To Alaska and Back...

[Yazz]

We're in Haines this afternoon. Glad to be back on three wheels!

We went into the Maw of Malaspina where we tied down the bikes. Spydee needed only to be set in first gear and the parking break. The trailer needed tie-downs.



We went down the many hallways to our room. Did I tell you I get lost easy?



Our room. Delux accomodations!



Don't forget the other facilities... All Ensuite... Nothing but the best!





Epicurean delight. Actually, the short order cook was awesome!



The backpackers bedroom. The Solarium. There were heaters in the ceiling.

[ARtraveler]

RE: Frost Heaves: Last year the whole section from Lake Kluane to Tok had frost heaves. You will be entering that section coming from Haines to the South. We found it took us about 3 1/2 hours to cover that 100 miles. You can make 30 MPH not KPH, in the good areas--but will have to slow down and gently go over the heaves. The low front end of the Spyder and the the trailer will give you some fun. We also found a couple of bath tub sized potholes that had flourescent green or orange paint around the edges. Hope they are gone by this year. The frost heaves will problably remain forever. This is the section that I also mentioned had very little traffic--as in a car about every 20 minutes. Just enjoy the drive, take your time, and be safe.

[Yazz]

People say that the view from the ferry is only a taste of what is yet to come.

From the forward bow...



Going through a 'gut.'



Another one we could'nt pass up.



There were so many awesome views, we ran out our camera battery twice in one day...

[ARtraveler]

Yup! you got it. Wait till you see Mt. St. Elias and that range of mountains.

[Yazz]

Met many neat people on the ferry. Got great advice.

We changed ferries in Kitchikan. We were told thats where the Totem Pole Forest was.

http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/totembgh.htm

It was very humbling. A traditional Log House.



A 'Child's Story Totem Pole.'



Got back on the Columbia Ferry and witnessed a magical evening.



Chugged another night on the ferry and arrived in Haines. The people who say the ferry was just an appetizer were right!

[Yazz]

Thanks for taking the time to post on your great journey. I enjoy the updates. Have a safe trip.

Glad you're along on the trip!

BUMP! To top of the stack this thread goes! I'm in awe just reading this, so I'm not gonna say much of anything! I want to live vicariously through their eyes!

Ride on, Y'all!

Thanks for the bump. One of these days, you're going to be in a magical place too! Its never too late.

Glad to hear your Ferry ride was a good one. Happy to hear your weather is

better! I really look forward to checking in here every night to see how

your trip is going! It's fun living this trip through you!!! Today I

was stopped at a store and someone stopped me to talk about my .

They are considering purchasing one and wanted to know all about the bike

and how it was to travel long distances on it. As an new owner of only about

8 weeks, I told them I didn't have too much experience with that but gave

them the Spyder Lovers site and told them to check it out and that we had

one member doing an Alaska trip as well as other members traveling all

over the country! Who knows, maybe we will see that couple at

a Spyderfest some day!

Strange thing on the ferries. The workers, who had access to the car holding area, were asking us all sorts of questions about the Spyder. Think the word spread throughout the workers. I answer the questions as patiently and thoroughly as possible.

Get used to being a Rock Star!

RE: Frost Heaves: Last year the whole section from Lake Kluane to Tok had frost heaves. You will be entering that section coming from Haines to the South. We found it took us about 3 1/2 hours to cover that 100 miles. You can make 30 MPH not KPH, in the good areas--but will have to slow down and gently go over the heaves. The low front end of the Spyder and the the trailer will give you some fun. We also found a couple of bath tub sized potholes that had flourescent green or orange paint around the edges. Hope they are gone by this year. The frost heaves will problably remain forever. This is the section that I also mentioned had very little traffic--as in a car about every 20 minutes. Just enjoy the drive, take your time, and be safe.

Plan on taking our time going through to Tok. It makes it easier that it's 10:36 pm and still light out. Don't have to worry about getting stuck in the dark on the road as much.

Yup! you got it. Wait till you see Mt. St. Elias and that range of mountains.

Don't know where that is, but Elias is my Grandpa's name. Think if I treat them kindly, they'll treat me kindly.

[SpyderAnn01]

You'll have what I call a lot of Wow Days in Alaska. Like "wow that's beautiful" The ferry you took reminds me of the SS Badger which crosses Lake Michigan the accommodations and food service are about the same but you are only on the Badger for 4 hours.

Thanks for sharing the journey.

[dltang]

Beautiful pictures Joy. I have said it before but I will say it again, I envy you and your husband. I can't wait til Brian and I can take off and just go.

