Dalton Highway Tips/Info

[cinak]

I don't have any advice about the drive, but I do about Anchorage. If you want to move here, find a job first and make sure it pays a lot, because the cost of living is very high. Even the dollar menus at McDonald's are $1.50 here.

[Rance]

It ain't that bad. Shop at a grocery store and make your own meals. Quit eating at McDonalds. It's very easy to survive here. I've been doing it all my life. Shop smart, eat right.

[rotorhead]

He does have a point, though. Its like all the Dolly Madison treats with the $1.00 price stickered over with the $1.99 "Alaska Price", or the flyers in the mail where you see a "special" of some sort or another, with the "prices higher in Alaska and Hawaii" fine print. Or the TV commercials for fast food promotions with the "except in Alaska" audio dubbed in right afterwards on Anchorage TV.

Still and all though, I'd rather see a freezer full of halibut that I caught myself anyday over somewhat cheaper Big Macs.

[dvdjstc]

Originally Posted by McFarnell

I'm considering driving the Dalton with a couple friends this month. Problem is, I'm going to be driving my dad's vehicle, which is a Jeep Cherokee in pretty nice condition. My concern is road conditions and will this road beat the crud out of our vehicle?

I'm mainly worried about trucks throwing gravel into headlights, windshields, and dinging up the paint. Does that happen a lot?

Also, I'm a little concerned about going 50 and hitting potholes or frost heaves and ruining the shocks or something.

I'm actually wondering if we should skip this road and spend our time elsewhere, but it really sounds like a great trip. Can anyone give me more info about road conditions? Is it unwise to take a nice vehicle on the road?

Thanks.

Do your dad a favor and rent a truck for the trip. Our trip last year cost us a windsheild, tire, brake job, and lots of nicks from rocks. Oh yeah, if you do get into trouble, ask one of the Conan Barbarians to help you. The ones we met would give you the shirt off their backs if you needed help.

[Glitch]

I've been up and down the haul road numerous times, but always in the winter. I'm afraid JavaPhil has given you some faulty information. What he is referring to are the company rules if you work for, or contract with, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. They do not apply to anyone else.

You do NOT have to check in with any of the Pump Stations. They want nothing to do with tourists and do not monitor their movements. Tourists are not allowed in any of the Pump Stations. In fact, don't expect them to stop to help you out if you should get into trouble. Nor do they have the authority to issue citations for any violation. Only sworn law enforcement officers may legally issue a citation, and none of the security at any of the pump stations are sworn law enforcement officers. In fact, the vast majority of Alyeska's Pump Station security comes from Tennessee and aren't even Alaskan citizens. Oh, and everyone speeds on the haul road, especially the truckers.

[trlhiker]

Originally Posted by dvdjstc

I bet you got picked-on a lot when you were a kid. You are one of those loud-mouth know-it-all types that give real Alaskans a bad name. Have fun at your next Greenpeace meeting.

Thats pretty harsh considering that its only your second post. Did you get up on the wrong side of the bed?