58* BELOW AND SNOWING - 12/12/12

To travel safely along with Sticky Buns on as many trips back and forth from Alaska to Texas or wherever.

My Proxy Tag may eventually go out on it's own but this beautiful Coin stays in my collection.

CELTIC SNOWFLAKE GEOCOIN commemorates my WINTER drive from Alaska to Texas!  Not the best time to drive the Alcan Highway through Canada. It was 58* degrees below Zero and blowing snow & Hoar Frost when I left Tok,Alaska. It made it UP to -30* by Ft Nelson. I drove for about 2 hours and NEVER saw another vehicle. Talk about feeling scared and apprehensive, the whole area was somehow eerily serene. I was carrying 17 extra diesel fuel cans with me as I NEVER turned my truck off for 3 1/2 days! Sleeping was nearly impossible as the truck grew too cold when stopped. The windows were covered with ICE - INSIDE! Stopping to put fuel in was difficult but having to use the OUTHOUSES was miserable!!!

I got stuck in a snowdrift and having a trailer attached made it impossible to get out even with 4x4. So I had to wait for a semi truckdriver to stop. He gave me a 30 mile ride back to Toad River Lodge. The Hwy Maintenance guys grabbed one of their huge plow trucks and we set out for my truck. The wind was blowing and stacking the snow in deep drifts so he plowed all the way.  After shoveling tons of snow from around my truck and trailer, he connected a giant chain and pulled it out with ease. This guy was a true Guardian Angel, he wouldn't take any payment or even a tip. Just said "It's all in a days work" and told me to go on with care and that he was getting home to supper.

I think that next time I'll listen to my Dad and NOT make a winter trip but stick to fall and spring!