[BMW]

jeff & joy I'm enjoying your trip with you. fond memories. like your pics. enjoy the heaves. Have a safe trip.

[DynamoBT]

Your trip is utterly fantastic!!!!! I haz the jealous!!!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you, for taking the time to post all these pictures and writing comments!!! I know you must be tired at the end of a day. I envy your tech skills just to be posting all this, let alone your fabulous trip!!!!

Have fun!! Stay safe!! Keep three to the ground!!!

[flamingobabe]

looking good....keep the updates coming.....this trip is so exciting.......

[RTGENE]

On May 25th 1960 John Hart and I chopped a 4 foot deep hole into Birch Lake (south of Fairbanks). It filled with ice and water slush. We put adult beverages in a dip net so that we could retrieve them after they cooled. It work well but made your hands numb holding a can.
You may have to hold off on going swimming.
Thank You for bring back memories of the good ole days in Alaska

[ARtraveler]

Good Morning Yazz: You mentioned you have a Mile Post with you. Look up Wrangell St. Elias National Park--Mt. St. Elias is in there. I believe that range is the second highest in AK. If the skies are clear you will get spectacular views of that whole mountain range while riding from Tok to Glen Allen. That will be your Welcome to Alaska special view.

And a sidebar: Nice to see you on the site again BMW.

[krs2fer]

It looks like you are having a great time... Thanks for posting the pictures they make me want to take the same trip...
Do you have a blog about your trip?
Stay Safe...

[Spyder Cat]

Wow! What a great adventure. Thanks for sharing it with us.

One of the things I inherited from my dad (besides high blood pressure and cholesterol, etc.) was his passion for travel and adventure.
You've rekindled my fuse!

So, we just made a deal on a 622 Trailer for the RT and will be picking it up Thursday.
Now I'm looking at this big stack of maps.
and, I'm blaming it all on you

Just think. . . . if I'm lucky, only 6 more years until we can retire.

Until then, I'm looking forward to the next update

[NancysToy]

Wow! What a great adventure. Thanks for sharing it with us.

One of the things I inherited from my dad (besides high blood pressure and cholesterol, etc.) was his passion for travel and adventure.
You've rekindled my fuse!

So, we just made a deal on a 622 Trailer for the RT and will be picking it up Thursday.
Now I'm looking at this big stack of maps.
and, I'm blaming it all on you

Just think. . . . if I'm lucky, only 6 more years until we can retire.

Until then, I'm looking forward to the next update

Thank goodness! I thought you'd blame the RT-622 on me.

[Spyder Cat]

Thank goodness! I thought you'd blame the RT-622 on me.

well, you certainly did help feed the fire!

[prmurat]

Love your trip...We have been talking about something like this for years my wife and I! I am just wondering: did you do anything to protect the underneath of the Spyder on dirt roads? Custom made? Any pics?
I am looking at July for a trip like yours but it seems that the "cruise" part of the trip is not available at less than $1700 (2 passengers/bike/cabin), am I looking at the right place or is this a Carnival cruise rate?
Thank you.
Philippe

[FaranH]

I have so enjoyed your posts, Joy. It's been a few years since I went to Alaska (the old-fashioned way - by plane) and I yearn to go back. Thanks for taking time to share the photos along the way.

I highly recommend getting in some salmon fishing if it's season yet. Quite a rush!

Keep the posts coming!

[ARtraveler]

Bump for today's adventures.

[draboo]

**awaits as patiently as humanly possible for a Yazz update**

[Dragonrider]

I've done the Western Bits of this trip - this is giving me some assurance that the Spyder will make it as well… and worth considering - leaving out the bits East of the Divide….

[1stfan]

and worth considering - leaving out the bits East of the Divide….[/QUOTE]

Why for????

[Yazz]

Hi Ya'll,

Yesterday, we got into Beaver Creek, Yukon Territory, Canada. Expecting to catch up with everyone. Well... Canadian tech. is different from the U.S. tech.
Nuff said...

Long story short, today we're in Palmer, Alaska, catching up with family. Will post all the pictures tomorrow.

[SteveMac]

Hi Ya'll,

Yesterday, we got into Beaver Creek, Yukon Territory, Canada. Expecting to catch up with everyone. Well... Canadian tech. is different from the U.S. tech.
Nuff said...

Long story short, today we're in Palmer, Alaska, catching up with family. Will post all the pictures tomorrow.

Looking forward to seeing the new pics!!

Glad you arrived safe and sound.