Back In The US of A... (Revised with pictures)

[DDT (12)]

                                                      Back In The US of A

Well, not yet, but I am on my way… so to speak… I pulled out from the cabin without extending my stay after all, and then I stopped to top off ALI’s tank a mile later… just in case we did go in that special direction after all. Anybody know where I might be talking about going? I’ll give you a hint… I was there two days ago… It starts in Dawson Creek, British Columbia... Yep, The Alaska Highway!

The pilgrimage began here



I’d been pondering on heading that way for a couple of days… Actually, I’ve been wanting to return for several years, but memories of the awful road conditions we’d endured, plus the frequent rain we’d encountered had me wondering if I was even up to such a ride any more… Slogging through mud with the consistency of spaghetti sauce for miles on end… well, it was a most arduous trip by any standard… and, I’m twenty-three years older now than I’d been at the time…

The gold only goes to the bold, I’d been telling myself; besides, I could always turn around if things got too unpleasant… I got no one to please, nobody to impress, and nothing left to prove at this stage of the game, so… why not? Then on my last story posting, Serk mentioned in a reply what he’d do if he were in my situation… That was the final straw!

The final straw...



Still, I continued to have doubts and second thoughts… It wasn’t until I pulled away from the gas pump and stopped at the intersection four days ago, that I pulled the trigger and headed north instead of south…

A fool’s errand? Perhaps… Would I have to suffer the indignity and wear the moniker of 'wimp' or 'woss' for attempting this feat, only to fail to make it? Who cares, I ain’t doing anything else at the moment… let’s just go have a look-see, I concluded… We did…

WOW! Whether or not we finally do make it, I’m glad we chose to come this way! During the last couple of decades, I’ve managed to allow the more negative memories to remain vivid, while letting the positive ones slip away… I've been absolutely amazed at just how unexpectedly beautiful this ride has turned out to be!

Couple of sights along the way











I’ve told y’all of my singing while riding sometimes when I’m in that special zone, right? On two different rides, I've even found myself yodeling! None of that was decided, by the way, it all just sprung-up spontaneously…

Well, the past two days I’ve found myself chanting and singing in Native American fashion! Yep, it really happened, and it surprised me no small amount! I don’t know where any of that comes from… I just suddenly realize I’m doing it… often I chuckle at myself, but I make no attempt to stop or even suppress it… Nope, I just let it all out and enjoy the accompanying mood…

I've seen caribou, black bears, moose, deer, elk, mountain goats, and a herd of buffalo already on this trip! The mountains we rode through today were spectacular, and the road... Last night I stayed in Ft. Nelson, BC, and in the room next to mine was a couple on their way to Washington state coming from Fairbanks, AK. They told me the road was terrible! He even mentioned that he wouldn't attempt it on a bike...

As if that weren't enough, the so-called weather forecasters were calling for rain the next couple of days... Oh joy!!! Yep, I became discouraged, and I seriously considered aborting the mission right then and there. I dilly-dallied until around 9am, then said the heck with it, I'm going on anyway... No rain hit us all day, although we did ride through a few wet stretches of road... And, speaking of road... that is a mother-loving wonderful road!!!

I suppose it is like the message in that post by wiggy.com a few weeks back... 'I wish you enough'... Yeah, there were some rough patches, even some construction delays, but... compared to what we faced in '94, it was a breeze! No mud, thankfully, and the dust was even tolerable. I was joyously surprised and impressed!!!

The journey passed by here



Well, I have taken many pictures, but they will have to wait until later… I’m in Watson Lake, Yukon Territory, tonight. The internet is so slow here at this motel, that it would take me a week to upload them all. I’m going to wait until later to tackle that chore, so I’ll pick this story up again… Y’all keep a good thought for me, OK?

DDT

P.S. For Thunderbolt... No rain so far that has required me to 'suit-up'. Temps have been most tolerable, but on the cool side all the way. When we left the cabin, I rode for fifty miles before finally pulling over to dress-up... about forty-nine miles longer than I should have! I've worn my Gerbings and chaps every day since leaving the cabin, although I didn't have to actually turn the electrics on yesterday... just the extra layer was enough. Temps range from the mid-40sF early in the mornings to high 60sF in the late afternoons. That's overall... on a given day it can be mostly cold or pleasant all day... you just never know, so you deal with what you find. BTW, gas is really pricy up here! The most I've paid so far has been $1.98 per liter (Canadian $)... you can do the math to see what that works out to be per gallon in US $...

