Into Alaska

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Today's Ride: Dawson City, Yukon to Tok, Alaska
Distance Traveled: 298 Kilometers

I've been having so much fun meeting people and seeing places that I've almost forgotten that I was supposed to eventually get to Alaska. Good thing this was about the journey instead of the destination. haaaaa I have met so many really neat and interesting people that I couldn't remember half their names were it not for making cheat notes. Must be that old age thing setting in. Finally made it to Alaska about 5 days ago despite being late on the post. Waiting to board the ferry to cross the Yukon River in Dawson City, Yukon. No charge for the ferry since the Canadians consider it part of their road system. The river's current is very strong at this point and its really amazing to watch the skill of the captain as he manuevers the boat against the water. As we load, he has to use significant engine power to hold the barge in place against the current. The wet metal decking was a bit tricky as the boat bobbed and weaved in the rough waters.



Picture # 2: Alaska at last! A land shaped by the power of running water and rivers. Endless river valleys cradle caribou, moose and elk while echoing the cries of peregrine falcons and the majestic bald eagle. A home of seasonal abundance to the people who inhabited this land first, the native Athabaskans. A source of hidden gold that beckoned strong-spirited souls to extract her riches from the ground. A land that still calls the adventurous to discover her history, wildlife and free-flowing waters. Alaska is not a land that I will ever be able to describe to you in this, or any other blog for that matter. It is a land and beauty that has to be witnessed with one's own eyes to truly appreciate. Make it a priority, make it your own. I have and I will never be the same.
Picture # 3: Sometimes, a dirt road can seen to go on forever and a day. The miles seem longer than a mile and I find myself totally lost in the moment. Modern day problems seem to slip into oblivion with little thought as to time of day, day of week or whether the grass needs clipping. You can, and I have...........become totally lost in this land with little thought as to what is left behind. I love this land and this trip.

Pictures 4 & 5: Just a few pictures taken as I made it into Alaska. There were taken along the Top-of-the-World Highway crossing into Chicken, Alaska. Not sure what year the old Ford was but it appears to have seen it's better days. The horns are moose and caribou. The licence plates on the building date all the way back into the 1940's.

The Selkirk First Nation and the Fish Camp

While camping on the Pelly River in northern Yukon, I awoke to find a gentleman some distance away working diligently under a nearby pavilion. I had learned the night before that the campground had been provided free of charge by native members of the Selkirk First Nation.

Its original population centre was the trading post of Selkirk, Yukon along the Yukon River, but most of its citizens now live in Pelly Crossing, Yukon where the Klondike Highway crosses the Pelly River.

The language originally spoken by the Selkirk people was Northern Tutchone. There is a great effort to preserve the language and culture, as can be seen by the popularity of the Selkirk "Keeper of the Songs", Jerry Alfred. Thinking the gentleman in the pavilion was a member, I wanted to take time to thank him and his people for their generosity of camping on the river. That's when I met Clarence.

Picture # 1: As it turned out, Mr. Clarence Henry Vickers was a retired commercial fisherman from the remote fishing village of Kitkatla (meaning people of the sea), British Columbia. He is now retired and spends his time traveling around the country making and selling fishing nets to the natives of the Yukon and British Columbia fishing villages. That's when he tells me the reason I don't see many people is that they're all on the river at the "fish camps."

At the risk of sounding really stupid, I have to admit that I had no idea what a fish camp was , nor did I realize that the native people continued to collect and store up winter supplies of food much as their forefathers had done for many generations. Mr. Vickers tells me the fish camps are a relatively private matter and not often witnessed by outsiders. I found myself particularly interested in his net making skills and I was fortunate enough to learn more about the skill than I ever imagined possible.

Inquiring further about the fish camps, I learn that outsiders normally don't get an opportunity to visit these remote (twenty miles down a dirt road) and apparently private camps. I also learn that anyone who just happens to wander into camp would most likely not receive the warmest welcome. It was only after approximately an hour or more of discussion (and sharing what remained of my massive cinnamon roll) that Mr. Vickers made me what I feel was the offer of a lifetime; the chance to see a fish camp with my own eyes!!! I was ecstatic!

