Date: 09/11/2012 à 15/11/2012

Path: At the exit of Flagstaff come a short way down the famous Route 66 and soon caught the I-40 heading west to Nevada where he caught near the US-93 to the Hoover Dam. From apanhamos to US-93 I-215 ea sense Las Vegas. De Las Vegas para Los Angeles fomos basicamente pela I-15.

The return to "fabulous" Las Vegas and Los Angeles film no longer had the same purpose. Conversations, laughter, questions and reflections were the ingredients that were mixed programming filled with sports, disputes and more home programs. In Los Angeles relive the good times of the golden times of the Republic!

We were unclean. Strong winds began to blow a cold air along with the heavy clouds in the sky. There were indications that heavy rain was about to fall. But nothing took the sense of accomplishment when we got back to the top of the imposing Grand Canyon trail after those days of exhaustive. The French had followed in the final kilometers and decided to have dinner all together right there in the park. Our first meal was strengthened in the past two days and, following the French tradition, ask some glasses of wine to celebrate. In a mixture of English, French and Italian by, we strove to overthrow the language barrier that had held us during the first few days of conversation even within the Canyon. And with each passing hour we felt increasingly mingled!

The last break before the final climb to the mole of the Grand Canyon!

We would have still one more night here at the Grand Canyon and our next appointment was at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport), in two days, to pursue our good friend and former teammate Republic: Renatinho. We were about to pay the bill when it came to their proposal that would change our destiny for the next days: "Why do not you come with us to Las Vegas?”

Newly formed in architecture, Camille, Charlotte (‘Cha Cha’), Suzy and Johanna (the only engineer class) enjoyed the holidays, post-termination college, to carry out some investigative interviews with architects West Coast. Upon returning to France, the idea is to consolidate all the material collected and join with other friends, the same association founded, and performed the same interviews but in other countries. And despite his interviews are concentrated in the San Francisco, they took advantage of the almost 3 meses que teriam para também darem um giro pelos parques e cidades no badalado oeste americano.

The Travel Diary creative girls: through drawings!

Far from being the target which we would desire to return one day, even more briefly as, saw this return to Las Vegas estreitarmos an opportunity to further our friendship with girls and live a different experience from the first. Com amigas de nacionalidade e realidades diferentes das que estávamos acostumados.

And so it was…Elas seguiram para Vegas ainda naquela noite e nós seguimos para nosso hotel ali na região.

The next day, caminho to Las Vegas, would stop to enjoy one of the greatest engineering works of pride for Americans: the Hoover Dam. Completed in 1935 more than 5.000 thousand employees, the dam that lies within the Colorado River (the currency of the states of Nevada and Arizona) was elected, during the decades of 30 and 50, one of the highest and largest hydroelectric dam in the world. Planned in order to prevent floods in the initial plantings in Southern California caused by the Colorado River, the dam promoted the development of the American Southwest. It, today, provides energy and water for crops and major cities such as Phoenix (THE), Las Vegas (NV) and we Arredores Los Angeles (CA). (Benefits to uns, not so for others… We have found in recent visits that the dam caused the decrease in natural flow of the Colorado River into the Gulf of California, not Mexico, increasing, so, salinization of the sea of ​​Cortez and interfering in some natural species)

Partial view of Hoover Dam

The dam of the Colorado River at Hoover Dam

We arrived in Las Vegas in the late afternoon and by nightfall we met with the French. As we were already "experts" in the city, they asked us to dictate the script. We did the basic tour: spent inside the major casinos, we stopped for dinner at a restaurant outside the "roll glamor" and watched the ballet of dancing water fountain famous Bellagio casino. We ended the night with great music, conversas e risadas em um animado bar da região.

The next day, before departure, we were all together having lunch at a restaurant recommended by a lady Columbian, we had known weeks before a trek through Zion Park. Far from being an excellent restaurant, Green Valley Ranch had a varied buffet at a great price! We arrived there around 13h and then we use. The weather was mild and it was as if we knew for years! We talked about our cultural differences, We Piadas, funny phrases in each country and learn French games. It was there that, suddenly, we were interrupted by the restaurant manager. Very unfunny, the girl approached us asking us, cordially, if we could vacate the table. We looked at their watches and…Caramba! We sat there for nearly 5 hours!!! We did not realize, but it was nearly 18h and the queue outside for dinner was already huge. Most just request! Moreover, 'd still drive over 3 and a half hours to Los Angeles to pursue Renatinho. We needed to hurry. And along with that request came the hard time of farewells… Goodbye?! Bye?! Até breve?! It was hard, because we knew that we would hardly meet again. Further together. And with a step back they moved away a little from us. They exchanged a few words between them and returned to us: "We go in with you to Los Angeles! What acham?"- Said one. "Seriously!?"- Surprised respond before completing: "Of course it's okay for us!”. We are delighted! They explained that in addition to continue for a few more days that hot weather, they could use the change in the world capital of cinema to interview several architects there, before proceeding to their commitments in San Francisco. Muito legal! It would be the first time we would travel together alongside other "expedition". Even more our age, with similar purposes and features complement OUR!

All doing “trick the Trickster! Glu glu glu!” hahahaha (no na Saída restaurant in Las Vegas, NV)

We depart for Los Angeles, because they behold the delay to seek Renatinho. And before our reunion in Los Angeles, girls would spend the night, and the next morning, no Death Valley (the so-called 'valley of death'). We arrived at LAX at around 21h50 and Renato already waiting for us. We went from there to the house of our "hosts chief": Daniel and his little dog Brie that, desalination vez, in addition to receiving the Dispatch and the Renatinho, still had to visit the sister of Daniel: Lara. J already passed almost 3 months since our meeting with Daniel and over 5 months or Renato havíamos been com, at the home of his parents in MG-Sponsor (Our first stop after leaving Sao Paulo). There were many stories, trivia and novelties to be placed in day. And the conversation broke the dawn…

Brie came to the door to greet us!

