Alaska to Arkansas

[ARtraveler]

Yesterday (5/10) was our final day at the house. Packers came the day before and got everything ready. All three motorcycles were picked up to be hauled away and crated for the big move. They will be riding on a platform in the van with my household goods. We will see how good that works out. :roflblack:

After the house was cleaned out...we headed to a local motel for a one night stay. Went out to supper with family members for final good byes.

Saturday (5/11) we stopped at our favorite breakfast place one last time. By 9:00 we were on the road for our first leg of the journey. We started easy, a little over 300 miles, and ended up at TOK, AK. We are about 90 miles from the Canadian Border. We intend to go a bit further with at least Whitehorse YT or further as our next destination. We are not making reservations as we do not know how far we will get each day.

The roads were pretty good to Tok. About 20 miles of assorted frost heaves scattered amongst the last 100 miles of the journey.

The scenery was spectacular...but so big, that a camera does not capture it well. Those who have already traveled AK know what I am talking about.

We pretty much had the road to ourselves once we got 100 miles from home. Most of the traffic was fifth wheels, Class A's, and trailers. Glad they were going inbound.

That is today's adventure.

 

[4 MARIE]

what an adventure, and a big step at any age. thanks for the travel tales, and keep them coming.

 

[LeftCoast]

I was about to give you a hard time for not posting but then you did. Thanks AR, i want food reviews on this trip. The number of gut busting options are probably unlimited.

Drive safe buddy!

LC

 

[Netminder]

Have a very safe journey.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Travelling

You know I wish you all the best..... also hope the weather is in your favor ….. Footnote : I just drove back from Spyderfest in Mo. …. 1420 miles in 28.5 hrs...… 10 hrs less than going there …… Yep I'm a drive-a-holic …… Mike hyea:

 

[SpyderAnn01]

We stayed at a delightful bed and breakfast dog sled place in Whitehorse called Muk Tuk Lodge. Check it out

 

[Luvs2Ride]

So happy you're posting updates as you make this move! Will be looking forward to the next one!!!
Gina J

 

[Bob Denman]

D,
Safe travels… :thumbup:

 

[Joe T.]

This will be interesting.

Would it be possible to have your trip shown on a Google Map, or some other 'map" every few days to see the progress and what roads you are taking, etc. That would be very interesting.

Regards,
Joe T.

 

[LeftCoast]

I have to admit I am living a bit vicariously through AR on this adventure.

 

[ARtraveler]

Day 2: Tok to Whitehorse YT. 387 miles

Almost 400 miles today. We decided to stay at one of the Westmarks. Okay...but will stick to the smaller mom & pops for the rest of the Canada portion. Decided to have a real meal tonight. My prime rib....not so exciting, Linda did have very good salmon though.


Stayed at Golden Bear in Tok. Restaurant next door. The best burgers, fries, and shakes that we have had in a couple months. And we do a lot of them.

The road between Tok and Whitehorse was better than I have ever seen it. I have talked in the past about the BIG frost heaves. Even gave them the name "whoop te doos" That stretch of road has been improved a lot. There are still a lot of small frost heaves....but you do not have to slow down to 20 to go over them now.

Tomorrow the plan is Muncho Lake. 442 miles or so.

 

[LeftCoast]

I’ve found a lot of times on these travels a good steak is a pretty hit or miss thing. I honestly get the biggest kick out of actually getting good diner food, that burger shake kind of thing with a good piece of pie. The thing is after about 3 days of this I’m really wanting something else.

Good to know your SO got a good piece of fish.

 

[d.o.spyder-rts]

Thanks for the updates, keep them coming-safe travels. Dale

 

[ARtraveler]

Day 3: Whitehorse YT to Muncho Lake BC. 442 miles.

I have not mentioned the weather yet. All three days have been bluebird skies and temps in the 50's. Today, a few more clouds and a couple of sprinkles.

Arrived in Muncho Lake at 4:30 PM. Staying at Northern Rockies Lodge. It has gas and an attached restaurant. Only $89 to fill my gas tank. It was about 3/4 empty. Gas is now high priced in Canada. Only two more tanks and we will be in the lower 48 (Montana).

The scenery today was varied and beautiful. The wildlife was out once we got into BC. We saw a couple herds of caribou, several herds of bison, and three black bears. All conveniently grazing alongside the road.

Tomorrow, the plan is Muncho Lake to Dawson Creek, the official beginning of the Alcan Highway. Then we will be on regular Canadian roads for our journey South to Montana.

I have now driven on the Alaska Hwy four times. To AK (2001), Back to Whitehorse and Skagway (2010) and now the final journey out (2019). So far, we have not run into any really bad construction or bad areas. I am now going to say that all the stuff we have heard about the Alcan Hwy is more puffing than truth. Most of the road we drove today was 100 KM/h (62 mph). Had to slow down a few times for curves and the occasional frost heave, but nothing like I experienced in 2001 and 2010.

Linda says hello to all her friends.

Will talk more tomorrow.

 

[dpetrick]

AR glad to hear the trip is going well.

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree: :thumbup:
Assuming that you're sticking to your timetable: when do you figure on getting to your new home?

 

[HayRog]

Safe journey AR (aka AK) -- in your virtual passenger seat with you. Thanks. :thumbup:

 

[ARtraveler]

:agree: :thumbup:
Assuming that you're sticking to your timetable: when do you figure on getting to your new home?

Arrival in AR on Sunday the 19th. The closing on the new home, the week of the 20th.

 

[ARtraveler]

Day 4: Muncho Lake to Dawson Creek (the end/beginning of the Alaska Hwy). 430 miles

An interesting ride today. Crossed the Canadian Rockies, roads were narrow and curvy. Speeds 30 to 50 mph for the first hundred miles or so. As we came off the plateau, the roads got much better and we were up to 62 mph (100 km/h). Saw a caribou and some bears today. Not as much wildlife as yesterday.

Weather started out blue sky, but turned cloudy. No rain to speak of though.

Last night we stayed at the Northern Rockies Resort on Muncho Lake. Very beautiful. Their dining room served a limited menu (we are a couple weeks early for the beginning of the tourist season. Took a chance and ordered the schnitzel and spaetzle. Have eaten at German restaurants all over the US...and this was the best we have had. Whooda thought?

Tomorrow, the plan is to make it as far as Red Deer AB. Then...the next day on to Montana. opcorn:

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Day 4: Muncho Lake to Dawson Creek (the end/beginning of the Alaska Hwy). 430 miles

An interesting ride today. Crossed the Canadian Rockies, roads were narrow and curvy. Speeds 30 to 50 mph for the first hundred miles or so. As we came off the plateau, the roads got much better and we were up to 62 mph (100 km/h). Saw a caribou and some bears today. Not as much wildlife as yesterday.

Weather started out blue sky, but turned cloudy. No rain to speak of though.

Last night we stayed at the Northern Rockies Resort on Muncho Lake. Very beautiful. Their dining room served a limited menu (we are a couple weeks early for the beginning of the tourist season. Took a chance and ordered the schnitzel and spaetzle. Have eaten at German restaurants all over the US...and this was the best we have had. Whooda thought?

Tomorrow, the plan is to make it as far as Red Deer AB. Then...the next day on to Montana. opcorn:

:clap::clap: ........ It's difficult to even find those two items on a menu ..... to find ones that are very good is a miracle :roflblack:...... Mike hyea: