Is that Dempster or Dumpster? Canada's Dirty Highway to the Arctic
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- Опубліковано 21 лип 2024
- My final installment of my Dempster Highway trilogy as I make my way south from the Arctic Circle. I discuss what I think is the best vehicle for the challenging road.
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/ @slimpotatohead
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Thank you Slim, I'm disabled and not able to go far from my home other than dr appointments, your a blessing to me for sharing your experience with the world. Thank you, JJ.
Jj I am similar and I too love 'riding along' with slim.
Hey man JJ ,I am too and I can relate to that !
JJ, if I can give a little bit of joy to a few kind souls then I'm a happy. Seems I even put some people to sleep. I'm ok with that too. I'm a firm believer in balance. What is lost needs to be replaced by something found. I'm sure you understand. Thanks! SP
How does this guy not have a million subscribers???
Some silly people prefer drama catastrophes. Slim has awesome drama and stories.
I know, right?
I expect he will have if he keeps going. Slim's delivery and pacing is very charming and his videography often stunning, but folks only appreciate it after they have sampled the other van dwellers on YT. His viewers are very loyal once they have gone down this path, so just a matter of time I suppose.
People like the Soap Opera Stars!
AGREED!
I love the utter desolation. No other humans. Just nature. True peace.
Anyone else want to see the car wash of the camper. That mud is going to come off in such a satisfying way.
YES!! My OCD craved it!
Omg I’m on edge
Hope he films that
If you could have seen the smile on your face when you said, "This is the REAL Canada!"
Believe this is USA..
Chris, grab a map. This is Canada. SP
@@SlimPotatohead Fortis et Liber. 😎
@@SuperSamiam25 Yes, the Yukon is one of the most underrated states in the US. 😉
J K some folks think the Canadian provinces are just more States......education no longer exists in the USA I am sorry to admit.
And yes. I start my tuesday off with a slim video cant get better than that
Slim you make the greatest videos on UA-cam hands down so well shot so well spoken glad you made it and everything is okay
My dad recommended this channel to me. I’ve been waiting all day for the video to appear. A great way to finish a Tuesday. I’ll watch it again with my young son tomorrow evening. He loves watching them too.
Your dads a good dad, you are too.....this is the best guy on video
Growing up in northern Manitoba where we had to drive 200 miles of gravel road in a subarctic terrain, I can appreciate the necessity for good tires. It's best to be prepared for just about anything, no matter what time of year; the north is a stunningly beautiful, but unforgiving mistress. I love how you see the wonder of nature even in the most barren of landscapes. There is something beautiful to behold in any landscape - we just need to open our eyes and look more closely. Thanks for sharing.
On a final note Slim, I recommend getting a proper fitting spare tire - you would have been in a real pickle if that hole was in the sidewall. Take good care and happy travels.
Wow Slim, what a life you have. God bless thanks for sharing it.
I know right! He lives the best life. I wish I could just tag along. But not sure if Slim will like that and also I have few more years to retire.
He has the life of Riley for sure!!
I suggest everyone learn how to plug a tire...road conditions in most cites and rural areas are in serious disrepair these days...
Especially in Los Angeles.
Jonothan Doezer the roads in la are actually pretty good. You should try down town Indianapolis lol
Dear Dear Slim... my gratitude abounds... you continue to outdo yourself. Thank you over and over again for sharing natures wonders with us... through your talented eyes.
🍁🦆🦆🦆🌊
Do we see a truck camper in your future. My father made one in our basement in the sixties the parts were moved to our garage and assembled when it was finished all my friends came to push it out of the garage. We rolled it out on rebar and then jacked it up. That camper was nice looking cozy and we seen most of Canada and the western US from that little window laying on my tummy. (Legal back then) 🇨🇦
My dad built one too! Back in the sixties we camped all over New England. My sister and I rode laying in the cab over while my brothers were at the dining table. Great memories.
I made it up the Dempster to Tuktoyaktuk twice. I have a class-B built on a Promaster. I wouldn’t take a class-A or Fifth Wheel because of the slick road. Also even in Inuvik and Tuk the camp sites are not designed for large spots. Also, the sides of the Dempster tend to be pretty soft, especially in NWT. Pulling off the road can cause you to flip over.
