Relocation to Fairbanks
Paul called his friend Emilio who lives in Fairbanks and told him that we needed a ride. Emilio drove over 3 hours one way to pick us up. What a good friend!
While we waited for Emilio, Paul and I packed up our gear and toured Dave’s property. We were impressed by Dave’s achievements. He cleared an area in the forest for a gravel pad by hauling trees on his back in the winter time. He built 10 buildings, including two offices, two shops, and a house. He powers his compound with wind, micro-hydroelectric, solar power, and wood stoves, all of which he installed himself. Dave employs over 300 people in his consulting business. He regularly competes in 6-day cross country ski races at -60 oF. He is a cool guy!
Before we left Dave’s house with Emilio, Cathy fed us chili, quesadillas, and cookies. We loaded our bikes and gear into Emilio’s truck. We accidentally forgot to bring a bag of trash with us - sorry Dave!
Paul and I had fun chatting with Emilio on the drive to Fairbanks. We scoped out the road because we knew we would be biking it on the way from Fairbanks to Tok. Eventually I took a nap.
When we arrived in Fairbanks, we went with Emilio to the smoke shop he managed and met his cute blonde coworker named Casey. Then we went shopping at Wal-Mart. I bought Vaseline for my lips because my Burt’s Bees chap stick just wasn’t cutting it. I also bought Limpton rice meals for dinner on the road. Paul bought snacks for the road.
We got some beer and went to Emilio’s apartment. We relaxed and watched movies. This was a blessing because it gave our legs time to recuperate. Our friend Grant came over and visited and we chilled and watched Kung Fu and smoked tobacco in the hookah.
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| Our host, Dave Cramer, at his place in Mentasta. |
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| Our bikes in Emilio's truck. |
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| Our gear in Emilio's house. |
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| Me and the hookah. |
