I woke up to a beautiful day in Palmer, Alaska. The sun was shining again and the mountains looked great against the bright blue sky. It was beautiful and I wasn’t ready to leave, but it was time. I packed up the bike and said my goodbyes to my family. I really enjoyed staying with them.
I headed out of town on the Glenn Highway north towards Tok. The first 50-100 miles were fantastic as the road weaved in and out of canyons with snow covered mountains in every direction. The roads kept encouraging me to twist my right hand just a little bit more. The great vistas and twisty road made for a fantastic morning of riding.
I stopped for a quick snack over looking one of the glaciers. It was one of the better ones I’ve seen on this trip, and I think I’ve seen over a half dozen now. Maybe more, there are a lot in this part of the world. Video below.
Lunch was on a cliff overlooking a twisty, scraggly brown river as is meandered through the canyon while watching the rain clouds dump on the mountains in the distance. It was quiet and serene.
The only noise was the river gurgling below and the birds chirping across the road. I loved the silence. I don’t get to enjoy that much in MN with the “thump thumps” patrolling around constantly. What are those you ask? I’m sure you have them near you too. The stupidly loud stereos in vehicles that you can hear long before you can see going “thump thump…” The noisy exhausts in the city get old after a while too. The silence was golden.
The clouds were starting to get too close, so I got my gear back on and hit the road. Further up, the road deteriorated and the infamous Alaskan road construction started. Lots of gravel for about twenty miles on and off. The exciting part was when the signs blew away since the gravel and the road are almost the same color. A front tire sliding around will get your attention! The only warning is a lack of paint in the center.
Alaska version of “pavement ends”
After the gravel, I caught up with the storms I had been watching all day. Another twenty miles riding in the rain/snow mix and it was back to blue skies. I’m glad I didn’t have the 170 mile version as Richard did the other day.
Sunshine on the other side of the storm. A little ray of hope:
I made it to Tok early, but not early enough to make a run for the border tonight. I’ll attempt that first thing in the morning. Well, after a 90 mile ride to get to it.
This is my last night in Alaska, and it makes me sad. I really enjoyed my time up here – the people, the mountains, the vastness of nature. If you’ve never been, start making some plans. It is a beautiful state.
I’m sad to leave, but excited I will get to see my wife soon. I miss her.
Day 19 Full Flickr Album (46 pics)
Today’s Route:
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Video: Glacier View
That kind of looks like Matanuska Glacier. I haven't seen it for a number of years but it looks right. Your pictures seem to really catch the grandeur of the mountains. Looking forward to the rest of your travels.
ReplyDeleteSURE, I forgot to take a pic of the sign, and I'm to lazy to check the geotagging.
DeleteI love looking at mountains, so maybe that is coming across in the photos.
I'm looking forward to the rest of my travels too! :)
More great pictures. Just think, you may be leaving Alaska but you'll see some fine Canadian countryside.
ReplyDeleteOh, and something tells me, I bet your wife misses you too.
I'm hoping for more great scenery, and I suspect I won't be disappointed. It will be hard to top Alaska which beats out even ice fields parkway for me.
DeleteShe does. Less than a week now!
Chris:
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about "silence". We have too much noise in the city, also lots of those Thumper Cars too, they hurt your ears.
again, lots of nice photos of mountains and pristine landscapes. I'm not sure I like to ride on gravel.
Those Pavement Ends signs are similar to the ones in BC, except ours are Black and White, black using on the bottom signifying pavement --> going to white (Gravel).
In BC there are lots of frost heaves, or Bumps. Many of these do NOT have warning signs, BUT they are indicated by Markers on the right side of the road, usually a short post with a Red Ribbon tied to the top. There is not much warning, as soon as you see one you should slow down fast. Once you hit a couple you will understand. We mainly saw these south of Prince George
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
My Flickr // My YouTube
Sounds like you need to spend some serious quality time on the gravel to get over your fears. It isn't that bad. You even have a dualsport!
DeleteThose warnings you describe are the same as in Yukon, Alberta, and Alaska. I've probably seen over a thousand of them by now. Not all require slowing or even changing lane positions. I'm getting quite comfortable with the road conditions in this part of the world.
another great set of pics Chris!
ReplyDeletedom
Redleg's Rides
Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner
Thanks Dom!
DeleteBeautiful scenery, I can't wait. I'm going to try to get to Anchorage too. I'm amazed at how much snow is still around in May.
ReplyDeleteYou'll enjoy it.
DeleteAnchorage too? I spent 15 minutes in Anchorage twice getting gas. It is just like any city in the lower 48. Target, best buy, starbucks, and all the rest. Not worth any time in my opinion when there are places like Homer, Seward, Valdez, Palmer, Fairbanks, etc to see instead.
Mountains make and keep snow. You will see some too when you are up here.