[wiggydotcom]

Wow, Bruce. Many of us live vicariously through your posts. I know I certainly do. For another 18 months or so, I'll be easing into retirement but will still be confined to the time off work that Caterpillar allows someone of my seniority. I anxiously await the day when I can wake up with "unlimited" vacation time to travel---even a small fraction of the standard you set.

I admire the flexibility you use to allow many factors to help decide your course of travel..which way the wind blows, a whim, a whispering voice in your head? Whatever it is, I sure await your posts with great anticipation.

As always, travel safe and may Ali, that Iron Horse of yours take you to never before sights of beauty and tranquility!

And as Rob so fittingly said in the next post, I also wish you enough!

[The emperor has no clothes]

AWESOME ! If by the slightest chance you make it to Kenai before Monday shoot me a text. We are flying out Monday night, be great to see you.  


As our friend Wiggy said, "I wish you enough"

[DDT (12)]

Wow, Bruce. Many of us live vicariously through your posts. I know I certainly do. For another 18 months or so, I'll be easing into retirement but will still be confined to the time off work that Caterpillar allows someone of my seniority.
I admire the flexibility you use to allow many factors to help decide your course of travel..which way the wind blows, a whim, a whispering voice in your head? Whatever it is, I sure await your posts with great anticipation.

As always, travel safe and may Ali, that Iron Horse of yours take you to never before sights of beauty and tranquility!

Thanks, Russ! I enjoy your stories, as well... Even more, I really enjoy just hanging out with you chatting about this and that. I wish you enough, too... enough work and anticipation, enough delay and sense of urgency, that when your time does come, and it's closer than you realize, that you will find at least half the pleasure I've found from this experience... See ya down the road... again!

DDT

AWESOME ! If by the slightest chance you make it to Kenai before Monday shoot me a text. We are flying out Monday night, be great to see you.  


As our friend Wiggy said, "I wish you enough"

Rob! I didn't realize you were still up there... I'm not sure if I can make it there by then, but you've given me a target to shoot for. I had figured to ride at least as far as Seward anyway, as I found that to be a majestic ride my last time up... I still have your cell number you gave to me when I was in Arizona the last time, so who knows... wouldn't that be a heck of a meeting place!!! If that number isn't the one for me to use, please PM me another number I can call or text... Now I'm getting really excited!

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

Hey Bruce, still the same #. It's a small world isn't it ? I hope you can make it.  Be safe my friend.

[DirtyDan]

  Bruce

Are you going for the circle....... or beyond ?

Dan

[Hook#3287]

Awesome

Can't wait for the next installment 

[Oss]

Seems we are always a few days behind you Bruce

We are flying into Calgary tonight but heading to GTTS road in Glacier at dawn before heading to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper for the balance of the week  We will be a car tho not the Valk, time being at a premium for us this trip.

I will be on the lookout for your bike.  If you hear a horn persistently honking turn and look, it may be us  

[Serk]

I'm even more jealous than usual of your travels, and that's saying something!

In the mid 80's when I was 15 I took a mega trip with my dad (In a pickup truck). 10 days, 7,000 miles, Dallas, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Seattle, Dawson Creek, Banff, Calgary, Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain National Park, Denver, etc.

The highlight of that trip was the brief run we made down the Alcan, under 100 miles, just enough to whet my appetite.

A few years ago I started planning to make a full run all the way to Dead Horse. I was saving my pennies, plotting routes, researching the roads, getting ready. I was planning on making my run late June/early July of 2011.

Mid November 2010 the spousal unit gave me the news that the pregnancy test was positive.

Brief contemplation, I decided to heck with it, I'm going anyway.

Late November 2010 my boss called to tell me my job was going to India, I was getting laid off.

Little longer contemplation, I decided I was still making that trip.

Late December we had the first sonogram and the doc told us it was triplets, would probably be born June or July.

I looked up at the heavens and in a resigned voice cried out "ALRIGHT I GET THE HINT! I'll do Alaska some other time..."

You're living the dream Bruce, be safe, take lots of pics, and I look forward to your next check in! I WILL follow someday, one way or another.

