ZR-1 Alaskan Adventure - 2012

[QB93Z]

One of the items on my bucket list is to drive the Alaska Highway. Lyndi and I decided that this is the year to do the trip. So...

On the 24th of July, we will depart Westminster, Maryland in our yellow 1994 ZR-1 and drive to Alaska and back.

We will make a 30-day trip that will cover about 10,000 miles. We should get home just in time for Corvettes at Carlisle.

Here is my track plan so far:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2012%20Alaskan%20Adventure/2012Alaskatrip-westmintertoCalgary.jpg



I would appreciate your advice and suggestions. Considering that I am making a long trip to some fairly remote areas, what would you recommend that I do to prepare and what should I take with me?

One specific question that I have: Should I take some cans of Slime Tire Flat Fixer? I have never used Slime. Would it be OK to put in ZR-1 tires?
I am going to carry a portable inflater.

Thanks you any advice.

:proud:

Jim

[vilant]

Wow, that is quite the trip. Obviously you would want a GPS, but I would bring water, matches, flashlights, and blankets, just in case you broke down in the middle of nowhere. It gets cold at night in the mountains and far north, not freezing, but better to be prepared. As for the fix-aflat, I heard that once you use it, you can't have the tires plugged. Not a problem, if you plan to get a new tire instead of patching it. Have a cousin who lives in North Pole AK. Great time of the year to go up there, it's beautiful. Good luck and have a safe trip.

[Blue Flame Restorations]

Concealed weapon comes to mind......Be safe!!

Not sure how Canada reacts to that though.

[Kevin]

Concealed weapon comes to mind......Be safe!!

Not sure how Canada reacts to that though.
bout the same way maryland does

[HAWAIIZR-1]

WOW Jim, that is awesome. Best wishes for a safe journey. This will be a lifetime of memories for sure.

Craig :saluting:

[cward]

I have driven one way or the other from Texas to Alaska 15 times. Never in a ZR-1. I drove the 4200 miles from Luling, TX to Glennallen, Ak in 5 days last May 2011 in my VW TDI. The first time I drove it in a 1959 Chevy pickup in 1969 when the Alaska Hiway had 900 miles of gravel. The hiway is paved now and flats are less of a problem. You absolutely need the MilePost magazine if you do not have it already. Last year and probably this year the streach from Haines Junction to the Alaska border is very rough. Also on your return trip, the Cassiar Hiway is rough too. But you will see a lot of game on the Cassiar. I saw at least 5 bears on that streach last year. I ran an RV campground (Tolsona Wilderness Campground) last summer. Returned via the Cassiar about the middle of August. It was freezing at night in the higher elevations. I slept in the car but that would be a little harder in the Z. If you have any questions please email me at curtis.ward@gmail.com. You might want to stop and see Al in Edmonton. I can't emphasize enough that you need The MilePost.

Curtis

[cward]

I just noticed that you have a track going from Skagway to Haines. I am sure you know that there is no road between the two. If you take the ferry between the two it pays to check the schedule and cost. Skagway is fun. Haines is the place to see Eagles in the fall and winter.

[cward]

No pistols in Canada. And now you have to have passports to go thru Canada. Tell your credit card companies that you are traveling to Canada so they can activate the international plan. Some cards charge extra for using it in Canada. Some don't.

[scottfab]

Good luck. I'd like to do an Alaska run sometime.
I'd prefer a group of ZR-1s to go with.

[tf95ZR1]

Do you have LTPWS sensors? Might not want to use
Fix-A-Flat then. Sounds like a GREAT trip! Be safe,
have fun!

[tomtom72]

Holy Road Trip Batman! Sweet! Good Luck Jim and Lyndi! :thumbsup:


Which tires do you have on the yellow Z? If it is the D3's, I'd seriously consider looking for a less soft tread compound tire if the roads are that bad up in Alaska? Maybe something with a treadwear over 280? That and the kit from the C5 ZO6 to fix flats. How's the clutch hydraulic system? The water pump & cooling system? Suspension? I would do a complete fluid change also....:o:redface:

You guys have fun and a safe trip! Oh, yea we need pictures too!:mrgreen:

:cheers:
Tom

[QB93Z]

Thanks for the replies.

Yes, I have Milepost. It is an invaluable source and I have used it a lot already. Curtis, when you say that the Cassiar Highway is rough, do you mean that it is gravel or just not in very good condition?

Thanks for the tip about Skagway and Haines. I picked that route because of the ferry. I consider that part of the adventure.

Yes, I have LTPWS sensors. I hadn't thought about them and using Slime, so I guess I won't bother taking that.

