Of course you should go to BRW...... been there a good half dozen times to visit the inlaws. Its an interesting town.

I think people generally overreact when it comes to the weather in Barrow. It can get interesting in the winter, but you aren't going to die. Just don't do anything stupid like walk 10 miles out of town in a t-shirt at -70F windchill smelling of beef jerky (you'll be a popsicle for a polar bear). Windchills are typically under -35F which is generally considered "safe". Wear something warm and cover up in weather like that, and use a car. Cab rides are $5. Rental cars are $100-$150.

Springs and Falls are reasonable. A little chilly, but nothing insane. http://www.wunderground.com/history/....html#calendar

In the summer its just fine, typically in the 40s with an occasional howling wind at 25mph. Fog can be a problem for flights though when there isnt any wind to blow it away. Highs can sometimes climb into the 70s during the summer, we've hit the beach with flip-flops and shorts a few times...water is cold, but jumped in a few times running between a bonfire of cargo pallets.

Jackal did do some pretty exotic travel itineraries with one of the 10,000 mile awards though. I believe he did a stop over at every location along the milk run routes you see. There might be some technicalities with how many you can do, but from the pictures I saw, he definitely got his 10,000 miles worth.