So along the way I started keeping track of all of the little (and moderate) things that someone towing a small trailer or just plain driving the highway might want to know.
1. Always carry cash and back-up debit and/or credit cards. I had all kinds of issues with my cards. I also saw other people having issues. They all worked out but be prepared- even if you call your bank and credit union to let them know you're travelling.
2. If you're in the middle of nowhere and see a big bright box with a traffic light connected to it AND there's a sign that says wait for the pilot car- stop and wait. It's amazing how many people blow past those putting themselves and others in great danger in the huge road construction sites.
3. Go before mid-September or be prepared for shorter hours at information centers and many closed RV parks, gas stations, etc. and possibly snow; definitely freezing weather.
4. Decide when to go by what your priorities are. I saw fewer critters because it was hunting season in Alaska and moose rutting season everywhere. Think about the weather. I had heavy rain and incredibly clear sunny days. I experienced everything from 90+ degrees to just below freezing. Be ready for snow anytime of the year. There were less tourists when I went which made for happier information center and gift shop folks. The salmon runs were near the end so it was harder to see any bears. Don't forget bugs!
5. Face it- you'll always have the wrong lens on your camera. Have a point and shoot and your phone available. Keep them next to you at all times.
6. Signs are not always there. There might be one sign directing you to a rest area or the second sign might be right at the turn. Just slow down.
7. 4wd or AWD vehicles are recommended. They come in handy in the construction zones.
8. Never let the gas tank get below 1/2, really. I carried an extra 5 gallons just in case. I'm glad I did in a couple of cases. One time because the station wasn't obvious and my truck's gas tank was low. Since my gas mileage was pretty low I was quite concerned when it got below 1/2.
9. Plan for an average of 55mph. There are lots of steep hills, curves, construction, and more things that slow you down.
10. Don't drive between dusk and dawn. If you do, you really raise your risk for a collision with wildlife.
11. Stop at the small funky, eclectic places. Talk to the people. Connections with others is an important part of the adventure.
12. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
13. Carry lots of music. I could only listen to my set of 6 CDs twice in a day. Radio stations are few and far between and limited in the type of music.
14. Don't forget to stop, look, and listen once in a while.
15. Check your tires! Often. Make sure your spare is good, too.
16. Don't expect to see wildlife. Be surprised.
17. Slow down for the frost heave warning signs and/or orange flags/cones. If you don't, well sometimes it's okay but many times it's not going to be pretty when you hit it.
18. Make sure your windshield wipers are new. So much rain and so many bugs.
19. Bring your own laundry soap if you don't want to run around looking for some and those will be full of perfume. And doing laundry can cost $8CDN for 1 load wash and dry.
20. Showers- tough. I suppose you could go to an RV park and pay. I only stayed at one B.C. Provincial Park that had a shower and the Yukon and Alaska Parks didn't seem to have any. Be prepared for few showers if you don't have a shower in your RV and you don't stay in RV parks.
21. Review and read the parts of the Alaska Milepost BEFORE heading out on this big trip. I reviewed the various highways I would be driving. Then every night while on the trip I reviewed the next days target camp spot, gas stops, and other interesting stops I might have time for.
22. Have a target of 250-300 miles. Check the Milepost for camping spots (and gas) and then have a back up spot.
23. Wifi is rare. If you stay at an RV park you might only get 1 hour or you pay $5 for unlimited time except they turn it off at 9pm. And none of it is strong enough to download photos.
24. Coffee shops- bring your own. The larger towns have Tim Horton's otherwise there aren't really espresso stands all over the place. Or stop in a restaurant and grab a cup of coffee or tea. Or bring your own.
25. Bring a tennis ball. It will come in handy for the long driving days when you hold your neck wrong. You can drive with it behind your neck or lie on it to get the kink out. It works great!
26. I finally took my truck to the car wash and it's shiny. Expect to find many windshield flecks (slight chips) when you return home. I found 24 in my truck's!
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