On one of our scenic flights with Talkeetna Air Taxi, the summit of Denali (or Mt. Mckinley) made a rare appearance.
Catching up in Fairbanks
By Craig Johnson in
June 23, 2009 – 12:01 am
I don’t know about you, but driving off road over 1000 miles in 3 days wears me out. Add camping one night in 37 degree Fahrenheit with a biting wind, and the next night being harassed by literal clouds of mosquitoes, and it makes for four pretty tired crew members. Oh, and did I mention that we were north of the Arctic Circle where the sun never sets, making sleep difficult for those of us not used to such a thing. Don’t get me wrong, I cherish these unique experiences and it’s one of the main reasons that I’m on the expedition. However, after the mad dash to the Arctic Ocean and back I think I speak for all of us on the crew when saying we were happy to have a host for a couple of nights at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge upon our return to Fairbanks.
The Lodge has a lot of different options for accommodation, from standard hotel rooms to waterfront cabins. The four of us split between two rooms, with each pair having ample space to spread out and get a good rest to recover from our journey. The first night we had a little relaxation time in the steam room and sauna while on the following evening we watched “Into the Wild†to prepare for our attempt to make it to a famous landmark featured in the film. Pike’s remains a small business in comparison to some of the larger chain hotels and resorts, but works like a machine to ensure that all your needs are met. Between the two restaurants and bars, ice cream station, sauna and steam room, gift shop, and exercise area one could easily spend a day 
enjoying the amenities.
Upon arrival we had a complimentary ice cream cone, which was a tasty treat after another day spent in the truck. As an added note, Pike’s is making an effort to be a little greener than the rest. Our rooms were located in the Copper Lodge, which boasts solar panels on the roof to help reduce Pike’s non-renewable energy use. In addition, there is a greenhouse on the property where hydroponic fruits and vegetables are grown during Alaska’s long summer days. These include lettuces, tomatoes, and strawberries that are used in the restaurant as well as sold locally.
Speaking of eating, the Lodge has two choices on the property. There is Pike’s Landing sitting adjacent to the Lodge and overlooking the Chena River. On our first night there Steve, Nels, and I had a few beverages outside until the chilly air forced
us indoors. On the second night our crew was served a hearty and colorful meal on the outside deck of the Binkley Room, the main restaurant located on the first floor of the main building. Steve had a seafood platter, Celeste had the halibut, Nels the steak and I had a large portion of Alaskan salmon. The deck was curiously free of mosquitoes that night, and the evening sun was still high in the sky. With the variety of foods in front of us we all tried a bit of each other’s meals and ate until stuffed. We even made room for some yummy cheesecake to share.
With a lot of camping and adventure ahead, Pike’s Waterfront Lodge afforded us the opportunity to get some much needed down time, as well as spend a day running errands around town. We also timed perfectly our departure and the arrival of the latest crew members, Kristen and Meagan. So, with our thirst quenched, our bellies full of good food, and the new girls in tow we left Fairbanks ready for our next adventure. Stay tuned…
Some more photos from Pike’s.
Steve, Nels, and Celeste dig in on the deck of the Binkley Room.
A busy reception.
The greenhouse has an aviation theme.
Enjoying a swing in the late evening light.
New Photos – Banff National Park
By Steven Shoppman in
June 20, 2009 – 10:11 pm
Banff is the home to the Canadian Rockies. The sights are amazing. There are hundreds of trails to hike, mountains to climb, rivers to fish and recreation to be had. This little section of the planet is an outdoor lovers dream, and it was a highlight of the expedition for all of us. We spent about five days in Banff and Jasper, and even though I have already been there 4 times, I would go back again in a heartbeat. Enjoy!
Or just click on the thumbnails below to see larger versions of the photos.
The final newbies
By Steven Shoppman in
June 19, 2009 – 1:33 pm
After over 30 different people riding along, joining the crew or being our guides, many souls have made up the journey we call The World by Road. Everyone has a different perspective, everyone has a different attitude. The two most recent crew members come with a unique story of how they ended up here. They are not only the newest crew members, they are the latest tenants of my house.
I found them via an add on Craigslist, or rather, my sister found them while I was still on my way up the Pan-American to Denver. She interviewed them and said, “There are a few girls that want to rent your house, but two of them are going to Thailand first, so they want to know if it is possible to start renting next month.†This worked out great for me because we had one month to be stuck in Denver raising funds before going to Alaska and needed a place to call home.
