On to the new day. I made it to Alaska yesterday. After a ferry ride and a few hours of riding on dirt, I reached the most northerly land port for entering the US. It was a good ride. Jeff and I were still riding together as we rode into Chicken, AK, a small town 80 miles north of the Alcan on Top of the World Highway. We stopped and camped at a BLM (Bureau of Land Management) campground area. I was worn out. I cooked my dinner, ate, and passed out. Well, I tried to read a bit. I've been reading "Jupiter's Travels" written by and about Ted Simon's ride around the world solo on a motorbike. He had some interesting things to say, some of which I have been relating to. Like the crazy (I mean TOTALLY crazy) thoughts that come in your head as you ride. Thinking about the worst and best possible things that could happen. There seems to be no thoughts of normalcy on a ride like this. It's all thoughts of extreme events that will likely not happen.
So I slept well. It was a good sleep. Rained all night, but it stopped before I woke up and it was not raining as I packed my gear on my bike. We reached paved road last night, not great pavement, but not dirt. After leaving the camp I was thinking, "Man, this road sucks!! Whats going on?" Then a mile up the road I saw a sign.
It said......
Welcome to Alaska
YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE
Nice...
So I pulled out the tools and handled it. I plugged it and filled it back up and I will make it to Fairbanks, but that rear tire is done. It's no good to ride for a long time.
Really cool stuff that happened yesterday.
Ferry ride:
Then we rode this road for 100 miles... It was a total of 100 miles of dirt - 60 in Canada and 40 in the US.
And finally I reached this...
So my day picked up. I rode for a long time and realized yesterday's post was ridiculous and that I have nothing to be upset about and I needed to get it together. I know why I'm making this ride. I know who its for and I know the bad days she is having and it just does not compare. I love you, Kris.
I'm in Tok, AK right now, 200 miles to Fairbanks, and I get new tires just in time.
Yay for being back in the good ol' US of A. Hope these 200 miles to Fairbanks go quickly for you, you get your tires, and you get some rest! Also, Brox wanted me to please tell you not to go finding any rough and tough sledding dogs while you are up there. He could take 'em, but that would be an awful long way for him to go prove his awesomeness. We love you.
ReplyDeleteWoohoo! Almost there! Then you have to come back....the same way?
ReplyDeleteBack in time to celebrate your Bday?
xo
kitty
Musings happen! The great thing about treks like this is that you learn so much about yourself. You will have higher highs and lower lows then us drudging through "everday, normal" lives. And they will equalize out when you get back and only have them as memories. Don't beat yourself up for sharing a low point. Because you are overshadowing them when you share your high points. Peace. -Lori
ReplyDeleteBack in the USSR! Okay, they used to own it, but not any more. Enjoy Alaska, it's amazing place to ride.
ReplyDeleteBummer on the flat tyre. It was bound to happen. I remember you saying that worried you, so you can see now that it's just another thing you have to deal with on these trips, and that you can.
Learned yesterday that "opportunity" and "challenge" are the same words in Japanese. Enjoy all of your opportunities!
Cheers
You're doing great, time to enjoy a nice cold Molson,keep up the cause.
ReplyDeleteTodd and Becky
So glad things are brighter today. Fairbanks is just around the corner. Didn't think you were complaining yesterday--You were sharing your adventure with those that love you. We are here to cheer you on (good times and bad times). One thing about the trip home, you will
ReplyDeleteknow what to expect. Well take care and enjoy the next leg of your journey.
P.S. When does Kevin meet up with you? Does anyone know?
Nanny, Kevin should be in Fairbanks Monday night. Hope you guys are doing well and definitely hope to see you when Daniel gets home!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteDon't beat yourself up, Daniel. You've undertaken a great challenge and you're doing great! On a side note, my wife is helping you spread the word by posting a blog on her site about your journey (http://boisebarefootweaver.blogspot.com/! God speed and don't smile too much up there or your teeth will get coated in bugs! :-) Marshall
ReplyDeleteYea...was about to send you some Midol - LOL!!! Always gets tough when you can see your goal in sight. KEEP IT UP!!! Looking forward to the pics from 66 1/3 degree north latitude and then the Arctic Sea!!!
ReplyDelete