Alaska bound

[Harleybullet]

Anyone out there who has gone to Alaska by TC to view auroras. How late did you go and how were the conditions getting to Fairbanks and on to Chena hot springs. Any info would be appreciated. Was thinking at the end of October.

[cleary]

I use Ford blended oil in the truck as that is what the dealer here in Fairbanks puts in it. In Feb. of 08 I drove from Fairbanks to Whitehorse and back and had no problem finding gas. None of this is a big deal!

[jimh406]

Well, that and being open at the hour you pass by. One thing about fuel stations in remote towns, they don't always stay open 24 hours or even what we would consider regular hours.

[time2roll]

Do any of the fuel stops close for the Winter? That would be my concern.

[Yeti_plus]

Something to think about. I just had the oil changed in Yellowknife NWT and I had the choice of semi synthetic or full synthetic oil. Talking to the owner of the glass shop fixing stone chips in my windshield, he said all his equipment has synthetic oil, because regular oil gets too thick even with a block heater. You might want to check that out and switch to one of the synthetics when you get to Alaska.
Brian

[Fishhunter]

I'll be headed in the opposite direction in October, pulling a cargo trailer with freezer inside full of halibut and moose for kinfolk down south. Maybe I'll see ya on the road.

[Photomike]

Harleybullet wrote:
I have a 2500 Onan LP generator, Solar panel, 2 30 lb tanks, an extra Mr. Heat Buddy that uses 1 lb LP tank and double pain windows on my Arctic Fox 1150 and a Ram 3500 diesel Dually 4x4. Needless to say we have been in some areas that a mountain goat might have had second thoughts......hehehe. As long as I feel good I am coming! Shooting for October, anyone want to join up?

Sounds like you may be prepared. Should be a great trip!

[Grit_dog]

Ha! I'd give my left........arm to go!

[Harleybullet]

I have a 2500 Onan LP generator, Solar panel, 2 30 lb tanks, an extra Mr. Heat Buddy that uses 1 lb LP tank and double pain windows on my Arctic Fox 1150 and a Ram 3500 diesel Dually 4x4. Needless to say we have been in some areas that a mountain goat might have had second thoughts......hehehe. As long as I feel good I am coming! Shooting for October, anyone want to join up?

[cleary]

Harleybullet wrote:
Thanks for the responses and if there is any other info pass it along. We are not afraid of cold weather and have driven in many a snowstorm. If I can get up there this fall I just might pass by and give you a call. Will have to plug in somewhere if we stay for a few days. What is the name of the ski area on the mountain near Cleary?

SKILAND It is an upside down ski area with the lodge on the top of Mount Aurora with us.

AURORA VIEWING AT SKILAND

OUR WEBSITE

Chuck

[Photomike]

Harleybullet wrote:
Thanks for the responses and if there is any other info pass it along. We are not afraid of cold weather and have driven in many a snowstorm. If I can get up there this fall I just might pass by and give you a call. Will have to plug in somewhere if we stay for a few days. What is the name of the ski area on the mountain near Cleary?

With the lack of campgrounds open you may want to pick up a small generator to top up and also as an emergency power / heat source. If you come through southern Alberta keep my info if you have any problems.

[c_traveler2]

what route are you planning on taking? Don't forget post plenty of photos of your journey into Canada and Alaska.

Here's a link to The AuroraHunter.com

[jimh406]

Well, you don't need to be "afraid" of bad weather just aware that there is a lot of country and not much snow clearing gear where there aren't many people. 😉

[Harleybullet]

Thanks for the responses and if there is any other info pass it along. We are not afraid of cold weather and have driven in many a snowstorm. If I can get up there this fall I just might pass by and give you a call. Will have to plug in somewhere if we stay for a few days. What is the name of the ski area on the mountain near Cleary?

[Grit_dog]

^What he said!
Even down in Anchorage, it's considered unusual if the little kids don't have to wear snow suits under their costumes on Halloween.
In the interior, there is a real possibility of snow anytime after Labor Day.
End of Oct early Nov, I'd be ready for temps approaching zero. May not happen, but will certainly be well below freezing at least at night.
Just plan for it and have fun!
Nothing different about driving in snow in AK vs NY, exept AK is Awesome!!

[cleary]

Anytime from now until the end of March is good aurora viewing here in Fairbanks. A new moon, (no moon), is best as the light from the moon can take away from the lights. The area north of town 20 miles up the Steese Highway called Cleary Summit is one of the best viewing areas on the planet. This is where we live and along with two of our neighbors have condo/lodges that cater to aurora viewers. The ski area up here also caters to viewers.

In late October we will more than likely have snow and will have freezing temps.

For aurora info: spaceweather.comwww.spaceweather.com

If you would like to PM me I'll fill you in on aurora viewing up here.

Chuck