So the Alaska Highway is officially behind me.
The start of the Alaska Highway for some. The end of it for Bonnie and myself.
Bison on the highway yesterday
Classic example of a valley formed by Glacial Action
At about 13h00 today I went through Dawson Creek, the town in British Columbia that marks the beginning or the end of the Alaska Highway, depending on whether you are starting or finishing it.
Permanent damage caused to mountain by old and now non existent glacier.
en route of the Alaskan Highway
Built in 1942 by the US Government which had realised that the Japanese might well attack Alaska given the very close proximity of the Aleutian Islands which form the south western part of Alaska, this road stretches 2400 miles. It was constructed in little over twelve months in an effort that can only be achieved in a wartime environment.
In fact Japan invaded and occupied the Aleutians for over a year, a little known fact. Until about 30 years ago the road was primarily gravel and the accident rate at record highs. Now it is tarred the whole way except where roadworks are taking place.
Riding it on a motorbike is a serious undertaking. This I can tell you. My body feels like it has gone the whole night in the WWF. I have ridden 1600 miles in the last 4 days and a little over 9200 in total since leaving Michigan.
Typical Albertan Silos in Dawson Creek
Tomorrow I am stopping in Edmonton to have Bonnie’s tires changed. The surface of the roads I have been on have hammered the set I had fitted in Vancouver. I forget this was over 6000 miles ago. or nearly 10000 km. Given a heavy load and rough terrain this is good going on a set of tires. Although there is some tread left I can feel the vibrations and it is this ongoing battering that is hammering me.
So I should have an afternoon in Edmonton to rest up and catch up on some admin and writing. I have received a comment from Captain Steek Oog and I will have to decide as to whether I permit it to be on the wall! He has not changed at all. He has also sent the link to my blog to the famous Dinah Taute. I did not even know that they were friends. I am expecting to hear from her as well.
So good night and good luck from Grand Prairie
Copyright 2012
bigplatcool 
Hello Richard
I have read your writings with interest.
Firstly when I entered you into the world of men’s thinking and action I told you detail was of the essence. The saying is APAPOP and not APOPOP.
Secondly I remember you well and always enjoyed flying with you. I am not sure where you came up with my Nickname but I suppose it goes back to the flight I did with you when you were a wet behind the ears co-pilot on 727’s. This is the flight on which you and the apparently famous Lesley first locked eyes. If you recall it was at Spiro’s in Durban. At that meeting and meal the electricity was apparent and I whispered to you that she was looking at you with “Steek Oe”.
I then followed the breaking romance with interest as it was never clear, at least early on, who was pursuing and who was being pursued. I laugh when I think about the master stroke you pulled in the nightclub in Point Road. It was then that I knew that you fully understood the “game”.
The “game” has got me into too much trouble over the years. I now live in the Cape and am on wife number four. The latest one being the ballet teacher of my youngest daughter from marriage number two. Ask me not how I got here. All I can tell you is that it is exciting and exhausting, not to mention bankrupting.
I keep up to date with your business exploits through some of my ex colleagues who know you and who fly with you.
Let me know when you are back and a drink and a catch up would be great.
Well done on the ride.
Skipper
(In the interests of anonymity and decorum I have registered this e-mail thanks to you)