Alaska, finally.

the deputy

Well-known member
@the deputy thank you for taking us along on your journey!
It been a struggle at times, between coverting the majority of pictures to the right format and typing these posts...all while a ten week old pup attacks my phone, my fingers, my dictionary (just added to list)...the chair, the area rug, the televison cabinet, the etc, etc...

This is happening as we speak...

After a brutal attack...

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He's attempting to eat a page from the 'l' section...

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All that remains...

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By the time he's through here...this infurnel infants inexorable infaliable and inferential infatution with indulging in inexplicable and infuriating acts will rise question to the inexperienced or inefficiency of my puppy raising inabilities...and when all's said and done...l'll most likely need to contact FEMA for disaster relief.
 
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ITTOG

Well-known member
Thank you, for the kind words.

Yes, it was time for all you mentioned. And the driving never really bothered me, the uncomfortable seats did, but spending time on the road suits me just fine. Like l tell folks...''l was born with a steering wheel in my hands." "And yes, l feel terrible about that for my mom's sake."😄

My biggest regret or stumbling block mentally, was the fact that l couldn' t get out and hike like l orginally planned four years ago. Read "My Journey" religiously, and admire his tenacity for climbing and hiking...to the point of hero status (but let's not mention that to him...lol).

Plus, had to make a couple concessions with my wife to appease her concerns/worries.

1) No hiking alone (her knowing my abilities at walking on uneven terrain since RA and the fact that she's a hundred percent sure l would be eaten by a grizzly)

2) No off roading (her knowing my abilities for doing slightly dangerous...or her specific term was...'stupid' things).

Funny, she says to me before l left. "You just retired a day ago and haven't even got your first pension or social security checks yet." "You could get killed by a grizzly (her greatest fear...lol) before they even arrive!" I'm like..."Yes dear, l guess you're right...l'd hate to be eaten alive knowing l never got those checks...it would bother me to no end...lol."

Women...
Wow, I feel like our wives know each other. For the most part spot on, only exception is the bear feasting on me. LOL
 

the deputy

Well-known member
Made a few necessary repairs. Had the exhaust manifold gasket start leaking in Tok, on the way back. And didn't like the way the rear shocks felt about a 1/3 of the way into the trip.

Yesterday, tackled the exhaust/intake manifold gasket. Ends up, the very rear bolt was gone...which lead to gasket blowing out.

Old gasket...

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All back together, after a lengthy battle. Still has a slight leak at turbo down pipe; put that on a couple years ago and chinched out and bought a cheap(er) aftermarket brand. And like they say...

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Changed the rear shocks today. Went with Big Bore Terrafirma's X2". The Bilsteins had there day in the sun.

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Seems much better now.

Have to do these projects while the weapon of mass destruction is sleeping.

Next nap Dalton takes...it's an oil change and pulling that turbo pipe and seeing if something can be done with it.

EDIT: Day 2 -of repairs.

Pulled turbo pipe and worked it over on inlet side, so it fit better. Perfect, it's the quietest the rovers ever been and fumes free. A project that probably 'should have done' before the trip.

Then...the clutch fan. Mention earlier about Victoria not liking the heat and running warmer than acceptable. Well, when l'd open the hood to let her cool down in route, you could tell the viscous/clutch fan was not engaging (which helps pull air through radiator), just free-wheeling. Thought, boy...l have a brand new one...in the garage at home that l'd always planned on changing. Another, 'should have done' before leaving. It pulls air now like a tornado...now.
 
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the deputy

Well-known member
Final Summary of Trip.

Alaska...and the entire route from Michigan.

In a nutshell...it was a mind blowing experience. Alaska, though, not nearly as "last frontier" as in the past...it is still something to behold. It is just so vast and some portions, naturally, are still unadulterated by mankind. It's a trip that every person should experience. Especially, while you're young...don't wait. Be that son or daughter that breaks the mold...don't fall head first into societies...this is what you should do. We're all not cut from that cloth...and years from now...and take it from me...you'll understand how it crippled your life.

And above all...

First and foremost, l'd like to thank all the folks here that keep chasing their dreams and this site, Expedition Portal, for inspiring me to finally take this journey. There were times when my mind, body and soul had truly given up. But, l'd visit this site and be restimulated.

Highlight of the trip was the Dalton Hwy. It gives you a small taste of Alaska's past (in my opinion). There were four or five good climbs, third gear in the rover, where it gave you a birds eye view...and they were simply breathtaking. The vastness, valleys would runout of eyesight, mountain ranges that just kept going on and on and beauty everywhere you cast your eyes. Highly recommended, don't pass this up if you go. Oh, and the mud...it's the best!

And this is just my opinion and not to sound preachy...but make the adventure difficult. Could l have jumped in our new SUV or truck and drove this? Well, as they say in North Dakota..."You betja." But, the old rover added a real sense of accomplishment. Which, the trip needs...since it's not as difficult, in the least, compared to olden days.

But, if this isn't a possibility...still go!

As l made repairs on Victoria over the last few days...my mind is already on the road again.

Thank you, again...to those that motivate others and share their stories here...you really have no idea what it means to others.
 

Dougnuts

Well-known member
Great storytelling and thank you for sharing with us! I hope the dog training is progressing immaculately.
 

Arjan

Fossil Overlander
Thanks for sharing. From France, it was as if I was sitting in the passenger seat.

And interesting to see what other trips you're going to make..
 

the deputy

Well-known member
Thanks for sharing. From France, it was as if I was sitting in the passenger seat.

And interesting to see what other trips you're going to make..

I'll probably take my wife west next year. Me, l'd like to be on my way south right now, way south...like as far as you can drive south.

And l apologies...you asked for more pictures of the 110...l'll see what l can find.
 

the deputy

Well-known member
And, at first sight...one would think...what could possibly go wrong...

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But, to quote someone well respected here...

"One of the first questions that comes to a mans mind when he gets a puppy is....'what was l thinking?' "

That's sage advice right there...lol.

Why, l didn't read it earlier...to refresh my "thinking" is beyond me...

Oh, and if you're wondering what Dalton is thinking at this moment...that look is warning me that if l ever try to put a collar on him again, he will kill me, my immediate family and friends and chew every shoe in the house into tinny pieces...
 
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