Tag Archives: nature
Rest in Peace Steve Hollibone
We are so sad for Steve’s wife Christy who he left behind when he died of cancer recently. It is a huge fear for all of us and Steve had to face it. He undoubtedly had other stresses when he was sick and we are sorry for that too.
Jack says Steve was a good driver and a good guy. We would like to extend our sympathies to his wife and family. Christy, hold on to your memories and know that you made his life worth living.
Driving the Dalton
Jack finally took a video of driving down the road. It seems like a silly thing to do but people have requested more videos and this one shows what most of his job is like, on the good days. 🙂
(If these appear blurry change your resolution settings on the bottom right side of the player.)
Happy New Year!!
Alaska Highway Dreams
If only we were on the road again…
This is Kluane Lake, Yukon Territory, Canada, when we were coming back from our long 6 week trip to the states in 2012. Memories!
(Best viewed if you click on one and scroll to the side.)
Rest in Peace Jack McCahan
Jack and I were so sad to hear about the passing of Jack McCahan. Jack “Cactus Jack” McCahan was a hard-working trucker with a great sense of humor. Jack says he told fantastic stories and would always win in a battle to keep a straight face. He told the best jokes. He was simply a joy to be around. Everybody loved Jack. Everybody loves Jack. It doesn’t change just because he is gone. He will be in our thoughts and so…still on the road…with us…
Even though it is a sad day for all the drivers on the Dalton, and everyone else who loved and knew Jack, enjoy your Thanksgiving especially if you get to spend it with your loved ones. And to all the truckers who are on the road instead of being home with their families, thank you for towing the line.
Our deepest sympathies to Jack McCahan’s family.
Denali on a clear day
Jack caught a view of Denali from his truck on a clear day, kind of a miracle!
Ah, Memories of Autumns Past
We’re already missing summer around here.
But at least we have our memories. Such as from a few years ago on a sensationally sunny day in early September when Jack and I took a 4-wheeler ride in the mountains around Chena Hot Springs. 
That year there were striking fall colors and luckily I captured a few images to warm my heart on cold winter days. Hope you are all keeping warm.
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Jack’s driving the motor home this time…
This year Jack took me and the motor home out for a quick weekend hunt. (It was really camping, not hunting, although Jack would have taken a shot if he came across one in an accessible area.) We really wish we had been able to get out a little more over the summer!
There is always next year…
Jack, taking a look
Sport, taking a look
A Western Star truck driving the Dalton Highway with the Trans-Alaska Pipeline in the background. Jack knew who the driver was, of course.
Jack’s wife, Judy (me), and our dog Sport.
Any idea what these are?
Jack on a pipeline access road.
Finally the sun starts to come out!
And we get to see the pipeline in the evening sun.
The beautiful Dalton Highway road sign at 1 mile.
Jack taking a look at the big trucks, but he’s driving a motor home this time…
Here are a few more photos if you are interested.
Have a wonderful autumn everyone!
Yearling Moose
Sorry for not posting for such a long time! I often ask Jack to take more photos on the road but he’s too busy trucking! So you’re stuck with a few photos of this lovely young moose chomping on willows.
She was really feasting up a storm on Chena Hot Springs Road yesterday.
She’s stripping the leaves off the willow branches.
And doing a thorough job of it!
I bet you didn’t know Moose could open their mouths that wide! (Just kidding, that’s just her lip I think, but it looks funny.)
Here she is being alert. She is actually quite small for a moose that is without a mother. I’m sure she’s a yearling and probably only about 4 1/2 feet at the shoulder (wild guess!). (Calling her a “she” is also a guess.)
Have a nice day everyone!
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Valdez Avalanche Photos
A major avalanche happened very recently along the Richardson Highway, about 20 or so miles from Valdez. Below are photos Jack was able to acquire from a friend – taken by Alyeska (and we hope no copyright has been violated by posting them here).
You can see here where the snow has covered the highway and the river that runs alongside it:
Here is the same thing but farther away.
And the rest are from another angle, showing the pooling of river water that is covering a long stretch of the highway.
So needless to say the Richardson Highway is closed and people who live in Valdez can only get out of the town by water or air. Jack says the snow will be removed by loaders but that sure seems like a dangerous job…!
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The Jack Jessee Blog 