Pimp My Ride...

"I didn't even know there were pimps in Fargo."

This was my dad's response to my telling him the story of the pimp. The pimp in Fargo, that is. My dad was not new to the pimpin' world. In Vegas he had one show up at his business one fine afternoon, complete with two 'bitches' in tow.

But a pimp in Fargo, North Dakota was something different altogether. Especially when that pimp was talking to me.

In November of 2007 I embarked on a trip to Churchill, Manitoba. I wanted to see the polar bears, so I planned, organized and executed the trip sans travel agent. In the end, my hard work resulted in a trip of a lifetime at about half the price of a guided tour.

My journey both to and from Churchill involved all aspects of the transportation world. I would fly to Winnipeg, take the train to Churchill and back, then ride the bus from Winnipeg to Texas. Yup...the bus.

Friends tried hard to change my mind. I was told horror stories of taking such transportation---the weird people, the exorbitant amount of time---but I wouldn't be dissuaded. I, for whatever reason, had to experience it for myself. I had to learn, firsthand, just how horrible it was.

So I did.

The trip from Winnipeg to Fargo was actually quite pleasant. The bus was predominantly empty, allowing for my use of two seats. I could sprawl out and enjoy my space. A family of what looked to be Menonites sat across the aisle from me and, although no words were spoken, our friendly glances and kind nods confirmed our respect for one another.

People are crazy, I thought to myself. The bus is cheap and basically empty. What's so bad about this???

I guess I should have never asked. The Fargo station was packed full of people, all waiting for a bus that would seemingly never show. Weather, I assume, left schedules off kilter and all of us suffering for it. I suddenly realized what it was really like to depend on the bus.

It sucked.

So when the pimp, who claimed he wasn't a pimp, decided to strike up a conversation amongst all of this horror...what could I do but just smile and nod?

"People call me a pimp, but I ain't no pimp. I manage these girls...they're in the entertainment industry, you know, they're a dance team. I take care of my girls, they take care of me. When they need something, they get it. When I need something they provide me with it. But I ain't no pimp, you know. I ain't no pimp."

But the craziness didn't end there...

"You know, you could do well in this industry. You could join the dance team, make lots of money..."

Yes, there was a PIMP trying to RECRUIT me at a BUS STATION in FARGO!

HUH?!?!?

The one-sided conversation continued on for what seemed like forever, detailing the pimp's life in Denver, his huge income (even though he was riding a bus...?) and his 'daughter's' 'business'.

It was this conversation, coupled with the sight of the pimp's 'daughter' sitting on his lap, that threw me over the edge. I got up and went for a walk, realizing quickly that I was wandering around a strange town complete with a pimp who had his eye on me. Common sense told me to stay close to the bus station and within view of lots of people. Just in case. I didn't feel like becoming anyone's 'ho' that day.

"Don't listen to anything he says," exclaimed an innocent bystander to the whole conversation that had ensued. "You don't want to get into that lifestyle. I hope you don't think he's telling you the truth. He's a pimp."

At least I had one witness.

And thankfully someone other than the pimp sat next to me from Fargo to Sioux Falls where, luckily, I got off and spent a few nights with a friend. I swear the pimp was still watching me as the bus pulled out of that station, into the Sioux Falls night...

Of The Past But Not Forgotten

I oftentimes find myself thinking about the various individuals who have come into my life over the years. I am a true believer in the old adage that 'everything happens for a reason'; therefore people come and go at differing moments in our lives for some defining purpose. Usually we just don't realize it at the time. Sometimes we never realize it at all.

It is those who touch our lives so deeply, become dear friends--best friends--momentarily, and then depart for no apparent reason who leave me baffled and confused. For, following in my belief, there must be a good reason for the quick-lived friendship.

In most instances, peoples' lives become busy and contact is lost. There is no specific reason, no hard feelings, no dislike for each other...it just happens. It is when contact is lost for a reason, and when that reason is left unspoken that I find myself longing for closure.

I will assume that this has happened to most people: you meet, become great friends, 'hang out' all the time, then *poof* the friendship is over. That individual who became your 'second half', of sorts, disappears into the great unknown, vanishing from your life seemingly forever. You are left with no explanation, no goodbye, no nothing.

