What We Do Before Leaving Town

What usually makes the checklist before we leave Fairbanks

June is Great Outdoors Month, and it arrives at the perfect time in Alaska. One good stretch of weather and suddenly everybody’s headed to the cabin, hooking up the camper, loading the fishing gear, or making plans that definitely require bug spray.

At APD, we live here too, so we know a little preparation goes a long way once you leave town. Here’s what we usually check off:

Check Conditions Before You Go

It feels like every time we hop in the truck, we’re up against construction zones, smoke, rough roads, surprise weather, and the occasional “guess we’re slowing down for the next 20 miles” situation.

So, we usually check conditions before leaving Fairbanks so there are fewer surprises once the trip gets underway.

Fuel Up Early

Around here, “we’ll stop later” can turn into “there hasn’t been a gas station for 100 miles.” Topping off before leaving town is just part of the routine at this point. It makes for a lot less complaining and a lot more carefree carpool karaoke.

Bring the Rain Gear Anyway

The weather here still keeps us guessing after all this time.

Extra layers, rain gear, snacks, water, backup chargers, and emergency supplies usually end up in the truck no matter how sunny things look at departure time. Depending on where we’re headed, we may also throw in tools, extra fuel, or communication devices for areas with limited service.

Phone a Friend

One of the best parts of Alaska is getting off the beaten path. And, one of the challenging parts of Alaska is getting off the beaten path.

Cabins, trails, and recreation areas don’t always come with great WiFi, so before heading out, we usually let somebody know where we’re going and when we plan to be back.

Don’t Forget About the Home Front

Unfortunately, summer = wildfire season. Before leaving for a few days, we like to spend a little time getting things squared away around the place.

That can mean clearing dry brush away from structures, moving flammable materials farther from buildings, checking outdoor equipment, and making sure everything is secure before heading out for the weekend.

You can check out our full wildfire prep tips here.

Make Coming Home Easier

After a great weekend, nobody wants to come home to a low fuel tank.

That’s one reason many of our customers use automatic fuel delivery. It keeps fuel one less thing to think about while you are out enjoying summer.

Give us a call to learn more. We can help make sure the only thing waiting for you after a weekend away is a pile of laundry.