tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17555542650199585172024-03-18T21:58:37.738-05:002wheeladventureLife should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, latte (or beer) in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out an screaming "WOO HOO, what a ride!2wheeladventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17960832745755014043noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755554265019958517.post-22462210202707884182010-07-28T10:36:00.008-05:002011-01-26T22:40:13.147-06:00The End: Day 38 - July 21st, 2010 Wall, SD to Milford, IA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Wow, after 37 days on the road and months planning our trip, today would be our last day. Several times we mentioned just turning around and doing the entire trip again. Must mean we had a great time. It will be done again but not for a few years.<br />
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Today would amount to a fast cruise east on Interstate 90 across South Dakota. For Tammy, this required a few tunes (John Cougar?) from the headset. I'd look back and see her head bobbing from side to side and she wouldn't respond when spoken to. She was either tired of me or enjoying the music or both.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYss2ueYc_HR8XbzZY_35mY7Fu8Vaejv7gBu5YAmEmeOesyo1pcOJs7saYD5KGAVSy4hXnT5BEU_p2KUJerlZQs2awxXmjh1pnfmoFxkmuPY363FPD8fChBwx5vFyiF9yKhvTxobtJGoj/s1600/IMG_3589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYss2ueYc_HR8XbzZY_35mY7Fu8Vaejv7gBu5YAmEmeOesyo1pcOJs7saYD5KGAVSy4hXnT5BEU_p2KUJerlZQs2awxXmjh1pnfmoFxkmuPY363FPD8fChBwx5vFyiF9yKhvTxobtJGoj/s640/IMG_3589.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A quick stop to photograph Henrietta, the Badlands Campground's mascot. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEief_IWK1rdCZ7QftsLwLqkU1FiGSVkxBenP9I2rRhQZn5kDtfDD6buzDJ93FrUL6j11e54AJWQ6-2zCk5J2ppUEpUTZm3LhRHYhPwNheogk3n_lIAsOz7ZRnPPtGz0Eyh3uD4v8qSfq1Yu/s1600/IMG_3590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEief_IWK1rdCZ7QftsLwLqkU1FiGSVkxBenP9I2rRhQZn5kDtfDD6buzDJ93FrUL6j11e54AJWQ6-2zCk5J2ppUEpUTZm3LhRHYhPwNheogk3n_lIAsOz7ZRnPPtGz0Eyh3uD4v8qSfq1Yu/s640/IMG_3590.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pretty uneventful day as we spun out the 370 miles to home. Cruised at an indicated 75 to 80 mph and the Suzuki was handling fine with the much stiffened forks. Having little wind today really helped. Did visit with several motorcyclists at gas stops who were heading west to Sturgis, Yellowstone, Glacier, Colorado,or just west. Most were taken back to learn that Tammy and I were returning from Alaska and didn't ride a Goldwing, BMW, or Harley. Obviously the bugs on the windshields documented our claim of riding that far.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXLUibEtCK_NT75qCgqZ6LCa9zHmBXtZJdNRH4yvxME6mooKqmzKxLLxtaOeryaCrv-NNw4aIHwwqoz7mFU2Yi-A21YWVhJ8SEBB6vP5wtJHF8ohx73yGfvMuzpvzxHPhbACWzyebk9Dm/s1600/P1010250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXLUibEtCK_NT75qCgqZ6LCa9zHmBXtZJdNRH4yvxME6mooKqmzKxLLxtaOeryaCrv-NNw4aIHwwqoz7mFU2Yi-A21YWVhJ8SEBB6vP5wtJHF8ohx73yGfvMuzpvzxHPhbACWzyebk9Dm/s640/P1010250.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Arrived home mid-afternoon. It certainly was good to be home but we also felt like the trip had gone by way too fast. Seemed as if we had just left as we sat in our driveway again.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KEz61hRRxFLAoiIzY2t1yIiqFXlHplbSn3bhhsZL6d-AbYoK29ppM7UVzDQuCDMqQ4LnhxtgaZvtltQ4GwbPSLh2VR1YJFvhGeXIuzx_X6EwaCwROtB3E8RGDlYuqyEsbZYofXgAaHYq/s1600/P1010248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KEz61hRRxFLAoiIzY2t1yIiqFXlHplbSn3bhhsZL6d-AbYoK29ppM7UVzDQuCDMqQ4LnhxtgaZvtltQ4GwbPSLh2VR1YJFvhGeXIuzx_X6EwaCwROtB3E8RGDlYuqyEsbZYofXgAaHYq/s640/P1010248.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The bikes had preformed very well, especially the Kawasaki Versys. The Suzuki needs a little TLC plus a fork rebuild and new rear brake pads. No tire problems even though we were well prepared for any. I put on 10,600 miles with the trip to Prudhoe Bay, Tammy about a thousand less. Luggage system kept everything dry. Kudos to Ortlieb and Happy Trails; their bags are awesome.<br />
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I really enjoyed this trip because my wife Tammy went with me. I had done the trip in 2006 alone and could only tell her or show her thru pictures what an Alaska trip on a motorcycle was like. You truly need to experience it to appreciate the vastness, the breath taking scenery, the daily changing conditions, and the array of people you interact with. We found that being on a motorcycle let us meet people we'd never be approached by if just sitting in a car. These fellow riders and motorists really added to the character and memories from our trip.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEje9kveP3f13llXq8gPU6vgVLFaRaPVvaLq8gdd08QqryR-gi46KMk2da0JGjXvR-KahqYLw03wZLZViCNS3icrfixYB7sVZrOyVc6FUhRacNljaoO4UrGLfUbFl5dMn-2lOTcpsKvvf/s1600/IMG_3587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEje9kveP3f13llXq8gPU6vgVLFaRaPVvaLq8gdd08QqryR-gi46KMk2da0JGjXvR-KahqYLw03wZLZViCNS3icrfixYB7sVZrOyVc6FUhRacNljaoO4UrGLfUbFl5dMn-2lOTcpsKvvf/s640/IMG_3587.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Finally, I must say a big THANK YOU to my wife Tammy. I knew she was enthused about the trip but also a little nervous. She never complained about the weather, the cold, the rain, the food, the sleeping conditions, or anything for that matter. I couldn't ask for a better riding partner for this trip or the trip thru life. I really look forward to future trips with her and possibly even back to Alaska in a few years (Roger and Kari, are you listening?). But then, I must be a little road weary or twisted to think a girl wearing a mosquito net is sexy. Love you!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRk3ghnyX6ohs4w_kLfhCqZVxtMSsS-Bx69QXRmTA5UVskY5IMqbOCULXKST-e027RuaXwYZoi77HrawVJb-iNT2fvilYW9iW2IVXXYklsvtGPCqB9dng7yhx7qdLykbh7WRR85xaYiCNY/s1600/IMG_3302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRk3ghnyX6ohs4w_kLfhCqZVxtMSsS-Bx69QXRmTA5UVskY5IMqbOCULXKST-e027RuaXwYZoi77HrawVJb-iNT2fvilYW9iW2IVXXYklsvtGPCqB9dng7yhx7qdLykbh7WRR85xaYiCNY/s640/IMG_3302.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>2wheeladventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17960832745755014043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755554265019958517.post-26717919557350007732010-07-28T09:50:00.003-05:002011-01-26T22:38:50.874-06:00Day 37 - July 20th, 2010 Broadus, MT to Wall, SDFrom Broadus, MT would be a long day to home. We made the decision to break the distance into two days and become a Black Hills' tourist for part of today. We've vacationed several times in the Black Hills and always find the area clean and refreshing. Only time it seems crowded is during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and that wasn't for two or three weeks.<br />
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An excellent breakfast in Broadus and a charge down Hwy 212 brought us to the wide spot in the road called Stoneville. We didn't sample the food but did have to test ride a local bike.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgck9mEmS9PA_ckTIMx1ucUK7n_xe__16WXQQmY98dkKTY4wPhYUytmxS69txrOe0VwDKjb2M0IlzdZz7_0bCSdqiuH1Zp0Eo4BEFCUQgxodkliDQmXZNDkeGn87kWqwBCerfcJs_BvNZ4A/s1600/P1010244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgck9mEmS9PA_ckTIMx1ucUK7n_xe__16WXQQmY98dkKTY4wPhYUytmxS69txrOe0VwDKjb2M0IlzdZz7_0bCSdqiuH1Zp0Eo4BEFCUQgxodkliDQmXZNDkeGn87kWqwBCerfcJs_BvNZ4A/s640/P1010244.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgHt3kSGg69Mdm9lgQKnUmMmK5llaM9negCL6xPUmaGlOai7Vnk7VPgeySxsEXVQooNjn6z4PeyHYmusyF2BGCyv0jplRlMNHsK4GLTSv86qWP2Dl9g_QHaMNdCzgFJHZqpPRqusR40tJ/s1600/P1010245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgHt3kSGg69Mdm9lgQKnUmMmK5llaM9negCL6xPUmaGlOai7Vnk7VPgeySxsEXVQooNjn6z4PeyHYmusyF2BGCyv0jplRlMNHsK4GLTSv86qWP2Dl9g_QHaMNdCzgFJHZqpPRqusR40tJ/s640/P1010245.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Made a quick stop at the Spearfish, SD Chamber of Commerce to pick up maps of the Black Hills and to plan a quick loop thru the hills. Would go down Spearfish Canyon, thru Lead and Deadwood, back to Sturgis for lunch and a tour of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum, and back on I-90 past Rapid City to the Badlands.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Spearfish Canyon had construction ongoing that slowed traffic and grouped us together to make it seem congested.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypQFbDO0o17eH-q9vCanVxhZoA-Aj4L7R-j1mC8XRNolpzYKTIfaBeq4o8j5tZAFufhvH2paUB4Fq8upuaXkKbqsv2yH5kH9_gLip2rJAStvYpOcTBwRAhHAngJRM6qoIV01xNIxJ7gJ3/s1600/IMG_3583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypQFbDO0o17eH-q9vCanVxhZoA-Aj4L7R-j1mC8XRNolpzYKTIfaBeq4o8j5tZAFufhvH2paUB4Fq8upuaXkKbqsv2yH5kH9_gLip2rJAStvYpOcTBwRAhHAngJRM6qoIV01xNIxJ7gJ3/s640/IMG_3583.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sturgis was busy preparing for the upcoming rally. Shops were being filled with leather goods, t-shirts, and motorcycle accessories. Sturgis has became a round the year stop with numerous motorcycle related stores, bars, and places to eat. We ate at Loud America and loved the atmosphere and even discussed coming back for the rally.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqha0Di5foK_LP2GHhLQpXtmL7G-Uq4IPFsh_gw4j-VunwuLH_8J4zaGPyJFIaTMxusQn5OhOeNfnYQyXaaJHYdOjIMH-a6ccgzp2Z4WDO-De49BsC7UDcRlbDOTdLl2cc1mZZJIQ7GgB/s1600/P1010247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqha0Di5foK_LP2GHhLQpXtmL7G-Uq4IPFsh_gw4j-VunwuLH_8J4zaGPyJFIaTMxusQn5OhOeNfnYQyXaaJHYdOjIMH-a6ccgzp2Z4WDO-De49BsC7UDcRlbDOTdLl2cc1mZZJIQ7GgB/s640/P1010247.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had never taken the tour of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum but today was the day. Admission was only $5 and probably the best money we spent on this trip. They have a tremendous display of all types of motorcycles from Malcolm Smith's ISDT Husky, to a Harley with a million miles on it, to early bikes I've never heard of. Highly recommended stop if you ever get to Sturgis.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQugjlpur1OkdLTrJZWrUMftfF1dHVRRzO3hkRgdGGsFAMBOu5tUL3iApjWIeuVzr1E9KvMvyoXUacAyy9S6OLyvBi5kQpVeyG4NVN-AvzTXJU5qKb6w7ueb1ZPB-KIfWeWb1Q7DvXKc9/s1600/IMG_3584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQugjlpur1OkdLTrJZWrUMftfF1dHVRRzO3hkRgdGGsFAMBOu5tUL3iApjWIeuVzr1E9KvMvyoXUacAyy9S6OLyvBi5kQpVeyG4NVN-AvzTXJU5qKb6w7ueb1ZPB-KIfWeWb1Q7DvXKc9/s640/IMG_3584.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCro20opZVJu0PTLrLo-gYIH22F1IB9EbT65sBoQN173cMaE4uPB7MGrIWbUBHItgw3Uz1TeiuLxS8iyA4pse0HsuPixxxBg6WPnG7s6SG52aLLRYtOxkrp2kJFhmwZJvW4kzJTmv8p6Fz/s1600/IMG_3585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCro20opZVJu0PTLrLo-gYIH22F1IB9EbT65sBoQN173cMaE4uPB7MGrIWbUBHItgw3Uz1TeiuLxS8iyA4pse0HsuPixxxBg6WPnG7s6SG52aLLRYtOxkrp2kJFhmwZJvW4kzJTmv8p6Fz/s640/IMG_3585.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leaving Sturgis, we hit a strong cross wind on I-90 east of Rapid City. The Suzuki had now blown both fork seals and nearly all the oil in each leg had ran down the fork legs or blown back on the engine. Handling was getting a little vague with the strong side gusts or passing large trucks. Made the decision at Wall to get off the interstate and go thru the Badlands thinking the wind would be muted by the Badlands' bluffs. Not to be. Handling really deteriorated because going in and out of the Badlands created unexpected wind bursts and the handling became a real handful. Tammy even remarked that the bike was really wobbling as I went thru curves. At the campground, I would screw the fork springs' preload to the max to stiffen the forks for the trip home. This worked well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rain was in the changing weather conditions so we grabbbed the last camping cabin at the Badlands Campground. Great deal for $29.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5lAf6Uj6yQntWJaquCB2xYebtgwEHx5MxYiVijSnF8P9-6KxRYBFvZy2UHUcOLbZy8HzAC2mm6rrdLgFeT7Z0sbinuzlG4tJGefTbanHn8xis1D0e9zwvo3TpwxEXOFH9AD8zFsBzn7S/s1600/IMG_3588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5lAf6Uj6yQntWJaquCB2xYebtgwEHx5MxYiVijSnF8P9-6KxRYBFvZy2UHUcOLbZy8HzAC2mm6rrdLgFeT7Z0sbinuzlG4tJGefTbanHn8xis1D0e9zwvo3TpwxEXOFH9AD8zFsBzn7S/s640/IMG_3588.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The campground no longer served a restaurant evening meal so we road a mile south to Interior near the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation for a quick pizza and a few games of pool again. Certainly going to try improving my diet once I return home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Good, relaxing day (except for the poor handling Suzuki) and posed well for our ride home tomorrow.</div>2wheeladventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17960832745755014043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755554265019958517.post-30336505044911374382010-07-27T22:16:00.003-05:002011-01-26T22:37:57.906-06:00Day 36 - July 19th Butte, MT to Broadus, MTToday was a day of interstate buzzing. This is the cruelest way to travel on a motorcycle because you just sit there, crank the throttle open, and stare straight ahead. No shifting, leaning, accelerating, or even braking. But it does put some miles on the odometer. Gas mileage does drop at these speeds though.<br />
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Today our only stop of significance was at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. The National Park Service has done an excellent job of recreating what led up to this battle and how Custer's men were simply out numbered that day. Displays give equal billing to each side and recognizes that countless men on each side lost their lives on this hillside that day.<br />