This has happened to me, personally, at least three times. Each person who 'disappeared' was a dear friend, someone who I trusted and greatly enjoyed spending my spare time with. Each befriended me at a different stage of my life, allowing for subsequent growth into a truly spectacular relationship. A relationship that would result in my labeling s/he my 'best friend'. For me, this is a rarity. I don't quickly latch on to others; I don't trust many people; I am severely independent and relish my time spent alone. In other words, for me to really want to spend a lot of time with another person...well, they must be someone special.

All of these people (three of whom I will briefly discuss and whose names I will change) made a great impression on my life, whether they know it or not. Memories of our adventures and laughs still bring a smile to my face; still allow for a chuckle; still result in sadness, considering that a friendship is no more. I truly cherish my friends. They become a part of me; family in a sense. To lose them, or rarely see them, is devastating.

Jessica

Jessica was one of my best friends in high school. We could understand each others' sick humor and share our hate for band class. She was there for me through my spinal surgeries; something I will always be grateful for.
One night after a concert I dropped her off at home. I didn't hear from her again, and for no apparent reason. Years later I got a random invitation to her wedding with a request that I possibly be a bridesmaid...and that was it.

Leslie

Leslie and I met on a canoe trip through Black Canyon on the Colorado River. From that moment on we were essentially inseparable. Weekends were spent travelling through Arizona, Utah and Nevada, camping and hiking to our hearts' content.
Leslie came to Wyoming to pick me up one winter. Upon dropping me off in Vegas, she drove away...never to be heard from again. To this day I have no idea what I did--or didn't do--but I miss our friendship greatly.

Karl

Karl and I met in Alaska, where we both worked for Gates of the Arctic NP. Our friendship seemed to blossom quite quickly and we hit it off very well. Soon, we were travelling throughout the southwest in his pretty yellow plane, landing in obscure locations and seeing what others rarely get the chance to experience. He treated me like a queen and we could laugh about almost anything.
So when he decided to shut me out forever, seemingly because I was sick and admittedly in a bad mood, it left me utterly confused, lost and deeply hurt. At least in this instance, I had a quasi-explanation for the departure.


Besides the obvious--the laughs, smiles, fun, adventure and sheer joy they provided--there is a reason that each of these individuals stepped into my life, no matter how brief the encounter. They brought with them knowledge and experience that forever changed who I am and who I will become. I learned valuable lessons about myself, my relationships with others, life, love and hurt.

But were these individuals 'true' friends? This question plagues my mind often. Could a true friend desert another so blatantly, so hurtfully? Would a true friend really walk away, no explanations, from someone who had become a part of their life in such a big way?

Life certainly leads us down many unknowing, confusing, seemingly unnecessary paths. A walk down any path will lead to a lesson of great value. Perhaps I just have yet to learn the true lesson(s) encrypted in these friendly encounters.

This certainly has not taken away from my desire to reunite with each of these friends past. I long to hear how they are, where life has taken them, what I ever did to curb their friendship.
I can only hope that one day our paths will cross again, that our friendship be rekindled. Perhaps one day we can, together, look back at the fun we had, forget the nonsensical events that resulted in our parting, and once again be key elements in each others' lives.

Balloons!

What is it about hot air balloons that is so intriguing?











Yesterday evening I decided to partake in yet another free opportunity in the area: The Abilene Balloon Fest.


I got there early with intentions of watching the balloons fly, but wind--which is typical to the area--put a kibosh on that activity. Instead, I got to look on as these monstrosities were set up for the sunset festivities: the balloon glow.

As the west Texas sun set below the

horizon, the flames started glowing.

Teamwork was key to getting the balloons in perfect order.

And with the final departure of the sun came the real beauty of the festivities.

It is neat to realize that something as simple as a lit-up balloon can draw such a crowd and make so many people smile. If only the masses were happy with the simple things in life on a daily basis.

It was really relaxing to watch as these monsters came to life before my eyes; To see them light up the still darkness and bring warmth to the cool air. Somehow hot air balloons are inspiring...

Is it that childhood dream we all hold of being lifted away, into the clouds, by a bundle of multi-colored balloons?

Man's desire to fly... to escape the constraints of solid ground?

Or just the sheer beauty of seeing a piece of art floating above us?

Perseverance

Sometimes it seems as though the entire world is working against you; that you'll never get ahead in life, never be listened to, never live out all of those dreams. That the ruling force is money, and that only those with extra reserves are the ones who 'matter'. That only those who cheat, lie and bribe (and get away with it) are heard. That big businesses rule the nation and our entire political system is corrupt. That it is all about who you know, not what you know; name recognition and celebrity rather than true talent and the want for all to succeed; how much you can pay someone to 'get ahead' rather than how much time and effort you are willing to sacrifice.