Did the Dempster with a Tacoma and Aliner. Your advice is well founded. It’s a hard road but absolutely fascinating. Don’t forget the TransLabrador in the east. You need to do that one as well
Aliner would be a good set up. I live near the factory. Really well built
In days gone by you would have been a true mountain man. I could never go to the places you go. I guess thats why I like watching you and your adventures, be safe and thank you
You have such a way with words! So descriptive, and again, I live vicariously through your braveness to venture as far as you did! I’m glad you had such a wonderful experience. Stay safe, and I look forward to your next adventures!
You ,my friend, are a very interesting man. I was wondering if you have ever thought about writing a book. Thanks for allowing us to be apart of your life.
This Arctic adventure was amazing! I have to watch them all again!
This video is truly a blessing in these unusual times. Yours is, without a doubt, my favorite on UA-cam. Incredible Art in motion.
Never commented on your videos , but have to say these last 2 videos have been epic..It made my day 10X better. Thank you Slim.
That's a lot of walking. We need to remember he walks twice many times because he has to get the camera back. That's fun :D
POTATOHEAD,
I read a book by a guy who has driven the Alaskan Hwy every year for over 20 years.
He has driven the road in every kind of vehicle imaginable.
His rec was a 4X4 diesel pickup with a truck camper workx the best.
You could also tow a Jeep Wrangler behind such a rig.
!
You make some excellent points on the suitability of different vehicles. Back in 2012 I did a tour of the Dalton, Top of the World and Dempster highways on my BMW R1200GSA and it was a tough ride. When it rains (and it rains a lot), the road surface has the consistency of oatmeal. Even with the proper tires it was exhausting. I was 60 years old when I did it and have since switched to an expedition van, which for me is the best compromise between comfort, maneuverability and ability to get into remote areas.
What a wonderful trip. I would love to make that trip some day. Steeling a line from ‘Open Range’ I have the heart but not the legs. I drove the Alaska Highway in 1974 when it looked like the Dempster. I was nineteen and ready for adventure. I took my wife to see the places of my youth in 2016. The scenery still looks the same but the highway sure had changed.
Great video, thank you.
Wow, we had stayed at the same secret spot along the Blackstone tributary as you did, but in early August this year. Not far from Two Moose Lake, and then did the hike from the microwave tower. Really interesting to see it in the fall colours. Our experience with hiking the tundra was the same = spongy and wet with the possibility of twisting an ankle. But the mosquitos in August were brutal. Really love these vids. Thanks for putting in the time and effort!
I guess there are a couple of golden weeks with tolerable temps, no snow, no mosquitoes, and fall colors
you should always have a fresh tube of rubber cement since theyre prone to dry out once opened
These Arctic Circle trilogy videos of your trip were fascinating! I had no idea about the landscape there. Your videos of your trip were awe-inspiring, I was glued to each of them. Amazing survival skills you have also. Thanks for sharing your journey there with all of us, and allowing us to enjoy it along the way. Fascinating.
Amazing and stunning as usual. Thank you Slim for showing me places I will never get to.
Looks like prime grizzly brush. I know you’re careful Slim. Stay safe. Thanks for sharing. Texas.
My buddy and I were planning a trip up there 42 years ago. We never made it out of Minnesota. Life got in our way.
Thanks for taking us with you. We will bring more beer next time.🤣😂
It's been years since we did the Dempster. Beautiful. We are just downing our morning coffees before we begin our journey to our northern home. Maybe we'll pass you on the road. We'll be driving from south central BC to the Yukon in the next 3 days. We'll be taking the Cassiar Highway up through Dease Lake and beyond. Thankfully, it's all paved now, which is a treat! We'll be the car and truck convoy loaded to the gills with supplies and equipment! I feel very blessed to be able to spend time in the north country. So few people get to experience it. Your videos have opened the door to those who won't ever be able to make the journey themselves. Stay safe, SP!-Sue
You'll love the Cassiar! We've done it 4 times - the last time just mid August this year This year, gas is only available at Kitwanga, Meziadin, Bell2 and Dease Lake.
I camped at Waters Edge R V on Dease Lake. The lake was so calm it was like glass. Half an hour later the wind came up and ruined the reflections of the mountains across the lake.
Bryan Clark Sounds like Dease Lake! My husband was posted there for 2 years when our kids were all still at home, and my in-laws used to manage the Northway Motor Inn there. It was an interesting place to live. Did you get out to Telegraph Creek?
