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Travel Log
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After working full-time in academia for the past 32
years I decided to take the summer off in 2007 and take a six-week solo
motorcycle trip to Alaska. It was the experience of a lifetime. These pages
describe the planning and preparations I made for the trip and include a
detailed, illustrated trip log.
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Alaska is a big place - over twice the
size of Texas and one-fifth the size of the entire lower 48 states! It
is America's last frontier, with many areas of pristine and undeveloped
wilderness. Wildlife is abundant, as are glaciers, mosquitoes,
magnificent mountain views, and friendly people. It is also a long way
from home - nearly 5,000 miles to be exact - so it made for a great
destination for a trip to "get away from it all." |
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Some asked, Why would I take a six-week solo
motorcycle trip to such a far away place? Would I be alone?
Would I be afraid? Well, after some reflection I came up
with my Top 10 Reasons for making the trip. Here they are, and here is
how I feel I came out on each one...
Top 10 Reasons for Riding
Solo from Cleveland to Alaska
-
For
the adventure. It was indeed a great adventure,
but I must admit not quite as adventurous as I thought it would be. The road
was not as remote as I had imagined, and services were readily available all
along the way. Never did I feel alone.
-
To
relive the adventure with my family in 1958 when we drove our ’57 Chevy up
the Alcan, camping all the way.
The roads were much more developed this time, but still I
was able to recall some of the excitement I felt when we traveled this way
49 years ago.
-
For a
change of pace, and to rejuvenate after spending 6 years in academic
administration. No doubt
about it the trip was a change of pace for me - and a welcome one. I was
able to leave work completely behind for six weeks, and I am sure it will
result in new energy and perspective on what I want to accomplish in my
academic life in the next few years.
-
To
make James Michener’s Alaska (1988) come to life.
Michener's novel provided the images for me at many points along the way,
particularly when I came across places associated with the Gold Rush. It
would have been hard for me to appreciate what those folks endured without
reading Alaska.
- To see the
glaciers before they melt. I saw lots of glaciers
and icebergs, and learned that while many are shrinking some are actually
growing. Many will be gone in another 100 years if present trends continue,
however.
- Meet my friends
Paul and Linda Wilson, and Beth Sirles in Anchorage.
This was one of the bonuses of the trip. Paul and I had long envisioned a
trip such as this. Beth gave me an insider's perspective on Alaska and gave
some great suggestions for things to see and do.
- To get north of
the Arctic Circle to see 24 hours of daylight.
Accomplished! This was perhaps the most surreal experience of the entire
trip - to realize that I was so near the top of the globe that I could see
the sun the entire 24-hour day. It made the world seem small.
- To ride the
westernmost road in North America (Anchor Point, Alaska).
Elaine and I rode the
easternmost road in North America last summer
(Cape Spear, Newfoundland), so I was interested to seek
out the westernmost road, which I did. The unexpected bonus was stopping at
the geographic center of North America on the way back.
- I’ve always liked
the mountains and the north. And I still do! I
love the mountains, the northern forests and tundra, and the western plains.
Especially in the summer it is refreshing to be in the cool mountain air,
and smell the forests.
-
It's a great destination for a 10,000 mile ride
- it's as much about the ride as it is the destination.
It was all of that and more - nearly 12,000 miles! I took special pleasure
in riding that distance. My body
got tired, certainly, but the next day I always wanted to ride more. There
is something about long solo rides that brings a sense of freedom and
satisfaction.
- Now that
the ride is over, I would add an 11th reason - to be alone and free to do
as I wished, when I wished, and how I wished. It was revealing to find
that often I did things just the same way I usually do, but I found my days
to be less cluttered and complicated. It was a very worthwhile experience,
and I hope to take shorter solo trips each summer hereafter.
Would I do it
over again? You bet I would! The experience was so enjoyable and beneficial in
so many ways. I hope
these pages give you a sense of what the trip was like
for me, and maybe allow you to experience just a little of the fun and
excitement, and sense of accomplishment. Enjoy!
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