Alaska P 12

This was possibly the best day, overall, that we have had in terms of roads, things to see and do and with respect to the weather. We had to eat the free breakfast provided by Westmark Hotel between 7:30 and 8:30. Therefore, we loaded most of our things into the car and drove across the road to the hotel and the restaurant. Originally we had been scheduled to stay at the Westmark, but owing to their need for the rooms, they moved us across the road into the Tok Lodge Motel. To compensate us for this inconvenience, they gave us cads good for a free buffet breakfast. It was a good meal and our rooms were new and clean. The only complaint that I heard was that the rooms were hot.

We browsed the gift shop and bought a few items to take home to kill time to let the others get ahead. We got on the road about 10 o’clock. The road was very good out of Tok for about 15 miles. No potholes or dips caused by frost. Then it became much like some of the roads we had yesterday, potholes gravel and swales, but not as frequent as previously was the case. About 90 minutes of driving brought us to the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and National Preserve, the largest such area in the USA. We stopped for a short while at the ranger station Welcome Center and learned about the park, but did not partake of the walk to the fish wheel about a mile away. We left before all those who took the walk returned as we were scheduled to go to a trading post about 20 miles away for lunch and e did not want to have 30-some people descend on this small store all at once. Thirty minutes later, we were at the Posty’s trading Post where we were treated to a wonderful display of furs and clothing items made from fur. I’m certain that the PETA people would have not approved. However, we learned about the hunting regulations which were formulated with concern for protecting the various species from being over hunted and to account for over populations by some animals which would eventually disrupt the balance needed for all the animals to survive in the areas designated. Briefings were conducted on how the pelts are tanned and processed to make clothing and other items. We saw videos of Alaskan wildlife, plaster casts of large bear foot prints and were offered souvenirs for sale. We were entertained by a local folk artist /guitarist/vocalist who composed and had provided musical accompaniment for the video which was shown. We purchased our lunch sandwiches and ate at tables laced in shaded areas. I had been charged with the task of finding a suitable Alaska souvenir to take back and present to the Southern California Regional Group as our donation to the MAFCA Meet in December for the Raffles & Door Prizes. This was a great place to pick up something depicting our tour. The air temperature was in the low 70’s. Finally, in small groups the tour departed. While they spaced out ahead of us, I took some of the women at the trading post for short Model A rides, which they expressed profound appreciation. Then we “mounted up” and drove the few miles to Glennallen, our destination for the evening.

At the meeting, in the role of Assistant Tour Coordinator, I set the stage for Jim Baker to brief on the simple leg on the morrow and mention something of the following day’s leg, which would be more complex. I cautioned the members of the hazards of letting big trucks pass them in the gravel zones and told of being hit in the head by a flying stone. I also showed the door prize that the Model A Touring Club had purchased to be given to the Southern California Regional Group of MAFCA for the annual meeting and banquet to be held this December. We wanted a gift that would commemorate this Alaskan tour.

After the meeting broke up, we all dispersed to our rooms or other places to finish off the day, which, from my view, was laid back and very enjoyable. It was far from the hectic pace that have characterized parts of some past tours. I think that such days are appreciated by most members. They give us time to catch our breath. Tomorrow, with a short run, people will be able to do laundry and other necessities before departure, or depart early and do exploring before reporting in for dinner.