❤
You're very welcome, Mary. We're excited to have you along on the journey. See you next week!
Your drone footage is awesome, beautiful. Thanks for braving the frontier and taking us along!
Anytime, Phyllis. Not sure if it's being "brave" or "stupid" but we enjoy the travels. Thanks for watching.
So beautiful
Thank you so much
been watching you guys since the beginning when you were at rv shows etc. this one is the by far the best when it comes to scenery ! NICE JOB. keep up the vlogs. really enjoying it. i went to Denali a few years ago and it was spectacular, seeing whats beyond is great thx to you 2.
Thanks, Scott. We also liked this one and really enjoyed the scenery...not the road! Lots of great views, we're just trying to get most of them! LOL. Appreciate your time watching the channel.
Very much enjoyed this, as I've driven the Dempster Highway up to Inuvik, whereas you can even go to Tuk now! This scenery is even more spectacular than the Dempster, and all water crossings when I did it, was by ferry. Now that I've seen this, I'd love to drive this highway, but I think I'll make sure I have a 4X4. One thing I've found odd, is the lack of wildlife, although my first trip (which was along the Dempster first) over 30 years ago, we where allowed to drive the highway in the Denali on our own, you didn't have to get on a bus...and the wildlife was abundant! We even stopped, and stayed at a small lake, at the very end of the road there, then again, saw abundant wildlife on the way back (Grizzlies running up and down the hillsides, moose, fox, and lots of Caribou. Thanks for the Drone footage, as it truly adds to the video 'big time' and showing how immense the hills and forests are in the area!
Thank you. We love being in the Arctic. It's just so cool. Definitely more wildlife than on the Dempster.
I think David should let you have the BTBT stickers and leave them along the way.🤣🤣🤣Great idea. I can't believe you don't already have some. Go Sondra!
😆 🤣 she wants them very badly!
Can't wait to finish watching....We took our old Smart Car up in 2019.
Wow! That would be tough in the Smart. Hope you enjoy this journey with us.
WOW , WOW , WOW you could say that all day. It really is breath taking. Alaska has so many views. As Sandra would say WOW , WOW, on and on. WOW.
Wow, Don...you took the words right out of my mouth! 😁😊
This is really an enjoyable video. Have you ever watched Ice Road Truckers? It was on the History travel. The truckers would drive the Dalton through ice and show. They made deliveries to Prudhoe Bay, and remote areas before the ice road melted for the year.
Yes, and we'd never drive that road. Those drivers should be commended for those conditions! Wow!
For mosquitoes, take deep woods off and pour half of it into another bottle so you won’t waist it. Then take and fill the deep woods off back up with brown apple cider vinegar. Oh I’m sorry that’s for black horse flies, but it may work for mosquitoes too I don’t know.
LOL, OK Gary, that's funny...but either is good because there's also black biting flies up here too...though they are not near as bothersome as the mosquitoes and biting gnats. Being near water has it's disadvantages!
Just WOW! Incredible drive and I think is well worth the rough roads and the $7.50/gallon price! Arctic Circle Campground was a surprise to me... nice!
Yep, we were very surprised by the "newness" of the Arctic Circle campground. Very nice...one of those hidden gems on the Haul road. Thank you for watching and really appreciate your comments.
Wow! $4.50 a load for clothes?? They should be embarrassed! At the resort we rent a cabin at $1.00 a load, wash or dry. Hate seeing tourists ripped off. But good for people to know.
The beautiful views make it worth it ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Alaska was expensive for laundry...and groceries...and fuel...and 🤔😇😉🤣😂
I will tell you that Atigun Pass was in great shape compared to winter when you have to chain up to get over it. I worked in Deadhorse for a couple of years and while I enjoyed the experience, I wouldn’t do it again. I really enjoy seeing the state through your eyes, it makes me appreciate it more when I’m out and about. Thank for the videos.
Man, Tony, you are EVERYWHERE in Alaska, my friend! The pass was in great shape which made for a very nice experience. I can't imagine what it would be like in the mud, ice, wind or blizzard conditions! Glad you're enjoying "our version" of this great state. Stay safe...and catch your limit!
sooo epic. ❤😇🙏
Thanks Elaine. It's a great summer with more on the way.
Stunning scenery and such beautiful production thanks for bringing me along
Glad you enjoyed it, Simon. It was a lot of fun to put together and show parts of one of the northernmost highway in the world. Thanks for watching.
