tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71646077578741393342024-03-07T19:13:18.913-08:00Texas to Alaskaa motorcycle journey 2upjglowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15751392704896185803noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164607757874139334.post-84513319942146479322010-07-04T18:59:00.000-07:002020-05-01T17:27:34.425-07:00Albuquerque, NM to Post, TX & Post, TX to HOMEDay 34 & 35 - July 3-4, 2010<br />
Mileage Today: 395 + 311<br />
Total Trip Mileage: 10,116<br />
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Today we are headed to Roswell, NM on our way home. They are having a 4th of July/Alien Fest thing going on, so we are going to check it out.<br />
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Heading South to Roswell:<br />
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<a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#923173249_necZN-A-LB"><img src="https://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-34-35-003/923173249_necZN-M.jpg"></a><br />
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They really go all out with the alien theme here:<br />
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<a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#923263198_nzqaz-A-LB"><img src="https://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-34-35-007/923263198_nzqaz-M.jpg"></a><br />
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<a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#923174017_7ey63-A-LB"><img src="https://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-34-35-005/923174017_7ey63-M.jpg"></a><br />
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<a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#923174763_nTYAR-A-LB"><img src="https://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-34-35-006/923174763_nTYAR-M.jpg"></a><br />
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We walk around an expo area where people are peddling their various alien swag, and pick up a sticker to add to the side cases on the bike. Then we go out to the street to watch the parade.<br />
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What a lousy excuse for a parade. It was 30 minuets late getting started, and it was only like 5 minuets long. Seriously. It also included a pathetic rap/rock/outer-space themed band on a trailer with the poorest quality sound system we have ever heard. For your viewing pleasure:<br />
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<a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#923175447_5xZQm-A-LB"><img src="https://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-34-35-009/923175447_5xZQm-M.jpg"></a><br />
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And the rest of the parade:<br />
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<a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#923176185_jL9qV-A-LB"><img src="https://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-34-35-010/923176185_jL9qV-M.jpg"></a><br />
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<a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#923176995_bSd5w-A-LB"><img src="https://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-34-35-013/923176995_bSd5w-M.jpg"></a><br />
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We checked out the local museum and then headed out. We figured we would get as far East as we could today, that way tomorrow would be less of a drive to get home.<br />
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Heading East towards some rain.<br />
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<a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#923177756_FeMJU-A-LB"><img src="https://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-34-35-018/923177756_FeMJU-M.jpg"></a><br />
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Shortly before we entered Texas, we hit the rain, and it was pretty impressive. <br />
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<a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#923178498_SUxow-A-LB"><img src="https://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-34-35-019/923178498_SUxow-M.jpg"></a><br />
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It seems about par for this trip to have very odd weather. We went to Alaska in June (when it is colder) because the consensus is that it’s drier - it wasn’t. We spend a week in the Pacific Northwest (commonly referred to as the Pacific NorthWet) and it never rained. And now while in West Texas, where they average 8” (inches) of rain a year, they have received upwards of 6” in the past few days.<br />
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We ride through the rain for about 2 hours, and find a motel to stop at in Post, TX. *A quick observation about Post, TX (and probably similar West Texas towns). This place reeks terribly of oil. It hangs in the air, creeps into all the buildings, and saturates everything with a stench. Now, I realize that the odor may equate to $$money$$, but I would sure hate to live there. It seems impossible that you could live their your whole life without getting some terrible lung disease, but I digress…<br />
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So, we stay in the motel and crank the A/C all the way up so it runs constantly, and hopefully filters some of the air. We are awakened in the morning by the sound of thunder. Apparently it has been raining all night, resulting in this:<br />
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<a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#923179247_MaYjC-A-LB"><img src="https://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-34-35-020/923179247_MaYjC-M.jpg"></a><br />
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There were flash flood warnings, and for some reason (not the obvious one) the Tornado Sirens kept going off in the town. We wait for the rain let up some, then quickly pack the bike, and head out to get wet. The roads were really flooded, it was like driving through creek crossings at a lot of the intersections.<br />
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<a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#923180068_W6Aai-A-LB"><img src="https://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-34-35-028/923180068_W6Aai-M.jpg"></a><br />
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After about 180 miles or so we finally got out of the rain, and into the sun. Within a couple of hours we were back home.<br />
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<a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#923180858_rdNUr-A-LB"><img src="https://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-34-35-034/923180858_rdNUr-M.jpg"></a><br />
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<a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#923172418_WtdEF-A-LB"><img src="https://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-34-35-043/923172418_WtdEF-M.jpg"></a><br />
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And a reunion with this guy:<br />
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<a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#923296203_Pzit4-A-LB"><img src="https://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/061/923296203_Pzit4-M.jpg"></a><br />
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It was amazing trip. The bike ran perfectly, minus the chain/sprocket issue which is still unresolved, but got us home, and is technically a wear item. My wife is an awesome travel companion, and we got to experience some amazing scenery together. We took over 3,500 pictures and met some really awesome people. A truly epic journey. Thanks for following along.<br />
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Now back to <a href="https://dallasgaragefloorcoatings.com/">epoxy garage floors and Glow Coatings</a>.<br />
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jordanjglowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15751392704896185803noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164607757874139334.post-62582517725978296732010-07-04T16:45:00.000-07:002010-07-04T18:29:45.624-07:00Moab, UT to Albuquerque, NMDay 33 - July 2, 2010<br />Mileage Today: 411<br />Total Trip Mileage: 9,821 <br /><br />First thing this morning is to go get some breakfast from the Moab Diner. Then we head out of town towards the 4 corners monument.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#923166135_HwPot-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-33-004/923166135_HwPot-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#923166950_groRN-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-33-009/923166950_groRN-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />We leave Utah and enter Colorado.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#923167682_4Czv5-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-33-014/923167682_4Czv5-M.jpg"></a><br />(graffiti-ed prior to our arrival)<br /> <br />The 4 corners monument is where the corners of Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico all touch. Unfortunately, the actual monument was closed for “construction” although I didn’t see anybody working. Here is the monument from behind a chain-link fence.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#923168482_wj44M-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-33-019/923168482_wj44M-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />And a lovely piece of painted plywood with a diagram explaining the monument that you are forbidden access to.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#923171579_sPYYa-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-33-020/923171579_sPYYa-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Some scenery from the parking area:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#923170873_hVdrr-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-33-021/923170873_hVdrr-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Leaving the monument we enter Arizona for a bit.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#923170149_WXHKv-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-33-023/923170149_WXHKv-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Then into New Mexico.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#923169343_NJowW-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-33-022/923169343_NJowW-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Where we picked up I-40 and headed east. We got stuck in some mega traffic because the highway was shut down due to a accident ahead. I never realized how much of a pain it is to be stuck in traffic on a motorcycle. Especially on a motorcycle that is slightly too tall for me to touch both my feet flat to the ground. We pass by the carnage from the accident and continue on into Albuquerque. <br /><br />We got a motel room tonight at a Motel 6 that has recently been renovated to that new sort of ultra modern/modular décor (kind of like the fancy McDonalds). Check it out.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#923165329_5ASTN-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-33-033/923165329_5ASTN-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Best $39.99 of the trip.<br /><br />We were also treated to a slightly entertaining domestic disturbance next door, but it was over soon enough and we had to find something on TV to entertain us. Then we went to sleep with the plan to get up and out early and head to Roswell, NM.<br /><br /><br />jordanjglowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15751392704896185803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164607757874139334.post-86002952163114633502010-07-02T20:15:00.000-07:002010-07-03T18:07:06.621-07:00Ely, NV to Moab, UTDay 32 - July 1, 2010<br />Mileage Today: 440<br />Total Trip Mileage: 9,410<br /><br /><br />We depart from Ely, NV by about 8am and continue down Hwy 50 toward Utah.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#921321277_i3J6Q-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-32-006/921321277_i3J6Q-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Still plenty of desolation to go around…<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#921321637_7ZPEC-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-32-020/921321637_7ZPEC-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Desert in front, desert behind.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#921321464_xWWnz-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-32-019/921321464_xWWnz-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />But the scenery is starting to change a bit as we head into Utah.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#921321783_ZG3jz-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-32-025/921321783_ZG3jz-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br />Lush greenness in the middle of the desert; the miracle of irrigation.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#921321948_iRoX2-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-32-058/921321948_iRoX2-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />We stopped for lunch at a small burger stand. Since we are in Utah, they include a tub of fry sauce for dipping your French fries in. Apparently fry sauce is a mixture of ketchup, mayonnaise and pickle juice (?)