August 8, 2001

Journal Entry/Day 4

Pursue your passions.  Pursue them to the level of your ability.  It takes effort.  Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.  I am told to start the morning by taking a large dose of stimulants, steroids and a large brandy, by my friend Joof from the South African Gymnastics Club. 

I however decline, being of sound mind and body.  Instead I take energy supplements, an energy drink and get on the road a 7:40 a.m.  It’s a beautiful day and I do 45 km. in no time. 

I saw my first grizzly bear on the road and some of the crew saw two moose swimming and feeding in a lake.  I said goodbye to George the photographer, as he has to return home for a while.  Brian took him to the airport at Fairbanks.  We also needed some supplies that he had to pick up.  He washed some clothes that we desperately need. 

The mud is incredible up here.  We stopped at Coldfoot for lunch and had cheese sandwiches and an awful looking soup.  Ronel said that it tasted good anyway.  We all agree that Alaskan people are very friendly.  Ronel wants to get fit.  She left Coldfoot on a bicycle with me.  Unfortunately she had an accident.  She fell, in what seemed like slow motion while she was going up a hill.  No injuries, except to her pride. 

This is a very isolated area.  Not even the satellite phone will work.  Joof surprised me.  He left with me after my third stop and I was unable to catch him.  I cycled 117.5 km. today at an average speed of 20.55 km/hr.  I am satisfied with my progress.