Our family traveled the Alcan in 1955, it was not paved but was gravel. My parents, four little girls in the backseat in a 52' Buick. At one point we were washed off the highway but Dad drove us right back up onto the road. Drivers lost windshields and sometimes engines. Final destination Fort Richardson; three years of watching bears raid trash cans, moose everywhere, great fishing and adventure. Alaska was still a territory, not a popular place to go but that changed. An awesome experience.
This documentary is much more accurate, based on research, and more inclusive about the role of the African-American regiments. They did not have the equipment that the Caucasian regiment had but was able to succeed and complete their tasks much sooner than those with equipment. I'm proud of my dad, James Ausby Mitchell, a.k.a. Bud and Daddy Bud, who was in the 95th Regiment.
I've done the whole thing twice, parts of it combined with the Alaska Ferry, more times, and I am ready to do it again to get to a summer job in Alaska. Not mentioned is that Liard Hot Springs, BC, is a delightful stop on the Alaska Highway. Three pools offer a choice of temperatures. The "Milepost" guide is magnificent, and it covers other highways in Alaska, not just the Alaska Highway. You will need it. Last tip: Don't rejoice too much once you cross into Alaska. The Alaska State Troopers are quite alert in the border area for those who go over 60 MPH/100 KMPH. Yes, I got a ticket.
"Winding in winding out ,Makes ya wonder, whether the lout that built this road was going to hell or coming out". I traveled it the first time in 1974 at 18 years old in a 51 Willys jeep. When I left Memphis in August of that year I had to ask my mom how to get to the Memphis/Arkansas bridge. Now at 66 I'm still here in Alaska.At that time there was 40 miles of pavement around Haines but the POTHOLES made it dangerous. The gravel was better. Lost three headlights and got a hole knocked the radiator by a passing trucks.Back then the upper pool at Laird was infected with Grizzleys and scabies.Bath at your own risk. Some crazy woman in Yukon territory was feeding black bear cubs in a trough between the gas pumps much to the chagrin of her husband. Gas there was about 60 cents/gallon.Highway robbery.
Yea I think 300 were killed in their sleep at the barracks also they straffed the tank farm.In 1990 when I was there you could still see patches welded over the shrapnel holes in the fuel tanks and the old cannon emplacements controlling the harbor.
Our family traveled the Alcan in 1955, it was not paved but was gravel. My parents, four little girls in the backseat in a 52' Buick. At one point we were washed off the highway but Dad drove us right back up onto the road. Drivers lost windshields and sometimes engines. Final destination Fort Richardson; three years of watching bears raid trash cans, moose everywhere, great fishing and adventure. Alaska was still a territory, not a popular place to go but that changed. An awesome experience.
Thank you for your story.
Just completed this drive. Amazing scenery. Thanks to the hard working men who made it possible. Once in a lifetime experience.
Now that's how you do a documentary very well done.
This documentary is much more accurate, based on research, and more inclusive about the role of the African-American regiments. They did not have the equipment that the Caucasian regiment had but was able to succeed and complete their tasks much sooner than those with equipment. I'm proud of my dad, James Ausby Mitchell, a.k.a. Bud and Daddy Bud, who was in the 95th Regiment.
This is how you make a documentary folks. Well done.
The great Hoyt Axton as narrator is the icing on the cake!
Thank you , my father drove the Alcan hauling 48” pipe in the early 70s .
Boo shit, it was all transported via ships
@ wrong
Memorable trip. Made it in 2010. 8464 miles from start to finish. 96 Chevy 1 ton and 31 ft Airstream.
I did it in 06 from Ct. 12666 miles . Trip of a lifetime ❤
I've done the whole thing twice, parts of it combined with the Alaska Ferry, more times, and I am ready to do it again to get to a summer job in Alaska. Not mentioned is that Liard Hot Springs, BC, is a delightful stop on the Alaska Highway. Three pools offer a choice of temperatures. The "Milepost" guide is magnificent, and it covers other highways in Alaska, not just the Alaska Highway. You will need it. Last tip: Don't rejoice too much once you cross into Alaska. The Alaska State Troopers are quite alert in the border area for those who go over 60 MPH/100 KMPH. Yes, I got a ticket.
@@terencechevalier5756 We just traveled the road . They were open early Oct.
What a great video !
Wonderful film.Very informative. Facts were given me that I did not know.Thankyou.
First trip in 1972-----and about 50 more since then. Best drive in North America
Crossed it every year from 78-84.
Would love to do it again one day. Would be great if I could drive it again like it were then.
What a great documentary!!!!!
Incredible film, beginning to end!
I really enjoyed this. Thank you
Thanks for sharing and caring
Very well done. Real heroes .
My grandfather was an road engineer building it during WWII.
Why don't our leaders work together for the good of the people, like this. Awesome
Evil people controlling the world it’s crazy living in the future where resources are infinite but our learners want us enslaved
No money in it
Because they are bought and paid for.
They’re working for the “good” of some people, that’s for sure!
Because we're cowardly and politicians took advantage
"Winding in winding out ,Makes ya wonder, whether the lout that built this road was going to hell or coming out". I traveled it the first time in 1974 at 18 years old in a 51 Willys jeep. When I left Memphis in August of that year I had to ask my mom how to get to the Memphis/Arkansas bridge. Now at 66 I'm still here in Alaska.At that time there was 40 miles of pavement around Haines but the POTHOLES made it dangerous. The gravel was better. Lost three headlights and got a hole knocked the radiator by a passing trucks.Back then the upper pool at Laird was infected with Grizzleys and scabies.Bath at your own risk. Some crazy woman in Yukon territory was feeding black bear cubs in a trough between the gas pumps much to the chagrin of her husband. Gas there was about 60 cents/gallon.Highway robbery.
Good story Red.
Amazing ideas
This makes us about even, Fredrick. :)
Norman flores
Wasn't aware Japanese bombed Dutch Harbor. Interesting video 👍
Yea I think 300 were killed in their sleep at the barracks also they straffed the tank farm.In 1990 when I was there you could still see patches welded over the shrapnel holes in the fuel tanks and the old cannon emplacements controlling the harbor.
:) I hitch hiked
Seems back then, airstream campers were everywhere… now however, you can’t touch one for less than $100,000 … and that’s a small one.
They are built more like a boat, well made with sturdy interior. Most RV trailers are built to be light, and are not very durable.
✨🇺🇸❤️
too bad they won't put in that sort of effort,to build a border wall on the mexican border.
1974
Any pictures to share?
The horrible mini-skirt morphologically prepare because locust disappointedly snow below a direful spy. legal, tiny bag
@truckhouselife