Side trips and disappointments

July 3^rd, 2026

Anchorage, Alaska

Woke at 8am and showered and geared up.

Went down for breakfast since I had never done that yet just to see what it was.

Not much to choose from, but had a bagel with cream cheese and some cranberry juice.

Went over to the bike and uncovered it, and then moved it over to the area next to the stairs to reduce the amount of walking.

Spent about 30 minutes loading everything on the bike and securing it and then grabbed rest of the gear and went down to the office to check out.

On the bike we set our route for Seward Alaska and rode north.

Was a bit cool, made a few stops to use restroom, add layers and take a few photos.

We reached the junction of the highway and turned south again

This route was a short one, and scenic, but the road was just horrible.  Probably the worst surfaced road I have been on yet.

Arrived in Seward and rode down to the end of the town where there was a parking lot next to the water.

There are several statues and signs related to the Iditarod dog sledders which started from this area when the trail was first created.

I next rode over to a small waterfall at the edge of town before heading back into town to find some food.

The main street was closed down for some street fair, so went a bit farther up to a place I had seen on the way in.  Another burger place setup in an old bus.  They even have another bus that acts as the dining room.

Took about 40 minutes to get my food, but was a nice wait. 

Spent some time talking with a guy about my travels while waiting.

Once done eating, I got back on the road and headed north to the highway that goes back toward Whittier.

Road was bit nicer this time since it was warmer and not as rainy, but still tired enough I did not make too many stops, just a few to rest or use restroom, but still scenic.

I had seen some nice campgrounds here last time, so figured that would be a good stop for tonight.

That was wrong.  In my travels I have sort of lost track of time, and never realized this is the 4^th of July weekend.  Every person in a 200-mile radius is out camping this weekend!

Both campgrounds were full, and the few I had passed on the way had looked busy as well.

This means camping is out, and now I am going to have to do what I was trying to avoid, and that is pay the criminally inflated hotel prices around Anchorage.  I mean there are places charging close to $600 a night for a room that would cost $175 anywhere else.

I rode over toward a small town nearby and tried to find a place there, but only place open was the ski resort ($550 a night).

I then looked up in Anchorage, but mostly over 400 a night.  Finally found a place for $300 and decided to book it.  The only other option was to ride another 5 hours and try reaching Fairbanks, but likely have same issue there anyway this weekend.

Hotel is a fairly new place, but sits in a somewhat industrial area closer to the airport.  Not much around it.  Cannot see how they get these prices here.

Once room was reserved, I rode the hour up to the hotel and got checked in.

Guy running the desk saw the helmet and at least was cool enough to get me a ground level room.  And since it is a hotel vs motel, they had luggage carts that allowed me to unload the bike in one action.

I then went out to move the bike over to a better spot I can see from the room and got to talking to some guys from Denmark who are in a motorcycle club over there.

They invited me to link up online with them and if ever in that region to reach out and they can assist with things if need.

I gave him my card as well to follow along if they so choose.

I then asked the front desk about pizza places and he had the name of one nearby.

I checked them out and decided to just order a pizza from them, otherwise only option was to walk across the road to Burger King.

I had the video from last night that was almost done, so worked on it while waiting and finished it while eating the pizza later.

Now going to finish this blog, and then probably going to go to bed or at least watch something on TV, just word out today.

Catch ya down the road!

Todays Route: