They Told Me Not to Come Here

Before I set off for Alaska, I got a lot of advice from all kinds of people, and most of it said: do not go to Alaska this late in the season. But... I'm a Taurus, so I went ahead and did it anyway. How did it pan out for me?

Currently travelling with Mathilde and Nick of @NextMeridianExpedition ❤️

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[evazubeck]

So... would you brave Alaska in the autumn? 😜

[georgiancrossroads]

Actually as a 22 year veteran on living in Alaska (Haines) you actually had a better trip now that in mid-summer. And that's because of the mosquitos which become nightmarish on the other side of the Brooks Range. I'm following you with interest, hoping you stop in Haines on the way back so that you aren't just rushing through AK. October is a great time to travel there. If you go through the MAIN Alaska Highway instead of the Cassiar you will have one day with all the animals you could want between Liard Hot Springs (hint) and Fort Nelson. October is the time, don't miss it. I'm serious it never fails. May you drive meaningfully Eva. It's not about how much you see, but how meaningfully you experience it.

[amberthornlow]

Your little boy is getting so big. He's going to be a great dog. I've lived in Alaska for over 40 years. Glad you got to see Alaska.

[bluelove]

Nick and Matilde is such a blessing to this trip. Feel happy you are with them, such a relief, cant imagine how stressed you are if you are only on your own.

[annetteschilder]

You are a great storyteller, it doesn't matter what happens to you it's always great to watch and as we travel with you I get more and more exited!

[vkhiev]

Eva you're one of the most adventurous person I've ever seen. I've been following your adventures for over a year 👏 now. You're simply amazing. Keep on traveling

[somethingknownow]

So glad that Nick was able to troubleshoot your problem and it happened in Fairbanks. You have an angel on your shoulder for sure and are blessed to be traveling with such nice companions. Keep adventuring girl, but always be smart and always curious. Don’t forget to stop and experience the place. The road and the destination is empty if you don’t enjoy, experience and learn about what you’re seeing during the journey.

[chechuivanov]

Im surprised and I’m dying of love. When you are worried puppy’s face is kind of worried too. It’s like he knows what you are feeling and what is actually happening. You two are the best, and also your new friends that seem to be sooo nice.

[cottonrobinson]

It’s so awesome to see someone else whom is interested in all this world offers and is a free spirit and is conquering the purpose of life. Also It is so awesome to see how well you handle yourself during the hardships and breakdowns. We only experience those testing times in our lives so that we become stronger beings. GoodVibes to You and Vilk -Cotton & “TaMa MawKwa” (my German Shepherd/Great Pyrenees who enjoys Vilk’s travels)

[pjftoo]

It was a bold choice to go to Northern Alaska at that time of year and a prudent choice to buddy up for it, so overall I think it was a good decision. Life is short and sometimes opportunities have way of closing to you even though it feels like there is all the time in the world to avail yourself of them. So Carpe Diem.


I was a bit struck by Eva's vehicle issue and the question of where would she have been without immediate assistance, if alone there in Alaska.
So here are some suggs for those who might not be too car/truck savvy, who might be travelling and also be sorely dependent on their vehicle.

Although you can't eliminate every possible mechanical failure, there are a few things that she or any of us can do to plan for some of the most common problems, and lessen the chances of being stranded in isolated areas:

The first is obvious, maintain your vehicle by the manufacturer recommended maintenance schedule. Many people don't even look at it themselves and leave it up to whatever mechanic they happen to be using at the time to somehow know the vehicles complete history and decide for them. There are two separate schedules for every vehicle, typically, Normal Service, and Severe Service, and when you do the maintenance is vastly different depending on how you use your vehicle. Unless your mechanic is extremely organized and looked after the
car/truck its whole life he/she doesn't know what has been done and when, or how you use your vehicle.

Space permitting, carry some basic tools, common repair parts and extra fluids:
Oil of course, transmission fluid, differential oil, brake fluid, coolant.
Spark Plugs, Spare belt(s), a fuel filter, spare radiator hose or a repair or joining kit, brake pads/shoes. Some hose clamps and duct tape couldn't hurt either.
( Even if you can't repair much yourself, having some common parts with you, can save you days or weeks waiting for them to arrive, or allow a friend or small shop to get you going quickly)
Small socket set, Hammer, Screwdrivers, Pliers, Vice grips, Booster Cables or Battery pack, small air compressor for tires.

For Starting problems:
The first question to ask is what sound does the vehicle make when the key is turned.

Nothing.
This leads toward the starter or wiring itself, but a common explanation is the Neutral Switch that is designed to keep the engine from cranking while in gear. For Automatics check that the shifter is in P or N and try both, and pushing the shifter around in those positions. Sometimes the switch is simply loose and no longer makes proper contact. For Manual Trans. check that there is no foreign object (mats, Ice Bottle cap) keeping the clutch from going all the way down. If not try forcefully pushing the clutch in and out a few times, then pressing it to the floor hard.
If the dash lights come on as normal, and look normal after turning the key, as in Eva's situation, look at the Starter, see that the wires seem properly attached, and also that the starter wire is attached/clean at the battery positive terminal. It is usually a thinner wire attached with the thicker main wire. If those wires seem intact it is most likely the starter, or much less likely the starting circuit from the key/switch, computer.
In a pinch a bad starter can often be convinced to start once more by hitting it with a hammer. They often jam as they get worn and old.
If it starts after convincing, it may not again, so head for a safe place or repair shop, before shutting off the vehicle, and have the starter replaced.

A Clunk, but no turning over or clicking.
Almost certainly the Starter. See above. Also hammer time, and starter replacement.

A Clunk, and slow turning over, or a clicking sound. Associated with dimming dash and interior lights.
A battery, charging or marginal starter problem. Get a boost or use a battery pack to start. Have your battery tested as soon as practical, if it starts. Drive, but do not shut the car off until you are in a safe place or repair shop.
If this was preceded by a charging/battery warning light while driving, and remains on, the problem is not your battery, the problem is your Alternator or it's drive belt, and you will not get far. The alternator provides the electrical power to run the car and charge the battery, without it the car will stop as soon as whatever charge remaining in the battery is exhausted. In a pinch, connecting a small 12v battery pack directly to the car battery (if possible), or through the cigarette lighter jack inside the car, while driving, can extend the driving range considerably, but it will still die. Turn off all possible accessories, AC, Fan, Radio, Headlights (daytime), defroster, seat heater.

Normal Engine Turning Over Sound, but No Start.
It does not need a boost. It is a fuel, ignition, or electronic problem. First check that there is no possibility that you are out of fuel or that the wrong type of fuel was used to fill recently. Tow to repair shop, or help, and read trouble codes asap.

For the first three types of no start, in a pinch, if you have a Manual Transmission, you can push, pull or roll start, your car without a working starter. Turn the ignition to On, push the clutch in, let your car roll downhill, get help to push it, or pull it with a strap or chain behind another vehicle, put it in Second Gear, once moving decently, let the clutch out, once started push in the clutch. When started, Drive as far as you have gas for, or to help, or repeat as needed.
If you are alone and have to stop, stop facing downwards on the steepest slope that you can find and repeat roll starting as needed.

[zeppyhead]

your editing and production is really, really good. Amazing how you can get drone shots too.... so fun to watch your travels

[jscanlan]

A small volt meter will tell you 1) the engine off -- battery voltage 12.V+ OK 10V bad cell -- new battery 2) while the engine is running 14.5V+ alternator is good. -- Probes on proper terminals of the battery. Locks -- A bit of grease around any openings will prevent water, dust, or mud from freezing the mechanism, also lubricate the insides with powdered graphite, it does not freeze. Dialectic grease coating starter terminals will help with preventing corrosion, be sure they are tightened

[mouse-junkie]

I'm so happy for you. You have every reason to be proud of your accomplishments. When I was younger, I traveled and camped in every kind of weather. I cross-country skiied and built my own snowshoes. I loved the winter and camping alone. I'm glad you are challenging yourself while you are young and strong. My idea of "roughing it" nowadays is staying at a Super 8 motel!

[MilesCobbett]

Seeing your pups sense your concern of the car not starting and coming forward to help you figure it out was awesome. Surprised he does not ride up front all the time with you. Miles Cobbett, Fairbanks Alaska

[darcy]

So I've only just run across this channel... I'm jealous! Thank you for bringing us along on your adventure. You guys are incredible.

[mikeziolkowski]

Eva, Just got finished an adventure moving a friend from Maryland to Tacoma, Washington. Beautiful weather all the way, fantastic sights and gorgeous mountains taking Route 90 most of the way. I must say my buddy Mark probably brought me along because of my years of experience fixing and repairing vehicles. Our mantra quickly became, "What if it all works out". Positive thinking and vibes for any long journey. Safe travels.

[Lonesome__Dove]

Having people to travel with is such a good idea. Having someone there to help in case of trouble helps with the stress and also just someone to share experiences with. Glad yall are Traveling together.

[harrydecker]

Thank goodness you had friends to help out, and that people are so friendly! Your videos are so interesting to watch. I am amazed that you find the time to take all those spectacular aerial shots, but they show us the beauty of Alaska.

[rianlynn]

Nick and Matilde knew exactly what was wrong and fixed it right away, what a rockstar! that could have been a nightmare. This is super fun when you all get to camp and hang out and have food together! Matilde is so cute!!! I love this caravan.

**edit**
Tommy! and Tommys friend! more rockstars! You have so many people who love you and you always find the kindest people. Like attracts like <3

[heydadchannel]

You brought me memories. Our military sent me to Alaska for 3 years. I made it to both Deadhorse and Chicken and more. And I drove out on those roads when I was done. Adventure! Be safe.