The Sun City Veterans Association Color Guard at Sun City’s Veterans Day event.
PHOTO BY WARD LITZENBERG
Stirring Veterans Day in Sun City
BY JOE TURINO Contributor
Despite uncooperative weather preventing an outdoor gathering, it did not dampen the spirits at the Sun City Veteran’s Day event, which brought approximately five hundred attendees to Magnolia Hall for a compelling program honoring our nation’s veterans. Guest Speaker, USMC Sergeant Major Robert Bechtel, introduced by Sun City Veterans Association Commander Dale Dietz, captivated the audience with a profound speech drawn from his 21 years of service, emphasizing the deep trust that soldiers share with one another.
Sergeant Major Bechtel, who began his illustrious career at Parris Island in 1998, filled various significant roles including drill instructor and chief faculty advisor at Camp John, Camp Lejeune. His commendable service in Iraq and Afghanistan earned him the Bronze Star and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a “V” device for valor under fire, as well as the Combat Action Ribbon. Having retired
in 2020, he now shapes the future of the Marines as a civilian training officer at Parris Island.
During his speech, he vividly described a gripping operation in Afghanistan where his unit faced fierce enemy fire while wrapping up a six-day mission. Reflecting on these intense moments, he remarked, “Charging towards danger without a second thought. That’s the bond that’s bigger than any one of us. It is a bond that doesn’t break once we leave the battlefield. Veterans are always there for each other in big ways and small.” These words capture the unwavering commitment to comrades that define military service in perilous times. Adding, “Because we know what it means to rely on one another in life’s most challenging moments, as veterans, we carry these values forward. We have a unique opportunity to bring that spirit into our communities. Especially here in Sun City, where many of you have become leaders and mentors and advocates for the military and our veteran communities. Our duty doesn’t end when
Left: The audience at Sun City’s Veterans Day observance fills Magnolia Hall with veterans, Sun City Residents, and dignitaries attending the event.
Below: The May River Brass Ensemble, left, and the Sun City Singers, right, perform at Sun City’s Veterans Day Observance.
we take off the uniform.”
He concluded, “Let us honor our service and shared values by continuing to serve our communities, by reaching out to those who need support, and by standing as examples of strength and integrity. As we honor the sacrifices of our veterans, let us also celebrate their ongoing dedication to our nation and community, acknowledging the enduring support of their families and friends that fortifies the backbone of our nation.”
The program concluded with a benediction from Sun City Veteran’s Association Chaplain Lauren Evans, who said, “Lord God, as we conclude this tribute, grant that every veteran feels truly and properly honored by our gratitude. Help us all remember that freedom does not automatically perpetuate itself, that we must work at it, nurture it, protect it, and pray for it. Freedom, like faith, needs our attention and our cooperation.’ Let this understanding guide us in our service to each other and our nation.”
The event included the Sun City Veterans
Association Color Guard, the Bluffton ROTC Color Guard, the May River Brass Ensemble, and the Sun City Singers, who as the program closed led a heartfelt rendition of “God Bless America.” The Master of Ceremonies for the Sun City Veterans Association, Carl Trovato, expressed gratitude to everyone present, including veterans, residents, and dignitaries, and acknowledged “all the generous advertisers” whose support made the event a success. He announced that the Sun City Veterans Association will donate over $20,000 this year to more than fifteen organizations dedicated to supporting veterans and active-duty members in the Low Country.
As the community reflects on this day of remembrance, the echoes of “God Bless America” serve as a poignant reminder of our collective duty to uphold the ideals for which so many have sacrificed. This shared commitment, highlighted during the day’s events, underscores the resilience and unity that continue to inspire and drive Sun City forward.
PHOTOS BY WARD LITZENBERG
BY ANDREA HOERNER Contributor
Shalom, Shalom,
You’ll find Shalom
A one-of-a-kind Sun City club
The nicest greeting you know; It means bonjour, salud, and skoal And twice as much as hello. It means a million lovely things, Like peace be yours, Welcome home.
And even when you say goodbye, You say goodbye with Shalom. from the musical Milk and Honey
One of 71 Sun City Chartered Clubs, the Shalom Club was founded in 1997 with 27 members. Since that time, having gone through some changes, the club has now grown to 435 members. While many Sun City clubs focus on common interests such as computers, painting or sewing, this club offers an opportunity to socialize and learn. Mitch Sacks, the club president, stressed, “This is not a religious club, but an energetic, non-sectarian social club.”
