I knew that I would have to be flexible while on my drive up the Alaska Highway, but didn’t realize how flexible.
Places that you expect to be open, aren’t. And when you are running out of fuel, that gets stressful.
I spent a few hours this morning hanging out with a group of travelers, who, like me, weren’t going any farther until they got fuel.
Unfortunately, this popular stop was also unexpectedly closed, so we all just had to go Zen on this one.
(No cell service around here and the only payphone was also out of order.)
I did keep up hope that I would be counting the delay in hours, rather than days.
No One is Going Anywhere
After two hours of waiting, we were elated when a guy finally did show up and unlock the fuel pumps.
He let us know that the credit card machine wasn’t working, so only cash buyers could get fuel.
Luckily, I had cash, so got to buy diesel for $1.60 a liter, or $6.40 a gallon. (It typically runs closer to $1 a liter, or $4 per gallon.)
I’m buying portable fuel containers in Whitehorse.
12 Comments
Wow.. hanging out waiting to buy overpriced, cash-in-hand-only, fuel. Sounds like you took a wrong turn and ended up in a third world country!
At least you must be pretty happy with your little economical rig now.
Based on what you’ve said about road conditions and fuel availability, it sure must be a tougher trip in a big “A”
Ah. Out there on the edge of things, one comes to appreciate the fragility of this way of life. It depends on a river of goods, which sometimes just one man with a hangover or an attitude can stop.
By way of reward for your patience, here’s something the other people in that parking lot may not be able to buy for cash nor credit:
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap100623.html
That’s right. An actual, honest-to-god sunset. Enjoy. Hey, hold on to it for later. You may be able to trade it for fuel at your next stop.
Bob
The great thing is you don’t have to be anywhere, so waiting for the gas guy to show up gives you a chance to meet people, and enjoy where you are at that moment. Very, very jealous that you are “out there” doing what we are dreaming about, but very proud of what you are doing with your life!
Portable fuel containers are an excellent addition to one’s “must have” list. Have a good day!
Fuel containers just give you false confidence, not to mention a storage problem. Just like 4 wheel drive lets you get farther back in the woods before you get stuck.
Your tank contains plenty of fuel. The key is to stop more often, and start looking for more when you get down to half. Carrying extra containers just encourages risky behavior.
Of course, unexpected closures can trap anybody. But an extra gallon of fuel won’t help much in that case. It just puts you 14 miles further into the bush.
Bob
With regard to waiting around, remember that you’re doing this to enjoy the journey, and all it has to bring. I would trade any day of work for hanging out in a beautiful remote location with a bunch of fellow travelers, as would most people, so even if you had to wait days, you’d have been doing better than most everyone reading your blog.
BTW, I think $1.60/liter is $6.04/gallon. So that’s a little better.
I agree with Bob Giddings. We just returned from an 8,000 mile journey covering B.C., Yukon Territory, the Dempster to Inuvik in the NW Territories and Alaska. We had the same experience you did regarding gas availability . . . ONCE! After that, pretty much anytime our gas tank hit half-empty, we stopped to fill up unless we knew for sure where the next “sizeable” town was where we were sure we could get gas. And we were there in May when more places were still closed since “the season” doesn’t begin until early/mid-June. It’s not safe to carry gas cans with fuel in them if you can avoid it, and it’s illegal to carry it across the border between U.S. and Canada.
What a great adventure you’re having! Loving following along! Those creepy parking lot stalker guys are the only truly scary part. The bears and moose are easy by comparison. Hang tough and have fun! Cathryn
sounds like the fuel station business up there would be an untapped cash cow! maybe a possible retirement plan in the making
hoping the CAD/USD conversion gave you at least some relief!!
paying heed to the other comments about fuel cans, if you do decide to go that route… be extra sure every opening seals nice & tight and that you have all that you’ll need to easily get the fuel into your tank (funnel, hand pump, etc…) also would wonder how practical an auxiliary tank would be for your rig?
Today was the first day I got the full sense of what you have undertaken. Maybe it is because I always start to get anxious when my tank is half full. The thought of running low on gas in such a vast wilderness makes me wonder if I would have the courage that you have shown. Several times I have been called “gutsy”, and I am now passing that title on to you:).
I used to live in Alaska for quite a while. I drove out and had the time of my life.
Palmer , Talkeetna, girdwood, Hope , seward , homer.. all great towns to stop in and hang out.
Talkeetna is my favorite
best places for fishin to catch yer meal is
sheep creek/ montana creek under the train tressel.
Talkeetna anywhere
bird creek south of anchorage( but be prepared to stand side by side with other fisher men.)
Seward Anywhere
You can trade fish for mushrooms and moose meat in many places , Have to ask around let them know you need meet and have fish.
bashful mountain bluegrass festival ( knick river rd)
talkeetna bluegrass festival talkeetna are the best times.
have fun
Jennifer, consider the added weight extra fuel cans full of diesel will add to what you are already packing around. Just sayin’.