Alaska Caper -- Day 15

June 18, 2007
Posted by: Dick Wilson

Start: Fairbanks, AK
Destination: Cantwell, AK
Miles traveled: 198

This morning we got better acquainted with the GS riders who arrived on their muddy bikes from the Haul Road last night. Joe Mobley is a cordial, articulate, retired Navy Admiral. His buddy, Mike Chase, probably age 60 but buff as heck and probably able to pick up his GS bike with one arm tied behind his back, is a retired Navy Seal. They are planning to catch the Alaska Marine Highway from Haines, AK, to Bellingham, WA, and then ride home to California and Mexico where they reside. After divesting myself of 17 lbs of excess luggage, taken to the FedEx office to be shipped home, we headed for Denali National Park. (Picture to the right -- The road

to Denali). The ride was uneventful. Unfortunately, it was cloudy and a little bit rainy, so we did not see too much of the majestic mountains. We road into the Park 15 miles. Beyond that point, visitors are obliged to ride in tour buses. A small number of people, such as professional photographers, can obtain a permit to ride through the Park at will, and there is a lottery for later summer personal vehicle travel–about 400 cars per day. The outskirts of the Park are "tourist city personified". We got out of there as quick as we could and headed down to Cantwell. This is at the junction of the old Denali Highway. Motel accommodations there were bare bones to say the least. However, the cafe there served a decent meal at a good price. By bedtime the weather was clearing. The sun was shining on the mountains which were exquisitely beautiful. (Picture right -- District Courthouse in Nanana, AK, -- law Alaska style)