The Journey Continues

Okay, where to begin. It's been a couple of days since I've been able to update this. Last night, we stayed in a lodge in Toad River. In the restaurant, there are over 7,000 hats hanging from the ceiling and walls. It started a long time ago. But, you don't want to leave your hat unattended or it will end up hanging someplace you can't get it.

We didn't make it real far up the Alaskan Highway (only about 325 miles) but we took a side trip to the Northwest Territories. We took a road (in name only) called the Lliard Trail. It went about 130 miles to the NWT border. 60 miles of it was dirt and gravel. Good thing was it was dry. Well, maybe you should ask Dave about that, since he followed me the whole time. Dust covered both bikes and both riders. But, we made it there.............

Later in the day, we had a little excitement. Up here, gas stations are few and far between. Traveling in a car, it isn't that big of a deal. On a bike, it can be a problem. My bike holds 5 gallons of gas. That translates to around 18.9 litres. We hit the gas station that all the signs said would be there. Only problem was it has been closed for about 3 years. By the time we finally found a station with gas, I was running on fumes. I took 18.3 litres, which means I "MAY" have been able to make it another mile or two. I was a pretty nervous biker by then. But, we got to see some things like the picture below of the sheep which just happened to make us wait while they crossed the road............


For those of you that are familiar with the trips Dave and I take, the following picture is self-explanatory. For those of you that don't know, everytime one of us has to do something to our bikes, a picture gets taken. Here is one of Dave putting oil in his bike before we start this morning:


Speaking of this morning, it has been a long day. Started off in a light mist. That light mist turned into rain. At times, it got fairly heavy. All the dust that covered us yesterday now turned to mud. Now, I can take rain, I can take cold, but when you put the two together, I really struggle. The temp today never got over 45 degrees. We stopped for a late lunch around 2:30. The reason it was a late lunch was because we were stopping every 50 miles or so (whenever we found a gas station with coffe) to warm up, drink more coffee and get rid of the coffe we drank at the last stop. When it is cold, coffee doesn't stay with you long, you REALLY need to get rid of it..............

It was hard to take pictures today, which was a shame because we rode through some really beautiful country. But, had to keep the camera dry. But, we did get some shots of the critters we've been seeing. I can't believe the number of black bears we've seen. Probably more of them than anything else. But, we've seen deer, bear, moose and (for you Mary Jo), buffalo......... Here are a couple of shots of what caused a slight traffic jam around noon today:


I have had some time to do a lot of contemplation the last few days. It is funny how your mind works when all you can hear is the the sound of the bike (not a lot of radio stations out here). When we stop, which we've done several times, shut the bikes down and DON'T talk, all you hear is the wind in the trees. No cars, no planes, no people. You know, at home, we talk about how many people there are per square mile. Up here, they talk about how many square miles per person. It makes you realize how really insignificant you are. The distances and more especially, the vastness up here is impossible to describe. There will be miles and miles where you won't see another person.

Speaking of other persons, we've been stopping at the small local places for gas and food (really all there is on the highway) and for the most part, the people are amazingly friendly. So are most of the travelers we encounter. Everyone talks about what they've seen, what to expect, what to watch for. It is really neat.

I would like to post more pictures because between Dave and I, we are taking quite a few (except for in the rain), but they really don't do justice to the incredible beauty up here. And, every turn we make, it just keeps getting better. So, I've tried to post things that will brighten up your days. I really hope you are enjoying this. I know I am, even with the rain and the cold. For those of you that have never been here, I would highly recommend it. From what we've encountered so far, the road and services are more than adequate. I think it is a trip everybody should take. BUT, if you have a small mind, can't handle big, open spaces and large mountains, then by all means, stay home! This is a country for people aren't afraid to encounter new things, new challenges, and just a bigness to everything. And, from what we hear from the people who are headed south, it just keeps getting better. I can't wait. Every turn is a new adventure...............

Okay, I've rambled on enough. Back to getting things dried out. I'll keep posting...