The ferry trip north

Today marks the 6th day that I have been aboard the Alaskan Marine highway ferry Kennicott. I boarded in Bellingham, Washington and will be disembarking in Whittier, Alaska. It has been an amazing trip, and much to my surprise, one an experience that I will not soon forget. I’ve met some amazing people from all over the world, witnessed amazing sights, and for the first time in a long time, been able to truly relax. The passage of beautiful snow capped mountains, snorting whales and playful dolphins has been magical, given the lack of worry and thought. It’s by far the most expensive thing I have done for myself that is “relaxing”, tho I only took this boat because it proved to be my only way to get the motorcycle and myself to Alaska.

Chris & I at 10,000ft on Mnt. Baker

I had been staying with my good friend, Chris, in Bellingham while i searched for a way to Alaska. The Canadian border crossing was proving difficult because of some issues with my passport. I spent three days tramping about the local docks, and even traveled to Seattle in search of a fishing boat or barge that could transport me and my bike to mainland Alaska. But everyone I talked to could not, whether it be because of no room, only traveling to the islands, or being worried about insurance issues. 

Strapped down in the belly of the ferry

Waiting for news of the ferry

I spent another day at the border, even applying for a temporary traveling visa, but that was to no avail as well. A day on the phone with the airlines told me that it would cost me 1100 dollars alone to ship my bike to Anchorage, and to do so I would have to drain it of all fluids; my personal ticket would be another $500. The local ferry system had not been open all week to try to figure out something with, and online everything said there was no trip to the mainland until September. Waiting until the day the ferry left, my only option, I talked with the officials and got my name on the waiting list, the best I could do because all spots were apparently booked. Luck finally came through for me, and I boarded the ferry 3 hours before departure. I was joyous beyond words, I had finally found a way to Alaska! While it was not cheap, at a total cost of about 1400$, it was well worth it, as it would soon prove. 

Enjoying the view

A sunset on board

Among the next 6 days, I quickly got used to life on board, and I came to truly enjoy the relaxed nature, and came to make friends with several people from all over the world. A German man was backpacking from British Colombia to Juneau, then ferrying to Whittier and hiking all the way back down to Arizona. A Spaniard on a lifetime goal of visiting the last frontier told me of his many travels across the globe. A fisherman from Seattle was ditching the daily grind to explore Alaska in his truck. A married man from Georgia was hiking through the territories for his own soul searching. A biker was heading home to Fairbanks, Alaska and had many recommendations for the road ahead. A Venezuelan woman was working on the ferry system as a way to make money and explore the coast. 

Such a huge cultural range of people, communication and experience made the trip so much more then a simple ride to Alaska, and when coupled with the amazing views and variable wildlife, I was almost dreading the end of the trip. But another part of me was anxious and excited about what lay ahead- I was going to be exploring the great state of Alaska alone, on my bike, with no time restraints or worries. I felt truly freed from the strain of society, and at peace for the first time since I

had set out on my trip. I found myself smiling randomly while I sat on the deck, overlooking the massive ocean around me. A look at the GPS, showing me the thousands of miles I was from my small cabin in Vermont, never failed to bring one up again. I had finally made the dream I wanted for myself, a reality. 

Last sunset for a long time! (sun never sets in Alaska)