They Told Me Not to Come Here 

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

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.

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

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.

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

Hint in cold weather: DON'T SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. Diesel won't use that much fuel idling. That's why semi drivers don't shut their trucks off in winter. Keep the fuel tank full with anti-gel additive in it at EVERY fill up.

Don't let the doomsayers worry you. When I was in Alaska in February, I spoke with an "aurora hunter" who traveled all of the central part of the state over and over in the dead of winter. You have more gear and a better vehicle than him (and he was pretty well prepared for anything!). The various lodges and outposts almost always have vacancy if you need to bunker down in a storm. The roads will be plowed within a reasonable time. You just really, really need to pay attention to when those storms are coming.

To all her Patreon supporters thank you since I can't do it, thank to you all this is possible for us to enjoy, thank you again you guys rock

I drove to Alaska in (late!) November many years ago in a (borrowed) front-wheel-drive car. I thought I was prepared. I went the southern route, via the Marine Highway, Haynes, and Destruction Bay. I stopped overnight in Tok on my way to Anchorage. I made it (and in retrospect I’m amazed) and managed to avoid being eaten by bears (or mooses). I was younger and dumber then - it was an adventure!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

"Traveling- it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.“ - Ibn Battuta

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.

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.

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

The two best times to travel across Alaska are early summer when it's just turning green, and fall when you have all the colors and the tourist traffic is gone. In the fall you still have plenty of daylight and you won't be experiencing extreme cold. I worked on the slope for a few years and have driven most of the Dalton highway. So long as you are traveling with several vehicles with some emergency gear, it is not an insurmountable task.

Awesome! Your Odyssey broke down at the gas station where we always fill up out fire engines. I work for State Forestry responding to Wildland fires in the bush in Fairbanks/Fox /towards Delta and down the Highway towards Anchorage until Denali National Park.

Hi Eva! Vilk is so precious and handsome. You are doing a great job training him. I love your enthusiasm and positive outlook. I bet your parents are so proud and in awe of the adventure girl they created!!! No one has mentioned to remember safety glasses or sunglasses when cutting metal. I hope that You, Vilk, Matilde, and Nick continue to have awesome adventures of the best kind!

One thing I never travel without is a dremel rotary tool. They have a metal cutting disc that will cut thru any lock, rusted bolt etc. Its a very compact tool that can solve lots of issues. There are tons of different accessories that you can buy as well. When I went to Alaska I felt the people were extra kind and helpful.

No expectations, no disappointments. Only an experience that will be worth sharing over and over. Ah, dam i miss travels and thank you for inspiring!

I am 5 minutes into the video, and I am screaming "Don't do it!" when she gets to the ferry crossing and says it's going to be closed for the season. Alaska is no joke! The winters kill many adventurers. The locals know this, and warn anyone who arrives close to winter months. Summers are awesome! I lived there for two years. I couldn't handle the winters anymore. I miss the summers tremendously, but the winters I wouldn't wish on anyone!

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.

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

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.

my son and girlfriend, did this with the bike in june. are now in america and on the way to ushuaia still by bike

Your differing border experiences actually makes complete sense. The US/Mexico border is such a high traffic border crossing location that they have to be extremely strict about vetting who they let in. I'm not surprised at all about the CA/Alaska border being so easy to cross. Glad it was a smooth drive :)

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)

Absolutely LOVE your videos. Thank you for taking us on your journey

Glad to see you have your dog with you , Alaska is so beautiful but dangerous so be safe

If you were my daughter I would be so ‘king proud of you for doing this! Happy trails girl - go for it,the future memories you are making right now are irreplaceable.

Love being able to see a sliver of your adventure! Thank you for taking us with you!

Some people are born to be brave and you are one of them. Good on you Eva. 💜

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

If your car won't start but the battery is charged try tapping on the starter pretty hard with a long pipe or hammer. If it starts you will need to replace the starter. This will get your vehicle started so you can go get the part. Padlocks are hardened steel. You need a diamond grit blade or something that will cut hardened steel. They are designed to resist cutting.

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.

I love love love your Alaska videos already 😍 your travel company, the scenery and all the adventure makes everything perfect, thanks for sharing that 💚

Your drone footage is amazing. You must have some very fancy gear. Also, your editing skills are approaching master level. Transitions, music, story telling is just superior. You have come a long way since I started following. Wishing you happy trails and memorable adventures during your trek.

Thanks again for including all of us on your adventure! I'm also glad you're not alone and, as I assumed, Vilk's growing like a weed. I'll keep an eye out for the next episode!

