Next Adventure: Cheap cars on the AlCan Highway

"Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo" (akioohtori) 08/29/2018 at 12:35 • Filed to: TQ3

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At least some of it. Probably. It has been over a year since our !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , where we bought cheap 4x4 and drove them overland through California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. It was a blast and we’re eager to do another one. However, thanks to scheduling issues the next one can’t be until 2019.

Still, it is on the books!

The Plan

The plan is the same as we usually do: we’re going to fly to a city, in this case Seattle, buy cheap cars, and then drive them 2,400 miles to Fairbanks, Alaska, in just under two weeks.

As some err very few none of you may remember, our first cheap car adventure !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! where we bought cars in San Diego and drove them to Seattle via the 1 and 101. At the end of the trip we were so in love with our cars and the journey that we’d joked that we should just keep heading north until we run out of continent. Well... now we’re planning to do just that!

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Sidenote: We did toy with shipping the original three cars, as we all still have them, to Seattle and doing it in those, but shipping them back from Fairbanks is ruinously expensive. (~$3k/car)

As per our usual, we’ll take 2 to 3 days in Seattle to find, buy, and prep our cars for the journey. After that we’ll point them north and see what happens.

The route will be pre-planned, the sights not so much. We’ll be shooting for low miles per day with very few, if any, “days off” to minimize driving time and maximize sightseeing.

Once we reach the end we’re in a bit of a pickle. In the past we’ve either shipped our cars home, sold them, or junked them. (4, 1, and 1, respectively) I’m the weakest of the bunch and kept both of my road trip cars, a 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider and a 2001 Land Rover Discovery II, but on the last one both of my colleagues re-homed their cars at the end.

In loving memory of the 4Runner and Jeepers

Anyway! I say all that to say, as mentioned about, shipping cars from Alaska is expensive, so I don’t feel like keeping mine this time is an option. I’m sure I’ll find a way, I always do, but at present we’re pretending that we’re going to go ahead and arrange to have them donated to the local NPR station at the end. We found out last time that doing so requires actually scheduling a pick-up/ drop-off with the station, so we hope to do that well in advance to ensure these cars get a chance at finding a new home.

In the schedule we do have the option of driving up to the Arctic Circle, just to say we did. Deadhorse/ Prudhoe Bay is, apparently, driveable and gets us tantalizingly close to the Arctic Ocean. The downside is the drive is 500 miles each way and estimated to take 14 hours each way. That is a big ask after having already just driven 2,400 miles. However, I feel like if we don’t make the trip we might regret it. We could also probably charter some manner of vehicle to make the trip for us, but that is sort of against the nature of these trips.

The plan is to head out in June. This should be just as the temperatures are getting good, the days are getting long, but avoid the rainfall that appears to come in July/ August.

Legal and Safety

Yes! I’m getting to that! Get out of the comments! Geez...

So legally we only have one outstanding question: How weird is it going to be to cross the border in cars we just bought and will not be registered in our names? I’ve done a lot of research and at best all I’ve found is the Canadians don’t really care as long as we assure them we’re not going to sell the cars there, which we aren’t, but crossing the US border may be tricky because apparently that is just a thing these days. This is the area that is going to require the most additional feasibility research and likely a few phone calls.

All other legal concerns like insurance and registration are fairly straightforward.

Safety wise... well we’ll have our usual assortment of spare fluids, emergency repair materials, first aid supplies, whiskey, spare parts, tools, additional whiskey, cash, tow straps, and boundless, naive optimism. We’ll also probably pick up some bear mace on the Canada side and do some research into other wildlife we’re likely to encounter. Also thinking we pick up some bear bells for hiking?

We’ll also review the route and try and be aware of any seasonal or road condition issues that may be present.

Looking at cell coverage and Verizon’s somewhat draconian international calling policy, I’ll probably pick up a cheap Canadian phone. We’ll also go ahead and rent a satellite phone again, just in case.

We’ll also need to make sure our radios are legal in Canada or find out what we need to do to make them so. Luckily they’re fully programmable, so I imagine we can avoid running afoul of whatever the Canadian FCC is called.

Every time we do one of these it seems like we ratchet up the difficulty and danger. In my opinion, this trip is no exception. That said, I would like to stress that we seem to be really good at planning these things. We have equipment, details maps and plans, contingency plans, emergency procedures, external coordinators, etc etc. I’m unbelievably exited.