<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#921322136_B2LVx-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-32-060/921322136_B2LVx-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Hwy 50 eventually junctions with I-70, which carries us through this scenery:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#921322288_pkApy-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-32-061/921322288_pkApy-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#921326665_mQnmr-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-32-133/921326665_mQnmr-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#921297894_qP7RJ-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-607/921297894_qP7RJ-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#921298403_aFpeU-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-614/921298403_aFpeU-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />We make it to Moab, UT and it is super hot. We find a place to set up camp, ditch our gear, and head to Arches National Park. <br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#921327299_5QM74-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-32-224/921327299_5QM74-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#921327132_Pcbp6-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-32-205/921327132_Pcbp6-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#921326824_pstPr-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-32-175/921326824_pstPr-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#921298613_jGdAF-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-627/921298613_jGdAF-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Then back to camp for the night.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#921329052_8ggMs-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-636/921329052_8ggMs-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#921327501_zsMPh-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-635/921327501_zsMPh-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br />jordanjglowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15751392704896185803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164607757874139334.post-28004659763883279662010-07-01T22:54:00.000-07:002010-07-01T23:16:43.843-07:00Redding, CA to Ely, NVDay 31 - June 30, 2010<br />Mileage Today: 530<br />Total Trip Mileage: 8,970<br /><br />Today is a really just a travel day for us. We have no stops planned along the way, just going to pound out the miles heading East.<br /><br />The last bit of forest as we head out of California:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#920585811_FpbWJ-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-31-003/920585811_FpbWJ-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />And into the High Deserts…<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#920588012_JgPyf-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-31-035/920588012_JgPyf-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />In Nevada!<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#920583839_Yxzup-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-31-007/920583839_Yxzup-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />We make a quick stop at the REI in Reno to do an exchange. See, we bought this air pillow for Nikki before the trip. It packed down to the size of a pair of socks, and was insulated as well. Everything looked good on paper, but she used it the very first night way back in Kansas, she was not very impressed. We decided that she must be using it wrong, so for the next several nights she tried every variation in inflation pressures, positions, wrapping it in articles of clothing, but nothing worked. By this time we were into Montana, and had passed all the REI’s that we would encounter until Washington. She was stuck with it. When we finally got to Washington there was something always prevented us from being able to get there. It was either too early, or we were too busy, or we would forget until it came time to go to sleep. Finally in Reno we remember and exchanged the pillow for a standard foam one. A lot of effort considering we only have like 4 days left in the trip.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#920584973_MUBuq-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-31-008/920584973_MUBuq-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Right outside of Reno we pick up Hwy 50 the supposed “Loneliest Road in America”.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#920657015_BZrHi-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-31-1/920657015_BZrHi-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />The stretches between services were no greater than the longer ones on the way to Alaska, but the landscape certainly seemed way more desolate - totally devoid of water, and anything warm blooded (at least that's the vibe I got).<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#920587411_8b3Tz-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-31-030/920587411_8b3Tz-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Although, you could probably get rich if there was a demand for harvesting sand...<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#920657562_vJTrk-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-31-029/920657562_vJTrk-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />This was to be our scenery for the next several hours and several hundred miles.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#920586612_HJ3hx-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-31-050/920586612_HJ3hx-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />We finally rolled into Ely, NV at about 7:30pm. We found some quick lodging, ditched the bike and gear, and ran over to see a movie. A civilized night on the town, and a well deserved bed after 500 miles in the desert.<br /><br /><br />jordanjglowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15751392704896185803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164607757874139334.post-67580692557248105702010-06-30T00:12:00.000-07:002010-06-30T21:33:42.643-07:00Fortuna, CA to Redding, CADay 30 - June 29,2010<br />Mileage Today: 313<br />Total Trip Mileage: 8,440<br /><br />The perfect days keep piling up, and today looks to be no exception. We are eager to get moving today because it looks like it will be a long one. The plan for today is to find the “Lost Coast Highway” and take it South down to the beginning of the “Avenue of the Giants” and ride the Avenue back North. After we finish riding through the “Avenue of the Giants”, we will head East towards a planned destination of Redding, CA.<br /><br />So, the “Lost Coast” is an undeveloped stretch of coast a bit South of Eureka, CA. The terrain was too harsh, rugged, and costly for the state to build a large highway through, so the highway (Hwy 101) treks East for a bit to go around. This leaves a large area of wide open ranch land that butts right up to the Pacific Ocean, and is only accessable by a very narrow, poorly maintained road. It was the best thing ever! <br /><br />See for yourself:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918471057_RhMxi-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-30-010/918471057_RhMxi-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918471130_65LHm-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-30-011/918471130_65LHm-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br />I don’t know if you remember those commercials on TV about the “Happy Cows” that make better cheese because they live in California, and it is absolutely perfect. This is where the “Happy Cows” live for sure.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918696043_xdszA-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-30-050/918696043_xdszA-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />A minor mishap - <br /><br />Usually Nikki takes pictures with the point and shoot digital camera while I drive. Occasionally we will come to a spot that we may want to get off the bike and use the tripod, use the other camera, get a different angle, ect… I park the bike, we get the shots, then continue on. Done it a million times (or at least 82). But remember I mentioned that the “Lost Coast Highway” was really narrow, right? So, I was making sure I got all the way over, as close to the ditch as possible, when the bike fell over and shucked us both off into the ditch. <br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918471346_Du6Aa-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-30-044/918471346_Du6Aa-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />It actually fell over a few degrees past horizontal. It was hilarious! We were in the middle of nowhere (or so it seemed) with no one to witness our debacle, we could really laugh about it and document it with photos.<br /><br />BTW Nikki is still buried in the ditch in this pic - have a closer look -><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918471171_yRUaE-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-30-042/918471171_yRUaE-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br />We eventually got the bike turned right-side-up, finished laughing, and press on.<br /><br />Continuing down the road we get our first glimpse of the coast line: <br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918472129_wtmz6-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-30-080/918472129_wtmz6-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />It was hard to believe you were actually in a place like this, or that a place like this still existed, in super developed California no less.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918467074_JujEf-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-561/918467074_JujEf-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918472167_A5zj3-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-30-118/918472167_A5zj3-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918467586_vwmqQ-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-573/918467586_vwmqQ-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />We soak it in for a while…<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918467026_WSjuP-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-540/918467026_WSjuP-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Turn our backs to the Ocean and begin to climb back into the mountains to intersect with the “Avenue of the Giants”.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918472506_JnHEC-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-30-165/918472506_JnHEC-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Came across a couple on a couple of KTM motorbikes, one of which had a flat front tire. We stopped, lent some tools, and made sure they got it all changed without any problems.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918469374_pihSV-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-582/918469374_pihSV-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />(we figure we could use all the extra Karma points just incase)<br /><br />Time for lunch.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918707668_HuypE-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-30-201/918707668_HuypE-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Then to the “Avenue of the Giants”<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918472562_xqRk5-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-30-255/918472562_xqRk5-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />The “Avenue of the Giants” is actually a 30 mile section of the old Hwy 101. It meanders through several groves of Redwoods and Giant Sequoias.<br /><br />Simply amazing…<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918472536_oqh2R-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-30-229/918472536_oqh2R-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Just to give you some sort of scale.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918472589_Tdt4x-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-30-259/918472589_Tdt4x-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918469759_dtV7p-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-593/918469759_dtV7p-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />The tallest Redwoods here tower to a height of over 350 feet.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918469727_UWfTD-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-583/918469727_UWfTD-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918469842_ELmks-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-596/918469842_ELmks-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />By the time we got done with the Redwoods, it was already 4pm, and we still had a ways yet to go. We gassed up and hopped on Hwy 36 East. This road was 150 miles of hairpins, steep grades, and switchbacks. I am glad we were on a motorcycle, but it was still hard work, and by the time we arrived in Redding we were beat - or at least I was.<br /><br />Landscape is starting to dry out.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918472706_oM6gm-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-30-270/918472706_oM6gm-M.jpg"></a><br /> <br />This will be a theme for the next couple of days as we head into some high deserts.<br /><br />Taking a break.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918472785_ssYdz-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-30-272/918472785_ssYdz-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />We are No Tell - Motel-ling it tonight. It is nice to have TV and a proper desk to type this blog on. Tomorrow we head into Nevada, and what I fear will be triple digit heat.