Ep 8. Anchorage to Calgary

Ewan McGregor, Charley Boorman, and their crew must traverse the Alcan Highway, also known as the Alaska Highway, which stretches 1,500 miles from Anchorage, Alaska to Dawson Creek, British Columbia. The road, built in the 1940s for military purposes, has a reputation for being rugged and unforgiving, with few towns and facilities along the way. The crew faces challenging terrain, including steep mountain passes, gravel roads, and unpredictable weather. They must also contend with the remote landscape, which is home to wildlife such as bears and moose.

The team splits up, with Ewan and Charley traveling separately in order to cover more ground. Charley navigates a section of the highway known as the Cassiar Highway, which has few paved sections and requires careful driving. Along the way, he encounters a group of friendly travelers who offer him and his crew a place to stay for the night. Ewan, meanwhile, faces his own challenges on the Dalton Highway, which is known for its steep inclines and poor road conditions. He stops at Coldfoot, a small town that serves as a base for workers on the nearby oil pipeline.

The crew eventually reunites in Dawson Creek, where they meet up with their old friend, Claudio von Planta, who has joined them on previous adventures. From there, they head east toward Calgary, Alberta, passing through the scenic Canadian Rockies. Along the way, they meet locals who offer assistance, including a group of bikers who invite them to their campsite.

Despite the challenges and uncertainties of the Alcan Highway, the team perseveres and makes it to Calgary, where they are greeted by a warm welcome. The journey has allowed them to see parts of North America that they never would have seen otherwise, and has tested their endurance and resilience. They arrive with a greater appreciation for the beauty and vastness of the continent, and a renewed sense of adventure.