Was waiting for the windshield to crack from a thrown rock of a passing vehicle. That is an Alaskan road rite of passage during breakup. Enjoy the North Slope. Thank for sharing your journey.
LOL...Suzette, you are entirely correct about the rite of passage. In 2017, we got a rock thrown into the windshield on our last day! Oh well, it's a chip and we'll take it as a "souvenir" of a good trip. Thank you.
Absolutely breathtaking! I wish my family and I could travel to Alaska. So beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it, Vicki! It's a beautiful state...but it is an effort to get here and travel around for sure. Excited to have you along on the journey...and let us do the driving!
Great journey and destination and beautiful Ford Rv. Thanks for sharing the awesome views and experiences on the Dalton.
Thank you, Ray. We enjoy sharing our experiences and excited that you're along on the journey.
You two are true adventurers! Can't wait for your next video showing us Prudhoe Bay.. and beyond.
Thanks, Carol. It will be fun...if we get there...hmmm...LOL. So remote and isolated, it's definitely unlike anything we've done before.
Totally amazing!!! Thank you for sharing this beautiful trip. Makes me want to visit the area. Travel safe.
You're very welcome. It's a blast of a trip and a cool way to spend a summer. We're really enjoying seeing the remote parts of Alaska this time. It's a long haul but I think Alaska is worth a visit.
David wearing gloves to get fuel but no gloves when connecting the “stinky slinky”.😂
🤔😯🤣😎OK...you have a great point! Is it because my s#@t doesn't stink?!? 😯🤣😁 I really don't like the smell of diesel on my hands...sewer stink I can wash off...fuel smell is a little harder. But I'll try to do better. Thank you for watching.
Most of that road has been paved was done since the early 2000s, before that it wasn’t paved. They have straightened many of the bad corners. The number on the vertical support member of the pipeline is the number of feet that VSM is from mile 0. The pipeline is above the ground where there is permafrost. In many of the river valleys there isn’t permafrost near the river so they didn’t have to run it above ground.The reason there is AT&T service is that there is a microwave backbone along the mountain tops for pipeline communications. I worked on this for 15 years. We were flown up to these sites in helicopters. I worked in Prudhoe starting in 1980.
Wow. Thank you so much. Ok, that makes sense with the communications infrastructure. I think the engineering on the TAPS is incredible and it's still operating like new since the '70's.
@@bigtruckbigtravels Around 2005 the pump stations did a big reconfiguration going from gas turbine pumps to electric pumps to operate more efficiently at lower volumes. The company I worked for put in and turned up the communications equipment internal to the pump station for reconfiguration. I turned up and tested pump stations 1&3. The darker green buildings you see at the pump stations are the buildings that were built for the reconfiguration, the lighter green buildings are from the original construction in the 1970s.
Thank you for take me alone on you journey it's been so much fun so far I'm seeing things I will never see in my life time.
You are so welcome, Barbara. We're excited that you're along on the journey. Hang on, it's going to be a fun summer!
A huge thanks again for this one hell of video!! So anxious to made it to Thursday and see what will be your next one! Stay safe and thanks again!👍🥰🇨🇦
Thank you, Marco. Really glad you enjoyed it...next week should be good...I hope, and we'll see some things that we have not seen before in the wild!
You guys do have guts taking your rig up there. I am glad you are having good weather despite the mosquitoes. I did this on a motorcycle. Got poured on most of the Dalton. Stayed in Wiseman north of Coldfoot. Rode from Deadhorse back to Fairbanks all in one day. My body was sore to say the least and more rain. You are right...that rode gets slippery as snot when wet. Looking forward to your next video. Be safe and hope no windshields get busted ;-)
You guys on motorcycles are crazy. I’ve seen people on motorcycles covered from head to toe in mud. I worked along that road for 15 years with a job where we drove a lot. I used to drive from Prudhoe to Fairbanks a lot in one day. My best time is 8:20. It was real cold where it isn’t slick and the road is better in the winter. I has one day driving north it took me 10 hours from Fairbanks to Antigun Pass. The only people I met on the road were a couple of co-workers heading the opposite direction.
