Another persons experience.

Amy sent this site and it is a good description of what we will be doing. xxoo
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2008-04-10-motorcycle-to-alaska_N.htm

Picture:
2009 Eldon, Dale (our father), and Marvin Ott

The "Bucket List" Story...

Now Tim, I know doesn't have time to sit down and write his recollection of the story...so mine will have to suffice until he corrects me!

Last year while attending our Ott "Coon-Feed" Family reunion, we were lamenting my Father's failing health. Many of us had watched the recent movie with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman titled "The Bucket List". It chronicles 2 dying men and the list that the created of things that they wanted to do before they passed on. Tim said that something on his bucket list was to ride a motorcycle to Alaska. Now this suggestion was said in my presence but sent to my brother David. Quickly, plans made and bold statements of "Let's do this!" thrown out. I said, "You aren't going without me. I will drive a support vehicle." So, that is my memory of how I tagged along on this brother trip. Since that small beginning, we have Tim, Harold, and Henry riding motorcycles and Becky, Amy, Deb, and myself riding in the support truck to go along. They didn't really need a support truck. They (the guys) really wanted to just get on a motorcycle and head north. Tim has humored me ...as he has done most of his life. We are taking his truck! He is a good brother and friend.

All of us are of the mindset that we may never pass this way again and if something hits us that we want to see or do on this trip, then we will do it. I got a new video camera to hopefully chronicle the journey. Back in April we got together when Amy and Harold came to Utah to plan. We sat around T and Bs kitchen table and split a gut. The point of sharing this is that when we are together we laugh. That is what I want for my part of the bucket list...."To laugh until I cry...on many occasions." (... and p.s. ...not get eaten by a bear)

So, Dad... This is for you...the year of your 80th birthday... We want to celebrate life before it is too late. We will eat a piece of fish in your honor. xxooShelley

One Week Countdown

Picture: Amy and Harold on his bike. Note to self...gotta get a bandana.

Date line: June 25, 2010. We are 1 week out from taking off on the largest excursion, longest vacation, any of us has ever taken away from home, our bed, our children, and cell phone coverage! Our (the guys) preparation has been centered around getting their motorcycles ready for the road. We have been in the "collecting" mode at our house. I have a list tucked in my pocket that I write miscellaneous things on that I won't forget. My friend Renee and her husband are experienced bikers and she suggests to me the small comforts that will make my life easier on this trip.... like wet wipes, tissues, and panty liners.... Then, she giggles when she realizes that I am not lying when I tell her we haven't gone to that depth of preparation. She brought me her leather chaps... I haven't braved it to try them on yet. My friend Aaron made a special trip today before leaving on his vacation to bring me shot gun shells that will impress a bear should it come to that. (I have this morbid fear of a bear attack)

It is our desire that we can find internet access on our trip to post pictures, videos, and stories to share with you (our friends and family) while we are on this trip. It promises to be our "bucket list" adventure. The trip will be the journey. Each day an adventure. Shelley