Picture # 2: After following Mr. Vicker's Toyota some twenty miles down a dirt trail along the Pelly River (a tributary stream to the Yukon River) we turn off onto little more than a path leading even deeper into the forest. I'm thinking he's either leading me to a modern day massacre or something truly rare and special. Fortunately, the latter was the case.

I was introduced to Mrs. Lizzie Hall, whom I was informed is a high ranking elder among the Selkirk First Nation people. While I don't exactly understand the political hierarchy among these people, nor did I want to ask, but it was immediately apparent to me that she possesses significant authoritative rank and commands a high degree of respect among her people whether it be male, female or child.

Having been invited there by Mr. Vickers opened the door for me and everyone treated me as a welcome guest. Asking if pictures were allowed, she politely but firmly granted me permission if used for personal purposes only. Having agreed, I was then informed that the second stipulation was that I would be required to stay and enjoy some of the fresh catch of the day. Are you kidding me? Twist my arm again!

Picture # 3: Within a couple minutes of arriving into camp, I'm quickly ushered to the riverbank to meet the incoming boat returning with the morning's catch. That's where I meet Derrick Able and Mr. Silverfox with a morning catch of 15 king salmon like the one pictured here. Mrs. Hall informs me the indigenous people send out a scout in early July with nets in an effort to determine the moment the salmon begin running upstream for the annual spawnfest. As soon as the first one is caught, the villages are notified and everyone promptly migrate to the fish camps for 4-6 weeks of fishing.

Picture # 4: Collection of winter food supplies is shared by all members of the family including little four year old Nevada pictured here. Now, I'm not sure what role he was playing, but he certainly was entertaining to converse with.

Pictures # 5, 6, & 7: Preparation and consumption of fresh salmon. Guys, let me tell you, watching fresh King Salmon go from the net, to the frying pan, to my taste buds in a hour's time is one increadable experience. It just doesn't get any fresher than this!

Picture # 8: This structure is known as a "high cache." It is used by the natives to store their smoked salmon, caribou and other meats high above the ground away from predators and scavengers.


Pictures 9 & 10: Mrs. Racheal Tomtom preparing the salmon for smoking and air drying. The meticulous attention to detail was amazing. As the meat in carefully cut and then the skin is stretched to create a more open pattern which facilitates better drying and lessons the chance of decay before the meat can properly cure.

While I could have only dreamed of getting such an opportunity, I never imagined it would/could have happened. The day spent at fish camp with the Northern Tutchone (pronounced "two-shoney")/ Selkirk people will always be one of the most memorable days of this trip.

The Alaskan Highway

Picture # 1:
They will tell you that the trip of a lifetime begins in Dawson Creek, British Columbia at Mile "0" of the Alaskan Highway. I would argue that it begins weeks, months, even a couple years before reaching this historical marker by the side of the road.

Since completion in 1942, the Alaska Highway has held a fascination for travelers and want-to-be travelers the world over. The building of the highway is one of epic proportions that continues to this day to possess a certain mystery and intrigues the human mind.

For those less familiar with it's significance, allow me to give just a bit of history as to how this magnificent road came into being. In 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This significant event forced the American and Canadian governments to re-evaluate their security. Having been taken by surprise at Pearl Harbor only served to illustrate the obvious need to shore up and protect the sovereignty of North America. In response, a secure land transportation link was needed to transfer military goods, materials, and troops from the continental states to Alaska. At the time, there simply was no link and 1500 miles of road needed to be punched through the vast untamed wilderness of northern Canada and Alaska.

Building in these northern areas was not an easy feat. For eight months, men and women battled mountains, cold weather, mosquitoes and muskeg to finish this vital supply artery to the north. If none of you have had the opportunity to rent, "Alaska - The Final Frontier", please do so and learn what a magnificent feat the building of the Alaska Highway truly was.