@@Chris_at_Home motorcycling is part of the adventure and I always had a satellite beacon with me and evacuation insurance. It was amazing and very tough in the rain
@@LASadvgrrl I’ve met a few guys that rode all the way up from South America. Back in the early 1990s I met a guy from Germany that rode a bicycle from Argentina to Prudhoe. BP security wouldn’t let him ride to the ocean but I made a few phone calls and they gave him an escort and he had to have a hard hat, safety glasses and a safety vest.
Hats off to you, Leslie, for getting it done on a motorcycle. I couldn't imagine. We saw some that were covered in mud or dust. Most were on hybrids but we did see a few on larger bikes such as a Harley. Thanks for the comment and watching the channel.
you were correct. The arctic circle comes first. You coulda left the rig at the Yukon and driven the jeep up to Dead Horse. Remember your driving on permafrost. Can't predict imperfections in the road one season to the next. Nice video, I haven't been out that way in awhile.
That's true, Scott but we wanted to be able to take our time and stay above the 66th parallel for longer than a few days. The Jeep would have been faster but we were able to experience some awesome things by driving the RV...at a slower pace. Thank you for watching and truly appreciate your comments.
Thank you for taking us with you on this awesome trip. The pictures are breath taking.
Our pleasure! Thanks for watching. We're excited to have you along on the journey.
Incredible scenry! I love the hand signals with the mesquitos. Thanks for taking me on the journey. 🤗
LOL, Mary, I don't think the mosquitoes were paying attention to our "hand signals"! Thanks for watching.
Again an amazing video. I am in aww as I have watched Ice Road Truckers, they go on this road and it’s a white knuckle ride , even from my lounge room in Australia. Keep up you amazing travels. ❤❤❤
Hey, Pauline from down under! I can't imagine driving this road in the winter. Hats off to those guys. Atigun Pass can be treacherous for sure. Thank you very much for watching the channel from the comfort of your lounge room. The scenery is spectacular.
Absolutely beautiful landscapes! Thanks for sharing!
You're welcome, Cathy. Excited that you're along with us on the journey. Thank you for watching the channel.
Wow! Date night in DeadHorse! Big times in the Arctic! Hope it was a night to remember 💕
Boy it all looks sooooo good. Yum!!!
Nothing better than an Arctic date night at the Aurora Hotel! Lots of fun and a good meal. Very nice people up at Prudhoe Bay (Deadhorse). Thank you. 😊
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Ya'll are so brave!!! Did I thank you? Keep the videos coming pa-leez😂
LOL...thank you, Pamela for being there with us and sharing in the journey. We're excited that you enjoyed it and next week should be another good one.
Bravo........they call them improved roads........I call them dirt ........I road my bike down the Alaskan hwy......started scagway.........the bug are thick.........Alaskan bird mosquito............on way back jasper and Banff.......cheers
Thanks, Matt. Jasper and Banff are beautiful as we visited them a few years ago. We'll definitely plan a trip back. They are dirt...or mud...depending on the weather...but they allow us to explore some true wilderness in the comfort of our RV so we are grateful for "any improved roads". Thanks for watching the channel.
You guys are so great. Love other channels but you are both killing it!!
Thank you! We enjoy traveling and sharing our experiences. We hope it feels like you are in the backseat with us. Appreciate your time watching the channel...we'll continue to try and keep killin' it!
Like to be in the front seat of your big rig! Time for bed!
Greetings from Fairbanks! I love the Dalton. I’ve never driven it in a RV, but I’ve driven it in my Jeep. The drive up is amazing. I’ve always just done it one straight shot. It takes 13-14 hours to go one way nonstop., I typically stay at one of the “Hotels” up there. It always gets me on why there’s a short paved section in the middle of nowhere. I’m glad you’re enjoying my home and back yard.
It's beautiful and so remote...we love it! That's quite a haul in one day! The Aurora is cool and we couldn't quite figure out the paving scenario on the roads. I will say that the last 55 miles into Prudhoe Bay is super nice now! You have a nice backyard. Thanks for letting us "play" in it!
Wow!! Not sure if I said as many “wow’s” as you all, but Wow!!! What an amazing, beautiful, incredible…..scenery for the duration of your drive to the north slope. Absolutely gorgeous!!! We did Alaska in an RV several years ago, but only traveled between Fairbanks and Anchorage and we were in awe of that. Thank you for taking us along on your great adventures! 😊
Can’t wait to see the rest!
You're most welcome, Teresa. We had been to AK in 2017 but this time we wanted to see and do things a bit differently...and boy, have we ever succeeded so far! More to come this summer. The fun does not stop. LOL. Excited to have you along on the journey.
