North to Alaska ~~

[desertgirl66]

So---we are leaving on our great Alaska Adventure on Monday morning!!

This has been a dream and been in planning for almost 10 years for Desertdude & myself--and we are really stoked!!!!

Finalizing the adjustments on the rig--oil changes, brake updates and about a million other little chores--

The packing--golly---trying to make sure I have everything I need for 2 months on the road--from tank tops to rain gear!!

As much food stuffs as we can fit in the 80 drawer system (of course we must save room for some tequila!)

Cleaning out the refrigerator --who wants to come home to mayo that has been sitting for 2 months--eeek!! Been having some interesting meals from all the stuff in the freezer and back of the refer--

I will be making a Blog of our expedition for those who would like to follow our journey--more on that later--

Tentative plan: leave Monday am and head up Hwy. 395 in Eastern Cali--then to 36 to the coast--fish the Smith River--then up to the Oregon Coast--Washington--Vancouver--Cassier Hwy in BC--and then into Alaska!!

On July 8th we will meet Mark Whatley and the Alaska crew and begin Alaska Cruiser Trek '06!!! 7 days of non roads, no services, wicked river crossings and 20 hours of daylight to hang with these cool Alaska cruiser heads!! I believe we will be getting quite muddy and bug bitten and having an experience of a LIFE TIME!!!!

Stay tuned for details~~~

Happy Trails!!

[blupaddler]

Pasquale & Kristina...


Have a safe & wonderful trip!!!

This will definitely be one to remember!





Make sure to take a pic of the 80 fully loaded before you depart.

[gjackson]

SWEET!!! Sounds like an awesome trip. Send us pics every now and again, and have a safe trip. I'd wish would a wonderful trip as well, but I think that will happen no matter what!

cheers.

[VikingVince]

Kristina...Bon Voyage'...what a great trip you have ahead of you...I wish you and Pasquale a truly tremendous time:bowdown: :sunflower :campfire: (how many musical instruments will fit in the 80?):D :D I expect you and Pasquale to collaborate on a song about Alaska:exclaim: :exclaim:

[Nullifier]

Oh man you guys are living the dream!!! this willtruely be an awesome adventure. Hopefully in a few years Gen and I wil be in a position to do this.

[kcowyo]

I'll be anxiously awaiting updates from the road and trail!

Godspeed and safe journey you two!!

I look forward to hearing all about it....:lurk:

[datrupr]

I know you are probably already on the road, but have a good and safe trip you two! We ofcourse expect you to keep us updated, so those of us that aren't there can live the dream vicariously through the Dude and the Girl! Have an awesome trip!!

[desertgirl66]

Visit my North to Alaska Blog - HERE (http://web.mac.com/kristinahall/iWeb/desertgirl.adventures/North.to.Alaska.Blog/North.to.Alaska.Blog.html)

[awalter]

Have a great time in one of my favorite states.:jump:

[Desertdude]

Thanks Al !


We have made it nearly to the top of Oregon - I finally got to publish my trip blog HERE (http://web.mac.com/desertdude/iWeb/Desertdude.to.Alaska/N2A-Blog/N2A-Blog.html)

[desertgirl66]

New installment Here (http://web.mac.com/kristinahall/iWeb/desertgirl.adventures/North.to.Alaska.Blog/North.to.Alaska.Blog.html)

[Scott Brady]

Kristina and Pasquale,

I just spent the last hour reading both of your blogs, and just love it! It looks like you are having such a wonderful time.

It might be hard not to keep heading south once you hit AZ again :beer:

Oh, and I LOVE the koozie shots. FUN FUN!

[Willman]

Nice blogs!!!...I wish i come joinup!!!!....School has me tied down for the summer....It will be all worth it in the long run....plus still working on a lot of mods on the truck.....Maybe down the road in a few years....That would be a great trip to take part in!!!!

Good luck and be safe!!!...Take alot of pics and keep us up to date if you can on the progress of the trip!!!

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Awesome Guys!!!!!!!!!!

Keep the updates coming!!!!!!!!!