It is noteworthy that the conversations were, no doubt about it, the high point of our visit to Los Angeles. What we have today is just a time of transition in our lives and careers and it was nice to hear each talk about their current prospects. As 4 we, the Renatinho had also worked in the financial market and now worked as a researcher for FIPE (Institute of Economic Research), ligada USP. He told us joyful about doing something that really motivated him and about having a quieter life. Also talked about the possibility of being realized (foreseeable future) with a PhD scholarship at the University of Illinois - the reason which brought him here in the U.S. and that allowed us to go visit. Daniel also commented on the good time that was passing in Los Angeles after living there all these years. Commented on their expectations of employment and their current research with the California State University, where he had graduated and compared with their years of research while still attending the University of Pernambuco (UPE). Her sister Lara, as well as the French also studied architecture, had taken advantage of his university holidays in Pernambuco to improve their English. And foi assim… We talked about the new economic scenario in Brazil for years to come and talk about dreams and perspectives. Mas também contamos piadas e assistimos vídeos do Youtube.

Renatinho and one of his “faces” always funny to picture!

Very conversation between a glass of wine and other, na casa do Daniel – Los Angeles, CA

Era of jovens papo. That, though from different nationalities and with different life histories, Viviam similar life moments. And most important, had in common the anguish and the ideals that all young people have. Em qualquer geração ou em qualquer parte do mundo.

And all this mingled amidst our quiet, but intense program during those days in Los Angeles. On Sunday we went to see the victory of the quiet Los Angeles Galaxy, David Beckham and Landon Donavon, sobre o Seattle Sounders, by the end of the conference league football west U.S.. (our soccer, é clear, paixão between Brazilian and French )

Whole gang gathered before the game LA Galaxy – Los Angeles, CA

The curious grassy bleachers behind one of the goals of the Home Depot Center stadium in Los Angeles, CA

Estádio do lotado panoramic view na game between LA Galaxy 3 X 0 Seattle Sounders – Los Angeles, CA

And on another occasion we witness the sport that Americans are really good: basketball. The Staples Center was the scene where we witness the spectacle of Kobe Bryant on the court. Elected by repeatedly MVP (most valuable player - Best player) by NBA (North American Association of Basketball) the player was again voted the best of the match, but still it was not enough to prevent defeat by two points in the Los Angeles Lakers for the San Antonio Spurs - where coincidentally playing Frenchman Tony Parker and Brazilian Tiago Splitter. The French well they enjoyed the victory of his countryman and principal player of Sant Antonio. Already we…well, James Split forgive us, mas estávamos mesmo é torcendo pro show do Kobe.

A Estrela do Lakers, Kobe Bryant, prepares the pitch 2 points, being marked by Brazilian Tiago Splitter

Final numbers of the game. Even in defeat there is a clear superiority of Kobe Bryant (number 24) versus its peers and rivals: 28 points, 8 assists and no misconduct!

Day in LA also had a "footprint" gastronomical! We made a lunch 'in Portuguese' in super nice Urth Caffe (em Santa Monica) and we Renato and French to eat in the traditional cafeteria California In-n-Out. We also made a picnic, with football, under the magnificent sunset beach Venice Beach. The moment was special, it was the first time that Renato wrist down to the Pacific! And ended the night in a outdoor bar, um no hotel Mole, spot on Venice. Gave up time to take a turn with the Renatinho downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood before he caught his flight back to Chicago. After all, he could not leave LA without seeing the famous Walk of Fame and the Dolby Theater, occurs where the Academy Awards. Faz part, nor!

Lanche brasileiro no agradável coffee Urth em Santa Monica. Com Daniel, Alex (the American friend of Daniel who speaks Portuguese so well that at first we thought it was Brazilian) Lara and Renatinho

Futebolzinho in the late afternoon in Venice Beach – Los Angeles, California

Fernandes gun shot in the beautiful sunset

Renatinho attends his first setting of the sun in the Pacific

Seagulls fly in front of houses sandy beach in Venice Beach, Los Angeles – CA

And in the midst of it all, still reserve some time to resolve some pending before heading to Mexican lands! The first was in Nissan, ali of Los Angeles, where our Tanajura completed 30 one thousand kilometers and would run for a full review. That's it, 'Pass'. It turns out that after the initial ecstasy of seeing a Brazilian Frontier over there, and most fully equipped, managers and mechanics Nissan realized that Tana was the Diesel - unlike the American models, Gasoline. And therein lay the problem. We believe that the differences fuel entail technical differences maintenance of each vehicle. But that does not justify the car leave the shop almost as entered. They claim not to know where is the fuel filter (something which later was shown where) and still not claim to be able to balance and align the wheels, led us to believe that we were once again facing a very negative side of American culture. After all, those items which have to do with the type of fuel used in vehicle!? Nothing. Fact is, even if we could suspect that the apology could be associated with any political Nissan, our experiences through the land of Uncle Sam led us to believe that it was not. For that same posture drought, on the fence and inflexible was something that bothered us in various situations in our passage by the U.S.. As recent as this case had been intransigent and authoritarian posture of the head of security after Lakers game. We, justify, and he proposed several ways to let Gabriel go back to his seat where he had gotten his cap. Had been one of the last to leave the gym that night and still at the output port that Gabriel was realized that the cap had been under your seat. In 2 minutes back seat to the cap would be recovered. The security assured that the cleaning crew and would find the "lost-and-found" (after all, this was the standard procedure) leaving us only alternative there and registered our contacts. The French were non-conformist stance with such. We were accustomed. Already, o boné, nunca mais apareceu.

Tanajura a quick stop to review the 30 mil km em Los Angeles, CA

But these episodes do not melariam our super nice pass by Los Angeles. Those were our last days in the U.S. and soon we would be back on land Latin!

It was our last day then come after almost a week traveling together. When suddenly the French propose that… hehehe… not, this time it was really the end of this chapter. And then in the morning she prepared a full breakfast super stylish host country that unusual Franco-Brazilian. Era a forma perfeita de dizermos adeus e celebrarmos todos aqueles inspiradores momentos em que estivemos juntos.

The friendly breakfast ridden by French!

The farewell breakfast at the home of Daniel – Los Angeles, CA

ChaCha spontaneity and its constant

Gabriel and Suzy devouring the delicious breakfast

They went north toward San Francisco and we would go south, the way to San Diego for a final adjustment on the winch Tanajura. It, although our paths take different directions, the direction that our lives would still follow the same: the pursuit of the realization of our dreams!

The friendly mechanic adjusts the Venezuelan Tanajura winch on the way to San Diego, California

Or Daniel, Lara, Renato, Camille, ChaCha, Johanna and Suzy, our loving gratitude for the pleasure of their company over these wonderful days. And one up soon!

