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:




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.



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]

Originally Posted by Blue Flame Restorations

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

[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

[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

[FU]

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

[gbmidyear66]

Originally Posted by 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!

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