In March of 1942, Dawson Creek, a small northern Canadian community with a population of 600 people, swelled with activity when the first train carrying American troops arrived. In a matter of weeks the town's population has exploded to 10, 000. To build the Highway, approximately 11,000 men (including three regiments of men of African American heritage), 16,000 civilians and 7,000 pieces of equipment were thrown into action against some of the toughest and most unforgiving wilderness in the world.

After a little over eight months of intense construction, the Alaska Highway was complete. On November 20, 1942, Mile 1061 (known as the soldier's summit) saw the ribbon cutting ceremony that officially opened the "Alcan Highway." The 1528 mile road included 133 major bridges and more than 3000 culverts.

Now, they'll tell you that the workers had to endure relentless attacks from hoards of mosquitoes but having camped along this highway, I offer up the ....................................

"Mack Daddy Mosquito Rebuttal."

Mosquito Myth #1: Mosquitoes in these parts are often the size of a half-grown German Shepherd dog.

The Mack Factor: Hogwash.........they're blowing things out of proportion. I personally haven't seen any larger than a man's fist!


Mosquito Myth # 2: These isn't a single mosquito on the Alaska Highway.

The Mack Factor: That one may be true, as I will swear that they've all married and raised very large families!


All joking aside, not all mosquito's bite. Only the female sucks blood. In fact, only the females possess the mouth parts necessary for drawing a blood meal. The female mosquito takes blood because she's trying to get enough nutrients, enough nitrogen, so she can lay her eggs, to simply reproduce. Some have pointed to how that contrast with the human female, which reproduces and then sucks the life blood out of anything in it's path..........haaaaaa...........

Did I say that out loud? I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself. I'm going to fall off this log from laughing so hard. haaaaa

** Don't forget guys, anything I've highlighted in red is usually a link I've created so you can get additional information in a particular topic.

Pictures # 2 & 3: I'm so fare behind on this blog, I can't remember what day I actually crossed into the Yukon, but there was nobody or anything around for miles. Also you can see wildlife along the road.

Picture # 4:

Oh darn, I meant to miss that puddle but couldn't help myself. Murphy tends to be a bit skittish around water so I tried to miss every puddle I can. Playing around on the "Top of the World" highway west of Dawson City, Yukon. I just couldn't help myself. hee heee Now, I'm not going to mention any names, but I know two old boys (one from Miss. and the other from Jackson, MI) who have lost a decent bet about whether or not I would allow the Freedom Machine to get dirty or not. Make that steak well done please. ;-)

Picture # 5:

Just having fun with some of the awesome people I've met on this trip. This gentleman and his riding partner, were on bicycles headed to the southernmost tip of South America! Now that's a lot of peddling. (more about these guys in a later posting.)

The Athabasca Glacier

Picture # 1 & 2:

The Athabasca Glacier is one of the six principal toes of the Columbia Icefield, located in the Canadian Rockies. Due to the warming climate, the glacier has receded more than 1.5 km in the past 125 years and lost over half of its volume. It currently recedes at a rate of 6-10 feet per year. The glacier moves down from the icefield at a rate of several centimetres per day. Due to its close proximity to the Icefields Parkway, between the Alberta towns of Banff and Jasper, and rather easy accessibility, it is the most visited glacier in North America.

The leading edge of the glacier is within easy walking distance; however, travel onto the glacier is not recommended unless properly equipped. Hidden crevasses have led to the deaths of numerous unprepared tourists. Now we all know I don't consider myself a normal tourist and besides, you never get the good pictures if you follow all the rules. haaaaaaa

The glacier is approximately (3.75 miles) long, covers an area of (2.5 mi²), and is measured to be between (270 ft) and (1000 ft) thick.

Pictures 3 & 4:

Just taking care of rubber business in Ft. Saint John, British Columbia. Ironically, I stopped at Grande Prairie, Alberta at a Starbucks and while talking to a local rider, I inquired about the best place to pick up a rear tire as the original was nearing the end of its life.