A month later Kristen, Meagan, and Erin came over to meet me. A week after that they were moving into my house. Since I still had a few last things to get out of it when they were moving in we all decided to have a moving in/moving out slumber party. After a handful of drinks and getting to know each other, my new tenants were quick friends. We were leaving town a week later and as a joke, because Sarah was hit by a car just days before we were meant to leave, I asked Meagan, “So we need some new crew members because Sarah is not going to make it. I know you just moved in and just returned from Thailand, but why not become a fearless member of the crew?â€
She laughed, and I think we might have carried on with some technicalities of paying rent or something. The next morning I received a call from Meagan and she told me that she had talked with her boss and would be able to take more time off and join us. I could not believe it. I thought, “What a nut I have for a tenant!†But we are all a little nuts here, so I figured she would fit right in. Not more than 3 days later, Kristen emails me saying that she cannot let Meagan come home with 100 awesome stories and that she wants to come too. “Oh man, two nuts,†I thought.
They have now been here for about a week and we are all getting along splendidly. My new tenants are my crew and my friends. What a great deal my sister found for me.
Nels’ Notes: Nomadic Wandering Shenanigans June 12-19, 2009
By Nels Thoreson in
June 19, 2009 – 3:32 am
Countries: United States of America (Alaska)
Miles Driven:Â 163 Miles
Song of the Week: “Hard Sun†–Eddie Vedder
Book of the Week: “The Last American Man†– Elizabeth Gilbert
The Last American Man
Quote of the Week: “It sounds like you guys are on a pretty awesome adventure yourselves.â€-Mount McKinley climber, who we were able to talk to, as his group was about to ascend the mountain. He had just got back from successfully climbing Mount Everest. It was an incredible experience to be able to chat with them before their epic climb.
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.
From Nenana we headed south to Healy, Alaska and had the opportunity to stay at Barbara’s Touch of the Wilderness B & B Inn, right on the Stampede Road. The rooms were comfortable and cozy, and right out in the parking lot was a salt lick that got the attention of three moose. In the next couple days we met and got to know Jon and Karin Nierenberg, owners of Earth Song Lodge, and got a great tour from Jon of his sled dogs. Their story is as inspiring as it gets as they went from living in a homestead to building the lodge, cabins and coffeehouse. Their hospitality, stories and graciousness, as well as being able to play with the dogs, made our experience with them very memorable.
Next door to John and Karin lives experienced hunter/trapper/guide, Coke Wallace, who also was an incredible human to get to meet, and who owns and runs Midnight Sun Safaris. His hunting and trapping stories are one for the ages, and it was great to sit in an old shack on his property to have a thought. He also offered to take us out to the “Into The Wild†bus, which is 26 miles from his doorstep. Craig, Coke and I made it out on his Polaris Ranger 6X6, 18 miles out toward the bus, but had to turn back due to the raging Teklanika River, the same river Christopher McCandless couldn’t cross forcing him return to the bus (“Into The Wild†blog will be up soon). It was beyond disappointing to be so close, and not be able to get there, but one can’t always battle with the power of Mother Nature.
Craig and I then met up with Steve, Celeste, Meagan and Kristen in the stellar little town of Talkeetna, Alaska. The girls got the privilege of staying with Alice at Talkeetna Bed and Breakfast, while the guys headed to the Denali View Lodge, hosted by Renae and Tom Redman. After a wonderful breakfast with Alice, we headed over to Whole Wheat Radio, to meet Jim Kloss and Esther Golton, for an interview on-air with Jim, and delicious pasta dinner prepared by local musician, Pam Emerson. They are one of a kind, and their kind spirits are more than admirable. They play independent, mostly acoustic artists, open their home to the community, and strive to help people in any way they can. They are truly special humans, and we learned so much from them in the time we were able to spend with them.
Between our interview and dinner with the great folks at Whole Wheat Radio, we got a call from Talkeetna Air Taxi, saying that they had spots on their planes and to get over as soon as possible. We split up in threes, and headed up. Steve, Meagan and I went out first and were fortunate enough to make it ahead of the weather that forced the plane with Craig, Celeste and Kristen back to the base. Our pilot navigated the mountainous region skillfully, and with Mother Nature cooperating we were able to not only see the summit of Mount McKinley, but were able to land on a glacier at the Mount McKinley base camp. The experience was truly magical, and felt as though we were in the middle of a movie. To top it off we were able to talk with some climbers about to begin their own adventure as they started their climb to the summit. “We are some of the luckiest people on the world,†beamed Shoppman as he took in the view.