Looks like next July you'll be back on the Demster for a longer stay. Gerry cans for the extra fun.
I appreciate your journey. Thanks for taking all of us along with you.
Slim, your visuals are always breathtakingly stunning, but your descriptions are truly vivid as well, and I'm a copy-writer by trade, so I know from where I speak. "The rusted remains looked like dinosaur bones; the curved spines of a long-lost monster that laid down and died in the mossy bog, forgotten and alone." Makes me wonder if you're an avid reader or writer also. Thanks again for producing the refreshing and welcome type of content that you do. You are probably more appreciated than you will ever know.
I ran out of window and door caulking last week but a jar of Cheese-Whiz saved the day !
Posted just early enough so I could watch before going to work, thanks Slim. Hopefully... I will actually get to work all day and not have to come home.....to evacuate my home...cuz of the wildfires here in Sonoma county California. Fires suck! Very soon and with good fortune I will retire.... travel, camp and do my best to live the Slim life.....
Slim, thanks for your adventurous videos. I love them. My wife and I started camping only 2 years ago. We just got home from a 2-week journey that took us from Western Kentucky to the Badlands, Devils Tower, Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Rocky Mountain National Parks. An epic trip. May get to Alaska some day but have to get my wife more comfortable with such challenging destinations! Keep up the good work
Thanks for yet another great video. We just got back from Florida and driving in a tropical downpour in all 3 States don’t seem as bad after your journey. Take care and we always look forward to seeing your videos
Thanks for acknowledging my Natchez Trace Parkway ... although most all camping site are closed now
Really? That's too bad.
VoluntaryismIsTheAnswer yea that’s the info I received from another utuber and I live east of Natchez Ms too ... not know this but was planning a trip up it as we have many times soon ... I love that trip this time of the year
I live in Florence Alabama not to far from the Trace. I drive under it when I
take my weekly trip along the Tennessee river to unwind.
A great up close and personal log of this amazing place on our planet. Your honest and realistic advice for other travelers to this area is appreciated. Happy Trails.
The James Bay Road is pretty awesome. It is paved the whole way, although you have long gravel roads to get to the coast. Lots of free camping and boondocking.
@Taz Mahal ... I take it the James Bay Road is 100% in Quebec? I may consider that for next summer.
A remote offshoot road near Radisson is the gravel Trans-Taiga Road that goes about 400 miles west to the Caniapiscau Reservoir.
@@ScubaSteveCanada Yes, that is correct. Best time of year is probably fall, when bugs are not as bad.
Such an epic trilogy, and that wonderful day and night beyond the Arctic Circle was worth it all, I shan't forget that in a hurry. Slim condensed it for us in a perfect video Haiku. Thanks so much.
HEY OLD MAN,I am so glad to hear from you. I am so tired of the news of the world. It is nice to hear your GREAT outlook on life!!@
Probably the most wholesome channel on youtube. Much love from the us!
Two moose lake looks like a sheet of glass! Beautiful.
Slim, some suggestions for your viewers about extra gear (especially for those who plan to be a while): 2 spare wheels & tires rather than 1, tire chains (In some areas and seasons, they're mandatory). Jerry cans of fuel - and make sure the spout will fit into your gas tank filler (don't laugh); Engine oil. hose clamps. duct tape & electrical tape. A come-along, and a chunk of either chain with hooks, or wire rope with hooks can be a God-send. Shovel. A good jack, and a few pieces of 2x4 to put under it. Tire repair kit (good call). Lug wrench (you'd be amazed how many people don't have one). Electric tire pump. A selection of fuses that fit your vehicle. Alternator belt, fan belt, power steering belt, & any other similar engine part. Extra drinking water. Hi-calorie emergency food (chocolate, protein bars, etc.). A flashlight - that works. Clothing, etc. is a whole other topic. The Dempster is a pretty empty piece of road when something goes *sproing*. But when things are going OK, even if it is one long gravel pit, there are few places like it.
I think that the Dempster Highway is so challenging it's to keep the riff faff out to preserve the North in Canada .
Has usual excellent 👌 work Slim ...I love the way you word and show you adventures ! You deserve your own show on TV ... Thank you for sharing your beautiful story with your own special touch of class!
Campers and motorhomes have been abandoned, because it is cheaper than getting remote help to fix or tow-truck retrieve. It would be interesting to know if insurance would choose if it is more cost effective to abandon, or if it is even covered.