<br /><br /><br />jordanjglowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15751392704896185803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164607757874139334.post-83915795781223433652010-06-29T21:57:00.000-07:002010-06-29T22:15:46.918-07:00Prospect, OR to Fortuna, CADay 29 - June 28, 2010<br />Mileage Today: 320<br />Total Trip Mileage: 8,127<br /><br />Today we are headed back West to the coast in Southern Oregon where we will pick up Hwy 101 (Pacific Coast Trail) and follow it into California. We camped last night about 60 miles outside of Crater Lake, near the town of Prospect, OR. We studied the maps a bit in the morning and decided on the route that would be the most linear move West (as opposed to the more obvious route that would have taken us Southwest), which would give us more time along the Oregon coast as we headed south. The route we chose was called “Bear Camp Coastal Trail”. It was basically a series of Forest Service roads from the town of Grants Pass to the town of Gold Beach. We weren’t really expecting such a great ride this morning.<br /><br />I will let the pictures set the scene:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918388851_3JZLm-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-29-018/918388851_3JZLm-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918389441_434JE-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-29-027/918389441_434JE-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918389702_vaaBc-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-29-072/918389702_vaaBc-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918389747_LTeaQ-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-29-078/918389747_LTeaQ-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />A wrong turn (or perhaps *missed* turn) led us a few miles in the wrong direction, but with weather and scenery like this, who cares?<br /><br /><br />Some flora we found along the way:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918390918_sah32-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-482/918390918_sah32-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918391055_5mqdC-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-494/918391055_5mqdC-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918390982_wP85V-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-488/918390982_wP85V-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Eventually we made it through the trail and out to the coast:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918389805_N3mct-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-29-135/918389805_N3mct-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />We worked our way down Hwy 101 and entered California.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918389943_KcReB-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-29-206/918389943_KcReB-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />The views from the highway were incredible…<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918391175_sDK7M-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-523/918391175_sDK7M-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918391376_nAHz2-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-532/918391376_nAHz2-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Then we found a nice campground just outside of the Redwoods State Park, where we will head tomorrow.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#918390651_PMU8y-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-29-231/918390651_PMU8y-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br />jordanjglowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15751392704896185803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164607757874139334.post-8564771612606815862010-06-28T21:53:00.001-07:002010-06-29T07:29:17.569-07:00Cascade Locks, OR to Prospect, ORDay 28 - June 27, 2010<br />Mileage Today: 355<br />Total Trip Mileage: 7,807<br /><br />Sunny from the start this morning. That has not happened in quite sometime. We had a pressing matter to attend to this morning.<br /> The problem: When we arrived in Bellingham, WA off of the ferry there were no “Washington” signs, and as you may have noticed, we like to take our picture in front of those signs. We do have a contingency plan to deal with such an event: take the picture of the sign when you leave the state. There were 2 problems with this.<br /> <br />1. We were on I-205 (the equivalent to 635 in Dallas) with no good place to stop.<br /> 2. When states are bordered by rivers, they tend to put the signs on the middle of the bridge that crosses that river. Again, no good place to stop.<br /><br /> The solution: Well, as luck would have it, we camped on the Columbia River last night, and that just so happens to be the border between Washington and Oregon. There just happened to be a bridge back across to Washington that we had spotted the previous night while out looking for some dinner. <br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#916605669_xV6GT-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-27-099/916605669_xV6GT-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />It was a small local highway, totally do-able.<br /><br />Too bad they put the sign in the worst possible location, but we made it work (thanks <a href="http://joby.com/gorillapod">gorilla-pod</a>):<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#917155058_pFGnB-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-28-009/917155058_pFGnB-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Once that task was completed, we headed back to the interstate via some lovely state highways:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#917174382_MWErn-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-28-021/917174382_MWErn-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#917174355_nVRRL-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-28-023/917174355_nVRRL-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />We burned down I-5 for a while, then took some more state highways towards Crater Lake. This is where I encountered the longest straightest road I have ever seen with my own (personal) 2 eyes:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#917174410_Aq3LB-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-28-025/917174410_Aq3LB-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />We make it to Crater Lake National Park and start climbing in elevation to reach the summit and view the lake.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#917174469_rXYai-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-28-035/917174469_rXYai-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Perfectly smooth water. Craziest, most intense blue I have seen, and still snow everywhere.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#917154860_wvqKZ-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-450/917154860_wvqKZ-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />The reflections were amazing.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#917154937_wtFsS-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-456/917154937_wtFsS-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Some more angles, as this was the highlight of the day:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#917174571_UZfT9-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-28-067/917174571_UZfT9-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />And some shots from the way out to find camp:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#917174635_Ur9Mn-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-28-075/917174635_Ur9Mn-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#917185692_kX7pM-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-28-081/917185692_kX7pM-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Beautiful accommodations this evening courtesy of Oregon State Parks:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#917185833_MhV8Y-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-28-084/917185833_MhV8Y-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br />jordanjglowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15751392704896185803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164607757874139334.post-62491645957440352122010-06-28T13:21:00.000-07:002010-06-28T13:39:31.017-07:00Kalaloch, WA to Cascade Locks, ORDay 27 - June 26, 2010<br />Mileage Today: 391<br />Total Trip Mileage: 7,452<br /><br />We woke up a bit later than normal this morning. I guess we are still a bit used to Alaska time. We did our regular routine of packing up and loading the bike, but now we have added a new item to the list of morning tasks - locate a Safeway. This has been the single best find for breakfast this trip. We are able to get some muffins, coffee, wifi, and gasoline all in one stop. <br /><br />A bit of a cloudy start out of Kalaloch…<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#916604557_K8Eqg-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-27-006/916604557_K8Eqg-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />… but today we are headed inland to visit Mt. St. Helens, and they say all you have to do is travel a bit in to the interior to get out of the cloud belt.<br /><br />Beautiful, warm, sunshine:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#916604835_tY6EV-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-27-013/916604835_tY6EV-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#916604955_CHBSE-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-27-029/916604955_CHBSE-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />(and Mt. St. Helens in the distance)<br /><br />The 50 mile ride from the interstate into Mt. St. Helens Park is incredible. You climb up 4,000 feet in elevation on a twisty mountain road. It wasn’t long before you could start to see the remnants from the eruption in 1980.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#916605164_esgnJ-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-27-044/916605164_esgnJ-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />The above pictured river valley was filled in width debris from the collapsed peak, after the eruption, to a depth of 600ft in some areas, totally burying the river. Over the past 30 years the river has started to cut a new path.<br /><br />Side view of the Volcano:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#916605407_T6ZHk-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-27-058/916605407_T6ZHk-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />We continued on to the Observation Center on Johnston Ridge. This was the location where a USGS Vulcanologist was monitoring activity within the Volcano when it actually erupted. He was overcome by the pyroclastic flow, but he managed to send out a distress call; <a href="http://www.fogonazos.es/2007/08/vancouver-vancouver-this-is-it.html">“Vancouver, Vancouver this is it!”</a> (<-click for more info)<br /><br />The view from the observatory is the familiar one, the huge crater left from the eruption in 1980.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#916605894_pmNLP-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-425/916605894_pmNLP-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />After the eruption Mt. St. Helens had lost 1,300 feet in elevation.<br /><br />Downed trees that were within the blast zone of the eruption still lay blown down in the direction of the blast:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#916613854_Faphq-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-435/916613854_Faphq-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />It was a bit surreal being in that close of proximity to something that is capable of causing so much destruction. Not to mention this thing was also actively building lava domes from 2004-2008. <br /><br />So, we have been gone for about a month now. We have gone about 7,000 miles. I am tired, Nikki is tired, but I didn’t realize how tired the bike had become. As we were pulling out of the parking spot at the observatory Mr. V-Strom gets all narcoleptic-ey and decides right then and there that he is taking a nap.<br />I then kindly asked the people picnicking at there car directly adjacent to my sleeping V-Strom if they would take our picture.<br /><br />Narco-Strom:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#916605553_pQikC-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-27-082/916605553_pQikC-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Only the second drop of the trip. I would have guessed it much higher.<br /><br />Then we hauled out to find some camping. We crossed into Oregon, where we found our site, and set up our tent…<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#916605727_D5wyC-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-27-100/916605727_D5wyC-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />under a canopy of tall trees.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#916605836_cBaxF-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-27-102/916605836_cBaxF-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br />jordanjglowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15751392704896185803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164607757874139334.post-57319039725512654722010-06-27T09:20:00.000-07:002010-06-27T09:48:54.739-07:00Bellingham, WA to Kalaloch, WADay 27 - June 26, 2010<br />Mileage Today: 245<br />Total Trip Mileage: 7,061<br /><br />The departure from the Ferry was rushed and crowded, but overall uneventful. It felt really nice to be back on the bike again, back to reasonable gas prices (*relatively), and back to having access to a fast food dollar menu. We had ample time today to get to our destination on the coast in the Olympic National Park - a good day to get back into the groove. After gassing up the bike, we headed down towards the Olympic Peninsula. <br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#914036465_UsW3G-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-26-064/914036465_UsW3G-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />This required us to get onto another ferry, which took us across some body of water to Port Townsend. <br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#914036295_49Aic-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-22-26-096/914036295_49Aic-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />This is where we found a McDonalds and picked up some sweet tea that we had been so desperate for. I also discovered that Safeway grocery stores offer free wifi, so we sat out front of the grocery store and updated the blog (about the ferry ride). Then it was off to our first Point of Interest of the day.