Map of Alaska

I was ask for a map. Here is a fair one I found. It will give you some idea wher I am. For perspective Fairbanks to Prudhoe bay is 489 miles. Iv'e driven 3600 miles so far on this trip. Its a journey and I am having fun along the way, often in unexpected ways. I met someone interesting this morning named Roger. He recomended I go to an old gold mineing area in the Yukon not to far from here. I plan to check it out!

Saturday Evening August 13th Back from the Arctic

I must be on vacation, I'm loosing track of the days! I took a 1000 mile round trip to the Arctic ocean and Back. That may not sound like much distance for three days but that was about 26 hours of driving plus all the sights to see.The Dalton highway, also known as the haul road, is rough and treacherous. Someone died on this road just this week. It is about half paved and half gravel/dirt/mud. it has been raining and there is always repairs going on.
I reached the Arctic circle Thursday and camped in a old lake bed 100 miles north of the Arctic circle. I could see a glacier from where I camped.  That night the sun set at about 11 pm but it was still light at 1:30. it kind of plays games with your sleep, but I got about 5 hours. Its not as cold as you might think. it was 42 at night and about 60 in the day.
Friday I traveled north and it started looking more and more desolate. I saw Caribou and bow hunters. I even saw one make his kill. I walked across the tundra and talked with him. his name was Mark from Michigan and his brother Chris from Colorado. It is really difficult to walk on this land. Its like walking on sponges. It is technically a desert because of the low rainfall, but because of the permafrost just a short way down the water does not soak in. there is water everywhere.... And quite a few bugs.
 I made it to Deadhorse and took a tour of the oil facility and stood in the arctic ocean. The water didn't seem any colder than  the Pacific but the wind was.The air temperature was 49. Deadhorse felt like you were in an industrial camp. (that's what it is). It is not touristy at all except they give tours by the oil facilities and to the ocean. The first 2/3rds of the trip up was scenic then the trees disappeared and it looked very barren.

The trip back was long. I camped one night at the dry lake again. (Chosen for being dry and fewer bugs). It rained on the last half of the journey back. What a slick muddy mess! My pickup was so coated with mud I couldn't get in or out without getting muddy. Back to a campground in Fairbanks. A shower, laundry,resupply and rest before further journeys.

There was a real highlight for me coming back. I stoped at the Yukon river visitors center. I met a couple there that were field editors for the milepost guide to Alaska. Sharon (the editor) reflected on her childhood trip to Alaska and has been editing for the Milepost since 1971. I told her someone I often thought about was "on the road with Charles Karault" She said he was also one of her inspirations and she had just reread his book!

On this long haul I had a lot of time to think and reflect. I choose the name of my blog to also reflect on life's journey, not just a trip. There are things to learn in reflecting on a trip, and there are things to be gained by reflecting on life. I have personally thought a lot recently about God, Myself, and Relationships. There are things I have observed on this trip that meld in with my thinking. Just to touch on a little...
When your north of the Artic Circle and particularly north of the Brooks range it looks very barren. But if you walk out in the land and observe there is beauty there. Even among bareness and hostility there are good things. I found beautiful flowers, and huckleberrys that were very good. On my trip back from deadhorse I had a headache and Ia long way to go. I was feeling kind of blah. Then I thought of all the good things that I have in my life such as friends. And the things that come along as in meeting interesting people or something beautiful. Is it God that does that? to encourage us, to bless us? Dont let the world get you down ther are good things to be found on the Journey.

It was over 60 Degrees at the Arctic circle

Found these Huckleberries in the Arctic. Delicious!

Before going over the Brooks Range to the North Slope

This is where You buy gas in Deadhorse 5.10/gal

Yes thats Mud!

WHAT A MESS! Back to Fairbanks

Evening Day 6 In Alaska

WowI have gone a long ways since my last post. Last post was Watson Lake in the Yukon. Watson lake has something called the signpost forest. A sign was posted there in 1942 and since then it has become a tradition to allow anyone to post there own sign from where they are from. There are literally thousands of Posts with approximately 72 Thousand signs. I plan to post one on my way back home.
 I stopped in a little town of Teslin Yukon and saw a very interesting Indian museum. I would like to share some pictures from these two places but I unfortunately lost (misplaced I hope)  the memory card with these photos.( lost my Memory :) ) That really bugged me until I decided that it wasn't that big of a deal. If I don't find it I will be going back that way in a few weeks. Besides its just pictures.
I planed to stop short of Alaska yesterday but My GPS took me lead me to a place that wasn't there. Being this far north it stays light much later so kept driving. I  hit Alaska at 10:45 PM and the sun looked to be still an hour above the horizon! I took some pictures at around 11PM while it was still light. Very cool! I did stop and go to sleep around 11:30 even though it was still light.
This morning I saw a huge mosquito the size of a man!(see the picture) I stopped at the north pole and ended up in Fairbanks. Fairbanks has a very nice Pioneer Park with free museums and displays. You can go on an old stern wheeler. See old mining stuff. an airplane museum and much more.

