The World By Road » Journal

New Photos – The Town of Talkeetna, Alaska

Steven Shoppman — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 17:44:00 +0000

Possibly one of the best adventure destinations on the planet, this small town just a couple of hours north of Anchorage was the town that helped to inspire the television series, Northern Exposure. While it is a world apart from the actual show, the charm of the place is like no other and the residents of the town are one of its greatest assets.

New Photos – Class 5 Rapids in a Jet Boat?

Steven Shoppman — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:52:00 +0000

A man named Steve Mahay trekked up to Alaska many years ago. In those days homesteading land was still a viable option for an escape from the typical. Back in the 70s Steve realized that that was the way to go. Like many of the Alaskans we encountered in the north, Steve is a true legend with his jet boat operation in Talkeetna. Back when he started the company he was armed with only a 16 foot, 20 hp boat living in a hand built cabin in

New Photos – Glacier Landing in Talkeetna, Alaska

Steven Shoppman — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:10 +0000

There are few things in the world that you can do that require such little effort or your part to get such a huge return. A glacier landing gives you a sense of excitement that equals many of the most intense things out there, but to get this incredible feeling and experience, all you need to do is climb into a plane and put your faith in your pilot. As the plane takes off and heads toward the monstrous peaks, many times there are clouds lining

New Video – Surviving the Bolivian Death Road

Steven Shoppman — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:33:03 +0000

Those of you that follow the website have all seen the photos from the "World's Most Dangerous Road." Many call this road the "Death Road," due to the high number of people that die at the mercy of the steep cliff faces that the narrow road skirts as it drops over 10,000 ft on its way to the jungle and eventually to the Amazon in Brazil. This road is equally exciting because of the danger it presents, but also the diversity in scenery. At the top it is cold and crisp with snow capped peaks surrounding the start point.

New Video – Tequila and the Jose Cuervo Plant

Steven Shoppman — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 23:43:03 +0000

In a little town in the heart of Mexico, a long time ago a lightning bolt hit an agave plant. It cooked the plant and later the local people found that the cooked fermented plant produced a sweet juice that made them feel good. Ages later that little town was named Tequila and the drink was too. When we visited this little gem, we thought it would just be a simple fun time learning about how the world famous liquor was made at the main headquarters in Mexico, but what we did not realize is that the drink, and the town have an incredibly rich history and culture. The visit to the town turned into a truly memorable experience after we spent the day on the VIP

A Chance To Give Back, and a Time To Appreciate Life

Nels Thoreson — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 05:01:19 +0000

We all have been beyond fortunate on this expedition by being able to meet incredible people, see unbelievable sights and enjoy adventurous activities graciously accommodated by great companies, so it was really nice to be able to give back a little when we road into Anchorage, Alaska.

Alaska Backpackers Inn

Meagan Hodge — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:01:45 +0000

We drove to Anchorage shortly after our early morning unsuccessful fishing trip. Somehow, whenever I arrive in a big city lately I get nervous. Anchorage is not that large of a city, but in comparison to the other towns we have been in it seems overbearing! Somehow I get consumed by the amount of street lights and availability of stores! But for the next three days we are nestling in at the Alaska Backpackers Inn.

Nels & Craig, Before & After Photos

Craig Johnson — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 05:01:09 +0000

"The road" takes it's toll on everyone and in a lot of different ways. For us boys hygiene is often an afterthought, due to the extra effort required in grooming. So, we embrace our unshaven faces and unkept hair and try to look the part of the rugged wanderer. The following photographs reveal the physical results of the last 6-7 months of constant movement. Proceed with caution.

Valdez, Pronounced Valdeez

Kristen Magnuson — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 05:01:09 +0000

The Richardson Highway that we took down to Valdez, Alaska is one long, meandering curve after another. Barely a stretch of straight road created awe-inspiring vistas that seemed to just spring-up of nowhere. One second we were driving along the road with tall trees and colorful wildflowers by our sides, the next second our eyes were popping out of our heads trying to comprehend the magnificence of a stunning sight of sun beams bathing massive, jagged snow-covered peaks that somehow just appeared in front of us. That stretch of highway was made for the gods, I do believe.

Life in Talkeetna

Kristen Magnuson — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:01:36 +0000

A little part of each of our hearts now lies in Talkeetna, Alaska, a quaint little town about 2 driving-hours north of Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. The word "Talkeetna" is loosely translated as "river of plenty," or, more elaborately, as "place where food is stored near the river". To most residents today, however, it simply means "where three rivers meet" because the town is located at the confluence of three major rivers--the Susitna, Chulitna and Talkeetna—an area deemed "the Big Susitna drainage".