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The route I was considering went up through Montana... not an easy route.
I am coming from Dallas. The route I checked took me through the back-roads of Canada. Anyone know where I am talking about? :)
I want a challenge. Adventure. Just driving on the roads is not enough.
Thats why I am considering driving it down to Panama or further...
I want to run into rebels/pirates/etc...
Am I weird for that?
Despite what you may want to believe, have read tall-tales about, or seen in movies, what you are looking to do really isn't the dangerous, untamed quest you seem to think it will be. There are a number of ways to get to Canada, none of them are particualrly dangerous and once you get a ways beyond Edmundton, there is only one road to Alaska. It does go through some otherwise remote areas, but there is plenty of development to cater to travelers.
Quite frankly, I think you're even going to overstate the "dangers" of traveling to Central America. I've done some roadtrips in parts of Central America and found it to be a pleasurable experience and never felt in danger. I'd say the government red tape would be your biggest problem there.
I suppose "rebels" and "pirates" (mostly drug runners and other gangs) are out there, and if you act foolishly enough, they might cause the problems you seem to be looking for. Of course, the same could be said about a drive through Dallas or any other city in the US.
I love me a good adrenaline rush myself. I tend to get it driving twisty-bits a bit faster than advised, as just one example. (Not that I'm recommending that, btw, LOL)
But I think the idea of running into rebels or pirates is a bit far-fetched. First, the possibility is fairly remote. Second, these people do have the potential to harm you/kill you. I like a calculated risk myself and this is one that I'd rather avoid.
If you want to be dangerous, find some gang territory in any major US city and wear the wrong colors or something else to draw attention to yourself. (I'm kinda envisioning doing the John McClane stunt in Harlem in Diehard III.) That should quell your thirst for this type of misadventure.
All that said....driving to Alaska can be a great adventure. The vistas are awesome. The chance to observe wildlife in their natural habitat can result in some amazing experiences. My friend was stopped on the road for over an hour by a moose who refused to budge. At one point, he walked over to her car and did a stare down. She slowly backed up and he followed. She was afraid he'd charge. Believe me, that could do damage. After about 30 vehicles were backed up, a trucker came along who slowly nudged Mr. Moose of the road. While I doubt these types of incidents are common, who knows what will happen? It could be interesting and fun.
Maybe you need to hope they revive the Dakar Rally.
Thanks guys!
The link is to a Texas to Alaska ride story. The ride was done by a father and his son.
They did this ride on motorcycles. I thought you might enjoy the pictures.
Hi,
While driving is fun, riding can be, too. You might try driving one way and cruising on the Alaska Marine Highway going the other way. You can get off and drive around on the islands of SE Alaska, stop in Juneau (not reachable by car, yet) and get the full Alaska experience. Just this part of the trip can take days or weeks, depending on how much time you want to spend in places like Wrangel, Sitka, or Petersburg. We worked out our schedule so we traveled mostly during the day and spent 2-3 days at each port - that totaled 3 weeks from Prince Rupert to Haines.
As has been said, this isn't like taking your car across Siberia, but there are long stretches with little evidence of man, lots of chances to see wildlife, and a good place to think about life and how (and where) you want to live it.
One final comment. If you after June, you'll miss most of the mosquitos - all of them if you go after July. And fall in the north is spectacular with the first snows on the mountain tops starting in September.
Do it, you won't regret it.
Craig
Being a Canadian and having travelled on many of these roads I can tell you that snazzy car of yours will be a head turner up there in the wild north! but i would be concerned about going on gravel roads which I am sure there still are long stretches of it between a and b.and wrecking your paint job and fancy parts.
But having said that ,One nice detour is to go from Vancouver towards Whistler then onto Pemberton, Lillooet and back out back onto the Fraser Canyon. It's gorgeous. Further north, Stop in at Barkerville Gold Rush town just east of Quesnal,BC and stay in Wells, a funky little town.Smithers is charming!. If you come up thru Spokane Washington stop in Nelson.BC.
I don't think I would attempt. "The Hill" in Bella Coola or Telegraph Creek in a camaro.
Have fun .
Anne
I am hoping to do Achorage to Tuscon, taking in some sightseeing on the way.
Will be shipping my motorcycle over sometime may 2009 and begining journey late june..
I was a bit worried at the lack of petrol on some streches in Alaska/Canada but if there are stops every hour or so i sould be fine.
Any advice for motorcycling and any great places to maybe visit would be great.
I am planning to average about 250-300 miles a day so i am not rushed...
Been promising myself this journey for a very long time.
Welcome to the RTA Forum!
I'm glad this information has helped you plan for your own Alaska adventure. Driving to Alaska is very high on my "to do" list, but I haven't had the chance to do it yet.
Starting from Tucson, You'll have plenty of great places to tour as you head north, Starting with the Grand Canyon, the National Parks in Utah, Yellowstone, Glacier, and then onto Baniff and the many other National Parks in the Canadian Rockies.
I referenced it earlier in the thread, but the Milepost really is the authoritative guidebook on the subject for once you reach the Alaska Highway. I think it would answer most any question you have about using a Motorcycle for the trip.
I noticed you had a radar detector in your car and one thing that I did not see anyone mention is that they are illegal in most Canadian Providences. And I gess it's a pretty big fine and the cops will confiscate it. But I imagine you can just pack it in the trunk when you are in theses places and you'd probably be fine. That's what we did when we drove across part of Ontario.
Laura