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After watching a movie regarding the Indian wars and the reasons for them, we walked up the hill to the final battlefield. Quiet and eerie, not unlike the area around the Viet Nam Memorial in Washington, DC. Custer's men actually shot 35 of their own horses just to hide behind as the Indians surrounded them and continually attacked. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4Hsl9cLLYKwJPfnEa7qj9oslnEC1oJmf1dBNNkUd-WoHxQzLU-lK-Q_VXZ2hNMmQXe2I7lqs8h6Ngni1G63j2teAE7BYMVtapRKZZUfidbFyOWzmKzqL3A-jGX_DWYSOfme7F3VHKKmj/s1600/P1010240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4Hsl9cLLYKwJPfnEa7qj9oslnEC1oJmf1dBNNkUd-WoHxQzLU-lK-Q_VXZ2hNMmQXe2I7lqs8h6Ngni1G63j2teAE7BYMVtapRKZZUfidbFyOWzmKzqL3A-jGX_DWYSOfme7F3VHKKmj/s640/P1010240.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument where most of the soldiers are now buried.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDFXyf4nQk-XyIliZn3DSzmo2DgzdxGhY-cBukl9e-ssr03zmA3of-gKGOYXfu8z3bFQwisYnpPU3vaJ2XID_eDdJH4APH-PsQ1NIZ1B4qeZ9TV4fl1Hotn6ZZ40Gmc-sT2QsuYlrinjJ/s1600/P1010241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDFXyf4nQk-XyIliZn3DSzmo2DgzdxGhY-cBukl9e-ssr03zmA3of-gKGOYXfu8z3bFQwisYnpPU3vaJ2XID_eDdJH4APH-PsQ1NIZ1B4qeZ9TV4fl1Hotn6ZZ40Gmc-sT2QsuYlrinjJ/s640/P1010241.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was also a National Cemetery on the grounds where soldiers and their family members were buried from many of the Indian Wars to the west.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xOxxRj9SXALwL7Q5jR66SBI72UccIMFfVP0h5hwWJ3faReeje7AuLD-8ShzjMqLdWjejgBLRXiyqG1UxZTASMZPKjrH7gbcMPwvbxaJzyhWipQm9KSWtMqG-iiRMjxYpw1f2QW1-jnHM/s1600/IMG_3581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xOxxRj9SXALwL7Q5jR66SBI72UccIMFfVP0h5hwWJ3faReeje7AuLD-8ShzjMqLdWjejgBLRXiyqG1UxZTASMZPKjrH7gbcMPwvbxaJzyhWipQm9KSWtMqG-iiRMjxYpw1f2QW1-jnHM/s640/IMG_3581.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Camped at a farmstead setting campground just west of Broadus on Hwy 212. Had three Harley riders a couple sites away from us come home after a night of drinking. Enjoyed listening to their disjointed conversation thru our thin tent walls. Manly topics such as guns, women, and vasectomies!</div>2wheeladventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17960832745755014043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755554265019958517.post-59319641519245989162010-07-27T21:44:00.002-05:002011-01-26T22:37:07.824-06:00Day 35 - July 18th, 2010 Republic, WA to Butte, MTDay 35 and we've been on the road for five weeks. In some ways it seems like we just began and in some ways, riding across Beartooth Pass, getting into the Canadian rockies, going to Dawson's D2D rally, and riding to Deadhorse seemed long ago. But we both are looking forward to getting home and knew we were only days away.<br />
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Today we stopped for an early breakfast in Colville, WA and had two excellent omelets. Made up for last night's snack supper. For the two omelets with coffee, we paid $13 and change. Same meal in Canada or Alaska would have been $25 or higher. Pleasantly pleased. But then we had to ask the waitress what day of the week it was and she kind of gave us a funny look before answering.<br />
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Made the decision to drive down thru Spokane to get to I-90. Once we hit the city, it was stop and go traffic for miles before we got on the interstate highway. Road was busy all the way thru Idaho and to Missoula. Lake Coeur d'Alene in ID was as gorgeous as ever but the area seems to be becoming more crowded. Did stop in Kellogg, ID where I had a job offer thirty years ago. <br />
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Felt like we made reasonable mileage today getting to Butte, MT. Camped at a RV park next to the interstate but chose a remote camp site to avoid traffic noise. We're becoming less tourists and more road warriors at this point.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdY-WhQB1BtFkI-nZMaXTZ6_8tm_2Xfh9Opinb1Pd6_WZ2IVmE1Rbwuk-tG9rNxpYEA_L6No3caqaOMwmixfTwaVIFcpQz-GwLiP25NA3CN_GbGVXLy-I1h9JzPFQlzXcmTEqyXLiNdNfj/s1600/IMG_3579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdY-WhQB1BtFkI-nZMaXTZ6_8tm_2Xfh9Opinb1Pd6_WZ2IVmE1Rbwuk-tG9rNxpYEA_L6No3caqaOMwmixfTwaVIFcpQz-GwLiP25NA3CN_GbGVXLy-I1h9JzPFQlzXcmTEqyXLiNdNfj/s640/IMG_3579.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Did call Verizon Wireless now that I was back in the states and not roaming. A simple reprograming of the phone and all is good.</div>2wheeladventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17960832745755014043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755554265019958517.post-1196676447368678542010-07-27T21:22:00.003-05:002011-01-26T22:45:00.516-06:00Day 34 - July 17th, 2010 Quesnel, BC to Republic, WAToday we were up early with the goal of making it into the State of Washington. It was obviously the weekend because traffic was extremely heavy. Turns out, this part of British Columbia is a destination area with large lakes in mountain settings, vineyards with numerous wineries to stop, sample, and buy, fruit and vegtable stands everywhere, and miles and miles of rivers to be tubed.<br />
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We stopped at a roadside fruit stand and enjoyed blackberry cider, apple pie with ice cream, and a cranberry/nut type bar. All good. We counted our remaining Canadian money, decided we had a little extra, and purchased some strawberry jam and blueberry brandy syrup for the trip home. Even had a local give us some red cherries to sample.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQT0urIylteero8jmv7s1iwbLwk81qTW3bfO4YYdxL5J7zP0cAzWVR358EkVfByfUSs8alRYra6kLHW26krgGpF_sBNJfaFDLm8DydEjBcV2_8pYWJbNU3X2HUEEFNdO1kdVF1NTTsjWyb/s1600/P1010235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQT0urIylteero8jmv7s1iwbLwk81qTW3bfO4YYdxL5J7zP0cAzWVR358EkVfByfUSs8alRYra6kLHW26krgGpF_sBNJfaFDLm8DydEjBcV2_8pYWJbNU3X2HUEEFNdO1kdVF1NTTsjWyb/s640/P1010235.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I studied the map after enjoying the pie and ice cream.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxB6zAuf7wX1mD1oyfgURhDvDOQ7ESwELImEe2mi9PRhyphenhyphenrvZB3yOwk8-o_9WMEg6YOTXgcehSK00B2lSckwl72bKA1BV9q-RrGuNxUUe0jpWcOFAn3yD1_fR2g75LI3M_lwaiSmLOi5-r/s1600/P1010237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxB6zAuf7wX1mD1oyfgURhDvDOQ7ESwELImEe2mi9PRhyphenhyphenrvZB3yOwk8-o_9WMEg6YOTXgcehSK00B2lSckwl72bKA1BV9q-RrGuNxUUe0jpWcOFAn3yD1_fR2g75LI3M_lwaiSmLOi5-r/s640/P1010237.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The lake just north of the US border was nearly 50 miles long and the road paralleled it on the west. Gorgeous homes with great views, park-like settings, orchards and vineyards, and boat marinas filled the area. Definitely a place to return to someday. The river flowing from the lake was adjacent to road for miles and was filled with Apple River type tubers, thousands of them. We had an easy border crossing south of Osoyoos with no wait. We had heard the border crossing waits could be over an hour nearer Vancouver.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Took Highway 20 across the State of Washington and was pleasantly surprised by the lack of traffic and two National Forests we traveled thru. Stopped in the small town of Republic at their fairgrounds to camp. One other motorcyclist on a KLR tenting, a pickup camper from eastern Iowa, and a pull type camper were our only neighbors for the night. What we did not realize is that the entire county had no electricity for the day for maintenance reasons so no restaurants were open for supper. Went to a gas station that was operating on generator power and bought a pre-packaged supper (chocolate milk, chips, peanuts, and a Slim Jim).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBXMPdQerUvwEy5nlGaK20QTVY90UMPidwsANQW8SMcq2XMrJCzLWzOX4ZT3VUgTotPrNCQPJ8GMK8mx_ov-Qz1Gv0KT2Tk859Ptbjc7UOkBwNl9MtdWTM5-8nOzsWgr3Wuc9i5x93XI4/s1600/IMG_3578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBXMPdQerUvwEy5nlGaK20QTVY90UMPidwsANQW8SMcq2XMrJCzLWzOX4ZT3VUgTotPrNCQPJ8GMK8mx_ov-Qz1Gv0KT2Tk859Ptbjc7UOkBwNl9MtdWTM5-8nOzsWgr3Wuc9i5x93XI4/s640/IMG_3578.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Guess what, it now gets dark at night. Tammy's habit of a little reading before sleeping would take some fabricating. No problem, a LED flashlight resting on your forehead works just fine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdqWxkKR3n5fCKA2Y5SWHPvkgDPiecfyh-x16555nUThGzEoYmrrFYMRGESBfpxv5NBN5Rrfa3yby5uIIk56iLStMr4JYzMIpqZCqeNzuwBJexIz2kaY3UKP6U0rmO5iCyt8NiiJnzMhj/s1600/P1010239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdqWxkKR3n5fCKA2Y5SWHPvkgDPiecfyh-x16555nUThGzEoYmrrFYMRGESBfpxv5NBN5Rrfa3yby5uIIk56iLStMr4JYzMIpqZCqeNzuwBJexIz2kaY3UKP6U0rmO5iCyt8NiiJnzMhj/s640/P1010239.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was good to be back in the USA. While we all complain about the price of food and gasoline, we instantly noticed a drop in prices when we got back in the US. And this was not just the Canadian to US dollar conversion either. Gas was nearly a dollar a gallon cheaper.</div>2wheeladventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17960832745755014043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755554265019958517.post-85446108453961404752010-07-27T20:30:00.004-05:002011-01-26T22:46:41.274-06:00Day 33 - July 16th, 2010 Houston, BC to Quesnel, BCOur original plan was to reach the State of Washington near the Cascade mountains and then head south thru Washington, Oregon, and part of California. Wanted to see Crater Lake, Mt Rainier, Mt Saint Helens, wine country, and cut across Nevada and Utah, thru Colorado, and then home. But we made the decision to head towards home now. This trip will be six weeks long by the time we get home. To add more mileage at this point would be just for the mileage and not that enjoyable. So we'll save those sights along the coast for another trip. Plus there's Lake Okoboji to enjoy yet with our shortened summer. And new dirt bikes to prep.<br />
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The views along Hwy 16 were great and you could see a good mixture of productive farmland in the valleys. The economy was certainly healthy thru this area with each town and farmstead very clean. Much pride was taken in how property was maintained. Good to see.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5jkI_vCa9wEUq2sQnBPziRumG6YpOFuvU-HA1c2_aUlnIHLNSA6j4eZjn31erYse_iCyV-YfWok6Mx2IVkArYQsa5Jc2xnbsQUIqQPqMBtmhXVh4TIwoEuW-xOzSck2lSR6YgajMpoeu/s1600/P1010234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5jkI_vCa9wEUq2sQnBPziRumG6YpOFuvU-HA1c2_aUlnIHLNSA6j4eZjn31erYse_iCyV-YfWok6Mx2IVkArYQsa5Jc2xnbsQUIqQPqMBtmhXVh4TIwoEuW-xOzSck2lSR6YgajMpoeu/s640/P1010234.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We passed a very large open pit copper mine that was very impressive. Went on for miles with countless large trucks carrying product back and forth like toys in a sandbox. Mine's display really emphasized the measures being taken to keep the area environmentally clean. Picture is of the mine's settling lake; all water from the lake was continually pumped back thru the process rather than released down a stream.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljNE4aruZRkhTmHK62rSB3PvcqqrQ8PqphRHsgFuvzKoLGL_SQVj7sykMzbQAeIAsL7y-3PABx143X5pS221Wdosw2tPyz8JLaE6hvaRALUl1VJs9tcwabWZ6fdwqnakn1qa73vXZwmdp/s1600/P1010233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljNE4aruZRkhTmHK62rSB3PvcqqrQ8PqphRHsgFuvzKoLGL_SQVj7sykMzbQAeIAsL7y-3PABx143X5pS221Wdosw2tPyz8JLaE6hvaRALUl1VJs9tcwabWZ6fdwqnakn1qa73vXZwmdp/s640/P1010233.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were making good time especially concerning we were going into the weekend and traffic was heavy as people scurried to their weekend outing location. We were about 40 miles south of Prince George when traffic came to a stop. Turned out a Dodge truck pulling a fifth wheel had started on fire and had the road closed. Long story short, we set for over two hours waiting for the traffic flow to resume. They even brought in helicopters to fight the adjacent grass fires. Traffic was backed up for two to three miles each direction. Wish we could have gotten a picture of the pickup and 5th wheel. Each was just steel wheels on the pavement with steel frames between the wheels. We heard LP tanks and gas tanks exploding, saw plumes of black smoke, and became frustrated like nearly everyone else.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBjtj74wnPjwhik8O6Tb4c_1tJl-qv34LrWjQamhZVzO8FsOvDmC2AjePCaLFI3IF55_VReT5Sxw8euIlWXLLrGeJh3An8ZDqWEGXluNDq6hnqpwCpVNdvf96rwgeA8fU8PziujaKrqr6/s1600/P1010228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBjtj74wnPjwhik8O6Tb4c_1tJl-qv34LrWjQamhZVzO8FsOvDmC2AjePCaLFI3IF55_VReT5Sxw8euIlWXLLrGeJh3An8ZDqWEGXluNDq6hnqpwCpVNdvf96rwgeA8fU8PziujaKrqr6/s640/P1010228.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By this time it was nearly 8:30 PM so we stopped at the first campground we saw. Neat campground on a lake and filled with weekend campers. Always room for an additional tent though. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We camped next to a teacher from San Francisco that was also stopped by the burning truck/rv. However, he was on a bicycle and was spending the summer riding from Fairbanks to SF. We ate dinner with him at an adjacent restaurant and found him very interesting. He had bicycled each summer for years and had ridden in Europe, South America, Central America, up and down our east coast, and across the US. Was averaging about 90 miles per day. He'd broken his good bicycle's rear shifting mechanism on the Alaska Highway, couldn't get it repaired so shipped the bike home, and bought a used Schwin 8 speed and was still making great time. He carried less than a small duffle bag of gear. Too hard core for me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Good day of riding despite the long delay.</div>2wheeladventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17960832745755014043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755554265019958517.post-57988121551187869912010-07-27T19:04:00.005-05:002011-01-26T22:46:25.463-06:00Day 32 - July 15th, 2010 Hyder, AK to Houston, BCWhen we have a real bed, we sleep in a little longer. Barely made it out by the 11AM check-out time. And we just road the bikes 200 feet to a breakfast place. Great breakfast and as usual we ran into people that we had just seen days earlier. Seems to happen frequently in Alaska because there's only two ways to go around to tour the state by vehicle.<br />
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Bar/restaurant was absolutely covered everywhere with Canadian and US dollar bills. They even had 4'x8' sheets of plywood hinged to walls so more dollars could be attached. The girl who waited on us was from Ashland, WI; went to high school and college there. Had just graduated as a geologist and had some part-time work in AK.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsq3SJgheilBIEngXjgiTUGbGrX6v7OG6mbc-q6wWYWc1G2LDUpPo7DXhzeGD2iP8i04WGIOJjSmLptjxVGt4LBYJUMiteHcIe8tRa1zwkL2MQ5anejhYHrXsYiW-hsKUXbYmZzkY2Ko0/s1600/IMG_3571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsq3SJgheilBIEngXjgiTUGbGrX6v7OG6mbc-q6wWYWc1G2LDUpPo7DXhzeGD2iP8i04WGIOJjSmLptjxVGt4LBYJUMiteHcIe8tRa1zwkL2MQ5anejhYHrXsYiW-hsKUXbYmZzkY2Ko0/s640/IMG_3571.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After breakfast, we went to a bear viewing area but no bears to be seen. Plenty of mosquitoes though. Seemed to be a river that salmon come back to spawn in every year. Just the wrong time for us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdqj02d6la-DPVDq_bul1XyCjEXZLa234fxyjXzhxvwx5ygwuGpy_nDi28eR9J2xnBL0B0EXIqdItUMGOFaEkOYo2llHg9MqCUmrW5w1lvl8OtUW5J9s-i950C6zbusPZ_qWExtgVM91Y/s1600/IMG_3572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdqj02d6la-DPVDq_bul1XyCjEXZLa234fxyjXzhxvwx5ygwuGpy_nDi28eR9J2xnBL0B0EXIqdItUMGOFaEkOYo2llHg9MqCUmrW5w1lvl8OtUW5J9s-i950C6zbusPZ_qWExtgVM91Y/s640/IMG_3572.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Went thru the Canadian customs to get back into Canada as we left Hyder. Border agent appeared to be 18 years old and doing it for a summer job. Don't think this crossing ever got too busy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_xyt9FUVxhsyAFbVoUa7YGX9cNxolSsRk3r6ibpC2-LiaqJ_MnlGhYNnC-zOsig0eH6MInb2N-mz4A1X0X8bGJnhwwwxVU0VvvuRB-oW7rl71YgKSQP5wXJpP_Jbk13DtgtbgsFyFMrT/s1600/P1010212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_xyt9FUVxhsyAFbVoUa7YGX9cNxolSsRk3r6ibpC2-LiaqJ_MnlGhYNnC-zOsig0eH6MInb2N-mz4A1X0X8bGJnhwwwxVU0VvvuRB-oW7rl71YgKSQP5wXJpP_Jbk13DtgtbgsFyFMrT/s640/P1010212.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stewart had a harbor that consisted of boats tied to old tree stumps. When the tide was out, they simply sat in the mud. Not too glamorous until I realized this was the home port of world famous Captain Ron.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38iY3elIhL6ZP94he7MSUEvoNfJnXUhryrR_e1buju2DCskkgmiEc15v5Ium7szZACStfAxx50r3-48mJE75FccugoXC1xe1qppZ-cR639zHFQqBQJDLThS7ScV0vnWatzDAph3_q-9oH/s1600/P1010215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38iY3elIhL6ZP94he7MSUEvoNfJnXUhryrR_e1buju2DCskkgmiEc15v5Ium7szZACStfAxx50r3-48mJE75FccugoXC1xe1qppZ-cR639zHFQqBQJDLThS7ScV0vnWatzDAph3_q-9oH/s640/P1010215.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We drove the canyon back out to the Cassiar Hwy and proceded south to finish off the last 100 miles of the highway. The gas station/convience store at the intersection of the Cassier and Hwy 16 was over-whelmed with customers. Had to be 20 motorcyclists plus an equal number cars and trucks. Obviously a great business location.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We stopped at a roadside rest area for a bathroom break and ended up spending nearly an hour talking to an older retired couple from Rapid City and then to two KLR riders from North Carolina. The couple was driving a 1970's Ford with a pickup camper. Said they were having the time of their lives at 10 mpg. The KLR riders had trucked their bikes to Michigan and ridden from there. Bikes were well farkled and looked very experienced. One rider had been to AK several times by motorcycle and was bemoaning the Cassier Hwy being paved. Said this was his last trip to the state because it was getting over-run with tourists. I think he was just growing weary from the trip.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stopped later at a small town with a totem pole display. We found the church just as interesting. It appeared to be still active while quite run-down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaLk1mP0zj-pIYWbSmkTBYbhKhoD0UE_0grkMuBnP4PJT64oHGJZGoCNQzLk25W9iJcNFLAmDwPfUHi-0jlncpOzds8sRjFDgiVLJIw5e4LsPnSL4FIDQ59E0VpBCUucwWh3O4pw0_SSw/s1600/P1010222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaLk1mP0zj-pIYWbSmkTBYbhKhoD0UE_0grkMuBnP4PJT64oHGJZGoCNQzLk25W9iJcNFLAmDwPfUHi-0jlncpOzds8sRjFDgiVLJIw5e4LsPnSL4FIDQ59E0VpBCUucwWh3O4pw0_SSw/s640/P1010222.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOjNonNNDt5-XP56ZjFY5l7G6takDE6ewmEGvyct8bJuDDJZJLOzTMhwRmrFl5Ko0Kzf7aLqIFYeNLStdUqOya0GxS4TKMQQqZ0pezfsPWCqmtlFdxJBvvEGLih2PSKOHZGeYvZ_7_ApN/s1600/P1010216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOjNonNNDt5-XP56ZjFY5l7G6takDE6ewmEGvyct8bJuDDJZJLOzTMhwRmrFl5Ko0Kzf7aLqIFYeNLStdUqOya0GxS4TKMQQqZ0pezfsPWCqmtlFdxJBvvEGLih2PSKOHZGeYvZ_7_ApN/s640/P1010216.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Discovered a great little family campground just east of Houston for the night. The local Chinese buffet left a lot to be desired though. Even managed to get the oil changed in the Suzuki that night. Hwy 16 is a major four lane highway across Canada and we would make good time on this road tomorrow.</div>2wheeladventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17960832745755014043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755554265019958517.post-72855960206184830762010-07-27T16:48:00.008-05:002011-01-26T22:46:10.293-06:00Day 31 - July 14th, 2010 Watson Lake Turn-Off, YT to Hyder, AKToday would be one of the last stretches of remote highway we would be taking on this trip. The Cassiar Hwy runs north/south thru western British Columbia with few services or ammenities. We'd need to gas up every chance we got. Stations in remote areas are usually above ground mobile tanks with built-in pumps that a supplier simply sets at a remote store location.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvpb7jkENVxsvDkLdLp2JqWt6VoTlZR-xNzrzxrkJNpDiDpY4tINpDRaS8hXynFdDY79rBlaInS6W-A7QbIdEZvPtsSQwEJam0wtAAIfZEEO8CAEmP_L3AatnfDtoeEVEePYQhLaeAdNm/s1600/IMG_3565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvpb7jkENVxsvDkLdLp2JqWt6VoTlZR-xNzrzxrkJNpDiDpY4tINpDRaS8hXynFdDY79rBlaInS6W-A7QbIdEZvPtsSQwEJam0wtAAIfZEEO8CAEmP_L3AatnfDtoeEVEePYQhLaeAdNm/s640/IMG_3565.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The road at times seemed endless. Did pass a jade mine but they seemed more focused on selling you jade than showing how it was mined. Late morning we began to meet a few cars and bikers coming north that had left from the south end that day. We would see several bear and moose on the highway, most when you least expected them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAduaF98e1m6yGVvX8gNAibp5wvR8qL783Ww91dUWUUneFYAePSPFq27znkbDyzhmSs1kR0tglSEGdFYLPma344lWTayBSWbKiTnazvL9ooX363dHja2X50SqveEptJ2FMtPNDWJgtnmsj/s1600/IMG_3563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAduaF98e1m6yGVvX8gNAibp5wvR8qL783Ww91dUWUUneFYAePSPFq27znkbDyzhmSs1kR0tglSEGdFYLPma344lWTayBSWbKiTnazvL9ooX363dHja2X50SqveEptJ2FMtPNDWJgtnmsj/s640/IMG_3563.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At Meziadin Junction, we turned off the Cassiar Hwy and went west for fourty miles on Hwy 37A into Stewart and then Hyder, AK. This stretch is essentially a canyon dropping down to the coastline where the two towns are located. The route had numerous glaciers and scenic points. Was also quite windy in spots where the canyon narrowed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZ18Vm2UZEOswtpal5dshAGvOGrVFMK-xJgacSWxM1cSGPOS8P6qEY5K4YH73yG1ZdSzTLqtIwKaAQKnGzNXzfyGjItenGhkW0i444mxLUxaK-xW6DhxFswjVr4eJaJln1hwlevAg5SKR/s1600/P1010195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZ18Vm2UZEOswtpal5dshAGvOGrVFMK-xJgacSWxM1cSGPOS8P6qEY5K4YH73yG1ZdSzTLqtIwKaAQKnGzNXzfyGjItenGhkW0i444mxLUxaK-xW6DhxFswjVr4eJaJln1hwlevAg5SKR/s640/P1010195.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tammy was leading as we entered the town of Stewart. She was both welcomed and startled by a bear on the side of the road with its front feet up on the railing waiting for her to pass by. As soon as she drove by, the bear hopped the railing and walked across the highway. Wasn't this bear but I think her facial expression was the same.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHk4u6s7K3suCytDEgJZe7XDmvS6nEidfYelUIlBKO1MLUZGSPlU7AsguMwsgfa5OD60tyyA2jRhRxWU9nan4pHD3JSlYlLWPmZIDF3tFzwvGgKQY-wOhmBmnKoIvHslotw6K4FuAqYo82/s1600/P1010206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHk4u6s7K3suCytDEgJZe7XDmvS6nEidfYelUIlBKO1MLUZGSPlU7AsguMwsgfa5OD60tyyA2jRhRxWU9nan4pHD3JSlYlLWPmZIDF3tFzwvGgKQY-wOhmBmnKoIvHslotw6K4FuAqYo82/s640/P1010206.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The town of Stewart seems to have a little bit of fishing industry. Hyder has nothing but a couple bars/restaurants and a general store. It is not even important enough to justify a US border patrol to re-enter the US at this point. There was a patrol point coming back into Canada though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9LI07yQfqpVQS1G_wq9Nh8KjBUNMBDMXGRp8s1YgO-nFCU8AuKJCpu4qKHZX3sSXo6pC0BKGBR4h-DFedn935B6hLKT61H6TKZLX3ZKfW43l_IBbk22QOyIYfUfX-auaINp5bEmPWxn3/s1600/IMG_3568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9LI07yQfqpVQS1G_wq9Nh8KjBUNMBDMXGRp8s1YgO-nFCU8AuKJCpu4qKHZX3sSXo6pC0BKGBR4h-DFedn935B6hLKT61H6TKZLX3ZKfW43l_IBbk22QOyIYfUfX-auaINp5bEmPWxn3/s640/IMG_3568.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We stayed at the SeaAlaska Inn. Not fancy but above a food and drink place. Good pizza and cold drinks. Can not ask for more after a long day in the saddle. It was also Milepost zero of the so-called Alaska-Yukon Hwy; had never heard the route called that before.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC631NoanVSrlt4CdUB8BjTF3DR64SFymliQJRychyn0k9gLWMdw8RDzYDd41vkqki1lbdH71w03PjenqRE9hmZrGQeEHTt1qfnLpi-u5QYpjryKteOrYh_I44cjMlqYnZ0BtqubkD3X2s/s1600/P1010200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC631NoanVSrlt4CdUB8BjTF3DR64SFymliQJRychyn0k9gLWMdw8RDzYDd41vkqki1lbdH71w03PjenqRE9hmZrGQeEHTt1qfnLpi-u5QYpjryKteOrYh_I44cjMlqYnZ0BtqubkD3X2s/s640/P1010200.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Two other prominent buildings in town were the General Store and the first masonry building in Alaska, built about fifteen feet from the Canadian line.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64D8_zdxEhiY5lHdVKaO0kfdbjG8b1g0FOVMOZ4EbQT2gV3IBPX-ukkTi4v5221tdeCFbfSYC4AFFvSJAD5pm7b2_DiysKJrJlA4vj6pYMyrDjpaWyLwFmnoyWKq_p_s0My78EQpUIVpo/s1600/P1010207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64D8_zdxEhiY5lHdVKaO0kfdbjG8b1g0FOVMOZ4EbQT2gV3IBPX-ukkTi4v5221tdeCFbfSYC4AFFvSJAD5pm7b2_DiysKJrJlA4vj6pYMyrDjpaWyLwFmnoyWKq_p_s0My78EQpUIVpo/s640/P1010207.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZRYAOSNFdD8u3F100cTcTcK_VLmmwFpUH58qDd1oiFW0-smGvuM4jffsCjPQCLURzftrs0y_Px5zCfDQ_u8nHdhyphenhyphenLI1fI3UxfGrte9aj_poGllksCYpon2x08HfCBW_ws4xQsywexL-6/s1600/P1010210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZRYAOSNFdD8u3F100cTcTcK_VLmmwFpUH58qDd1oiFW0-smGvuM4jffsCjPQCLURzftrs0y_Px5zCfDQ_u8nHdhyphenhyphenLI1fI3UxfGrte9aj_poGllksCYpon2x08HfCBW_ws4xQsywexL-6/s640/P1010210.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Strange little town with some interesting people living here for unknown reasons. Must be hiding from reality or something.2wheeladventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17960832745755014043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755554265019958517.post-4971213052717624552010-07-27T15:49:00.005-05:002011-01-26T22:41:47.314-06:00Day 30 - July 13th, 2010 Skagway, AK to Watson Lake Turn-off, YTToday was back into Canada and to the Alaska Highway's intersection with Highway 37, the Cassiar Hwy, that would take us south thru British Columbia. We would stay in the same Watson Lake campground we had on the way up that advertised the cleanest bathrooms in the Yukon. What a transition from Skagway's urinal pit.<br />
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The early gold rush prospectors were dropped off the boats in Skagway and made their way north to the gold fields near Dawson, YT and beyond. The trail they used for this trip was called the Chilkoot Trail and had essentially become this road out of Skagway.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivt-jCRjlbtjru63p4Kf54iNc68hMbRPEOd59SeOdP501bo_mM3FVM08oZxhTbghX3PbABX8QQeA7VKdR8K3DpXbtY2UdcJ8Cmv43GmHYBJMegAqvUJe77Z3kBB_RgDadE19wVc_LQXn-L/s1600/IMG_3558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivt-jCRjlbtjru63p4Kf54iNc68hMbRPEOd59SeOdP501bo_mM3FVM08oZxhTbghX3PbABX8QQeA7VKdR8K3DpXbtY2UdcJ8Cmv43GmHYBJMegAqvUJe77Z3kBB_RgDadE19wVc_LQXn-L/s640/IMG_3558.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Terrain at the top became very barren with few trees.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1zHlBeIYd-OgfSfHSthIL5mYi6GYhdKXmlFBNRe246IxMzOakScGJIwMzKRTz6I3kbfs7bKKU-ObfNU1myqlKzDRavOS7hjeNcb7BYQi1FxSCRk-CfRxdca96UJOotrssy3hNqEA_Ab0/s1600/IMG_3559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1zHlBeIYd-OgfSfHSthIL5mYi6GYhdKXmlFBNRe246IxMzOakScGJIwMzKRTz6I3kbfs7bKKU-ObfNU1myqlKzDRavOS7hjeNcb7BYQi1FxSCRk-CfRxdca96UJOotrssy3hNqEA_Ab0/s640/IMG_3559.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We took a highway cut-off (Hwy 8) thru Carcross (originally Caribou Crossing) that took us to the Alaska Highway. This cut-off highway was not much more than a paved trail with no shoulders, no centerline stripping, and no signage. Helped the confidence when we'd get to a river crossing or village on the map to confirm we were on the right path. Lunch was pretty meager but the best we could find.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83kZI_K-HqADpKL1EanhkEFzH-7TsU5EJ3EhIR_qzZzd_Y6h3lj2TmCmaeb7yfSOHbqQhetre30EZ1U7Jff440jascokB8EVaBRhSMXzpkgwr-S3jEWxNuSV6P6j_RfQhmuIACRX7yGPp/s1600/P1010193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83kZI_K-HqADpKL1EanhkEFzH-7TsU5EJ3EhIR_qzZzd_Y6h3lj2TmCmaeb7yfSOHbqQhetre30EZ1U7Jff440jascokB8EVaBRhSMXzpkgwr-S3jEWxNuSV6P6j_RfQhmuIACRX7yGPp/s640/P1010193.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We retraced our previous path on the Alaska Hwy back to Watson Lake's turn-off and called it a day. Tomorrow promises to be a long day (669 km's) on the Cassier Highway with the plan to make it into Hyder, AK. This would prove to be a very remote roadway that was only paved in the last few years.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXnFfhnuuEhwTnTbH8ozDVw1cc0QexwxlutDGgHfZVzmFVGmplOctGWa607C5iXJle4O3tKJ1G49d67fXwl2DW27OGSEKWIoFXEvMyWLK4Tgj3glpmXgVtSHiRIac3uuhpdxy74KsxyNw/s1600/IMG_3560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXnFfhnuuEhwTnTbH8ozDVw1cc0QexwxlutDGgHfZVzmFVGmplOctGWa607C5iXJle4O3tKJ1G49d67fXwl2DW27OGSEKWIoFXEvMyWLK4Tgj3glpmXgVtSHiRIac3uuhpdxy74KsxyNw/s640/IMG_3560.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Did a couple loads of laundry, got on the intenet, and then to bed. Lights out folks.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxrOWQYN_RdYcezvtM1rn2jXHUM7p_zq96gER-XFNXN4nPKq5urZSpdjvaZmdE9QoUPiNdqkolx-npZSddodb3B1HJibs4PhppvmEUJ7voUe7Aa8imwtruihHey7JeYenw6NAn7pqLX8e/s1600/P1010191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxrOWQYN_RdYcezvtM1rn2jXHUM7p_zq96gER-XFNXN4nPKq5urZSpdjvaZmdE9QoUPiNdqkolx-npZSddodb3B1HJibs4PhppvmEUJ7voUe7Aa8imwtruihHey7JeYenw6NAn7pqLX8e/s640/P1010191.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>2wheeladventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17960832745755014043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755554265019958517.post-88174077740978926022010-07-27T15:17:00.003-05:002011-01-26T22:49:23.148-06:00Day 29 - July 12th, 2010 Haines Jct, YT to Skagway, AKToday we would travel back into the US along the southeast coast of Alaska. Rather than back-track from Haines hundreds of miles, we'd take the short ferry ride from Haines to Skagway. Was not sure of the ferry's schedule as we headed south on the Haines Highway but then our schedule is flexible.<br />
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The Haines Highway has quite a history and is certainly remote with no campgrounds or lodging. We did see several small shelters along the roadway and this sign explained their purpose. This highway appeared difficult to build and very remote but scenic. Temps were cool and Tammy again mentioned her heated gloves not working.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSS6jwL76CSi00SrXpaYK_yXZt7dVVRhuR7cZzgL03S5breLOuKP-MCg81vZlmuvPcVh1PKgQa9yeoZ2ISy5wrazBq82BQc9h4_OZ7RgFW_0fuzuFibarrTZ3Oq7XT5CyTFZQzTsWLDcQn/s1600/IMG_3545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSS6jwL76CSi00SrXpaYK_yXZt7dVVRhuR7cZzgL03S5breLOuKP-MCg81vZlmuvPcVh1PKgQa9yeoZ2ISy5wrazBq82BQc9h4_OZ7RgFW_0fuzuFibarrTZ3Oq7XT5CyTFZQzTsWLDcQn/s640/IMG_3545.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The actual town of Haines was good sized but certainly felt locked back in time. An old US military base existed here but was closed and the buildings sold to private individuals. Impressive looking hillside with the large white structures covering the south part of town.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The town's ocean bay did have numerous ocean going fishing boats but was not modern or possibly deep enough for modern day cruise ships to readily use the harbor. As such, the town gets less tourists than Skagway and other AK towns along the coast.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zTP93zP6yoi4h1c8EreAkgqxl9e6vWqEDXd3jorM-13XjUWOcU3XK1amXqpCK0JsV7lT85Jj9n4tV3whVgUjakchpXluDr4A-VrT_4BUHYswpOTCKo-vC38ULucv8JCzteJ5Gx7-Q1La/s1600/IMG_3546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zTP93zP6yoi4h1c8EreAkgqxl9e6vWqEDXd3jorM-13XjUWOcU3XK1amXqpCK0JsV7lT85Jj9n4tV3whVgUjakchpXluDr4A-VrT_4BUHYswpOTCKo-vC38ULucv8JCzteJ5Gx7-Q1La/s640/IMG_3546.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We found out while having coffee and rolls downtown that the ferry to Skagway left at 8:30PM so we had some time to kill. Walked around the downtown area, again shot some pool in a historic bar, visited the National Bald Eagle Center for a few hours, and purchased ferry tickets for the evening's cruise. Our ferry boat coming into port:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNheOAmH-RMfy2vjVtes4AMgTxyibX6_GClnGxIJTAn_QzO0BoKYfOPNwtnVUmD35SB55p65b53RmRGS3ccO-O8RmxC43uYa17sks4L-zq46rWpeLc-CqMi_IlLB51Ep0SeNVdSaHwGj3A/s1600/P1010184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNheOAmH-RMfy2vjVtes4AMgTxyibX6_GClnGxIJTAn_QzO0BoKYfOPNwtnVUmD35SB55p65b53RmRGS3ccO-O8RmxC43uYa17sks4L-zq46rWpeLc-CqMi_IlLB51Ep0SeNVdSaHwGj3A/s640/P1010184.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we tried to purchase our tickets, our credit card no longer worked. Had to use a different card to fund the $31/passenger and $31/bike. Right after that Tammy had a cell phone message asking us to call the credit card's fraud department. Turns out they detected fraudulant charges on our card for nearly $4,000 for internet purchases in Great Britain. They simply locked the card's usage until we could confirm their suspicions. Card was cancelled and we would need to sign an affidavit when we got home stating the charges were not ours. Need to be more careful with the credit card when purchasing gas and restaurant items. Numerous gas stations require pre-payment in AK and CA, so I suspect an employee wrote down the numbers while I was outside filling the bikes up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They started loading the ship with RV's and cars about 8PM; we were second to last to load and tied our bikes down with available tiedowns. Then went upstairs to be a cruise passenger for a hour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkey9XvzJUCP-UQ34SU7YiyUcTl5X4dPvcNvRB-xMohP93NMsmgjBb3wTD35ac_nMa26AgzHlW-RoIsDSkKwVIs5UTcbINYF5S1ssAyJWO64phD8c-vJovugTboWmzMWNl0c_mkAaVq3SY/s1600/IMG_3549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkey9XvzJUCP-UQ34SU7YiyUcTl5X4dPvcNvRB-xMohP93NMsmgjBb3wTD35ac_nMa26AgzHlW-RoIsDSkKwVIs5UTcbINYF5S1ssAyJWO64phD8c-vJovugTboWmzMWNl0c_mkAaVq3SY/s640/IMG_3549.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We passed several large cruise ships on our way to Skagway. Docking was so coordinated that one ship was backing out and we entered their spot in the Skagway harbor. Very steep ramp for vehicles to exit the ferry here. A big dock and harbor investment here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38hTolZcPMPDoiUb8LS5TSHenTbkI1KGOBJ07TVbkquDZHAicx_amPneehELTxpRUJcotBT1z2M2Tz2QuFRebrSfwwsAa7n87ysoE0Ah8enjBzMRnIO4-4WwQQetqIvdIZYp88f9LBz_y/s1600/IMG_3552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38hTolZcPMPDoiUb8LS5TSHenTbkI1KGOBJ07TVbkquDZHAicx_amPneehELTxpRUJcotBT1z2M2Tz2QuFRebrSfwwsAa7n87ysoE0Ah8enjBzMRnIO4-4WwQQetqIvdIZYp88f9LBz_y/s640/IMG_3552.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When a cruise ship docked in Skagway, the downtown streets would flood with people. The store owners knew the cruiselines' schedule and would open when the tourists arrived and close when they had to reboard their ship. The cruiselines even owned several of the downtown jewelry shops. Lots of touristy things to do in Skagway but simply too many people. Sidewalks were so filled with tourists that most people walked in the streets.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8asfNPn5I0gtFedET9IaDI4STNUhrQuPApFdwpZAPiAhm2xuOr6VA5kxM0jGLqpnbfrdTClKHMRsUnb1ccM-w7cs-_I_CDervTVEfno2RuWOJZo3J6vvflbWZkejeFJ_zArOoQIgz3-o/s1600/IMG_3555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8asfNPn5I0gtFedET9IaDI4STNUhrQuPApFdwpZAPiAhm2xuOr6VA5kxM0jGLqpnbfrdTClKHMRsUnb1ccM-w7cs-_I_CDervTVEfno2RuWOJZo3J6vvflbWZkejeFJ_zArOoQIgz3-o/s640/IMG_3555.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had called ahead from Haines to reserve a campsite once we knew how late we would be arriving. Poorest campground I've ever stayed in and it cost an arm and a leg. We didn't even stay in our assigned spot because it was inundated with mosquitoes. Bathrooms were the pits; campgrounds must not require health inspections in AK.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Interesting but long day. We actually slept very well despite our surroundings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>2wheeladventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17960832745755014043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755554265019958517.post-41093811447891012652010-07-27T12:25:00.003-05:002011-01-26T22:48:36.226-06:00Day 28 - July 11th, 2010 Tok, AK to Haines Junction, YTWe took full advantage of our dry, warm motel and slept in. The days had turned into a true "road-trip" in the last week. Almost seemed like a job (from what I remember) to have to get on the bike and ride each day. But then I'd talk to someone who had to be home by a certain date to go to work and I felt better.<br />
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Would leave Alaska today and re-enter the Canadian Yukon Territories. We'd go back into Alaska twice more on this trip as we headed south so the passports were kept handy. It certainly was easier to enter Canada than the US. The US always asked more questions and took more time to check computer records. That's actually a good thing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQdF6u6tstyI0HlZrQCIavS-ceceyVr1gd0D9GOwnrXQpH3u2s-282w3caxDxyEd2YGsHExyjSaXkp3dQQ6NDyiPNwsaqy7mCgkpBIak1zFPWQkOtFgrv22JowsHHbV0D4bavvhyphenhyphendfgxW/s1600/P1010172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQdF6u6tstyI0HlZrQCIavS-ceceyVr1gd0D9GOwnrXQpH3u2s-282w3caxDxyEd2YGsHExyjSaXkp3dQQ6NDyiPNwsaqy7mCgkpBIak1zFPWQkOtFgrv22JowsHHbV0D4bavvhyphenhyphendfgxW/s640/P1010172.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>We were again on the Alaska Highway and when we reached the border we had to take pictures both directions welcoming us to Alaska and the Yukon. We'd entered AK the first time on the Taylor/Top of the World Highway which is essentially a back gravel road entrance with border guards present. Turns out, the Taylor Highway had washed out in several places within the last week with a few motorists stranded between washouts for days. It would take over two weeks to re-open this highway we would learn. The detour route around from Tok to Dawson is thru Whitehorse and nearly 500 miles.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQUE9W-20pZQjwDmIS9ARauMmNokzxn8W0f3wKpELk1SjHixWyK3usf8Fr12IJLPCbgDcSVQwFgUTY0nEigDkPKI5cZLkATsQ5oBaO8KODnU4fadsv_3uSJP4Lc8k_XzXiBOv8PXWMSSh/s1600/P1010168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQUE9W-20pZQjwDmIS9ARauMmNokzxn8W0f3wKpELk1SjHixWyK3usf8Fr12IJLPCbgDcSVQwFgUTY0nEigDkPKI5cZLkATsQ5oBaO8KODnU4fadsv_3uSJP4Lc8k_XzXiBOv8PXWMSSh/s640/P1010168.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Stopped in Beaver Creek, YT for gas and a quick lunch after crossing the border. Road thru this area is the worse of the Alaska Highway with frost heaves that would bounce your butt off the bike seat. Frost heaves were both longitudinal and transverse and frequently both. Trip past Destruction Bay was uneventful compared to 2006 when I saw a grizzly with cubs in the ditch and broke my windshield due to high winds. Day was actually dry and enjoyable; you just had to take your time with the road conditions. Several long construction zones always kept Tammy alert.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhPP1iO7amw6hrZebYsFbqDmFKMZLFxSE4dILKk0FtuXhGKgvbJ4qA-eSl83UebKE3pQoLsbScMFPiZW1RZainznv6v06_7CeSVnGf7_po7dwWHxXm3KgPzdJsH9Vy6UlfsD6EU9L17b_/s1600/P1010174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhPP1iO7amw6hrZebYsFbqDmFKMZLFxSE4dILKk0FtuXhGKgvbJ4qA-eSl83UebKE3pQoLsbScMFPiZW1RZainznv6v06_7CeSVnGf7_po7dwWHxXm3KgPzdJsH9Vy6UlfsD6EU9L17b_/s640/P1010174.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Made the decision to stop in Haines Jct for the night which gave us a short 250 mile day in the saddle. Had hoped to make Haines but the late start and poor road conditions slowed us. Was not aware of any campgrounds between Haines Jct and Haines, about 90 miles, either. Turned out this was a good decision.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Haines Jct is a nothing town that just caters to passing travelers. A few campgrounds, a few restaurants, and two gas stations and its a town on the map. Had Chinese food that was not that good. For desert, we simply shot some pool rather than risk more poor food. Did eat junk food back at the campground while we were on the internet. HJ area was actually dry and needed some rain. Couldn't believe we didn't bring some with us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Suzuki is not running well. Has a bad engine vibration/stutter around 3,000 rpm that really shakes the bike, especially when accelerating. Fuel mileage remains in the 45 to 50 mpg so no complaints there. Will have to figure this problem out when we return home.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30GqvIK8T1s8lSLhP32BUOlHGxwCicIusWMlUu9x2qomhjOoQNK6kv9qnuswfAnOVaEXj8HqSEjGNAIvkBRBPhkRMPvpo3E9uCcDfZYMgnbbidXcsX3voeIuKnpCynSTF_80bBcxUg-tL/s1600/IMG_3544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30GqvIK8T1s8lSLhP32BUOlHGxwCicIusWMlUu9x2qomhjOoQNK6kv9qnuswfAnOVaEXj8HqSEjGNAIvkBRBPhkRMPvpo3E9uCcDfZYMgnbbidXcsX3voeIuKnpCynSTF_80bBcxUg-tL/s640/IMG_3544.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Tammy's Versys would require a chain adjustment but other than that it just purred along. Very pleased and impressed with that bike. Numerous people commented that they had never seen a Versys before.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Campground was good.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>2wheeladventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17960832745755014043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755554265019958517.post-9752995299881733242010-07-27T11:31:00.005-05:002011-01-26T22:48:02.005-06:00Day 27 - July 10th, 2010 Valdez, AK to Tok, AKValdez camp site: <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEcPE_pAx5cNVzf8-KMCbyHynTJNHRE-2RfyU_RMANy40TWpMJX5CgnRFeGvsioSJeBObyL2bfYDSxovdJ4BoNyFbB4yweVtNSD81M5Wv5vWn2Qc0JH-a5O51pSGY8eQSiLWfLNt93PIG/s1600/IMG_3540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEcPE_pAx5cNVzf8-KMCbyHynTJNHRE-2RfyU_RMANy40TWpMJX5CgnRFeGvsioSJeBObyL2bfYDSxovdJ4BoNyFbB4yweVtNSD81M5Wv5vWn2Qc0JH-a5O51pSGY8eQSiLWfLNt93PIG/s640/IMG_3540.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
We knew we had additional tent campers arriving late at night but no idea of the number. Turns out the bicycle ride stopped over night in Valdez. Talked to a rider and turns out many are in some type of timed competition for each leg of the 300 and others were just riding the course for fun. Many were planning to take the ferry from Valdez to Whittier on the Kenai Peninsula which is close to Anchorage.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFwmS9l-fAoQ43MCFWPQJaxHAMYRYIsH67eT-vtuAW1jWXTBHSazUQeWzrjtYMaE6cqZK0zU3xSFRJ45Odqf5eR_FmNj6YlNTJV2mMRGYjAkny4tc6e3-kFidlb2zGYISs5yXfBUV-w7Y/s1600/IMG_3541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFwmS9l-fAoQ43MCFWPQJaxHAMYRYIsH67eT-vtuAW1jWXTBHSazUQeWzrjtYMaE6cqZK0zU3xSFRJ45Odqf5eR_FmNj6YlNTJV2mMRGYjAkny4tc6e3-kFidlb2zGYISs5yXfBUV-w7Y/s640/IMG_3541.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The one good thing about the rain we were experiencing was that the mosquitoes seemed to hibernate. But anytime the rain stopped and the wind lessened, they were out. Had to take a picture of this car that was helping our cause.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHBhM5mg3wkfyWDnEA7pcD_KVUCyzFYsLvud-l4B_1ez_vQsQD1QhBPMwiJTzhXR2dxnaFYNY0SAkEGr0TRlizqx9B5tlkYhuApiUI3ItG4PCb4UBMoFxBKm8LL-0iA82ygiyEUeZBht_/s1600/P1010159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHBhM5mg3wkfyWDnEA7pcD_KVUCyzFYsLvud-l4B_1ez_vQsQD1QhBPMwiJTzhXR2dxnaFYNY0SAkEGr0TRlizqx9B5tlkYhuApiUI3ItG4PCb4UBMoFxBKm8LL-0iA82ygiyEUeZBht_/s320/P1010159.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Adjusted the chain on the Suzuki before we left Valdez and noticed one of the fork legs was severely weeping fork oil. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The ride north over Thompson Pass in the morning was again very cool but the pass was also very, very fogged in. If Tammy and I got over 75 feet apart, we couldn't see each other. Fear was of being hit by a motorist from behind that was traveling too fast. Made it over the pass and enjoyed fifty miles of good roads before the rains came in buckets. The ride quickly turned into one of the most grueling days of our trip. Stopped for a long breakfast just north of Glennallen junction which included several cups of coffee.