Stage Three... The Eagle Has Landed.

Deplaning was routine. The Anchorage airport is relatively small and at 8:30 AM almost void of people. As I strolled toward the baggage area I happened upon this.

I doubt if it was the same bear from 50+ years ago. It seemed smaller than I remember and was not behind glass then.

Nevertheless, in a weird way, I was glad to  see the big guy.

Following my instructions, I called Motoquest general manager Brenden after fetching my bags. Within 10 minutes "Old Blue" pulled up.
 Motoquest owner/operator Phil Freeman jumped out, greeted me heartily and helped get the bags in the rig. The 7 degree  temperature was noticeable to me to say the least!

Before I knew it we were at the Motoquest headquarters in the Spenard district of Anchorage. Take a look at my new home.

 Phil suggested we go across the street to Gwennie's for breakfast which sounded good to me.

This is Gwennie's.

After the "sticker shock" I ordered corned beef hash with poached eggs which turned out to be very good. The discussion quickly turned to "shop talk" with Phil espousing on his vision of the upcoming season and how I would fit into the picture and thanking me again for taking a "leap of faith". Phil picked up the tab, which was cool, and we headed back across the street to the shop.

A "nickel tour" of the incredibly cramped and cluttered space that would be my domain for the next 6 months might very well caused most to get right back on the plane! However, I had been forewarned of the state of things left behind by the former shop steward. Even so, the place was mess to be sure!

Tools scattered everywhere, bikes in various stages of disrepair, bags of garbage, stacks of cardboard, riding equipment all over. 

Not to mention the almost scary image of where I was to dwell for at least the next six weeks! 

That is the before shot...and this is how I made it my "home away from home".

Nice huh....? Kind of like a college dorm. Don't ya think? The rest of the crew here was duly impressed.


The day was over at 5 PM. Not having the opportunity to go shopping yet, I  headed across the street to Gwennie's for dinner. Let it be known the breakfast fare is far superior to the dinner offerings. The split pea soup was "right on" but the hot turkey sandwich was barely palatable. They do the best they can, I suppose.
On a good note, the Alaska IPA Black was awesome and I got a complimentary, 2012 IDITAROD commemorative pint glass for free!  The race is approaching it's end as I post. The winner is pretty much already determined, as he is far ahead of competitors.

Crashed hard after a busy day.....................................


Morning on day #2 brought 5 degree temperature causing me to fore go showering. Which, by the way, is quite popular in these parts. My attempt to make coffee was thwarted by the horribly neglected machine which spewed more dark colored liquid on to the table than it did into the pot.

Over to Gwennie's for some fine grits and eggs for breakfast I trudged. The waitress was originally from Vancouver, so we had a nice conversation.

Today would be spent gathering and organizing  tools. The goal being, determining the necessary additions to facilitate an efficient operation.

 The hours passed amazingly fast. At days end I was given the nod to take "Old Blue" for the night so I could go shopping for food and what not.

Driving in Anchorage for the first time required all my attention. The lane divisions are sketchy at best. The other drivers are unforgiving. 

Walmart seemed to be the smart option to stock up on the essentials. The mix of my fellow shoppers was interesting. Many native Alaskans, some speaking in their traditional dialect, caused me to take notice. Also quite a few Asian countries represented, many working there.  $150.00 later I was on my way back to the shop. However, not without a bit of directional confusion, having not yet determined any landmarks to give me a sense of place. After pulling off the road and referring to a city map I was on my way back to the shop. Dinner that night was some very spicy General Tso's Chicken courtesy of Walmarts deli accompanied by some Alaska Amber Ale. It was actually quite satisfying.

After a few rounds of "Words With Friends" I hit the hay.

Day #3 met me with the warmest temps yet! 24 degrees. Craving a cleanse I ventured out across the snow covered parking lot to the shower graciously provided by the Harley shop.

 I am fairly certain this is the first time I've ever had to go out into the snow to take a shower! There is a free campground to the left of the building and the shower is available to campers as well. Since there are no traveling bikers during the winter, the place was all mine! A nice warm spacious place!


I cooked oatmeal with raisins on my camping stove and microwave coffee for breakfast. The day was spent, again, organizing tools. A task that may never end, as every time I think it's a done deal, I discover another stash of tools!!!!


After closing, it was back across the street for a beer and another free glass! Dinner was prepared on my camping stove and consisted of rice and fried fish. Looks good, don't ya think?


Did some blogging and WWF then off to bed.


Day #4...no shower. Am I joining the clan of the uncleansed? Time will tell.  Oatmeal for breakfast....mmmmmmm.


Brenden grabbed a grip of cash and we went shopping. We hit Costco, Home Depot, The Dollar Store. a thrift store and a pawn shop filling up the back of Old Blue.
A new tool box and a roll cart will go along way in getting the shop up to par and a  new Mr Coffee machine will keep the caffeine freaks happy. A new computer monitor was tossed in.  I also supplemented my pantry.


Back at the shop , the impetuous Mr Freeman helped unload and steered the crew to the local Taco King for some mid-day sustenance. A splendid discovery! Very good Mexican food prepared by displaced Guatemalans!
Spent the remainder of the day putting together the acquired tool chests and organizing.
Gwennie's once again called to me and I succumbed to her beckon for libation and escape from my solitude. Afterwards it was back to the shop for a turkey sandwich and more WWF.   


Day #5.....time goes fast! Another day without showering. Blueberries in my oatmeal today do not hold a candle to Kevin's! One of the many things I have already found myself missing.

Finding myself a tad bit lethargic on this morning. I "endeavor to persevere".

Met Dave Little today, one of the "techs" that will be working with me. A small amount of "turf marking" went down. Nothing that can't be worked out though. There's a new sheriff in town and the dust will settle.

Over to Gwennie's  once again for a beer and clam chowder marking the end of my first week in the "last frontier"

Some blogging while listening to Zappa, Marvin Gaye and Public Enemy.......then sweet dreams.

"I dialed 911 along time ago"...................

Peace out and have a happy St. Patty's day!