Day 11 – June 25^th

It was very nice while it lasted, the weather I mean. The ride started sunny and 60 and dropped to 45, misty, and sometimes foggy. The Alaska Hwy was pretty plain in comparison to the Cassiar. Still very beautiful, just getting spoiled. We took a shortcut to Skagway. At Jakes Corner we turned on Hwy 8 to go through Tagish to Carcross. Here it joins the South Klondike Hwy to Skagway.

Alaska Hwy and wide open spaces

Hwy 8 to Carcross and Klondike Hwy

When we stopped for a cup of coffee and bathroom break in Carcross, we met a couple again whom we had ran into going up the Salmon Glacier (dirt) Highway. They had turned around, said it was too rough. Chuck doesn’t listen to anyone. Any way, they had spent the night in Skagway and were going to ride the 400 miles around to Haines. We told them if they were quick we could meet them at the Bamboo Room in Haines to have dinner. They didn’t know if they would make it, but we enjoyed talking to them. They were from New Hampshire, leaving home May 31^st and would not be back until the first week of August! We thought we were on a long trip…. They gave us their email address and said if we ever came to tour the east coast they would put us up. In the motorcycle community we call it “15 minute friendships”. It starts with that casual wave whenever you pass another bike.

New friends from New Hampshire, Leo & Sharon.

Pine trees, snow capped peaks, lakes, rivers, and water falls crashing all around us! One area, just below the BC border (yes back in BC once again) the terrain was called “moonscape”; islands of smooth mounds of granite with trees growing out of them, in a sea of little lakes. Kind of like being above the tree line but we were not at a high elevation. It was very unique, probably won’t see anything like it again. The passes in Canada are not very high. I believe the highest elevation we have seen is about 4200 feet.

We went to Alaska time as we crossed the U.S. border, gaining an hour for our short visit in Skagway. Cute town but very touristy and busy with three cruise ships tied to the docks.

Not real great riding conditions

It just pours out of the rocks!

We ate some lunch and toured some museums and shops then moved down to the Ferry Terminal to check in. The loading process was very organized and timely. We rode into the belly of the “Columbia” from the side, parked and tied down the bikes. I grabbed the laptop and we headed up to the Lounge deck for our one hour trip to Haines, AK. 

Shawn ready to ride it onto the boat

The Columbia travels from Skagway to Bellingham, WA and back with 4 stops. We met a few motorcyclists heading to Bellingham. They were sad to hear we were getting off and continuing north.

Blogging in ferry terminal

Barbara, is adapting to life on a motorcycle. She just told Chuck they are selling the motorhome.

Proof we were there!

It's warmer if you leave your helmet on.

We had dinner while our new friends Sharon and Leo hung out and had tea and a glass of wine. They beat us to Haines and went to the Bamboo Room to find out it was not good. We talked to the motel reception person and she recommended the Lighthouse Restaurant down on the water. Had an amazing fish dinner (halibut, snapper, salmon & shrimp with baked potato and fresh veggies) with a great view of the bay and cruise ships passing by to the main Inland Passage route. Started to rain while eating and continued on our walk back to the room. Yes, we forgot to bring our umbrella that was packed on the bike.

Do I look cold? I am!

The bike is parked and tied down, time to relax for an hour.

Pulling up the the Haines AK dock

How can a wet, cold, and windy day be so great? Ride to Alaska to see! Day 11 in the books and a keeper!

Chuck window shopping.....I wonder if they have curling irons too?

Thanks for watching! See ya tomorrow…….