I'm going to Alaska!

I am definitely going!  Family and friends know.  Most think I am nuts.

Everyone says "Bring a gun!" Unfortunately, that is not possible.  I am licensed to carry a pistol in New York State only.  I cannot take a chance crossing the border into Canada and getting caught with a gun.  People travel to hunt in Canada but my guess is they ship their guns or use guns already up there.  Alaska is not the only place where a gun would be advantageous.  I will be traveling approximately 1600 miles each way through Canada.  For now, a gun is out of the question.  I'll do some more research.

Last week I ordered a Spot Connect Satellite Communicator.  The purpose of having a satellite communicator for me is so I can post to Facebook and send text messages and also have it upload my GPS location to an online map whereby friends and family can stay up to date on my progress.  You see, I think everyone will want to stay tuned!  The reality is that most will forget I am gone until I get back with stories.  Then they will have to listen!

I settled on the Spot Connect primarily for price.  This is the same one that Shrug Alaskapade.com used when he made his trip in 2011.  It seemed to work well for him but the difference between the Spot Connect and the DeLorme InReach is that the InReach has 2 way communication.  I figured no one was going to try to contact me on the trip unless there was some kind of emergency and with me being possibly 5000 miles from home there really wasn't much I could do about it anyway.  So why not save a few bucks and get the Spot Connect.  Click here!

At the same time I ordered the handlebar mount from Ram Mounts.  spo3iu10.jpg

When I got it, I had to install a firmware upgrade prior to setting up my account with them.  It costs about $150.00 a year to be able to sent texts and email as well as track my progress via online maps.  I thought that was pretty cheap for what you were getting.  My guess is that I will be out of cellular service quite a bit in northwest Canada and Alaska.  This also has an SOS feature that when activated will send help to my location.

Of course, installing the firmware upgrade failed and the unit never powered up again.  If I had read the directions before installing the upgrade I would have known that I was supposed to remove the batteries before connecting the unit to a computer.  Damn it!  I bought it from Amazon so returning it was easy.

While I was waiting for confirmation that I was getting a refund I decided to do a little more research.  I looked again at the Delorme inReach.  Click here!  I also read more reviews on the Spot Connect.  It seems that there may be some pairing issues when pairing the Spot Connect to iPhone.  Many people complained of this in their reviews.  The inReach was more expensive to buy and the yearly subscription was double the cost of the Spot Connect.  Upon further investigation I realized the the inReach used the Iridium Satellite Constellation which is global.  Spot Connect has a coverage map.  It shows coverage up to Prudhoe Bay but not much further.  inReach on the other hand has coverage across the entire planet!  It also has 2-way communication.  I can receive messages.  In the event I need help I will know if my message was received.  Not the case with Spot Connect.  Reviews also suggest location accuracy is much more accurate.  It shows speed, elevation, time, location, heading, etc.  I bought it!  Then ordered a new Ram Mount.  RAM-HOL-DEL2U1.jpg  I set it up yesterday and created an account.  I have to figure out how it works.  I am going to test it out on our trip to York PA at the end of the month.  Should be fun!

More Equipment.

Bought a tent today.  Click here!  20% off at LL Bean.  And a new stove.  Click here!  And a new sleeping pad.  Click here!  I have a 20 degree sleeping bag and a compression sack.  My old tent was just to big and heavy.  This tent is less than 5 lbs.  My old tent was 14 lbs.  I couldn't find my old stove so......

Also installed these Highway Pegs! on my bike.

Decided to get a Bluetooth Headset for my helmet. My iPhone will sync to my GPS so with that I can listen to Satellite Radio, GPS Directions will cut in when appropriate and I would be able to answer the phone in the event I have service and somebody calls.  Bluetooth Headset!  I am gonna have more gear that Neil Armstrong!  Safety first I always say.

Do I join Alaskapalooza?

272 Days!

Starting to do some research!

Purchased "The Milepost" Alaska Travel Planner from Amazon.com.  It arrived today.  Deciding if I should join "Alaskapalooza.com" or go it alone and maybe meet up with them by chance in Alaska.

I don't know how these blogs work yet but if I decide to go on a trip to Prudhoe Bay, AK then I will need to figure this out so I can post my adventure for family and friends.  I don't even know if this is the best way to do that.  I got a lot of time to figure it out.  Not leaving until June 2013.

My only initial concern is the condition of the roads in the "North Country".  The Dalton Highway alone is 75% gravel road.  That is gonna take a heavy toll on Bl-Ray.

Total trip will be approximately 10,000 miles and take me 3 weeks to complete.

Key things to think about:

1. Stay Dry

2. Stay Warm

3. Stay Hydrated

4. Nourishment

5. Camping Equipment

6. Electronics/Communication

7. Bears

I have a lot of stuff already:

HD Video Cam

GPS

Satellite Radio

Complete Tool Kit/Tire Repair

Reda Gas Can

iPhone

Milepost

Tour Pak

Luggage

Full Face Helmet

Stuff I need to get:

Tent

Satellite Communicator (Spot Connect or DeLorme)

CB Radio

Headset

Additional 12volt outlets on bike
Center Stand?

I am going to watch Shrug's video again.  www.alaskapade.com  I have to read that blog as well.  A lot of good info in there.

Can't wait to read the Milepost.

Do I bring iPad?

I am gonna try to add a picture of bike to this.

Damn - I did it!

Do I ask to join www.alaskapalooza.com or go it alone.  That is the question!