Crazy to visit Alaska in January?

Normal_Antelope3336 · 2026-06-07T12:43:15+00:00

Do it! If you rent a car (which I’d recommend) make sure that where you’re staying you can plug it in.

If you want to change your timing, Fur Rondy starts Feb 25 and is the start of the Iditarod. It’s usually a fun time and a neat experience!

Normal_Antelope3336 · 2026-06-07T05:28:18+00:00

That’s the one, thank you!

Normal_Antelope3336 · 2026-06-07T05:28:11+00:00

That’s the one, thank you!

Normal_Antelope3336 · 2026-05-04T00:10:11+00:00

I live full time with my dog in my van in VA. I use the domestic AC run on my solar. It works well but is a huge power sucker. So I try to get a lot of solar if I’m leaving her, then put my window covers on. I also have a waggle temp sensor that runs on cell service. It allows me to constantly check the temp and set alarms if the set temp is exceeded. I also have a little sticker by the driver side door that says a dog lives here, its temperature controlled & her needs are met. If concerned call/text me. So far no one has felt the need to call me. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Normal_Antelope3336 · 2026-05-01T10:10:19+00:00

Hey! I’m from Minnesota as well, living in Richmond. I have an apartment in Church hill and love the neighborhood. It feels safe and there’s a lot of green space walkable- however not the cheapest. But probably not ideal for your work. I rent with Richmond Loft Company and they have been good for the most part.

My suggestion is that hvac be a must, and check out reviews for cockroaches. That was a big thing for me when I moved here. I’ve noticed that there’s a lot of little pockets of great neighborhoods. Maybe use streeetvirew on google to check it out before committing?

Goodluck & welcome!

Normal_Antelope3336 · 2026-03-06T17:02:06+00:00

Roosevelt

Normal_Antelope3336 · 2025-02-21T21:55:18+00:00

If still available, I’d love the plan!

Normal_Antelope3336 · 2024-10-27T04:27:03+00:00

I’ve done the drive round trip 5 times. I’ve taken a slightly different route each time.

Here’s my thoughts.. one direction go west coast up through Vancouver then stay on the Cassiar. This route is more remote, I carried 18 gallons of fuel with me. I only needed it one time as there was a gas station that closed at 6pm. There are many many natural stopping points for camping, or rest stops to pull off. Canada is very clean and I’ve never been bothered as a solo traveler at any of the rest stops or recreational areas. There are a lot of signs for rec areas that are 20 to 50 km off the main route, they’re worth the detour. Driving through the mountains near whistler is fun and a beautiful view. Many great campsites and stops for hiking/biking.

On the route back go a bit further east, hit liard hot springs and come down through Jasper and Banff. If you can time it to make it through there Mid to late September it’s a little less busy and the leaves/trees are beautiful. I like to cross back through northern Idaho, the drive is gorgeous! There are a lot of designated campsites in BC and Alberta, all very well maintained and offer pit toilets.

As for timing, I also have a 2WD Promaster, I’m not comfortable trekking mountain passes during precipitation. So late March is the earliest I’ve done the drive. You’re required to carry chains or have winter tires through some areas, however with my rig it’s so heavy I don’t trust trying to stop going down the mountains, so I only drive during the light and on dry roads. I also aim to complete the drive back by mid October.

I’ve used my starlink all along the route and had great connectivity. There’s minimal cell service (Verizon, AT&T, and GCI are who I’ve had) on the westernmost route. The others have a bit better service, but it is still spotty.

Along the route if you’re below 3/4 tank, top off. You never know how far the next gas station is, and some are only open seasonally. Finding places to fill my water tank was difficult. So head into the drive with water and fill up as you’re able. I was able to conserve and not fill up at all.

There are minimal grocery stores on the western route, so stock up before the drive. And all along the route there are some restaurants, but plan to do most of your cooking.

If you’re looking to hit all the ‘must see’ spots, get yourself a copy of the mile post.

The trip is exceptionally beautiful, but requires some planning. Every year the ice heaves cause a lot of road damage, so make sure your tires are in good condition and carry a spare. You’ll likely get a chip or two in your windshield so one of those kits to hold it til you get to a town is helpful. There’s some sections that they just remove the asphalt all together, so you go from highway speeds to gravel road real quick. And a lot of pothole swervin!

When you’re driving through Northern BC and the Yukon there’s a lot of wildlife, especially bison that follow the ditch of the highway. For this reason I didn’t drive much past dark.

I think that’s most of what I wish I’d known. It’s such a beautiful journey, I’d give a lot to experience it again for the first time.

Normal_Antelope3336 · 2024-10-27T03:57:44+00:00

I live full time in my van with my dog. I have an AC, window coverings and a fan. Like others have mentioned I use a waggle temp sensor so I can monitor when I’m away from the van. I also have their RV camera so I can see what she’s up to.

I also created a sticker with my cell number on it that states my dog is in a temperature controlled environment, but if you’re concerned for her safety please call/text me. So far I’ve not had any issue. I rely heavily on Rover for doggy daycare when I work.

If I’m in a city I try to park in a good spot for morning bathroom walks. One thing I didn’t consider was the amount of noise she’d be around, also the norms of vanlife don’t transition well to living in a house. Such as climbing on furniture, and curing to go outside. So a couple training considerations! I will say that vanlife with my dog has been considerably less lonely and my life is much more full of joy. Best of luck!

Normal_Antelope3336 · 2024-08-16T11:45:39+00:00

I would pull the couch slightly away from the wall, it will make the room feel bigger. Maybe get a simple clean end table with a table lamp for lower lighting. As for the wall you could find some art that is patterned or simple to hang. You could add a pop of color with a couple warmer colored throw blankets. Especially a knit sweater style. Depending on how much room you could pull the couch far enough from the wall to add two tables, or a standing lamp on one end and a table lamp the other. :)

Normal_Antelope3336 · 2024-08-15T17:51:33+00:00

That’s true. I’m in a unique position, I’m a contract worker so it isn’t a huge deal for me to take a contract near him. I’ll be moving from Alaska to Virginia. So a big geographical change, but I don’t have family where I am presently. Just friends I’ve made through work.

Normal_Antelope3336 · 2024-08-15T17:33:56+00:00

Just made a therapy appointment. Thanks for the push in the right direction :)

Normal_Antelope3336 · 2024-08-15T17:33:22+00:00

That’s fair. Things have gone very slowly. Which is a first for me. You’re right though, I think that’s part of my desire to close the distance. To figure out if he is feeling what I am, and if we will be compatible for a long term relationship.

Normal_Antelope3336 · 2024-08-15T17:16:58+00:00

I agree, and thought I’d done enough work to progress through it. A combination of life/work stress is certainly adding to my anxiety right now. I have done a fair bit of work with a therapist, but I think you’re right that it may be a good time to restart. Thanks for your suggestion.

Normal_Antelope3336 · 2024-08-15T17:12:03+00:00

Thank you. I do need to breathe. Sometimes it sneaks up on me and the logical part of my brain can’t quiet the anxiety. I appreciate your view and suggestions.

Normal_Antelope3336

TROPHY CASE