On the last night before the final push to Fairbanks, I was the only guest at a small motel in Tok, Alaska,. It is one of several little, small-town establishments where I was the only, or almost only, guest. I met one tourist since Dawson Creek; the rest were truck drivers, local residents, or traveling merchants and the like.
Trees up here seem to know that to grow wide is to break under
inevitable load. Tall and slender are
traits learned through many generations of trial and error; and yow to dress
for the cold is a trait being learned by this nomad.
The Road, and it is the only through road, goes on and on, day after day, seldom giving up its beauty, seldom its ice, always a long way between human habitations. Relaxed driving is for fools and the unaware. The trick is to respect the road with its devious hazards and still be in awe of the beauty all around.
I will spend a few days in Fairbanks with my niece, Lynno, and the children she cares for in her home, along with her three teenage sons.
Michael Angerman has kept a map during this long trip, showing
all of the places where I spent the night. Please view his map at: Michael's Map
You can pan zoom to see more detail or more area as you choose.
destination, like the end of a song,the music of the journey stays in our head, replays the melody in memory....until the next song begins.
ReplyDeleteDear Unknown, I like your comment. Would mind letting me know who your are?
Delete'in awe of the beauty'
ReplyDeletebravo, as always, fearless traveler
nothing seems to be beyond your reach—only a matter of patience
I admire you
Toti, Art is "beyond my reach." Your art travels on a seemingly endless road, with new vistas around each turn. We are so very different and so very compatible. We are an example to folks with differences.
DeleteDearest Sharon,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your nomadic quest accomplished! You are an inspiration to all of us. Thank God for your safe arrival in Fairbanks and enjoy your visit with your niece Lynno and her family. I am sure you feel a sense of relief, no mishaps, all systems performing A-OK. I wish for you a safe trip home, full of leisurely insights and extending minutes of a warm sun. hopefully the moose and deer will stand still long enough for a photo op or two. Take care, dear Sharon. Love, Kathy
DeleteThanks Kathy, but you too are am inspiration in a different way. And if your quest along poetic lines reaches Fairbanks, I will salute you. And if it doesn't that's alright too. In fact, I am seriously considering an alternative to driving home the way I came.
Dear Sharon,
DeleteSometimes an alternate way home is the best way, complete with unexpected sights, sightings, and blessings. Enjoy! We wait in anticipation for your tales and adventures from the long road. Love, Kathy
Costs of Sharon's Alaskan Crab Trip
ReplyDeleteI am a penny pincher
so it's nice to know
and rub shoulders
with a rich bitch.
I mean WOW!
3646 x 2 = 7292 miles
at 18 miles to the gallon
7292 : 18 = 485 gallons
at an average of $4 a gallon
= $1,620 in gas plus
car amortization
adds basically $3,646
plus food and shenanigans
during the trip may add up
to $5k!
Nice to know you rich bitch!
You could've funded
a portion of the government
shutdown!
Or bought half of Africa.
To hell with your tall and
slender snow-covered trees!
Do you know how many
Alaskan crabs you could've
paid for at the Claim Jumper
without driving through hell!
LOL
Yes, but you could have said it more kindly.
DeleteAccording to the map, you are north of the North Pole.
ReplyDeleteThere is a town about 20 miles south of Fairbanks called "North Pole." It's where Santa lives and I am north of there.
DeleteI read your blog from here in my studio, where the heat of the house doesn't reach this time of year and so my feet remain cold in companion with your journey. That's what I have to give tonight. So glad you are considering a different route home, one perhaps kinder to you and to your vehicle. I am one of the ones who looks forward to you leaving the land of solitary ice-ness into California niceness. (smiles)Love, JunnieTunes
ReplyDeleteYes Junnie, I have decided to drive south to Haines and catch the Alaska Ferry bound for Bellingham, Washington. Then back to California niceness. May your feet and mind stay warm for the journey.
ReplyDelete