The Alaska Pipeline is 800 miles long, today we will skirt 204 miles of it. Originating in Prudhoe Bay and exiting in Valdez,slightly more than half of it is above ground and is supprted by 27,000 permafrost resistant braces. It is 48" in diameter, was constructed between 1974 to 1977 and took 8 billion dollars to make.
The pipeline goes underground, as seen here. There are 11 pump stations needed to carry the crude along it's journey. The operation control center is in Valdez. Notice how nice the road is! Well, for 79 miles of our one way trip of 204 miles!
Let the adventure begin! This is now the famous Dalton Highway, otherwise known to truckers as the "Haul Road." It can become narrow with little or no shoulders. Trucks always have the right of way so move over, but not too far because the shoulders can be so soft that you can tip over! Also, on some of the sections of the road, the washboard can be so severe your teeth rattle! There is no cell service, internet or wi-fi for the next 415 miles. Limited gas and food. Go prepared!
By the time we had reached this point, we had become accustomed to the conditions.
Or maybe not. We had to wait for the pilot car and had the opportunity to talk to the flagger. She works 3 months a year, makes excellent money and resided in a trailer 5 miles down the road. We couldn't figure out what they were trying to do here. The road was fine until they started tearing it up!
The pipeline would appear then disappear on the left then on the right. It crosses 3 mountain ranges and more than 500 rivers and streams.
Yes...that's our road. Small sections that were paved were more challenging to drive because of the frost heaves, dips and chip-seals.
144 miles into the highway we crossed the mighty Yukon River wooden decked bridge. The pipeline is very close to the road and cameras where perched upon poles to prevent curious tourists or terrorists!
At the river crossing there was a very small information center that is staffed by a volunteer who provided road conditions to the Arctic Circle. First things first....mosquito repellent!
The view of the information center.
It was a great place to fluff my you-know-what!
Across the street from the visitor center was this fancy place
After buying a gift, it was time to fill. We still have 60 miles to go until we reach the Arctic Circle!
Had no idea the Alaska Pipeline was so accessible. And so big. Or that you'd ever let one of your vehicles get so dirty.
ReplyDeleteThe car is already cleaned again waiting for the next adventure! It has been washed more the past 3 weeks than it has in 2 years!
ReplyDeleteDamn if I just would have stayed in Alaska I would be getting some of that money from all the oil, oh well. OMG what a needy car. I have watched Ice trucker and seen that road very cool u r driving it
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