@@bigtruckbigtravels LOL. We were there in 2016!! Have a great journey and can’t wait to see the rest of your adventures!
What a beautiful drive, despite the road conditions! 😊
Yes, beautiful despite the road...maybe that's what makes the journey so special?!? Hmmm...that may be a stretch. But it's quite a memorable trip.
@@bigtruckbigtravels it's always about the journey, as you well know. 😁
This is the best video I have seen of this area and yes WOW!
Thank you very much for that compliment. It's a beautiful, remote and harsh area but the scenery is unspoiled and spectacular. Glad you're along on the journey.
I was stationed in Alaska for 5 years in the 90’s. Traveled the entire state truly beautiful
It is a beautiful state and some very remote areas and wilderness. We have enjoyed getting out of the cities to really see the last frontier.
Wow is right and picture and videos don’t do it justice. I have to say your videos are awesome. The shots and different angles and the time you both put into them, Thank You. WHEEZY 😆 the big one.
It's hard to capture the sheer magnitude of what we're seeing but thank you for being there with us. Glad you enjoyed it.
Hi
Your friends from 3 lakes! Following you north.. what a beautiful state!.. thank you for sharing…gives us inspiration to also try going to Alaska someday
Hey Lisa, well...it's definitely cooler (much cooler) than Florida. Hmmm...really appreciate you guys watching the channel. It's a great trip and a beautiful state but it does take some time...and driving slow. Hope you make it up here someday...but until then, we're glad you're along on the journey. Maybe we'll see you guys on the road someday.
Thanks for sharing your trip. Canada 🇨🇦
Thanks for watching! We're glad you're along on the journey.
I'm a yarn dyer by trade. I recently did a, NASA collection because of you two. Orien, Voyager, Mariner (aqua), and Helios. You inspired me. Thank you. The pink is Curiosity.
Thanks for sharing, Nancy!! Wow! That is so super cool. We really appreciate you letting us know that, it brings a smile to our faces! I'll bet it's a neat collection...though, not sure about the "pink" for Curiosity..LOL. Hey...I'm secure in my manhood...so pink it is! 🤔😁🤣😊
Can you imagine running those 12% grades on ice. Now that is talent and courage in an 18 wheeler!! Gusty of you guys to make this trip. Hope your motorhome made it back without any damage.
Hey Bill, no, I can't imagine running it in ice, snow or even rain/mud. Our motorhome made it fine with no damage to it (other than a micro-chip in the windshield). Those truckers have my respect for running that road in all conditions!
How did that burger at Coldfoot compare to What A Burger?😂
@billstoys8324 lol... no comparison... but it had been awhile since I'd had a burger so no complaints 😋.
Thank you again for another great video! Your videos are so well done. We look forward for your weekly video. See ya next week!!!
Thank you, Kay. We appreciate you tuning in and checking out each week. See ya' in about a week!
See ya then!!!
Mind blowing scenery. Amazing video guys.
Thank you, Brendan. It's an amazing area up there and soooo remote!
Thank you for posting videos of your travels to Alaska . I have been enjoying the ride with each post. Maybe one day I will be able to see it in person but for now I will ride along with you. Blessings!!
Thanks, Kelly. Being with us is almost like being there! Glad you're along on the journey and appreciate your time watching the channel. 😊
We took a rental to the Arctic Circle, never again. It was the most nerve wracking experience. I can’t imagine how you could put your camper through that.
We took it slow and easy, John. That's the name of the game is to not be in a hurry...and pull over for the trucks since it's really their road.
Me personally, I am not leaving the alternative transportation for 8 days but that's just me, videos are very entertaining and down to earth, always be careful and wring every bit of life out of every second of life.
Thanks, Marvin. It was a bit of a risk but we felt it was better on the whole rig to leave the Jeep and bikes. It worked out well so we're glad we made the decision. But it was a bit of a risk for certain.
