No Fixed Address: Alaska

I met-up with John in Dawson City on August 01. He had ridden solo from Peterborough, Ontario and was to meet-up with his spouse Heather who was flying into Anchorage on August 04. They would then tour Alaska, Yukon and BC together. John would later drop Heather off in Calgary following their tour she would then fly home. John would continue on to Peterborough solo.
John and I left together from Dawson City on August 02 and rode into Alaska through Chicken, Tok, Glennallen, Palmer and arrived in Anchorage (Population 250,000) on August 04. We booked a room at the local hotel. John went off to find Heather at the airport while I left to locate a place where I could change the oil in my moto. I stopped by a rental location which had an extensive selection of adventure motorcycles parked outdoors. They indicated that they were extremely busy because these bike required service today before they were issued to new riders the following morning. They provided me with directions to the local BMW dealer. I rode over to the dealer thinking I would be happy if they provided me with an oil pot and a location outdoors where I could change my oil. I approached the service manager with my request. He told me to leave the keys in the bike and they take it right-in to change the oil and give it a thorough inspection. I was extremely impressed with the service I was provided and was very grateful. The manager indicated they make an effort to accommodate travelers. This left a very good impression considering the dealer in Winnipeg told me I'd have to wait three week for an appointment.
The following morning we ride off to tour the Kenai Peninsula. This is a very scenic region. Our ride took us along Glacier covered mountains following the coast of Cooks Inlet to the resort town of Homer.
A point of interest .These waters were charted by Captain James Cook in the mid 1700's. I am extremely impressed with this man. He has also charted the west coast of Canada, New Zealand and Australia aboard his very small sailing ship “The Endeavor” .
Traffic is noticeable heavy compared to what we've been used to. There are simply to many tourist in this town – It's good to move on. We locate a dirt road which crosses the peninsula into the coastal town of Seward for a night of camping. There is a sign attached to the picnic table at our camp site which reads. “Bears have been seen in the area – Properly store your food”..One becomes accustom to these warnings – This is bear country – That's the way it is. It's great to be sleeping outdoors. It has now become the accommodations of choice.
The following day we'll ride to the coastal town of Whittier where we will board a ferry for a six and a half hour crossing of the beautiful Prince William Sound to town of Valdez. Two more days of riding will get us to Whitehorse where I will stop for three day of R and R. John and Heather would continue on with their tour. It was a great week of riding – I did enjoy both John and Heather's company..
I rode over to the camping area within the city limits and was provided a site to set up camp. Within a half hour the lady from the site office was making her rounds telling campers she had received a call from the local conservation officer reporting that a bear and two of her cubs where spotted outside the camp area. For your own safety do not to approach the bears if you see them, ensure your food is properly secure and keep your camp site clean. The bears weren't in the camping mood – they didn't stop to visit.
I rode out of Whitehorse on August 12th and headed to Skagway for lunch and a quick tour. This community is located 160 KM south of Whitehorse on the narrow Lynn Canal a channel which leads inland from the Pacific Ocean. This remote thriving community with upscale shops and paved streets is fueled by the cruise ship industry. The Klondike National Historic Park and the Chilkook Pass National Historic Site are located in this region.

This action shot provided by John on the Top of the World roadway.

It's great to be in Alaska. Note John's bike parked in the mud..You guys with all that shinny chrome on your bikes would appreciate that.

The John Wade gold dredge new Boundary, Alaska.

The Saloon at Chicken, Alaska. This was a very interesting place with a great selection of beer and very good food. We camped in Chicken – because we filled up with fuel $7.00 camping was free – A gravel pit c/w an outhouse and diesel generator which ran all night.

John assumes the role of the flag-man as the flag-lady completed the photographer's duties. The three Amigo's in the rear are Kevin, Frank and Kevin

Early morning 08:00 (that early for me) on the summit of Mount Eureka. We crawled out of our sleeping bags to a chilly 5 degrees C – We got to find some hot coffee.