Sometimes people start a trip like this and are unable to finish it. It happened to Kathy and I in 2006. We had to leave and race home because my sister Emily was deathly ill.
We’ve had some drop outs on this trip. As of tomorrow morning, we’ll be down to 14 rigs from the original 20 that started. A little more amazing is the fact that one of our drop-outs is . . . (drum roll please) . . . our wagon master! Yes, our leader’s engine “broke” and he needs a major overhaul. He’ll be stuck up here for six weeks while they order parts and work on it. Never fear though, we have a truly competent assistant wagon master who is doing an admirable job of leading us.
The other drop outs:
· a serious health issue for the wife of one of our couples
· a woman going home cause she’s “sick of the mountains” (hmm, why would you come to Alaska if you don’t like mountains?)
· we drove through a forest fire and three units decided they’d go ‘around’ instead of ‘through’ and just head home because of the smoke
I gave some serious thought to quitting myself when I heard about all the smoke we’d be driving through. Then I thought, “I’ve started this trip twice, I’d like to finish it once.”
While we all were lined up waiting for the pilot car to lead us, one of our ladies started cooking pancakes and bacon for everyone! We were all walking around outside, eating pancakes, some were walking their dogs, others visiting with “non-Trackers”, and generally having a good time with the wait!
A pilot car finally arrived and what an interesting drive we had! The smoke was minimal but seeing all the fire-fighting equipment and “hot spots” in the woods was fascinating.
So, 30% of our group has dropped out, but we’re still hanging in there! Onward to Stewart where rumor has it there will be a fleet of wreckers waiting for us to drag us all home.
Bill
No comments:
Post a Comment