I'm Loving It!!!!!!!!

[dmc]

Hey when you kids get closer to Canada feel free to send me some emails. I've driven from Utah to AK 5 times. I even lived up there for awhile. Last trip took me all the way to Deadhorse. I recommend it if you have the time. Was really hoping to make ACT but $$$ (or lack of it) got in the way. I'm sure Whatley can give you some good locals knowledge but if you want some good tips for getting through CA and Ak feel free to contact me directly.

dave.connors@hp.com

I noticed you'll be on the Cassiar. Depending on your schedule I recommend taking at least a day for Hyder/Stewart. Some unrivaled landscape, some nutty locals and a great place to get lost.

[Mlachica]

wow, this is so cool. I'm extremely happy for you guys!

Your blog is a fun read and the pictures are beautiful, keep em coming!

[Desertdude]

Guys, thanks a bunch for all the kind words of encouragement. Dave we will be sure and check out that spot along the Cassiar.

We have made it to Vancouver B.C. - man what a city! Not wanting to spend much time around the big cities we will be heading north after stocking up on supplies - I am sure Kristina will post here blog when she meets me here at the local coffee spot...

Here (http://web.mac.com/desertdude/iWeb/Desertdude.to.Alaska/N2A-Blog/N2A-Blog.html) are my latest blog updates


it might be a while on the next ones - hang tight :coffee:

[dmc]

Guys, thanks a bunch for all the kind words of encouragement. Dave we will be sure and check out that spot along the Cassiar.

We have made it to Vancouver B.C. - man what a city! Not wanting to spend much time around the big cities we will be heading north after stocking up on supplies - I am sure Kristina will post here blog when she meets me here at the local coffee spot...

Here are my latest blog updates

http://web.mac.com/desertdude/iWeb/Desertdude.to.Alaska/Blog/Blog.html

it might be a while on the next ones - hang tight :coffee:

You guys headed through Hope and Fraser Canyon or up through Whistler and Lillooet (sp?). Both have their advantages. I prefer the Whistler route. You won't see another car once you leave Whistler for hours.
dmc

[desertgirl66]

Hey everyone!!

We are having way to much fun!!! Awesome everything!!

On our way to Whistler, more incredible scenery and fun camping.

New installment HERE (http://web.mac.com/kristinahall/iWeb/desertgirl.adventures/North.to.Alaska.Blog/North.to.Alaska.Blog.html)

Wearing lots of jackets--but getting warmer here in BC.

Miss y'all and our best to you guys and gals!:p

[paulj]

I should have mentioned this earlier, but if you have the time, there are some interesting backroads north of Whistler.

- the paved route from Pemberton to Lillooet is by way of Duffey Lake. It has some good hills that challenge the RVs, but are a piece of cake for cars.

- a gravel alternative is the Hurley Road to the west, and then along the shores of Carpenter Lake. I haven't done that yet. Supposedly you can get 'before and after' T shirts for this road. I don't know if it is clear of snow yet.

- In Lillooet you might ask about taking back roads up the west side of the Fraser to the Big Bar ferry. This is a nonmotorized reaction ferry. There's a nice provincial park campground at Big Bar Lake.

- If you go up the east side of the Fraser, consider taking the 'shortcut' over the Pavilion hills (turn off at Pavilion). This is gravel with some good grades (14%).

- At Kelly you have the choice of a paved road to Clinton and the main highway north, or staying on gravel to Jesmond and the junction with the Big Bar road.

- A spectacular road between the Jesmond road and Big Bar is the High Bar road. This road has a 3km set of switchbacks that drop at 25% grade down to the Fraser river. Without low range you are likely to smell your brakes.

- you can continue of gravel roads all the way up to Williams Lake. There's a suspension bridge over the Fraser at Gang Ranch, and back roads through this massive ranch and surrounding forest all the way up to hwy 20.

- There are some serious 4x4 trails in the area between Carpenter Lake and Gang Ranch. Some of the BC 4x4 clubs have trip accounts online for this area.

And further north, just before the turnoff to the Cassiar, take a side trip to see the First Nations communities around Hazelton.

