Arizona to Alaska Overland

In March 2004, as a result of our decision to move to Alaska, I drove (solo) the nearly 5,000 miles from Arizona to Alaska by road. The route took me first to the home of a friend in Los Angeles, California; then north in two and a half days to Seattle, where I stayed with another friend. I crossed into Canada and took the traditional "western approach" route to the Alaska Highway, with exceptions as noted in the captions.

California gasoline prices were a bit higher than Arizona prices.

Believed to be a picture of Mt. Shasta.

The trusty van - decked out for solo driving. Note the tabletop surface on the passenger seat, permanently shimmed to keep it level. Maps, a pad of paper, and a receipt folder are held against the back of the seat by the seatbelt. The Opus towel is available for emergency spills, to clean or dry things off, or to clutch tightly in times of dire emergency (n.b. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy). Cell phone and PDA are available on the tabletop between the seats. There is also an insulated spill-resistant mug there, to which I transfer beverages consumed on the road. The GPS is mounted conveniently on the dash, and is loaded with maps of U.S. and Canadian highways. It is powered by a connection to the van's 12v power plug.

At the foot of Mt. St. Helens.

This Mourning Cloak butterfly was also at the foot of Mt. St. Helens.

Mt. St. Helens. I was a lot closer than it looks in this picture!

The worst traffic snarl on the whole trip was just outside Chilliwack, British Columbia. (Where????) Remeber, I drove through Los Angeles shortly after rush hour, and Seattle!

A day's drive north into BC revealed lingering snow on the ground, despite spring temperatures.

Another day's drive north and the lakes are still frozen.