All together the traditional photo leaping at sunset in Venice Beach, Los Angeles – CA

Click Las Vegas or Los Angeles para ver mais fotos de nossa segunda passagem por essas cidades.

The post Reviving the Times Republic appeared first on 4x1.

Date: 28/09/2012 à 30/09/2012

Saímos of: Coldfoot, AK

Destination: Denali National Park, AK

Distance: 590 km

Travel time: 12 hours, pulling near 2 hour stop in Fairbanks for dinner and relax, and other stops along the way

Path: We take back the Dalton Highway, até a Elliot Highway, we dropped again to Fairbanks. From, followed by George Park Highway to the entrance of Denali National Park, próxima à cidade de Healy.

Where to sleep: Chão quentinho e gostoso da agência de correios do parque. After spending a tremendous cold camping in the camping area, mail (post office) with the lobby open 24 horas foi a solução para não congelarmos durante a noite.

What eat different: King crab (carangueijo) and more natural salmon! We take our passage to savor the culinary delights even more in Alaska 49th State Pub & Restaurant.

Tire cheio: The ballet's magical Aurora Borealis! So after much anxiety and positive thinking, finalmente fomos premiados por um espetáculo de luzes no céu do Denali.

Tire murcho: Park partially closed! Unfortunately, could not pass the mile 30 do Denali, since the road was closed from then on for the winter season. We arrived about 10 dias atrasados.

Denali National Park - Amigo Urso, Magic Bus and the magic of the aurora

After unforgettable days in wilderness, We were treated to a light show as never seen before. The Denali is truly a special place, which, no doubt about it, já tem um espaço reservado para sempre em nossas lembranças.

After we reach the most northern point of our expedition, in the icy mountains of Atigun Pass, we headed south. We left the morning of Coldfoot toward the famous Denali National Park and Preserve. The park encompasses more than 25.000 km ² of montanhas, forests and lots of wildlife. Ali is also home to the highest mountain in North America, o gigante Mckinley, with 6.194 metros.

Monte Mckinley, postcard park

Even with all our efforts, I could not get the time to have the entire park open for visit. The roads that cross the Denali are fully flyable during the summer season, from the middle of May until September. From dai, with the arrival of cold and snow in the region, a good part of the park is closed to visitors. There is still the possibility to participate in a lottery to get visit Denali whole car a few days after the closure of roads, but it is very difficult to achieve, devido à intensa concorrência.

From mid-September, Denali closes part of their roads due to weather conditions

Snow White takes over the landscape

Happily, was not all bad we missed the date. A visit to Denali in the summer, from Mile 15, can only be made with a bus available from park management. This runs regularly through the points of interest along the 91 miles (146 km) of highway cortam the park. Os visitantes podem descer e subir nas paradas que mais tiverem interesse. But, not allowed to use their own vehicle during this period. In other words, se chegássemos a tempo nunca poderíamos rodar com a Tanajura no interior do parque. Isso deixaria nossa parceira bastante sentida, tadinha! Then, in the end, although we found the only open until Denali mile 30 (48 km), had the pleasure of bringing us Tana, o que tornou a visita ainda mais especial.

Tanajura happy to visit the park

It was late evening when we passed the park entrance. In the darkness, we come to the only campground that was not closed for the winter season, already near the park entrance. Or was quite organized camping, with placeholders, tables and restrooms. And it was free. There was still some travelers out there, most of them in their gigantic RV (or RVs – Recreational Vehicles).

The temperature hovered around 0 º C, As we prepared to spend the night. We had not eaten dinner and there was no hope of finding something open at that hour in the vicinity. That's when we decided to cook a soup that we bought on the way. The task became very difficult with the cold and icy wind, who would not let anything in our toaster oven warmed pot. Suddenly, solution! Remember one a curious recommendation on the official website of the park. There is a post office (Post Office) in the Denali, que tem o saguão aberto 24 hours. The message indicated that it was the perfect place for those who wanted to escape the cold a little park. We did not know exactly what they meant by this, but we have seen this recommendation the only way to get a meal that night. We brought the utensils inside, juntamente com a nossa mesa desmontável e preparamos uma sopinha gostosa em uma temperatura agradável dentro do post office.

Dinner toasty inside the post

We think up to spend the night over there too, even in the lobby, but we decided to test our resistance to cold of Alaska. For? Before we had even gotten in the mail! We were beaten during the night! Nem mesmo o aquecedor que compramos para tentar ajudar deu conta conforme a madrugada caía e o termomêtro baixava ao negativo.

Icy morning in camping

Despite the cold, agreed to forward the following day, when we finally take a look at what the park has to offer. We went through Murie Science and Learning Center, an information center that functioned as the visitor center in the winter season, since the others were closed. We know the trails and learn about the park and the animals we could find on the way, antes de partir para a natureza selvagem.

Snow-capped mountains adorn the landscape

We decided to complete the miles by car possible (even miles 30), enjoying the weather was relatively open (at least more open than in previous days). The snow already took care of the landscape and the mud road from Mile 15. We were in no hurry, enjoying the mountain scenery and the animals that gave time or another faces. No horizon, who appeared was the giant Mount Mckinley, postcard park. His name is controversial. The natives used to call him alaskianos Denali (“the high one” ou o grande na linguagem Athabaska), but at the end of the nineteenth century, o dono de uma mineradora na região, gave the name to Mount Mckinley, as a form of political support to then President William Mckinley. Although this continues to be the official name of the mountain, o povo do Alasca ainda prefere manter as tradições e chama-lo de Denali mesmo.

View of Mount McKinley, or Denali, as the native

We reached the mile 30, where a gate prevented to follow the path. This stop has a beautiful view of Rio Teklanika, who became famous in the movies by preventing the passage of Christopher McCandless Alexander Supertramp or back to civilization in the film Into the Wild (“Into the Wild”). Para quem não conhece, o filme conta a história de um jovem que decidiu romper seus laços com a sociedade e ter uma experiência pura na natureza. Este seguiu seu rumo justamente ao Denali, where never returned. Remembered the film at all times within the park. Until today we discussed whether he had some kind of influence this crazy idea to go to Alaska by car. The Teklanika saw that there was not even the mighty river movie, since in winter the water freezes again and just get volume with the melting snow in the summer. We proved that McCandless would probably not have problems to cross it a few months later. For those not familiar with the movie, recommendation is! Very good!

