Reasons Why I Wouldn't Dare an Alaska Driving Tour in Winter

Obviously, there's the lack-of-daylight factor. And the preponderance of wide-bodied wildlife on the roadways. Or the thought of having to change a flat..and it's minus 20...and you're alongside an icy road at 3:30 p.m...and it's pitch dark...because it's winter in Alaska.

I suppose that while you're replacing that tire, you might catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis dancing overhead, or Brent Sass and his sled dogs might glide by and offer assistance.

So you could hold out for that.

But mostly, this Cat Herder wouldn't do it for fear of a total nervous breakdown every time one of these Alaska DOT alerts showed up in my inbox, which happens frequently this time of year.

From the relative bright, sunny balminess of the home office in Spokane, these alerts are met with interest and recollection of our own time in the 49th State.  But were I launching the next day with an 8-vehicle road rally, I'd be just a little freaked out!

So never fear, Midnight Sun travelers: June will provide good weather, tons of daylight, and relatively mammal-free roadways.

The aurora will have to wait for another time.