Passports are ready to go. No weapons, too much hassle.

All fluids have been changed. I installed a new thermostat and cleaned all the debris out of the radiator. I replaced all four front control arms and the sway bar bushings. All the rear bushings were replaced last year. New Michelin PS2's.

Jim

[SteelBlueZR1]

I am in awe of your ability to follow through on your dreams and make them real... Jim, when you are in Lake Louise, it would be a real shame to miss the spectacular scenery of Banff a fairy-book town nestled in Banff National Park - This is my favorite place in the world, with great food, architecture, and many elk and moose so watch out! Safe travels to you and Lindy!

[ZONER 95]

Jim,
That is one ambitious trip!....especially in a Z.....I'm sure you've done your research and homework...my best advise would be plan for the worse and hope for the best....We spent 2 weeks in AK last summer, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Seward, Juneau and Kenai Peninsula.....the scenery is spectacular!....the roads however run the gammut from good to horrendous....most of the main highways were in fairly good shape, most secondary roads are gravel and some are pretty rough and dusty...(carry xtra air filter)...also the weather can do just about anything, even in the summer....we experienced everything from 90 degree heat in Fairbanks (very unusual) and 30's freezing rain near Seward.....

Best of luck on a adventure of a lifetime!!.....I look forward to your posts about the trip....Kevin

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c17/58powerwagon/Alaska2091.jpg

[FU]

One sure know's how to do it right. That's for sure. Enjoy !!

[cward]

Curtis, when you say that the Cassiar Highway is rough, do you mean that it is gravel or just not in very good condition?

Yes, I have LTPWS sensors. I hadn't thought about them and using Slime, so I guess I won't bother taking that.

Jim


Nearly all the roads from Dawson Creek north will have occasional gravel where they are being worked on. The gravel is sometimes better than the pavement. Frost heaves in the pavement are tough. You have to contend with all the RV's too. A lot of them travel at less then 25 mph on good and bad portions. Most of the time the frost heaves and breaks in the pavement are marked with little orange flags. Learn to spot them and use the whole road as your lane. We call it pot hole dodging. Cassiar is paved but has gravel in spots. Road has lots of rough areas. The big fire of several years ago burned tens of thousands of acres of forest along the Cassiar. If you want to, you can email me and I will send my phone number. There are several places in Canada and Alaska I can recommend and some I can suggest avoiding. I have over the years driven just about every way you can go from the lower 48 to Alaska. I have a number of favorite spots to visit no matter how quickly I need to be going.

[DaveK]

Looks like a great trip Jim. Have fun!

[batchman]

Looks like an outstanding adventure!

I'd suggest packing an oil filter. You'll want to change your oil before getting home I'd guess, and you may not find our filter stocked everywhere on your path.

My habit is to carry a spare hub for each end and the basic tools to change them, but I do them so often it's like an instinct -don't leave home without a spare LOL. That and a spare caliper pin w/c-clip.

Keep us posted!
- Jeff

[Scrrem]

Wow Jim, What a trip. We went to Alaska a few year ago, Loved Kechikan and Juneau. We did some horseback rideing in Whitehorse, very nice too. May want to pack a spare coil :) Enjoy.
Rich

[Mystic ZR-1]

Jim
I'll bet you've made "Northern Runs" before?
This time will be more fun!
Doug

[cvette98pacecar]

Jim, That sound like fun. I think the Black hills Corvette show is going on the week you are leaving.
Have a safe and fun trip.

[jimmy b.]

Wow this sounds like its gonna be a GREAT trip, have a good time.

I know I don't have to tell ya about all the essentials you need but I would
like to suggest putting your jack and lug wrench in a place easily accessible.

I learned a long time ago on a trip from Texas to Jersey, Its a long story and
I'll tell ya when I see ya at Carlisle...jimmy

[Jagdpanzer]

Jim,
Wishing Lindy, you and your Klondike rigged Corvette a wonderful and safe trip. I hear some of the passes along the way can be very challenging
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/46/ChilkootPass_steps.jpg

[Alberta_ZR1]

It sounds like an amazing trip! I'm definitely envious.

I worked all over northern Alberta and north-western BC. On your map, is the towns highlighted the areas that you are staying at? If so, I'd recommend staying in Edmonton as oppose to Whitecourt. Whitecourt is kind of a industry town, a little rough and nothing to see really.

If you stay in Edmonton, I'd recommend checking out the West Edmonton Mall. It is kind of over-rated to some, but I always find it kind of neat to see a full size hockey arena, massive in-door waterslide park, and amusement park completed with a roller coaster all packed into a mall.