Teklanika frozen river in autumn

We were taking some photos in our back, when a friendly park ranger pulled up beside us and asked if we had seen any wildlife. “Have you seen any wildlife?”, asked with a smile. We stopped to really think and had seen very little that day. Mas Little did we know it was for a short time…

Photo stop at road

We followed the road when, suddenly, demos in front with a giant bear grizzly!!! It was right there, in the road, walking without worries. If I were a cartoon would probably be singing a song of those very happy. He was shocked to see Tanajura and ran straight to the snow. Happily, after a few seconds, Bear thought twice and decided to keep walking around the track. He followed closely by the Tanajura few meters, like good friends. It was chilling to see the bear so closely!

Our friend was startled by the bear Tanajura…

…fled to snow…

…looked suspiciously…

…giggled…

…and again run alongside the Tanajura!

And crossed the river to swim!

As we still had some time to daylight, decided to make a track to finish the ride. We stopped at mile 15, to the path that surrounds the Savage River. At the visitor center told us that was where we would have more chances to see wildlife. With the bear we saw nearby, we do not leave the car without pepper spray in our hands. Bears may look cute and cuddly, but from solving up, no one hold. We followed the directions of the leaflets and were talking loudly the whole way, to draw attention to our presence. Bears do not like to be surprised. Increase the volume even more after seeing the footprints in fresh snow, that in order not bear were. No fim, no luck (or random) by ali, and not come across any animal. Mas já estávamos bastante satisfeitos com a nossa experiência com o grizzly horas antes.

Savage River, where we made our tracks

The trail followed the river bank

Coyote footprint (probably) na neve

We left the park in the late afternoon into the city for dinner Healy. On the way, we saw a restaurant that looked nice, the 49th State Pub & Restaurant. There was a lot of movement, so we decided to take a look to see what he was so special. That's when knotted in our heads. O ônibus mágico de Christopher McCandless (the film Into the Wild - Into the Wild) paradinho was in front of us! But what he was doing there?? Should not you be in the woods?? After a few minutes of confusion, find the answer on restaurant menu. The bus that was there was what was used in the filming of the movie. It works as a sort of museum, contando a história de McCandless a partir de cópias de fotografias e anotações, que ele mesmo registravam ao longo de sua viagem.

Com or magical ônibus Trombamos!

If that was the real talk, acreditaríamos!

The setting of the film and pictures with the story of Chris

When we came to Alaska to seek various information on Stampede Trail, which leads to the BUSES became famous in cinema. But, found that the trail is not usually done and is still very dangerous. Very few guides know the path, it would take a few days in the forest to be completed. Some people by the way, lost in the park or even died trying to complete it. Even the official website of Christopher McCandless, maintained by his family, recomenda às pessoas que não façam a trilha. The motive for the bus to be there the film was exactly this. The restaurant owner says he bought the bus from the producers of the film so that he was available for people to take their pictures without risking their lives for them. Ele you sensibilizou with the case u European tourist who drowned in the river Teklanika trying to reach BUSES. Moreover, was curious to see how all local criticize the stupidity of Chris in their decisions. In the end, To our surprise (and joy!), without hope, we got our picture with the magic bus!

Everyone is risked in the pose!

After a very hearty dinner, com e direito a King Crab King Salmon (a delight!), headed for another cold night in the park. Only this time the thermometer already marked negative temperature. If we had spent the night before cold, now imagine. That's when the post office again appeared alongside save our lives. "Today there is no escape, 'll sleep on the floor even!!”, think. And we did, until a lady who wanted to check his mailbox awoke in the morning. But okay, oddly enough, was a good (and quentinha) noite are!

Carangueijo (King Crab) and salmão (King Salmon) do Alasca! Like Sem!

The Courier heated invites us to spend the night!

Walk comfortably on the floor of the post office

Another day in the park, took the Tanajura for a walk in search of wildlife. This time we saw our friend bear close, but some appeared in other forest. Moose and reindeer also gave the guys once in a while. We passed the kennels, where trained dogs to sleds made our visit to the party. All Huskies eles alaskianos, um mais bonito que o outro.

Husky Alaskiano sorrindo for Photos

Watchful eyes!

Baita moleza!

We did another track in the Savage River, this time up the mountain for a beautiful view over the park. The walk lasted about an hour and a half and had the right rises somewhat tilted and Ice. Mas a vista vale o esforço.

Up to the view from the top

Quite cold and snow on the way

Vista Trail

The weather had improved compared to previous days, being that the heavy clouds that covered the sky for most of the time had dissipated mostly. It was our hope! In recent days, despite all positive thinking, the weather was closed, preventing the phenomenon that we could see more in the region urged, A Aurora Boreal. Throughout our journey, from or tied or Alasca Yukon, we were looking for this wonder, mas sem sucesso até então. Para aumentar nossa expectativa, o Denali costuma ser um ótimo local para observar a explosão de cores no céu durante a noite.

Happy with the open time!

From that day was nothing, it was now or never!!! The sky finally opened, Aurora forecasts for good, darn cold (say the Aurora appears most strongly in the cold days) and we wake. We were in the car waiting for the show. We would be as long as was!! That's when we saw a spot shy away from the sky. Was that as the famous Aurora?? We got out of the car to check. We were almost in when a disappointing faixo Green crossed the skies. He moved from side to side as if dancing. When we realized, the lights were dancing everywhere. Green, purple, pink, colors variavam! Ficamos ecstatic, admiring this wonder! Hard to explain in words and pictures the feeling, but it was as if something were happening really magical. And curiously, the moon was more crowded than ever, perhaps the brightest of the whole trip. Em theory, the full moon like that should disturb our vision of dawn, but we prefer to think that she just left the most beautiful scenery!

Light show at Northern Lights!

Green takes over the sky!

It does not seem real!

The moon shone brightly in the sky

But cheia, impossible!

Our days in Denali could not finish better way. The Aurora came to crown one of the most intense experiences and different that the expedition had hitherto. We go on, there is still much to explore!

To see more photos of Denali, click here!

The post Denali National Park - Amigo Urso, Magic Bus and the magic of the aurora appeared first on 4x1.

