Alaska Trip Day 2-May 25 20`12-898 k

 

Long Day…….though the traffic was going East……only saw about 8 tractor units…must have been an off day. All camper units and motorcycles where East bound…you think they know something I don’t.

Currently hold up in an American Inn….a little dusty and worn but after last night I thought I would splurge. Watched the hockey game in the bar….thinking I might catch the overtime period in my room ,I was disappointed to find I couldn’t get any channels…..I was undressed, ready for bed so hoofing it up to the front desk was out of the question. I already had been there to advise that the 100.00 fee they would charge me if they thought I was smoking in the room was out the window as there are numerous cigerette burns on the tub and furniture…REALLY was the reply….well we will be adding that 100.00 to your bill sir…..IN A PIG”S AAAA or was it EYE you are, was my reply…….WE ALREADY HAVE YOUR SIGNED AGREEMENT SIR…..then I want a breathalizer or something I stuttered….

After all this place isn’t exactly the RITZ though it set me back 79.00 plus tax….  

No Vale Parking

Till tomorrow…..goodnight….O I am in Cookston Minnesota

Day 1 Continued

 

Didn’t exactly sleep like a baby……..woke up at 3.30 am….light coming through the wall..what the ?….last night I couldn’t find the light switch.  Wiping my eyes, I think dare I get up…but nature calls ……a hole in the wall where the plaster has fallen off reveals broken lattice and a dim flickering light is coming from the end of the hall below the stairs.  I hear banjo music and laughter. Where is the bathroom….The door creaks on it’s hinges as I exit into the hall. The music suddenly stops and for a moment I seem to feel like all eyes are on me…..but I don’t see anyone and what happened to the light. I can’t see a D.. thing. Why am I sweating, the urge to urinate is strong….where’s the F….. bathroom door. Suddenly I am falling or tripping or both. I wake up and feel like I’m soaking wet..O NO…I didn’t. I have the fashlight in my hand but its not on…turn it on stupid. I do and find that I am lying on the   grass…….not P….but dew….WHAT A RELIEF. I am starring at my tent…….it’s a dream…..that’s it no more wine before bed.

Alaska Trip Day 1-May 24 2012- 850 k

 

1. Up at the crack of dawn and headed out for fuel then a stop for coffee to say my goodbyes and leave money for the group lottery purchase.
2. Fuel again at Esponola and just after crossing into the USA……
3. Stopped at a modest campground with cabins…..they only had 1 room left in the house and the old lady with the long crooked fingernails said I would be sharing it with some other guests. Take the room upstairs at the end of the hall she wailed and take this broom to sweep the cobwebs  its been awhile since anyone used it……I could sense a look of anguish as she said I wouldn’t need a key…..perhaps she thought I would ask for my money back……why didn’t I………the wi fi is crazy….I will try and upload a pic…then its of to bed. 
4. No electricity….crap…where’s the toilet   

BIKE CHANGE

The 1st part of my adventure is about to begin a week today. I  have taken the Kawasaki Voyager out of moth balls and have been busy prepping it for the journey to Alaska. Why the change.....well I have decided that Deadhorse/Prudeau Bay is not in the cards which means I should be on decent roads for the most part. I will ride west and north as far as Fairbanks then on to Ankorage , Tok, Dawson City, Haines Junction, Smithers BC, Banff, then down to Montana and head East.                                                                                     
For the South American Excursion I will be joined by my good friend John Carnie, a retired Helicopter Pilot who has flown most parts of the Globe. He has just returned from about 7 years of sailing the Caribbean and was looking for a new adventure....went out and purchased a new Triumph Tiger 800 with all the goodies........so my second reason for leaving the VStrom in the stable was to keep it nice and shiny ...don't want that TIGER getting all the attention.

The past couple of weeks have involved needle pokes which will continue another week and then a final shot for Yellowfever.........the rabies shot was highly recommended but I have left it to late and will pass on it.....John has been warned that if I start frothing at the mouth to Run....if he has access to a gun he has my permission to shoot me.

  

TEST MAP

Test Map
View Larger Map Thanks to Denise for giving me lessons on how to post GOOGLE MAPS to my BLOG............this is the route I took to meet with her and take a lesson to upgrade my limited skills......this will allow me to map out my travel plans and share them with followers on the blog and my appointees who will know my route should problems arise....especially on the Central and South America leg of the journey..... this will be in addition to my SPOT locator service which I still need to activate and of course learn how to use.

COLLECTION OF STUFF FOR ALASKA-PIC

NEW RIDING OUTFIT April 25/12

windows Live Writer

A trip down to GP Sports in Whitby netted me a new ballistic 3/4 length riding jacket and pants by Scorpion. The jacket is layered which means it is all season allowing you to remove  the winter liner etc in warmer weather.

Somewhat disappointed after the purchase when I went on line and found the same outfit being cleared at USA outlets for a third of what I paid……why is it that we Canadians pay so much more than our friends to the South….last time I checked our $ was above par…………………………………..Dropped into Milestone Motorsports also in Whitby and picked up a set of dirt tires for the Dalton/Dempster if required……..spoke with Alex regarding adding heated grips…great customer service at this shop.

Likely start my journey May 23rd to Alaska if the weather co operates…