Saturday, June 23, 2007
Caribou, Buffalo, Goats, Rain, and Signs
I apologize that there will be no photos today because the internet system has limited bandwidth and prohibits uploads. This is particularly bothersome to me since we have some great pictures.
We entered the Yukon Territory today. Things are considerably more spartan here although Whitehorse (tomorrow) is said to be a nice city. We saw quite a few animals today. Among them were caribou, buffalo, and goats. It was so funny today when Doug pulled up near a caribou on the left side of the road. The caribou made a startled jump and started running as fast as it could as if racing Doug. Finally the caribou cut in front of Doug at full gallop crossing the road and stopping as I drove by. The caribou seemed so happy that he had outrun a motorcycle.
As usual the scenery was beautiful. It was funny at one point we were passing a large and very beautiful lake on our left when Doug said, "Funny, my GPS doesn't show that lake." To which I replied, "Either does mine, Doug." Doug then said, "That confirms it, there is no lake!" Sometimes I think it is a mistake to have bike to bike radios; just kidding.
Today we are staying in Watson Lake, YK. It has an attraction here that is just super. People from all over the world have brought signs and posted them on posts. I saw signs from many cities including Sacramento, Berlin, San Jose and more. These were actual street signs removed from the highway. People also hung signs that they made to mark their visit.
I was very surprised when Doug pulled out a sign that Nathan made that said, Cancer Awareness Ride, June 2007 and listed our names and cities. This was a metal sign with professional decals.
Doug and I mounted it onto one of the posts where other travelers can see it. Thanks Nathan and Doug.
Riding conditions turned worse today. The scariest thing was when we would be riding along at 70 MPH and the pavement would just stop followed by about 50 feet of dirt, gravel, and pot holes. Just when you think you are about to die the pavement comes back. There was a lot of gravel in the road today. It seems that none of the parking lots are paved anymore. Considering the rain it is a challenge to keep the bikes up in the mud. Parking my bike is actually easier than Doug's because I have the block of wood. It helps keep the kick stand from sinking into the dirt/mud.
Tomorrow we arrive in Whitehorse but will not get new tires until Monday. Then it is off to the Arctic Circle with an expected crossing either Wednesday or Thursday. Wish us good weather.
Dell