Depending on the time of day that you are traveling west of Dawson Creek, be cautious of moose. Generally it is only a concern in the dawn/dusk/night hours, but that area west through to Fox Creek is unofficially called "moose alley". Also, just be cautious of all of the tractor trailer units on the toad. There is lots of logging and oilfield trucks up there.

The temperatures through the mountains is good. August is generally among the hottest months of the year, so I'd expect to see highs ranging from 70-80F and lows in and around 44-55F. I can't speak to the weather in Alaska, but I'm sure you've already googled their average temps for the month of August.

If you're staying over in Dawson and/or Fort Nelson, just be a little picky on the hotel you select. There is a lot of industry work up there and some of the hotels cater to the oil rig crews and other similar folks which means they may not clean up after them as well. Personally, when I go to Dawson, I stay at either the Best Western or Pomeroy. Just upgrade to their King suites so you know you're in a room that management would have normally stayed in. In Ft. Nelson, I always stayed at the Lakeview Inns and Suites.

When you're driving to Dawson, make sure you get a picture of the Z with the worlds largest beaver ;) in Beaverlodge...

As for highways, I can't speak to the ones in Alaska, but I've been north of Fort Nelson many times and I personally found the highways to be better than some of the commuter highways around Calgary. Good grade pavement, not many ruts...just some frost heaving here and there.

Last but not least, when you're making the trek from Jasper to Calgary, have the camera ready. There is usually a ton of wildlife. For example, it isn't uncommon to see a herd of mountain goats chilling on the side of the road and they're not afraid of people...probably even see the odd beer hanging out too.

Have a great trip!!!

Tyler


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2012%20Alaskan%20Adventure/2012Alaskatrip-westmintertoCalgary.jpg[/IMG]

[QB93Z]

Thanks for all of the suggestions and comments!

Thank you Tyler for your descriptions of NW Canada. I had already put Edmonton Mall on my To See list and we have an array of photographic equipment ready for all the wildlife. I am planning on driving down the Bow Lake Parkway to get to Banff. Is that a good enough road to drive the ZR-1? (After an adventure in Nova Scotia, Lyndi's tolerance for gravel is low.)

Jim

[A26B]

Our very best wishes to you and Lyndi for a most enjoyable trip. I admire your devotion to the ZR-1 and this trip will surely rank high in the anals of ZR-1 history. Looking forward to your trip reports & photos.

[Alberta_ZR1]

The parkway should be fine. A friend of mine ran his GSXR from Jasper to Banff on that road at an easy 130kph. So should be no worries at all. Let me know if you have any other questions. If you want, PM me and I can give you my number in case you run into any trouble while you're in Alberta.

Tyler

Thanks for all of the suggestions and comments!

Thank you Tyler for your descriptions of NW Canada. I had already put Edmonton Mall on my To See list and we have an array of photographic equipment ready for all the wildlife. I am planning on driving down the Bow Lake Parkway to get to Banff. Is that a good enough road to drive the ZR-1? (After an adventure in Nova Scotia, Lyndi's tolerance for gravel is low.)

Jim

[mike100]

Just the short drive around Fort McMurray when I worked there a couple years back was enough to convince me to never drive a nice car through the upper part of Canada.

You might want to budget for a new windshield- maybe even a paint job.

[gbmidyear66]

I have driven one way or the other from Texas to Alaska 15 times. Never in a ZR-1. I drove the 4200 miles from Luling, TX to Glennallen, Ak in 5 days last May 2011 in my VW TDI. The first time I drove it in a 1959 Chevy pickup in 1969 when the Alaska Hiway had 900 miles of gravel. The hiway is paved now and flats are less of a problem. You absolutely need the MilePost magazine if you do not have it already. Last year and probably this year the streach from Haines Junction to the Alaska border is very rough. Also on your return trip, the Cassiar Hiway is rough too. But you will see a lot of game on the Cassiar. I saw at least 5 bears on that streach last year. I ran an RV campground (Tolsona Wilderness Campground) last summer. Returned via the Cassiar about the middle of August. It was freezing at night in the higher elevations. I slept in the car but that would be a little harder in the Z. If you have any questions please email me at curtis.ward@gmail.com. You might want to stop and see Al in Edmonton. I can't emphasize enough that you need The MilePost.

Curtis

Curtis is bang on re Cassiar Hwy - awesome advanture. I drove it about a dozen years back on trip up to Dawson city, bears, coyotes, animals galore - and got a least one flat that I can recall -the rocks on the road surface are like shards of glass.

Getting high octane gas might be a challenge in some places up there - maybe bring some octane booster. Some great opportunities to fish up there. Camped at a couple of places where I caught dinner from the campsite.

