Roll Call Alaska 2016

[GGeorge]

I have been planning this trip for 4+ years. It is now time to update my estimates and make my reservations.

Estimate Wash/BC border about 5 May 2016, north on route 97/1/2 to Tok, south to Valdez, make the hump to Anchorage, then to Homer and Seward, north to Denali, Fairbanks, back to TOK and off to Dawson, then south to Watson Lake, Smithers, then to CAN 16 east to Jasper,/Banff, on to Glacier in Montana, arriving early Sept so I can get thru the park then west to Kalispell. South thru the US to Houston area for the thanksgiving holiday and Florida for the Christmas holiday. Since I am sure it will be cold in Ohio I wont return home till April 2017.

Alaska here we come!!!!

G George

On edit, yup it's time to plan 2016. I edited your post to modify the title to be consistent with previous years; it will facilitate future searches for members.

... Eric (Moderator)

[2gypsies1]

Our 40' easily fit in a huge site at Liard. They're not all huge though. Plan it so you can arrive in the morning as folks are leaving. That's what we always do. Some sites could even fit 2 RVs. I believe there's overflow parking, too.

[rag-ftw]

Toad River to Whitehorse today.
Today was the Alaskan Highway of old. Lots of rough road and miles of muddy gravel with big chug holes and washboards! Our RV looks like we have been across Top of the World!

Mile 460 construction but no big delay.
Mile 795 was at least two miles of muddy gravel with a 20 minute wait for pace truck.
Mile 820 about a mile of muddy gravel and 15 minute wait for pace truck.
Couple of other local bridge construction sites but no real delays just a slow down.
The two long stretches of muddy gravel were beyond the Cassiar turn off junction so they can't be missed by taking the Cassiar. Both of these are long time jobs that will take all summer to finish.

Cheapest fuel is Contact Creek at mile 590 . ($.99 diesel and $1.06 gasoline) This is about 30 miles before Watson Lake. The couple that owns Contact Creek are originally from Florida. Ask him about his first winter in the Yukon!! Note this is Contact Creek NOT Coal River!

Animals today was a moose at mile 408, numerous buffalo between 471 and 574.
Black bear across the highway from Contact Creek.
While crossing the Nisutlin River there was a big moose in the middle of the river swimming for all he was worth. Think he found the water deeper than expected while trying to wade across.

We stopped behind a big rig at the first group of buffalo. The driver jumped out of the cab and walked across the road to get a closer pic. Everything was OK for the first minute or so, then the old bull got tired of being photographed and proceeded to chase him back to his truck! The bull was obviously just playing with him because he had plenty of time and distance to take the guy down if had wanted. The co-driver was hanging out the door videoing his buddy running across the road! (Obviously a rookie truck driver!) This was our good belly laugh for the day!

Cinnamon rolls are really good at Johnson's Crossing and the Mexican food is outstanding at Sanchez Cantina in Whitehorse.

[SBradley]

Tarheel 2 wrote:
Has anyone driven the Cassiar in the past week or so? We're crossing the border tomorrow and thinking of taking Rt. 16 from Jasper to Prince George then up the Cassiar. But in talking with someone where we're staying tonight, he didn't recommend the Cassiar because of it's overall condition. His report is different than what I have been hearing. Also, what is the condition of RT. 16?

Any info would be appreciated.

Didn't drive up the Casiar this year but last year the Casiar was in good shape.
It's a typical 2 lane road with a few pavement breaks. Fuel at Bell 2 and Dease Lake then again at Watson lake. Bell 2 is expensive so if you can figure out what you need to reach Dease Lake just add that amount. Watch for Black bears on the road after Bell 2 especially near dark, I might even stop for the night.

It shortens the trip a full day, but you miss Laird Hot Springs.

[sue_t]

Tarheel 2 wrote:
Has anyone driven the Cassiar in the past week or so? We're crossing the border tomorrow and thinking of taking Rt. 16 from Jasper to Prince George then up the Cassiar. But in talking with someone where we're staying tonight, he didn't recommend the Cassiar because of it's overall condition. His report is different than what I have been hearing. Also, what is the condition of RT. 16?

Any info would be appreciated.

Route 16 is usually in good condition. It is a well-travelled highway.

The Cassiar is usually in good shape as far as Meziadin Junction, an easy drive. North of Bell II it narrows a bit, has some rough spots, but is fine to drive. The Alaska Highway has numerous construction zones now, so it would be six of one (Cassiar) or half dozen of the other (Alaska Highway).

[drwwicks]

We are leaving Monday Memorial day to start moving NW and will link up with a Fantasy Tours caravan on 6-20 at Anacortes WA. It's the "your way" caravan with mostly unplanned days. This will be a 4+ month and 12,000 mile+ trip all total.

[Tarheel_2]

Has anyone driven the Cassiar in the past week or so? We're crossing the border tomorrow and thinking of taking Rt. 16 from Jasper to Prince George then up the Cassiar. But in talking with someone where we're staying tonight, he didn't recommend the Cassiar because of it's overall condition. His report is different than what I have been hearing. Also, what is the condition of RT. 16?

Any info would be appreciated.

[rag-ftw]

sue.t wrote:
Contact Creek is usually best priced.
Coal River usually expensive.
Watson Lake, be sure to ask for the 4 cent discount if you fill up at the Yukon Motel & RV Park.

Thanks, Sue.

Sent you a PM yesterday!

[missnmountains]

2gypsies wrote:

missnmountains wrote:
Has anyone stayed at the Liard Hotsprings Lodge & RV Park yet?

It appears their water and restaurant are out and the power is down to 110.

Ken

Don't know about that RV park. We stayed at Liard itself in a wonderful large campsite and a short stroll to the springs.

Do you think a 44 foot rv can get in there?

We can drop the jeep.

Ken

[sue_t]

Contact Creek is usually best priced.
Coal River usually expensive.
Watson Lake, be sure to ask for the 4 cent discount if you fill up at the Yukon Motel & RV Park.

[2gypsies1]

missnmountains wrote:
Has anyone stayed at the Liard Hotsprings Lodge & RV Park yet?

It appears their water and restaurant are out and the power is down to 110.

Ken

Don't know about that RV park. We stayed at Liard itself in a wonderful large campsite and a short stroll to the springs.

[rag-ftw]

Grande Prairie to Toad River today. Told us we got the last available spot. If you are planning on staying here you might want to call ahead. (250-232-5401)

Today's roads were in good shape for the Alaskan Highway, no problem driving the speed limit. No major unmarked frost heaves. Two or three construction zones outside of Dawson Creek but no delays. Major construction at mile 343 from Dawson Creek. About a mile of gravel and 20 minute wait for pace truck.

Saw 4 black bears between mile 306 - 313. Stone sheep at 370. That's it for wild life today.

Several stations in Dawson Creek had $.99 diesel. It goes up from there to $1.24 in Toad River.

Anyone have recent fuel,prices for Contact Creek, Coal River, or Watson Lake.

[missnmountains]

Has anyone stayed at the Liard Hotsprings Lodge & RV Park yet?

It appears their water and restaurant are out and the power is down to 110.

Ken

[missnmountains]

Crossing ar sweetgrass this morning.

Thanks for the road updates.

Ken

[idaho556]

Thanks for all the responses, get ready to leave around 31st of May

[rag-ftw]

AlaskaShooter wrote:
Why on earth would you stay there at Toad River and risk catching warts? 🙂 Hope you're having a great trip.

George

Thanks, George. We are having a ball!

Hopefully the lake will be thawed this year and the moose will be out and about!
I also have a hat to hang on the wall. Like they need another cap!!