After a moment, he says "I believe I have a tire to fit that bike and you're welcome to it if you like." More on that story later, but that's the partially used tire strapped to the back and ready for replacement. Performance Honda in Ft. Saint Johns got me right in and taken care of. Getting the back time off took me all of 3 minutes. I've gonna love this bike! Haaaaaa........it takes almost as long to put the heavily laden booger up on the center stand as it does to remove the tire.

More Pictures from the Canadian Rockies

Picture # 1: Although the ewes will retreat to the safety of the mountains, I'm told by locals that the rams have grown quite comfortable drifting into the small towns and relaxing adjacent to family residences or even in busier places such as next to this station where I stopped for fuel in Alberta.

Picture # 2: While this is not where the above picture was taken, it is quite typical of many gas stops while traveling in the more remote regions of Canada. As mentioned in an earlier post, many establishments such as this one, are required to produce their own power just to sell gas and other necessary goods required for travelers in these regions..

Picture # 3: Castle Mountain near Banff, Alberta Canada after a late afternoon thunderstorm.

Picture # 4: The stunning turquoise color of Bow Lake in Banff National Park will almost leave one mesmerized. South of Jasper, Alberta Canada on the Icefields Parkway, it provides the backdrop for Num-Ti-Jah Lodge where guests can relax and enjoy the plunging waterfalls, enormous virgin forest, snow-capped peaks and glacier-carved valleys surrounded by shady forests of spruce and fir. Having to get back on the bike and leaving a place such as this is growing more difficult each time.

Picture # 5: If this baby doesn't satisfy your sweet tooth I don't know what would! I stopped for gas and these HUGE cinnamon rolls were laying on the counter. Personally, "I" had the willpower to resist purchasing one but wouldn't you know it, "Murphy" grabbed one and sneaked it onto the bike while I was in the restroom. Naturally, I didn't notice what he had done until we were too far down the road to turn around. Only good thing he's accomplished on this entire trip. :-) With my positive influence I think he's catching on that this Alaskan trip could be enjoyable after all.

Picture # 6: Laird River Hot Springs Provincial Park - British Columbia. First off, in case I get distracted and whisk you off to tales about other places, it is pronounced “lay-urd,” as it was not named, as first glance suggests, as a political payoff to a fellow, mediocre, office holder —becoming a boring place name for an airport, or bridge, or unfortunately, Alaska’s tallest mountain.

Instead, it a beautiful stroll up the wooden boardwalk to changing rooms some 700 meters from the campground. When you arrive, you can ease down the steps to into the main dial-your-own-temperature pool by moving right towards “the rocks of hell,” or downstream to where a cold water shower sends tingles all over your body. Actually, the game is to see how close to the steaming hot and bubbling source of the hot springs you can get. There's a rock ledge of sorts by the source where a few brave (foolish?) souls make attempts to carry a pebble far enough into the increasingly HOT water to deposit it on the ledge. Is it hot? You see the name given to it above don't you? I've been in hot springs before, but this one wants to take the meat off the bones if you venture too close to the source. Nuff said!

Did Mack Daddy get his rock on the ledge? You bet your petunias I did and I have the red marks to prove it. Geeez-oh-peets, that had to be the hottest water I've ever experienced. If you're tough enough to get your rock to the ledge, you sure as heck don't spend any time loitering in the vicinity. haaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Picture # 7: Just another beautiful early morning sight north of Toad River Crossing on the Tetsa River.

Don't forget to click on any of the red links I've created for additional information.

Moraine Lake - Alberta Canada

Picture # 1: Log Rolling Contest

Yep...................you guessed it, Murphy (the sneaky little devil) entered me into a log rolling contest without my knowledge or approval. What do "I" know about log rolling anyway, huh? Well, one things for sure, I know they'll ROLE faster than a politician can chance his story on election year. Haaaa.

Kidding aside, I just wanted to remind you that getting a better than average angle on a shot sometimes means you have to take the "extra step." Of course, if you're not too careful, that extra step, can be a wet one! At what I'll do for you guys just to get you a better picture.

Hey........crossing the log jam looked like a great idea. Tried to get Murphy to do it but the anti-aquatic chicken liver wouldn't come out of the saddlebag, so I elected myself to play the part.

