Category Archives: Expedition Updates

Updates from the road of The World by Road

Nels’ Notes: Nomadic Wandering Shenanigans June 12-19, 2009

Sometimes I have to take a step back, look around, and maybe even pinch myself to realize that this is real. We are beyond fortunate, and this last week has been like no other. When one is able to mix incredible people with amazing adventure its result is almost surreal. Alaska and its people are one of those places, hands down.

For those who missed it

We were on Whole Wheat Radio a few days ago. It was an amazing time. Jim is one of the coolest characters on the planet, and if you are ever in Talkeetna, I certainly recommend paying Whole Wheat a visit. Also if you like independent music, he has 24 hour streaming music online.

Nels’ Notes: Nomadic Wandering Shenanigans June 5-12, 2009

Perseverance is defined as a steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement, and that is exactly what we had to do to make the voyage on the Dalton Highway from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. To reach the farthest north point on the Pan-American highway we had to take the 1,000 mile roundtrip, mostly gravel road, that really put our driving skills and minds to the test. It is a desolate highway that doesn’t see many tourists, usually just semi-trucks making their trek north. We endured and made it to Dead Horse, and to tell the truth, it felt beyond bizarre and kind of empty. We had driven for the better part of a day, on a terrible road, coupled with the never-setting sun, and in the cold and came to an oil field in the middle of the tundra.

The funny photo

After being interviewed for TV, radio, and newspapers in many different places around the world, the bulk of the content about the expedition has been pretty straight forward. Often the questions we are asked are similar, the topics are similar, and the photos or video is somewhat traditional.

Nels’ Notes: Nomadic Wandering Shenanigans May 26–June 5, 2009

We put some miles behind us this week, that is for sure. We took off from the wonderful home of Rosel and Wilf at their bed and breakfast in Prince George and headed north. Again, their hospitality was incredible, and it was a pleasure for all of us to sit at their table to have breakfast with them.

Nels’ Notes: Nomadic Wandering Shenanigans May 21-29, 2009

We ride again. After over a month hiatus off the road we returned to the highway for our voyage north to Alaska. We’d, again, like to thank all of those that supported us in our fundraising efforts that enabled us to finish the expedition. It means a lot to us, and is greatly appreciated.

From Denver, Steve, Celeste and Craig ventured north to Loveland to stay at Steve’s Mom, Judy’s, place, while I headed to Rocky Mountain National Park with an amazing female for one last adventure in Colorado. We met up the following morning for a delicious breakfast prepared by Judy and her husband, Tom, said our goodbyes, and got on I-25 North headed to Bozeman, Montana.

The Great Wide Open

Today officially marks the farthest north in North America for the expedition, but more importantly it also marks the farthest north for any of the crew. Right now we are in Jasper National Park in the town of Jasper. At 52 degrees, 53 minutes, -1 seconds North, this is the most North any of us have ever been in Canada. Here the days are long and the wildlife is plentiful. The mountains are grand and the lakes are numerous. It all really hit home for us when we had our first day camping and the sun did not fully set until 11pm.

Alaska, The Final Frontier Fundraiser and Exhibition

Date and Time: Thursday, May 14th from 6pm – Midnight

Location:

The Soiled Dove Underground at Lowry
7401 E. 1st Ave.
Denver, CO 80230
Located east of the intersection of 1st Ave & Quebec Street

Contact

We have arrived

After over two years of being on the road, we have finally made it back to the point we started from. We are in Denver! It feels good to say, and it certainly feels good to know that we succeeded when many told us it was not possible or that we might fail. While we are completely out of money, the trucks are in desperate need of some help with all the lights flashing on the dashboards

Nels’ Notes: Currently Sedentary Shenanigans

We have been in Denver for thirteen days. This is the longest our crew has been in one place in a long time. Faces and places are familiar, there’s no longer a language barrier, and the food meets the needs of my simple palate. The contents of the trucks find their place in the garage, and our packs occupy a corner of the rooms where our heads rest. Two makeshift offices, one in the mud room where Shoppman works, and one in the dining room has Craig’s computer and mine.