The Cars

This hasn’t been discussed extensively, but I think we’re all assuming the usual rules apply: Total budget of $3,000 for car plus improvements, cars “must” be bought during the trip, and there are no additional requirements. Obviously stuff like having up to date tags, a clean title, room to carry our luggage, and working heat is all a bonus, but for the right car we can always make things happen.

For this trip we’re considering working in a tire budget, because frankly all of us always end up with at least two new tires (safety third!) and that usually blows the improvement budget pretty comprehensibly.

I say “must” because the last two trips someone has cheated. On the first one, George remotely bought his 1991 Volkswagen Cabriolet several weeks before the trip and had it towed to a mechanic for some “minor” fixes that ended up costing the same as the car. He was punished by having many breakdowns.

For the second trip, Taylor showed up three days early so he could have the extra time to buy a car, preferably one of the ones George and I wanted. Sneaky bastard! This was deemed brilliant and he was not punished... except for that time I disconnected his coil.

So I guess that means it is my turn to cheat? Who wants to go look at cars for me? Or sell me theirs?

As for what cars we’ll buy... who can say!?

George and I have both expressed interest in a early 90s 4WD wagon (Tercel or Civic or equ ) because apparently we’re those people, but I’d be a little surprised if one of us didn’t end up with another convertible.

I could TOTALLY do a Subaru Brat or a Volvo or some manner. My only requirement, again, is three pedals.

But probably not that one... Either way I will likely continue my tradition of buying something ambitious and unlikely to make it to the finish line.

Taylor will likely continue his tradition of buying a mid-sized, red, manual, high mileage, Japanese truck of some sort. When asked he responded “the kind with four wheels that goes that will get me there” followed by “standard transmission and vaguely interesting with four wheels that spin” which seems reasonable.

Luckily in Seattle there are a ton of vehicles to choose from and a fair number of friends and fellow Oppos in the area, so we’re well taken care of.

Less Top Gear, more our own thing

The first trip we made the mistake of trying to be Top Gear. We had challenges, there were points, and we were “required” to sell the cars. None of this added anything to the trip. When you think about it, the “challenges” in Top Gear are just so they have an excuse to do silly things, but we didn’t need that. We were on an epic road trip, so all that stuff was there for was to complicate things and possibly create butt hurt.

The second one we stripped all that out but kept the “sell the cars at the end” “requirement” and “kept score”. Why? What was the point? There wasn’t one. Once again this passive devotion to Top Gear only created problems. When I kept my Land Rover all “the rules” really did is generate ill will with my colleagues. And that isn’t fun.

What we’ve learned for that is that we’re not Top Gear. What works on TV doesn’t work in real life. Instead, we’re going to focus on what matters: getting from A to B while having the most fun possible.

Yes, there will be breakdowns and we’ll joke about losing points... but none of it matters. I’ll also brainstorm adding a “game” element that would encourage us to stop and do stuff too.

But yeah... no more challenges, no more points, no more winning. Just one long adventure.

EXCITE!

No seriously. Once we get the bugs worked out, this is going to be an epic trip.

I cannot express how fun these trips are and how much I am looking forward to it.

I’ll keep Oppo updated as planning progresses.

And yes, I really do plan on getting b ack to work on the Overland video. We’ve had some technical and life difficulties but the 3rd episode is like 80% ready.

HammerheadFistpunch > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 08/29/2018 at 12:55

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Sounds really cool, but just be aware that driving to prudh oe can get dangerous, mostly on account of remoteness and weather. an EPRB/PLB should be on your list at least , ideally that AND renting a s at p hone. .

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 08/29/2018 at 13:00

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Is there actually anything interesting at the Arctic circle? Seems like an unnecessary risk for limited reward compared the amazing journey the rest of the trip. Otherwise sounds like an amazing adventure! 

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 08/29/2018 at 13:00

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Hey! your route goes right by my house!

Good luck!

Stapleface > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 08/29/2018 at 13:09

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I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your last two trips you’ve done.

I can’t tell you how jealous I am that you have a group of guys you can do this with every so often.

Seeing as how you’re starting in Seattle, I can almost guarantee at least one of you will probably end up with a Subaru.  

