As the day darkened, we had to get going before there was complete darkness.Looking back, we found it unbearable to leave but we knew we had to. The day was coming to an end... but the journey had to continue.
The sunset of Arctic, the very fact that it was winter in the Arctic, the very thought that not many people get this very chance to see for themselves, make this a very unique & incredible experience.It was sheer fortune + the help of many people who brought me here that made this a trip, a journey in time, an incredible moment. I'm thankful that I get to witness something so far-fetched, so gorgeous & so memorable.
Occasionally we passed by some truckers from Prudhoe Bay. It's pretty much a lonely path on the Dalton Highway at this time of the year. I can't imagine driving up the same route evey week for those who live here or work here. But, that's truly the way life is for the residents here. Surprisingly for me Brett enjoyed the ride a great deal even though he had done it his whole life. To me, there is something to learn here. Finding pleasure in the ordinary...
That's Mike & Brett.Now, you know Brett lives in this area.See his attire? ;-)Brett lives in Coldfoot.We'll see more of Brett later in Coldfoot.For now, just know that while we were freezing, this guy didn't even have a parka on him! Amazing!
The moment arrives! We are seconds away from our goal. Our dreams.Did I mention Mike is 76? His wife refuses to accompany him becoz she knew it's going to be freezing?But he wanted to visit the Arctic!Me? I just wanted to do something most people would never do in their entire life or ever dream of doing!
This is supposed to be a scenic spot where everyone gets out of the car & relax & enjoy the sceneries in the summer.But I did say it was freezingly cold, didn't I?When Brett wanted to stop, both Mike & I took out our cameras, clicked & told him, "get out of here!" lol...No, the weather was just too cold for comfort!
Oooops! That was the coldest toilet I've ever visited in this entire planet!U don't believe me?It's below -30 deg. F outside!No, not that "big" building, no one inside. This is winter! Not summer. The tourist office doesn't open in Winter!Only nuts like us visit in the winter!That small little "hut" on the far left, that was it!
U know, after all those munching & drinking, one needs to go to the loos! In this cold weather & wilderness, that's almost unthinkable! Right?Look at this, nothing out there but snow & trees without leaves! No coverage... no nothing.For those of you who have the habit of visiting the ladies/gents every hour, this is going to be your nightmare!Luckily for me, I'm not one of those...Thank God, sometimes HE thinks of everything ;-)
Ok, we are on the way again.It's a long drive. Took us almost entire day.But time flies with Brett & Mike chatting away.Brett is like an encyclopedia, he knows almost anything... almost!Me? I was munching on those buffalo wings!The cold & the long ride... well, I've got to do something while the two are chatting away about Cuba & war & all...Anyway, food & drink... make sure you have enough supply on this kind of journey.One never knows how long one has to stay out there.I remember one movie long time ago where people ending up eating one another! Yuck! Gross! So, I ended up buying enough food to last us 3 days! Lol...
It's winter wonderland out here... Well, no snow-storm.That's good.Picture perfect... like one of those Hallmark card type of sceneries but in real life size.Very spectacular! One that you'll want to share with a love one cuddling up on the sofa beside the fireplace. :-)
Reviews and photos of Arctic attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Arctic sightseeing.
Q: I suddenly mused that it might/should be more interesting to check out the Canadian North, the Inuits etc instead of checking out...
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