Some pictures from my travels in this area a couple of summers ago can be found at
http://www.pbase.com/paulj3/fraser

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Desertgirl66!!!!!!!!!

I'm a former Northwest boy.....grew up in Seattle.....riding those Ferrys all the time! I can really appreciate that!.....and the scenary!

Have a Blast.......and keep us posted!!!!!!!!!

Be Safe!!!!!!!!!


~Mark




Hey everyone!!

We are having way to much fun!!! Awesome everything!!

On our way to Whistler, more incredible scenery and fun camping.

New installment HERE (http://web.mac.com/kristinahall/iWeb/desertgirl.adventures/North.to.Alaska.Blog/North.to.Alaska.Blog.html)

Wearing lots of jackets--but getting warmer here in BC.

Miss y'all and our best to you guys and gals!:p

[awalter]

Eagerly following your blog. Sounds like your knee has healed nicely, allowing you to enjoy hiking.

Stay safe.

[desertgirl66]

We have come out of the Canadian woods and have crossed into Alaska!! No internet througout BC and the Yukon, and now we have found a road side stop that has wi-fi.

Check it out:

HERE (http://web.mac.com/kristinahall/iWeb/desertgirl.adventures/North.to.Alaska.Blog/North.to.Alaska.Blog.html)

[VikingVince]

Hey guys...I've been reading your blogs...sounds like you're having a great time:victory: What a great adventure! Alasaka is definitely on my agenda! Liked your bear sightings!!! Since you're in bear country, what precautions do you take? Like I'm thinking, all your food is in your vehicle directly under where you sleep, right?...hmmmmm. I presume you remove all clothing that you've cooked/eaten in before climbing into bed....but then where do they go...into the vehicle? Not trying to make you lose any sleep:elkgrin: I know you've thought/planned everything carefully...just wondering about this one...since my sleeping situation with the Flippac is pretty much the same as yours. Have a great one! ;) Do you have a name yet for the "Alasaka song?" :wavey:

[paulj]

When we traveled to Alaska with a Wildernest campertop a number of years ago, I put the food boxes and cooler in the cab at night. I didn't worry about cooking clothes etc.

Canadian National Parks have a strict 'bare campsite' policy. That is probably good enough for most of Canada and Alaska. Few of these bears have learned to tear doors off of cars, yet.

http://www2.parkscanada.gc.ca/docs/v-g/oursgest-bearmanag/sec7/og-bm7a_E.asp

paulj

[VikingVince]

When we traveled to Alaska with a Wildernest campertop a number of years ago, I put the food boxes and cooler in the cab at night. I didn't worry about cooking clothes etc.

Canadian National Parks have a strict 'bare campsite' policy. That is probably good enough for most of Canada and Alaska. Few of these bears have learned to tear doors off of cars, yet.

Yeah, that certainly makes sense and most folk with outdoor awareness would follow those steps...glad it worked out for you with no problems! I was assuming (maybe incorrectly so but probably not) that a bear could smell food through the hard side of a vehicle...and then go up on its hind legs and slash through the soft sided sleeping area...maybe unlikely but could happen...so I guess it's just part of the risk and if your number is up...well...:smilies27 :smilies27

[Desertdude]

My blog has been updated HERE (http://web.mac.com/desertdude/iWeb/Desertdude.to.Alaska/N2A-Blog/N2A-Blog.html)

I had a mega melt down on the blogging due to some funky Wifi - But I fixed most of it :)

as far as the bear thing - after being up here and talking with a few locals. It is not to much of a problem. The bears have plenty to eat up here in Alaska - and they really don't like people.

It is really nice to come up here to Alaska and finally see fist hand what is up

More coming...

Edit: fix linky

[Desertdude]

PS it is almost 11:30 pm full daylight and raining - we have a tarp set-up from the 80 and we are working on the blogs outside - :Wow1:

[Scott Brady]

Awesome:D

I am really enjoying your writing, which is getting quite creative with great style. Good stuff.