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 08/29/2018 at 13:11

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As far as Verizons “draconian policy”, I think most accounts these days have free service in Canada and Mexico . But perhaps a satphone isn’t the worst idea coverage-wise, haha.

CaptDale - is secretly British > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 08/29/2018 at 13:17

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Fun! I am doing Alcan in a few years

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 08/29/2018 at 13:35

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“ boundless, naive optimism”

You guys are crazy, and I love it.

Decay buys too many beaters > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 08/29/2018 at 13:52

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This is awesome. I’ve been trying to get my group of friends to jump in and do something like this for years, but it always fizzles or fails to get off the ground. 

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 08/29/2018 at 14:02

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I agree and... maybe? Part of it is the last trip didn’t have a good “end”. We just Antelope Island in SLC and... that was it. There was no finale like there was with the first trip, where we ended on the top of Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National park, so we’re looking for a good finale for this one.

Luckily we have plenty of time to sort that out.

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 08/29/2018 at 14:05

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Depending on how you define “free” and “service” you are correct. Ish.

Which I read as “kind of but not really”. Also apparently my phone is incompatible , though one of my old phones might be.

vicali > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 08/29/2018 at 14:06

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Any reason you’re going the Cassier Highway through BC? You’re going to miss mile 0..

Check out my buddy Alex, he just ran that route up to the Yukon;
https://alexjacksoncreative.squarespace.com/video/

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > HammerheadFistpunch 08/29/2018 at 14:07

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We’ve looking into it in the past, but not been a fan of the cost-to-benefit ratio.  Is there one you’d recommend?

HammerheadFistpunch > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 08/29/2018 at 14:08

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I would rent.  There are a few online companies that rent them for the week, something like $100 a week.  

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > HammerheadFistpunch 08/29/2018 at 14:17

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Yikes! That is... more than we paid for the satellite phone! Looks like the basic PLBs run for about $300 w/ 1 year of service. With as many remote  trips as we have in the pipeline (Kiamichi, Big Bend, Trinity Site, Alcan) I’m beginning to re-think buying one. I like the inReach, but apparently Garmin bought DeLorme, doubled the price, and has made service iffy on the DeLorme. Heh, more research required! We leave for the Kiamichi trip on Friday...  

HammerheadFistpunch > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 08/29/2018 at 14:19

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Looks like an ARC to rent for the week is $45. Not bad.

https://www.boatus.org/epirb/rentals/

or less

http://www.plbrentals.com/

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > vicali 08/29/2018 at 14:19

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Don’t even know what that is... so no haha. We were thinking about taking the ferry to Victoria on Day 1, something we wanted to do on the 1st trip, but that isn’t set in stone.  Is mile 0 a thing?

Cool link, I’ll check it out!

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > vicali 08/29/2018 at 14:19

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I should say we only know the start and end points right now.  Plenty of planning to do, so if there is cool, must see stuff I’d love to hear about it.

vicali > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 08/29/2018 at 14:25

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Y o u ’ r e r o u t e i s p r o b a b l y t h e s h o r t e r o n e , b u t i f y o u d i d n ’ t t u r n l e f t a t P r i n c e G e o r g e y o u would end up starting the Alaska Highway a t m i l e 0 i n D a w s o n C r e e k ;

That way you could hit the Liard Hot Springs, arguably the reason to go north in the first place;

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > vicali 08/29/2018 at 14:35

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Well yeah we’re going to do that!  Looks awesome.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 08/29/2018 at 14:41

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Hmm, maybe things changed since I heard the announcement that VZW was adding CA + MX to their plans. I’ve since switched to Project Fi, which works in almost any country in the world, no catches.

On another note, I am very excited to hear how your trip goes. Have you watched the Roadkill guys make this very trip in an old Ranchero? It was a pretty sweet episode (on their second attempt when they actually made it).

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 08/29/2018 at 14:44

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I haven’t!  I don’t watch much of of the YouTube stuff.  I’ll take a look.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 08/29/2018 at 14:52

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Haha yeah, it’ll be a decent preview for your trip and you may get a few ideas from it.

