The drive to Alaska is a trip like you'll never experience again...unless you drive it twice. My wife and I drove the ALCAN in 1972 from Panama City, FL...4,544 miles. Wore out a set of shocks and had a windshield busted. That was when only 25 miles of the highway through Whitehorse was paved. However, you were given good advise to take spare headlights, etc. A rock screen for the radiator and lights would also be advisable.

You'd better get to Soldotna before July 15th if you want to be assured of hitting the King run. Though the season goes till 31 July, they often close the Kenai to taking Kings after mid-July. Terrific first run of Red Salmon (Sockeye) this year, but have no idea what the second run (~20 July) will be like. Historically the runs are smaller in the odd-numbered years, but 2005 seems like it might be an exception.

If you miss the Kings, then you'll be ok for late Reds and if you hang around you can get in on the Silvers which start around the second week of August on the Kenai peninsula.

Enjoy the trip!

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Don
'85 500SL (Euro) - 186,000 w/a complete restoration and engine rebuild at 154,000
'95 C280 - 174,000