My wife and I tackled the Dempster highway back in the 1980's, in a Chevy pickup, and camerette on the back...with a partial sheet of plywood across the rails, and a table about 1 1/2' in size. I put 4 new lug tires on the truck, brought 2 spares, as well as 2 headlights...none of the spares where needed! We did some fishing in several of the streams shown, and had our fill of Arctic Grayling, which is a white fish, that is delicious if well prepared. We had fires in the fire pit with the other couple that came with us in their truck/slide in camper combo, and upon entering Inuvik, we stayed in their small campsite, and it was 'us' that was the highlight, as many Inuit folks from town would walk through the campground, to see who & where folks had come from. Our initial plan, was to hire a plane, to fly us to the Arctic Ocean to see the polar bears, but the morning we decided to do so, a low fog rolled in, so we decided to head south, which would give us another day of exploring in Alaska, as that was our next adventure on returning south! We absolutely loved Alaska, and drive there twice now, and look forward to another trip at some point in the future! We took a ferry, from Whittier Alaska, down to Valdez (try something new) and saw some ice chunks the size of a house, falling into the ocean! One unfortunate incident was, we had our small dog with us, and the ferry folks wouldn't allow her to come up with us, and she somewhat shredded the back portion of the truck seat! Oh well, what are you going to do! We also did some hunting on our way back, in the Atlin B.C. area (first time for me) and where fortunate enough to harvest a moose (other couple had licenses), so that was a new experience as well. We saw lots of wildlife in the Denali region of Alaska, including Grizzly Bears, playing with one another, and I had no idea they could run so fast! Herds of Caribou seemed to be everywhere back then, albeit I have no idea if one would see a similar sight! The Dempster is definitely a worthwhile trip, but do your planning and research, and you'll do fine!
Great video. You also take beautiful pictures.
Slim, I've been watching you for a couple of years now, you do not fail to deliver! You, Sir, live a blessed life, and you're quick to share it! Thank you.
By the way, I purchased the Alpicool yesterday after watching your video on it.
Hope to see you out there someday.
What a great adventure, thank you for bringing us along.
there is not one video that i have not enjoyed....the scenery, your commentary is unique. don't stop it is just a pleasure to watch and learn. thank you and be safe....
What a unique trip. Loved the video series.
Once again, phenomenal video! I love your sense of humor. 😁You have incredible talent for making the BEST videos! Every time a SP video notification pops up, I know it will be outstanding! You never disappoint! Thank you for all of your hard work at bringing us these videos. They make my day. Safe travels SP! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😁
Thank you for doing this for all of us🙏
Your videos are always a treat. Thanks for sharing.
That was amazing Slim - you did it. Here’s to the next adventure, wherever your bumpy road leads you.🌞🙏🌞
Thanks Slim, your living the dream. Now time to purchase a spare wheel and some waterproof hiking boots. Happy camping.
My hiking boots finally wore out after decades of use. On my list! SP
We fixed a flat on the Top of the World on the way back to Dawson City Yukon, with a plastic shopping bag jammed in the hole and a splash of over proof rum then lit it on fire.
PS I have fished that spot on the Blackstone many many times.
You are always the best. Thank You.
I think this just became my favorite Slim video! Thank you so much for letting me journey along!
Love your adventures 💖
One of your BESTS. Thank you.
This was too beautiful for words. Thank you.
What a great way to start the day by watching Slim’s new video! I really enjoyed your trip to the Northern Territories of Canada. It’s too bad you could not go all the way up to the Arctic Ocean but I’m sure you will go there some day when things are back to normal. Anyways, the Northern Territories kind of reminded me of Scotland. The vast openness in between mountains. This was definitely one of my favorite videos!
Excellent safety tips, those autumn colors were amazballs, you truly are no. 1!
Great video. Thanks for sharing these experiences.
I love your videos I can live vicariously through you.
When you were walking in the muskeg, it reminded me of walking with my boots full of water when I was a kid. Slooshing with every step.
Awesome adventure Slim!!! It’s already winter-this summer went fast.
That was a cool series, thanks for sharing
As always.....excellent video. What a scenic trip
Foresty Forest went to Tuktoyuktuk in his soccer mom minivan. It was early spring though, so everything was still frozen. He said the packed snow was pretty smooth
John Pattillo soccer mom car lol i think it's time foresty upgraded
@@Sam-pn2kc he’s been tempted but he loves that thing. Just put a new transmission in.