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rode towards Tok in a continuing downpour. Saw several elk and one very large moose. Tough to focus on riding in the rain and watch for crossing animals at the same time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Saw a roadside store that advertised free coffee and took them up on the offer. Turns out they were watching the final game of the world soccer tournament so we joined them and hung our wet gloves, helmet, and coats in their back room to dry. Crowd grew to about a dozen as people stopped, had nothing better to do, and watched the game. Even had tourists there from Germany and the Neatherlands who explained the game's rules to us. One homeward bound Hoka Hey rider as well. Stayed over two hours to the game's conclusion. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Store served as a grocery store, laundromat, coffee house, and hunting lodge for the locals between Glennallen and Tok. Past trophies hanging on the wall inside the store:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmDiyJ5VwC5nwS5YNNkQDFHw1xxuCOW1vLSxCObXVLFC817Y9hmjCu0LeQ6Jjc4jMmTVfjmWSeBk8VLgMI-XgpG0Xqfu_unmjQCQ9lr89NFLAdZuJv_LwQ-zIBIAmYq7N95j5MUJF_-Ex/s1600/IMG_3542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmDiyJ5VwC5nwS5YNNkQDFHw1xxuCOW1vLSxCObXVLFC817Y9hmjCu0LeQ6Jjc4jMmTVfjmWSeBk8VLgMI-XgpG0Xqfu_unmjQCQ9lr89NFLAdZuJv_LwQ-zIBIAmYq7N95j5MUJF_-Ex/s640/IMG_3542.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Called it a day when we reached Tok. This was our second time in Tok and the weather had not cooperated either time. Got a motel room behind the Fast Eddy's restaurant and close to a local bar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CWXKgtGs3P4SiC41j-72_vHrNNkiFlyG4OrX5IdLNxUH0GRtgfzrmQLU2-ya26wappBSea1_xvVESwADwZ_K73WyskXA2P-ZxWdeY1i9pFj-w74iNFY9QvrJp3lWok-TNNGOQPrh780p/s1600/IMG_3543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CWXKgtGs3P4SiC41j-72_vHrNNkiFlyG4OrX5IdLNxUH0GRtgfzrmQLU2-ya26wappBSea1_xvVESwADwZ_K73WyskXA2P-ZxWdeY1i9pFj-w74iNFY9QvrJp3lWok-TNNGOQPrh780p/s640/IMG_3543.JPG" width="640" /></a>The motel, bar, and restaurant were all good and very busy. Visited with a couple riding from eastern Canada on a Harley with 482,000 kilometers on the bike. I was impressed. Talked to a local that explained how the government had ruined the fishing industry in AK. He was also the world's expert on Crocker motorcycles which I'd never heard off but later saw one in the Sturgis, SD motorcycle museum. Also visited with a local that was patenting a new type of engine design that moved air more efficiently. See <a href="http://www.efficient-v.com/">http://www.efficient-v.com/</a>. I haven't looked at his website yet but he had just returned from presenting his ideas to Harley Davidson in Milwaukee.</div><br />
This would be the first TV we'd watch in a month. Seemed like the same BP, Lindsey Lohan, and dirty politics were being discussed as when we left. Motel was completely sold out with motorcyclists looking for a drier environment that night. Felt good to get everything hung out and dry.2wheeladventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17960832745755014043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755554265019958517.post-37167142086935422672010-07-27T09:29:00.005-05:002011-01-26T22:47:38.342-06:00Day 26 - July 9th, 2010 Sutton, AK to Valdez, AKToday would be a good but long ride. Valdez is the terminal point for the Alaska pipeline but the terminal area is not accessible to the public. The large oil storage tanks where the ocean going tankers are loaded can be seen in the distance. The city's museum documents the Exson Valdez's oil spill but it seemed ironic to be reading about this spill knowing that the current BP leak in the gulf would pale this Valdez event.<br />
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The ride from Sutton northeast to Glennallen had good scenery and the weather was encouraging. There was a organized bicycle ride called the Fireweed 300 along this route with hundreds of cyclists. Not sure if it was a race or just a ride. Long uphill climbs followed by long descents.<br />
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The road south into Valdez was one of the best of the trip. Very mountainous terrain, glaciers, water falls, Thompson Pass, and views of the pipeline kept us from making good time as we stopped frequently. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatygXo2n4b3pamez2zULuXCuONkVPFe8t9khnyXgAFujE2X4OM41paEoqmAAIrquM4ODGIXbRV7MndHJHkt6Eb_OG_p_ol63h3KgQjnSd6h_720UxfIakE910cemEbdYPyfXtJvXpav12/s1600/P1010152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatygXo2n4b3pamez2zULuXCuONkVPFe8t9khnyXgAFujE2X4OM41paEoqmAAIrquM4ODGIXbRV7MndHJHkt6Eb_OG_p_ol63h3KgQjnSd6h_720UxfIakE910cemEbdYPyfXtJvXpav12/s640/P1010152.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The roadside water falls were dramatic because they were really a series of falls. Most high mountain snow had water falls lower on the long slopes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNa9lkuKSXIc5mxRuRN8c2QT7ZLrMkny5RhH4KgpqT2g59vO4Mki0tDNYl3-0vjLsrpYZJDGESGcxkot3PMjYe4AN5r4BN-JZACXGP0R-PW0titZWb79-RyWadsU9d3_UXyvMLoEFVkX17/s1600/IMG_3536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNa9lkuKSXIc5mxRuRN8c2QT7ZLrMkny5RhH4KgpqT2g59vO4Mki0tDNYl3-0vjLsrpYZJDGESGcxkot3PMjYe4AN5r4BN-JZACXGP0R-PW0titZWb79-RyWadsU9d3_UXyvMLoEFVkX17/s320/IMG_3536.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquFZHuzhAHHfdmeEly4YdKFf1yOgbK1-skRgwXFfh8LhDq0YkBMSD_JTDGCDH_yZUHh3YDHFRaK3OkDckVpSNQ9x39oXpZIDEsnBc4eosQionbW5w8wHliM6zIIwUWrpUR36c5yITqz_R/s1600/IMG_3539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquFZHuzhAHHfdmeEly4YdKFf1yOgbK1-skRgwXFfh8LhDq0YkBMSD_JTDGCDH_yZUHh3YDHFRaK3OkDckVpSNQ9x39oXpZIDEsnBc4eosQionbW5w8wHliM6zIIwUWrpUR36c5yITqz_R/s320/IMG_3539.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thompson Pass felt like a true mountain pass with snow fields, cold weather, and great vistas. Yet the pass was only 2,678 feet above sea level. Note the snow plow markers along the road near the pass; they mark the edge of the paved shoulder from above. I suspect the snow gets very deep up here in the winter months.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSn-TVS9ambXaFugNo3XfGEQkqIVyFZpeXdFmYrQp9XOq_bZIV4kSd4eWH1U0ovLiGOp4sd-Ma5BXpoeB3q3QC4OC2Sp_TZWK53fCE-CbTkuRiIKeqcZioQb83DUnw31-unWvgll2jXvyv/s1600/IMG_3531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSn-TVS9ambXaFugNo3XfGEQkqIVyFZpeXdFmYrQp9XOq_bZIV4kSd4eWH1U0ovLiGOp4sd-Ma5BXpoeB3q3QC4OC2Sp_TZWK53fCE-CbTkuRiIKeqcZioQb83DUnw31-unWvgll2jXvyv/s640/IMG_3531.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Valdez itself was a town focused on the fishing industry and providing tourists with restaurants, bars, large rv parks, and boat tours to take. We should have taken one of these tours but the weather had turned to rain. Tours will have to wait til next time here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKueLH_3gegZWXLMVoIdIFA05rYbFkSjJOAhVQtcs3yhte55EgGyFELjF6n_wNbuBgy2T5A98SL8gFlfuYJ3pf5eTGWA4MIwhMhr0C9mIaxAYpWlY9yUH2WWhuIKXo9J71UpCkjX4qxXGv/s1600/P1010158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKueLH_3gegZWXLMVoIdIFA05rYbFkSjJOAhVQtcs3yhte55EgGyFELjF6n_wNbuBgy2T5A98SL8gFlfuYJ3pf5eTGWA4MIwhMhr0C9mIaxAYpWlY9yUH2WWhuIKXo9J71UpCkjX4qxXGv/s640/P1010158.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7O563pb3KRJ4UZjA2hfOrywdl6biXLCDFdndYF-wKIiTwhPNCC81RxHotnbrKxqo-HrSs6F8DvFmZ9wfqF0UmXXYtpOOPWq9DAlTjb8FkRaJXIvc8yvOxhfKD0tO9rMoia37V_gFuuRa/s1600/P1010162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7O563pb3KRJ4UZjA2hfOrywdl6biXLCDFdndYF-wKIiTwhPNCC81RxHotnbrKxqo-HrSs6F8DvFmZ9wfqF0UmXXYtpOOPWq9DAlTjb8FkRaJXIvc8yvOxhfKD0tO9rMoia37V_gFuuRa/s640/P1010162.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The weather had turned to a constant rain with fog setting in over the bay. Retreated to a bar were we sampled Alaska's white and amber brews with a recently retired couple from Wisconsin. Joined them for dinner and then retreated to a wet campground setting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHl_s2yODDScrY4Mx2aPzd0QcOPj6Wn-zAKOfuwczvBcgYbVHT8XOc0VRLyJzb_n-eg-G58H2kQIp__gID-EjCrkxRnJidtp6IYy9UwNRQuNEDFao_Ou3tl-j7-OTaevk19g_tbNzhiR_j/s1600/P1010164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHl_s2yODDScrY4Mx2aPzd0QcOPj6Wn-zAKOfuwczvBcgYbVHT8XOc0VRLyJzb_n-eg-G58H2kQIp__gID-EjCrkxRnJidtp6IYy9UwNRQuNEDFao_Ou3tl-j7-OTaevk19g_tbNzhiR_j/s640/P1010164.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Are we having fun yet?</div>2wheeladventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17960832745755014043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755554265019958517.post-61292145050935498222010-07-26T17:53:00.004-05:002011-01-26T22:47:00.284-06:00Day 25 - July 8th, 2010 Homer, AK to Sutton, AKToday our intent was to ride north away from the Alaska coast and fine some warmer and drier weather. General direction would be north thru Anchorage retracing our route down the peninsula and then northeast towards Glennallen so we could head south to Valdez the next day.<br />
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On the ride up the peninsula, we would pass the town of Hope. We learned that evening that three young mountain bikers were attacked by a mother grizzly near Hope that afternoon. Seemed they were biking and got between the mother and the cubs. One person was clawed and chewed up pretty good before bear spray chased the bear away.<br />
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As usual, we managed to get lost going thru Anchorage. They simply don't understand maintaining route continuity signage thru congested areas. Headed in a generally NE direction and found the road leaving town just at rush hour. After being in more remote locations of the state, traffic congestion is not enjoyable.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYvc_RJBxyEqj8tlTQ4kl7-hNPrWEOaLt71Wm35fv_tsCMJjqt2NfKlSkwMWdqnUBAAinyDng8EWzW0lsOtOqNz_8DdjGGNpBJSQIrPFYJE3hRYc5_mPnwbl3Jyd6C5JbavnCQHcaGHa1/s1600/P1010146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYvc_RJBxyEqj8tlTQ4kl7-hNPrWEOaLt71Wm35fv_tsCMJjqt2NfKlSkwMWdqnUBAAinyDng8EWzW0lsOtOqNz_8DdjGGNpBJSQIrPFYJE3hRYc5_mPnwbl3Jyd6C5JbavnCQHcaGHa1/s640/P1010146.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rode up the Glenn Highway about 80 miles past Anchorage, saw a neat campground with a restaurant, and called it a day. I think we were both tired from the blustery, wet weather in Homer and found this campground setting peaceful and relaxing. Owners were very friendly and interesting to talk to.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3KHnFCpDvd_tFs0Ba3UH7W9mq5aE_hfAskZkkUfe1rN6r6-TN4BcaQIdC7w-zMICUlOukO1AbpPFh8_WxOc2bEt_Vj4rFK78eGRTAZp0Rw8IYuUeWWEAkddA1FCIKTv_JCnyMz0vkTQC/s1600/IMG_3526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3KHnFCpDvd_tFs0Ba3UH7W9mq5aE_hfAskZkkUfe1rN6r6-TN4BcaQIdC7w-zMICUlOukO1AbpPFh8_WxOc2bEt_Vj4rFK78eGRTAZp0Rw8IYuUeWWEAkddA1FCIKTv_JCnyMz0vkTQC/s640/IMG_3526.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Owners had relocated from the lower 48 because they loved Alaska's laid back life style. They were raising chickens, goats, lamas, pigs, etc on their Alaska farm. Also were bringing back farm machinery from the lower 48 to display. I remembered using some of this farm equipment as a kid.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimapEFE-8Lx1wpF-J66DQ2_rYS8CiQvX2W4qvp74mS3crPDN9RDswF1r1m2USwrb3mZ3zJT0SFLOBQ8K7mNM9K80S-QOPgh5pgojgyasI-vrVfIw7eP1uH3ybNrJG1AtOJuv8wIuXE2EuI/s1600/P1010145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimapEFE-8Lx1wpF-J66DQ2_rYS8CiQvX2W4qvp74mS3crPDN9RDswF1r1m2USwrb3mZ3zJT0SFLOBQ8K7mNM9K80S-QOPgh5pgojgyasI-vrVfIw7eP1uH3ybNrJG1AtOJuv8wIuXE2EuI/s640/P1010145.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All kinds of ducks and geese around the farm. Seemed to have their own individual groups and you certainly needed to watch where you stepped. Didn't enjoy them as much in the morning when they decided it was time for us to get up. Loud and obnoxious.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6vzCcZMEuzCPlHmcIpiKbBLGTgwoU2B5U20Ur0WAjQgp0D46RJ03n3zmVCDvWuir2jIfTfSjwY6nYODCgEA1PfMS9HmLVzq8aT-4jkewElti1hLg99n8FTVrr2SJVkw7QBRHglX0-Syd/s1600/P1010140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6vzCcZMEuzCPlHmcIpiKbBLGTgwoU2B5U20Ur0WAjQgp0D46RJ03n3zmVCDvWuir2jIfTfSjwY6nYODCgEA1PfMS9HmLVzq8aT-4jkewElti1hLg99n8FTVrr2SJVkw7QBRHglX0-Syd/s640/P1010140.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These two cute little goats kept us entertained and laughing for quite some time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyV5WZabJjTQigdwCUPdi9R6ml40_Gi-VKHO9WSO8nKIQ-ZcRbP4_bnFtaDAYbsaJ5dfDHjXDDePWlIuXcEtCExHulPmuZX1E4f87FHR1HQPG2mViI-BmJ7ekRS28M39Nk0nhvy5jXUQhT/s1600/P1010143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyV5WZabJjTQigdwCUPdi9R6ml40_Gi-VKHO9WSO8nKIQ-ZcRbP4_bnFtaDAYbsaJ5dfDHjXDDePWlIuXcEtCExHulPmuZX1E4f87FHR1HQPG2mViI-BmJ7ekRS28M39Nk0nhvy5jXUQhT/s640/P1010143.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At breakfast, the campground owner joined us with his coffee. When he found out I grew up on an Iowa farm, he wanted to know if we raised pigs. When I responded positively, he asked if I knew how to perform a certain operation on young male pigs. Again, I replied positively. Then he invited me to join him after breakfast at his pig house where ten male pigs awaited their fate. I passed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fun place to stay.</div>2wheeladventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17960832745755014043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755554265019958517.post-78692003805799377382010-07-26T14:46:00.003-05:002011-01-26T22:54:03.295-06:00Day 24 - July 7th, 2010 Seward, AK to Homer, AKThis was a leg of the trip I was really looking forward to. Homer has a very touristy feel about the town, especially out on the Spit. Homer is located at the far southern end of the Kenai Peninsula and the Spit is an extension of land about 400 wide and over two miles long into the bay. The Spit is loaded with restaurants, shops, flight-seeing tours, one bar, and a very active fishing community. Its known as the halibut fishing capital of the world.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQJwqcMxi3S4bxbTJ2txjrFKmHcq99reE5_LeafiHIHcDvNim2AwBYjysm8zYTRCMwoVK4_OsdUhoBL25mmu2uXa8BW3pIP6fVJU6i1H6WM_mvW6B3f4D8LiDJu44fvJdX-1IraiFS87l/s1600/P1010138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQJwqcMxi3S4bxbTJ2txjrFKmHcq99reE5_LeafiHIHcDvNim2AwBYjysm8zYTRCMwoVK4_OsdUhoBL25mmu2uXa8BW3pIP6fVJU6i1H6WM_mvW6B3f4D8LiDJu44fvJdX-1IraiFS87l/s640/P1010138.