Alaska Cruiser Trek 2008

[cardinal33]

santa brought some dry sacks a body lift ARB lockers and a compressor and some other fun necessities - work starts now - on a scale of 1 to 10 how bad are the skeeters going to be?

[desertdude]

Originally Posted by cardinal33

on a scale of 1 to 10 how bad are the skeeters going to be?

11










:::

[Ducks]

These help when bugs are really bad -

The ORIGINAL Bug Shirt - protection from biting insects without repellents since 1991

[D'Animal]

Not one store on the left coast.

Originally Posted by Ducks

These help when bugs are really bad -

The ORIGINAL Bug Shirt - protection from biting insects without repellents since 1991

[Ducks]

Originally Posted by D'Animal

Not one store on the left coast.

I just gave them a call and they shipped it to me. They are very friendly.

(705) 729-5620

[cardinal33]

Chiming in to see if there is any updates - how many registered etc. I am still looking to drop it in the maile at the end of this month - cheerio. and maybe Trying to float this thread to the top

[pismojim]

The road trip itself can be the best part of the trip. In 2001 we spent two months on the road, with the ACT stuck in the middle. During the trip I tried to update a website with pictures. Mostly done at the occasional motel with slow dial up internet connection. It was a bit of a chore and I never really did a write-up, just added some smaller resolution photos. These were more like family vacation photos, tourist type stuff not just the ACT offroad trip. Still we were driving and living in the Land Cruiser for two months in some beautiful scenery.

The web site is still up on geocities:

On the Road to the Last Frontier

Might help get you in the mood for a loong road trip.

[cardinal33]

I considered leaving corporate life and bartending my way up the coast doing odd jobs, putting my journey man hat back on, visit people and polaces, and make it a 6 month adventure with ACT in there. We'll see how the financial markets support that plan. Otherwise it will be a fast burn to Tok. Act and then fast burn home. Too bad I did not save the money I spent on supporting my friends livers for the last 10 years. I could be retired doing this vacation :O)

[powderpig]

I talked to Mark a little over a week ago and only 3 people had sent in applications. Any how they are moving forward on it. Hopefully more will sign up.
Which rig are you thinking of taking Mickey?
Later Robbie

[D'Animal]

I would love to go but my 45 will not be ready in June. My 60 will not handle 48" water crossings. My 40 would handle it all, but my tow rig is not done. I also cannot take a month off.

I have already scheduled it for 2009 and spoken to my employer about taking a month off. He recomended short term disability because Land Cruisers can be addictive and/or a sickness. My boss wants to go with me.

[RockDoc]

I would love to do this, but 35x12.5s ain't happening any time soon. Here's to dreaming

[crzrcrzy]

Originally Posted by Ducks

These help when bugs are really bad -

The ORIGINAL Bug Shirt - protection from biting insects without repellents since 1991

sorry but the skeeters in Alaska use these shirts for toilet paper. lots and lots of deet is about the only way to tolerate them. If there real bad a head net is a must. did i mention DEET and more DEET!! We just moved from Fairbanks Ak. to Montana sure wish I coulda done this trip when we were up there.

[The Dude]

Mark,

I pm'd you for a info package but thought I would post up our interest here as well.

For those of you that have gone in the past, what did you use for a time line to get there and to get home? I think our plan would be to get there as fast as possible and then take it easy on the way back. Would you recommend taking some time before the trek or after to do some sight seeing.

Thanks

Brad & Jen

[Ducks]

Originally Posted by crzrcrzy

sorry but the skeeters in Alaska use these shirts for toilet paper. lots and lots of deet is about the only way to tolerate them. If there real bad a head net is a must. did i mention DEET and more DEET!! We just moved from Fairbanks Ak. to Montana sure wish I coulda done this trip when we were up there.

I've had the opposite experience. The shirt comes with an integrated headnet. Even with copious amounts of DEET, they still land on your face, even if they don't bite, it can drive you a bit nuts. They also keep the black flies and white socks off. DEET doesn't seem to affect them very much. That said, I only wear mine in the very worst situations because they can get a bit hot.

[lowenbrau]

Originally Posted by The Dude

Mark,

I pm'd you for a info package but thought I would post up our interest here as well.

For those of you that have gone in the past, what did you use for a time line to get there and to get home? I think our plan would be to get there as fast as possible and then take it easy on the way back. Would you recommend taking some time before the trek or after to do some sight seeing.

Thanks

Brad & Jen

I think 600 mile days are as much as you want to do and still call it a holiday. This is especially true if you want to stop at one or two attractions per day and if you plan to camp out of the truck rather than just crash in a hotel.

Four days from Calgary is about minimum, with an extra hour or driving each day you could do it in the same time from Saskatoon.

I never want to do anything before the trail other than prep the truck and buy supplies. I don't think I'd have any fun touring in the last couple of days knowing that I should really be checking the bolts on my tow points. That being said, we always plan on some days after the event to wander around and then end up using that time wrenching the stuff we broke on the trail in order to get home.

I think PismoJim did it right in 01. Just take two months off and do it right. There is a lot of really good country between Saskatoon and Tok.

[cardinal33]

I am considering the 80 series and I wouild like D'animal to be the co-pilot. I am caught up in turmoil of financial and strategic decisions to secure the commitment for the expedition. If Dan comes with - it will help push along. I may need some tech help to if I go ahead with an 8 inch lift to fit 39s on the 80 to make it float across the rivers like a midsummer nights dream. I will be more deiced in 72 hours. No pressure To let the cat out of the bag my girlfriend said she would like to see a formal commitment on her finger before I leave for a month into the wilderness and a roadtrip. So it is a total catch 22 and all that. I amy be busing tables to meet fiscal plan.

[subzali]

D'animal - I thought ACT was every 2 years? So wouldn't 2010 be the next one after this? That's what I'm planning on.

Hey Mark, I was also curious to get an info packet if I may to help planning over the next couple years...

[D'Animal]

Is it? I don't know. I do know that I am not ready for it in June of 2008.

Originally Posted by subzali

D'animal - I thought ACT was every 2 years? So wouldn't 2010 be the next one after this? That's what I'm planning on.
...

[cardinal33]

It is a bi-annual event 2008 - 2010 - 2012 - 2014 - 2016 and so on. This year is also a leap year. I am ready but my vacation days at work are not. I have to find new ways to make ends meet. I also need a co-pilot that can help with preparations and the journey. I have just enough room left for stickers to do this trip up the coast and down then I am going retire the 80 and have kids and be a soccer dad.

[Ducks]

If it happens this year. Have you sent in your application yet?

[The Dude]

Has anybody heard from Mark in a while. I don't think he has logged on since the new year?? According to his profile: Last Activity: 12-28-07 10:42 PM

I am getting excited and nervous about this trip already! Truck repairs/upgrades are going full steam ahead to meet this deadline.

[coldtaco]

He's around.

[cardinal33]

when is the deadline again to send packets?