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StreamlineAK · 02-22-2013, 10:13 PM

http://m.flickr.com/photos/denisepet...4742/lightbox/

Scouter Mike · 02-23-2013, 12:22 AM

I love these pictures! I've subscribe to your thread, the photographs are just beautiful!

I used to take loads of photographs. You've inspired me to get back to that hobby.

I'm dying for the weather to warm up here in BC, but I can't imagine how cold it is in Alaska!

Your story reminds me of a good friend of mine who shacked up in a dry cabin for many years. The trailer is way classy!

Thanks!

StreamlineAK · 02-23-2013, 12:31 AM

Thanks!

Kosm1o · 02-23-2013, 05:32 PM

Wow. Nice pics and nice kittys. I have 4 right now.
Any northern lights yet ?

StreamlineAK · 04-03-2013, 11:43 AM

Yes, in Anchorage we do get Northern Lights, not as often as Fairbanks, but I notice them a handful of times a year. The lights are truly amazing, one of my favorite things about Alaska. Things are warming up a little, we have the rock guard cover open on the front window and the insulation off the windows, summer is getting closer! Although, last week we received 2 feet of snow...

[IMG]

Untitled by waywardcatphoto, on Flickr[/IMG]

StreamlineAK · 05-31-2013, 07:13 PM

Winter is OVER! Now it is time for our three months of non-winter.

Quick Highlights:

I never skirted the trailer do to wind/ straw problems. With this light year, it really wasn't required. Also, once the snow was deep enough, I think it did a good skirt job. The coldest outside temp I saw was -18 range. But the floor was cold. I wore slippers. Keep in mind, when I say -18, that means it was negative temps all day, like the high on a day like that might be -8. Also keep in mind I only have wood/ coal heat, no furnace. Someone would do great with a furnace and skirting plus a wood stove. So, in conclusion , tin can living is functional in south central Alaska.

Wabbiteer · 05-31-2013, 11:12 PM

Can you gauge any traces of new moisture intrusion or condensation pooling anywhere? Any spots where freezing has stretched pop-rivets or bowed trim, like belly band or hatches?

You have dollar numbers against not freezing, err... heating your Streamline?

StreamlineAK · 05-31-2013, 11:23 PM

Good questions! No new damage that I have found, but the Empress is no new Alaska resident.

Heating, well I spent all said and done $480 of coal for the whole winter and about one cord of firewood ( free ). A little bit of propane for the backup heater.

Nolavalkyrie · 06-01-2013, 06:58 AM

Wow, people spend more than that heating their houses in a couple of months here in the lower 48!

Considering the lifestyle we choose, I'd call that a win in your column.

janeinthemtns · 07-21-2013, 06:33 PM

This is an awesome thread. I lived in Alaska for many years all over the place working construction management. Now I'm in north central New Mexico @ 7,500' elevation. Getting ready to spend the first winter in an 85 31' Excella. We go to -30F regularly, but mostly warm up to at least 10F during the day unlike AK. I've been reading a lot of panicy threads on here about wintering in an Airstream. I had the lines testing and blown out down in Albuquerque when I picked it up. No water is going in there. I've been living w/o running water (and no bathroom facilities) for 7 years here this time - In old falling down and frozen adobe houses. This one has electricity, the last one did not and barely any heat either.

So really glad I found you! I've got about 30 bales of straw left over from last winter. Oat straw was the only thing to feed around here due to the drought. I'm going to start looking at different types of styrofoam insulation with the idea of wrapping the bales in plastic and stacking them around the styrofoam. That's pretty much what I had planned. Also what has been suggested here. I can always come back in the house and fire up the woodstove. I've got a good Jotul. I have been looking at marine woodstoves, but I hate to pull out the tambour end table thing in the Airstream. Well, you know how fast you don't care how anything looks when it gets cold! Like all the Hudson Bay blankets suddenly get nailed over the windows. Hahaha.

janeinthemtns · 07-21-2013, 06:37 PM

I lived in a 31' Wilderness fifth wheel trailer in Valdez during the pipeline years. We never had any trouble with frozen lines or tanks. We had it skirted and heat tape on everything. Also we had plexiglass cut to fit on the inside of all the windows. Held them on with little turning screw things. I was married to a pipefitter then and didn't worry much about all the pipes blowing up. They never did anyway. We had the same trailer in Rock Springs WY and further north where it's -40F regularly. No trouble.

Softshell · 07-31-2013, 08:33 AM

Man do I admire your grit!!

I love Alaska and want to return.
For six weeks I lived and worked in Wasilla.

The job fell through so I'm back in the lower 48.

During my brief stay I had an opportunity to drive the back roads and see the awesome Alaskan scenery.

To my amazement I discovered a few hardy souls near the Knik River who were living off the Alaskan grid.

Two of these photos are attached

Happydays · 08-24-2013, 08:28 PM

You brave soul God Bless you inspiring

Happydays · 08-24-2013, 08:30 PM

How do I subscribe to your thread

Aage · 08-24-2013, 08:45 PM

By replying to a thread you subscribe to it.

Happydays · 08-25-2013, 09:47 AM

Adage your awesome

andreasduess · 08-25-2013, 11:19 AM

If you love Alaska, and off-grid living, read this book: http://www.amazon.com/One-Mans-Wilde...dp/0882405136/

It's amazing.

StreamlineAK · 08-30-2013, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark910234

Man do I admire your grit!!

I love Alaska and want to return.
For six weeks I lived and worked in Wasilla.

The job fell through so I'm back in the lower 48.

During my brief stay I had an opportunity to drive the back roads and see the awesome Alaskan scenery.

To my amazement I discovered a few hardy souls near the Knik River who were living off the Alaskan grid.

Two of these photos are attached

Great Pics! There are quite a few hardy souls out there, I would guess a couple dozen folks in Trailers/RV in the winter. The "valley" attracts interesting folks.

Just as an update, I spent the summer as a campground host in the Chugach National Forest, absolutely loved it. The Streamline livin' trucks on.

StreamlineAK · 08-30-2013, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andreasduess

If you love Alaska, and off-grid living, read this book: One Man's Wilderness: An Alaskan Odyssey: Sam Keith, Richard Proenneke: 9780882405131: Amazon.com: Books

It's amazing.

GREAT Story, actually, the "movie" based on the same Gentleman, Dick Proenneke, helped inspire me to move up here. Here is some more info: Richard Proenneke - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I pretty sure my trailer kept me significantly warmer than his cabin likely did.

StreamlineAK · 10-28-2013, 03:30 PM

Second winter update!

Yes, winter round two in the streamline! Same place, about 1000 ft above sea level, in the greater Anchorage area.

I have already made some simple changes that seem to help the heat retention. Tape and seal the windows with the heat shrink wrap stuff ( sold at Lowes, $2.00 per window) and new door weather striping. Very simple standard house stuff, but somehow I didn't do it last year. I have a new plan for wind resistant skirting. I will post when I got it ironed out.