<br /><br />Forks, WA:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#914036525_FoRvX-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-26-073/914036525_FoRvX-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Why is this place famous ? Anybody? <a href="http://twilightsaga.wikia.com/wiki/Forks,_Washington">Click Here</a> if you need the answer.<br /><br />Yep. The home of hunky teen vampires and werewolves.<br /><br />A quick stop by the grocery store to get something to cook up for dinner, then off into the Olympic National Park.<br /><br />Nikki's Photo Skills (nice layered landscape, eh?):<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#914036428_F753F-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-26-041/914036428_F753F-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Into the park:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#914041947_BVFyc-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-424/914041947_BVFyc-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Huge Spruce trees.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#914041849_8FCxr-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-404/914041849_8FCxr-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />A rain forest in Washington, who knew?<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#914036563_9wUyw-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-26-088/914036563_9wUyw-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#914041922_phL4W-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-406/914041922_phL4W-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br />After meandering through the park for a while, we headed back out to find our campsite for the night. We didn’t make very many reservations on this trip at campgrounds, as we didn’t want to feel like we “had” to make to a certain point on a certain day. However, we knew we would be in Washington today because of the ferry, and we knew we could easily make the miles. Plus the fact that we wanted ocean side camping on a Friday night in the summer made it pretty necessary to have a site reserved.<br /><br />Good thing…<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#914036769_ig5Da-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-26-101/914036769_ig5Da-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Set-up camp next to a gnarly looking tree:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#914036696_ruqJN-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-26-099/914036696_ruqJN-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Flame-seared the sausage for dinner (unintentionally):<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#914036667_urqu2-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-26-096/914036667_urqu2-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />And run to check out the water:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#914036806_cYWbF-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-26-107/914036806_cYWbF-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />We made it to the real Pacific Ocean. No “bay” or “inlet” or “passage”.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#914984269_fisk9-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-26-109/914984269_fisk9-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />It was a weird night trying to sleep. Both Nikki and I still had the sensation of swaying like we were on the boat still. I am sure that hearing the waves crash on the beach all night didn’t help our minds shake loose our sea legs. Anyhow… Fantastic day.<br /><br /><br />jordanjglowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15751392704896185803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164607757874139334.post-80743424998208845552010-06-25T12:09:00.000-07:002010-07-14T12:58:56.079-07:00Ferry Ride South - Haines, AK to Bellingham, WADays 22-26 - June 21- 25, 2010<br /><br />The Alaska Marine Highway Ferry didn’t depart from Haines until 7:00 pm, so we had almost an entire day to burn up in Haines. Considering that we had gotten to Haines the day before super early, we had already kind of exhausted any sort of entertainment options that were available. We went and had a Breakfast Bear-ritto and biscuits & gravy for breakfast at the local bakery. The food was fair, and the price is what you would probably expect from somewhere that tries to make an entire year’s income in about 1/3 of the time. Went back and loitered around our campsite, doing laundry, showering, and generally wearing out our welcome. Then finally loaded up the bike and headed to the local grocery store. <br /><br />*Note: <br /> Shopping while hungry is a dangerous thing. Shopping while hungry with the knowledge that you are going to be on a boat for four (4) days is down right insane. You have totally forgotten the fact that you are on a motorcycle that is already packed to the max with your current livelihood bungeed to all horizontal surfaces. Storage and transportation is not an issue for you at the moment - you just really need to find the aerosol cheese. The end result is a grocery bag full of way too much food for 2 people considering the length of time you will be on the ship. But, not just any grocery bag. It’s on of those eco-reusable bags because you are sort-of an eco-conscious hipster (if you disregard the fact that in your daily working life (coatings applications) you probably release more <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volatile_organic_compound">V.O.C.</a> a day than you could make up for in a lifetime of using said eco-reusable bags). <br /><br />The Result:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#913224408_QQWU4-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-22-26-001/913224408_QQWU4-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />(Plus all the food already stored in the side cases)<br /><br />Anyhow, we had lunch overlooking the water and poached some internet for a while until the signal ran out. <br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#913224437_ym9vT-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-22-26-002/913224437_ym9vT-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Then we decided to head to the ferry a mere 5.5 hours early.<br /><br />We weren’t the only people who discovered that there wasn’t too much to do in town:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#913224469_Tm8oq-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-22-26-007/913224469_Tm8oq-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />In line waiting for the ferry boarding we met several great people that we would hang out through the duration of the trip. <a href="http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?p=13458866#post13458866">Brad</a>, John & Ruth Ann, <a href="http://www.scigis.com/bmartin/mcweb/Pages/Adventures.htm">Tom & Wayne</a>, Harley guy and Son (we didn’t actually get these guys names, and after a certain length of time of talking to these people, it kind of becomes awkward to ask their names - sorry).<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#934811696_NQ9RF-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-22-26-01/934811696_NQ9RF-M.jpg"></a>(pic from Brad)<br /><br /> All were from different parts of the Country, and most were headed home, but we all had the same delusion that the ferry ride would be a spectacular and remarkable thing - almost like a cruise but with primitive lodging accommodations. *Again, I think the weather played a big part in our overall opinion of this.<br /><br />So, we board the ferry. <br /><br />Priority one, set up and duct tape down the tent to the deck.<br /> <br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#913224519_zgUiM-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-22-26-010/913224519_zgUiM-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Leaving Haines:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#913224594_o3uYs-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-22-26-016/913224594_o3uYs-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#913224566_hFqe9-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-22-26-014/913224566_hFqe9-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#913224699_htTP8-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-22-26-067/913224699_htTP8-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />In hindsight this would be some of the best weather we would encounter on the ride down to Washington.<br /><br />So we are camped out on the “Solarium Deck”, not under, as it is prohibited to set up the tent under the covered portion. The covered portion is reserved for the mass of people who will be camping out on the plastic lawn furniture. It was a bit surreal - like a homeless shelter at sea.<br /><br />The next few days were uneventful. The clouds lowered and it spit rain all day. <br /><br />Killing time:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#913224658_85GP7-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-22-26-021/913224658_85GP7-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br />The rest of the days were spent passing the time either by conversation, informative (uninformative) programs, sleeping, and attempting to eat as much of the excess food you brought as possible because there is now way it will fit on the bike and you would truly hate to “waste” it.<br /><br />Something to ponder:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#913224680_b9uFG-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-22-26-044/913224680_b9uFG-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />I would say overall the ferry ride was a bust. It was nice for a day, could have been better (*assumption) if the weather was nice, but it really made us eager to be on the bikes. I think it really re-enforced my dislike of not being able to be in control of my schedule.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#913224725_SCeYR-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-22-26-054/913224725_SCeYR-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />A vague description of our route home:<br /><br />We will be heading over to the Olympic Peninsula and then down the coast of Washington and Oregon. We will head inland in both states at some point to visit Mt. St. Helens (WA) and Crater Lake (OR). Then it will be down into Northern California to visit the Redwoods. A turn east across Hwy 50 will take us through Nevada, Utah, and into Colorado. A visit to Mesa Verde Nat’l Park in Colorado, then head south into New Mexico. We are planning on being in Roswell, NM on the 4th, and then onto home. Keep <a href="http://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=5785">watching</a>, something’s got to break, right?<br /><br /><br />jordanjglowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15751392704896185803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164607757874139334.post-1202644012963871282010-06-23T14:12:00.000-07:002010-06-23T14:16:12.451-07:00Quick UpdateWe are currently "in-port" in Ketchikan, AK. No wifi from the boat, so we won't have a proper update until sometime on Friday when we arrive in Bellingham, WA. From there we still have quite a bit of riding and scenery to go through before we arrive back in Texas, so stay tuned. Have had a few whale sightings as well while on the Ferry. Hopefully I will get a pic before it's over.<br /><br />jordanjglowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15751392704896185803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164607757874139334.post-17006665488141241452010-06-20T22:18:00.000-07:002010-06-21T07:22:55.919-07:00Haines Junction, YT to Haines, AKDay 21 - June 20, 2010<br />Mileage Today: 165<br />Total Trip Mileage: 6,816<br /><br />This morning we woke up to find that everything was covered in tree sap. I kind of knew that the trees were leaking the night before, but was too lazy to move camp sites. I think it is safe to say that we will be bringing back some sap to Texas. <br /><br />So, today we have a short ride over to Haines, AK. To get there we will cross back into British Columbia, then have another border crossing to re-enter the U.S.<br /><br />Heading out of Haines Junction:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#908080890_KHhk2-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-21-014/908080890_KHhk2-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Spectacular scenery:<br />(Bandwidth killing pic section)<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#908081086_z9fix-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-21-058/908081086_z9fix-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#908081575_TPGLd-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-21-067/908081575_TPGLd-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#908082975_97EmU-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-306/908082975_97EmU-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#908081953_2bEko-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-21-082/908081953_2bEko-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Proposal to Suzuki</span> - Do you want to buy this pic for your advertising purposes?