Sounds like a great trip:thumbsup:

[QB93Z]

T-5 days and counting down. We are getting really excited about this trip. I have done more planning for this trip than some of the Submarine Strategic Deterrent Patrols I made.

Thanks Tyler and Curtis for the contact info, I will keep it handy.

Thanks for all of your suggestions. Hey Phil, do you have the cell phone number of that Sherpa crew in case I need them?

I just got the Z back after a four wheel alignment. With the new suspension pieces and sway bar bushings, the car rides better than ever.

A friend of Lyndi's just told us to be sure to strap a couple of spare tires to the trunk lid, so I better go figure out how to do that.

Jim

[DaveK]

Jim

I'd take the puncture repair goop anyway, just in case. It may mess up the pressure sensors if you have to use it but that's better than getting stranded imo.

Fill your kindle up!

Come back through Northern Ontario!

:D

Dave

[gbmidyear66]

I am in awe of your ability to follow through on your dreams and make them real... Jim, when you are in Lake Louise, it would be a real shame to miss the spectacular scenery of Banff a fairy-book town nestled in Banff National Park - This is my favorite place in the world, with great food, architecture, and many elk and moose so watch out! Safe travels to you and Lindy!

I just did a trip out to the Calgary Stampede and spent a day in Banff - yeah it is worth visiting for sure. Take the Gondola up to the top of Sulphur mountain, and check out the natural hot springs next to the Gondola base. Lake louise (just north) - has to be one of the most picturesque lakes on the planet - for sure check that out.

I was in my new (to me) X5 for this trip - it has a nice NAV system that has a pretty good "Points of Interest" function. It saved me from eating at the usual crappy "on the main drag" chain restaurant food stops. Found some much better choices using the NAV. You can probably use a TomTom (not our TomTom...) or something - highly recommend doing so.

Oh Yeah - and bring some bug spray. I was nearly eaten alive and carried away the night I tried to pitch a tent up near Watson Lake. I think there are only two seasons up their, Mosquito Season, and Winter.


Safe Travels

Glenn

[HIZNHRZ]

Jim, best wishes to you and Lindy on what sounds like an incredible adventure.

Be safe and enjoy.

[Hib Halverson]

I'm on an Alaskan trip right now.

My Wife and I came up from California to Dawson Creek BC Canada then drove the Alcan to Fairbanks. We did it in our Blazer because there are some other places we're going, like to Coldfoot Camp on the Haul Road, where we need a truck but if all you're going to do is do the Alcan to Fairbanks then take in Anchorage, Denali Park and so forth, you can do it in a Corvette–if you're prepared for one problem and that's road construction along the Alcan. There are several stretches of hard-packed gravel over dirt. If it's raining, like it was when we drove the Alcan, it's gravel over mud. You won't sink in but the underside of your car will get pretty dirty.

The Alcan all the way to Haines Junction is mostly a good, paved road on which you can run 80 mph. There are passing lanes in some places which you can use to get by slow moving trucks and...there are a lot of really big, long trucks on the Alcan, bigger and longer than anything you've normally seen in the States.

Past Haines Junction to the U.S. border is the worst part of the Alcan. Lots of frost heaves and big pot holes, but if you're an attentive driver, none of that should be a problem you just have to slow down for the heaves and drive around the pot holes.

As for tires, I think if you avoid big pot holes and drive the gravel parts sanely, if you put a new set of Goodyear F1 GS D3s on the car then have the front/rear ends aligned you're likely to make the trip without a tire problem. DO NOT make the trip on an old set of ZR Eagles or GS-Cs. You can bring some "fix-a-flat" product, but remember: that's only good for small punctures. If you do something bad like blow a sidewall out on hitting a pot hole your screwed. Make sure your temporary spare is in good condition, that it's inflated properly and you know how to change it. Also, if you puncture a rear, remember you can't put that in the tire carrier, you have to put it in the back, on top of your luggage with the hatchglass up.

There is little cell phone service along the Alcan. If you're really worried about calling for help, rent a sat phone and know how to use it to call for help not using 911.

In short: the Alcan is definitely "Corvetteable" as long as you can tolerate your car getting dirty and muddy when you go through the road construction areas when it's raining.

The scenery is georgeous! All the little towns along the Alcan are very interesting places. When you get to Fairbanks you'll be surprised how big a city it is. Anchorage is even larger.

I'd advise that you plan the trip carefully and reserve hotel rooms ahead of time. In the summer, in some towns along the way, rooms are very hard if not impossible to find on a drop-in basis.

