The View from the Outhouse

Good morning from Silty Slough. It is 51 degrees at 7am with more light rain. I read yesterday was the hottest overall temperature for Mother Earth ever recorded. Well they need to fire up all those windmills and spread it around a bit, but I guess that would take too much electricity. The plus is the cool temperatures keeps most of the riffraff out of the area. River is high and running fast, nothing like the current in the Yukon though. Now to post the last day of the trip and close out this adventure so I can start another.

Monday June 19

Ed and I are up early again. Places to go and things to see. 290 miles home today. We are cruising down highway 1 from Tok. It is pretty good with only a few frost heaves and loose gravel patches. Better than most years.

Alaska highways are just single digits since there are less than 10 and most have names. No interstates. I found it odd that Oahu Hawaii has interstate highways. Actually after extensive research (Google) Alaska does have interstate highways designated A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4. The are however exempt from interstate standards. The segment of A-2 from the border to Tok must carry a double exemption.

On down Interstate A-1 near Gakona we pass a big building off in the bushes. This is HAARP- High Frequency Active Auroral Research Project. Supposed to be studying the ionosphere. Some think they are controlling the weather, causing a drought in North Korea etc. I think it is how the Northern Lights are powered. Just my humble opinion. The scenery is beautiful along this stretch with Wrangle-St. Elias National Park off the left. It is clear and the mountains are beautiful. Check with my brother Ed, he has all the pictures.

Then it is on to join H-4 for a dozen or so miles to Glennallen. You want to tanker enough fuel to get through here because the fuel is approaching Canada prices $4.84 a gallon. I’ll be glad to get to Palmer Fred Meyer so I can get a dollar off a gallon with my Kroger fuel points. Didn’t stop at Glennallen. Shortly after turning right and leaving H-4 we crossed the Trans Alaska Pipeline. It is above ground off to the left and right side of the road. On past Slide Mountain and Eureka where we spent a lot of time snow machining before we started the cabin at Silty Slough. Now our snow machines are always pulling sleds of supplies in the winter. Gunsight Mountain comes into view. When you see it you will know why it is called that. Soon we are passing Matanuska Glacier off the left. This warrants a photo stop. Then it is on to Palmer and a lunch stop at the Sunrise Cafe. 5 more miles home and Steve is there to help us unload the trailer. He needs a ride to the airport at 8 o’clock. I think we will let him drive alone and pick his truck up tomorrow when I go to the airport to start my new job and next adventure.

Nice leisurely trip, left June 10 arrived June 19. Could have trimmed off a few days but I had stops to make to purchase much needed treasures along the way. 3945.6 miles from North Judson, Indiana, 427 gallons of diesel fuel for 9.24 miles per gallon. Trip number 36 in the ships log. I still need a few more things from the lower 48.

From the Asylum at Silty Slough, friends I wish you well.

Thank you Lord for a safe journey and for giving us enough.

I’ll be in touch.

Blue skies!!!