<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#908083103_JN9yz-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-307/908083103_JN9yz-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Bye, bye kilometers…<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#908082192_ikrKD-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-21-105/908082192_ikrKD-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />An explanation on the pictures... You may notice that some of the pics are a bit washed out looking, and some pics (of the same area) will be stunning and vivid. This is because we are carrying 2 cameras, one we are willing to drop and one we are not. The one we are not willing to drop is a bit of an arduous task to remove from it's box, so it is not used all the time. - Clarification over.<br /><br />Once we passed through the border we took proper pictures at the "Alaska" sign.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#908082445_VUbLP-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-21-107/908082445_VUbLP-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />After we took our pics, we started our descent into Haines. Allow me to set the scene...<br /><br />Imagine the most perfect weather you can recall. Mild, but still warm, sunny sky with wisps of white clouds. Kinda like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Ross">that guy</a> from the PBS art show (the one with the afro-hair) used to make in his paintings. You are in an ecosystem that doesn't quite make sense. You have deciduous trees and evergreens. You have snow capped peaks and boggy marshes. You are in a Bob Ross painting.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#908082555_sqQyj-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-21-162/908082555_sqQyj-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#908235539_ChoQc-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-21-128/908235539_ChoQc-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />The cottonwood floats through the air. As you zoom past it <a href="http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/warp-speed-1.jpg">it appears quite similar to entering warp speed on the Starship Enterprise.</a> You continue descending, winding along the road, allowing the sun to heat you. Finally you are warm in Alaska. You have 12 hours to go 30 miles, and you also realize that if nothing more, you will at least make it back to the lower 48 under your own steam because you board a ferry tomorrow that will deliver you to Washington. A perfect day for us.<br /><br />^----^----^----^ allowing mental image to soak in....<br /><br />Returning to ride report...<br /><br />As we cruised down to Haines, we spotted a good picture opportunity - old bridge:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#908235494_VAUBT-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-317/908235494_VAUBT-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Then off to find camp. We had to raise our game tonight. No tent in the trees, we need waterfront property.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#908083358_rz8cj-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-337/908083358_rz8cj-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Now some groceries...<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#908082616_hy9jq-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-21-189/908082616_hy9jq-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />And a really big hammer!<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#908082730_4mCtS-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-21-197/908082730_4mCtS-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Now the day is complete, and we can relax and watch the tide roll in.<br /><br />jordan<br /><br /><br />p.s. - thanks for the comments. its nice to know people are watching and reading.jglowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15751392704896185803noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164607757874139334.post-48607719612612170392010-06-20T14:54:00.000-07:002010-06-20T15:52:39.135-07:00Gelnnallen, AK to Tok, AK & Tok, AK to Haines Junction, YTDays 19 & 20 - June 18-19, 2010<br />Mileage Today: 147 + 295<br />Total Trip Mileage: 6,651<br /><br />These two days have been palette cleanser/travel days for us. Not too much in the way of scenery. At least not compared to what we have been through. <br /><br />Met these two guys when we pulled into Tok. <br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#907635175_eFdpJ-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-19-008/907635175_eFdpJ-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />One of their bicycles was broken down. Apparently one of the pedals had stripped out the treads on arm side, and the pedal fell off. I was able to lend some tools, and we were quickly able to cross-thread in the new pedal (I believe there may have been an issue of metric threads vs. non-metric). Anyhow it got them off down the road. Oh yeah, forgot to mention they are riding from Deadhorse, AK (basically Prudhoe Bay) to the Southern tip of Argentina. It will take them 15 months. <br /><br />At the visitor center in Tok:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#907635206_ZYQ74-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-19-011/907635206_ZYQ74-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />A short day, and we arrive at camp with plenty of time to tinker with the bike,<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#907635409_gBdkG-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-19-015/907635409_gBdkG-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />set-up camp,<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#907635487_B8cQ6-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-19-023/907635487_B8cQ6-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />and shower like bears.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#907635445_FtKW7-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-19-025/907635445_FtKW7-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />The next day we head back into Canada. Our destination for tonight will be Haines Junction, YT.<br /><br />Breakfast:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#907654248_vtnP8-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-20-001/907654248_vtnP8-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Sweet sunshine, a welcomed site.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#907654307_HS7fK-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-20-002/907654307_HS7fK-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />I guess this is a frequent enough occurrence that it necessitated a sign...<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#907635131_NpyXq-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-19-001/907635131_NpyXq-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Some of the most tore up stretches of road we have been on. Frost heaves and construction.<br /><br />Construction zone gravel stretch:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#907654618_H7QEM-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-20-017/907654618_H7QEM-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#907654482_jtpsc-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-20-018/907654482_jtpsc-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br />Scenic lunch break:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#907654882_dS2wd-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-20-042/907654882_dS2wd-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Making the best out of a boring day. <br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#907655075_r7Mqb-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-20-050/907655075_r7Mqb-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />At this point that was the closest thing we have seen to law enforcement in Canada. I believe the fear of hitting a moose or something keeps most people honest.<br /><br />The highlight of the day, Destruction Bay:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#907655161_kctWv-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-20-102/907655161_kctWv-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Heading back into Alaska tomorrow. We will spend 2 days in Haines and pick-up our ferry from there that will bring us back to the lower 48 - Bellingham, WA.<br /><br />jordanjglowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15751392704896185803noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164607757874139334.post-28037324577356162622010-06-18T17:47:00.000-07:002010-06-18T20:56:22.618-07:00Homer, AK to Glennallen, AKDay 18 – June 17, 2010<br />Mileage Today: 420<br />Total Trip Mileage: 6,209<br /><br />The weather looks fair when get up and head for some breakfast. The little paper map that we got from the tourism center in Homer shows a bakery just down the street from us. We head there.<br /><br />Two Sisters Bakery:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#905766585_YaQda-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-18-002/905766585_YaQda-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Excellent. Best coffee of the trip, and the baked goods were superb.<br /><br />Maybe this day won’t be so bad after all, sun is starting to peek out. I figure we ought to head back to the Spit in proper weather and have a look around.<br /><br />Some pictures of the Homer Spit:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#905766641_WhVNZ-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-18-003/905766641_WhVNZ-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#905766733_cEv88-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-18-024/905766733_cEv88-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#905800928_tWcbc-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-221/905800928_tWcbc-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#905766707_UEQdW-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-18-009/905766707_UEQdW-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#905800906_cTa8P-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-196/905800906_cTa8P-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Good to know:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#905766971_24sqk-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-18-041/905766971_24sqk-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Next, we pack up and head back towards Anchorage. On the way out from Homer we stop in Anchor Point to grab this sign:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#905767069_wiGPo-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-18-048/905767069_wiGPo-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Apparently it is the western most place you can drive a car (without the car being flown or ferried from somewhere)- i think. It's hard to read because people really love to shoot signs with guns around here. This is coming from someone who lives in Texas. <br /><br />Some pics of the stuff we didn’t take pics of on the way up here.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#905774157_G3JKX-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-18-059/905774157_G3JKX-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#905774191_Pcrto-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-18-063/905774191_Pcrto-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />We pass through Anchorage and continue East on the Glenn Highway. Up until now Alaska had sort of failed to meet expectations. Not that we haven’t seen great scenery, cool towns, harsh environments, etc… But it was all lacking this Grand-ness that you expect. I don’t know why you expect it, but you do. That really changed right outside Palmer.<br /><br />(disclaimer: pictures fail at accurately capturing)<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#905774296_Hd7XN-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-18-195/905774296_Hd7XN-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#905774203_LhAMk-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-18-094/905774203_LhAMk-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#905774227_eW772-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-18-106/905774227_eW772-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#905774247_DVrW2-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-18-120/905774247_DVrW2-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#905801030_N3vLf-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-241/905801030_N3vLf-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Glacier:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#905800975_oYUYt-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-247/905800975_oYUYt-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Maybe it had something to do with the sun being out and the weather being fair – we didn’t have that misery/destination oriented/tunnel vision that you have when you are made uncomfortable by the weather (rain, cold).<br /><br />It was spectacular!<br /><br />And even the rain had given us a gift.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#905774398_DtGtp-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-18-221/905774398_DtGtp-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />This is the closest I have ever been to a Rainbow without it disappearing.