North to Alaska!

[SteveH]

Our son is being transfered to Alaska (He's in the US Air Force), so we are planning to go to visit, maybe next summer. We have decided to drive and camp, the AlCan highway. We will probably take a larger camper than the teardrop because we plan to be gone for a month or so.

I remember a thread where someone made the trip camping with a teardrop, must have been a couple of years ago, but I can't find it and I've done "the search".

All input about "must see", "must do", and "be carefull of this", will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Nobody]

You may be thinking of the Camp Inn trip made by Dave & June Wentworth a few years ago. It's on the Camp Inn website, or just go here http://tinycamper.com/alaska1.htm & follow along. Oh, BTW wife & I are planning to drive the Alaska Highway again (went in '93) next year. We'll take the TD. We learned on our 3-week trip 'out west' this year that we can get along pretty well with lots less than we'd thought when traveling in our larger campers Oh yeah, you'll want "The Milepost" book to travel the hiway. 'Mile by mile' description of the Alaska Highway, how to connect up, camping, sightseeing, etc. Invaluable asset for planning & the actual trip. Order one now (or when the next issue comes out) & you'll have it 'well worn' before your trip. Have fun!

[Arne]

Having done several month long trips in my teardrop, the only big problem I found was if I was staying in one spot for several days and it rained.

While traveling rain wasn't much of a bother, but when sitting still, if it rained, it was read inside, or go shopping or some place where I wouldn't get wet.

I tend only to cook on site when I have good weather... kind of depends what your plans are. I've also found cooking while traveling, except supper/dinner, slows me down, so breakfast is at a diner and lunch is a Subway sandwich.

[asianflava]

Hey Steve, you should plan your trip so that you can stop at IRG on the way. We're planning on going again. The only caveat the wife had was that we had to take a different route.

[Nobody]

Hey Steve, you should plan your trip so that you can stop at IRG on the way. We're planning on going again. The only caveat the wife had was that we had to take a different route.

Yeah Rocky, we're planning to do that too tho we'll probably hit the IRG after the Alaska trip. Last time we went we left home at the end of June & arrived in Alaska in mid July. Not the best time of year to see the stuff we wanted to see (wildlife, fishing, etc.), & the tourists at Denali were unbelievable . There were RV's lined up on both sides of the highway for several miles either side of the park entrance, waiting for an empty campsite or just for the park shuttle. You can't drive into the park anymore 'cept to go to a campsite. From talking to locals, & my own experience while on TDY trips for the USAF before I retired, the best time is late spring/early summer (mid-May thru June) for viewing wildlife, etc. May be a little cooler but shouldn't be bad cold & that time usually beats the 'skeeters' . Figure if we leave mid-may we should be getting back to NorCal just in time for the IRG . Nuthin's set in stone yet but that's the current plan

[SteveH]

Harvey,

That link is the one I was looking for. Thanks.

Now, does anyone have any more first hand experience with traveling/camping the AlCan Highway?

Rocky,

I wanted to go to the ICG this year, but it just did not work out. We are wanting to go to Alaska this coming summer, and as I understand, the ICG won't happen again until the summer after.

[SteveH]

Here's a picture of the '75 23' Airstream I bought early this week in Tucson. The picture was taken on the way back. It's going to be a project fixing it up on the inside, and it has some issues on the outside as well. The only good news is, I have plenty of time before next summer and the Alaska trip to get it done.



One other thing....there goes my idea of downsizing my truck. If anything, I need to upsize now as the 4.7 liter Dodge was not happy at all pulling it up the grades.

[Gerald_G]

I've personally counted more miles on the Alaska Highway than the circumference of the earth. Mostly as far as Dawson City, or Beaverlodge Yukon. It's been a few years since I went and things have probably changed, but if you have any specific questions about the Canadian sections, please ask them, I may be able to help.

Some of my ToDo's:

Liard Hot Springs - Camp/Swim
S.S. Klondike river boat tour in Whitehorse.
Slide show of the Kluane International Park in Haines Junction, Yukon.
Congdon creek campground, and hike near sheep mountain.
Side trips to Skagway or Haines Alaska - cool places to see.

[Guy]

Dear Steve,

You might want to check with Juneaudave when the black fly season is. If it is when you plan on going they can really ruin a trip outdoors. Also check if there is going to be an Alaskan gathering. Might be fun to work around.

[sledge]

Sure looks good..............any idea what the Air Stream weighs

[SteveH]

any idea what the Air Stream weighs

I found the brocure from '75 in with all the rest of the papers and it's supposed to weigh around 3,550, with a tongue weight of 550. Not too heavy for a 23', but certainly no teardrop.