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Day 18 - 7:00 PM
An Inspiring Finish to an Epic Adventure
It's difficult in written text to adequately convey the immensity and majesty of the far north. To begin accurately communicating those attributes, one must use their body's full range of movement and reach to describe the height and magnificence of the innumerable peaks that are clustered together like some colossal, erratic pleating of snow-covered rock that meets the blue sky.
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| Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com |
The ancient forces hurled together to create such a rugged environment are beyond conception for mere mortals with no greater understanding of geological science - such as I - than the caribou and bighorn sheep that traverse these great lands. Despite my deficit of geological expertise, I now feel an attachment to the north and a depth of understanding that can only germinate from breathing the northern air and standing witness to its grandeur.
So whom do I thank for this great experience and to whom do I owe a debt of gratitude? The list is extensive but I must credit Stefano Vichi and his intrepid group of Porsche-loving Italian colleagues that conceived this brilliant feat of exploration. Without their vision, there would have been no North American Arctic Group Adventure. So to my Italian friends: la ringrazio molto per rendere questo viaggio possibile, e per la vostra amicizia e gentilezza.
Of course, without the support of Porsche Canada and their Manager of Public Relations, Laurance Yap, the north would not have been conquered. And there are the Porsche reps, Rick Bye and Tony Morris Sr., both of whom are former race car champions of great distinction. With their positive words and extensive expertise around all things automotive, these two gents shepherded us through the many challenges that accompany such a boundless excursion.
The fleet of 2011 Porsches pursuing the Arctic consisted of two V8-powered Cayenne S models, joined by a V6 version and the new Cayenne S hybrid. Despite the loss of a Cayenne Turbo due to an unexpected meeting with a snow bank during slushy conditions, and a potential false engine temperature reading in the V6-powered Porsche SUV, the vehicles were definitely right for the job.
We benefited greatly from the extra cargo and passenger room that the 2011 Cayenne supplies over that of last year's model. We were also pleased to find improved performance thanks to advancements such as an 8-speed automatic transmission, a driver-selectable Sport Mode in the V6 version and a weight reduction of approximately 400 pounds in all 2011 Cayennes.
Along with the weight reduction, torque-vectoring between the inside and outside rear wheels - known in Porsche lingo as Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) - further improves stability and cornering dynamics for 2011. Given some of the switchbacks and tight corners we dealt with on Highway 37 and the Duffy Lake Road, the added security of PTV Plus was truly appreciated.
As many BC locals know, the Duffy Lake Road, which reaches Pemberton and Whistler BC via the back route from Lillooet BC, is a spectacular route but also one that's fraught with danger and hardship. This rudimentary road twists and turns perilously as it rises from the valley floor into the mountains and over the Cayoosh Summit.
Our good fortune found us on the Duffy Lake Road after it had been cleared of the previous evening's snowfall. This stroke of good luck spoiled us with sensational vistas of freshly fallen snow coating the peaks and valleys of the Cadwellder Range. A more picturesque homecoming could not have been possible.
After a stop in BC's Whistler ski resort, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics, we embraced the Sea to Sky Highway (or in this case, Sky to Sea Highway) for our final trek to Granville Island in Vancouver BC, where our adventure would draw to a welcomed but semi-sweet close.
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| Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com |
Yes, it was nice to be home - especially since Vancouver is truly home to me - yet I was oddly disappointed that this "once in a lifetime" adventure with such a dynamic group of diverse individuals was concluding. I'll miss the road, the life-altering northern scenery and introspective conversations with my driving partner, Grant; and of course Tony, Rick and Stefano et al.
I will, however, cherish the amazing opportunity to tour Alaska, the Yukon and northern BC. Although the drive is done, the experience will live on in my memories.
I'd like to thank everyone that followed this blog compiled by Matt St. Pierre, Lesley Wimbush and myself - I hope it provided a glimpse into the mystical north. I'd also like to thank the wonderful people of the north that we met along the way, and who so kindly embraced our expedition and provided warm words of encouragement and advice; you live amidst mystery and magic, don't ever take it for granted.
And finally, I'd like to thank our server in the restaurant at the Alcan Motor Inn, Haines Junction, for humoring us with her offer to flick on the northern lights.
Ciao to all.
Rob