I can see you enjoying the daylight. On my first trip to Alaska I went for about 5 days with little sleep, then I crashed :smilies27

[kcowyo]

My blog has been updated HERE (http://web.mac.com/desertdude/iWeb/Desertdude.to.Alaska/Blog/Blog.html)


Following this has been almost as good as being right there with you two. Almost that good....I'm sure I'm not the only one who wishes they could be there too.....:rolleyes:

Great to hear the 'Cruiser and mosquito proof clothing are doing such a fine job!

Oh, and you guys eat better on the road than I do at home.....:chowtime:

[articulate]

PS it is almost 11:30 pm full daylight and raining - we have a tarp set-up from the 80 and we are working on the blogs outside - :Wow1:
Watching this thread and your blogs has been F-U-N. Thanks. The internet is cool.

:archaeolo

[Desertdude]

Hey thanks everyone for the input. :beer:

We are hanging out in Anchorage today. I dropped off the 80 at Nye Toyota for service - I had a long laundry list of maintenance that I don't need to be doing on the road. The Toyota place is well organized and the service person I spoke with on the phone new Mark Whatley and the Cruiser trek ( he can't make it this year) he owns a lifted 80 with 39" tires and a 62 - what we found is AK is big in land and yet small in who know who.
As a matter of fact we had a fine welcome through the Valdez Police Dept. I was pulled over early yesterday morning while driving around town. The officer asked me if I was drinking, which I replied, " not at all, accept for this chai", he then asked if we new Greg Hayden, we said yes he is going on the ACT06 trek, the officer took my DL and went back to his Police SUV - within two minutes a second Police SUV surrounded us, the first officer left with his SUV and the second officer approached us, I immediately knew what was happening and reached out my hand for a shake and said, Is this how you welcome all your new visitors :) - we both laughed and then spend the next hour talking landcruisers, bears, his shrimp pots and Alaska. We love this place!

Since it is raining here, I might actually get some side projects on my computer wrapped up ;)

All though connection is very rare up here -more stuff coming

[desertgirl66]

From Anchorage, AK and internet!!!! the latest update HERE (http://web.mac.com/kristinahall/iWeb/desertgirl.adventures/North.to.Alaska.Blog/North.to.Alaska.Blog.html)

[erin]

:ylsmoke:
Definitely a very cool trip I'm sure you both will enjoy. The peolple in Alaska are a very cool breed apart from the rest of the US. Having just returned from there about a week ago, I envy you greatly, as I really didn't want to return. I would love to eventually move to the Anchorage area, it's one of my favorites.

Keep up the great posts!:jumping:

[awalter]

Too bad you didn't have more time to spend in & around Wrangell-St. Elias NP. There is free parking to be had there at a Park Service lot. I know you would have enjoyed going into Kennicott, it is quite impressive.

I agree, the Totem restaurant in Valdez has great food.

It's been less than a year since I was there, thanks for getting me back there thru your blog.

[Desertdude]

Yes free parking at the small visitor center just towards the end of the road - paying five bucks ( for what I am not sure) was kinda insulting in a way - but the mosquitoes were so bad we opted to turn around - as a matter of fact we came upon a fellow stuck about 25 miles in he had a flat we stopped and asked him if he needed any help or anything - he then begged us for any Deet - he was covered head to toe in a mask of mosquitoes, we handed him the 100% deet spray and drove off - when we left the end of the road after our small hike - the u-bolt on the tire carrier clamp broke from the washboard stress of the many trips - I went outside to strap it down with a temp ratchet strap - I was bitten within and inch of my life :elkgrin: it is just this time of year... inspite of this we are into this big vast country :)

[Desertdude]

Hello from up at the 61.08.545 parallel

Been to Anchorage, Seward, Homer, Ninilchik and back to Anchorage 



Here (http://web.mac.com/desertdude/iWeb/Desertdude.to.Alaska/N2A-Blog/N2A-Blog.html)
are my latest blog updates


and Kristina's updated blog HERE
(http://web.mac.com/kristinahall/iWeb/desertgirl.adventures/ 
North.to.Alaska.Blog/North.to.Alaska.Blog.html)





it might be a while on the next ones - hang tight



next up Denali and Fairbanks

[BajaTaco]

Hello Pasquale and Kristina! :wavey:

I finally got to read Kristina's blog. And Pasquale, you're next. I am so happy for you two. Kristina's thoughts and images really have me dreaming of a trip of our own. I am very much looking forward to reading the Dudes version too. But it will have to wait a bit... sooo much going on here.

