The Adventure South in Dora the Explorer

Day 2

Zach & Jake in Dora

We are up at 7 AM and ready to hit the road by 9:30. My three favorite Alaska boys were on the front porch blowing kisses and good wishes as we pull out the driveway. I wonder how I can possibly leave them for six months. The sun is shining and the roads are dry, a good day for a drive. Making our way north on Alaska 1 let the journey begin. With the busyness of my life behind me I am centered in the moment, back to my more spiritual self. How can I fall so far away from the peaceful, serene feelings of being in the moment? I allow life to get in the way and lose sight of the big picture by getting caught up in the details of day-to-day living. This is when I crave a road trip, a time to once again fill my spring and reflect on who I am and what is really important in life.

Alaska is so much a part of my being; flashbacks are normal having spent over four decades here. As I pass Chickaloon I think of Jimmy Roush and how he loved to fish these waters, and that makes me smile. I cross over a bridge and see a sign “Jackass Creek.” How many times have I have driven this road and never noticed this sign? That too makes me smile. Sheep Mountain Lodge, I am reminded of a friend that had an affair and brought his mistress to this lodge, miles away from Anchorage. Geeze that was in the 70’s but every time I pass this place that’s the story that pops in my head.

I cross Mabel Creek and I think about the lovely black cocker spaniel fospices that I left behind in Homer with her other foster mom for the winter. I know she is meandering around the house, somehow she knows if she doesn’t keep moving she will have a hard time getting up. Such a determined little girl, she has taught me to age with grace and perseverance. I will miss her sweet face and disposition.

The Herd

As we pass through Glennallen on the way to Tok Junction the sign says: “damaged highway ahead” and they were not kidding! The frost heaves were so big that anything over 40 MPH would have Dora airborne! There is the herd of caribou that cross the road in front of me around 60 miles from Tok. It always happens, and today is no different – they cross in front of my car headed north (never south) to bid me farewell and a safe journey, knowing I will return to the Greatland because I always do. The roads are scrapped and we are no longer fishtailing, probably because Dora and I have a pact. She will get us where we need to go on this journey, and we in turn will be grateful for her. We arrive in Tok around 4:30 PM once again exhausted. Not because of driving today, but a lack of sleep from last night.

Luce, DoDog & RockDog in Dora

I have driven this road 16-17 times and it’s always a marathon to get there as quickly as I can. Well, this time we are going to take time to settle and remain introspective. I had originally thought of going on to Haines Junction today, another 250 miles. But instead I parked at the local Cheron Station, out back with all the truckers, made a dinner of couscous Parmesan soup, gorgonzola spread on rosemary flatbread, and dark chocolate with sea salt and almonds. I then fed the dogs and put in a movie. Yes, that’s right – Dora has a VHS player with speakers that rock. Before leaving we went to the Salvation Army and got some old films to watch along the way – tonight is the First Wives Club – Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn & Diane Keaton. There is nothing better than watching a good movie in Dora with six sleeping dogs surrounding me.

View out Dora's Window

Day 2 comes to an end as snow continues to fall outside.

Stay tuned. . .