One of the
most remarkable things that I have seen on this 14,800 mile journey is the
amount of people doing exactly the same thing. For some people, this is there
trip of a life time. For some others it’s just another road trip down the
endless highway to adventure. I’ve met some that have sold their houses and are
traveling around the continent. What drives these people to pedal their bikes
from Inuvik, North West Territories to the tip of South America? Adventure? Challenge? What possesses one to
bring a full size six wheeler, all-wheel drive truck, converted to an RV and cross
the ocean from Europe to North America?
To answer these questions I must look inward into one self to see why I
traveled these thousands of miles across the United States and Canada. I
believe it’s the urge to see and feel what it was like to travel across this
land somewhat like when the original pioneers did there thing in search of
having a better life. I am not looking for a better life, as I feel very
fortunate with what I have.
I travel for
a sense of seeing what is on the other side of the hill. How I can learn from
watching and talking to people both local and fellow travelers. For example, I
have a better understanding of First Nation people after talking to and
watching them at the World Eskimo Olympics. I now understand, a little better,
their tribal dance movements. Their Olympic competition events are nearly all
related to arctic survival skills.
I travel to
see nature. Whether it be a Wolf howling, a Bald Eagle perched, watching for
the Salmon run along with the Coastal Brown Bears…who are tired of eating grass
and just pacing up and down the rivers, also waiting for the Salmon.
I travel to
see America and Canada move it’s GNP (Gross National Product) East and West
along their mighty railroads. They are alive and in my opinion doing well.
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| Reflecting and Planning the next Adventure! |
I travel to
see the mighty Rivers of this continent. the Yukon, the Frazer, the Columbia, the
McKenzie. I travel to see these mighty rivers at their birth place when they
are only a trickle.
I travel to
see the giant trees in the coastal planes of Washington State and British
Columbia. To see the dwarf 200 year old trees up in the tundra of Alaska fight for
their existence when no other trees can survive with ice just 18 inches below
the surface.
Finally,
I travel to converse with strangers on the trail and share stories and
experiences. I have made long lasting friendships. When I say “I”, I mean “We”
as my wife, Helen has made all these experiences possible. From the early days
back in the 80’s when I had the opportunity to get free flights up to Alaska,
ten years in a row, for a week or so, she would support my dreams. She was the
best companion on our adventures to Europe, Australia, New Zealand and of
course, most of the United States.
The
Facts and Stats:
Days
in Canada 32 Days
in Alaska 20
Days
crossing Northern US 25 Miles
traveled: 14,800
Days
Traveling: 77 Number
of Campground stays 28
Number
of cracked windshields: One Number
of oil changes: Two
Number
of tire rotations: Two Number
of time changes: Over Ten
Lowest price for gas: $3.45 Berlin, NH Highest price for gas $ 7.20 Watson
Lake, Yukon
Projected gas cost $6,500 Actual gas cost
$6,006.95
Furthest
North: Inuvik, NWT (207miles North of Arctic Circle)
State/Province
most viewed wildlife: British Columbia
Highest
price for beer: Canada $23.95 for 12 pack (did not buy didn’t want to support
their Health Care System)
Any
Surprises: None
Do
It Again? When do we leave
That
is what we saw and did ~ See Ya Later! Page Views to date 2,135 (Great!)
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