I was a trucker since the late '70's. Hauled crude/water etc in ND during the boom and biodiesel up to Regina, SK everyday afterwards. Just north of Portal, ND on the Canada side, the roads immediately show up on your radar screen as crap. Sorry to say. Not too far north was a road hit so often with frost heaves it was officially closed. To look down it was a study in miniature hills of concrete and asphalt. Just amazing that any state or provincial or federal government would allow a road get so out of hand. I had a '07 Freightliner. Class 8 commercial truck. One day, going north, I hit a rather big pot hole. These were 600 mile days (there & back everyday). On my way back, that pot hole was about the size of a small VW! By the following day, I'd forgotten all about it until... BOOM! Suddenly I remembered!!😢. Damn thing bent my steel wheel!!😮😭 Couple of days later, a very small backhoe was filling it back in... sort of. People were always complaining about the state of the roads in North Dakota... roads that had never needed to support traffic any more challenging than farm equipment since creation, until the oil field moved in. Same thing in Saskatchewan except in North Dakota there was a budget and commitment to stay on top of road maintenance. I told people all the time after that pot hole (and three busted windshields!!) the ND roads were sleek superhighways compared to Saskatchewan roads. I've trucked all 48 contiguous states and most of Canada. Visited Hawaii & lived in The Netherlands. I've always wanted to visit Alaska and do the Alcan highway. But I'm just thinking as bad as the roads may have seemed, they COULD HAVE been worse. Dirt roads are actually easier to maintain than the paved ones. Easier to drive on too. One guy on a grader can do an awful lot of good on occasion. Anyway, love your videos you guys. Keep the shiny side up and watch out for pot holes!😂
Thank you. We try to keep it between the ditches. On the drive up, we always pulled over for the trucks to make it easier for them to pass and less chance of a rock hit! Not easy to drive the roads you were on and your schedule was brutal. Appreciate your time watching the channel. 😃
Thank you for your nice video’s. God bless your travels. 🙏😊❤️
You're welcome. We're excited to have you along on the journey. Thank you.
Stickers! Yes!!! I’ll buy one!
Shush! Don't say that too loud! Sondra may hear you...and want to get them! LOL.😂🤣😎 She does love them. Thanks for the comment.
I did some consulting for Alyeska and was part of an oil spill drill and actually flew through that pass in a helicopter flying close to the ground because of the fog.
Oh, I bet that was exciting... in a scary way!
Great video. Really enjoyed it. We drove to the Arctic Circle in 2015. Didnt make it to Prudhoe Bay.
Thank you very much. The Arctic Circle is cool and the campground there now is really very nice. They did an upgrade in 2020 and it is a great spot to overnight.
Thank you for sharing . I always wanted to go to Dalton Highway but couldn't get the chance .
It was an epic trip for us. We really enjoyed the "wilderness time".
Hi guys... Another great video... Beautiful scenery.... We enjoyed laying here in bed watching your trip... And no worries with the mosquitoes.... Thank you for taking us along... Looking forward to your next video.... Stay safe...J&A
Thanks J&A, I'm sure you're not dealing with the little flying buggers like we are but hope you're enjoying some great weather. Safe travels and really appreciate you watching the channel and commenting too!
Good luck and be safe! My husband and I won't even drive from the states to Canada because of the roads and conditions. Hats off to you and have fun.
Thank you, Lisa. We take it slow and easy... we have all summer. Glad you're along on the journey. 😊
#2 times watching. You two are just troopers! So proud of you for doing it. Hope you’ll never have to do it again! BUT YOU DID IT! Bravo.
Thanks for taking me along. I see things I missed the first go around. I have enjoyed this trip so much, and wish I was that mouse in your RV 🥺💕🥺 WOW…WOW..WOW!
Just amazing views! WOW, BREATHTAKING, JUST BREATHTAKING!! 😯😯😯😯😯😯😯
Thank you so much!! It is amazing what you see on the second time around. We do that with movies too!
Just WOW!!
Thanks for the ride!
You're welcome, Tom. Glad you're along on the journey. See you next week. 😁
Great job on your Videos! Thanks for sharing your experiences
Appreciate that, John. Thanks for watching.
Good thing you're satisfied so far with the trip cause in 5 years you wouldn't appreciate it ( less energy and tolerance to conditions) I'm enjoying your travels very much, God Bless & safe journey.
LOL...that's why we take our vitamins! We're hoping in 5 years to be doing it...just as we are today! Time will tell but thank you so much for watching and commenting. We really appreciate it. Aloha
Thanks for sharing your adventure to the artic ocean.