[Wizzard]

Wow,,, you are taking the exact same rt I went up there on last summer. Bringing back awesome memories. Most of the construction I went through was around Destruction Bay. And it was muddy and raining on way up but dry and dusty on way home. Still worth it. Yep,, Watson lake internet leaves a little to be desired but hey, least they have it. You want a nice ride , take 37 down south on your way home, stay at Dease Lake, For the most scenic ride of your life take 37A out to Hyder AK. You won't regret it. I would do that road again in a heartbeat. Keep on rolling Bruce. Follow the front tire 

[DDT (12)]

Wow,,, you are taking the exact same rt I went up there on last summer. Bringing back awesome memories. Most of the construction I went through was around Destruction Bay. And it was muddy and raining on way up but dry and dusty on way home. Still worth it. Yep,, Watson lake internet leaves a little to be desired but hey, least they have it. You want a nice ride , take 37 down south on your way home, stay at Dease Lake, For the most scenic ride of your life take 37A out to Hyder AK. You won't regret it. I would do that road again in a heartbeat. Keep on rolling Bruce. Follow the front tire 

Hey Wiz,

Are Hwys 37 and 37A paved? Last time I was up here, only the Alaska HWY was 'paved'... except where they were re-building it, that is! I learned my lesson about riding Valks in mud, so that is a show-stopper for us! Clogged up the swing arm earlier in our riding, so we had many pinion cup and rear-end breakdowns as a result... Troutdude figured all that out for us, so we've avoided 'off-road' riding since, and all has been well...

DDT

[Wizzard]

yep.. all paved,, one section of gravel around Dease Lake but that might even be done by now. 37 and 37a was the highlight of my trip. Haines Junction had some great places to stay and great views.
Also be sure and stop and eat in Tok at Fast Eddys. Great food and some great places to stay there as well. I know of a great B+B there. Check out the sign forest at Watson Lake
Kathy's Kitchen there was great as well.

[DDT (12)]

Bruce

Are you going for the circle....... or beyond ?

Dan

I remember the pic of you there at the sign! I was sooo envious!!! We'd passed on that ride the first time, because we were so worn out from the ride up, plus we'd had more than enough mud bogging! I've always regretted that call. Now, however, I won't be taking that ride because the road ain't paved, and... well... like I said in my reply to Wizzard... ALI and I don't do mud roads any more. Still, it does cross my mind, and I am tempted... but no, I don't think so.

DDT

Seems we are always a few days behind you Bruce

We are flying into Calgary tonight but heading to RTTS road in Glacier at dawn before heading to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper for the balance of the week  We will be a car tho not the Valk, time being at a premium for us this trip.

I will be on the lookout for your bike.  If you hear a horn persistently honking turn and look, it may be us  

Hey Evan! I do plan to ride that ride down from Jasper to Banff on my return to the lower 48... one of the top rides in all of North America, IMHO!!! I was just on that road two years ago with Mitcho, Troutdude, and T-man403... can't seem to get enough of it! Sorry the timing never seems to work out for us... but, one of these days... you do need to be very careful what you ask for!

DDT



Serk: "I looked up at the heavens and in a resigned voice cried out "ALRIGHT I GET THE HINT! I'll do Alaska some other time..."


Serk, I wish you enough, too! All the anticipation and delay will only make it more gratifying when you finally do make it! You obviously have 'the right stuff' for such a journey, so a bit more patience and the prize will be yours... I'm looking forward to reading about it...

DDT

yep.. all paved,, one section of gravel around Dease Lake but that might even be done by now. 37 and 37a was the highlight of my trip. Haines Junction had some great places to stay and great views.
Also be sure and stop and eat in Tok at Fast Eddys. Great food and some great places to stay there as well. I know of a great B+B there. Check out the sign forest at Watson Lake
Kathy's Kitchen there was great as well.

Wiz, again...

I just added that route to my list of possible targets!!! I don't want to slip back into any sort of planning mode here, however, so I'll just leave it at that... Thanks for the heads-up, though! I do like to ride scenic routes!!!

DDT

[Wizzard]

I did not do the Circle and I do not regret it. Talked to many that did and I figured I was not on the kind of bike for that. Maybe some other time with a diff bike. But not on a valk

[DDT (12)]

I did not do the Circle and I do not regret it. Talked to many that did and I figured I was not on the kind of bike for that. Maybe some other time with a diff bike. But not on a valk

I agree... Given our history and experience, I'm just not inclined to take the risk... Dirty Dan did, and I mightily respect what he did! ALI agrees with you and me on this, however. Speaking of 'our girl', I was just outside to do a weather check, and it is still rather moist... Rain has mostly stopped... well... a very light drizzle now and fog still around... Anyway, ALI informed me this will pass, so I need to begin getting ready... Got about 1200 miles to do if we're to meet up with Meathead, and we don't know what might lie ahead... Oh well... one step at a time...

