Nome River Crossing

You can see the Nome River is low, 12 inches of water at the most. Crossing was trivial.

Buster Creek and the start of the Buster Road are right across the Nome river.

Machines Over Buster Ridge

Except for Neil and I, the group is making miles, raising some dust on this hot and beautiful July day.

Watch Where Ya Going!

You wants to pay attention and not fall off that cliff to the left.

Osborne and New Eldorado Country

Past the ridge, we descend to the Osborne River, straight ahead.

Angling up and to the left is New Eldorado.

The trail climbs out of New Eldorado and enters the Willow Tunnels, seen on the upper left of the picture.

Crash Creek Ahead

Once out of the Willow Tunnels, we climb up and over the saddle, and descend towards Garnet Creek.

I call it Crash Creek because in 1999 I had a bad crash there. I am older and wiser now.

Matson Creek Ahead

Crash Creek behind us, the trail goes right by those two Alder patches.

Matson Creek is ahead, but in this picture the camera blends the foreground and background and Matson cannot be discerned.

Roy Says: "That's where we wanna go next!"

This man was the giant of the trail, and his expertise and leadership is what made it all possible for the rest of us.

Loretta, behind him, is an accomplished rider as well.

Flambeau River Crossing

Enroute to "Hill 372", we crossed the Flambeau River here.

Hill 372 - Gravel Paradise

Hill 372 is a gravelly hill, at least two miles long, and you can do 50 mph.

But it is also the last of the 'good trail.' Beyond here, There Be Dragons.

The Eldorado Palisades

Arriving at the Eldorado, we found palisades extending miles up and downriver.

We were detained here two hours, until Roy found a way down. I GPS'd that spot, because it is the only place for miles to cross the Eldorado.

"I who am the beauty of the Green Earth..."

Nature blesses us with her beauty and grandeur.

Here is an example of it on the river bar just as we get ready to cross the Eldorado.

"How Many More Miles Is It ...?"

"Don't worry Glen, we ain't halfway yet on this trip!"

Glen's decrepit old age, his wheezing, ancient machine with no suspension and an unsatisfied, insatiable appetite has got him pooped out.

At the Pajara Airport!

At Pajara, finally!

Beyond the wagon it drops off into Pajara Creek, which goes up and to the left upriver for several miles. It is only couple hundred yards to the creek, but incredibly difficult; for ATV or Snowmachine.

Winter Picture of Same Spot

Was here in 2011 by snowmachine. Here is what it looks like.

It is easier to see how Pajara Creek meanders away to the northeast.

Sydney Admires the Fuel Dump

60 or 70 years ago they did not require reclamation. Therefore, all sorts of interesting cabins and other treasures are left behind for us that follow can admire.

Like this picture of the Pajara fuel dump, hundreds of empty 55-gallon drums: The State Flower of Alaska.

Now, the way Back!

You all be careful, now, you hear?!

Doctor Leedy in fine form, hair sticking straight out, as he negotiates a steep terrace on the way back to Nome.

Eldorado Palisades Again

We tried to cross the Eldorado several miles down, but no way.

We had to cross at the exact, same, magic spot Roy found earlier.

Martina's Turn!

Just two seconds after this picture was snapped, she continued to roll to the right and had to jump off the machine and hold it from tipping over.

Most exciting.

Eric Smith Punching Willows

In fact, I think that little creek that was two foot wide and two foot deep is just now grabbing his front wheels.

But, with some effort, he got through okay.

Sydney Loved It!

Here is a happy dog having the time of her young life!