It’s across two episodes (you’ve definitely picked a better time of year) :

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 08/29/2018 at 15:14

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No need for that kind of gear going to Trinity Site.  I’ve driven a miata there.  It is only open to the public two days per year, and you are never alone and/or not being observed. There are two ways to get there. From the North, you enter WSMR at the Stallion Range gate, and it is a relatively short drive to the site. You’re not escorted from that side, but there will be plenty of people visiting, the route will be well marked, and lots of military police will be keeping an eye on things along the way. The drive from the South is a whole lot longer (going through much of the length of the range), but the drive is done in a convoy leaving and returning to Alamogordo together under MP escort. There is no chance of being stranded or wandering off from where you’re supposed to be visiting Trinity Site.

I’d probably argue you don’t need that gear for Big Bend either. There’s more folks than many realize in the area (vistors, NPS employess, ranchers and Border Patrol).

vicali > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 08/29/2018 at 15:49

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Y o u c a n ’ t get to the water at Prudh oe w i t h o u t a d e s i g n a t e d t o u r b u s .

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 08/29/2018 at 15:50

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Great info, thanks! We’re planning on doing some offroading in the area (Don’t know where, I’m not planning that one) so that would be why I'd consider it.  But, again, awesome info thank you.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 08/29/2018 at 16:14

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Cool. The Quebradas Backcountry Byway actually ends at US380 very close to the turn off for Stallion Range. That road is worth a drive (I once drove it enough in my old MX-6 to have it memorized. It would make a great rally road in a different universe, and when it had been graded recently). In general, you aren’t going to need much gear out there in that part of Socorro County. Surrounding WSMR is ranching country in a big way. You’ll never be all that alone out there, although carrying BLM land use maps isn’t a bad idea. More than once out there I ran into folks trying to keep you off of public land and/or trying to stop you from driving public roads that crossed private land in places (especially north of US 380). A land use map and telling them to fuck off always solved the problem.

The best stuff in that area is West of Socorro. State road 107 is a good little drive, and there are some Forest Service access roads from it that get you to San Mateo Peak/Mt. Withington area. These are pretty areas, and you’re not likely to run into many people there. Water Canyon and up to the Mt. Baldy in the Magdelena mountains is a cool area, as is the Very Large Aray. Further West into Catron county, you can get deep into the Northern reaches of the Gila national forest. Beautiful country, can put many miles between yourself and the nearest living human beings, and the folks you do run into up there are super friendly.

I spent a good deal of my freshman year of college exploring this area. I drove most of Socorro county and went to some deeply remote places in the Gila in a 93 Mazda MX-6 and a 91 2wd F-150.

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > vicali 08/29/2018 at 16:29

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Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo (boo)

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 08/29/2018 at 16:33

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Awesome! Thanks. Just checked the Slack and it looks like the Quebradas Backcountry Byway is what we are planning on doing, so sounds like we picked well.  I’ll pass that info on to the team!  

vicali > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 08/29/2018 at 16:41

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and Big Oil doesn’t take kindly to your shenanigans..

You should go to Tuk instead;

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > vicali 08/29/2018 at 16:41

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Not with that attitude! 

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > vicali 08/29/2018 at 16:51

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Assuming that is short for Tuktoyaktuk, that looks like an awesome, but unlikely drive. Too far out of the way. I’ll still run it by the team, just in case.

On the bright side I work in oil and gas, so I’m trying to see how I can spin this into a work trip and get access to somewhere we wouldn’t ordinarily be able to go. I’ve even got enough FR coveralls, jackets, and steel-toed boots to cover the team....

MM54 > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 08/29/2018 at 18:40

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This sounds awesome, keep us up to date!

AestheticsInMotion > Decay buys too many beaters 08/30/2018 at 00:53

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You and me both

AestheticsInMotion > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 08/30/2018 at 00:54

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I bet we could get one hell of a Seattle Oppo meet to send you off... 

Decay buys too many beaters > AestheticsInMotion 08/30/2018 at 01:09

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Hmmmm.... Seattle isn't that far from Portland....

AestheticsInMotion > Decay buys too many beaters 08/30/2018 at 02:57

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I'm all in for some future planning. Flying out and buying something interesting is enticing enough already, but throwing a big roadtrip into the mix..? Yes. 

Decay buys too many beaters > AestheticsInMotion 08/30/2018 at 03:30

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I’ve been wanting to do that with a bike starting in the  east coast for a while