The Arctic Circle

In line with previous few days of disappointments we woke to rain. Not a good start to the day as it put the whole trip into jeopardy. But I was not going to be denied so at breakfast I declared that I was going regardless of the weather.

Maree had bailed from the bike and booked herself a flight up to Coldfoot which is about 60 miles north of the circle and a bus trip back so she was all sorted regardless of the weather.

So at about 8am, donned in our wet weather gear Marty and I set off. It was miserable. 40 miles into the trip, stuck behind a truck I pulled up alongside Marty and indicated to him by slitting my throat that we should abandon the attempt. After all I could try again in a few days time by going up the Dempster highway instead and I knew he wasn't keen on doing it in the rain and who could blame him.
This thought had obviously also occurred to Marty as he decided we would push on. At least the Dalton is half sealed half gravel unlike the Dempster which us all gravel.

The rain was relentless. No chance to admire the view or stop for lots of photos.

Trying a selfie at our first rest stop.

The trucks just fly along the road. They take no prisoners. This truck went passed us when we had stopped and despite taking off within minutes of it going past we never saw it again.

Nearly 4 hours later we pull into Yukon River looking like drowned rats. We can get gas here. We have our spare cans with us as well just in case. The forecourt if you could call it that was a nightmare of slippery mud and potholes. Took all my skills to stay upright.

We had a much needed coffee and cookie here then braved the elements once more to tackle the last 60 miles of dirt to the Circle. The road was a mess. I couldn't look at the scenery because the moment I did I would hit a row of potholes at about the same time a large truck woukd go past and spray my visor with mud which I would then attempt to clear with my muddy glove thus creating a muddy smear that made it impossible to see at which time another set of potholes had lined themselves up. It was hard going but at 12.56pm we arrived at the Arctic Circle. I was one very happy camper.

And with the photo taken we had to retrace our steps. The rain that had stopped while we were there started again so once again it was a hard 60 mile ride back to the Yukon River gas and coffee shop.

Had a couple of breaks in the weather to stop and take a picture or two.

I stopped at the Dalton Highway sign as we zoomed passed it on the way up. The mud says it all. The last 4km of the Dalton were very scary. The surface was pure shiny mud and slippery as hell. The bikes had a minds of their on and several times we found ourselves sliding across the road. One guy in a ute coming the other way got caught out and ended up in a ditch. Luckily he was able to get himself out. Was nice to get back on the seal.

About 30 miles from Fairbanks my fan warning light came on so I had to slow down and hopefully make it to the first gas station we came to and hope they had a hose so we could blast water onto the radiator and remove the inch of mud that covered it. No hose but the guy gave Marty a 10 litre bucket which we filled many many times and threw it at the radiator. Eventually got enough mud off to carry on. We went straight to a car wash and $23 worth of quarters later the bikes were sort of clean.

12 hours after we set out we arrived back at our Hotel. I was exhausted. So tired infact that I had a shower and went to bed without having any tea. But I was one very happy camper.
Thank you Mr Marty for accompanying me yet again on one of my hair brained dreams. You are my rock.