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My Wing in front of Eielson Heritage Park
F-16s are a main stay at Eielson AFB. I loved the sound of them taking off in the morning...the rush of the sound and the vibration of power....God Bless the USA. Hi guys,
I'm just starting to thaw out and get warm again. What started out as a relaxing ride from Fairbanks to Anchorage soon turned into one of the coldest days in my ride. I don't mind riding in colder temps but after 4-5 hours of 44 to 48 degrees no matter how well you are dressed, it starts to go through you to the bone. It was also raining off and on during the trip.
My back is holding up pretty good although I may have to get a massage while I'm in Anchorage.
Also, I noticed that my front tire is cupping a little bit with only 3,000 miles on it. Front suspension seems good at slow speeds, however, when I take my hands off the handlebars the front wheel wobbles. It comes out if it as my speed increases. I will have it looked at tomorrow when I get my oil changed at Anchorage Honda.
I want to make a short comment on Eielson AFB. Thanks to my good friend Chuck Scott who reminded me that the base was named after North Dakotan Carl Ben Eielson (1897 - 1929) who was an aviator, bush
Dressed for the RAIN!
Yes, did I mentioned that it rained! Here I am dressed for the rain. I have about three layers of clothing on under the rainsuit. Conlin said I look like Papa Smurf! Come on Pete...give me credit. pilot and explorer. He was born in Hatton, North Dakota to Norwegian immigrants. Eielson AFB and the Liberty ship SS Carl B. Eielson are named in his honor. A peak in the Endicott Mountains in Alaska is also named in his honor. He is also a recipient of the state of North Dakota's Roughrider Award. Who would have thought that there is a ND connection in Alaska. Thanks Chuck.
I was planning on spending the night at a campground in the Denali National Park and then catching a glimpse of Mt. McKinnley, but alas, the mountain eluded my view...all I got was a picture of the Denali National Park sign. The cloud floor was about 3-4,000 feet so it was easy to obscure the 20,320 foot mountain...which is the tallest peak in North America.
At mile marker 147 between Fairbanks and Anchorage is the Alaska Veterans Memorial. The memorial, the first to honor the state's veterans, was erected during the summer of 1983 and was dedicated on August 11, 1984. The main part of the site consists of five 20-foot tall concrete panels, one each to represent the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, arranged in
Entrance to Denali National Park
That's all I was able to see of Denali! Actually there is more to Denali than seeing Mt. McKinnley. The drive was simply beautiful, even though it was cold!!! a semi-circle in a natural grove of trees. On each panel is a short history of that branch's contribution to Alaska. It was very calm and peaceful when I stopped and paid my respects.
Also met Earl and Hazel Kampen, who have been volunteers at the memorial for the past five years. Although Earl was never able to get into the military, he has been a supporter his entire life. We had a great conversation and to thank them for their surface, I gave each of them a Soldiers Angel t-shirt, compliments of Shelle Michaels, regional director of the organization. Please check out their site at www.soldiersangels.org. It is a great organization that helps all military members who have been wounded in action. BTW, Earl and Hazel are originally from Watertown, SD. Small world.
PS: Shelle, thanks for the t-shirts and SA coins...it was a great gesture and they are almost gone.
Well that about wraps up today...I am staying at the Elemendorf AFB North Star Inn. Hey Chuck, can you find me some connection between Elemendorf and North Dakota?
One other note. My GPS finally went kaput so no navigation to get me around. Have
Even with clouds the scenery is GREAT!
Denali National Park---even though I did not get to experience it up close---was beautiful. The low hanging clouds were like a curtain ready to rise for the opening act. The theater in me is coming out! to rely on maps. I'm a true explorer because I have my back up system...my E-Trex hand held GPS!
Have a great day all.
Warm at last...Rob
PS: Just listened to the Anchorage forecast for the next three days and guess what? Temps in the low 60s and cloudy with occasional rain. 😊
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Chuck Scott
non-member comment
Elmendorf ND connection
Rob, The only connection I know of for Elmendorf to ND is that the Assistant Command Chaplain for PACAF happens to be our very own Hooligan Chaplain Col William Ziegler. Col Z is here in ND now and his next PACAF duty will be in Hawaii but he does get out to Elmendorf occassionally. I am still watching this blog daily but I missed almost a week while on vacation. Looking back a few days I was happy to see you had posted some bear pictures, because what would an Alaska trip be without bears? If you are looking for a unique kind of Alaska gift for JoLynn try finding some Musk Ox wool products. The natives in Alaska have a monopoly on it, and they sell it in a little shop across the street from the bus depot in Anchorage. Be warned it is some pretty expensive stuff but well worth the cost. The wool is super soft and very warm. My wife can't stand having wool next to her skin but doesn't mind Musk Ox wool because there are no hooks in the threads like there are on sheeps wool. Keep up the great blog and stay warm. Chuck