Update

We are currently making our way through
Canada the old fashion way---without internet.
I will update soon once we arrive in the great
state of Alaska.

The Drive

So day one of the adventure has now come and gone. It all went off without a hitch (well for the most part). Just as expected we used Justin for his knowledge of the big bad diesel engine to correct a fuel pressure issue and Matt and his blessings from above to avoid a ring and pinion melt down. I believe we have everything all worked out so we shouldn’t run into any issues along the more primitive part of the trip.

We rolled out of Herriman this morning around 9:30 am with our eyes set on the Canadian border. It didn’t take long to realize that we were in for the long haul. Good company helps the time driving fly by however 2800 miles takes some getting used to. We made a quick stop in Blackfoot Idaho to check up on the progress of some of the equipment being built for the operation. After confirming that things were on schedule we jumped back on the road. I decided to ride shotgun with my brother Justin for the next couple tanks of gas. We found ourselves chasing Matt down the road at 80 to 90 MPH laughing as he would push his poor truck and 35 foot trailer to the limits.

The truck ended up fighting back by boiling all of the rear differential fluid out before the next stop. Lucky for Matt he noticed the oil dripping from the rear of the truck as well as the sweet design the splashing oil left on the fifth wheel. We jumped under the truck and confirmed the problem. Thanks to an old fishing/auto repair shop owner willing to let us burrow a wrench we were able to get the diff filled with fluid and we were back on the road.

We are now all bunked up in this sweet trailer about 30 miles shy of the Canadian border. The temperature should dip below freezing tonight however the furnace is running great and we are all set up for a couple hours of sleep. Matt received an aerial view of the mine today. It looks like it is waiting for a couple crazy rednecks to come break through the four feet of snow. Here is the latest shot of the operation.

Time Well Wasted

So it seems as though the past month has been one long vacation. Although I had a list a mile long of things to finish around the house before leaving I still managed to soak up any extra time hanging with family and friends.

I am going to begin the 2800 mile trek northward tomorrow morning. I will be traveling with my little bro and professional miner Justin Mangum along with an old friend Matt Smith. I couldn’t ask for two better people to travel with. Justin can get us out of any bind and Matt has the faith of Moses so we should be covered on both sides of the spectrum.  We will be taking up a large box van as well as an overcompensated second home also referred to as a fifth wheel toy hauler trailer.

As I prepared for the journey I made sure to pack light keeping my load to three small packing boxes and a carry on piece of luggage. I showed up to load things in the van to find a surprising use of space. Matt seemed to only pack the necessities which included a fully assembled picnic table and an old pair of shoes that were left in the front of the cab from the year before…… After seeing the available space I decided that I may have to pack a couple extra items to ensure I enjoy the stay up north.  

Below is a short video of the time we wasted prior to the long days and bitter cold temperatures. I will also be tracking our journey north so make sure you check in every once in a while to see what we run into along the way. Take care and wish us luck!