Two Moro's Travels

“This was one of the places people told me to go, it was one
of the big trips that you should see: Alaska.”

Delta Junction, Alaska

The Alaska Highway was a dirt and gravel road when we drove it for the first time back in 1977. It was long, dusty, and dangerous road as it took you though mountain passes with steep drop-offs. The measurements on the length of the highway vary because in many places, it has been rerouted to avoid some of those perilous drop-offs and have to eliminate many curves making the highway shorter and safer. Do not be fooled into a state of nonchalance as there are still dangers: potholes, narrow areas, steep upgrades, and early morning fog conditions limiting visibility to almost 1 car length. You will see some sections in the Milepost, the original guide of the Alaskan traveler and a must have driving though Western Canada and Alaska, referring to areas as Historic Milepost with a different number as a result of the road changes.  If you are observant, you can spot old Alaska Highway sections of road in the distance. Some are still used as local roads. The Milepost does point some out. When a road that washed away due to flooding this summer in July of 2022 (which made us completely reroute our trip heading into Alaska), part of the old Alaska Hwy was used as a way to reroute cars. We were able to exit the state via this route and drove or were lead by a lead car though part of the old Alaska Highway road.  

Alaska Highway

The Alaska Highway was originally constructed in 1942 during World War II. Its purpose was to connect Alaska to the continental U. S., aka “the lower 48.” Transecting Canada,  it begins in Dawson Creek, British Columbia and originally went north for 1,387 miles ending in Delta Junction. It took the army corps of engineers 8 months and 12 days to complete this incredible feat through treacherous land. Areas of permafrost, and mountain passes. Eventually the section from Delta Junction up to Fairbanks was paved. This road is identified as Alaska Hwy Rt. 2 and is part of the Richardson Hwy. 

Delta Junction has a library, school, city hall and some local business and a population of under a 1,200. When the temperature hits 40 below, school and businesses close. I remember working in a school system in Alaska and even when it was below zero, the students would play outside for recess; Most wore snowsuits and had a blast climbing giant snow mounds. Now 40 below weather, hyperthermia can set in in 5 to 7 minutes. Having lived in Alaska, the secret is to dress in layers with the proper outerwear. One time we helped with a local dogsled race and my husband, and I were outside for 3-4 hours- properly dressed. No hyperthermia but it took a few hours when we got back inside to finally get rid of that internal chill; it took a warm bed, warm blankets, and hot chocolate. That was the coldest I have ever felt in Alaska. So, dress in layers and never be alone. Or at least let others know where you are going to be and check-in. 

To mark the end of this famous road, there is a monument at mile marker 1422. This is the touristy place to take your selfie to show that you have traveled the famous Alaska Highway from the beginning to its end. Though showing wear and tear, the back of the monument depicts distances to other places:  Fort Greely, 5 miles; Anchorage, 342 miles; Valdez, 266 miles; Prudhoe Bay 599 miles. We have been fortunate enough to have been to all.

Big Delta

North of Delta junction is Big Delta. Here the pipeline crosses the Delta River on a cable suspension bridge and is an impressive site to see. And a great picture opportunity. The pipeline originates in Prudhoe Bay and its terminus is at Valdez.  A pipe section is outside the visitor center in Delta Junction. On display there also is the “pig”, a mechanical device that aids in cleaning, clearing, maintaining, and inspecting the pipeline. Alaska is known for its massive mosquitos. Take a selfie with the two on display. (not true to size) 

The Deltana Fair which in July of 2022 celebrated its 42^nd fair, as parades, blueberry eating contest, a pet show where you can demonstrate your pet’s tricks. Also, Miss Deltana, and a prince and princes are crowned, the latter two being part of a baby contest. And this year for the first time, there was a BBQ contest where delicacies include: chicken, ribs, pork shoulder, and beef brisket.  This takes place towards the 3^rd week of July so if you are in the area, it is a great weekend trip. 

quote by Jeff Goldblum