Day 23 July 24, 2024 Fairbanks Alaska to Tok Alaska 214 miles
We had what we think was the worst night of the entire trip. We had an apartment. The windows had no screens and the cranks to open then had been removed. The place must have been at least 90 degrees. The air conditioning was an oscillating fan. The bathroom was so small you could barely fit except in the tub. The shower head had weak pressure. Both of the smoke detectors were broken. We were both hot and tired when we went to bed. We were still hot and tired when we got up. Breakfast was included but at a different location. Rumor has it that some people come here for the breakfast. We had a much better breakfast at Deadhorse.
We think this is some kind of religious retreat. A stained glass of Christ is in the dining room. Then as we left a monk went out to look at the car. Several others were there as well. Two had matching t-shirts with something about St Francis.
Off we went to North Pole because they have a laundromat, self car wash and grocery store. We started with the laundry. I think we could almost buy new clothes for the same price. To wash one load was $12.50 and to dry one load was $6.50. It went quickly however. A most unusual sign in laundromat bathroom. Note item number three.
Then back to the car wash. Unfortunately it was closed to repair a water line. One of the workers said he saw us a few days ago up on the Dalton Highway.
Next stop Safeway for a few additional supplies. We have a difficult time going anywhere because so many people come up to ask about the car. A quick gas fill up and then across the street for a Subway sandwich. By about 1:00 pm we are finally on our way. We made a lodging reservation in Tok.
Three stretches of construction today. The first had a pilot car that lead us along new asphalt past a street sweeper. Seemed a bit of an overkill. The second stretch had a pilot car that lead us past some heavy equipment to include large trucks full of dirt that dumped from the side. The third stretch pilot car took us past some broken down equipment. Numerous people were trying to determine what to do.
The skies are very hazy today. We can’t decide if it is smoke or clouds. It does not smell like smoke. The temperature doesn’t seem as hot thankfully.
We also saw one bicyclist. Seems to have been more of these than expected. Riding on these roads with the truck traffic seems very risky.
We made one more fuel stop. The theory that all stations in town charge the same didn’t hold true today. The place we chose was ten cents higher than the next station.
We arrived in Tok about 6:40. Once again the car is a big magnet. People just keep coming. We went to the grocery store and once again lots of people.
Our room tonight is hot again but the room is much nicer. Most hotels in this area do not have refrigerated air conditioning because it rarely gets this hot.
The car ran fine today. However, it may be time to adjust the brakes again. It is pulling to the left a bit when stopping. I’m sure all of the hills have made a difference.
Spoffords Travel 