My Car Won't Get Me Very Far

For months I have been struggling with the ignition switch in my car. As my buddy, Ben, and I made our long road journey back down to the lower 48 (2500 miles to be exact) I noticed that it was getting worse. Somehow, I have dealt with it before it finally seized up completely yesterday. I thank the good Lord above that it didn't happen in the Middle of Nowhere, Canada.

A phenomena occurred over the last few months where fine muscle movements in my right arm had evolved into a key turning machine. It seemed as though I had the magic touch. I was the King Arthur of my car, twisting the Excalibur key to ignite all 6 cylinders. But even I have lost the magic. It is no longer in my hands. (No pun intended)

It got towed off to John Watson Chevrolet about 30 minutes ago. I know the ol' Mali will be OK, but it's gonna cost me. Not the tow, insurance covers that, but the operation is going to be about 300 bucks.

Most people suggest I get a new car, which I am capable of doing, but how can you part with a chariot that has taken you to the far reaches of the north twice. Once even to the Arctic Circle! Who cares that the rear passenger side door is dented, or that I had to replace batteries, breaks, gaskets, and door locks. It's paid for. I don't owe a cent. Like I said, i know ol' Mali will be OK, but I just want to pay an homage to her.

Enjoy, with me, some of the good times we've shared.





Here's Erin, Trevor, Summer, and I making our first road trip North in 'ol Mali.






Fixing a flat after reaching the Arctic Circle.








Driving across an old wooden bridge in Hyder, AK.








Crossing the border from Canada into Northern Idaho.









Getting her first tow after successfully driving 2500 miles from Alaska.

Soda Famine

This is a call to all my friends and family.

I love soda. I love the feel of the bubbly carbonation tickling my throat. I love the taste of that sweet nectar. I love the slight boost that the caffeine gives me. Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper, Barq's, Coke, Pepsi. I love them all. But it all has to come to an end.

I am getting fatter, they give me kidney stones, and soda is getting pretty expensive.

So...

I QUIT!!!

With a challenge from my friend, Sarah, and all of your check ups, I can do it. Today is the first day I haven't drank a soda in 6 months. Help me have more days like today. Thanks for taking interest in my personal endeavors.

Thats It!

My Alaska summer is over. Tomorrow I'll hit the road and head south back to Utah, beating the snow. For the past three weeks I have been watching the snow slowly creep lower and lower down the mountain. 5500 feet, 4000, and two days ago there was fresh snow on the summit of the Klondike Highway at 3292 feet.

The leaves on the trees have been turning for four weeks now. But I'll be turning back ecological time seeming how Alaska is slow to thaw in the spring and quick to freeze in the fall. Usually three or four weeks ahead of where I'm going.

It will be nice to feel the sun on a regular basis, with out worrying about when the rain is going to come next. I will miss this simple life, though; hauling people up a mountain, telling the same old stories, being able to walk every where, knowing exactly where everyone is or where they are going to be, people not worrying who they are with or what they look like.

Goodbye Alaska, hello Utah

Bearded Occupations

When ever I put on a flannel shirt people say, "You look like a REAL lumberjack!"
When ever I put on a wide brimmed hat people say, "You look like a REAL pirate!"When ever I put on a buckskin jacket with tassels people say, "You look like a REAL mountain man!"
When ever I put on a boot with a hole in it, sling a pick axe over my shoulder, and wear a button up shirt people say, "You look like a REAL miner!"
When ever I carry a large king salmon down the road wearing Helly-Hansen rubbers people say, "You look like a REAL fisherman!"
Why? Because I have a REAL beard! Who woulda thought it could be so much fun?

King Me

I went King salmon fishing today with my buddy, Marc.










Earlier this summer, I pulled my bus over when I noticed some passengers from another bus company strewn along the highway. Maybe "strewn" isn't the right word. It makes the situation sound like they were thrown from a wrecked bus. Their bus had broken down and the driver was looking for a way to get them down the mountain. They were all still very much alive, so I picked them up and took them back down to Skagway.

On top of the tips I received from the once stranded passengers, the owner of the company, Larry, told me that any time I want to go out on his boat, to let him know and he'd see if there was room for me. The time came and here are the results.

Reeling one in.








Captain Garry says, "Throw it back!"








Marc and his new Chum.











Another little King. I think we'll call him Prince.











Finally, a keeper. Frank (right) and Jim (left) are jealous.








Legal size this year for a King is 28 inches. Mine was close enough. He only weighed 10 pounds, but he's going to taste like a dream. We didn't see much action after that, so we headed home.

Take us home, Captain Garry.








Here's a nice video of the prize catch: