Leaving Fairbanks we had big driving ambitions but we also knew our friends the Overland Birds were due to cross into Alaska the same day. We kept a look out for them and tried to keep in touch as we both traveled in and out of wifi zones. It was in the evening close to the border that we finally spotted the Land Rover and after a bit of a chat on the side of the highway we decided to camp together at a nearby quarry. The Dodge dutifully clambered up the old overgrown road of the quarry and the Birds with their new BF Goodrich tires followed not far behind. After about five minutes of manoeuvring into the perfect flat spot Neil immediately got out and started muttering concerns for the drivetrain after not locking the centre diff. Honestly… Land Rovers… Will and I smiled at each other we would have never done anything or seen anything if we were worried about a bit of off roading. We did however graciously accept Niels offer to cook us dinner while we caught up on each others travels under the crisp cloudless evening. In the morning we said our good byes once more and hit the road in opposite directions.
In the morning we were amazed to see over thirteen other vehicles of all kinds parked in the carpark with people obviously sleeping inside of them. It was however a very picturesque place with leafy green trees dotted all around and a feeling of springtime excitement in the air. There was everything from flash buses towing trailers, to old 1970’s RV’s and the likes of us in an SUV. Some were up and stretching their legs or walking their dogs and some like us made the trip into Walmart to use the bathrooms and buy breakfast.
In Portland on the 28th Will dropped off his Sorell winter boots to see what could be done about the cracked rubber. I walked Scout outside in the now 25 degree heat while Will explained the story inside. I was skeptical about them having them fixed or replaced in time for our flight less than a month away but once in LA Will chased them up and in the end a brand new pair arrived via courier a day or two before we flew out. Since then we sold them online back in NZ as Will had no need for them anymore. Also in Portland I brought some much needed jandel’s and also splashed out on some new running shoes, Will got a treat too in the form of a nike head band to keep his ever growing hair out of his face. He looked lovely!
Rochelle & Will