Take care & have fun. We are watching!

:beer:

[Desertdude]

Hi Ya Chris, yes busy is the word. Almost not enough time to write and post. But well worth the journaling. :ylsmoke:


Howdy from up in Fairbanks

my latest blog updates Here
(http://web.mac.com/desertdude/iWeb/Desertdude.to.Alaska/N2A-Blog/N2A-Blog.html)

and Kristina's updated blog -HERE
(http://web.mac.com/kristinahall/iWeb/desertgirl.adventures/North.to.Alaska.Blog/North.to.Alaska.Blog.html)

it might be a while on the next ones - hang tight

next up The Dalton Highway - Prudoe Bay - Arctic Ocean -Chena Hot springs

[Ursidae69]

I love this thread!!! :luxhello: :lurk:

[Scott Brady]

Awesome :luxhello: Awesome :luxhello: Awesome :luxhello:

[flywgn]

Great trip and even greater reporting! Thanks for taking the time to do so.

Those 'skeets' can be annoying, but once you're back 'outside' they will fade from memory. The country wins!

Keep the journals coming.

Allen

[Desertdude]

Thanks for all the encouragement :luxhello:


Howdy from up in Prudhoe bay

my latest blog updates Here
(http://web.mac.com/desertdude/iWeb/Desertdude.to.Alaska/N2A-Blog/N2A-Blog.html)

and Kristina's updated blog -HERE
(http://web.mac.com/kristinahall/iWeb/desertgirl.adventures/North.to.Alaska.Blog/North.to.Alaska.Blog.html)

it might be a while on the next ones - hang tight??Next up - the ACT06 Cruiser Trek - a week into the interior of Alaska with the Landcruiser Crew - 7 days of old muddy mining roads and fording rivers - then off to Chicken and the top of the world highway.

PS I included some larger photo pages

[desertgirl66]

We are just now coming off the ACT '06 and finding some internet in Dawson City in the Yukon. Haven't had time to write our blog or sort through the photos, but just wanted to say a quick howdy and let everyone know that we had an incredible time and adventure!! Can you say mud?! The views were unbelievable and the folks were soooo awesome. Truly a life changing adventure and made some great new friends.

We are off in a few minutes to drive the Dempster Highway through the Yukon Territory and up to Invuik. Then I guess it will be time to start heading south. We will miss the far north country a lot!

Catch everyone later when we return from the Far, far North! :exclaim:

[kcowyo]

Great news and welcome back to the world! :clapsmile :clapsmile :clapsmile


Hope you two continue to have a safe trip. Both blogs have been so much fun to read and the photos are superb! What a great couple who can endure such a trek together.

Look forward to hearing more. Still a looooooong way to go! :lurk:

[bh4rnnr]

We are just now coming off the ACT '06 and finding some internet in Dawson City in the Yukon. Haven't had time to write our blog or sort through the photos, but just wanted to say a quick howdy and let everyone know that we had an incredible time and adventure!! Can you say mud?! The views were unbelievable and the folks were soooo awesome. Truly a life changing adventure and made some great new friends.

We are off in a few minutes to drive the Dempster Highway through the Yukon Territory and up to Invuik. Then I guess it will be time to start heading south. We will miss the far north country a lot!