Date: 21/09/2012 à 24/09/2012

Saímos of: Seattle, WA

Destination: Fairbanks, AK

Distance: 3,660 km

Travel time: 4 days practically integers much road

Path: We follow the Cariboo Highway from Seattle to the city of Prince George, In Canada. From there we about 405km by BC-97 to Dawson Creek, It is a zero milha Alaska Highway. We crossed the road to his entire last mile in Delta Junction, onde tomamos a Richardson Highway em sentido à Fairbanks.

Where to sleep: We stopped in some parking lots of hotels and also in camping areas on the way. Although many establishments were already closed for the winter season, ainda era possível encontrar algumas acomodações.

What eat different: Natural and fresh salmon. O peixe é realmente especial por lá.

Tire cheio: Inspiration and beauty in wild nature. The tour road is like an open air safari. Animals frequently cross the road, repleto de paisagens realmente inspiradoras.

Tire murcho: Many road soon! We did not want to take the risk of taking care of the snow path, then accelerate our journey through Alaska Highway. Unfortunately, deixamos algumas cidades históricas e interessantes pelo caminho.

Alaska Highway – The end of the trip

Legendary, mysticism, wild. A single adjective would not be fair to describe what is the famous Alaska Highway. Aside from the symbolism of reaching one end of the Americas, Breathtaking landscapes, intensa vida selvagem e riqueza cultural dão o tom nos mais de dois mil quilômetros que cruzam o norte gelado da América.

Wildlife is not lacking in road

With the delay for the removal of Tanajura Seattle (saw post here), time, what was already a very scarce resource for us, further shortened. September drew to a close, and with it the remnants of summer in Alaska. The sunny days of mild temperatures gave way to days closed more and more cold. The green vegetation went to yellow, typical autumn, and also Snow White, already gave the guys over there in some parts. All this would be less of a problem, se algumas das atrações e estradas ao longo do caminho não fechassem devido às condições climáticas mais difíceis.

The yellow takes over the landscape in autumn

In order to minimize the risk of lost something, between elas or giant Denali, main park area, decided to face the road ahead and cross it as fast as we could, within reasonable limits. Be driving almost straight: 3.660 km em 4 days, an average 915 km per day. There patience for both ground! It was a day after another lot of road, mas também diversas surpresas no caminho.

Tanajura enjoying the trip

Built to connect the isolated territory of Alaska to other states Americans, before the Japanese offensive in the region during the Second World War, a Alaska Highway (also known as Alaskan Highway, Alaska-Canadian Highway, ou ALCAN Highway) reason is bliss for many travelers and adventurers on duty. The road crosses officially 2.288 km ou 1.422 corn between the towns of Dawson Creek, in the Canadian state of British Columbia, and Delta Junction, já not Alasca, crossing inhospitable part of the Yukon Territory, Canada's last frontier. Unofficial versions see the road as a continuation of the famous Pan American Highway, Crossing the continent from southern Argentina, or extend into the city of Fairbanks, que era exatamente o nosso destino final.

Entering the legendary Alaska Highway

Unlike the time it was inaugurated, no ano de 1942, the Alaska Highway has now completely paved roads and no longer represents a stretch of difficult and challenging direction, but an unforgettable tour through the northern tip of the Americas. We highlight several stopping points along any path, in what they call the historic mileposts (mileage or historical). The mileposts tell a little of the history and progress of the occupation of the region, maintaining their cultural heritage preserved in museums and centers that care for tourists. The City of Dawson Creek, na British Columbia, is the first one, mile zero of the road. We run around 1,500 km desde Seattle (entitled to a quiet passage by the United States-Canada border and a night's sleep in the city of Prince George, BC), before we reach the famous road. Dali, cruzaríamos every mile Alaska Highway, and extends to the city of Fairbanks, AK, onde finalmente relaxaríamos algum tempo.

Peaceful passage across the border from Canada

Our first day marathon gave us an idea of ​​what the cold and things attached to it can do. The thermometer marked about 4 º C and fog took care of Prince George, BC, when we came in late night, after 900 km run. Our usual search for a place to spend the night was hampered by the closure of several RV parkings (trailer parks) and camping areas, that had already closed for the winter and only come back to work in May 2013! Happily, find um Bed&Breakfast next to the highway. Eventhough lotado, allowed us to sleep in the parking lot, dear in our tents. It would be our first experience with them in a low temperature. Not hot chocolate offered by the friendly owner of the place was enough to warm the morning, when the temperature must be lowered further. But we survived! We thought it was real cold, But the rest of the trip would show us that we still had much to suffer!

The path of Alaska

Icy morning in Prince George

We leave early in the morning of Prince George, 406 km ahead towards Dawson Creek (mile 0). A small city in northeastern British Columbia is not the TV series of the decade 90, but the first milestone of our journey through Alaska Highway. We could not help but stop there to collect visitor information in visitors to the city center and also to take a picture on the signs to the entry into one of the most famous roads of the Americas. We also take for lunch at one of the few restaurants in town, trip before heading to Fort Nelson (mile 300), BC, 454 km at frente, onde encontramos um RV parking para passar a noite.

Dawson Creek, It is a zero milha Alaska Highway

Useful information at the Visitor Center of Dawson Creek

Another day road! The goal now was to get to Whitehorse (mile 918), Ja no Yukon. Incredibly, was the largest of the cities that would meet until the end of the road, Delta Junction em. We could not believe that this could pass the unbelievable 20 THOUSAND INHABITANTS! THAT'S IT, 20 MIL! A football stadium almost full days of classic. And it was actually bigger than its neighbors, passed by cities that did not reach 5 thousand inhabitants. To get an idea, Frosty the territory of Yukon holds just over 30 mil pessoas. From northern British Columbia small towns are relatively similar to each other in the sense that all have either restaurant, um posto de gasolina e uma igreja.

Beautiful scenery along the way

Tanajura posing for photo on a bridge in British Columbia

On the way, a surprise. A black bear (black bear) crossed the road. For a few seconds he looked scared to Tanajura, As a child get busted on a frolic. Scared, ran into the woods before we could register a photo. We had passed by moose, reindeer, many exotic birds and sheep region. But that was the first bear we saw on trip. Ficamos ainda mais ansiosos para encontrar mais deles no trajeto.

Arrival to the inhospitable Yukon

Excitement roadside!

This was the last stretch we had more stops on the way. Recommended by several people we spoke to on the road, decided to make a quick stop at the Liard River Hot Springs (mile 496), where natural pools are surprisingly hot bath in the middle of the ice mountains. Despite the desire, maintained our focus and let the bath after, já que a ideia era chegarmos à Whitehorse ainda no mesmo dia.