It is for this reason that I commend all of those who dare to persevere. Those who work hard to better themselves, stand up for what they believe and push forward through even the most difficult of times.


Last night I watched as my father, Gordon, stood before an audience in Abilene and discussed his second published work, Battles in the Alps: A History of the Italian Front of the First World War.
It has been his lifelong dream to write, and to write specifically about this subject matter: WWI. He worked his entire life so that my sister and I could always get what we needed. Now he is living out his dream.
Getting to this point wasn't easy, and pushing ahead still isn't. His manuscripts have been sent to dozens of publishers. His writing is fabulous. His knowledge unbeatable. But he doesn't have name recognition, a big degree to flaunt or plentiful money for promotion.
Luckily he has the willingness to fight on, to believe in his work and his ambition, and to hope that one day his efforts will be worth the aggravation.


This morning I attended a press conference in Abilene, put on by the Sierra Club and Public Citizen of Texas. The focus: EPA's recent acknowledgement of the corrupt happenings within the TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) and the fact that Texas is essentially ignoring the Clean Air Act (and has been for years).





We also brought attention to the proposed Tenaska Trailblazer Energy Center, a coal-fired power plant, (that is scheduled to be built roughly 1 mile from my current residence) and the negative impacts it will have on the entire area. This has been an ongoing fight for all of us...

The forces are working against us, and we know it. But it hasn't stopped us yet. We established our own non-profit, the Multi-County Coalition. I personally have been down to Austin twice to participate in testimony before the House. On October 14th those of us who are willing to speak out will, once again. This time it is a preliminary hearing for our long- sought-after contested case hearing.

We have been called everything under the sun and more. That's fine. We have trouble getting the backing of local citizens out of fear. Okay. But we won't back down. Tenaska has far more money than we ever will, lobbyists in Austin and Washington 24/7, and the support of Texas representatives. The odds are not in our favor.



But we will fight until there is nothing left to fight for or with......

And then there is me. Me and my spine, specifically.

Few know much about this struggle. I have learned over the years that people are mean, jealous and outright evil. They want to see others fail. They want to make you feel bad about yourself.

This does not pertain to all people, of course. But it is the few who have made me feel like lesser of a person over the years who have led to my distrust in people as a whole.

I have battled my spine since I was about 16.

Three surgeries failed me, as did my surgeon who has since fled the country. Last I heard he was wanted by the FBI, had let someone bleed to death on the operating table, and had hundreds of malpractice claims against him.

I was one of them.

Due to the statute of limitations in Nevada I was unable to do anything about my case. I tried though, with everything that I had. I can only hope that he knows, and forever thinks about the fact that, he ruined me. Physically, emotionally, spiritually.

I have lived with daily pain since those days back when I was 16. I am close to turning 30 now. I learned early on how to hide the pain---don't walk certain ways, don't display certain facial expressions. Sometimes I hide it better than others. Lately, it seems near impossible to hide the fact that even walking is getting more and more difficult.

I once said that when the day came that I could not partake in my favorite activity--walking/hiking--that it would not be worth it anymore. What I can physically do is becoming less and less. Activities I once thrived in are a thing of the past. It is extremely difficult to accept, and even harder to realize. And it embarrasses me, as stupid as that sounds.

For now, I will leave the story at that. There are further details that I have yet to express to many people outside of my immediate family. It is just hard for the average person to understand, and I cannot necessarily hold that against anyone....especially my dearest friends.

My point in writing this is that through all of this strife, I have pushed on. I graduated high school as valedictorian despite having three surgeries within the year. I went back to school to obtain a Bachelor's degree and graduated as Magna cum Laude. Now I am 5 classes away from a Master's degree.

I take pride in all of the volunteer work that I partake in. I enjoy giving my time and believe that if we all gave even just a little we would be better people, and therefore a better nation, overall.

My dream since childhood has been to travel the world. So I started to. It isn't easy, and certainly not cheap (although I am the ultimate bargain hunter), but I know that this may be my one chance to see all that I want to see. While I have the opportunity, I will take it.

