I stopped at the Dempster Information Center. The weather is good now, but low temperatures and possible rain forecasted. I’ve been hearing a few sounds from the bike that are starting to concern me… a bit like a rattle, but happens when there is torque on the chain. I rode 193km to the Engineer Campground. I hadn’t even got both feet off the bike before my camping neighbor had offered me a cold beer. I had a very enjoyable evening … Read More
With a full tank of gas (regular – not premium), I continued on. This gas station boasts the “only flush toilet in Chicken” – aah what a luxury. The second half of Top of the World was equally fantastic. The pavement ends at Chicken (although there are some stretches between Chicken and Dawson City that are beautiful paved roads – and some just paved). A little wait at the ferry as it was paused as the paddlewheeler passed. Then I … Read More
Taking a second go at “Top of the World Highway”, I found the road to live up to my expectations – except it was is much better condition than I expected. I had to ride first to Glenellen for gas (I had planned on filling up at the Gakona junction, but the former gas station had “closed” and “for sale” signs Previously, I was scuttled by relentless rain. I am so glad I waited – the views here are spectacular. … Read More
The Denali Highway is one of my favorite rides. I stayed in Paxon Lake campground – which was ok. There is a water pump and decent outhouses. The walk in tent sites are right down in the water – some a bit swampy. I pulled out my mosquito head net for the first time. So far, I have been fine with a little repellent and a campfire.
I headed back to mile 135 on the Parks Highway and stayed at K’esugi Ken campground. This is a new campground and a nice spot to stay. Most of the sites are secluded – the trees block your view of Denali from your site (except tent site 4), but there are some short trails to enjoy the view. The night was a bit overcast with some rain. Waking up early, I took a hike to the top of the mountain … Read More
I spent the night with my cousin in Wasilla. The deep fried halibut with homemade tarter sauce was even better than I had in Seward. We came up with a game plan for the rest of the trip. I started off from Wasilla taking the Hatcher Pass – a dirt road from the top was a great ride.
This week is Seward’s Silver Salmon Derby. I tried my hand at fishing and caught a nice King Salmon. As I hadn’t purchased a King Salmon stamp on my fishing permit, the King is back in the bay.
I had a great day sightseeing Seward. I took a sightseeing boat ride to the National Park.
The rain continued to pour down – leaving no doubt the the mountain at mile 135 was not to be seen. Looking at weather reports, the best place to minimize the rain was Seward or Homer. I had a lot of riding through the rain. I passed quickly by Anchorage and found myself in awe of Chugach State Park and the Kenai Penninsula.
The word Talkeetna means convergence – named after the convergence of the Talkeetna, Chulitna, and the Susitna rivers. My convergence story begins with an acquaintance I met at Cheena Hotsprings. She was an interesting woman who had spent many years of her life in a homesteaded cabin in the wilderness. In her experience, she felt the best views of the Denali peaks were from outside the park specifically mentioning mile 135. Providing directions by mile # is a common practice … Read More
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