That Milepost book is a good one to have (remember to buy the newest edition as it changes periodically) as is Pauline Froomer's Alaska guide.

Also, 91 octane gas is available in most places but there some places where the best you can get is 90-oct and the are a few towns where only 87 can be had. My advice with a Corvette on the Alcan is as soon as you get to half a tank of gas, start looking for 91-oct fuel. If you have to put 87 in it, make sure you're adding it to half a tank of 91, drive like you have an egg under the gas pedal and get some fresh 90 or 91 in there as soon as you can.

A couple of FYIs...
1) radar detectors are illegal everywhere in Canada, but outside of towns and cities, the Canadians haul butt on the alcan. Most speed limits are 100km/hr (62mph) but once in a while we had 100-ft long trucks blow by us and we were running 120km/hr. Sometimes we'd have passenger cars go by seemingly at 140-km/hr. Our Blazer breathes hard after 80-mph so that usually where we cruised if I was in a hurry.
2)Many firearms which are legal to possess and transport in a vehicle in the U.S are illegal in Canada.
3) When your cross back into the U.S. near Tok AK, remember to declare anything you buy in Canada. U.S. Customs will confiscate some types of fruit and citrus.
4) Canada is metric so understand the conversion from miles to kilometers.
5) Check to make sure your auto insurance is valid in Canada.
6) You need a U.S. Passport to enter Canada and get back into the U.S.

Lastly, see my Alaska trip blogs at:
http://www.zr2usa.com/mboard/index.php?showtopic=49687
http://www.zr2usa.com/mboard/index.php?showtopic=51012

[QB93Z]

Thanks Hib for the up to date information. You and I are in sync on preparations. I replaced the front end control arms, ball joints, and bushings. brand new tires, and then a four wheel alingment.

I have reservations everywhere we are staying and I apperciate your report of the availability of gasoline in the area.

I would have liked to drive north of Fairbanks, but not in the Corvette.

I enjoyed reading your trip blog.

Jim

[jrd1990zr1]

Jim,

You may have thought of this already, A debris screen for the radiator opening might help keep debris out of there. Especially if you end up behind an RV kicking up stones.

Just a thought.

Have a safe trip and see you in Carlisle.

John

[Hib Halverson]

Jim,

You may have thought of this already, A debris screen for the radiator opening might help keep debris out of there. Especially if you end up behind an RV kicking up stones.

Just a thought.

Have a safe trip and see you in Carlisle.

John

A debris screen can help but the best way to drive the dirt or loose gravel sections of the Alcan is not get close enough to the vehicle ahead such that you get hit by flying stones. On the Alcan, if the road is dirt or gravel, it'll be a construction zone and most of the time in those you can't pass so, it doesn't make much sense to follow close enough to get hit by stones. Also, if you hang back you won't loose visibility as much in the dust cloud.

And...on the subject of dust, take an extra air filter with you. You won't find a C4 panel filter easily in Canada or Alaska. You may need a clean one.

I've been up here long enough that, today, out in the parking lot of the Extended Stay Fairbanks, I changed my oil filter, air filter and an alternator which died. Also washed a ton of mud off the truck as I took the Haul Road up to Coldfoot yesterday and it rained.

[cward]

Jim,

Hope your trip goes well. I always stop at Liard River Hot Springs. Interesting if you have time. It used to be free but now I think it cost a little.

Hib,

Sorry to hear about your wife. Since you are having to drive back by yourself, you might consider Taylor Hiway to the Top of the World Hiway to Dawson City and then Campbell Hiway to just east of Watson Lake then back west to Cassiar Hiway. I have driven that way several times. Interesting and not much out of the way and you get to see different stuff.

[Scrrem]

This picture was posted yesterday on the Corvettes at Carlisle Facebook page....cool!! Happy Trails Jim and Lyndi!!

"The car is packed. Time for day 1 of many as Jim Voter and his wife Lyndi McNulty make the LONG trip from Westminster, Maryland to Alaska via the Alaska Highway! The trip is about 10,000 miles round trip and they'll be back just in time for Corvettes at Carlisle!"



Rich

[Paul in VA]

Very COOL! Is there a site where his daily pics/blog appears?

[Scrrem]

Very COOL! Is there a site where his daily pics/blog appears?

Don't know...this picture showed up on Facebook, don't know who posted it to the Corvettes at Carlisle page, but I don't think Jim does FB.
Rich

[Moonlk]

He told me that he plans on posting a travel log on this forum.

[ZONER 95]

He told me that he plans on posting a travel log on this forum.


I was wondering if he was planning on keeping us updated....glad to hear it. Kevin