Tuesday August 13
We’ve left Anchorage and quite frankly, the weather has left much to be desired. It seems to have been rainy and cold for days, and the locals say that’s how it’s been this year. We apparently did not bring the right clothing. We are all wearing the same hoodies and fleeces each day. Thankfully , sweating is not an issue.
By noon or so the rain let up and although we went back to Denali Mountain to see the tallest mountain in North America, it still was not to be seen. It was somewhat visible, but mostly in cloud.
David encountered an American who complained that the mountains get boring. Imagine!
David and I discussed how we could live here and wondered at why more people don’t embrace the magnificence of the land, while still acknowledging that the solitude of living in this rugged and remote land might in fact make you go mad.
Wednesday August 14
Sunshine greeted us this morning – Thank God! So did frost – but I’ll pick my battles.
There are many motorcyclists who have chosen to do the same thing as us. We have encountered them at every motel where we have stayed, sharing routes, destinations, battle scars…
Today there are two farmers from Nebraska who we met last night, we rode with them for about 100 km this morning then we separated when one or the other of the groups stopped for gas or to rest. We met them again and again as we travelled throughout the day. This isn't all that surprising since motorcycles generally have about 400 km range and riders generally want to stretch their legs after about 1.5 hours. We met up with these same guys 4 times today. What a delight.
Today the journey was physically challenging since there were many bumps and potholes, keeping us engaged and alert through the 6+ hour day. But with good spirits we arrived in Haines Junction, Yukon. Both David and Dad had naps and I cleaned and lubricated my motorcycle chain, again. Then David and I had our afternoon beer before heading with Dad to the local pub for a delicious dinner.
All around us, seemingly throughout the entire time since we left Alaska, we were surrounded by snowcapped mountain ranges. They go on forever. The scenery in Yukon is MASSIVE! I am in awe, but struggle to keep my eyes on the road for hazards, and yet still enjoy the scenery. I still maintain that I am enamored with the Yukon, although that may not fair since we had so much rain in Alaska I passionately feel that all Canadians should see this part of our country. Their tag line “Yukon, Larger the Life” is perfect. I am not nearly eloquent enough to express the scale and grandeur of this Canadian Territory.
We stayed at Cozy Corners Cabins in Haines Junction and the picture below shows the backdrop. Fantastic, but a bit weird since Dad and I had to share a king sized bed (no way was David going to do that). Still, can't beat the view!
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The "epic Bridger trip" is a fantastic idea. Thanks to you two wild & crazy Bridger children, you made an impossible dream come true. I hear you loud & clear; "We love you, dad."
Sharon & I want to book all three of you as soon as possible after you return for an opportunity to hear your "epic Bridger trip" stories & to ask you questions.
Heather, your "epic Bridger trip" log is a best seller story. Congratulations on a job well done.
May you all remain well, safe & happy.
Thanks for sharing your epic trip story with us.
Just read David's post on Facebook (Aug 15).
You made a great decision to take the fast ferry (45 minutes) that runs between Haines & Skagway.
The scenery along that stretch of the Lynn Canal Fjord is awesome. I have cruised the Inside Passage twice. Looking forward to your comments & pictures.
Oh my! What an adventure you guys are having! The scenery is breath taking and your day to day adventures sure seem filled with ups and downs (and twists and turns). Heather, your daily stories are so well described, I feel I'm on this trip! Oh and by the way nice helmets lol 🏍💨 Ride far and safe and I look forward to reading more...
Sorry the weather put a damper on Alaskan scenery.(Pun intended). That means you’ll have to come back again, but not on bikes next time. Good reporting, Heather