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But again the weather decided to not cooperate. Rain was continual and the temps struggled to get in the 50's. Not what we had hoped for. Did decide to camp on the Spit. Motel rooms here average well over $200 per night. Not sure Tammy was excited about this camp setup. Plus, she announced that her thermorest sleep pad no longer held air! Probably the low point of the trip for tammy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-CzyW47wFjP_CYTZjptxK3MOqXLliJJMVYWRgDHDAXNONoLuJZjPcbqvlxzPFkTxc9a-DdlakeiYy3IEFFlEDOC4x0LIc2_8VkIeLY0B6W0Klv6fQAFgLkucXnN8R7cRcgQrjmTHikGy/s1600/IMG_3525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-CzyW47wFjP_CYTZjptxK3MOqXLliJJMVYWRgDHDAXNONoLuJZjPcbqvlxzPFkTxc9a-DdlakeiYy3IEFFlEDOC4x0LIc2_8VkIeLY0B6W0Klv6fQAFgLkucXnN8R7cRcgQrjmTHikGy/s640/IMG_3525.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We did walk nearly the length of the Spit visiting shops, coffee stops, and restaurants. In hind sight, we should have taken a day long boat tour to Seldovia or a whale sighting tour. Either would have been just as warm and certainly more pleasant. Local bar, the Salty Dawg Saloon, was so crowded because of the rain that another person could not fit in. This picture was taken before it opened. Yes, the building is a little short.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4IIJYR_GQZVqDODsmt-x-UYXiZx_Fu4Tm1CnVzkVMxle1sgeTC1beDn-cCt9ZrnGffRujoYtq1Rs3auBJoC-71GvYFfNfc9SuPbON3cb1zlnnQxgzuPIB9tKs5Pbw9Cy8jOWYAYhfp_1/s1600/P1010136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4IIJYR_GQZVqDODsmt-x-UYXiZx_Fu4Tm1CnVzkVMxle1sgeTC1beDn-cCt9ZrnGffRujoYtq1Rs3auBJoC-71GvYFfNfc9SuPbON3cb1zlnnQxgzuPIB9tKs5Pbw9Cy8jOWYAYhfp_1/s640/P1010136.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We did see a few Harley riders that remained from the 4th of July celebration that ended the Hoka Hey motorcycle ride from Key West, FL. A crusty but tough bunch. The event was to pay $500,000 to the first rider on an air-cooled HD that could ride the distance. Route they were required to take was over 7,000 miles. Most questioned if the winner really would ever see the prize.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ironically, our campground attendent was the Zero motorcycle dealer for all of Alaska. These are totally electric motorcycles with cruising ranges of about 80 miles per charge. Cost to operate is less than $0.01 per mile. Obviously that does not include the initial $7,000 purchase price though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The fishing industry is huge out of Homer. Commercial fisherman leave from here for weeks at a time. There was even a memorial on the Spit to the hundreds of fishermen who have lost their lives while out on the ocean. Fish were being cleaned at several locations on the Spit. Seemed to be a lot of college students doing this as a summer job.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To bed early with the intent to leave this soggy environment as soon as we woke in the morning.</div>2wheeladventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17960832745755014043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755554265019958517.post-63488502220237152382010-07-20T10:09:00.007-05:002011-01-26T22:52:32.630-06:00Day 23 - July 6th, 2010 Talkeetna to Seward, AKToday was a good ride past Anchorage and down thru the peninsula to Seward. Weather cooperated even though going over Moose Pass into Seward was shockingly cold for only being 4000 feet high.<br />
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Stopped at Wasilla hoping to have breakfast with Sarah Palin but she was busy. So a quick coffee and danish and south to Anchorage. We'd forgotten what a big town was like with the associated traffic congestion. Stopped at Alaska Leather to look around and buy a couple motorcycle accessories. Signed the official log for the Dust to Dawson rally we'd attended earlier in Dawson City. Will purchase the official group midnight photo once we return home.<br />
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Always neat driving along the coast south of Anchorage. Heavy traffic but great views.<br />
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In Seward, we camped at the public campground ($10). Hundreds of campers here right on the ocean bay. View was great with numerous style boats including cruise ships entering the harbor. We'd learn later that an off-shore storm was forcing boats and sailors to take refuge in the harbor for a few days.<br />
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Shot pool and ate a great meal uptown. Talked for a few hours to a tug boat crew from San Diego that were taking cargo north along the coast to Nome, AK. Interesting life and quite lucrative.<br />
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Picture shows Mount Seward that the town is built up against. Anually, there's a running race to the top and back. Record is 43 minutes and 23 seconds.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2G4T_hZ6obFutwfsnylMVVQDnImbImi0hHAws2r9V8vquqxW03yUMR4xTh3E2tAyiS71sxCDXohTdIcDLa0MbZalxLT-WPYHTI3Oo_Zd2vfB6er6g1yiIgiFm6GkqvcqkXyU8Uj4k22bU/s1600/IMG_3520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2G4T_hZ6obFutwfsnylMVVQDnImbImi0hHAws2r9V8vquqxW03yUMR4xTh3E2tAyiS71sxCDXohTdIcDLa0MbZalxLT-WPYHTI3Oo_Zd2vfB6er6g1yiIgiFm6GkqvcqkXyU8Uj4k22bU/s640/IMG_3520.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Seward was also the start of the original Iditarod sled dog race to Nome, AK. I believe it now starts north of Anchorage and alternates routes each year. Much safer these days with all sleds having GPS location senders, required rest periods, vets to check the dogs at each stop, and required gear and food. And the dogs each have two sets of foot booties required on each sled. Still a long, tough, lonely race across frozen lakes, streams, and tundra.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the morning, we'd see a cruise ship dropping off thousands of tourists into the town. Glad we were there on an off day.</div>2wheeladventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17960832745755014043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755554265019958517.post-35560116488185121892010-07-20T09:51:00.003-05:002011-01-26T22:51:22.442-06:00Day 22 - July 5th, 2010 Chena Hot Springs to Talkeetna, AKIt was good to get back on the road again after three days of essentially laying around. Chena Hot Springs was fun but there was more fun to be found. Today we would travel south from Fairbanks towards Anchorage. Sure enough, it started to rain heavily on the way into Fairbanks which justified a long breakfast at Denny's, the same one I had hid from the rain in back in 2006. Obviously, Tammy is not enthused about the rain.<br />
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Rained nearly the entire way south. Stopped at a roadside bar named Skinny Dick's for a soda. Tammy spend half an hour just reading the wall postings in the place. Certainly needed no photos from inside here.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FMUtOB1lxGfVFg74m0YsiXxDuTmPpwFat0YjyUmFGuqQmqcNG6uAkVCVS55yYzSefp5yFa-IVEL8ZAte-80MeQN5R4dnMs4_1pB_1FgJZJQ9znc6AuQ7D5B-6ZhkmqriWv3imklBkaKE/s1600/IMG_3505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FMUtOB1lxGfVFg74m0YsiXxDuTmPpwFat0YjyUmFGuqQmqcNG6uAkVCVS55yYzSefp5yFa-IVEL8ZAte-80MeQN5R4dnMs4_1pB_1FgJZJQ9znc6AuQ7D5B-6ZhkmqriWv3imklBkaKE/s320/IMG_3505.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDIsURHlmOdJI4ZKI24-hBbcsn9csUBbK4qV_hgfMUnRUe5buRDjZWvwf5TTeUeT3HtdFYTw2tLna2gP2oL8m_pI6vSxij9wjtnyg8zqUOEJ4bscIhxSFOLMz874w2FKygsJFN09Pp3HZ/s1600/IMG_3506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDIsURHlmOdJI4ZKI24-hBbcsn9csUBbK4qV_hgfMUnRUe5buRDjZWvwf5TTeUeT3HtdFYTw2tLna2gP2oL8m_pI6vSxij9wjtnyg8zqUOEJ4bscIhxSFOLMz874w2FKygsJFN09Pp3HZ/s320/IMG_3506.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Denali Park was an intended stop but the rain, fog, and cloud cover discouraged that. Truth is we misseed the turn-off to the park and just kept riding south looking for better weather. Only about 20% of visitors actually see the top of Mt. McKinley and I knew we wouldn't see it this trip either. Later talked to a couple from Wisconsin who had taken an 8 hour bus ride thru the park and saw nothing but rain and fog. Would have liked to have seen the visitor center though.<br />
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Distant scenery south of Denali Park was good and we crossed numerous deep gorges on long bridges. One scared the heck out of us because it was high and very, very windy. Probably a worse scare than any deep road gravel encountered. Hurricane Gulch bridge:<br />
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Made it to the town of Talkeetna just north of Wasilla. Quaint little town that had gone from nothing to a tourist trap. Numerous good eateries and micro-breweries. Just fun walking around and viewing the local hippies. Seemed to be a get away for Anchorage residents to go to their wekend house. Flights were available here to fly around Mt McKinley for about $450 each.<br />
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Good campground but the 11 PM train thru town surely woke everyone.2wheeladventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17960832745755014043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755554265019958517.post-63873446197512008932010-07-20T09:24:00.004-05:002011-01-26T22:50:34.889-06:00Day 19 to 21 - July 2nd to 4th, 2010 Fairbanks, AK to Chena Hot Springs, AKPicture of the comfy dorm we stayed at in Fairbanks. Didn't realize students had it so good.<br />
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The next three days would be pretty laid back.. I guess a little rest from the Haul Road but also an attempt to avoid the crowds over the 4th of July weekend. We drove the 60 miles from Fairbanks east to Chena Hot Springs. Saw numerous deer along the roadway and one rather large moose. Hot springs was OK, nothing special. Campground was poor.<br />
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No pictures were taken of the hot springs but then not a lot of good scenery either. Ate too much at the only restaurant there, enjoyed the local micro brews, took a tour of how they converted the hot springs 165 degree water into electricity, and did some hiking (with bear spray of course).<br />
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The two high points were coming upon a cow moose feeding in a lake and later taking the ice museum tour. A married couple with numerous world titles in ice carvings ran the museum. The ice museum had a bar, bed rooms, wedding chapel that had been used over 100 times, sculptures of horses, eagles, Sarah Palin, etc. Very well done.<br />
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The moose.<br />
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My cell phone starting receiving 15 to 20 of the same text messages so I called Verizon. Had to use Tammy's cell and mine at the same time to coordinate with Verizon. Turns out they couldn't fix the phone while I was roaming so they locked the phone until I could call them when back in the states. Oh well, Tammy's phone still worked.<br />
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A 1959 Polaris snowmobile! <br />
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Certainly ready to head south after three days here.2wheeladventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17960832745755014043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755554265019958517.post-17600302042118414412010-07-19T23:23:00.004-05:002011-01-26T22:55:52.160-06:00Day 15 to 18 - June 28th thru July 1st, 2010 Fairbanks to Fairbanks, AKWell finally some decent internet. Anywhere north of Fairbanks or south of Anchorage or in between seems to rely on dial up internet service only. Cell phone coverage is nearly non-existent outside major cities as well.<br />
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Today Tammy and I did our split. She remained in Fairbanks at the University dorm's while I headed north on the Dalton Highway, better know locally as the Haul Road. <br />
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Left for Coldfoot/Wiseman from Fairbanks at 9:30 on Monday morning. Plan was to carry extra gas but also gas up every chance I got. Longest stretch without gas was 240 plus miles into Prudhoe Bay that would require the extra gas. It's 70 miles up the Steese Hwy north of Fairbanks to just get to the Dalton, all paved but starting to feel more remote. Road to Wiseman was a combination of paved, chip seal, gravel, and construction zones. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYPHl8mqigxEfMUzXVZnY_j9FOeZkB-iivj6XijFFHMeE-qSfxIFVG0I9UJpa5cM7_ye96hEMgSw92Row67QDFSycgcwQzbRapXwRRGLDpBaLWKEFLuEBrbifelUycHOAyTc5KS1c_pDk/s1600/IMG_3409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYPHl8mqigxEfMUzXVZnY_j9FOeZkB-iivj6XijFFHMeE-qSfxIFVG0I9UJpa5cM7_ye96hEMgSw92Row67QDFSycgcwQzbRapXwRRGLDpBaLWKEFLuEBrbifelUycHOAyTc5KS1c_pDk/s640/IMG_3409.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Stopped at the Yukon River Crossing bridge, Arctic Circle sign, Finger Mountain, Coldfoot where I had lunch, got gas, and visited with returning riders. Their ride had included much rain and a lot of muddy roads, not encouraging. Stayed at the Arctic Getaway Bed and Breakfast in Wiseman. See www.arcticgetaway.com. Nice family to visit with but kids were home schooled and no other children within 20 miles. My home for the night:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eb-J1h_-20AdWbmdma8tyQdygXO-85BiBmYwor8ej6cxu6lRqeKkJ4Ts8i7WIUd09lqwhrM02PdcKol6zhOZFNq5KdbGmf2n7sc3oNWSQaxi7xk_M3X6DqxpRz7sjyk65rHDpsfDrYgZ/s1600/IMG_3415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eb-J1h_-20AdWbmdma8tyQdygXO-85BiBmYwor8ej6cxu6lRqeKkJ4Ts8i7WIUd09lqwhrM02PdcKol6zhOZFNq5KdbGmf2n7sc3oNWSQaxi7xk_M3X6DqxpRz7sjyk65rHDpsfDrYgZ/s640/IMG_3415.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Day two to Deadhorse/Prudhoe Bay was uneventful and long. Saw several herds of caribou and quickly got far enough north to no longer have trees. Added the extra gas at Antigun Pass because it was cold enough and windy enough to have no annoying mosquitoes. Weather was perfect but very cool. Miles and miles of tundra on the north slope and snow on the ridges. High for the day was probably 45 degrees but NO rain again. Always had the pipeline parralleling me, either above ground or below but always present and reassuring me I was on the right (and only) road.<br />
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Prudhoe Bay was the most industrial/ugly town I've ever been to. Not scenic and just a destination to check off my bucket list. Even got a warning from the local cop about how to properly stop at their stop signs. With a motorcycle, a foot must fully plant on the pavement. Stayed at the Prudhoe Bay Hotel with hundreds of oil field workers. Hotel felt like hundreds of house trailers hooked together but clean, warm and dry. The $150 room included all the food you could eat. Even made lunch for day 3 on the Haul Road. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7x3mCWhb6YEVGaifMA_v1rYGHPAmk_3GV7deqKAgqjLcX1LAkuff4mpdWFILwqSqDK8qxFliplf8rSpYeRaZFqsb26bi30xGlNTxayhHwR30YbpSpboLuZGoqvXUEGFU9_aCp5e-hxfrX/s1600/IMG_3453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7x3mCWhb6YEVGaifMA_v1rYGHPAmk_3GV7deqKAgqjLcX1LAkuff4mpdWFILwqSqDK8qxFliplf8rSpYeRaZFqsb26bi30xGlNTxayhHwR30YbpSpboLuZGoqvXUEGFU9_aCp5e-hxfrX/s640/IMG_3453.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I tried to buy the Deadhorse Alaska, End of the Dalton Highway sticker for my bike; Guess what, they were sold out! Would actually buy one of these at Alaska Leather in Anchorage later.</div><br />