Eva I live in wasilla Alaska and would LOVE to host you for dinner or show you my favorite adventure spot!!! ❤❤ Smoked salmon and moose burgers whenever ever you’d like 🎉

What a journey! Vilk seems to get bigger every episode. Safe travels :).

That was one of my favorite videos of your's... love the view from the drone . Glad you are safe and desided to travel with others !!!

I like it so much, cant wait for continuing! Eva, as always: genuine, interesting, just right personal stories not to be just nice pictures and shots. You know wery well how to keep that balance, I imagine it's not easy. Wish you all good on the trip!🥰🥰

😊😊You are blessed to have companions ; I am glad your plans are working out. The scenery is beautiful and it looks like everything is going to work out.

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!

Amazing! How beautiful the wilderness is. Eva you rock! Love experiencing this with you and adore Vilk, such a big boy.

I'd rather see Alaska in summer or without snow. Autumn does look pretty with all the leaves changing but the weather can be unpredictable heading into winter. Safe journey to you and your friends.!

Nick and Tommy to the rescue. Eva, you were so smart when you decided to travel with your new friends.

I love how your videos are becoming more and more like a series of your adventures .. Best of luck to you Odyssey and the pup!

I enjoy the beautiful scenery and how brave you are. People should be able to live free, travel without fear of other human.

Love your filming and your adventures. You have such an infectious laugh and really positive approach to all that you do which makes your videos so captivating. Happy travels to you and Vilk (top doglet!).

Nick (and you) need a locking front and rear differential for wet ground. If you do this kind of expedition again please consider the upgrade. It will make off highway much more manageable and much much safer. It is a modification that is a little pricy and the Mechanic must be skilled in differential setup but the dividends in safety are exponential. The connection he cleaned up on the starter is the power signal to the starter solenoid. It comes from the key switch and is routed through a clutch switch. All external connections like this should be cleaned and sealed with dielectric grease to keep the connection clean and tight

I enjoy living vicariously through you. Keep up the good work.

I'm so happy I found your channel. I have a sabbatical scheduled for next summer and you are giving me many ideas for adventure. the trick will be to try and get my two teenage daughters to accompany me and hopefully find some enjoyment away from the digital world.

Great vid, good luck with the rest of trip !

I lived in Alaska for 6 years. 3 in Nome and 3 in Fairbanks. It's nice to see some exploring and enjoying America's last frontier.

Thanks for showing up the beautiful views of Alaska!.

We are binging your trip up to Alaska. This has been so much fun. It is SO cool the people that you've met along the way that turn out to be such sweet and caring people. Plus, your fellow outlanders (Nick and Mathild) are amazing companions. Thanks for sharing this with us. Onward and upwards..to the Artic Circle.

Nick is a good mechanic! Thanks for him and his wife!

I visited Alaska in September about 10 years ago. I remember how in Denali there were major changes every day in the foliage and amount of snow in the mountains. It was so beautiful! Thanks for taking us along on your adventure. :)

I just love how Vilk can sense that you’re worried! Good luck Eva, you just inspired me to go explore Alaska again!

So great you have fellow travellers! Although I understood your hesitation at first. I love to travel alone and years later with my dogs, but I also love to travel with my dogs and other (like-minded) people! A memory for life.💕

Thanks for taking us along it’s long been a dream of mine to visit Alaska hopefully next spring it’s so beautiful up there !

I've been in Alaska in August, out in the southwest on the Aniak River, and that was late enough in the year for me. I'd love to go later, but as you say, it can be hard to find things open and you really need to be careful of the weather! What a gorgeous video Eva! Take care & stay safe!

Eva, I don't know if you have one, but a jump starter (portable booster) would be well worth the space and the weight in your Defender. The tiny sized lithium jump-pacs are amazing, but lithium has a lower temperature limit than lead-acid batteries. I'm sure you carry bear spray, but I would have a backup canister with me at all times. You're a brave woman. I'm glad you have friends like Nick and Matilde!

You visit so many great places, most I would love to experience first hand myself. Thanks for the vicarious thrills, your such a good story teller!

Quite the adventure! Thank you for sharing your experience and well done with videography!

Love these videos. Look forward to them every week, although I wish they were twice as long, 20 minutes just flies by haha! I must say though, Vilk is gi-normous now! He's such a beautiful dog.

So glad your trip went well even though there were a few challenges, the team overcame them all.

So happy you both arrived safe 💞💞💞

sooo omg!!! thank you to share this wonderful experience with all of us! hope one day I will do the same! you're inspiring!!

I used to go bag packing a lot during the 90's, nowadays not at all. I love your travels and really enjoying your vids. I love your positivity and the way you share your adventures, I actually, sometimes, feel like I'm there with you. Thanks a lot for sharing it with us. Love it :-) P.S. as an animal lover I'm so glad you have Vilk.

You and Vilk make a greet team. When the car didn’t start you looked at him, he looked at you and you both turned away, then did it again 😂😂

Can't wait for more. You're adventure spirit, in this last wild place, makes this series the best! Hope we get the ride back from Prudhoe as well!

I hope you will take your time to explore Canada on your way back! BC and Alberta are absolutely stunning

woo Nick & Mathilde to the rescue! Vilk has grown so much already, gonna be a full fledged big boy soon 💚✌️

You are one brave girl. I'm glad you have traveling companions!

Great experience. Your trip through this area gives a brief glimpse of the beauty and deadly nature of this part of the world.

Great episode. As a Defender owner, do keep checking all of your oil levels as nothing must risk letting you down. Safe travels and more great content.

AMAAAAZING EVA! I feel the "adventurer" in all of us comes ot to life everityme we watch your videos. Take care , keep enjoying and cant wait for the next video:)

I've been binge watching your videos, not in order, and this one brought back fond memories. We did the Top of the World Highway back in 1975 and thoroughly enjoyed Alaska. Everybody told us we'd break headlights and windshield, run out of gas, etc. We had no incidents until we got off the ferry in Prince Rupert, BC, and took a rock through the windshield as soon as we were on the paved highway. Go figure! Love your videos. Keep safe, young lady; you're a brave one!

So glad to see your trip is beautiful and without major setbacks or safety issues so far. It is amazing to see Veilk has grown almost into a full grown dog now. He is as magnificent as I expected the day you got him. You too have grown much from a frustrated and worried "new mama" to a confident and loving part of Veilk's pack. (and yes YOU are his human and he is NOT your dog at this point that bond is forever now). Best wishes for a safe and an even more beautiful and exciting road to your destination.

Trzymaj się Ewa 🙂💪Nawet nie wiesz że spełniasz mażenia innych, powodzenia uważaj na miśki i ubieraj się ciepło😜

I’m using Teflon spray for locks and hinges. It’s been weather proof for me

evening Eva ...And crew! Hope you are all well and enjoying the fantastic scenery up there! best to have the minor issues before the long haul up the Dalton Highway and hopefully no further issues so you can enjoy your adventure. Have a great time till next time! Health@Happiness to you all.

It’s lovely to see places my medical issues mean I will never be able to go. You choose the routes I would “off the beaten path”. I enjoy seeing where you go next. I hope you and Vilk (hope I spelt that right’ had a good Christmas and I hope 2023 is good to you both. Happy trails 😊

You're lucky to have friends and random people who are willing and able to help you especially in the wilderness! Looking forward to your next videos😍

there is a saying that goes like this: If you want to go out in the wild, take a landrover, if you want to come back, take a Toyota....

Thanks for sharing your journey. Physically I'm not capable of such a trip, so I'll experience thru your videos. Safe Journey and Godspeed.

Recently started seeing your videos and have got crazy about you. I can relate to you so much. You are living my dreams. All the very best!!!

👍👍 Awesome! Very glad you're not alone! Both because of Vilk and your Human Travel Companions! Be safe!(Ish)

once met a man who was riding his horse, with a pack horse, destination Alaska. He was in northern MN when I chatted with him. I hope he made it OK. was going to winter in Montana.

I have watched several of your videos and enjoyed every one of them . Like you I have traveled to lots of places but for me it was as a climber, however what sticks with me is how lovely people are all over the world, only a few times have I found difficult people, the vast majority are lovely, caring and helpful. I heard you gave up an impressive career to do this and I respect and admire you for following your dream. X

Another brilliant video.Thankyou.

Travelling with some company was definitely a good idea! :D Matilda and Nick are like angels, such a nice couple.

So grateful that you met some wonderful people to travel to Alaska with. Love your drone footage. How do you drive Odyssey and work the drone at the same time? Safe travels to you all!!

Good job. I took a similar trip in 1989. My journey was on the AlCan highway. I loved every mile of it and recommend this to anyone who wants to see the real world. I too camped out, the only way to do this trip. Enjoy your ventures in this world and thanks for the memories.

Vilk is such a dreamboat! Love watching him grow