I have a lot of stories to share regarding the last week before I left Alaska and the drive down the ALCAN. But for today’s post, I thought I’d give a visual glimpse of the ALCAN by sharing one photo from each day. My sister drove with me. We left on Friday, October 6, 2017 and arrived in Laramie, Wyoming (the town we grew up in) on Thursday, October 12, 2017.
So, here are a few facts of the journey:
- Number of miles: 3,090 (plus the get-lost miles)
- Number of wrong turns we made: 3
- Number of minutes we lost because of the wrong turns we made: 180
- Person responsible for the wrong turns according to me: my sister
- Person responsible for the wrong turns according to my sister: me
- Number of blown tires: 1 (at a place of no cell service)
- Number of minutes we lost due to getting the tire replaced: 220
- Number of nights we intended to sleep in the van: all of them
- Number of nights we actually slept in the van: none of them
- Number of coffee stops: too many to count
- Number of times we nearly ran out of gas: 2 (most embarrassing stat)
- Number of dings in the brand new van’s windshield: 1
- Weather: sun, rain, wind, sleet and snow…we saw it all
Day 1
The road coming into Tok, Alaska, looking back the way we came from Anchorage. Goodbye, Anchorage.
Day 2
This is not a photo of the highway we traveled down. Rather, a photo of the tire we left in the highway we traveled down. Story to come in a future post.
Day 3
An original Alaska Highway bridge built in 1942, outside Haines Junction, Yukon Territory, and called Historic Canyon Creek Bridge. We stayed the night at Haines Junction so this was in the glow of morning sun.
Day 4
Muncho Lake, British Columbia. The bright green-blue water is attributed to copper oxide leaching into the lake but you can’t see the color as well on cloudy days like this one.
Day 5
The twice daily ritual of wrapping the cat in a blanket to transport her between the van and the hotel. She adjusted to the constant change so much better than expected.
Day 6
Famous Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek. The wind is whipping like crazy but my dog and I jumped out for a photo.
Day 7
A large field of wind turbines in Montana and I didn’t even have a wide enough lens to capture the field in its entirety.
This is just a glimmer of the trip. I will share the trials, tribulations and the many wonderful moments of the trip in upcoming posts.
And, in case you are wondering, the license plate feature image, was taken at Watson Lake, Yukon Territory, at the Sign Forest which boasts over 75,000 signs. I Love Life.
Next stop: Tennessee to pick up my long-anticipated travel trailer at the Oliver factory.
Congratulations on completing part 1 of your physical journey to your RV life! Looking forward to your Alcan stories.
Thanks, Karen. Appreciate the support and all the tips on the ALCAN road. We would’ve driven right by Otter Falls without your telling us to stop. I loved that stop.
Yes Karen…thanks for all the tips! However my sister clearly didn’t get tips on running out of gas or the wrong turns…because that’s clearly her job to monitor as the co-pilot. So the universe & I have clearly decided all the faults are, yes…the older sister (-:
It was an AMAZING & beautiful trip, so happy we did that together! Many fond memories that will remain forever. Not once did I wish the long road trip would hurry & be over! I encourage everyone to drive the ALCAN in fall at least 1 time in life!
I can’t wait to see the adventures you have on the next part of your journey!
I’m still mad at you for leaving me at the Denver airport 33 yrs after you left me the first time. (-: Just know…you can run but I will chase you down as always <3
Cheers to your new wonderful life ahead!
#sisterbond #sisterlove
Ya’ll be safe. Debbie, be sure to post your thoughts about the pick up process of your Ollie. Jack and I have never owned an rv either so we are very interested as to how detailed the pick up is. Thanks.
Thanks, Trish. I surely will. My plan is post all about the Oliver pick up and the rig itself in the post following Monday’s pickup. So look for it on October 30…if all goes according to my master plan.
Some great pics from each of the days. I know you are excited about picking up your Ollie, it will be good Stay after pick-up as long as you need so as you are comfortable with all components and all works good. It is an awesome made rv and you will enjoy. I like the colors you have on your Oliver.
Thanks Mike and Gerri. I cannot wait to see it in person. I appreciate you reaching out to me after you saw my rig. See you in May at the Oliver rally…if not before.
Good pictures. I love the 1942 bridge. It reminds me of early morning hours while camping in upstate NY. Be safe. Marie XOX
We also found an old cabin they must’ve stayed in. It was a great stop. I’ll write about it soon and will include more of the photos. Upstate NY is definitely on my list of places to visit.