We have arrived in Alaska and only have 205 miles left to finish the drive to Healy. 

We saw 24 Dall Sheep in their usual spot near Destruction Bay.  Once (2022?)  we saw them near the highway, but today they were dots unless we zoomed in with binoculars or camera.

We saw a Northern Harrier hunting the ditch beside the road, a lot of Snow Buntings and Ravens, plus 3 Bald Eagles.  We trudged through snow trying to determine why 3 eagles and 2 ravens were hanging around a rest area, but never found a carcass.

We have driven 4188 miles (6740 kilometers) in the past 9 days and are one full day ahead of our rough plan.  By seeking gas, motels, food, and fun as near to the route as possible, we have only driven 125 miles out of our way.   

I think averaging 14 miles per day of deviation while averaging 465 total per day is great.  I had playfully hoped we could keep our total to 4400 miles.  If we made a straight shot tomorrow, we could total 4393 miles.  However,  since tomorrow is a shopping and errands day in Fairbanks, I think we’ll be a bit over the 4400.

Tonight we are staying at the excellent Alaska Frontier Inn in Delta Junction for $117.   We have a comfy couch, small kitchen, access to a washer and dryer, plus breakfast tomorrow.  Every time I wash my hands or dishes this trip, I am grateful for the sink and tap. Our last night with a couch or running water for a while!   

It took us 15 days to get to Delta Junction last year, for various reasons including the weather. Here is the post the day we arrived, https://roaming-nature.com/2023/03/16/day-fifteen-western-yukon-to-delta-junction-ak/