You're welcome, Kathy... of course, we're not there...yet?!? Hmmm.... just a little teaser...😇🤣
The one thing about the Dalton Hwy, there's not really a lot of organized campground or camping spots unless there's a BLM or other attraction like the arctic circle. There are plenty of pull off spots and off roads you can stay at. Coldfoot and the Yukon River Bridge are a few that are bit more organized but not really camping. The road is a rock slinging monster so chips in your windshields are very common. It is pure wilderness that far up!
Lots of familiar sights I see from living there for 30 years. I hope you saw the pictures of the bear that hibernated at the Yukon River camp. It caused some incredible destruction inside. 😅
Hey Brad. You're correct, in that there are very few organized campgrounds...none with hook-ups but there was a dump station! We were really taken aback by the sheer remoteness of the haul road and that region. It was awe inspiring and frightening all at the same time. Lots of places to overnight for sure. That road is definitely more like the wild west. It was fun though. Thanks for the comment and watching the channel.
Yes that makes sense. I feel for you in some of your campgrounds with tight spaces and vehicles in the way. I drove a semi for 30 years in western Canada and the northern USA. Now drive a charter bus occasionally for a hockey academy so still find some tight spots to get into and out of. Keep up the great vids. Enjoying ur Alaska trip.
Sometimes it can be a challenge but we try to research ahead of time to insure we always have an "exit strategy" as well as the room to maneuver safely. I'm sure you have to squeeze into a few areas with the hockey academy charter. Glad you're along on the journey. 😊 Thanks for watching the channel.
If you are ever wondering why traffic is backed up going 25 in a 50, it's these guys.
That's pretty funny... especially since we let everyone pass us by pulling over, signaling with our right turn signal. Got a lot of thumbs up...always a thumb, never the other digit 🤔😉🤣
For my 50th b-day and my 50th and last state to visit, my brother and I went to Coldfoot from Fairbanks in February on a 4 wheel drive tour and flew back to Fairbanks. We spent the night in Coldfoot and had dinner at the restaurant there. Chena hot springs was amazing too, especially in winter. It was a great experience.
Ok, Tom, that would be very cool to do that in February! Northern lights? Chena Hot Springs would be "otherworldly" in winter. Great way to do the 50th on your 50th! Congrats!
Most Alaskans don’t complain about the roads/gravel road, just thankful there are “roads.” Alaska The Last Frontier, we’ll keep it that way. Enjoy your journey! Fabulous ride.
That is very true and something we take for granted in the lower 48. We're very fortunate to be able to DRIVE to a place like Prudhoe Bay or Kennicott or the Denali Highway in an RV! I think it's truly the Last Frontier and we're discovering why on this trip. Thanks for keeping us grounded.
ThankU kindly for your reply..! Thanks for taking us along for the ride. I surely enjoyed it…through your lens! 😅 Last winter we had record snowfall, mosquitoes are in abundance this year.
Watching your latest vlog while away in our trailer, enjoying every minute of your journey ❤
Blair & Mel 🏴 xx
So, Blair & Mel, you are enjoying the journey while on a journey...hmmm, that's a twofer! 🤔🤣
Beautiful Motorhome guys.
Thank you. We chose this for Alaska due to its size, F550 chassis and 4wd capabilities. It has worked out well so far. Appreciate your time watching the channel. 😃
Wow, just wow!! Thank you!
You are so welcome, Barbara! We ran out of adjectives...it was spectacular.
Some of those views are just spectacular
Thanks, David. Alaska provides...we just "point and shoot".
Bring back memories of my stay in Alaska. Big difference between Greenville SC and Alaska. All those roads are much much better in the winter than summer. The roads are frozen over. I stayed in UTOPIA CREEK , ALASKA. 16 miles south of the artic circle. I had the Brooks range to look at everyday. Did you get your Certificate for crossing artic circle.
I have to tell you I'm allergic to mosquitoes. And those are huge. Every bite on my arms were like golf balls sticking up. I had long sleeve shirts but at hands and wrist were these bites.
But it's so beautiful there, it's an experience you'll never forget.
So true, Don and thanks for commenting. We love Greenville and downtown is awesome. The Upstate is the place to be in SC. Got the certificate as well as another certificate too! The Brooks Range is beautiful as was the drive over it! Quite spectacular. Glad to have you along on the journey. See you next week.
I totally agree about the sticker!! The more stickers the better off we are 😂😉
LOL...I may hide your comment from Sondra...🤔🤣 She needs no sticker encouragement! Thank you for the comment. 😊😍
Thanks for taking us along on the journey. We have been up the Dempster to Inuvik and flew to Tuktoyaktuk to get to the ocean, and I have been to Deadhorse and the slope but that was on an airplane so I missed the spectacular scenery that you are seeing along the Haul Road.