Catch everyone later when we return from the Far, far North! :exclaim:

Hmmm, that explains why DMC hasnt gotten back with me.. Sounds like a great time. One day i'll get up there. Look forward to the pics:beer:

[Desertdude]

Howdy from Jasper, Alberta -Just a quick update - I'll be blogging over the next few days and wrapping up where we have been and were we are going

my latest blog updates Here
(http://web.mac.com/desertdude/iWeb/Desertdude.to.Alaska/N2A-Blog/N2A-Blog.html)

and Kristina's updated blog -( her ACT06 blog coming)HERE
(http://web.mac.com/kristinahall/iWeb/desertgirl.adventures/North.to.Alaska.Blog/North.to.Alaska.Blog.html)

Check out all the new photos uploads

It might be a while on the next ones - hang tight

Next up -More on the ACT06 trip - Dawson City and The Dempster Highway to Inuvik - Jasper - Banff

[Hltoppr]

Really incredible guys! Keep it up and be safe!

-H-

[Desertdude]

Thanks Andrew :)
--------------------------------
Howdy from up in The Canadian Rockies ?

my latest blog updates Here
(http://web.mac.com/desertdude/iWeb/Desertdude.to.Alaska/N2A-Blog/N2A-Blog.html)

and Kristina's updated blog -( her ACT06 blog coming)HERE
(http://web.mac.com/kristinahall/iWeb/desertgirl.adventures/North.to.Alaska.Blog/North.to.Alaska.Blog.html)

it might be a while on the next ones - hang tight??Next up - Dawson City and The Dempster Highway to Inuvik Jasper/Banff

[desertgirl66]

Hey y'all,

Just letting you know that my recent and updated blog is ready. Check on Desertdudes link in the above post.

Trying to find internet is tough in these Northern parts! We are just finishing up the Canadian Rockies, it is wicked Hot here :drool: Off to Glacier National Park and back in the lower 48. Through Montana & Idaho next.

Stay cool everyone!!

Kristina

[HongerVenture]

Wow, I just got through more of your blogs and photos... it truly is an amazing frontier you are getting to explore. Thanks so much for sharing.
:clapsmile

[desertgirl66]

Sorry about the missing photos, not sure if it is the program or wierd internet connections :yikes:

[Desertdude]

Howdy from Missoula, Montana - and what a cool town this is!



my latest blog updates Here
(http://web.mac.com/desertdude/iWeb/Desertdude.to.Alaska/N2A-Blog/N2A-Blog.html)

and Kristina's updated blog ( coming soon) -HERE
(http://web.mac.com/kristinahall/iWeb/desertgirl.adventures/North.to.Alaska.Blog/North.to.Alaska.Blog.html)

it might be a while on the next ones - hang tight

Next up - Glacier N.P. - Montana -Idaho Backroads and Beyond

[Desertdude]

Howdy from Ontario, Oregon almost back home

my latest blog updates Here
(http://web.mac.com/desertdude/iWeb/Desertdude.to.Alaska/N2A-Blog/N2A-Blog.html)

and Kristina's updated blog ( coming soon) -HERE
(http://web.mac.com/kristinahall/iWeb/desertgirl.adventures/North.to.Alaska.Blog/North.to.Alaska.Blog.html)

it might be a while on the next ones - hang tight - Next up - Idaho Backroads and Beyond

[kcowyo]

:bowdown:

I loved reading about Polebridge and the Ranch Bottom General Store. I'll be heading that way in a few days.

Best to you both and congratulations on nearly completing such an epic trip. Every update has been well worth the wait!


:beer: :beer: :beer:

[Desertdude]

Thanks KC - now that would have been a fun meeting up there...:sombrero:

say hi to the folks at Ranch Bottom for us , let them know we sent you ;)

[BajaTaco]

This (http://web.mac.com/desertdude/iWeb/Desertdude.to.Alaska/Blog/761CCB12-7219-4BF8-A4C5-5715DCD51A89_files/IMG_5551.jpg) pic is amazing - I'd love to see a larger version sometime :bowdown: As always, it's good to hear from you two!