I have also learned a lot about life in general from this experience, despite its overall negative effect on my being. It changed me as a person. I was once money driven, set out to 'take over the world'. I once rushed around, taking little or no time to enjoy what surrounded me at any given point. I once didn't know what it felt like to be ridiculed because of a deformity that I had no control over.

I once didn't realize what a strong person I really am; that my willingness to push on would lead me down the path that it has. I have been to many wonderful places, met amazing people, and participated in events that will forever shape my life and the lives of those around me. I have stood up to the reality that I face and pushed through it, worked with it, and made the absolute best of it that I can.

I have persevered.

Side view of my spine (kyphosis)

...Come Again!?

Yet another great quote from the Lone Star State:


"...he has a fourth grade reading level...he's a genius..."


He, at this particular time, was about 18 years old.

What I Learned Today...

When I learned that admission into the West Texas Fair was free to anyone before 1 pm, I decided to take them up on their offer and give it a shot. It was free, afterall, so the most I would lose would be an hour or two.

Never did I think it would be such a learning experience...

Although I guess I should have known.




I learned the history of pork...


Apparently the Egyptians only ate it once per year.



And some swine terminology.

Did you know that a sow that has yet to give birth is called a gilt?

Me either.



I confirmed that I really want a goat. A pigmy goat to be exact. Look at how cute they are!!!

It dawned on me that just about anything can be deep-fried...

A fried pie?

Snickers???

Oreos, too?

Finally, be careful if you ask for a mere toothpick around these parts...

You just might get yet another fried item....the jalapeno stick.

You probably wouldn't be too successful at digging something out of your teeth with that one.

....Say What?!

It's amazing what will come out of some peoples' mouths. What makes them think that I want to know their life's history?
I must have the look of a shrink.
To honor some of the best, I have decided to drop the occasional 'down-home-country' Texas quote on you. These are real; from their mouths to my ears...and now to your eyes.
Beware.

"....I know my wife ain't much to look at...but I just got tired of lookin'....."

Hold back, ladies...'cause she might not be model material, but he's a real looker.

See you next time.

Ponderous Walks Down a Quiet County Road

I have a fairly specific route that I walk, almost daily. From the house, to the freeway entrance and back. Three miles total. Nothing spectacular, but enough to clear the mind, step away from the schoolwork for an hour, and think. Or not.

Sometimes my walks allow for my brain to wander, almost aimlessly, and think about all of the good, bad and ugly things in the world, in life. Other times, I walk staring at the ground or straight ahead, without a thought in the world. I just walk, almost machine-like.

Sometimes it is refreshing to think about nothing at all.

My walks can be extremely monotonous, slightly humorous, or amazingly entertaining. Around here, it just depends on the day. Should one of the neighbors drive by, an odd conversation will generally ensue. Remember, I am that enigmatic being from the big city who travels on aeroplanes and has no kids. I actually even dare to leave the state. It's weird.

Yesterday I got into one of these conversations. Don't get me wrong, everyone around me is quite friendly. They always stop to talk, or at least say hi, no matter what. And I can always walk away with some great quotes, interesting new ideas, and questions about their 'enigmatic' existence. I am weird to them, so they must be weird to me. At least a little. It's a two-way street, in all fairness.

It is rare that my walks are not pleasant and enjoyable. It's a time for me to breathe in some (fairly) fresh air, walk at my own pace and laugh at nothing if I feel the need. A time to feel completely free of the burdens of...everything.

A walk can cleanse the soul; Free the mind; Refresh the body.

It's an amazing tool; A harmless medicine. Have you taken yours today?

A Closer Look at Texas

"I'm sorry" is a pretty common response to my telling others that I currently reside in Texas. Texans are seen as arrogant, destructive and, well, dumb. I won't share my opinions as to whether I agree or disagree with these 'descriptions', but getting used to life here has been...different. Here, in west Texas, I am seen as somewhat of an enigmatic figure. I am nearly 30 and unwed with no kids. Huh??? How dare I?
I am just so weird.
It's been an interesting experience.
Texas is also well-known, especially more recently, for its radical political views and horrible environmental ethics. It's one of the (if not THE) dirtiest states in the union. Air quality in both Dallas and Houston, for example, is well below EPA standards and coal plants are continually popping up in various locations.
They do say that everything is bigger in Texas.
While Texas is a dwarf in comparison to my beloved Alaska, it is still a huge state. I've seen a bit of it, mostly in the western regions, but have yet to make my way across from one tip of the Lone Star to the other. Some relatively recent trips to Big Bend and the Del Rio area have warranted several photos that allow for a closer view of Texas minus the pollution, the threats, and the urban sprawl.
This closer look at the natural wonders of the state have made my appreciation grow, especially in the desert regions. Everything that lives out here is spiky. Really. Not something you want to contend with. From the plethora of cactus species to the notorious western diamondback rattlesnake, a 'hike' out in these parts is no 'walk in the park'. You had better be wearing pants and watching your feet all the time. Yeah--there are quite a few snakes (but I'll get into that later).
I firmly believe in 'stopping to smell the roses'. We should all make time in our everyday lives to look deeper into the natural world around us; to explore the most minute of living things. Why not take a closer look at that rock, that plant or that peculiar cloud? Why must we always be in such a rush?
Getting sick at a young age has taught me more than I need to know about life. This discussion I will save for another post, but life is far too short to blast through. If something interests me, I stop to look at it. My walking pace has slowed considerably in more recent years---yes, because it is getting harder to partake in my favorite activity, but also because I want to enjoy every second of it. What is the point of taking a hike, let's say, if you are going to rush down the trail?
I try to make sure that I always make time...
Enjoy.

101 Things in 1001 Days...

I love lists.
Perhaps it is due to my aging brain and the fact that I can't remember anything anymore...unless I write it down. I'm already at the point, despite my relative youth, where I can walk into a room and forget why I made the journey there in the first place.
Or maybe it is that great power one feels when crossing a task off and moving on to the next. Be it a daily list, weekly or monthly, nothing feels better than knowing that something has been accomplished. At least for me anyway.
So when my friend Jen brought to my attention the '101 things in 1001 days' list, I couldn't resist. A bucket list of sorts, the 'rules' are quite simple. Come up with 101 tasks that you wish to complete within the next 1001 days. The tasks must be measurable and relatively difficult to achieve. And the time frame, roughly 2.75 years, allows ample time for achievement in our overly-busy lives.
I pondered my list for several months. There are so many things that I want to do. I have lists of all sorts, some hanging in my closet, others paper clipped to my calendar. Some require immediate action, others are more dreamy. Either way, they not only help my slowing mind remember things, but give me goals to work towards and dreams to, hopefully, one day live.
April 1, 2009 marked day one of my 1001-day journey. I even went so far as to set-up a special little journal, dedicated to my endeavor. I won't divulge every task to you, but can share some examples, by category:
Personal: take a dance class, whiten my teeth
Social: reconnect with one high school friend, reconnect with one childhood friend
Travel and Adventure: get to all 50 states, hang glide or para glide
Animals: adopt a pigmy goat, spend a weekend volunteering at a sanctuary
Financial/Career: Buy a piece of land, finish my master's degree
Personal Betterment: Take a cooking class, watch 5 'classic' films
Health/Well-Being: floss daily, walk at least 5 days per week

As of late, I have 'completed' 4 of my 101 tasks. Doesn't sound like much, does it? But many of my goals require daily effort, patience and time. As long as I put my best effort in, I will be successful, no matter what. And I have yet another list to add to my collection.
Should I not complete all 101 tasks in the end? A donation of $2.oo per unattained goal will be donated to Freekibble, an animal charity.
I have high hopes that I will be nearing 101 as the days grow nearer to 1001....

Betrayal

I did it. I succumbed to the pressure of my peers. I gave in...and betrayed myself.

I joined Facebook.

This was something I had sworn, up and down, that I would never do. And for me to give in and listen to what others think I should do....well, I'm just annoyed.

With myself.

It's just so creepy to me. I've already had people come out of the woodwork to add me as a friend. People who, had they really wanted to be my 'friend', could have just called me up and said hi. Why the sudden rush to know all about me?

"It isn't creepy," my sister insisted. "People can only find you if you want them to."

Then how have all of these people hunted me down??? And so quickly? I had barely even hit the 'submit' button and already the swarms were filling my inbox with friend requests and 'pillow fights'. It's just so weird.

Sorry if I offend anyone. I guess the overall concept makes perfect sense: reconnect with friends from the past, keep up with current buddies, and allow for your family to see what you are up to. But what about the rest of the garbage? The endless games that people play...where do they find the time? Sending me strange requests to 'hit back' in the virtual pillow fight. Huh?

I'm just so lost.