<br /><br />Find a campsite for the night in Glenallen, AK. <br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#905774426_sVnFy-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-18-224/905774426_sVnFy-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />It had really turned out to be a nice day, and we got exceptional gas mileage on the way up from Anchorage, like 50mpg. Not too bad for an overloaded bike<br /><br />On a side note: the chain (or I suppose transmission, but probably the chain) has gotten a noticeable murmur. I suppose that the “Top of the World Highway” and “Dalton” highway, along with poor maintenance could have contributed to this. Or possibly the bootleg chain lube that I purchased from Wal-Mart may not be adequate. My remedy (first attempt) has been to run to the Napa and buy some WD-40 to use as a Taboo chain cleaner (no, I am not lubing the chain with it – I know) and some good ol’ fashioned 90w gear oil to lube the chain with. We will see how it goes. We have got about 700 miles left until we board the ferry. Shouldn’t have any problems prior to that. It will more than likely become an issue somewhere along <a href="http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2033/">Hwy 50</a> in Nevada. Keep an ear to the ground on this one.<br /><br />jordanjglowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15751392704896185803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164607757874139334.post-78611164200699348242010-06-17T22:50:00.000-07:002010-06-17T22:57:42.257-07:00Wasilla, AK to Homer, AKDay 17 – June 16, 2010<br />Mileage Today: 262<br />Total Trip Mileage: 5,789<br /><br />We were fully expecting to have rain all day today as we rode down to Homer, located on the Kenai Peninsula, so we were in hurry to leave the motel. We walked over to a local café and had some breakfast. Then lazily walked back to pack up and head out.<br /><br />Nikki loading up.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#904101333_fvETh-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-17-003/904101333_fvETh-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />We’ve reached the Sea, or at least the Cook Inlet.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#904101393_74shu-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-17-005/904101393_74shu-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />It didn’t rain on us too much, but it was rather cold. Not a good day for pictures. We only took 18 today, usually we take over 100. We were just pushing to get to Homer, and hoping the weather would cooperate with us there. <br /><br />By the time we got to Homer we were partially froze, so camping in the wind on the Spit didn’t sound like such a great idea. Second option: send Nikki in to haggle us a deal on a room.<br /><br />Results:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#904101436_g2Mfm-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-17-010/904101436_g2Mfm-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#905131543_PF4A9-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-17-012/905131543_PF4A9-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />It’s cozy (read small), near the water, and the price was right.<br /><br />We get settled in, and by the time we are ready to out a visit the Spit, it’s raining again. We give it 30 minutes, and it’s still going strong, so we decide to go out anyhow. Here are all the pics (pic) we took in the rain.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#905131588_9k74U-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-17-016/905131588_9k74U-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Ate dinner at the Cosmic Café – A fat chicken burrito, enchilada style. I loved it, Nikki, eh… not so much. We go to sleep hoping for better weather tomorrow.<br /><br />jordanjglowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15751392704896185803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164607757874139334.post-89990973167564171552010-06-16T21:46:00.000-07:002010-06-16T22:05:47.890-07:00Fairbanks, AK to Wasilla, AKDay 16 – June 15, 2010<br />Mileage Today: 363<br />Total Trip Mileage: 5,527<br /><br />Priority this morning is given to the retrieval of my credit card. But before we can get the credit card back, we have to move out of our dorm that we had been staying in for the previous 3 days. You know you have a lot of stuff when it takes 2 people, 3 trips to get all of your stuff down to the bike. It takes a bit, but we eventually get packed and head over to get our credit card. If you remember correctly, the plan was to have a tour guide, that was planned to pass through the gas station at the Yukon Crossing, pick up my credit card and bring it back to his company’s office in Fairbanks. We arrive at the place, walk in and ask the lady, she goes to the back and comes out with an envelope containing my credit card. Success! Don’t you love it when a plan works out? Although, I suppose they could have taken my credit card number. Maybe they did that thing you used to do when you were a kid where you would put a leaf under a piece of clean paper and scribble over it with a crayon to get a carbon copy. Nah… But just in case:<br /> <br /> *Jake,<br /> <br /> Please check my account for possible fraudulent charges, i.e.<br /><br />1. 12 gauge rifles<br />2. Reindeer sausage<br />3. 350 gallons of diesel fuel (Possibly for a tour bus)<br /><br /><br />Now, on with proper business. We start the day with some baked goods and coffee from the Safeway/Starbucks.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#904071824_DvECv-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-15-001/904071824_DvECv-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Someone has some catching up to do.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#904071942_UnrfC-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-15-002/904071942_UnrfC-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Apparently someone has a new girlfriend (or friend that’s a girl).<br /><br />Heading South towards Denali.<br /><br />*Note to self: Remember this bit of blue sky. Store it away somewhere that is easily accessible.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#904071981_Mt5B8-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-15-009/904071981_Mt5B8-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />We stop for gas and to find a Post Office about 15 miles North of Denali, in the town of Healey. At the local post office we ship home the largest “flat rate” box the USPS offers full of extra stuff that we do not need, and will soon wish that we had.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#904072029_poSbv-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-15-014/904072029_poSbv-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />We make it into Denali,<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#904072325_3rHAg-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-15-034/904072325_3rHAg-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /> and of course, Mt. Mckinley is not really visible (shrouded by clouds). <br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#904072129_hTdfc-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-15-029/904072129_hTdfc-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Apparently it is only visible for about 4 days (on average) in June. We drive through the park and soak up the scenery and stop for lunch.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#904072072_txHQh-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-15-024/904072072_txHQh-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Notice the seagull in the corner of the picture? That little dude was harassing us to no end. He pecked the peanut butter lid and bread bag. Do seagulls carry bird flu?<br /> <br />After we leave the park, we continue heading South towards Anchorage. The rain starts almost immediately and continues all the way until we decide to stop in Wasilla. We grab a room, get warm, and fall asleep.<br /><br />jordanjglowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15751392704896185803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164607757874139334.post-28731892939000697642010-06-14T21:25:00.000-07:002010-06-14T21:48:06.175-07:00To the Arctic CircleDay 15 – June 14, 2010<br />Mileage today: 423<br />Total Trip Mileage: 5,164<br /><br />Today we are riding up the Dalton Highway to The Arctic Circle. The Dalton Highway is the road that was built to support the construction of the Alaska Pipeline. It was fully opened to the public to drive in 1994. The road is mostly gravel, with a few paved sections. These paved sections are totally random. I can’t really figure out why they chose to pave the sections they did, rather than start on one end and work towards the other. <br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#901642312_JfgcG-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-14-023/901642312_JfgcG-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Anyhow, here’s what the Dalton looks like:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#901643631_iGTvG-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-14-108/901643631_iGTvG-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#901746680_4QYWe-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-14-118/901746680_4QYWe-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />And here is the famed Pipeline:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#901642814_GzE3B-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-14-055/901642814_GzE3B-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />I suppose even the Jedi could appreciate the engineering of the Death Star (star wars reference).<br /><br />And here is the first attempt at taking the above picture:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#901642938_JUrYY-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-14-053/901642938_JUrYY-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />That sucker is a lot taller than it looks.<br /><br />Gassing up.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#901643025_LaYJ5-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-14-105/901643025_LaYJ5-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />This is where we sort-of left my credit card. Let the lady hold it to turn on the pump, then paid cash and forgot to get it back, or rather, the lady forgot to give it back. It should be in route to us in Fairbanks via a Tour guide bus driver. I suppose we will see how this goes…<br /><br />Crossing over the Yukon River - I swear we have crossed this river like 5 times. It spans the whole width of Alaska Left to Right. I think it is like 2,000 miles long.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#901763358_FtFZm-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-14-095/901763358_FtFZm-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#901763404_SpAcp-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-14-103/901763404_SpAcp-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Another 60 miles north of the Yukon River, and we’ve reached our destination!<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic_Circle">The Arctic Circle:</a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#901643529_H3Sk6-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-14-124/901643529_H3Sk6-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Yeah, I know… we drove 400 miles to get the pic in front of a sign. But, have you ever been to the Arctic Circle? We have.<br /><br />Then back to camp UofA- Dorm, where we discover (while trying to purchase a pizza) that the credit card is missing, and the above mentioned plan of recovery is set in motion! Good times. We are headed south into Denali tomorrow.<br /><br />jordanjglowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15751392704896185803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164607757874139334.post-37278657026358094702010-06-14T20:50:00.000-07:002021-10-21T11:05:41.164-07:00Greetings from Fairbanks…Day 14 – June 13, 2010
Mileage today: 42
Total Trip Mileage: 4,741
Today is a rest/maintenance day for us. It was a rainy morning, perfect for catching up on some sleep. First item on the agenda for today is to eat some breakfast. Sam's Sourdough Cafe, and then to round-up my new tire and mount it. I had prearranged to have a new tire waiting for me when I arrived in Fairbanks. Dan from Adventure Cycleworks here in Fairbanks took really good care of me. He even power washed all the mess from the Top of the World Highway off of the bike for me.
<a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#901641509_XL9rC-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-14-002/901641509_XL9rC-M.jpg" /></a><div><br /></div><div>
<a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#901641818_Nx6xo-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-14-003/901641818_Nx6xo-M.jpg" /></a>
Just south of here there is a little novelty town called North Pole, AK. And yep, you guessed it, it’s the home of Santa. We had seen something on television a while back and decided we would check it out in person.
Here’s this year’s Christmas Card:
<a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#901641954_jaLcR-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-14-007/901641954_jaLcR-M.jpg" /></a>
Boy oh Boy, to say this place gave me the creeps would be a huge understatement. It was flat out weird, and for whatever reason, really depressing. Maybe I am too old, and I notice the fact that Santa’s Sleigh was obviously cut out of less than choice plywood, or the blistering on the gigantic Santa statue, or the fact that Santa’s Reindeer (that live behind the gift shop) would have already taken their own lives - if not for the lack of having opposable thumbs.
So, we cut our losses and returned to Fairbanks to take care of a few errands. One such errand was to obtain grape jelly. At some point during our trip we decided we needed some grape jelly. Not strawberry, not blackberry, not huckleberry (Montana loved these things). We struck out at every grocery store in Canada, but finally once back in the good-ol’ US-A we were able to get our grape jelly. We will not even go into the difficulties of trying to find sweet tea.
