Alaska attempt daily report

[Old Henry]

My journey has begun. Since several expressed some interest in it, I thought I'd post a daily report of my progress.

I finally finished rebuilding and rewiring my headlights and drove to where I could aim them at 1:30 A.M. this morning. Slept from 2 - 7 then got up, feeling drugged, and finished up all other last minute preparations and started off today at 10:45 A.M. We made it to Butte, Montana just after sundown, 450 miles. I let Siri take me to the nearest camp ground. He took me to the KOA. I asked for a tent site without power. They were going to charge me $36.00 for one. I was obviously displeased and ready to leave and head for the Motel 6. They then upgraded me to a cabin for the same price so I'm happy.

Here's the map of our planned route showing Butte that we made it to so far.



Interactive map you can zoom in on here: https://goo.gl/maps/YPZTKvV7YW72

No problems at all with the car today. The only mechanical problems were the batteries powering the headphone amp that boosts the signal from my mp3 player to the radio speaker went dead. So, I was stuck listening to the soft rumble of the engine, the soothing whir of the tires, and the pleasing swoosh of the air passing by the open window for 9 hours. Actually, not bad at all. I quite enjoyed it.

The other problem was that the software on my laptop that was supposed to record the entire trip and all statistics about it so that I could play it back at the end of each day to review turned out to be unreliable. In shorter trial runs, it had continued to record even after prolonged stops. But today, if I stopped too long, it lost the prior recording and started over from where we were. So, "Johnny 5" (the robot from Short Circuit) did not get his insatiable appetite for "input" satisfied today.

Speeds averaged 60-65 mph, temperatures from 49-61 degrees F, and altitudes from 4500-6500 feet.

I planned to stay in Dillon, Montana tonight, which would have been 390 miles for the day, close to my budget of 400 per day, but the sun was still shining when we got there so we went another hour to Butte. At this rate, I may finish early (if I finish at all) or, I may take some longer, slower, more scenic routes and stop more to see, photograph, and videotape stuff.

Spending the day on the freeway was not conducive to photography. It was not like the little two-lanes that I can stop on a dime any time to take pictures or do a quick U-turn to video. I'll be glad when I get off the freeways to get some pictures and video.

Here are the only two pictures I took speeding along the freeway of little Lady in a couple of her favorite travel postures. Watching the computer does the same for her as it does for me - puts us to sleep.

[Alaska Jim]

Where in Alaska are you headed?

[A bones]

Thanks for the report. You know I'd love to be doing just that; listening to the rumble of the engine and, the whir of the tires. Yesterday I surrendered my CDL due to my eyes not working like they used to. No regrets though, I had plenty of thrills while trucking. Always considered myself to be a paid tourist.

Here's to the back roads may they all be downhill.

[colin1928]

thanks for the post waiting for the next

[turnpikecrusier]

We all are going to enjoy your trip!

[corvette8n]

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Sounds like a good start, can't wait to see the video/pictures. Do you have a pre-trip checklist?.

[Cecil/WV]

Good start!

[JSeery]

So far so good, best of luck on the trip.

[Ol' Ron]

I feel like I'm sitting in the back seat enjoying the ride. Thanks, and good luck.

[flatheadv8]

Thank you so much for sharing your trip. I too feel like I am riding along in the back seat and couldn't resist saying, "Are we there yet!" LOL... Have a safe trip and please do share some pics. Love em'!

[Barry-ct]

Can't wait for the latest travelog, wish I was there with you!

[BUBBAS IGNITION]

Have a good trip.!!!

[gmanrides]

Subscribed! looking forward to the journey. Enjoy!

[RalphM]

Originally Posted by Alaska Jim

Where in Alaska are you headed?

I was hoping to see Ol Henry in the Interior, but I think his plan is to drive to Haines(which is not REALLY part of Alaska , it doesn't even get cold there)

I had to get that in there Professor, seriously I think it's a great journey you have embarked on and I will be patiently waiting for your daily updates.
All the best of luck, and post some photos.

[Old Henry]

Originally Posted by RalphM

I was hoping to see Ol Henry in the Interior, but I think his plan is to drive to Haines(which is not REALLY part of Alaska , it doesn't even get cold there)

I had to get that in there Professor, seriously I think it's a great journey you have embarked on and I will be patiently waiting for your daily updates.
All the best of luck, and post some photos.

I'm headed for Skagway. Here's the map:



Interactive map: https://goo.gl/maps/tnjB1k2tgND2

And here are a couple of pictures of "Ol Henry in the Interior" with little Lady in some of her traveling postures. Watching the computer does the same thing to her as it does to me, puts us to sleep.

[36coupe]

Great adventure.
I wonder how far I could make it in the 38 with mechical brakes?

[Cool Kat with Hot Car]

Love your adventuresome spirit. The open road and our rural country, especially when viewed from a good old Ford V8, are something to be treasured. Have a safe and fun trip. Good luck to you and Old Henry.

[KiWinUS]

Safe travels , keep up the great work posting !!
Cheers
Tony

[Bored&Stroked]

We're all going with you . . . so you better have room in the back seat!

Be safe and enjoy every day!

D

[Steve Staysko]

Welcome to Canada and if you have any problems around Calgary please call me.