@@jmpattillo If he upgraded he'd have to get a bigger crockpot.
@@JK-ns5dr Obviously a Foresty aficionado.
Iohan (See The World) did it on a bicycle, including the ice road.
We visited Tombstone as part of a two week Alaska/Yukon tour in 2005. As you were showing yourself surrounded by the vast wilderness, I kept waiting for a big tour bus to pull up and have a bunch of tourists traipse through the background 😂
We’ve enjoyed revisiting some of those spots through your EXCELLENT travel videos 😃👍
Truly a blessing indeed. Thank you Slim
Thank you for bringing us along during your adventures.
I'm so glad you bought a fiberglass trailer I was one of the guys in the comments if you look back that suggested it and I didn't even realize you were going to be going to the far Northwest there's no way one of those wooden frame trailers would have held up near as well, really enjoy your videos keep them coming
Great video !
Thx Slim for awesome video images and inspiring and informative audio.
Thanks for the story and the sweet views Slim
i needed that
Good job Slim! I carry a plug kit in all my vehicles,has saved my butt more than once.
Definitely my favourite adventure. Superb quality, good enough for the BBC over here in the UK. Thanks Slim.
Such a great video. Thanks Slim!!
Great video! Love your content keep up the great work!!
Perfect example of “Mammoth Steppe”-nutritious tussocks of grass no longer grazed by the real beasts of the North.👍
Most Yukoners know them by another name. Starts with ''N''.
Sounds like the comment of a scientist. Nice.
I still remain hopeful that they will find intact DNA to clone a mammoth.
I have read multiple spares is a good thing. Probably not needed, but flying in a second new wheel and tire can take weeks and/or a truck load of money.
Slim!! Thank you for sharing such adventures!
Great video! Enjoyed a lot. Thank you!
Thank you for the thoughts about camper choices traveling the Dempster. The choice are exactly my current dilemma.
Tow behinds have much better payload, gas mileage, and comfort for an initial cost.
Truck camper have vehicle-strength, versatility, and of course the big one - much better maneuverability.
I still can’t choose.
I met a lady in her eighties traveling with her little dog in a class b but with a trailer in my fifties I need my son to help, if that makes a difference to anyone.
VoluntaryismIsTheAnswer, Yes. As I get older, the idea of having everything in one vehicle (eg van, truck-camper, motorhome) for its simplicity is very appealing.
I do love our truck camper but the stairs are a bit much as one ages.
@15:00 thx for the warning on the type of vehicles for the trip. Sounds like a tacoma with cap or low profile truck camper is the best setup.
The road chose me, is doing an excellent series on driving the Dempster and Alaska highways
I have put a 10'6" camper on the back of my F-350 Diesel Dually specifically for doing this trip and going across to AK. I just didn't want to be pulling a trailer across those roads. Luv my camper. Didn't get to the Yukon this year because of the thing that shall not be named. It will be there for me next year. June 21st,2021 on top of the dome at Dawson City to watch the sun not go down! Smiles
I have never seen the Dempster in quite this way. Thanks for your efforts.
You always have the most wonderful shots. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us!
Great adventurous trip!
I would love to hear you talk about if the equipment you had for it held up, and changes you would make based on them in your future trip to touch the Artic?
I hope to do a "what I learned" follow-up for this trip. Thanks! SP
I bet you didn't have dirty window problems on the old aliner slim
Another great slim vid. We survived the Dempster to the Arctic Circle and back in June 2019 in our Sprinter based Class C. I agree the best rig for the Dempster is a Truck Camper. In fact I would say that is true for the whole trip to Alaska and back. But alas we live fulltime in our Motorhome.
It is interesting to compare and contrast our trips. We went early in the season and the mosquitoes were voracious. So we didn’t spend much outside time. We experienced the Midnight Sun. You the Northern Lights. The only significant wildlife we saw was a fox at the Arctic Circle - an Arctic fox? We didn’t linger because we were anxious to get to Alaska and had already taken a month through Canada. You by the end of the season. As for time of the year we drove from Fairbanks partly down the Al-Can and then the Cassiar Hwys. It was my favorite time of our trip with Golden Boreal forests by day and a week of emerald auroras by night. It made it tough to find time to sleep.
I look forward to your next leg!
Got here so quick it's still warm! Thanks Slim!