To the north country!

Over the last couple days, Derek and I made it to Deadhorse and back to Fairbanks. On Monday we drive to Coldfoot. Tuesday we drive to Deadhorse, took the tour of the oil fields and to the Arctic Ocean, and drove back to Coldfoot. We didn't get back to Coldfoot until 1am. Long day, but I think we did it the right way. We left all of our stuff in Coldfood the day we went to Deadhorse, and rode without being loaded down which was nice.

Parts of the drive up the Dalton highway are just beautiful. Atigun Pass is one of the highlights. Steep drop off one side of the road, and the scenery is great! Parts of the road have a solution spread out that helps keep dust down. When they put it down it makes an abolute mess, and makes for slippery conditions while riding. It is nothing to worry about on our bikes, just slow down and let the bike go where it wants to go. It will wander a little, and you just have to let it go. We saw Duane a couple times on our trek up, since he drives a big truck on the road. The one time we stopped and talked to him for a little while. Once we got sick of the mosquitos, we hit the road again. No joke, it only takes about 10 seconds of being stopped up there for the mosquitos to find you. Once they do, it's all over for you. They go nuts and act like they haven't taken blood from anyone in 10 years. And when people joke about how the mosquitos up north don't buzz (they flap), that is no joke at all. A few times while semi's passed me going the opposite way, I got sprayed with flying gravel. I never got hurt, but its a weird feeling just gripping the handlebars and hoping for the best. But overall it was a great trip up and back.

Tonight the Emmert's cooked us yet another wonderful meal. It was king crab tonight, mmmmmmmm good! These folks can put on some great meals, definitely on the top of my list of great cooks! And they are on top of my list of great hosts! I just can't say thanks enough or express how grateful we are to have met these wonderful people. We have truly enjoyed their company and hospitality.

Tomorrow we start to head to the southern part of Alaska. Denali is coming soon, and the Kenai peninsula. Derek and I are having a meeting tonight to figure out if we are behind, on time, or ahead of schedule. We don't want to have to rush through stuff at the end. So now time to do some planning. I'll try to get pictures soon, sorry for the delay.

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