[pskhaat]

I personally love this pic:

http://web.mac.com/desertdude/iWeb/Desertdude.to.Alaska/ACT06-3_files/IMG_1575.jpg

[Desertdude]

Chris - thanks - that photo was shot " off the hip" with the canon SD500 elph - we were hiking around Bowman lake, Montana in the west corner of Glacier N.P - I got lucky :088:

Thank you Scott - it is a vast valley - hard to get perspective in - that photo was taken using Kristina's Cannon G6 - we were perched on a mesa waiting for the away team - fixing Tims 4 runner - I only wished I could have been there to photo the plane drop his part ... HERE (http://www.xplorn.com/ACT2006/gina/060710__mg_0184.htm)

[articulate]

This (http://web.mac.com/desertdude/iWeb/Desertdude.to.Alaska/Blog/761CCB12-7219-4BF8-A4C5-5715DCD51A89_files/IMG_5551.jpg) pic is amazing - I'd love to see a larger version sometime :bowdown: As always, it's good to hear from you two!
That photo is sweet.

And not everyone can say that they've had to do vehicle repair with the assistance of an airplane. That's impressive.

[BajaTaco]

Great pic - is it my imagination, or does it look like a painting?

[Desertdude]

it does - as did all of Alaska - the enviorment was truly hard to photograph because everything up there is so HUGE - and 3D - We only touched the surface on what we could photograph and when we could actually get out and snap a shot- Our eyes were hurting seeing so much beauty :)

[desertgirl66]

Well I am finally posting up a couple more updates, still have more to come! :camping:

Check it out here (http://web.mac.com/kristinahall/iWeb/desertgirl.adventures/North.to.Alaska.Blog/North.to.Alaska.Blog.html)

[Scott Brady]

So cool! Great update and picture :lurk:

[dogsled]

Hey - just realized after looking at your great .mac blog that you were the couple that I crossed paths briefly with in Carmacks while refueling my Hj60 and standing in line for the phone...I was distracted and running late for a meeting in Ross River, otherwise would have enjoyed the chat.

I was wondering who was driving that tricked out '80! Now I know!

[Desertdude]

Larry, Talk about small world corners - As we briefly said hello - while I was walking into pay for the gas - I noticed your cool "Bio Diesel" badge on the back of your 60 and thought - shoot I would have like to talk with you more about your rig... next time for sure :)

Glad you are here now - I can ask in a different thread

BTW that was a Hanna rear bumper you were checking out ;)

[Desertdude]

Howdy from Calistoga CA - I've uploaded new photo pages click on the N2A photo link - Reworking the site and photo pages :mixed-smiley-030:

my latest blog updates (new link) Here
(http://web.mac.com/desertdude/iWeb/Desertdude.to.Alaska/N2A-Blog/N2A-Blog.html)

Next up Oregon desert crossing - and the final wrap up along with photos :smiley_drive:

[SinCity4r]

Amazing photos Dude. Its been a real treat keeping up with your voyage! :lurk:

Quick q: Where did you get your small tarps? I assume you just add some rope and retractable tent poles to make the shelters?

[Desertdude]

Thanks for checking in on the photos - ( still more clean up work to do on that blog site)

The tarps are Nylon I searched on the net before we left but had no time to ship - I found those in Valdez and Fairbanks at the Prospector outfitters (http://www.prospectoroutfitters.com/locations.htm)
yes just some small rope, tent stakes and a few poles. I used rubber bungees on the roof top tent to hold it to one side - I have plans to make a couple stationary clips on the Maggiolina tent to hold the tarps easily - they really made the rain almost dissapear on those days

[SinCity4r]

I used rubber bungees on the roof top tent to hold it to one side - I have plans to make a couple stationary clips on the Maggiolina tent to hold the tarps easily - they really made the rain almost dissapear on those days

After a call to autohomeus I found out that the Maggiolina has velcro going around the entire tent at the top of the tent material. Now to stitch some velcro on my nylon tarp.. :jumping:

[BajaTaco]

I am going to go ahead and move this thread to "completed expeditions".

:beer:

[Desertdude]

Thanks Chris - now that the dust has settled I am writing my final wrap up on this mega trip :)

[BajaTaco]

You are very welcome! Feel free to lock this one up and start a "post-trip" thread if you so desire. We have all really enjoyed the great correspondence that you and Kristina took the time to share with us all. Thanks Dude :ylsmoke: