Puddle Jumper
Posts: 12
| Okay guys and gals, get your gear together, its time to head north. I just got back down from my latest trip up to Alaska and here is the update on roads, etc.
First off: weather- it was 70 degrees Tuesday May 18 in Tok, AK (90 miles inside the border from the Yukon), a nice mid 60s in Anchorage. It is warming up quite nicely right now. It did start raining on the way out which is normal, sunny a few days followed by rain a couple of days. That will be less as it gets more into summer.
Roads: if you are coming up through British Columbia on Hwy 97 expect several areas of serious road construction from Clinton, BC to Chetwynd, BC. Some delays will have you sitting up to a half hour while they do what they do. On the Alaskan Highway itself-the normal re-contruction from the winter wear and tear is going on from Fort Saint John, BC through the Yukon. Trying to pin point it is a moving target as they do anywhere from a pothole to miles at a time. Just watch for the signs and ride accordingly. NOTE: if it says pavement break ahead-IT MEANS IT, get ready to slow down or pull an Evil Knevil and jump the dang thing. I practice AAA driving: All Available Asphalt-use it provided no other vehicles are coming your way.
Animals: everything is out with their babies, on this last trip I saw; Bears (lots and lots and cubs), grizzlies,deer, porcupines, elk, moose, Big Horn Sheep and Rams, Dall Sheep, and fleeting glimpse of a wolverine, and buffalo. Most seem to be active in the morning and evening, they go to shade during the day when it warms up. Respect the Buffalo and moose everythng else pretty much stays off the road and out of your way (except stupid white tail deer).
RVs: They have begun their summer migration north. So far mostly a few a day with grandma and grandpa in them. Soon as school is out they will be younger, less experienced and full of kids. They are fond of stopping in the middle of the road to take pictures of animals and who knows what else. There are few places to really pull over, so drive like you are going to find one in your lane parked around the next corner or over the next hill.
Facilities: I was surprised that several have opened early as they were closed and usually open for Memorial Day to Labor Day, the few that are still closed are still posted to be open by Memorial Day.
Gas is readily available already with enough places to see you through the length of the road.
I saw a two groups of riders (mostly on the BMW motocross looking bikes) headed north already, so it on.
Alaska: still a few places yet to fully open for tourist season, but in a week or so everything should be open.
Trees are green, flowers are coming out, road is clear, its time to do it. I'll look for you on the road and toss a "V" sign your way. |
ALASKA
