<– Day 9: July 29, At Dawson Creek | Day 11: July 31st, Bison, Bears, and (no) Breakdowns –>

A great group shot out front of Todd & Diana Penney’s business Dalex Auto Services. We really appreciate their hospitality! Todd is seen to the far left.

After months of planning, yesterday we finally got our chance to drive the Alaska Highway! Our stop for the evening would be in Fort Nelson, BC.

Yesterday morning was filled by a sense of excitement for the trip to begin. It was the first day of our five day trek to Alaska. We’d planned to leave at 8am, so hustle and bustle was prevalent early.

I drove to the gas station right after waking. Having never filled up Patterson’s custom stainless steel tank, I had no idea how much it would take. But, after having to run into the store to pay for gas several times because I’d misjudged how much would fit into the tank, I returned to the hotel and staged the DJ, ready to lead the group north. Spoiler alert … up to this point, Patterson had started dependably for the past month.

All prepared to lead the caravan.

Emily and Joe ready to tackle the Alaska Highway

Naturally, when the big moment came and we were ready to take a quick tour of the local roundabout where Ann was positioned to do a Facebook Live event, I turned the key and …. Patterson wouldn’t start. Joe, quickly recognizing that I was having a problem, gave me a quick push. Heck, compression starting was old hat to me and I guess it wouldn’t be an old jeep if you didn’t have to compression start it every so often.

Now that I was rolling and, once Merlin also was pushed started (Mortimer and Patterson were in a groove), we drove a short distance, rounded the roundabout and waved at Ann as she streamed us live for everyone to see! Except, there was another slight hiccup. Facebook wasn’t full cooperating, so our FB live was a bust. No matter, we had fun with our little parade.

Our first stop for the day was at the Kiskatinaw wooden bridge, a part of the original (or early) Alaska Highway.

We stopped just short of the bridge so Ann could ready her camera and Luis, Andreas’ son, could prep his drone. We agreed to wait a few minutes (no cell service) before dramatically entering the bridge.

Staged and ready for the bridge.

Continue reading →

<– Day 8: July 28, Travelers Arrive | Day 10: July 30th, Cruising the Alaska Highway –>

Most everyone arrive on Friday afternoon, but a few hearty souls rolled in after midnight. On Saturday it was awesome to wake up and see all the jeeps around the motel. There wasn’t one of us who wasn’t giddy at the sight of the jeeps. We spent much of Saturday swapping stories. Much of the action was out front of the motel. That in turn caused locals to drop by, say hello and share their own jeeps stories.

Four of those that stopped by were a nice group of local police. They were very enthusiastic about the trip, so much so, that we had them sign jeeps and pose for photos.

We had Hugo pose with the officers.

They also shared some patches, cut off of their outfits.

Continue reading →

<– Day 7: July 27, The Lonely Road Home | Day 9: July 29, At Dawson Creek –>

On the 28th, Hugo, Fernando, Ann and I had a day without driving, a nice reprieve from our road trip thus far. But, we kept busy cleaning vehicles and organizing for the trip’s start.

As of midnight the 28th, we still awaited the arrival of Merlin & Britt and Andreas Gruson, Marcello, and Dario. However, everyone else arrived during the day, exhausted. So, we had a small celebration and got to know everyone. Since it is Ann’s an my 5th wedding anniversary, I’ll keep this brief.

We can’t wait to start! Only 1300 miles before we reach Fairbanks!

Marty, Rob, Ron, Don arriving at Dawson Creek

Bill arrived at Dawson Creek

Cowboy, Russ, Jim and David (seated) arrived at Dawson Creek.

Hugo meeting Jim.

Fernando and Hugo saving David’s butt cuz he hasn’t had time to look at his carb.

A well deserved beer after fixing David’s carb.

Most of the group, exhausted form their days of travel.

<– Day 7: July 27, The Lonely Road Home | Day 9: July 29, At Dawson Creek –>