I must be grumpy…
jordan</div>jglowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15751392704896185803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164607757874139334.post-24225835334236035082010-06-13T22:46:00.000-07:002010-06-14T07:33:15.841-07:00Dawson City, YT to Fairbanks, AKDay 13 – June 12, 2010<br />Mileage Today: 401<br />Total Trip Mileage: 4,699<br /><br />Today is the day that we should make it to Alaska. Our route will take us from Dawson City, YT to the Alaska Border (Poker Creek) via the Top of World Highway. Once we cross over into Alaska the road will become the Taylor Highway, which we will follow until we reach Tok (pronounced Toke). In Tok (or actually a little before) we will rejoin the Alaska Highway and run it until it ends in Delta Junction. From Delta Junction to Fairbanks, the road is known as the Richardson Highway. <br /><br />Leaving from Dawson City heading North towards Alaska you have to board a quick <br />Ferry to cross the Yukon River.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#899430989_w5UXo-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-13-002/899430989_w5UXo-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Once on the other side you are on the Top of the World Highway, which is about 80% gravel currently.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#899431112_PxnoB-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-13-014/899431112_PxnoB-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />We didn’t get too far before the rain started. A very cold windy rain. Not the type of weather you would want to encounter while on the “Top of the World” I would imagine.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#900444661_9nLxb-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-13-011/900444661_9nLxb-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Anyhow, we make it through about 70 miles of gravel and reach the Alaskan Border.<br />There is a pretty long line. Well, actually there were only like 3 or 4 people in front of us, but they were in RV’s and they were each about 60 feet long, so that put us about a ¼ mile or so from the border. <br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#900444727_iGaUV-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-13-015/900444727_iGaUV-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /> As we inched up we noticed that the rain had sort-of turned to something a Texan might refer to as snow. I guess that is whats to be expected at the Northern most port of entry.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#899431143_eiwdK-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-13-017/899431143_eiwdK-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Once we made the crossing we took the obligatory “in your face, we made it to Alaska, even though you didn’t think we would" – picture<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#899431165_DeXTJ-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-13-018/899431165_DeXTJ-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />The road turns to dirt or silt at this point. Mix either one of those with water, and you can only expected fun times ahead for the next 50 or 60 miles, until you reach the Community of Chicken, AK.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#899431194_LuHdP-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-13-027/899431194_LuHdP-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />I believe they called it Chicken because after you arrive it looks like you are covered in chicken poo.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#899431269_M9oFJ-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-13-031/899431269_M9oFJ-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />No, really it’s name was a word that was native tongue for chicken, but none of the gringos could pronounce or spell it, so they just called it Chicken.<br /><br />Some shots from Chicken to Tok:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#899431312_tGAKh-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-13-033/899431312_tGAKh-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Lunch in Tok – excellent Turkey sandwich on a fresh Kaiser roll.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#899431334_GXLVY-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-13-041/899431334_GXLVY-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />And we made it to the end of the Alaska Highway!<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#899431359_RkJi6-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-13-051/899431359_RkJi6-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />You heard the mosquitoes will eat you alive up hear…<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#899431390_Ns8NS-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-13-052/899431390_Ns8NS-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />And onto Fairbanks, where we are lodging (very inexpensively) at the University of Alaska Dorms. A bit austere, but clean, safe, and secure. This will be our base for the next few days while I do a bit of maintenance on the bike, and we prepare for a run up the Dalton Highway (Alaskan Pipeline Road) to the Arctic Circle.<br /><br />Dorm Life:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#899431409_GpefM-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-13-053/899431409_GpefM-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br />jordanjglowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15751392704896185803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164607757874139334.post-64922864257064281642010-06-13T10:06:00.000-07:002010-06-13T10:23:43.221-07:00Carmacks, YT to Dawson City, YTDay 12 – June 11, 2010<br />Mileage Today: 240<br />Total Trip Mileage: 4,298<br /><br />The sun was out this morning when we got up. We stayed at the Coal River Campground last night, and at this campground they have an adjacent little walk-up burger stand thing which also serves breakfast. This is super nice because some mornings you just don’t feel like pulling out the stove (waking everybody up at ignition), breaking it down, and cleaning it all up, just to make some coffee. We simply walk over and get some coffee and breakfast. We had a couple of “Klondike Quickie” sandwiches, and they were delicious – bacon, egg, cheese, mayo, and a fresh roll. Best thing yet for breakfast!<br /><br />Nikki found doggies that needed a bit of attention:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#899424136_M5PDr-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-12-009/899424136_M5PDr-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Look at this guy! How old do you think he is?<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#899424177_kWvF6-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-12-015/899424177_kWvF6-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />We thought he was a pup, but he is 12, almost 13.<br /><br />Making our way up the Klondike Highway towards Dawson City:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#899424287_8rves-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-12-035/899424287_8rves-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#899424217_3hma3-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-12-022/899424217_3hma3-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Here is Nikki trying to figure out how to get Skittles into her mouth with mittens and a helmet on:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#899424381_saSxj-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-12-043/899424381_saSxj-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Dawson City is a neat little town. A nice mix of Transient Hippie/College kids and tourist shops. <br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#899424631_AvLQE-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-12-054/899424631_AvLQE-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Dawson sits on the convergence of the Yukon and Klondike Rivers. You can see the two different water colors where the meet.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#899424661_E53A3-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-12-055/899424661_E53A3-M.jpg"></a><br /> <br />We got to town early, set up camp and went panning for gold.<br /><br />We’ve got to pay for this trip somehow.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#899424431_2Xo8t-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-12-046/899424431_2Xo8t-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />I don’t think we will get too far on those finds.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#899424527_yWqDo-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-12-047/899424527_yWqDo-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Dinner was Fish & Chips at Sourdough Joes downtown. Nikki had a burger – she hates the fishes(<-- intentionally spelled wrong). After dinner we searched around for a Canadian flag sticker for the bike, before we ran out of Canada. Super hard to find one. But we ended up with a glittered Canadian Flag, it will have to do.<br /><br />Camping for tonight looks like this:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#899424572_j47ik-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-12-050/899424572_j47ik-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br />jordanjglowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15751392704896185803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164607757874139334.post-64282451958535638072010-06-11T07:59:00.000-07:002010-06-11T08:30:07.282-07:00Watson Lake, Yukon to Carmacks, YukonDay 11 – June 10, 2010<br />Mileage Today: 390<br />Total Trip Mileage: 4,058<br /><br />Nothing like a dog fight to break-up a crowd… But I am getting ahead of myself. We started today in Watson Lake, YT which is the home of the Sign Post Forest. It was started by a homesick army engineer from Illinois, who was doing work in the area with the Alaska Highway. He posted a sign with the mileage to his hometown of Danville, Il, and thus started the tradition. I believe that there are over 63,000 signs now.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#897039628_R2LNB-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-11-002/897039628_R2LNB-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Got about 5 minutes out of town before we hit the rain:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#897420141_w2rjd-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-11-015/897420141_w2rjd-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />But it wasn’t a total wash, and most of the day turned out to be pretty nice.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#897039686_UNacn-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-11-026/897039686_UNacn-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />At our campsite last night, we met a fellow rider from TX. Meet Roger:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#897039711_gF9Yj-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-11-031/897039711_gF9Yj-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Roger is traveling from Kerrville, TX and is headed up to Alaska as well. Roger shared some of his own homemade granola with us. Delicious!<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#897422875_zUBZE-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-11-039/897422875_zUBZE-M.jpg"></a><br /> <br />We leap-frogged back and forth along the highway most of the day, until we turned off onto the Klondike Highway to head up to Dawson City. Really nice guy, and I hope we meet up with him again in Alaska.<br /><br />Some shots from the day:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#896118123_wY2z2-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-10-030/896118123_wY2z2-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#895921845_wQA8f-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-10-053/895921845_wQA8f-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />This would be our first moose sighting (if you don’t count <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daryl_Johnston">Daryl Johnston</a>).<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#897039656_u3eeR-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-11-016/897039656_u3eeR-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />And now we come to the highlight of the day...<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#897039909_cbhKE-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-11-055/897039909_cbhKE-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Braeburn Lodge's "world's biggest cinnamon buns". We ate this thing 2 separate times and still did not finish it. Stop here if you find yourself on the Klondike Highway North of Whitehorse, YT.<br /><br />And our camp for this evening...<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#897039979_4gJrR-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-11-060/897039979_4gJrR-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />This is where pictures can lie and not tell the whole story. By looking at this shot it seems like we have the perfect secluded spot right on the Yukon River, right? Wrong. What the camera leaves out is the huge group of French kids on a canoe trip (although I suppose they could be French-Canadian, not that it matters - just sayin'). Which brings us to the dog fight. We were attempting to sleep in broad daylight at about 11:30 pm, when we were awoken by the conversations in loud broken English. After a bit of this there was an incident involving the introduction of two dogs who apparently decided they did not like each others company. A few growls were exchanged followed by some squeals, and panicked owner hollering. This broke up the crowd. Everyone went to sleep, and all was right in the world. We had our quiet site on the Yukon River, and went to sleep at 12am with the sun up. Ended up being a great campsite.<br /><br /><br />jordanjglowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15751392704896185803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164607757874139334.post-86343918298541059792010-06-09T21:06:00.000-07:002010-06-10T06:36:09.032-07:00Fort Nelson, BC to Watson Lake, BCDay 10 – June 9, 2010<br />Mileage Today: 326<br />Total Trip Mileage: 3,668<br /><br />It was nice to sleep in a real bed last night at the motel, but truth be told, it’s every bit as much work as it is to camp. You have to unload just about everything off the bike and haul it upstairs, because you probably don’t want to risk it coming up missing. Then in the morning you get to bring it all back down again and figure out how to fit it back on. Well, at least you get free soggy waffles and bitter coffee for free. Move over Wheaties...<br /><br />Today we are finally getting into some nice terrain, as we enter the Northern Rockies.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#895922796_9ke8f-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-10-126/895922796_9ke8f-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#896118123_wY2z2-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-10-030/896118123_wY2z2-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />It’s a sunny start:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#895921816_Ba7hL-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-10-002/895921816_Ba7hL-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br />Lot’s of animal sightings today, I believe the total number of bear sightings is up to 15 or 16 already.<br />The proof is in the pudding:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#895922121_NXNPq-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-10-084/895922121_NXNPq-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#895922714_67mR7-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-10-114/895922714_67mR7-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#895922628_KSXKb-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-10-103/895922628_KSXKb-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Now, over the past few days the weather had been medio-core at best and downright miserable at times, but today was beautiful. I do not think we could have had a better day to have come across Muncho Lake.