Day 3 was just a long return trip starting out at 37 degrees and heavy fog.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVYeDoBx1n26c8QgfcStljOEPid4nPiEuvWYHyyDWp_A23r_-1Tafh3MFxv1sFd97ipJ7TCFjPij25nfvq4hrym8Vzh72q_Vk2KL48P6RXeVaZLoUSZkS9dMo4XZv1N4Udmly1nx56X3C/s1600/IMG_3465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVYeDoBx1n26c8QgfcStljOEPid4nPiEuvWYHyyDWp_A23r_-1Tafh3MFxv1sFd97ipJ7TCFjPij25nfvq4hrym8Vzh72q_Vk2KL48P6RXeVaZLoUSZkS9dMo4XZv1N4Udmly1nx56X3C/s640/IMG_3465.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwm9VCsJvdPFJnbkWEEmVcedhXbtT2Qqu3mTG-0LoT1s3u-rDcQ0tUqwFIZ9TwxBs41-K1iGx7pnZJogNLMgSj5ObfDB9t741fAruTVzj211WB6ex4KIAWqUgYSY074jjFXoCBPnOoKHd-/s1600/IMG_3461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwm9VCsJvdPFJnbkWEEmVcedhXbtT2Qqu3mTG-0LoT1s3u-rDcQ0tUqwFIZ9TwxBs41-K1iGx7pnZJogNLMgSj5ObfDB9t741fAruTVzj211WB6ex4KIAWqUgYSY074jjFXoCBPnOoKHd-/s640/IMG_3461.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Saw the now usual caribou plus a herd of musk oxen. Talk about pre-historic looking. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5wQSc4NF-EqZQklRS7nnuXA40_Ura4x-LB0IHqcA7T21ElyhRi7MyT6nDz8-nXWBAeqGJcf5YYuZ9iqWk7L1zsAmnU1PwlputKOw5EtYRCFIuB5gUkdv0zxnhyphenhyphenLMnbd7iLMTUKFaGk7c/s1600/IMG_3470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5wQSc4NF-EqZQklRS7nnuXA40_Ura4x-LB0IHqcA7T21ElyhRi7MyT6nDz8-nXWBAeqGJcf5YYuZ9iqWk7L1zsAmnU1PwlputKOw5EtYRCFIuB5gUkdv0zxnhyphenhyphenLMnbd7iLMTUKFaGk7c/s640/IMG_3470.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Did stop to read a tourist information sign about 70 miles south of Deadhorse and decided to leave a Spot location message. Put the Spot on top of bike's rear luggage and went to read the sign. Mosquitoes quickly made me leave and hop on the bike heading south forgetting I had the Spot messenger sitting on back. By the time I remembered it and returned, a Haul Road truck had ran over it. Would replace it Friday morning in Fairbanks. Stayed in Wiseman again. Day 2 and 3 had a 20 mile long construction zone between Coldfoot and Wiseman that took forever to get thru.<br />
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Got back into Fairbanks about 3 PM on Thursday and spent $10 at the car wash to get the bike back to a only slightly dirty state. Only rain I got was the last 20 miles on the Dalton..<br />
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Tammy had spent the four days shopping, funding local coffee shops, touring the University museum, taking a river boat tour, and shooting pool at the dorms with the returning Haul Road riders. Only pictures she took were on the river boat tour.<br />
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Sled dogs.<br />
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Eskimo ways.<br />
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Eskimo fur coat.<br />
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Was good to get back to the dorms and back together again.2wheeladventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17960832745755014043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755554265019958517.post-37530390211336032732010-07-13T00:58:00.006-05:002011-01-26T22:58:04.542-06:00Day 14 - June 27th, 2010 Tok, AK to Fairbanks, AKToday promised to be a relatively easy day with only a couple hundred miles from Tok to Fairbanks. But it had rained heavily all night and we had to start out with a very soggy tent, two partially wet sleeping bags, and driving thru six inch deep water just to leave the campground. <br />
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Lots of other motorcyclists here to visit with about their trips. Full dress Harley's to Suzuki V-Stroms to Kaw KLR's. The Harley rider had just returned from a two-up ride to PrudhoeBay and back. He claimed to have plugged his rear tire five times on the Haul Road. I think he was being a little dramatic.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFxz04TXSXjWKN_u_o7b8IyGvAwMsiO6TkGz1v6l1EVKmWQPZpr7qhxClpExNVEFTR26WKoQLvB2i6WP96X-JtR3IQxmw0GLuSpVXOCAqD9qzoKHL3gluk70NO4mJ0-yfRo92Hvp9L8pM/s1600/IMG_3387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFxz04TXSXjWKN_u_o7b8IyGvAwMsiO6TkGz1v6l1EVKmWQPZpr7qhxClpExNVEFTR26WKoQLvB2i6WP96X-JtR3IQxmw0GLuSpVXOCAqD9qzoKHL3gluk70NO4mJ0-yfRo92Hvp9L8pM/s640/IMG_3387.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I promised Tammy hot coffee at the first stop outside Tok. Little did I know that would be over 100 miles down the road and ended up being a bakery inside a grocery store. But we were warm, the coffee was hot, the cinamon rolls were good, and we were drying out.<br />
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A quick stop in Delta Junction documented we had traveled to the north end of the Alaska Highway.<br />
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A local sign show that winter temperatures can be truly unbearable.<br />
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And then I got attacked by a local mosquito!<br />
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We were looking forward to our stay in Fairbanks. We had reserved five nights in the University of Alaska at Fairbanks dormitory system; the middle three I would travel north on the Haul Road (Dalton Hwy) to Prudhoe Bay/Deadhorse. Tammy planned to rest up, be a tourist, and support the local coffee shops. Dormitory rooms were only $43/night for a double and $35 for a single. This is nearly $100 per night less than many motels in Fairbanks.<br />
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The manager of the UAF is an avid motorcyclist and promotes the dorm's summer usage by motorcyclists on several websites. There were probably 10-15 motorcyclists there at any one time either getting ready to head north or having just returned from the Haul Road. There was even gas cans available that could be borrowed for the trip with the understanding you'd return it for the next person heading north.<br />
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I had shipped a rear tire for the v-Strom to a small Fairbanks motorcycle shop and had them replace the tire that afternoon. I paid $105 for the tire in IA plus $28 to ship it thru the USPS. That tire alone would have cost me $226 in Fairbanks. Cost me $45 to get it changed and I even took the rear wheel on and off my bike! Alaska was proving to be a little pricey to say the least!2wheeladventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17960832745755014043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755554265019958517.post-51258693712528894602010-07-10T15:09:00.007-05:002011-01-26T22:57:32.840-06:00Day 13 - June 26th, 2010 Dawson City to Tok, AKToday we would finally, after nearly two weeks on the road, make it to Alaska. But first we would need to survive a ferry boat ride across the Yukon River, ride the Top-of-the-World and Taylor Highways, get approval to re-enter the USA, do the Town of Chicken for breakfast, and finally ride into Tok, AK.<br />
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We were up early to get in line for the ferry. Based on the line of nearly 20 RV's the previous evening waiting for the ferry, we wanted to beat the rush. The ferry runs 24 hours a day and has a three person crew. Good news was no line; bad news, Tammy needed reassurance she could make the ramp onto and off the ferry. She did perfect. Turns out they crowd motorcyclists between the larger vehicles.<br />
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View from the west side of the Yukon was great looking back over Dawson. There even was a golf course that featured midnight golfing west of the river.<br />
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This is where I got into trouble with my traveling partner. I really thought the road from Dawson to the Canadian/US border was paved. Turned out nearly 40 miles of the 70 to the border was gravel. Not Tammy's favorite and I heard about it. She did fine but I suspect her 17" front wheel was a little "skittish" at times. She knew the section from the US border to Chicken, AK was gravel and was a pro at it by then.<br />
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We had to wait for the border crossing to open at 9AM and simply sat in line visiting with other motorcyclists. Ended up riding with a BMW GS rider from El Paso, TX to Chicken and having breakfast with him. He was a retired border security guard that flew planes to provide the security.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgMqhZpstF25LCyKM7bwSrc7iMWNOYAJE_WOeRWbBwD2u3FytgOHKg0QyYImkN0HeQXiTWMxmU_KsaDxEYeUqcDQuyji-EIEnzgHmksUxwdU0wVP9ZsTHTc3u2yjY2_ALgDWSO513ogH4/s1600/alaska+097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgMqhZpstF25LCyKM7bwSrc7iMWNOYAJE_WOeRWbBwD2u3FytgOHKg0QyYImkN0HeQXiTWMxmU_KsaDxEYeUqcDQuyji-EIEnzgHmksUxwdU0wVP9ZsTHTc3u2yjY2_ALgDWSO513ogH4/s640/alaska+097.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDU-38yRCROjQ4sb7T8GqvhqUehcH49l4xC_QGLDSMwyvaP2CHzpZ18SsBLFOnytTEDyUtSsYDPLbh7OcHTo5M_TSvwWz-hqjTU1j0XAc_iuNHHm9-VZWyADsPaIHXqHUmXQ_LkawfsGp/s1600/IMG_3373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDU-38yRCROjQ4sb7T8GqvhqUehcH49l4xC_QGLDSMwyvaP2CHzpZ18SsBLFOnytTEDyUtSsYDPLbh7OcHTo5M_TSvwWz-hqjTU1j0XAc_iuNHHm9-VZWyADsPaIHXqHUmXQ_LkawfsGp/s640/IMG_3373.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqJwdmRpEhqWVgqBdTtqyH6Y11fh6vQiVe6K1ZXsYtZpIkVJG_RzeRqJO9PYKMWQRMWlLct9CpQO7V6iy9IBtYE21fCAqKY6XqIVRaReN1J21MpBYTdbg4MTNzRuHUusiSK3py3tTu-8K/s1600/IMG_3374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqJwdmRpEhqWVgqBdTtqyH6Y11fh6vQiVe6K1ZXsYtZpIkVJG_RzeRqJO9PYKMWQRMWlLct9CpQO7V6iy9IBtYE21fCAqKY6XqIVRaReN1J21MpBYTdbg4MTNzRuHUusiSK3py3tTu-8K/s640/IMG_3374.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>It took Tammy a long time to pick out her breakfast. She kept saying pie for breakfast was a good thing.<br />
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Road from the US/Canada border to Chicken had plenty of views, loose gravel, and wet sections. That evening we would learn that two motorcyclists from the D2D rally had crashed on this section later in the day. One, a retired doctor from Anchorage on a Wee Strom, broke his collarbone and the other on a Yamaha TW200 broke his leg on the first curve after the border going into AK.<br />
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Chicken, AK was interesting. Simply a novel place with a gold mining history. Not sure why the town exists today except for us tourists.<br />
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Began to rain as we approached Tok and chose a motorcycle only campground. Did an oil change on both motorcycles, had a great dinner in town while watching tourists get off the buses, went to the campground sauna to warm up, and then to a wet campground setting. Met several interesting motorcyclists each with a unique perspective of motorcycle traveling. We would enjoy everyone we met on this trip.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakkkgb2A0leXKVE7S0T1ForG82ta7Fr8zYqtA7uSyk8aBziVft__RhonjQuUa4k84N2ZRADAUubm5MiVpXeUzeLocxDt-nKwaQoO41GYCp68NPUdWjbq1uc2Am4I5wy5tItlDlFs1tYFk/s1600/IMG_3386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakkkgb2A0leXKVE7S0T1ForG82ta7Fr8zYqtA7uSyk8aBziVft__RhonjQuUa4k84N2ZRADAUubm5MiVpXeUzeLocxDt-nKwaQoO41GYCp68NPUdWjbq1uc2Am4I5wy5tItlDlFs1tYFk/s640/IMG_3386.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I think the long day, gravel roads, and rain had been a little taxing on my riding partner. But we we're in Alaska finally!2wheeladventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17960832745755014043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755554265019958517.post-12339616127916041512010-07-10T01:21:00.007-05:002011-01-26T22:56:58.207-06:00Day 12 - June 25th, 2010 Dawson City to Dawson CityThat's right, we're not even riding the motorcycles today. Well, we did ride the bikes "downtown" to be in the official midnight D2D picture but probably a total of one mile put on each bike today.<br />
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We're attending the Dust to Dawson "Rally" in Dawson City, YT for motorcycle riders from across the world. Riders from Europe, New Zealand, Australia, eastern Canada, and all across the USA were present. Largest contingency was from the Anchorage area. What an eccentric group and to think we actually chose to join and be part of them. Must say something about us; I'm just not sure what. Great group of people to share stories with!<br />
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Spent the morning exploring the town. Most of the buildings still standing are on the National Historic Register and do have a long history with the gold rush and subsequent intent to remain a viable town. The area has done a good job of maintaining and documenting the past including old river boats, pictorial exhibits, and old dredging machinery. Pictures show paddle boats lining the river front fighting for space to unload supplies and passengers.<br />
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Most of the motorcycles at the rally looked "mature". Just to walk the streets and realize the motorcycle you were looking at had crossed countries like Moracco, Argentina, Central America, Australia, or Europe made each more interesting. The banquet was sold out at 125 dinners with over 50 people turned away because of space limitations. Excellent steak dinner, good stories and we both won door prizes.<br />
