We drove the Dalton Highway to the end of the earth! (As far North in the US as you can drive by car -- and then we took a tour bus even further.) Here are just a few quick pictures of the journey (there will be more someday I'm sure. It was quite a trip.).
The road is rough -- it is really a haul road (built for truckers and equipment used to install the pipeline from the Prudhoe Bay oil fields). It has only been open to the public since 1995.
The pipeline is close to the road in some places -- in others it is buried. Beautiful mountain views all along (when you can take your eyes off the road).
On the way, we slept at the Arctic Circle (one night in a BLM campground) .
Ancient rock formations on the tundra:
Coldfoot camp (below) is the only place on the Highway where you can get fuel and fill the RV water tank. Look at that dirty camper van -- and we weren't nearly at the end of the road yet.
The actual end of the road is Prudhoe Bay -- the industrial area for the Alyeska Pipeline. I'll do another post about it later. Because of the oil fields, private vehicles aren't allowed to go the Ocean. You have to reserve a spot on a security bus.
We did that -- and here we are enjoying the lovely summer ocean breezes:
By the time you reach Prudhoe Bay it really does feel like you're at the end of the world -- and then you have to go back again:
Hoping to link this post to next week's OUR WORLD on TUESDAY. Thank you to the hosts.
Next Service 240 miles. Wow!
Great photos of AMAZING scenery. Bigger than life.
Posted by: Pat | August 19, 2014 at 10:33 PM
All wrapped up for summer I see. You lucky devils
Posted by: phil | August 11, 2014 at 01:23 PM
Gosh - what an adventure. It looks freezing cold there! Glad you had fuel or we may have had to send a search party!
Posted by: Barb | August 07, 2014 at 02:35 PM
Well, I'm very impressed! You have great fortitude and are a daring, adventurous couple. And you take superb photos - that Dalton Highway looks beautiful while at the same time forboding. Summer breezes, indeed! You were a long way from Florida! :)
Posted by: Lowell | August 06, 2014 at 07:31 PM
Gee whiz, what a marvelous summer you are having!! Thank you for sharing your adventures and great pictures. Take care!!!
Posted by: Hildred Finch | August 06, 2014 at 12:02 PM
Poor camper van ! Bill nd you are the bravest people I know ! I like a lot the "next services 240 miles" sign. It remember me some others seen in Yukon, so strange for European people. Amitiés.
Posted by: Annie | August 06, 2014 at 12:10 AM
Oh, Sallie!!! What adventurous trip you continue to have. Never stop surprising us♡♡♡
Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs to my Dear friend in America, xoxo Miyako*
Posted by: orchid | August 05, 2014 at 06:55 PM
What an adventure and quite special I think to have crossed the Arctic Circle. Fabulous photos as always Sallie.
Posted by: lindyloumacinitaly | August 05, 2014 at 08:51 AM
Quite an adventure with stunning photos and no doubt amazing memories.
Posted by: fun60 | August 05, 2014 at 08:38 AM
It's magical above the Arctic Circle - especially during the midnight sun period. What lovely shots.
Posted by: Lady Fi | August 05, 2014 at 01:30 AM
What wonderful adventures to have in Alaska! I'd love to visit that state one day and drive o that road!
Posted by: Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti | August 04, 2014 at 07:05 PM
Beautiful - and cold!
Posted by: Karen @ Pieces of Contentment | August 04, 2014 at 06:00 PM
Great landscape!
Posted by: Englepappa | August 04, 2014 at 04:09 PM
Thanks for sharing the fantastic scenery. What an adventure!
Posted by: Valerie, Australia | August 04, 2014 at 03:46 PM
wow that must have been quite the experience. way to go.
Posted by: Photo Cache | August 04, 2014 at 03:40 PM
Wow! What an experience and what fantastic photography for OWT ~ glad you are having this delightful journey ~
artmusedog and carol ( A Creative Harbor
Posted by: artmusedog and carol | August 04, 2014 at 03:37 PM
A dream trip! Wish I were there!
Posted by: EG CameraGirl | August 04, 2014 at 03:28 PM
I haven't felt I was driving to the end of the world in a long time. When I was a kid and we drove to the ocean, it felt as if we were going to land' s end. A glorious feeling. Thanks for sharing this wonderful trip.
Posted by: Dianne | August 04, 2014 at 12:51 PM
Some times I feel like I'm at the end of the world, er rope!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
Posted by: Linda | August 04, 2014 at 12:50 PM
ohhhh that gives me goosebumps I wanna be there too! y'all look so happy in that shot!! I know you are thrilled to be there.
Posted by: Sondra-SC | August 04, 2014 at 12:45 PM
What a wonderful and amazing journey!! Those mountain views and ancient rock formations are stunning. It would be hard to drive and pay attention to the road. Thanks for sharing and wishing you safe travels!
Posted by: Gail | August 04, 2014 at 10:39 AM
I continue to be captivated by your journey, Sallie.
Interestingly, I don't ever think I've actually seen a photo of the pipeline until now. Must be the very personal photos of yours that have me paying attention.
Posted by: Penny | August 04, 2014 at 06:19 AM
Wow, what a trip! That's quite some scenery!
Posted by: Lindy | August 03, 2014 at 09:34 PM
These are beautiful!
Posted by: Mama Zen | August 03, 2014 at 08:59 PM
I love reading about your adventures and seeing the photos... Michelle
Posted by: Ramblingwoods | August 03, 2014 at 07:14 PM
An impressive landscape! The mountains are gorgeous!
Posted by: Mary | August 03, 2014 at 01:31 PM
The rock formation is fantastic and seems to be pointing skyward. I am sure the sights are awe-inspiring but, oh my, 240 miles for services!
Posted by: Penelope Puddlisms | August 03, 2014 at 11:14 AM
You are taking some great shots. I love seeing the landscapes through the mountains.
Posted by: Carver | August 03, 2014 at 10:38 AM
You should now turn around and drive to Patagonia.
Posted by: Geoff | August 03, 2014 at 09:33 AM
WOW!!! What a journey. Did you wade?
Posted by: Gaelyn | August 03, 2014 at 08:55 AM
wow! that first view... what a neat 'end of the world' to go to!
Posted by: TexWisGirl | August 03, 2014 at 06:25 AM
Wow, what an adventure. Very cool to drive to the end of the world. The mountain views are lovely.. Awesome experience and trip! Wishing you more happy and safe travels.
Posted by: Eileen | August 03, 2014 at 05:59 AM
Congratulations on your trip! I know,that road is supposed to be hazardous, but the views are stunning! I hope you both are OK-and the camper van.
Posted by: Hazel | August 03, 2014 at 12:02 AM
You have to remember us when you are at the end of the world.
Haha...
What else more to demand after this point.
Posted by: rainfield | August 02, 2014 at 11:06 PM