Preparing for the adventure

Journey Start Date: May 27, 2012.
Leave London, Ontario, Canada at 08:00 hrs (local time).

1) First major stop - Cedar Rapids, Iowa - Played minor league pro baseball for Cedar Rapids Cardinals, 1972 - visit ballpark and old haunts.

2) Death Valley via Las Vegas - hottest place on the planet (averages over 100 degrees F, June through August, annually).

3) San Andreas Fault - San Francisco area (Hwy 280).

4) Redwoods National Park/Forest(s) - among the oldest/largest living organisms on earth - known to some as the "Cathedral of Giants". - via San Francisco to Oregon.

5) North to Alaska - via Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and the Yukon.

6) Arrive at Fairbanks, AK. - around June 20, 2012.
Enjoy "24 hrs of daylight".

7) North to the Arctic Ocean - Highlight of the journey - Take Dalton Hwy (aka THE HAUL ROAD) to Prudoe Bay, AK. - approximately 500 miles north from Fairbanks; goes over Brooks Range (approx 5000'). Prudoe Bay, which is mainly oil well/production related, is adjoined by Deadhorse, AK. I hope to dip into the Arctic Ocean. This will be exciting! Did I say that most motorcycle enthusiasts do this leg on a "dual sport" enduro type of motorcycle? Don't tell this to my '04 dresser.

8) Begin journey back south via Alaskan Hwy - to Edmonton, AB.

9) On to Lewiston, Idaho - Played minor league pro baseball for Lewiston Broncs in 1971 (St. Louis Cardinal affiliate) - visit ballpark and old haunts.

10) On to Sturgis, SD. - see "Crazy Horse" memorial, and various "motorcycle pilgrimage" attractions.

11) Homeward bound to London.