May 3, 2010 to May 27, 2010 … Drove a mere 4,185 miles from Central California to Wasilla, Alaska. We averaged 11.8 miles per gallon. Not bad considering the different routes and terrains that we traveled. Google maps will tell you that it’s 3,201 miles and that is true if we had taken the most direct route. By going up the Cassiar Highway and going up to Dawson City we increased our distance but enhanced the experience a thousand fold. We actually didn’t spend much time on the Alaskan Highway but we figure we’ll be going back down the Alaskan Highway on the way home .
There are advantages and disadvantages to traveling to Alaska during the early parts of May. The biggest advantages is that everything is still covered with plenty of snow and provides spectacular views that you will never see in June or later cause most of the snow will be gone in lower elevations. Also, there is relatively little traffic to deal with. Most of the times we had the roads to ourselves and were able to take full advantage of any sightseeing, animal sightings, etc. without affecting anyone cause we rarely had anyone behind us or in front of us. The major disadvantage is that a portion of attractions, tours, parks, restaurants, etc. are not yet open or are just starting to open and their hours or services can be limited. Doesn’t pay for them to open till the tourists start to show up in droves.
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