Warmth of Winter

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On most of those short days in far north, I drove about 250 miles, about the same as a migrating Canadian goose.  I say short days because the sun never rose far above the horizon, and it seemed like sunrise or sunset was never long in coming.  The snow that fell on most of those overcast, usually sub-zero days, was either loose like baking flower or packed like tortillas.  When loose, it was taken up by even a slight wind into waves like little low clouds.  Sometimes driving the jeep seemed like sailing a boat through white rippled water.  And on those rare events when a car, or more likely a big rig, approached from the other direction, it billowed up a cloud of snow that obliterated all visibility for about ten seconds.  And when the snow became tortilla, it was not slippery like ice, but almost as safe to drive  
on as asphalt.

They say that once you've done the Alcan, you have bragging rights any time your friends start talking about their road trips.  But it’s not worth the bragging rights.  I performed my obligation and achieved my full desire in just getting to Fairbanks, and had plenty of pleasures along the way.  Some of you worried more about me than I had the sense to worry about myself.

You know by now that I did not return the way I went north, but drove a mostly different route to where a ferry came and whisked me and the jeep off to the lower 48.  Here in Corvallis, Oregon, I’m most of the way home now, and will arrive on Tuesday.  

This map shows in a general way the trips up and back and how different they were. 

Click on  Michael's Map  to show accurately all of the places I spent the night, except those four nights aboard the ferry.  You can zoom and pan on this map and find my exact routes in case you wish to also have bragging rights.  

I will probably do a presentation at Kathabela’s place on Friday, February 22.  Watch for further information as the time approaches.  I am also open for invitations wherever a group wants to have me.  

Thanks to all who commented, either by email or directly on the blog.  You helped me through the ice. 

Stay Warm