Day 12 - Anchorage with Japan on my mind

So it struck me on my way to Anchorage that when I arrive, I will be as close to where I was born since my mom and dad came back from Japan.  Some of you might know that I was born in Misawa, Japan as my dad was stationed (and my mom was with him) there serving in the USAF.  My grandma and grandpa used to say I was "made in Japan", back when things were produced there and imported here.  They would chuckle about that.  So it was interesting to get to Anchorage and near the Gulf of Alaska and look westward, southwestward, lol.

So my day was great leaving Tok and riding to Anchorage.  This is where I stayed last night, I liked it and slept well here.  It had raised wooden planks due to the permafrost.  

Speaking of permafrost, I bet you don't see a sign like this in the lower 48. 

It rained twice, for about 30 minutes each, just enough to annoy me. 

The road was gravely just for one long stretch but I did run into construction in the mountains and along the sections where permafrost plays havoc with the roads. I think road work here is never done. Anyway, it does not matter to me, the sights are worth it.

Lunch was entertaining again.  I had a great ham and cheese sandwich at the "Eureka Lodge" home of the 25 cent cup of coffee.  

The food was good and I got to check out the private lodge area, very cool and manly area.  Check out the pictures.  I was told all of the animals were taken locally.

It was a neat place and I think it would be cool to be a member and sit around with the others sipping on some bourbon. Back on Red Velvet for the 100 mile ride to Anchorage.  The road was awesome with real mountain riding, curves, crossing mountain passes.  I was doing my best Nicky Haden impression, leaning into the curves and several times my boots were hitting the pavement because of the lean angle and wearing size 15 motorcycle boots.  I did not take many pictures because I was having a blast...a great day of riding and I think I went about 400 total miles.

I liked the sign above.  Sounds like my kind of creek.

So Anchorage is just like any other decent sized city.  I roamed around downtown and there are a lot of characters around here, just like you would imagine.  I still get a lot of curious stairs with Red Velvet and many people like to talk to me about my trip.  I met some people from Marysville, Ohio but they were on a bus.  They thought I was crazy to ride here from Ohio.  I think most people think that and they are partially right.  Many times on the road I have said to myself, what the hell were you thinking...but it has all been worth it, especially when I crossed over from Canada into Alaska yesterday, I still smile thinking about that.

Good night or good day my friends, if you never have made a trip like this...don't be afraid and start planning one soon!