Jim Cathey and his brother have deliberately planned one of the boldest truck camping trips we’ve ever covered: a mid-winter journey from Idaho to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska.
Click here to read the full in-depth interview on Jim Cathey’s preparation, planning, and the reasoning behind driving to Prudhoe Bay in February.
This page will serve as the home base for trip updates as the Broventure unfolds. We’ll be posting progress reports, conditions, and behind-the-scenes insights along with photos from Jim’s journey north.
We’ll be going live with Jim from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, approximately on February 18th at 5:00 PM Eastern / 2:00 PM Pacific. During the livestream, we’ll check in to confirm that Jim and his brother still have all their fingers and toes intact after battling -40°F temperatures. Viewers will have the opportunity to ask questions in real time by commenting during the livestream and hear directly from Jim about what it’s really like to make this journey to the top of the road.
Stay tuned. And don’t forget to read our exclusive interview with Jim, where he explains why he’s taking on this ambitious winter journey and how he prepared his Ford F-350 and Northern Lite truck camper for the Arctic.
February 2, 2026 – The Journey Begins
Jim Cathey departs from Middleton, Idaho in mid-winter Conditions.
Jim departs from home to pick up his brother, Dave Cathey, before officially hitting the road. The two make a meaningful stop at their mom’s house to say farewell, then set off on their journey.
First stop: Great Falls, Montana!
February 4, 2026 – Border Crossing
The Cathey brothers cross the border into Canada.
The drive is relatively straightforward, though melting snow north of Calgary keeps things interesting. The real moment of tension comes at the Sweet Grass border crossing, where the usual questions unfold:
“Where are you going and why?”
“What did you say?”
“Please pull forward for secondary inspection.”
Fair enough. Saying “Deadhorse, Alaska” out loud in February tends to raise eyebrows.
The Great Broventure article helps provide context. Apparently, a public confession of a questionable idea carries some weight. After secondary inspection, the Broventure is cleared to continue north.
Canada: unlocked.
February 5, 2026
The Broventure departs from Grand Prairie, Alberta, and continues North.
Before leaving town, the brothers stop at Kal Tire in Westlock to swap tires for Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3s, a critical upgrade for the road ahead. The Kal Tire crew also dials in a front-end alignment, upgrades the OEM headlights to LEDs, adjusts the fog lights, checks fluids and brakes, and loads up chains.
So far, the biggest surprise of the trip is the unusually warm winter. The mild conditions allow the Broventure to make better time than expected.
“The endless Alberta prairies are almost behind us,” Jim shares. “Today the terrain finally starts to rise as we push west into British Columbia.”
The road ahead is beginning to change.
February 7, 2026
The Broventure makes a pit stop at Dawson Creek and Beaver Lodge
Jim could not pass up the opportunity to stop at Beaver Lodge, the official start of the Alaska Highway. “The last time I stood here, I was about 12, tagging along with Dad, Dave, and the family dog on a hunting trip.”
Dawson Creek offered another photo opportunity and the chance to leave behind a Broventure sticker, marking the first real “tourist” moment of the drive.
February 8, 2026
From Watson Lake to Haines Junction, Yukon
The Great Broventure heads west from Watson Lake toward Whitehorse early in the morning, but conditions are rough. The highway hasn’t been plowed, snowdrifts narrow the road to a single lane, and oncoming trucks mean easing into deeper snow.
Climbing one hill, two snowplows appear with no room to stop. The rig drops into 4WD and pushes through 6–8 inches of snow, sending packed snow into the engine and transmission, and instant fog into the cab.
The truck held at about 25 mph, giving the plows plenty of space.
Road conditions improve near Whitehorse. After a quick stop at Canadian Tire for supplies and dinner at a local pub to catch the Super Bowl (congrats to the Seahawks), the journey continues west to Haines Junction for the night.
February 10, 2026
Preparing for Fairbanks, Alaska
The Great Broventure stress-tests its onboard systems as the Arctic conditions tighten their grip. With temperatures plunging well below zero, the truck and Northern Lite camper are proving their resilience mile after frozen mile.
The team prepares to push toward Fairbanks, where they’ll pause for a few days to make any final adjustments. If all goes according to plan, the Dalton Highway awaits on Monday morning.
Stay tuned. The Arctic is just getting started.
February 11, 2026
Fairbanks, Alaska
The Great Broventure rolls into Fairbanks early in the morning, buying four days for final prep, supply runs, and last-minute gear adjustments before tackling the Dalton. Jim records an interview with Aaron and Nathan of Northbound Alaska. Watch the first episode here.
The Northbound Alaska crew opens their heated shop to the Broventure for two nights, giving the rig a chance to thaw out and undergo a full inspection after days of ice and road grime.
During a propane swap, a fellow Northern Lite owner asks how the camper is handling the cold. After an impromptu parking-lot walkthrough from Jim, the new friend leaves smiling and offers support if the Broventure needs backup farther north.
February 16, 2026
The Broventure Takes on the Dalton Highway
The Catheys officially turn onto the Dalton Highway with 414 miles of ice and Arctic isolation awaiting them. Jim’s son, James, joins the expedition as the team pushes north toward Coldfoot Camp, the legendary stop above the Arctic Circle nestled in the Brooks Range.
In appreciation for the truckers and DOT crews who keep the Dalton moving, The Great Broventure and Northern Lite Truck Campers are sponsoring 200 meals from February 16th-18th. See what’s on the menu at Coldfoot Camp.
February 18, 2026 – Don’t Miss This
Truck Camper Magazine and the Great Broventuer will go live from Florida and Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. We’ll break down the Dalton Highway, the rig, and what it’s really like at the top of the world.
See you there on the Broventure YouTube Channel!
More Trip Updates Coming Soon…