Yeah............I fell in to about the top of my riding boot but contrary to popular belief, glacial water is very, very warm. haaaaaaaaaaaaa Honest! ;-)

Pictures # 2 & 3: Moraine Lake

Adventurous travelers will not want to miss the chance to see some of the most magnificent scenery in the world, and to experience its beauty and history firsthand. Traveling through the Canadian Rockies means experiencing some of the most striking and incredible countryside one can imagine.

A prime example of this is Moraine Lake, pictured here with the sun shining (pic # 2) and approx. 10 minutes later when a storm had suddenly moved in and encapsulated the mountain peaks. (pic # 3). Sort of helps you understand how backcountry hikers can so suddenly find themselves trapped by inclimate weather unexpectedly.

Moraine Lake was first discovered by adventurer Samuel Allen in 1894 and originally named it Lake HeeJee but his friend Walter Wilcox later renamed it Moraine. Allen also named the peaks surrounding the south side of the lake after the Stoney Indian numbers one through ten. Moraine Lake sits at 6,191 feet above sea level and created by the melting of the Fay Glacier which sits to the left of the hightest peak, Mt. Bowlen (10,088 ft) in the center of these pictures.

The Bank of Canada was so proud of Moraine Lake that in 1969 they began depicting it on the back of the Canadian twenty dollar bill.

Picture # 4:

It's only after being courageous enough to cross the log jam and hiking to the top of this mountain of a rock pile can you get the view depicted in these pictures. Photographs taken from the visitors center will most likely lack the impact obtainable from atop this high vantage point.

Alberta, British Columbia & the Canadian Rockies - Part II

Picture # 1: Bear Sightings
Bear sightings similar to this one are becoming more common the farther north I drive although this is the first mother-cub sighting on the trip. Initially, the mother was grazing by the side of the road north of Lake Louise, Alberta when the little fellow suddenly appeared from out of the forest to join her. Although this would have been an excellent opportunity to test my cousin LeRoy's "bear attraction tips," (see comments on (traveling through Michigan - Day 1), I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

Murphy wanted to keep the little cub company and rub his tummy while the mother foraged for food. Before I could catch myself I protested and stopped him. Dummy me, I should have kept my mouth shut and let him have after it. That might have taken care of any future problems for this trip. haaaaaaa

Picture # 2: Toad River Lodge
There are many stories of how different places got their names along the Alaskan highway, but I found this one kind of interesting. Back around 1942 when the Canadian and US armies were busy building the Alaska Highway (it was not the nice road you pass on today) there were problems crossing the river. With no bridge built at the time, it was a common occurrence for people to be “towed” across.

The proprietors of this establishment at the time adopted “Towed River” as the name of their lodge. Did someone really think they meant “toad” or were their language skills lacking? Your guess is a good as anyone’s but the owners are sticking to their story. The population of Toad River hovers around 75 souls and work is very limited in little towns such as this one. Most locals either work maintaining the highway, or like people at the lodge, maintaining the people that travel the highway. The community has one school with an average enrollment of around 25 and two full time teachers. Since the community doesn't have a school bus, the students get to school by horseback, ATV, snowmobile, airplane, on foot and of course, automobile. The longest trek to school is around fifty miles.

The hat collection you see here is merely a tiny sampling of lines the walls and ceiling of this establishment. It all began one evening in 1979 when after a rather stressful day at the lodge when the proprietors were having a brew or two. One man left the room to relieve himself and the other tacked his partner’s hat to the ceiling. There you have it, doesn't take much to get something started around those parts. As of the date of my visit there were 7,529 hats nailed to the ceiling and walls of Toad River Lodge.

Like so many establishments along the Alaskan Highway, Toad River Lodge has no outside electrical service. In order to function, they run huge diesel engine driven generator power plants for daily operations. According to the people there, it cost approximately $18,000 dollars a month to run the power plant for everything from campsites, restaurant cooking, pumping fuel, etc. With the enormous increases in diesel fuel cost recently, many of the little mom and pop hotels, grocery stores, campgrounds, etc. along the Alcan (Alaskan-Canadian) highway have subsequently been forced out of business which is quite the shame.

