July 16, 2019
Today has been seriously fun.
Poked around Homer this morning. Had halibut tacos. Super touristy beach “town” on the spit.
Made it to the gas station to add layers JUST as it began pouring. And I mean dumping. See the video. It’s true!
After that I slogged through cold rain for quite a while. It finally cleared a bit an hour or so down the road. Not sure why, but my Gore-Tex pants let my bottom get wet. NOT COOL!
Detoured to Hope, AK instead of straight to Anchorage. It’s across the water from Girdwood, sorta. Very glad I did. Tiny town. Super old. Awesome chowder. Very strange gift shop. The road in/out alone made the trip worthwhile.
After that I went hunting glaciers. Found ‘em! Seriously radtastic. Then it got better.
There is a short tunnel that takes you to a turnout where you’re essentially surrounded by glaciers. That isn’t even the cool part! There’s ANOTHER tunnel!
The second tunnel requires a toll, which I was originally going to skip. So glad I didn’t. It’s a one-way-at-a-time tunnel that trains also use. I believe it’s several miles through solid granite. You ride down the center of the train tracks. Takes about 6 minutes to go the full length.
When you emerge from this tunnel you find yourself in a place called Whittier, AK. Seems to be a fishing port, but is really cool to explore. There is an old military building (apparently there was a sub base) that’s been abandoned. Really cool rail yard. Giant muffler with my name on it for some reason. Another glacier. Worth the detour.
I had to wait a long time for the tunnel back due to a train. They also only go one way every half hour, and motorcycles go last. So, I sat and stared at a glacier while I was rained on… waiting.
And then the sunset. Absolutely amazing. Pictures don’t even come close to doing it justice.
I’m currently sitting at a fuel station in Girdwood. Still have about 45 minutes to ride, but wanted a quick break. Maybe a snack as well. Oh, and fuel. For the bike.
Alaska… wow.
Edit: saw a moose with two calves.
Odo Start: 21,129
Odo End: 21,428
Daily Miles: 299
Cum. Miles: 6,865
Ryan Cavalier 