4th June

Good early start-up at 7am; tea with fresh milk was lovely; the chilli flavoured pork scratchings were not a success! Drove on 20 miles and Murray took longer than usual to arrive. When he did, it turned out that he had had a puncture. His plastic tyre levers were a little feeble, and he’d had the devil’s own job getting the tyre back on. While he ate and drank, I repaired the flat tube, so he still has one in reserve; providing the patch is good – he’d ridden over a 2" nail.

He continued and I drove on to Nenana where I bought some cold root beers for the icebox, had coffee and a bun and posted the t-shirt to Molly. Waited for M about 7 miles further down the road – a layby at Fish Creek. While M was eating, a movement in the river caught my eye and we watched an otter for about 5 minutes as it swam around 15yds away keeping an eye on us.

Drove ahead to a picnic spot where my luck with ammunition still held out – this time ½ dozen .22 cases, I hope the otter makes it as an otter, not as someone’s hat! Final stop was 10 miles further still, making 78 miles for the day. Found a disused sand & gravel quarry and parked there. Huge collection of spent ammo cases and mashed bullets – people must use it for a shooting gallery. Also ½ a dead fox – fairly well mummified so no fear of a bear coming back for a second course. Someone has dumped an old kitchen unit and worktop here, so we will be cooking in style tonight (bratwurst, potato salad and baked beans). Tried the triscuits again – still don’t like them.

Very few mosquitoes here, probably because it is so dry. The insect collection on the front of the car is coming on well. The road ascends through the Alaska Range tomorrow so lots of hills. However, the views along this stretch of road have been wonderful ever since Nenana. Snow capped peaks in the distance etc. Bottle of "Smoking Loon" Cabernet with the food went down well.

Nenana Church

Wild Kitchen