If you decide to visit, they serve up huge helpings of delicious tasting breakfast. Be reminded however, that when you go to wash your hands at Toad River Lodge, don’t leave your hat unattended mate!

Pictures # 3 & 4: Sign Forest - Watson Lake - Yukon

The town of Watson Lake, the Yukon's Gateway, is located at the famous 635 mile marker along the Alaska Highway. It is 7.4 miles from the southeastern tip of the Yukon , and 274 miles east of the capital city, Whitehorse. An amazing site in Watson Lake is the world famous Sign Post Forest. This tradition started in 1942 by Carl K. Lindley, a U. S. Army Engineer from Danville, Ill., while building many signs in the area during construction of the Alaskan Highway. It all started when he added a sign to a sign post which stated, "Danville, Illinois, 2835 miles." Many people followed and the tradition has continued over the years from world travelers passing through Watson Lake. At the end of the 2002 tourest season, there are 49,777 signs from all over the globe.

Picture # 5: Cutting it Close

There are some really looooong stretches of highway with very few fuel stops. It isn't uncommon in these parts to travel 75-100 miles without services of any kind, only to arrive at a place you were counting on to find it boarded up and out of business. It isn't so much of a problem for vehicles, but the smaller fuel tanks on the bikes forces you to pay very close attention to fuel consumption and available services which remain open.

It this particular incident, I only caught a fast glimpse of a sign as I nailed the throttle and pulled out to pass a logging truck. I thought it indicated 48 kilometers to the next services. I was WRONG!! Not wanting to stop and knowing I had plenty of fuel remaining to take me the indicated 48 kilometers, I pressed on...............and on........................and on. When the bike's computer beginning counting backward indicating the miles remaining before empty, I realized that I had obviously misread the sign earlier. Frantically searching the Garmin GPS database further highthened my fear that I had in fact, misread the sign.

As it turns out the sign had read 148 kilometers! I had ridden the bike once before until the computer indicated "4" miles of fuel remaining and I knew it would at least take me that far before having to walk, but that was was in country nowhere as remote as this. I had no idea at what moment the bike would die, but I knew it was coming soon. With no other choice, I pressed on until the computer counted down, 4.............3..................2.....................1..................and finally "0" miles remaining. Still no fuel in sight. What the heck, the weather wasn't too bad and it looked like a great day to PUSH..........or WALK. Haaaaaa.........

God does look after those too stupid to do it for themselves I suppost because approximately 0.6 miles beyond "zero", a fuel stop came into view. Thank you Lord! At least I know she'll keep running down to the zero mark. haaaaaaa Betcha I start reading the signs better for the remainder of this trip. Haaaaaaa

Thanks for all the comments guys. It really makes it worthwhile and encourages me to continue making the time to complete a post when internet is available. Sorry that I haven't the time to answer each of you personally but hope the blog continues to be enjoyable to you. More later.

Alberta, British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies

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Today's Ride: East Glacier N.P. to Lake Louise, Alberta Canada
Miles Traveled: 370






Picture # 1:
Along the Icefields Parkway north of Lake Louise, Alberta Canada

Picture # 2:
I have taken this picture before in 2006, but couldn't resist taking time to capture it again. This view is on the Blood Indian Reservation just inside Canada's border after crossing over at the Chief Mountain port of entry.

Picture # 3:
Just playing in the mountains at Moraine Lake near Lake Louise, Alberta Canada

Picture # 4:
Now that’s what I’m talking about, a SERIOUS TONKA TRUCK! When I was a little boy playing in the dirt under the porch of our old two story log farmhouse, I’m sure I envisioned myself at the controls of a colossal giant such as this one.

The Titan 33-19 Hauler is the world’s largest dump truck! I can hold two buses and 2 pickups at the same time, but in reality, was built to haul 350 tons of earth in a single load! Work on the truck was completed in 1974 and was transported via eight rail cars where it was initially put to use in the Eagle Mountain Mine in southern California. A few years later, in 1978, it was moved to it’s mining operation near Sparwood, British Columbia where is joined a fleet of smaller trucks to move earth away from the coal seams in open pit mines.


Specifications: Now for the good stuff we techno-heads enjoy most.

Engine: gross power @ 900 rpm.......3300 HP
cylinders..................................16
cylinder bore & stroke...........9 1/16" x 10"
piston displacement...............10,320 cu. In. (169.15 liters)
operating principle.................2-stroke cycle, turbo charged, aftercooled, unit injection
full speed.................................900 rpm, 30 mph
idle speed................................315 rpm

Electrical drive system: generator - GM 10 pole alternator directly coupled to the engine
traction motors - 4 GM series wound motors

Suspension:
Front - independent
Rear - hydraulic load equalizing cylinders on rear axles

Tires: tire size - 4.00 x 57 - 60PR (overall height of tire - 140")

Electrical System:
24 Volt accessories with air start - two 12 volt batteries - 75 ampere alternator

Service Data:
engine lube oil system.....................278 gallons. (1262 litres)
engine cooling system......................215 gallons. (976 litres)
fuel tank ............................................800 gallons
hoist hydraulic tank.........................350 gallons
fuel consumption per hour (avg.)...70-80 gallons.

Weight:
net vehicle weight............................520,400 lbs.
payload...............................................700,000 lbs.
gross vehicle weight..........................1,220,400 lbs.

With diesel running an average of $ 1.65 per liter ($6.45 per gallon) in Canada, that adds up to an approximated $5,160.00 fill-up! It you take a look at fuel consumption alone, this monster drinks somewhere in the neighborhood of $520 dollars of fuel per hour!!! Bring on the Mack Daddy of Tonka Toys. haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Picture # 5:

Chief Mountain as seen from Highway #6 shortly after crossing into southwestern Alberta Canada. This road runs alongside Waterton Lakes National Park which is the Canadian side of Glacier N.P.

Glacier National Park - Part II

Just thought I'd add a few more pictures from Glacier N.P. since I have Internet access tonight. I'm actually in Dawson Creek, British Columbia but trying to play catch up again on the pictures from several days ago. These are all still inside Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana.

Is it any wonder the great American west has become a central an enduring part of my life? It is times like this that remind me just how insignificant life's little problems, and the people who try to cause them, truly are.

Picture # 1:

Logan Pass at the summit of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Look closely and you'll see the visitor's center which sits at an elevation of 6646 ft. and uses Mt. Reynolds as a backdrop. Logan Pass is located along the Continental Divide and is the highest point on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
The pass is a popular starting point for hiking and backpacking trips. The most popular trail is the Highline Trail which heads north along the west side of the continental divide, through an area known as the Garden Wall, due to the abundance of wildflowers which grow there during the summer.

Just east of the pass, an area known as Big Drift often records over 100 feet of snowfall, much of which has been pushed over the continental divide by the prevailing westerly winds during the winter. The pass is closed during the winter due to avalanche hazards and the virtual impossibility of keeping the Going-to-the-Sun Road open, yet is generally open from the end of May until mid October.

The pass provides an excellent vantage point to view wildlife. A visitor is almost guaranteed to spot a mountain goat as they have become adjusted to summertime human visitation and I've been fortunate enough to see them on both this and my previous trip to Glacier in 2006.

Pictures # 2, 3, & 4:

Various mountain goat sightings and late evening views near Logan Pass. In the first picture you can see where this one is beginning to shed it's long, once snowy-white, winter coat.

Picture # 5:

Late afternoon view from my campsite on the eastern edge of Glacier N.P. near St. Mary's Lake.

We had a full moon hanging in the sky and later that night I took a trip back up to the summit of Logan Pass with a family I had befriended at the campground a day earlier. While no pictures were taken, it was absolutely breathtaking in the moonlight and the cool mountain air. If you ever go to Glacier, please don't overlook the beauty of the mountains at night, especially if you happen to be fortunate enough to be there with a full moon. It's well worth the effort and I promise you'll be without the masses.