Liard River Hot Springs em reforma

Hot bath in cold Canada

Walk to the pools

Another stop was in the town of Watson Lake, YT (mile 635). This was essential. During construction of the Alaska Highway, an American soldier homesick began one of the greatest traditions of the road: put a plate in your town in the woods, as a souvenir of their homeland. From dai, Travelers worldwide have done the same. Today the site has more than 75.000 plates of all kinds and origins, forming Sign Post Forest. Who had no plate, made any reference to its passage. Adhesives, pots, carved wood, Tables, all had. We also had to use creativity. Without any card in hand, seen in our beloved Havaianas, the object of the most unique that we could leave Brazil as the mark of the Expedition 4×1 by ali. Thereafter, went straight to Whitehorse, where we would spend our last night until our much desired arrival in Alaska!

Sign Post Forest, Uma Floresta plate imensa em Watson Lake,BC

Mark of the Expedition 4×1 forest na plate

Near 480 more road miles and finally arrived! Our first goal in Travel, the farthest and crazy American who would like to arrive by car, who originated the adventure was read, ahead! Arrives in Alaska!! It was an important point for us, since what we called "Gone" was (or at least seemed) coming to an end. All forward away, leaving Alaskan, would be considered our return home. Nearly four months of travel and an important part of the mission was accomplished. Curiously, The day was beautiful, sunny and mosquitoes, para nos lembrarmos de casa.

We came to Alaska! What joy!

From the U.S. side um, the other Canada

The border region stretches for some kilometers, and celebrates the peaceful relationship between the two countries, absence of police control in a large stretch of walkway between customs. Moreover, the official border is mark by a band without trees between the two countries. There must record output Canadian border and passed again to the land of Uncle Sam (again without problems).

Treeless border between Alaska and the Yukon

A few more kilometers and reached the official end of the Alaska Highway, Delta Junction em (mile 1.422), and extend our route to Fairbanks, the real end of the road for several people. The four-day trip, although strenuous, landscapes and experiences have provided some very interesting and remarkable. The entire path, desde a British Columbia, Yukon or ate or Alasca, is permeated by beautiful scenery of mountains and coniferous vegetation. Not to mention the animals that crossed our path on the road! A vontade era de parar para tirarmos fotos a toda hora.

Invadindo o habitat alheio

Deer crossing the road

Buffalo strolling with Tanajura

For those who also want to venture down that road in autumn, we leave here the famous Ten Commandments we just invent on the Alaska Highway:

1) There daytime piscarás! At a glance, Bears, Moose, reindeer, birds or any other animal that you never had the chance to see up close may cross your path. Not to mention the breathtaking landscapes. The icy regions are quite wild and inhospitable, e a natureza parece que se mantém relativamente intocável na região.

2) Find Aurora overnight! Not got lucky with Aurora Borealis in this stretch of the journey, but we were always open eyes. From Yukon do, the chances of seeing this wonderful phenomenon significantly increase. Our friends 1000days recommend a great website to track forecasts (look here).

3) Do not lose a fuel station! It is common to pass over 200 km without any town with a gas to fuel, especially if running with diesel. Although more expensive fuel, mainly non Canada, não deixamos as oportunidades passarem.

4) Parai on historical miles! Every mile has a historical story to tell or a great asset to meet. Unfortunately we were in a hurry and just go through some of them. Ficamos na vontade.

5) The early bird catches the worm will understand! Most services will close earlier than usual. You will hardly find a restaurant open after 9 night (we pass on that account some perrengues). Nothing that could not be expected to cities with less 5 mil habitantes como a maioria das que se encontram no trajeto.

6) Get ready for winter arrival! Many establishments close for the winter season in mid-September and October. These will remain closed until next summer (May to August). Thereafter, the cold floor and the snow takes over, hindering the circulation in the region (ou até impossibilitando!).

7) You will put a reminder in Watson Lake! Crossing the Alaska Highway and not leave a remembrance in Sign Post Forest é quase como não ter passado.

8) You will eat as much salmon as aguentares! Nas Já Redondezas do Alasca, fresh salmon in restaurants appears more often. Eat as you can!

9) Conduzirás cautiously! Ice and road can be a dangerous combination, portanto todo cuidado é pouco neste caso.

10) Will not think twice and you will put the road! The Alaska Highway is a unique experience for lovers of travel and adventure, and certainly should be included in most lists of best road trips pelo mundo.

For more photos of our journey through Alaska Highway, click here.

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Date: 06/09/2012 à 11/09/2012

Saímos of: Stanford, CA

Destination: Portland, OR passing through the Lake Tahoe, CA hair and Crater Lake, OR

Distance: 1.295 km, sendo than 288km from Stanford in South Lake Tahoe, 628km South Lake Tahoe até o Crater Lake National Park e em seguida 378km até Portland.

Travel time: 6 hours on the first stretch, after enough traffic in the area of ​​Mountain View; plus about 6 times in the second and 7 hours not last, and we stopped for about 3 hours in a outlet no caminho.

Path: We took I-80 to the height of Sacramento, where diverted by US-50 toward South Lake Tahoe. From, follow the same road, até Reno, where stray toward Klamath Falls on U.S. followed by CA-395-139. De lá tomamos a estadual OR-39 até Portland.

Where to sleep: Accommodation relatively cheap h(m)óteis roadside. Even without Tanajura our tents and automotive, seek inexpensive options in terms of accommodation. Em South Lake Tahoe e em Klamath Falls, close to Crater Lake, find cost-effective at the America's Best Value Inn. Já em Portland encontramos um Quality Inn localizado na entrada da cidade.

What eat different: Fruits and other fresh foods at the Farmer's Market in Portland. Be in town the week that the fair occupied the main square of the city (Pioneer Courthouse Square) foi uma grata surpresa.

Tire cheio: Visual impressive dos lagos, followed by the cozy comfort of Portland. This leg of the trip afforded beautiful landscapes and romantic (although it sounds strange for a group of grown men!). Tudo coroado pelo conforto gostoso de uma cidade peculiar como Portland.

Tire murcho: A falta FAZ Tanajura! It had been about a month since we were without our dear companion road, as she went across the Pacific. Nostalgia hit hard!

Of the deepest lakes in the City of Roses

It was late evening when we reached the region of the giant Lake Tahoe, the largest mountain lake in North America and the second deepest U.S. (501 m profundidade). It is located about 2000 feet tall amid the hills of the Sierra Nevada, exactly on the border between California and Nevada, so that is divided between both states. The place is very famous for numerous ski resorts during the winter, when the snow takes over the mountains, mas também proporciona visuais de tirar o fôlego fora da temporada.

We were staying in the charming city of South Lake Tahoe, do on the lake, yet side Californian, where we had a privileged position in relation to the attractions we wanted to visit and a good selection of hotels and restaurants. The main attraction of the city is Heavenly Gondola, a cable car which gives a panoramic view of part of the lake. We think the price somewhat salty (about $ 35 per person), então acabamos deixando ele para a próxima.

After a good night's rest, we set out to explore the region. We took the Beetle and went round the lake toward Emerald Bay, while that We enjoyed the beautiful scenery along the way. Emerald Bay was a recommendation of local, that logo is justified. It has views of shining eyes and houses some of the main tourist attractions of the region. Among them is the only island in Lake Tahoe, the Fannete Iceland. She calls attention amidst the crystal blue water around it, and still holds the remains of Fancy Tea House (Tea House), constructed by the same owner of Vikingsholm, a "summer house" sumptuous lakeside, which is now a museum. Tudo isso dá um toque especial ao que já é muito belo por si só.

A gentle walk along a trail led us to the Eagle Lake, um lower lake, parallel ao Lake Tahoe. The slow movement of the crystal clear water with the wind reaches hypnotize, before the peace is to be in that place. We spent a few minutes in silence, just enjoying the tranquility. Very good the feeling of being in touch with nature as if we did really part of it, sentimento esse que muitas vezes se perde diante da rotina estressante que levávamos na cidade.

Next day, continue traveling to the city of Klamath Falls, where we would spend the night before heading toward Oregon, to the Crater Lake National Park, the deepest lake in the United States. Americans who like to name call all Rim Drive environment or do lago trajeto, with several stops to enjoy the views and explanations of its geological formation. The Crater Lake is basically the result of a volcanic eruption, which opened the crater that would later place the lake. Contornamos part give, parando diversas vezes para observar sua beleza.

Over a stretch of road took us to the quirky town of Portland. Unfortunately, we had only one day to spend in the city, as we needed to begin to streamline the bureaucracy to release Tanajura the port of Tacoma, próximo à Seattle. O pouco tempo que passamos por lá foi o suficiente para termos uma experiência bastante intensa na cidade.

To our knowledge, Portland unjustly not usually in more traditional routes, unless there is interest in shopping, after all you do not pay taxes on the sale of products (sales tax) no Oregon. The City of Roses is famous for perfect conditions for growing Flower, growing showy throughout the city. The International Rose Test Garden is a laboratory of roses open. With about seven thousand roses more than 500 species other than, the garden is considered the largest of its kind in the world. Uma explosão of color takes care of the place and love to the less enthusiastic floriculture. Next to it is also the Japanese Tea Garden, the largest of its kind outside of Japan. Unfortunately we could not visit him, because mornings Monday, when we pass him, is usually closed. Still in Washington Park, to spend funds Pittock Mansion to enjoy a beautiful view of the city, including Mount Hood at the bottom. A case mansão Só, é também bastante interessante e guarda parte da história política da cidade em seus interiores.

Passing through the main town square, to calm Pioneer Courthouse Square, we had a pleasant surprise. Was debuting in the city an annual fair known as Farmer’s Market (Farmers Market). Producers of fruits, vegetables, meats and all kinds of food from the farm to the city come to exhibit their products in stalls assembled in the square. Delicious meals and more varied types of berries feed visitors, enquanto bandas locais se apresentam em um palco improvisado.

Around the square, other local artists also had the sidewalks. Some other paintings exposed his music. We were impressed with the ability of one particular, we stopped for nearly half an hour in one of the corners, just enjoying the music of your bass. With each change in traffic, new people joined us and others followed his path. We remained there for a good time. Portland is proud to maintain this artistic vibrancy in the city. Keep Portland Weird (Keep Portland Weird) é um lema que se vê com relativa frequência pichado nas paredes da cidade.

We could also make a visit to Pioneer Courthouse, the court gives its name to the square. The building built in 1869 federal buildings is one of the oldest in the region. The visit has a bit of history of the court, and the most famous cases that have gone through it. It is interesting to visit the court as officials continue working as if no tourists pass through there. We were able to get some sweets in the judge's chambers, kindly offered by his secretary. Moreover, foi bastante interessante a vista de cima da torre.

The evening ended with a Japanese curry (those well spicy!) no restaurant Kale after a walk through the city (view more here – upon entering the restaurant you feel in Japan, the environment is very traditional and differential. Moreover, the food is very good and the price is low, ultimately, well worth it and it was a great discovery ;)). After a quick blocks passed by the University of Washington, take a free train (yes, some lines are free in the city), to the riverbank Willamette. Portland impressed by the amount of trees throughout the city. Moreover, diz-se que é uma das cidades mais “verdes” dos EUA.

Two lakes paradisiacal views, stroll through the rose gardens and live classical music in a cozy little square more than. Just missed girlfriends to complete the romanticism of this passage of our expedition. We adiante, eager to kill the longing Tanajura, depois de suas merecidas “férias”.

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Factsheet 4×1

Date: 05/09/2012 e 06/09/2012

We were in San Francisco, very close to the famous region of Napa Valley, where the grapes of California wines are grown, and we could not stop to go there to check if the wines are really good!
On the morning of 5 September we took our rental car (The Beetle) and drove for just over an hour to reach the endless vines that extend to the foot of the mountains of the valley. We stopped first in wine Beringer, but the tours through the process of wine production only begin in the afternoon. We continue on the road and, less than 1km to Head, we came across a large building that looked like a castle. We got to understand what it was and found out that it was one of the most prestigious culinary schools in the world: the Culinary Institute of America. We entered and were exploring the place. It is a secular building that was bought at a bargain price from its former owner for the creation of culinary school, cuja estrutura impressiona.

Historic Artifacts, impressionantes classrooms, the opportunity at any time students can put into practice what they learn; everything is very good. By sinal, not resist and ate lunch there even, in a cafeteria within the school and managed by the students themselves!

We ate gourmet sandwiches for a great price, the cost / benefit was excellent. This is because the products are not sold for profit and all that is collected in the cafeteria reverts back to school. Profit is the practical learning of students. After the parade we went to a winery search looking for mainly small and family. We reached the town of Napa and stopped at a small shop which was named one of the region's wineries, a August Briggs. However, Our statement was not sure, the store had no vineyard, Only the wine produced from grapes purchased from other producers. Anyway, was a small company of 4 family passionate about wine store and tasting offered. We decided to try: the wine was good and definitely not lost for good Argentine wines, chilenos or europeus. We know a grape variety that we had not yet seen, at least never for sale in Brazil, chamada Zinfandel. Grown in Napa Valley, Californian Zinfandel grape has its origins in Croatia, but before coming to the U.S. she was taken to Italy, which has undergone some transformations. We believe that the best wine that this was the first stop Zinfandel!

We left still searching for a winery that possessed the complete structure of the production process of wine. Indicated by the shop owner that stopped earlier, Fomos a vinícola Zahtila, a little further from the city and this guy actually had a small production of wine and family. We talked with the person who was there that, as we explained about the history of wine, has been serving us a few glasses of wine to prove. That was really different, very good. We prove some new and our choice was wine made with Zinfandel!

While We enjoyed, the woman who served us was counting enthusiastic as the winery was born. We do not know how far this story is true or if there is an iota of fiction, We go the more: gives a, Laura Mitchel, was an executive of a technology company in the U.S. (Cisco Systems) who decided to quit my job and open a winery to have a quieter life. But her husband did not like the idea and did not want to move to the region of Napa, eventually split with it and she was managing small winery alone. After some time, um namorado former Laura, I was interested in visiting the process of wine production in the region, acabou indo, without knowing, just Laura tied to wine. There are two re-found, resumed contact, dating back together and today manage the winery, casados.

After all the talk and wine tasting, passamos nos parreiral para dar uma olhada e tirar algumas fotos.

We just have to visit close to 5 given later, time to go back since we still had to pick up road. Ah, before returning stopped at a famous sandwich shop that stays on the road and we could taste a delicious burger tuna!

And it was with this in-the-sun single ended our last day in San Francisco area!

The next day we set off for the north, going for a walk by the universities of Berkeley and Stanford, and we did. Both offer free tours for visitors who want to know more about their structures, just show up at the indicated time and participate in the tour visit (Berkley money, however, you need to book before – for more information, click here).

We begin by UC Berkeley, near San Francisco. Its campus is located within the city of Berkeley and therefore has a more urban face, mas ainda assim com bastante área verde.

As North-American public universities, different from the Brazilian, are not paid and are cheap. The price differs for students who reside in the state university and for those who do not reside in the same state: On average it can be said that a student from out of state pay 3 times more than a student's own state. And it's not hard to see these values ​​pass the 100 mil reais anuais!!

The University of California, Berkeley's rival Stanford University, we visited after, and it's funny and interesting to see the level of competition between them. St. rivals championships in college football, what is normal, after all are strong teams with nearby schools. But also compete in Olympic Medalhas of their students and Nobel Prizes its researchers and teachers. That's it! To get an idea, students at the University of Berkeley conseguiram quase the same number of Olympic Medals Brazil!!! And Stanford was not much different, despite having achieved a slightly lower number of medals in these Olympics and having lost the "competition" for Berkeley. Inclusive, speaking of Nobel prizes, Berkeley possui 22 awards and met up vacancies reserved for Car Nobel winners, can you believe??

During the visit strolled on campus, guided by a student, entitled to a visit to the library that has classic style, mega conservada e repleta de mesinhas com aqueles abatjours verdes que vemos em filme.

After a visit to Berkeley went to Stanford University, a little farther away from San Francisco, is in the region of Silicon Valley near the headquarters of tech giants, como Apple e Google.

Coming to campus is impressed: é giant, full of lawns between inúmeros the buildings of the university. Reminded us of our USP, only one version that was much greater. We drove to the meeting point for visit, that was guided by a student slightly more knowledgeable that Berkeley, mas menos entusiasmada.

She was telling us about the history of the university and its principles, like that all students should be treated equally, regardless of origin or ethnicity. However, just after, talking about scholarships that are transferred, asked whether foreign students could also apply for such scholarships and she told us not, I Só North American. Curiously this "equality" among all students!

The university's top Linha: all infrastructure, support student, gymnasium and dormitories are clean. The dorms seem upscale homes, with several rooms to be divided between students who live on campus. Inclusive, There is a tradition that students must spend at least their first year of college at Stanford, em um desses dormitórios.

Ah, another curiosity: despite his famous speech to the graduates of Stanford, Steve Jobs never studied at university. Walking through the university also visited a church that was designed by the wife of the creator of Stanford, in the year that he died. It is jaw-dropping: reminded us of European churches for their beauty, size, finish and richness in the details!

At the end of the visits, chegamos a conclusão que estudar em ambas as universidades parece ser uma experiência muito compensadora e interessante.

We finished the day with a visit to universities miss our college days and our own university, to USP. Above anything, she is the mother of Expedition 4×1 and that's where we met as bixos lost and where we went as explorers. Good memories of a time that seems far and near at the same time!

For more photos from this our passage through the Napa Valley and the Universities, click here.

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If it was difficult to count the days to departure , delaying was even more. We had to postpone our departure for four days. Each day of delay was one less experience and more than hard work and anxiety. When we believed were all set, something unforeseen arose or a new detail appeared. And even after the delay in relation to our planned departure (on the 30 May ), we can't say we were fully prepared. And who is? Things in life are so unpredictable that it would be a lie to say we were all proof. It is true that we were very careful (maybe too much!) to avoid any unpleasant surprises in our way. But, sincerely, we ask if it the trip would be so fun if they don't. Ready or not, Sunday was the limit, could not stand to wait. Anything that, by chance, has lagged behind, teria que ser resolvida ao longo do trajeto.

The place of departure could not be another: our beloved University of Sao Paulo, where we became inseparable friends, we have graduated and expanded our world view. USP has been our home for years and is always an inspiration for our ideas. Nada mais justo que partir simbolicamente de onde tudo começou.

Lots of tears, a lot of emotion. The Expedition 4×1 is finally on the road! Happiness is huge! Even greater is the curiosity about what we know at this 70 thousand miles of adventure. Thank you all for the support and see you for America!

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