And not willing to put too much time and energy into it, apparently.

But the efforts of my sister and Alaska co-workers obviously paid off...'cause you can now be my friend, too. Just don't throw me any punches or ask me to join some strange cyber-game. It ain't gonna happen.

Of course, that is what I said about Facebook in the first place. Crap.

Memories of a Summer Past

I was reluctant to accept my position with Kanuti this summer. Not because I don't enjoy the Brooks Range and all that Alaska's arctic has to offer, but because it would mark my third summer as an unpaid intern. I don't mind volunteering; in fact I greatly enjoy it. Working for free allows one to forget about the true stresses of 'work'. Yes, I was responsible for showing up on time, completing projects, assisting visitors and doing the best job possible, but at the end of the day I could leave free of any added responsibilities. As a volunteer I was expected, encouraged really, to go out and explore. So I did.

Although this summer was certainly not my best, I am happy to say that I can look back at all of the great things that came of it and be content. I not only learned a lot and saw a lot, but also engaged in friendships that I hope will last for many years to come. I can always count on meeting truly good people in Coldfoot. In fact, as I expressed to my supervisor last summer, Alaska is really the only place I have ever felt like I fit in, like I belong. Everywhere else I just feel lost, like an outsider. It's not the best of feelings.

In an effort to celebrate the summer of 2009, I have decided to showcase some pictures of the happenings throughout the short season. I hope that you, too, can appreciate the immense beauty and opportunity that is unique region has to offer.

Crossing the arctic circle with Adam in May. It's a huge deal to a lot of people!

The whole crew up at Deadhorse.

Me standing on the still frozen arctic ocean.

A sow grizzly. You can identify a grizzly by the obvious hump on the shoulders.

Sukakpak Mountain. A hot spot for day hikers.

The mighty Yukon River.

In June I dropped some friends off to begin a float of the Chandalar River. Not surprisingly, I ended up wandering off and discovering this odd, but beautiful, flower.

On the same trip I spotted this very blond grizzly.

A day at the arctic circle handing out certificates, pronouncing those who braved the road "official".

The north side of Sukakpak Mountain, immersed in fog.

Some friends and I watched this red fox as he searched and dug for voles. Finally, POUNCE.

Alyssa, another SCA intern, and I at Atigun Pass. It was colder than it looks!

Damselfly

Seth, Alyssa, myself and Jeff took a drive to Prudhoe Bay, and back, in one day. That's well over 500 miles of fairly rough road. While waiting for construction, I asked if we could 'borrow' the sign. We clearly put it to good use.

Jeff and I with 'the camel'. From the road it was deemed everything from llama to elk. Alyssa swore that it moved. Upon closer inspection, we were all way off.

A day at the arctic circle with Lonnie, our campground host. What a 'bullshit talkin' trucker'!

Steffanie and I spent two nights at Galbraith Lake, partaking in glorious day hikes. The mosquitoes were the worst either of us had ever experienced.

We got creative on a hilltop. Silhouettes resulted....

Jumping was a favorite passtime of Steffanie and mine.

Our 'hikes' were quite leisurly. But amazingly enjoyable. The way it should be.

Mid-July brought Kanuti's annual Henshaw Creek Science Camp. The elders and students had just finished making this paddle by hand.

Me and some of the kids, all from the bush village of Allakaket.

In August I was lucky enough to participate in a patrol on the Noatak River with the Park Service. It was, by leaps and bounds, the highlight of my summer. Ranger Ken and I.

A lone wolf crosses the river.

As do migrating caribou.

A drive to Galbraith Lake in August (100 miles north of Coldfoot) allowed for this beautiful view of Atigun Pass. This was perhaps the most stunning I had ever seen it.

By mid-August autumn has arrived. Due to the high latitude, seasons are very stunted. Except winter, that is.

On September 1st I drove down to Fairbanks for the first time since early June....and the last time for this season. The colors were spectacular.

The Dalton Highway is 414 miles of dirt, gravel and some pothole-ridden pavement. Not for the weary, this road will take you into some of the most spectacular wilderness areas left in the United States. In my opinion, perhaps the most beautiful place I have ever seen. Additionally, it is the only road in the country that will take you to the arctic ocean...or almost. Due to security reasons, the final 10 miles or so are inaccessible unless on a tour. If you have never stepped foot in this waterbody, I highly suggest spending the money to do so.