Sourdough campsite from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Ken introduces camping in Alaska, together with a few thoughts on those ever elusive bears. At Sourdough camp ground, on the edge of the small town of Tok, south eastern Alaska.
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Sourdough campsite
September 28th, 2011Towards Tok
September 27th, 2011The previous night we’d been told of a couple of Spanish riders who’d not left Midway Service until gone two in the afternoon. We’d laughed. Only to find ourselves chatting with Jay and Debbie until a little after one. Comforting ourselves with the knowledge we’d at least left before the Spaniards. Just.
Short climb and brief squall. But then mostly downhill towards the small town of Tok. Mike and I had planned to stop for just a coffee at a roadhouse twenty or so miles beyond Midway. Only to find ourselves feeling surprisingly hungry, realising it was by now close on four in the afternoon. Tempted by the club sandwiches. Filling but not too heavy to ride with.
Swift progress towards to the Sourdough campground on the outskirts of Tok. Helped by quiet roads and no headwind, the last twelve miles covered at around sixteen miles per hour. Mike and I in firm agreement. Good team effort, our respective best day in a while. Boded well for our time riding together.
Moose loose
September 27th, 2011Moose loose from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
At last, some wild wildlife. Well, a moose. In the distance..
Later in the day
September 27th, 2011Later in the day from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Another brief road side stop en route to the small town of Tok. But still no signs of bears or moose. Cue next clip…
After the rains
September 27th, 2011After the rains from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Heading for the small town of Tok, Mike and Ken enjoy a short break after the rains have passed
Fearless
September 27th, 2011Fearless he’d said. Or at least, we thought, he’d absolute mastery of fear, able to control it with such exactness as to appear fearless. And, faced with a large bear or other wild creature, that was what counted. Exuding a certain confidence, an unequivocal command of the situation, deterring potential aggressors. We believed him.
Jay, together with wife Debbie, ran Midway Service, half way along the Tok Cut-Off. He’d had a life in computers, but was now settled with the small shop and a few cabins. It was tough, but he could at least supplement his income with work for the local electricity company.
He’d little time for bear spray. Preferring a .44 Magnum. Explaining he thought the repellant probably did little more than inspire confidence in the user. But that was fine. Show no fear. I’d nodded, adding I found that the most effective means of dealing with aggressive dogs had been to shout loudly at them, the words not mattering so long as they conveyed real venom, hatred.
Jay had to leave before I’d chance to capture him on camera. Customers to cut off. He grinned and headed out. We joked later he probably used bear spray as aftershave. Without flinching. Wiry but tough. Very. Not that Debbie wasn’t. There’d been one bear in the yard in the last fourteen years. Jay was away so she’d had to deal with it. The pelt hung on the wall behind us.
Midway Service – Part 3
September 27th, 2011
Midway Service – Part 2
September 27th, 2011Midway Service – Part 2 from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Ken reflects on conversations with Jay and Debbie, owners of Midway Service along the Tok Cut-Off.
Midway Service – Part One
September 27th, 2011Midway Service – Part One from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Around Midway Service, half way along the Tok Cut-Off. Features some interesting modes of transport…
Quirky Traveller
September 26th, 2011
If you like quirky travel tales, just like the story of the night Mike and I spent in the bus, then do visit Zoe’s aptly named TheQuirkyTraveller website! Includes a piece I wrote about my experiences in the bus. You can also visit her Facebook page – simply click here
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