I have driven to Tuk many times but that was back in the day that it was an ice road in the winter.
Thank you, John. We want to drive to Tuk this year if it works out.
yes i have been to the artic circle but in norway did that in my big rig 44tons and 22wheels
Wow, Vernon, that's a lot of wheels carrying a lot of weight! Appreciate the comments. 😁
You guys truly have balls of steel. That looks frightening and way too rugged for my lame butt. 😂 So glad youre out enjoying life, and seeing all that beauty! Have fun and stay safe!
Hmmm...so that's why I walk funny?!? 🤔🤣😂😁😎 We are enjoying life as it comes and jumping in with both feet! Thanks for watching and appreciate your comments.
Thanks for another great video and the trip to Alaska❤
Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching.
love The sticker idea. We are kind of doing the same, just sharing our travels, We have no plans in getting merched too. But, should look into stickers.
Sondra loves her stickers...we're still talking about if we're going to do it. Might be a neat idea.
Another awesome video. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Eddie. Appreciate your time watching the channel. 😊
Awesome video! Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Glad you enjoyed it, Debbi! Thank you for watching the channel.
Definitely a bucket list trip for us, so glad you popped up on my TH-cam. New subber. 😊
Thank you so very much. It was very surprising how much we enjoyed the trip up the Dalton. We're going to do it again in the future. Appreciate you subscribing to the channel. It will be a fun summer.
Unbelievable Video. You guys are amazing. All the Best Dan Staten Island New York
Thanks so much, Dan! We're enjoying the ability to travel in this style and never take it for granted. One of these days, we're going to visit "The City"...and see how close we can park Voyager and Orion. Appreciate your time watching the channel.
Really gonna have to plan Hard for this Drive for next year. I'm taking a truck with no camper. Hope a tent will work. Loving your Journey. Thanks
There are plenty of pull off for camping. There is some great grayling fishing in many of the creeks. There are some nice short hiking places I used to stop and take a break at. The hike on the west side of the road at the top of BeaverSlide is a nice walk that is worth it.
Lots of places to overnight, Charles. The only issue is the weather which can be unpredictable. There are a few motels/camps/roadhouses along the road in case you get tired of the tent. Taking the truck will be more comfortable with the roads, for sure! Good luck. It will be fun. Thanks for watching and commenting.
First time subscriber here. I have seen others video there trip north on the Dalton Road, but watching and listening to you both was very interesting. I felt like I was experiencing this trip with you both. Your down to earth. Looking forward to next video. Chow!
Welcome aboard! Thank you for the compliment. We enjoy sharing our experiences and glad you're along on the journey.
Thanks
You're Welcome, William, glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome video and drone footage! I do enjoy watching but not sure if I would enjoy driving, except for the scenery. I guess you can soon check that destination from your bucket list. Safe travels!
The first day was terrible with the roads. We were expecting bad but I don't think we fully appreciated "how bad" they would be. The scenery is spectacular and the whole region is so remote that it can be unsettling. It definitely gets a "check mark" on the list!
Such an interesting trip! Hope your dishes are not breakable! I am enjoying riding along with you!
Thank you...and so far, no breakage! No matter how hard we try! LOL. See you next week!
We drove as far as the Arctic Circle in 2011. Road I’d no different now than then, which we expected. Frost heaves and gravel are on the menu. We’re here now near Anchorage visiting our son and family. Hope you enjoy your trip. My son works up on the North Slope.
Thanks, Barbara. So, I guess you get to see him for about 3 weeks? Working the North Slope must be a very unique experience. Enjoy Alaska and we're having a fun trip touring around the state. Thanks and appreciate your time watching the channel. 😃
God's country. Thank you
You're welcome, Susan. It's truly beautiful and very remote. Thanks for watching.
This was fun but those skeeters 😮. Thanks for the journey!
No kidding. The skeeters are terrible! Still lots of fun.
Yes it’s worth it! Traveling the Dalton to Deadhorse is in my top 5 since moving to AK! Some amazing country up there that most, including Alaskans never see!
You are so right, Marty. We have driven some amazing roads in our travels but this ranks up there with the best of them. Beartooth Hwy is spectacular as well but Dalton is special.