Where the asphalt ends


   Monday we reached our pinnacle. Heading north out of Fairbanks, We
took the route that would take you to the top of Alaska. If you follow it to
it's end you would wind up in Prudoe Bay, oil country. The problem with it
is that there's only pavement for the first hour or so. Hence the title
"where the asphalt ends".  Riding hundreds of miles on gravel roads with our
babies was totally out of the question!  To understand more of what the road
is like you can watch the TV show Ice Road Truckers (Discovery channel),
which is all about the trip from Fairbanks to Prudoe and beyond. The point at
which we turned around was officially the farthestnorth we would go and
heading south became THE ROAD HOME. This was actually a somber
time for the three of us knowing that it was almost half over. Later on in the
day we all passed the 5000 mile mark, which is the approx.half way mark.
*****SIGH****** Anyway, we know there is still an incredible journey ahead.
  Today's highlight without a doubt was seeing and learning about
the infamous Alaska Oil Pipeline. What a marvel to be able to
stand next to this engineering feat.  It was built over a 2 1/2 year
period in the mid seventies.  It traverses three mountain ranges,
thirteen rivers and is a measely 800 miles long. All of it cut through
densely forrested virgin land. Half of it is buried and the other half
is suspended on stilts.(see photo)   650,000 barrels pumped through
the line every day. You wouldn't think 3 grown men would be so
enamored with a pipe but we were. It's really a cool spectical!!!!





Tok to whitehorse DAY 26

  It was bye bye to Alaska today. The journey began with a little rain but soon
cleared up. One hundred miles later (14 of it mud), another border crossing.
This one was the fastest yet, we used our charm with the female border guard.
 ----"Are you laughing at me?"---- The other three hundred miles were very
enjoyable this time through. On the way up we had a lot of rain. Lake Kuane,
which was about half way, was another gorgeous setting among so many
we've seen. We took the time for some photos there. After 400 total miles,
two gas fill ups, a border crossing, one visitor center, nine hours and a stop
for ice cream we ended back in Whitehorse. This being one of our favorite
stops heading to Alaska. Without hesitation we used the same lodging and
went to one of our favorite bars for suds and food.

Mark

Things of note;


1-Three days no rain
2-Bikes are running good and are made for this
3-Coach, good to hear from you.
4-Demon, the bike needs more than detailing
5-saw a huge moose with full rack today
6-gas around $3.80 gl
7-Pooch, I hope all is well!
8-laundry day YEAH
9-Thanks to our loved ones for handling things back home, we love you for this!!!!!