Day 11: Anchorage to Valdez

See, even bears like pie for breakfast.

August 10/2010: Another day, another town. But first breakfast at Gwinnies.

Ariel of Alaska Rider Tours, Mark, Hailey

A visit to the local motorcycle adventure tour company.

Followed by shopping for motorcycle gear at Alaska Leather (aka "Barb's House of Leathers;" http://www.alaskaleathers.com/). No, I didn't buy the bra. But I did get some gear and a 20% discount for knowing Mark, being a member of ADVRider.com and dumping my ex last year. Score!

Faced with the ugly fact that I had packed too much stuff, not to mention the fact that I just bought more items at the motorcycle store, I made a donation to the local Goodwill.

I'm sure someone will really dig my UVic t-shirt.

Mark escorted us out of town on his Ducati.

We really, really wanted to stay another day in Anchorage but had to get back on the bikes and go. Valdez awaits!

We had our first glimpse of the Nelchina glacier on the way toValdez. 

On the Richardson Highway, just before heading into Thompson Pass. Stunted black spruce sit in a large beaver pond.  Creepy!

Rode through the clouds in Thompson Pass into a canyon lined with waterfalls. It was eerie--like being on another planet. And cold? Oh, boy! Yes, I know I'm in Alaska but I never dreamed it could get like this in the summer. It's cold and rainy and feels like a late October in Victoria. Not whining, just sayin'.