I traveled 606 miles yesterday and 227 today. So far I traveled 2592 miles. I'm glad to have  paid only 3.93 for gas. I had to pay up to 5.51 in Canada. It's also good to make contact with some friends and family back home.
Tomorrow I start up the Dalton Highway toward the Arctic. This could be a 4 day trip.Until next time, enjoy your own journeys, I will enjoy mine.

Man size Mosquto... actually burl



This steam shovel worked on The Panama canal ,Hawaii and in Alaska




Indian tossing blanket of skins



At the North Pole

Crossing into Alaska just before 11pm

Morning Day 4 The Yukon Teritory

I woke up this morning and realized I am starting to relax. Last evening I was frustrated with technology. My phone had a signal but would not connect and My computer has developed some issues... But I am on a vacation!
 I am ready to travel but I wanted to update from yesterday.  I may not be able to update tonight. I travelled the first 600 miles of the Alaskan Highway. The roads have been mostly very good except about three sections of road construction. I left Dawson Creek at 9:00 and made it to Watson Lake Yukon Territory's at 8:40. I made good time and was 20 minutes ahead of the GPS estimate. That sounds too much like a competitive attitude I am actually worrying a little less about the little stuff. The farther I get in the wilderness the more relaxed I am.

The first 350 miles yesterday was boring, But after I passed Fort Nelson the travel was much more interesting.  The landscape changed to more mountainous. The streams and lakes were splendid. I started seeing wildlife, and I don't mean all the motorcycle riders like my  friends on Harley's ...
 I saw what a think were stone sheep three times, Saw black bear grazing on grass four times and lots of Buffalo. O yeah a moose started to cross the road in front of me and changed its mind. The buffalo make you stop.
Well I will finish this up. Hello to all my friends! Time to continue my journey. we will see what this day brings.
Rich

Day 3

This is just a quick post and I will revise it in the morning. Im in Watson lake and doing well. My phone doesnt work here and my computer is acting funny. I saw moose, bear, stone sheep and buffalo today! Made 600 miles. its 10:00 pm and sun has set but it is still very light out! I am above the 60th lattitude.
I will try to update this later..
Enjoy the Journey....

August 7th, Day 2 of Rich's excellent Adventure!

Wow what a day! I got an earlier start (8 AM), and my GPS said it was 526 miles to Dawson Creek and I should be there at 5:21... plus delays of course. Should be an easy day. What could I do with all that extra time? That wasn't a problem...

First at the campsite, I ended up talking to this couple from the Netherlands. They were touring the U.S. and Canada. And I thought I was planning a long journey...
Next I saw the worlds largest Skis at the 100 mile house. The 100 mile house was the location of a roadhouse 100 miles from the beginning of the 1860's trail to the Barkersville gold field. I spent a lot of time at the 108 mile ranch which was a historic preservation site. I even spent some time in an old church since it was Sunday. It was meaningful even though I was there by myself. I was reminded of God's presence in my life.

I  took a little detour to Barkersville which is a historic town. I had a Moose run across the road in front of me on the way there. This is the 1860's gold rush town that has been rebuilt and even has people acting out that historic time.  This place was very well done and worth the time. I even learned some gold panning technique that I might try when I get to Alaska.
Then there was the slight delay of about 40 miles of washed out road and road construction. That led me to Chetwynd also know as The Chainsaw Carving Capital of the world. Some amazing Art! By then It was 9:30 So I drove to Dawson Creek and arrived at 10:35. 595 miles today, 1042 total so far. and hundreds of pictures. The beauty of this country is amazing....
Where did all that extra time go? Wow what a day... I hope to be in Fairbanks in three days, but who knows what I may do on my Journey....
Till next time...

Worlds largest Skis at the 100 mile House Visitors center

Reconstructed Church at 108 mile ranch

Blooms In the old Wagon Wheel at Barkersville

40 miles of this and I'm not in Alaska yet!

Chain Saw carving in Chetwynd

the Alaska Journey August 6th Day1

Its Finally Happening! After only planning since mid July, I left Saturday for my adventure to Alaska. It was a challenge to get everything together for my trip.... I wonder what I forgot? I remember in the past forgetting a can opener, and even a sleeping bag. So far so good.... Just remembering where I put it.

I left later than I wanted, but this is vacation, not to be rushed. I left Hillsboro at 11:30 and arrived at Cache Creek B.C. at 9:30, 452 miles and several photo stops along the way. The Frasier river valley in British Columbia is awesome! The mountains and river are magnificent!

 I talked with the man cleaning at a rest stop just south of Hope ( sounds funny "south of hope") and he recommended seeing the chain saw carvings in Hope. I took the time and I'm glad I did. These carvers are real artists. Driving north along the Frasier river just as the sunset made a very scenic drive. It may be hard to believe,but Cache Creek is dry and reminds me of near Bend Oregon.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow and I hope to post Again. I plan to be in Dawson Creek....But I will see where my journey takes me. :) Rich





Chain saw carving In Hope B.C.





Frasier River From Rotary Park Hope B.C.

Traveling Highway 1 south of Cache Creek