DDT

[Wizzard]

I stayed at the air force lodge there in Watson Lake and had a blast. Owner made it interesting and it was cheap.

[DDT (12)]

Wiz, I noticed that place on the way in! I made a mental note in case I didn't find anything in town... but I did... so... here I am. I'll keep that place in mind should I return this way... Not sure right now, but I'm considering taking the 'Marine Highway' back to Prince Rupert... It would afford a chance to visit those towns in the 'panhandle', including the state capital, that are in-accessible by road.

DDT

[Wizzard]

never got to Prince Rupert,, saving that for another trip,, but just about anywhere around there should be awesome. Can't wait to hear about it.

[t-man403]

Seems we are always a few days behind you Bruce

We are flying into Calgary tonight but heading to RTTS road in Glacier at dawn before heading to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper for the balance of the week  We will be a car tho not the Valk, time being at a premium for us this trip.

I will be on the lookout for your bike.  If you hear a horn persistently honking turn and look, it may be us  

Hey Evan! I do plan to ride that ride down from Jasper to Banff on my return to the lower 48... one of the top rides in all of North America, IMHO!!! I was just on that road two years ago with Mitcho, Troutdude, and T-man403... can't seem to get enough of it! Sorry the timing never seems to work out for us... but, one of these days... you do need to be very careful what you ask for!

DDT

Keep me updated ...... both of you!

After this weekend so on the 24th or 25th I'm hoping I can make myself and my home somewhat available.

[old2soon]

Bruce-cursed iffin you ain't livin the dream.  And as others ha :uglystupid2:ve stated-Always lookin forward to the next installment.  I've been on some dirt roads here in Missouri that upon reflection I should NOT have been on.  And I can Not EVEN Imagine them being wet.  RIDE SAFE.

[Daniel Meyer]

Awesome! Have fun! I very much want to make that run again. I believe Dawson City (not Creek) is my favorite city ever...

[John Schmidt]

Bruce, I'm making an unapologetic hijack of your post. You and Oss talked about the route along the east side of the Canadian Rockies, as you know that's some stupendous scenery. When Rita and I got married in East Glacier, we headed up into Canada and stayed at the Prince of Wales hotel in Waterton on the way north. We then followed along that same route you spoke of all the way to Jasper. On our return we came down the west side of the Rockies back to Kalispell. We wanted to retrace our steps on our 20th but health issues prevented it. I agree, that's one of the most beautiful rides, car or bike, in N. America.

You guys take pictures so we can relive our honeymoon. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Wiz, I noticed that place on the way in! I made a mental note in case I didn't find anything in town... but I did... so... here I am. I'll keep that place in mind should I return this way... Not sure right now, but I'm considering taking the 'Marine Highway' back to Prince Rupert... It would afford a chance to visit those towns in the 'panhandle', including the state capital, that are in-accessible by road.

DDT

That would be a most excellent return route  You will see some of the most beautiful parts of our state.  In my opinion, the Dalton Hwy. is way over rated. You have no reason to regret not doing it. I agree with Wizzard about 37.  Something else to consider once you are here is making a side trip to Whittier. It's a short ride with a lot of interesting history. Back in the day you could only go by railroad, but it is open to vehicles now a days. I do hope you make it this way before we leave. But I don't want you to ride any more than what you are comfortable and enjoy. 

[DDT (12)]

I've just updated my last post with some pictures...

DDT

[DirtyDan]

Pictures look good.

Keep riding while you can (I can't)

I've got my mom reading some of your posts now

Dan

[John Schmidt]

So how often do you meet another car....or bear, moose, goat, gold miner?  Those pics look like pretty wide open spaces ahead.

[Valkorado]

   Great ramblings and photos.  Looks like you're having yourself a large time.  Gotta get up yonder one day. 

[Hook#3287]

I for one am glad you figured out that picture thing.  Very cool 

ALI looks great.

[Serk]

*Jealousy Increasing*

I will get there one day.... Somehow...

Thanks again for taking us along!

[wiggydotcom]

The pics are great, Bruce! I can't wait to follow along on this journey with you!