I just cruises around just above the horizon, and makes a whole circle.  You can just sit there and imagine how it works, but it takes a long time.

here's me, thinking hard and figuring it out.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

But more, I felt a remoteness combined with some sense of accomplishment.  I swore mentally that the trip did not depend on reaching this point to make it a success.  But the lucky absence of any one else around just now helps to focus on the events leading up to here.  3,724 miles, starting at the end of the driveway with my ankles tied up in rope, I did admit to myself that I'm really glad I made it.  Hell, I told everyone I was going to Alaska.  I can't get too confident, because I haven't made it yet!  But the solitude let me relax and finally congratulate myself without guilt.  That's when my fist first went up.  Then, I set up the camera on the picnic table and the self-timer caught this silly pose.  Forgive me.

Indulge me a moment too, to compliment my bike.  To all the folks at Harley Davidson: you do really nice work.  This little bike never complained, never surprised me, and kept the fun of it going all the way.  It starts any old time, any altitude or temperature, and the power is always there.  Thanks.  These thoughts are on my mind, relaxing up here, and I just wanted to let you know.

Now, speaking of what's on my mind, take a look at that banner I lugged all this way up here.  This is an idea I stole from a guy named Frank, who first made an R&D banner to hold when he jumped out of an airplane.  He had a much cooler picture than this one, but hell, I'm all by myself.  I hung this up in my cubicle at work, and anyone who wanted to vicariously come with me could just walk up and sign it.  We're not a shy lot.  Whether I used it as a pillow or as a divider inside my duffel bag, it came through in fine shape and is still hanging in my computer room at home.  I also need to give a special thanks to Dean, who let me take all the time off to make this trip, since I'm getting old and slow.  Finally, thanks to Roger, because after all you make it possible in a big way.

And so, by special request, here is the bullfight pose.  You better download this, because I think it's too corny to leave up for long.

And, in conclusion for tonight's work,  here's what I called (in my ignorance) a 'rock-man' who is looking out over the tundra just north of the Arctic Circle.  His real name is Inukshuk (pronounced In-ook-shook) - an Inuit word meaning "in the image of man."  In many ways, he's better than some of us.  I promise I'll give you the story on this guy, and I would like to express my regret for the desecration I saw.  Just look at the lower-right area in the foreground.