Dwagenheim

I was looking around on the internet tonight for information on accomodations in Prudhoe Bay once I get there. I really want to camp and not have to spend a lot of money on a spendy hotel. A sence of nervousness came over me as I started reading about how desolate the area is and how many large animals there are. The last think I want to do is get chewed up by some hungry Griz before I even start the trip!
I called the Artic Carabou Inn and talked to Rick who was very helpful in providing info about Prudhoe Bay. He told me that Alaskan Airlines lets people camp out in their parking lot. That is great news for me. I'll be pitching a tent shortly after my super long day of flying, I'm sure. He also said the bears tend to stay clear of the airport parking lot as well. Also very good news!

I checked into their tour of the area, which was only 37 bucks (I expected it to be much more). After an informative video, they take you by the oil industry and then finally to the Arctic Ocean for a dip. I signed up for the following day. I figure I am beginning all the way up there, I might as well see the water, Right?! Maybe even go for a swim.

I also dug up some info on Prudhoe Bay if anyone is interested in reading about it. I think its pretty interesting and look forward to experiencing the LONG days when I get up above the Arctic Circle.

Peace

Dave

Copied from PrudhoeBay.com

Prudhoe Bay (Deadhorse) Alaska is home to the largest oil field in North America. It is located in Alaska between the coast of the Beaufort Sea and the North Slope of the Brooks Range Mountains. It is about 1200 mi. south of the North Pole and 250 mi. north of the Artic Circle. Artic drilling rigs differ from their southern counterparts in that they generally are more self contained. As is evident by the picture the rigs are enclosed to protect it and the workers from the Artic Winters. Many of the rigs can be transported from drill site to drill site without any disassembly. Many rigs have a camp house that moves with the rig to provide room and board for the workers. Other wildlife in the area: Artic Fox, Artic Ground Squirrels, Grizzly Bears, Polar Bears, Musk OX, Artic Hares, Caribou (Approximately 25,000)and over 200 different bird and waterfowl species including geese, swans, seagulls and eagles . During the winter months only the artic fox, ravens, and the occasional polar bear are to be seen. Ice roads are built during the winter months to reduce the damage to the environment for access to remote drill sites. conditions need to be twenty below zero or less for construction thus limiting exploration drilling to the Winter months in most cases.
Longest Day: 63 days, 23 hours, 40 min.
Official sunrise: 12:09 AM - on 20th of May
Official sunset:11:18 PM - on 22nd of July

Shortest Day: 1 hour, 3 min.
Official sunrise: 11:42AM - 24th of November
Official sunset: 12:27PM - 24th of November

Longest Night: 54 days, 22 hours, 51 min..
Official sunset: 12:27PM - 24th of November
Official sunrise: 11:18AM - 18th of January

Shortest Night: 26 min.
Official sunset: 11:43PM - 19th of May
Official sunrise: 12:09AM - 20th of May
Highest Recorded Temperature: 83 degrees F. on 21st of June, 1991

Lowest Recorded Temperature: Minus 62 degrees F. on 27th of January, 1989

Highest Wind Speed Recorded: 95 knots (109 mph) on 25th of February, 1989

Official Lowest Wind Chill Factor: 28th of January,1989 - Temp of minus 54 degrees F and Wind speed of 31 knots (36 mph) - Gave a chill factor of minus 135 degrees F.

Pic: A little slice of the 414 miles of gravel road I'll be conquering from Prudhoe to Fairbanks.