The following day we were able to film, along with a Travel Channel crew, the adventure we had with Mahay’s Riverboat Service as we made our way up the Susitna River. The riverboat trip, which was 150 miles roundtrip, was done with the most technologically advanced river jetboat in Alaska that is designed to safely navigate rivers that were previously inaccessible. The boat went as far up as it could in the canyon 75 miles upstream, showing the boat’s ability to do battle with class 4 and 5 rapids. On our way back we stopped at an old Dena’ina Indian Encampment and an authentic trapper’s cabin with its original furnishings to view how the Dena’ina Indians and trappers lived in “Bush” Alaska at the turn of the century. It was an incredible experience.
We ended the night by happening upon a community kick-ball game that seemed to involved the entire town. Our crew teamed up with some stellar locals and took control of the night. Games were three innings long, winners stayed and losers had to get back in line. We stayed, went out Seinfeld style, and walked back to Trapper John’s Cabin to rest our heads.
Yesterday was a our first day of rest in some time, but turned into a work day to get caught up on blogs, photos and video. Steve went out and interviewed Jim from Whole Wheat Radio, and said, “The interview with Jim was one of my favorite interviews of the entire expedition.â€
Our time spent in Talkeetna has been more than well, and being able to meet so many great people is really amazing. Being able to get out there and see the world is something special, but to be able to interact and listen to the stories of the people is next level. We are very fortunate. Fortunate indeed.
Photo Exhibition from the week:
Strider, a sled dog at Earth Song, having a thought
Swinger on a creative sign at Earth Song
The girls having a moment with Alice at Talkeetna Bed and Breakfast
Whole Wheat Crew joins the TWBR crew for a picture by their sign
View from the plane
The crew on the river jetboat, in the rapids
The bear
Co-pilot Celeste, ready to take flight
Golden stache communicating with the pilot
Cool and calm Kristen gives the rapids a wave “helloâ€
Not so mild-mannered Meagan attempts to jump ship
Ready for takeoff
For those who missed it
By Steven Shoppman in
June 18, 2009 – 8:56 pm
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.
Have a listen. Many times he even has live concerts in the studio. There will be more to come shortly about our time there.
[podcast]http://theworldbyroad.com/video/The_World_By_Road_Interview_-_2009_06_17.mp3[/podcast]
New Photos – Up the Alaska Higway
By Steven Shoppman in
June 17, 2009 – 9:57 pm
We set off from Denver on the 21st of May and shot straight up to Montana. After a few nights at my friend Allan’s house, we carried on to Canada, through Banff and Jasper. Eventually we made it to a junction just past Prince George, British Colombia for highway 37 north, which took us to Hyder, Alaska and a bunch of other stops on our push up to Fairbanks.
It was a fast run, but some unreal scenery.
Or just click the thumbnails below for larger versions of the photos.
We are on Whole Wheat Radio today!
By Steven Shoppman in
June 16, 2009 – 1:35 pm
Make sure to listen in at 3pm Alaska time today when we are on the webcast Whole Wheat Radio.
It should be an amazing time, we met Jim, the host of the show yesterday. Â He has at least as cool of a story as we do.
New Photos – Tequila, Mexico
By Steven Shoppman in
June 15, 2009 – 1:07 pm
Recently I posted the photos from the Jose Cuervo Destileria, which is located in the town of Tequila. Obviously the original seller of tequila in the region is a hot spot, but the town has a ton to offer. There are incredible restaurants, festivals and events nearly every day of the summer, and incredible scenery all around. The old buildings and churches make for an incredible setting to learn about the history of the drink and people of the region, and the Hotel Plaza Jardin was generous enough to give us the two best rooms in the hotel overlooking the square. Don’t miss this town if you are ever in the area…it is a nice diversion from the wild parties and craziness of the nearby coastal city of Puerto Vallarta.
Or just click on the images below to see pop-ups.
Photo of the Week: All Smiles
By Craig Johnson in
June 15, 2009 – 12:01 am
At the Earthsong Lodge we had the pleasure of meeting Stryder. He is one of the many sled dogs that Jon & Karen Neirenberg keep for Jon’s guided dog sledding trips in winter in Denali National Park in Healy, Alaska.
