Tyre trouble

It was supposed to be a cruisey day with not too many miles today as we only had to ride to Haines Junction. A mear 255 km. Stopped in Whitehorse for brunch at Tim Hortens. Met a couple from Quebec who are also touring Alaska on their BMW. Marty and Maree were outside chatting to them by the bikes when the traffic police came and spoke to them. Once he realised the guy was from Quebec they switched to french had a chat and all was good. I meanwhile was inside chatting to a couple of old local guys who said they'd never seen motorbikes parked there before and don't worry he won't give you a ticket. We then got onto the subject of moose or rather the lack of them and one of them said there were moose in NZ but they don't have antlers because there is a mineral deficincey and they won't grow. I told him no way and he told me it was true and I should google it. Maybe I will.

 We stopped at a lookout point about 50km from Haines Junction and just as we were about to keave Marty spotted his crumbling rear tyre.

He thought it would be ok to Haines Junction so on we went.

 By the time we arrived the tyre was totally shot. They were lucky to make it. Next problem was there was nothing in Haines Junction.

 Rang the bike shops in White horse and one had a tyre but they shut at 5.30 so it was going to be a race against time. We unloaded my bike while Marty took his wheel off. All loaded and off he zoomed. Maree and I then took a stroll around time calling in at the local garage to see if he could fit the tyre Saturday if needed but no he didn't work Saturday. He was more interested in making fun of our accents. Spotted a couple of different churches worthy of a photo.

We checked out the local bakery and discovered they had a salmon bake bbq and music at 6pm. Cost $32 so we booked in. Dinner was delicious but bluegrass doesn't really do it for me. Was ok for a while but then all sounded the same. Shared a table with a couple from Texas. They were motorcycling around as well and had seen 3 moose, one very up close and personnel as it ran alongside him on the road. He said all he could see was a giant set of testicles.

 Marty called to say he made it, got the tyre changed and was on his way back and could we have tea for him so we got him a takeaway salmon meal. Best deal in town.
He made it back by 8.30. Looked pretty pooped. It was a 200 mile round trip. But at least we are good togo tomorrow and not stuck here till maybe Tuesday.
Full steam ahead for Tok. 460 odd kms. Not a fun ride as it rained the whole way and to say we sarrived wet was an understatement. There was also lots of roadworks some where we had to wait for a pilot car to escort us through. Once at the motel we layed all our gear out in the sun which had finally decided to come out.

 I was knackered and had a very sore eye. I hit the hay straight after tea. My eye was still pretty red and sore the next morning so I got some saline solution out of the first aid kit and with Maree's gave it a wash out. Seemed to work its been feeling better and better as the days gone on but still very red. And another wet day. Takes the shine out of things somewhat. It did stop briefly when we were passing some pretty spectacular glaciers so that was nice.

Staying tonight in Palmer which is about 50 miles north of Ancorage. And still no moose sighted.

 Monday It finally happened today. I saw a moose on the way to the gas station in Anchorage. She was beautiful but I had no time to stop and get a photo. I'm sure I will get the chance to get a pic befire we leave Alaska. Took Maree down to Gridwood this morning so she could do her dog sledding trip. We then went for a ride down to Portage but didn't hang around as it was raining. Rode back to Bird Creek where we checked out the salmon fishermen.

 None were having any luck. Picked Maree up had subway for tea. Relaxing at the motel. Maree enjoyed her trip. She might have found herself a new vocation. Haha