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#896093333_ezumw-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-166/896093333_ezumw-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#896093414_g9Q37-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-174/896093414_g9Q37-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#895922001_ZVVqq-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-10-073/895922001_ZVVqq-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Agreed?<br /><br />And of course, what trip up the Al-Can would be complete without a stop at the Liard Hot Springs:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#895922520_BW86g-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-10-095/895922520_BW86g-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />We sure look like we are living the good life, eh? (I learned to say eh? Since I’ve been in Canada)<br /><br />Made it into the Yukon!<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#895922865_fYinC-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-10-142/895922865_fYinC-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Our slice of Heaven for tonight:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#896118162_rjyYX-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-10-143/896118162_rjyYX-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br />jordanjglowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15751392704896185803noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164607757874139334.post-30366489981262456752010-06-09T20:40:00.000-07:002010-06-09T20:49:06.483-07:00Dawson Creek, BC to Fort Nelson, BCDay 9 – June 8, 2010<br />Mileage today: 482<br />Total trip mileage: 3,342<br /><br />Woke up to rain, again. Not a lot, but just enough to make for a real uninspiring morning. On top of that, the netbook was being very stubborn about connecting to the internet. Naturally I assumed the worst and went on a mad search to find an external wireless net card. No luck finding anything in Dawson Creek, the WalMart there doesn’t even open til 9, so we loaded up all our gear and headed out, hoping to find somewhere along the way to get a net card. Got to the next town (Ft. St. John) and they had a Staples office supply store. Yep, a Staples. Right off the Alaskan Highway. I don’t know why that seemed weird to me, but it did/does.<br /><br />My purchase:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#895033370_pKdkZ-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-9-005/895033370_pKdkZ-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />After Ft. St. John things really start to stretch out. Towns space out to every 50 miles or so, and the scenery leaves a bit to be desired. <br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#895048936_vLqDY-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-9-019/895048936_vLqDY-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Gas stop:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#895048886_EvA8Z-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-9-010/895048886_EvA8Z-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Passing the time:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#895048992_uFtwi-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-9-028/895048992_uFtwi-M.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#895048965_Qfmft-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-9-020/895048965_Qfmft-M.jpg"></a><br />When we arrived in Ft. Nelson we ate at the A&W’s where we scouted out our route. Nothing was real near, and this was our 9th day out camping, so we pondered our options. Looking out the window, I noticed a Super 8 motel with a huge sign that said “waterslide”. We needed to look no further.<br />True luxury! With space to set up the tent and let it dry out.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#895049012_gGrqT-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-9-029/895049012_gGrqT-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />I do not have any pics of the water slide, but it was all it was advertised to be and a bit more.<br /><br />jordanjglowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15751392704896185803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164607757874139334.post-4666188581593787972010-06-08T16:57:00.000-07:002010-06-08T21:16:18.088-07:00Glacier NP, MT to Lake Louise- Banff National Park, Alberta to Dawson Creek, BC (Days 7 & 8)Day 7 - June 6,2010<br />Total Mileage Today: 330<br />Total Trip Mileage: 2,860<br /><br />Coldest morning yet. Had to start off with some gift shop coffee, then get packed and off to Canada!<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894712104_DfVGH-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-7-002/894712104_DfVGH-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Chief Mountain Scenic Byway:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894712130_5bysd-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-7-006/894712130_5bysd-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Chief Mountain Port of Entry:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894712202_3s4Zy-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-7-020/894712202_3s4Zy-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />International border (this line that they cut through the trees to mark the border is probably visible on google earth, somebody should check):<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894712236_xnftK-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-7-021/894712236_xnftK-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />We made it.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894712317_3cmcA-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-7-024/894712317_3cmcA-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />The route that I plotted took us through very rural areas of Alberta. Many stretches off 100 miles or so without any services. It looked strikingly similar to Colorado – range land with a back drop of the Rockies. Lot’s of cowboys and cattle up here. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDY6bWT5oTM">Corb Lund</a> is from Alberta.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894742964_LoDmP-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-7-049/894742964_LoDmP-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Anyways, we continued on into Banff National Park. The destination for tonight was Lake Louise, just north of the town of Banff.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894743323_EK89C-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-7-083/894743323_EK89C-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894743282_eCHv9-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-7-078/894743282_eCHv9-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /> A little note about Lake Louise… A couple of months ago Nikki and I were watching a discovery channel show called “Man-Eaters”, and it just so happened to be an episode about bear attacks. Not only bear attacks, but bear attacks at a certain (above mentioned) campground called Lake Louise. After the segment, Nikki asked, “ we aren’t going anywhere near there are we?” “Why as a matter of fact we are, see here look at our route.” I then reassured her that it was safe to go there because although they have a huge bear/camper issue, they have recently installed an electric fence around the entire campground to combat this. The information did not seem to comfort her.<br /><br />Here’s the fence:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894743674_Csq64-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-7-098/894743674_Csq64-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894743506_3PRke-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-7-106/894743506_3PRke-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />And what do you think we just happened to see right outside the fence?<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894743372_VJjr5-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-7-099/894743372_VJjr5-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />First bear sighting of the trip, a Grizzly!<br />After the bear sighting excitement, we went for a ride to check out some of the lakes (glacier lakes maybe?). Here is what we found:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894743915_A4gYR-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-7-121/894743915_A4gYR-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />And on the way back down, a Porcupine!<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894752937_NjTMV-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-7-123/894752937_NjTMV-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Dinner then off to bed, while visions of brown bears danced in our heads…<br /><br />Camp spot:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894986696_xBoNZ-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-152/894986696_xBoNZ-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br />jordan<br /><br /><br />******************************************************************************<br /><br />Banff NP, Alberta to Dawson Creek, BC<br /><br />Day 8 - June 7, 2010<br />Mileage Today - 483<br />Total Trip Mileage - 3,351<br /><br />We awoke to the pitter-patter of rain falling on the tent fly. It's bad enough that every morning you have to stuff all of your living/sleeping quarters into a couple of small stuff sacks, but when it's raining, it makes it that much worse. The motivation is gone at that point, and you try to sleep some more so that maybe when you wake back up, the sun has come out and everything is dry. This hasn't happened for me ever, and today would be no exception. So we pack up everything in the rain, roll the tent up (wet) and hope that wherever we are camping tonight will be sunny and the tent will have time to dry back out before we have to get in.<br /><br />Hiding out from the rain, having our Canadian (columbian roast) coffee:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894880094_No9Fn-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-8-003/894880094_No9Fn-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />The stretch of road between Banff and Jasper National Parks is known as "Ice Fields Parkway" or something similar to that. There are several glaciers that are viewable from the roadway during this stretch. Many have melted and retreated tremendously (argue amongst yourselves to determine reasons, i.e. global warming, smiting, friction). It was a truly beautiful ride, but it was also slightly miserable with a hint of numb extremities for good measure. Something about "Ice Fields Parkway" and 43 degrees does not mix well. At least it was raining and not snowing. <br /><br />Ice Fields Parkway:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894880150_xrasr-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-8-009/894880150_xrasr-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894880185_4MpGq-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-8-016/894880185_4MpGq-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894880340_V73jD-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-8-019/894880340_V73jD-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894986826_fTzmB-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-153/894986826_fTzmB-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Bald Eagle:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894880495_BJ99J-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-8-034-2/894880495_BJ99J-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Jazz hands (rain gear dish gloves):<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894880377_j3TbT-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-8-027/894880377_j3TbT-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />After about 3 hours we were finally heading East and descending from the Rockies into the foothills where we would again turn North and head for Dawson Creek, British Columbia.<br /><br />That would be our turn:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894880528_3Su4E-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-8-037/894880528_3Su4E-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Almost to Dawson Creek:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894880582_BP2hv-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-8-038/894880582_BP2hv-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />It begins:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894880711_KNBy5-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-8-039/894880711_KNBy5-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Our camp for the night:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894986898_Syosp-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-160/894986898_Syosp-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br />jordanjglowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15751392704896185803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164607757874139334.post-83239382417138050132010-06-08T09:29:00.001-07:002010-06-08T16:26:42.675-07:00Great Falls, MT to Glacier National Park, MTDay 6<br />Mileage today: 213<br />Total Trip Mileage:2,538<br /><br /><br />Today was the most powerful/super-scary wind/cross-wind I have ever experienced. I have no idea what the wind speed was, but it was intense. The little bike was drinking a lot of gas to try to keep us at speed. Maybe this will help the tire last longer, because we were riding all day leaned over on the left half of the tire trying to stay on the road.<br /><br />Some scenery:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#893695773_nt4hB-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-6-017/893695773_nt4hB-M.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#893695653_93MVT-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-6-015/893695653_93MVT-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Made it to Glacier NP (only slightly frazzled):<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#893668202_cgpSs-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-6-071/893668202_cgpSs-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Ate lunch at a pie place/diner/café thing run by Hippies. Real Hippies. Way more hippie than what you may think I am (Jake). We had burgers. Mine was slightly raw, Nikki’s looked good, and the pie was too $$$ for our blood. After lunch, we rode as far up the “Going to the Sun” road as we could (still closed mid-way due to snow). <br /><br />Sensory overload:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#893696249_zLj37-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-062/893696249_zLj37-M.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894711879_EjHdZ-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-066/894711879_EjHdZ-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />These things are big:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#893696060_STJfD-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-6-082/893696060_STJfD-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Found camp for the night:<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#894711912_7Zkcn-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-Nikon-088/894711912_7Zkcn-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />Got a warning from the ranger about “proper” food storage due to bears “in the area” – probably the scenario for more than one night we will experience on the remainder of our trip.<br /><br /><a href="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/12221134_zQQBf#893668359_kYmZP-A-LB"><img src="http://jglowicki.smugmug.com/Other/alaska/Alaska-Trip-day-6-075/893668359_kYmZP-M.jpg"></a><br /><br />No worries however. That wind beat us like a couple of rented mules, so we will be sound asleep when the bears come sniffin’. Sleep tight.<br /><br />jordanjglowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15751392704896185803noreply@blogger.com0