Alaska 2023 - As it happens!

[Sgt Bilco]

The weather has been unseasonably cold and the forecast for the first couple of days was cloud and 8c but as we left Anchorage the sun came out and we were treated to clear blue skies and the Turnagain Arm was stunning. This was in the first hour and no matter how many times you see this, it really takes your breath away.


\


Your glorious leader.......



Then it was off to Whittier and a ride through the famous 2 mile train tunnel. When you come out the other side you end up a great little fishing town called Whittier with access to all sorts of Glaciers and trips but we are only there for a coffee and mooch about.

The scenery in the area is stunning and my words really can't do it justice so enjoy the pictures.











We get into Seward at about 5, check in and then over to the bar for a few scoops and then to a harbour front restaurant. Not cheap but what a view.

 

[richardbd]

Alaska Motorcycle Adventures - used to be Keith and Nancy Hull?

 

[ShakeyGS]

Not a single crappy vario-case in sight . Have a great time everyone. I'll re-live some great memories through your posts.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Alaska Motorcycle Adventures - used to be Keith and Nancy Hull?

The very people and they were great to deal with. They sold out to Michelle and Marcus just as Covid hit..........!!

Much slicker organisation now the the kit is spot on.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

The remnants of jet lag are still there so as I was awake at silly o'clock I went out to watch the port wake up and see some of the fishing boats leave for the day.

Many of them have sports fisherman on them and it's huge business up here.








Wheels up at 8 so we cruised out of Seward on a cool morning the head back towards Anchorage.




If you have to stop at roadworks, make sure you are surrounded by snow capped mountains to look at whilst you wat.



More staggering scenery.



Before breakfast in the small and remote town of Hope. It's at the end of a 15 mile road and quite how a business survives there is a minor miracle but it's a cool town and an excellent cafe.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

After a hearty feed, we were back on the bikes and just enjoying the stunning views we came past yesterday.

AS a note, it was still snowing heavily a couple of weeks ago hence the lying snow and snow capped mountains. This part of Alaska has huge snow falls and Seward had about 50ft of snow this winter.........!!




Quick coffee stop in Girdwood then we took old Glenn Highway into Palmer which is just a lovely ride with an interesting old bvridge spanning teh river.

 

[Arsey]

Before breakfast in the small and remote town of Hope. It's at the end of a 15 mile road and quite how a business survives there is a minor miracle but it's a cool town and an excellent cafe.

View attachment 266635

‘And when the music stops, abandon your bike and hit the cafe …..’

 

[Robbo1200ADV]

Looks great thanks for posting this !!

 

[Wapping]

Great pictures and a part of the world I know nothing about.

 

[timeandtide]

Stunning pictures Chris - thanks for posting!

 

[Arsey]

Great pictures and a part of the world I know nothing about.

Thank the lord

 

[G&T]

Everywhere is called Glenn...I really need to get to Alaska!

Looks great Bilco.

 

[Myke Rocks]

Please stop posting about the wonderful trip you are on.
It makes me very jealous.
I am uninsurable for a trip to US, so I rage at your being there!
Enjoy!

 

[G&T]

Thank the lord

He’s our Wapping though

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Day 3 in Palmer dawned cloudy and with moody skies we grabbed some breakfast locally and headed north. The forecast was sketchy and as this is Alaska, we could expect just about anything.




We had rain just about all the way to Talkeetna but it had stopped by the time we parked there for coffee. Those of you who followed this trip last year will remember the biblical rain that fell when we were here.

Talkeetna is an odd little town which is packed with tourists. It is kind of cute I guess and the only thing I can think of why it's so popular is the flights over Mount Denali from the local airport.




We duly did our bit for the local economy with an overpriced coffee and headed out.

Next stop is the Mt Denali overlook to see if we could see the summit. At a little over 20,000ft it's the highest peak in America and it a serious lump of rock. My iphone obviously doesn't really capture it but the sun had come out and we were treated to great views of the surrounding mountains and only teh top 3000ft was in cloud. Bear in mind the overlook is 40 miles away so you can't really get close but even from a distance it's impressive.



The dream team posing......



From there we head north and everywhere we ride, teh scenery is just unbelievable. You could just about stop every mile for a picture.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

We then top the gas tanks and head onto the wonderful Denali Highway which cuts across Alaska from Cantwell to Paxton. The road is hard packed dirt but easy enough to ride even for a couple of inexperienced riders in teh group.



Of all the roads I've ridden in this part of trhe world, I think it's my favourite as the scenery is simply stunning. Again, pictures can't really convey the beauty and as a real bonus, the weather goods have smiled on us and are showing Alaska's very best side.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

This is definitely a shot for the front page and I just had to sit here for a minute to take in that view.








And then it was onto our brilliant motel called the Alpine Lodge which is as remote as you can get. It's mainly used by hunters, hikers and in teh winter snow machines and is just a wonderful place. You eat what they have cooked on the day but it's good home cooked food and it was superb brisket this evening.

 

[tonytobo]

Great report stay safe

 

[tjmouse]

Those are some stunning pictures. Definitely front page material!

 

[Toddmeister]

Loving this Sarge - keep it comimng!