If I were the very pregnant wife, I would prefer that someone ship me rather than sit in a car for 4500 miles x 72 hours (per MapQuest, Savannah to Fairbanks), worrying about car troubles, going into labor.

That aside, I have to think that considering selling current car, flying and buying a vehicle in Alaska - even in Anchorage - upon arrival might be a better idea.

Here is my math about the trip - assuming 10 days, in car 8-10 hours/day with approx 8 hours driving time daily (and no sightseeing). Gas $450-500, lodging $1000-1250 (cheap hotels - may not be possible in cities), food $1000-1250 (@100-125/day for 2+ people). Or $2450-3000 for the trip. And that does not include anything else - car breakdowns, doing anything fun other than watching TV in cheap hotels. It does not include tolls, parking fees in city hotels, or the cost of a divorce after undertaking such a trip. Since it will be winter, you might need to add a day or 2 travel time for when you hit weather delays.

Or as mentioned above, you drive, she flies.

What does the pregnant wife say? She has two votes.

Thanks for all the replies! My wife and I would both love to make the drive and see the sights, but have decided to ship the car and fly up there. We will sell her car here and buy one up there that is already winterized.

She is due in late Feb. I am in the Army and thankfully they will ship all our goods and my car. Hopefully in 3-4 years when they move me again it will be in the summer and we can take our time and drive south.

Cross2country...

Had our 1st snowfall in ANC this morning. Currently about 3" of pack grade snow down and it's beautiful.

Fairbanks weather:
news report: http://www.ktuu.com/news/news/heavy-...banks/35569800

To get some 'weather/road' views from around the state head to this link:
- http://511.alaska.gov/alaska511/mappingcomponent/index
- click on the 'weather cameras' box
- zoom in to find the various live shots of many of our roads

Good luck.

Had our 1st snowfall in ANC this morning. Currently about 3" of pack grade snow down and it's beautiful.

On the Hillside or all around town? Seems very early.

cross2country: Great decision. Especially in the Fall/Winter, that is by far the easiest/safest option. . And yes, hopefully your next posting will be at a time of year you can do this cross country drive (unless you get Germany )

Thanks for your service.

Excellent decision.

I've been to Alaska twice - both times in winter. I've driven and ferried most of your route. Even in winter it would be a doable adventure - IF your wife were not pregnant.

You made a wise choice. Buying a winterized car is a wise choice. This Georgia native was surprised to learn one plugs in their car in hotel parking lots to prevent the fluids in the engine from freezing overnight. You'll be a step ahead with that winterized car.

reminds me of a standard joke in cold country:
You know when you've gone far enough south to escape winter when someone asks you what the chord hanging from the front of your car is for.

Gardyloo....
All around town. I'm near Tudor & Boniface, took the dog out for a walk about 5am that morning & everything was covered in white (about 3" at that point).

It was unusual in that it was a heavy/pack snow. Following a couple days of rain, a lot of trees that had not yet shed their wet leaves lost branches due to the extra weight of the snow.

Friday - The roads are clear now, but northern facing slopes/places still have snow in town (i.e. my front yard). There's rain in the forecast the next few days so we'll lose this snow in 'the bowl'.

How nice of you to return to update us. Wishing you and your growing family well. Be sure to check back in 3 years to get advice about making such a trip with a 4 year old.

(My then 18 year old daughter, seeing Wasilla Alaska for the first time - said "there is nothing but coffee shops and bars and liquor stores here. But if I had to live here in the winter, I probably would need lots of caffeine and alcohol" Hoping that you can find a nice circle of friends and things to do in Fairbanks in the winter)

Happy to read the decision. You will find a variety of auto dealers, or can buy privately, of course.

Take care and best of luck. From a U.S. Marine momma. Thanks for your service.

Ohh yeahhhhhhh..... A new AK, winterized vehicle.
see: http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...r/mymog018.jpg