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At 9 PM, the street motorcycle games began with a slow race, cone race, ball drop, blind rider tail-on-the-donkey type event, and a hot dog biting contest. Good humor with few crashes. Excellent, high dollar prizes for the winners.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSU7FEDgvMRg1QaTZ8gCVy7INaXgI6y8k9eCAldG-_OQEPKoU-q19TXXj55ibRLi3TqVxcJQ3Gn3wCDvG6yzivcceJRDktwJBHe1XhLiWbERF2U31OBQ4R_BwwRHq4JVjs-6J4nn4W1oHl/s1600/alaska+091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSU7FEDgvMRg1QaTZ8gCVy7INaXgI6y8k9eCAldG-_OQEPKoU-q19TXXj55ibRLi3TqVxcJQ3Gn3wCDvG6yzivcceJRDktwJBHe1XhLiWbERF2U31OBQ4R_BwwRHq4JVjs-6J4nn4W1oHl/s640/alaska+091.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOcFXbXnlvrAQoynGo6DqCtJ8ErE6zozJJ4FlUetSRsyFtTGt9P5mvNEODHD_hAVJUW8wBTfBhqS1LBPoSmFK7AxiS5919GB4MmzHgmte-X6bhbDNa9jeFb1JgIMHa2oU7PvBcJtdLEsF/s1600/alaska+087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOcFXbXnlvrAQoynGo6DqCtJ8ErE6zozJJ4FlUetSRsyFtTGt9P5mvNEODHD_hAVJUW8wBTfBhqS1LBPoSmFK7AxiS5919GB4MmzHgmte-X6bhbDNa9jeFb1JgIMHa2oU7PvBcJtdLEsF/s640/alaska+087.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vEQs2K_55HBC3bUU6tHxlVpiZWvKEBpDi3-WWtAUbGYc5ntOQ35DGvdi-TH2bfMhj0O0kiriUJCBmnwVZxxSEHHRATEcIn9EIfQpdDN-LMxQF4x4VlRW03oDbSRgjEcSvc1Nd_d6BsPl/s1600/IMG_3356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vEQs2K_55HBC3bUU6tHxlVpiZWvKEBpDi3-WWtAUbGYc5ntOQ35DGvdi-TH2bfMhj0O0kiriUJCBmnwVZxxSEHHRATEcIn9EIfQpdDN-LMxQF4x4VlRW03oDbSRgjEcSvc1Nd_d6BsPl/s640/IMG_3356.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSybqw3MUyZBNMEfzDctuEHj0MNjefqIjQprbckP_eQS1KXcFGhHOwh72I1uMu24xy3nvDM37_99CTckfEYk8tbxKh_RP5ncKtOADBnNxBCYoP8qQ3qYPUVU7J5UYxsJ9ZAiXhnlL_RxV/s1600/IMG_3357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSybqw3MUyZBNMEfzDctuEHj0MNjefqIjQprbckP_eQS1KXcFGhHOwh72I1uMu24xy3nvDM37_99CTckfEYk8tbxKh_RP5ncKtOADBnNxBCYoP8qQ3qYPUVU7J5UYxsJ9ZAiXhnlL_RxV/s640/IMG_3357.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Goal was to stop with the front wheel on the orange pie plate (under the rider's right foot in this case).<br />
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At midnight, which was full daylight, the official 2010 Dust to Dawson Rally stickers were handed out to everyone present on Main Street with their motorcycle. The official D2D photo was then taken. Fun times with all our new best buddies.<br />
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Tammy surprised me by wearing a dress to the banquet and games. Only dress on main street. As it cooled off, she also wore the AMA Superbike jersey she won at the banquet for warmth. Then to bed and up early for our day of finally riding into Alaska.2wheeladventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17960832745755014043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755554265019958517.post-27098337174117534182010-07-08T23:56:00.006-05:002011-01-26T22:56:24.222-06:00Day 11 - June 24th, 2010 Carmacks, YT to Dawson City, YTToday was suppose to be a short, easy ride into Dawson City. However, road construction made the trip a little more adventuresome than needed. We hit the construction area just as they were adding new gravel to the chiseled-up seal coat roadway. Tammy came thru these sections with a white knuckle, death grip on her handlebars. She even did a full lock-to-lock head shake in one deep gravel stretch. Glad she stayed upright!<br />
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Took a trail-mix snack at Pelly Crossing to calm the nerves. Only one real building in town.<br />
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The Yukon Territories were excellent in conveying the history of the area and how and why early explorers were drawn to the area. Had to be a rough life with few truly rewarded for their long, back-breaking work and risks taken. This view is of a narrow stretch of the Yukon River that gave paddle-boat captains fits.<br />
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The last ten miles into Dawson were along a river that had been mined for gold by the big dredge machines. Was continual mounds of gravel 500 feet wide for miles. Dawson City at the peak of the Klondike gold rush had nearly 40,000 people and was the largest city west of Chicago and north of San Francisco.<br />
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City was now essentially a tourist trap with every color building imaginable. You could see the history everywhere. Tons of restaurants and retail shops with neat stuff. All sidewalks were made of wood planks. Several of the residents looked the miner part as well.<br />
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Riders were starting to accumulated for the Dust to Dawson motorcycle rally (its not called a rally officially) and the rider/bike viewing was quite interesting. (Roger, the girl with the pink hair you bought your Givi stuff from in FL was there on a KLR.) Bought t-shirts and tickets for Friday night's banquet.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nepIB6gqKysZ3dDGj-rxRvT5N8sDAk7yTuNxm0T_OQ1HfljPIjZmsSaQEv2HceiDdij-XPp8mT15tLOKyfNeMqgoKm4Cw8ME5zvlXr4Vqam-IX-STmNKoURlCl6tH9_HzbaHPaa8kGdT/s1600/alaska+075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nepIB6gqKysZ3dDGj-rxRvT5N8sDAk7yTuNxm0T_OQ1HfljPIjZmsSaQEv2HceiDdij-XPp8mT15tLOKyfNeMqgoKm4Cw8ME5zvlXr4Vqam-IX-STmNKoURlCl6tH9_HzbaHPaa8kGdT/s640/alaska+075.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnhzr_B41oTdsxmOLJxaYeCxqYDjEAeNaOuZiznU96EQwqJr2XxGX5nZ5dCj21YI9GzbdoSiKMvHwOYM1wKDeRXEfbCbIqTQHlNlNz_PNgeWJYLvuwl3JKiqfanu1CxCGUchwXUAb5ZAA/s1600/alaska+072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnhzr_B41oTdsxmOLJxaYeCxqYDjEAeNaOuZiznU96EQwqJr2XxGX5nZ5dCj21YI9GzbdoSiKMvHwOYM1wKDeRXEfbCbIqTQHlNlNz_PNgeWJYLvuwl3JKiqfanu1CxCGUchwXUAb5ZAA/s640/alaska+072.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Campground had a gravel surface and people from all over the world. English felt like a minority language at times. Seemed to be a hippy element in the town as well. Would love to spend several days here again sometime. To leave town to the west on Saturday would require a ferry ride across the Yukon River. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6rmnWG89Hw3bN5YcC1r1Y-JJyZdM6-3E0I7fsioQctXTDQHbSvfTbUnfzNXz790-EaTDCMGLSrP_u6mrLdjq9JmX2oeriuGsHPuUBaU_8poh9FEq1DGUAdaMeZQpAhj6RJH2KCuSf_3c/s1600/alaska+081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6rmnWG89Hw3bN5YcC1r1Y-JJyZdM6-3E0I7fsioQctXTDQHbSvfTbUnfzNXz790-EaTDCMGLSrP_u6mrLdjq9JmX2oeriuGsHPuUBaU_8poh9FEq1DGUAdaMeZQpAhj6RJH2KCuSf_3c/s640/alaska+081.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tammy always took advantage of the late night daylight to get a little extra reading in. Just not sure about her choice of books to read. Note the sleep mask to turn the lights out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8kg84os3hmJEpSl_F7S7mPMvFqL3qPEL0nXSFSMNFthktb7rCuQMVjlYyYKJAMo_VK32dQqhyphenhypheneBRxirZ2aLgjlZn4ycNk-H36lnZ8okRQItVrjZTP1JQqeqISruxEPdRAikjxqaCN7aU/s1600/IMG_3346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8kg84os3hmJEpSl_F7S7mPMvFqL3qPEL0nXSFSMNFthktb7rCuQMVjlYyYKJAMo_VK32dQqhyphenhypheneBRxirZ2aLgjlZn4ycNk-H36lnZ8okRQItVrjZTP1JQqeqISruxEPdRAikjxqaCN7aU/s640/IMG_3346.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>2wheeladventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17960832745755014043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755554265019958517.post-69552458246799535272010-07-08T23:28:00.005-05:002011-01-26T22:58:53.832-06:00Day 10 - June 23rd, 2010 Watson Lake, YT to Carmacks, YTToday the hope was to get north of Whitehorse, most likely Carmacks. That would leave only 200 miles to Dawson City and the Dust to Dawson Rally. We'll most likely be back at this same campground west of Watson Lake in about three or four weeks when we head south on Hwy 37 thru British Columbia.<br />
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The Watson Lake campground advertised having the cleanest bathrooms in the Yukon and I believe them. Food at adjacent restaurant was excellent but again pricey. Picture of Watson Lake campsite; you can see the Spot messenger on the picnic table sending our location home.<br />
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Today was a day to really appreciate the heated vest and gloves. These two items have made cool, early morning and rain riding completely tolerable. Gear is working great but will ship some home from Fairbanks to make packing easier. Stopped for a late breakfast in Teslin and met two other riders heading to Dawson, one from Oregon on a KLR and the other on a BMW w/trailer from CA I think. KLR guy would be seen several more times on the trip. His KLR had an FMF after-market exhaust that was destroying itself and was way too loud. I would see him again on the Haul Road north of Fairbanks and his muffler had completely lost its internals. I heard he had a friend send his original muffler from Oregon to AK to replace the noisy FMF.<br />
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Bridge over the river at Teslin is scary for motorcyclists. It has an open-grated metal surface and is over 2,200 feet long. You can look down while you're riding and see the water below. You quickly lose your focus of the road surface doing this. And, all this time the steel grating is making the bike wobble back and forth requiring constant adjustments.<br />
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Stopped in Whitehorse for gas and a snack at McDonalds. Town seemed filled with Native Americans/Eskimos with nothing to do but look at us. Kind of an uneasy feeling. North of Whitehorse, Tammy led and this is where we most likely avoided a speeding ticket from the Canadian trooper. Glad she was leading and had switched her odo to metric.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWAHMm83PH33Rg9Pl1DYCPovm0sz_Gxi684PP0rGsYajHOMBDtWjmnwtyWMpFMRTBDTGc3biNgog-44ypspu1k0Zu6GYmqandJwDhVmVShDRji1BL0ryj8jqeJlUXP4gHAJ4QdgWNWECl/s1600/alaska+068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWAHMm83PH33Rg9Pl1DYCPovm0sz_Gxi684PP0rGsYajHOMBDtWjmnwtyWMpFMRTBDTGc3biNgog-44ypspu1k0Zu6GYmqandJwDhVmVShDRji1BL0ryj8jqeJlUXP4gHAJ4QdgWNWECl/s640/alaska+068.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Carmacks was once a large city at the confluence of two rivers. Was where Indian tribes, trappers, and miners gathered to trade product. Today, its a gas station/store with more people standing around. Glad the campground was a little outside town. Camped 25 feet from the Yukon River. Managed to drop my bike turning around at the campsite; loose sand just pushed when I put my foot down.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNeQUPVgh_PBNoTjcbZaEvjLLucMgqPrapwWYAEM6LSowq4HLEtjJuAppJ3l0VoICsYd2G0yABoS0Lc30ep46ZwKpxwahMhI844SVDAYTd2dVF6W3gcnGfAJff1LlVTv1SmjcGpWoEIm7/s1600/alaska+070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNeQUPVgh_PBNoTjcbZaEvjLLucMgqPrapwWYAEM6LSowq4HLEtjJuAppJ3l0VoICsYd2G0yABoS0Lc30ep46ZwKpxwahMhI844SVDAYTd2dVF6W3gcnGfAJff1LlVTv1SmjcGpWoEIm7/s640/alaska+070.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Nice campground with good food served. Surprised there was not other Dawson bound riders here being this close to the rally.<br />
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On to Dawson City tomorrow.2wheeladventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17960832745755014043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755554265019958517.post-35499074691042483612010-07-06T12:05:00.011-05:002011-01-26T23:00:38.873-06:00Day 9 - June 22nd, 2010 Testa River Outfitters to Watson Lake, YTToday's scenery, Testa River to Watson Lake, would be a combination of ongoing road repairs, long stretches of forested roadway, and frequent turquoise colored lakes. We would also enter Canada's Yukon Territory for the first time and see Watson Lake's sign post park. <br />
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Rode next to Muncho Lake for miles and never did see a boat on the lake. Seems to be more lakes up here than fishermen.<br />
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Road repairs on the highway are an on-going thing every summer on the Alaska Highway. We talked to several construction workers who were on the road all summer just doing these repair patches. Frost heaves would be scrapped off with a blade, base material removed to create a new, deeper base, and a combination of gravel and calcium chloride compacted back in. Finally, a sharp chip seal rock was placed on top with the intent of the motoring public compacting the road. Some sections had loose rock chips 2 inches deep on top. Not Tammy's favorite road surface. However, signage and flagging warning us of upcoming loose gravel was good.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUiVyA6q4bORzoKKP4ZCfsi2uL9uF18YV7kvbDU_1dIMw5R7F3oTY28sfdP2hMyraFfjVBQ8wefEl_K8J1CNrj-e3KFTZ0JqSl7VVzo14t5sPEMkKGdtJG333__mN8Cu8oPNR7gIszcg_/s1600/alaska+065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUiVyA6q4bORzoKKP4ZCfsi2uL9uF18YV7kvbDU_1dIMw5R7F3oTY28sfdP2hMyraFfjVBQ8wefEl_K8J1CNrj-e3KFTZ0JqSl7VVzo14t5sPEMkKGdtJG333__mN8Cu8oPNR7gIszcg_/s640/alaska+065.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Saw our first of several free roaming buffalo along the road today. They simply ignore the traffic but would frequently roam across the road in front of us. It was the single, free roaming bulls that intimidated us motorcyclists the most.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhhXp-TJcl7XhD-goEWBDL5mnc3LfZF_K4P1dT7IHIoPz7Qz-FogBsR2HqXkahbOVcSkgmnuckgF_dwSCca36nkcq8Cq5-QaqwtfrQvwQ7pj2iI0avxhv_-A_57OxW5bazkBAS8ChKHgN/s1600/alaska+060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhhXp-TJcl7XhD-goEWBDL5mnc3LfZF_K4P1dT7IHIoPz7Qz-FogBsR2HqXkahbOVcSkgmnuckgF_dwSCca36nkcq8Cq5-QaqwtfrQvwQ7pj2iI0avxhv_-A_57OxW5bazkBAS8ChKHgN/s640/alaska+060.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5CEdBryN-y3dWAF_UWj24j0TH1Gzeeo6Y2W8-30viPSEGTbEa5SgeTYV03N1j4sHde1WId9S0nKFDKDVjORDYmDCDSxfUg257S0cQuD3cOy5ngOE2QKE5yaap77gDnaksS__FMZ2WnwM/s1600/IMG_3332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5CEdBryN-y3dWAF_UWj24j0TH1Gzeeo6Y2W8-30viPSEGTbEa5SgeTYV03N1j4sHde1WId9S0nKFDKDVjORDYmDCDSxfUg257S0cQuD3cOy5ngOE2QKE5yaap77gDnaksS__FMZ2WnwM/s640/IMG_3332.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>Stopped at the Liard River Hot Springs but did not take the time for a soak. Plenty of mosquitos here plus a super strong sulfur smell. Saw this trailer in the parking lot of the hot springs. Would see it again later on the Alaska Hwy with a broken axle. Go figure.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaQK9zt58O49eV-q1uwdRe2_PsyQcE6vGQu4VPalSnSyF8cxYmg8XrwnjtcUgQGn4-bvgedhcMaUcBcswqjQ2Dcfs3ijOR3eZ8iKv5yL8CJPza-YJM6xl3Vn5Yc0DXPoMMGQ8U6eVAsAR/s1600/IMG_3329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaQK9zt58O49eV-q1uwdRe2_PsyQcE6vGQu4VPalSnSyF8cxYmg8XrwnjtcUgQGn4-bvgedhcMaUcBcswqjQ2Dcfs3ijOR3eZ8iKv5yL8CJPza-YJM6xl3Vn5Yc0DXPoMMGQ8U6eVAsAR/s640/IMG_3329.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Watson Lake's sign post park was impressive. I forget the number of posted signs but its something like 60,000. City continually puts up new posts for the public and mows the walkways between the signs. Next time I'm bringing a Lake Okoboji, IA sign. The information center here has a great display with many photos, displays, and facts regarding construction of the Alaska Highway. Well worth the stop.<br />
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Camped twenty miles west of Watson Lake at the intersection with the Hwy 37/Cassiar Highway. We planned to travel down thru British Columbia on this "highway" after leaving AK in a month. Great campground with a super friendly host..2wheeladventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17960832745755014043noreply@blogger.com0