Toni Valenstein had this to say. “The Shalom Club is truly one-of-a-kind. Each month, we host diverse events that attract large crowds. As a long-time member and current board member, I’ve witnessed firsthand the club’s commitment to inclusivity. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned resident, single or married, everyone feels welcome. Our events cater to a wide range of interests. Personally, I discovered the value of the Shalom Club during a difficult time. After becoming widowed, I realized that many community events were primarily geared towards couples. The Shalom Club, however, embraces individuals and fosters social connections. Every month, I eagerly anticipate our next event.”
Events held this past year include the 9-11 Remembrance, an event for the entire community. The club and Del Webb sponsored the installation of a 9-11 memorial plaque outside the Purrysburg Fitness Center. A Menorah lighting was held last December with music and refreshments in the pavilion. The Menorah lighting this year will be held on Friday, December 27, since Hanukkah and Christmas are both on the same day, December 25.
An outreach activity to benefit the community included an auction, raising $1,054
for Back Buddies, which supports local families with school age children by providing the kids’ weekend meals. And a drive that saw 14 turkeys donated to Bluffton Community Soup Kitchen.
Shalom Club social activities this past year included a Riverbend picnic, entertainment by the SCHH Jazz Band, the Not So Newlywed Game and an Ice Cream Social with Trivia.
Mitch and his wife Patti moved from Cincinnati to Sun City in 2015. They discov-
ered Sun City while on Hilton Head Island on vacation. Mitch spent 46 years as a professional umpire. He ran a school for umpires, Sandlot America, and had 500 umpires working for him at one time. Officiating at youth baseball games all over the U.S., Mitch said, “it was great to meet so many people and get to know local customs.” He served in the USMC in Vietnam in 1966. He is active in other Sun City activities including the Softball Club. Mitch and Patti have a son and wife in New Hampshire and a daughter and husband
Chicago and four lovely grandchildren. The Shalom Club’s mission is to provide members with the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy a variety of social, educational and cultural experiences. Meetings are the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m., usually in Pinckney Hall. Membership is $10 per person, and you must be a Sun City resident. For more information, contact Mitch Sacks, ump25@ earthlink.net.
in
Shalom Club table at the Sun City Club Fair. From left to right Etta Yospa (Hospitality), Phyllis Galimi (VP) and Ellen Dutka (Membership)
Above: Mitch Sacks President of the Shalom Club presenting a check for $1,054 to Sheri Capstick and Edie Autouri from Back Pack Buddies.
Left: 9/11 memorial plaque dedicated by Shalom Club and Del Webb
Constance Martin-Witter, Director of Bluffton Community Soup Kitchen, with donated turkeys
Protect your property with Beaufort County’s free alert service
BY GARY SMYTHE Contributor
As a trusted real estate professional serving the Bluffton and Hilton Head communities, I’m always on the lookout for valuable resources and services that help homeowners safeguard their investments. One such service, offered by the Beaufort County Register of Deeds (ROD), is designed to protect homeowners from potential fraud, and it’s absolutely free.
Patsye Greene, the Beaufort County Register of Deeds, recently highlighted a critical yet underutilized tool: the Property Alert Service. This service notifies property owners via email whenever a document is recorded under their name or tied to their property. It’s an invaluable early warning system to detect unauthorized or fraudulent activity involving your property.
Property fraud is a growing concern nationwide. Unsuspecting homeowners may only discover an issue when they attempt to sell their property or refinance their mortgage. By signing up for email alerts, you can take proactive steps to ensure your property’s records remain secure.
Here’s how it works: The service monitors documents recorded with the owner’s name or property identification (District/ Map/Parcel). If a document matching your details is filed, you’ll receive an immediate email notification. While the service can’t prevent fraud outright, early detection allows homeowners to act quickly by contacting local law enforcement.
Depending on your location in Beaufort County, the appropriate authorities include:
• Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office: (843) 255-3200, 2001 Duke St, Beaufort
• City of Beaufort Police Department: (843) 322-7900, 1901 Boundary St, Suite 102, Beaufort
• Town of Port Royal Police Department: (843) 986-2220, 1748 Paris Ave, Port Royal
• Town of Bluffton Police: (843) 706-4550, 101 Progressive St, Bluffton
Homeowners can also register property details for elderly loved ones, adding an extra layer of protection against scams targeting vulnerable individuals. The service covers all types of land, occupied or vacant, within Beaufort County.
To enroll in the Property Alert Service, visit the Beaufort County Register of Deeds website (https://www.beaufortcountysc.gov/register-of-deeds/index. html) and follow the registration links. There is no limit to the number of subscribers for a specific property or party name, so you can ensure comprehensive coverage for your assets.
This free service exemplifies the county’s commitment to protecting its citizens.
As someone who has spent decades assisting homeowners in the Bluffton and Hilton Head area, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of this proactive measure. For more information, contact the Beaufort County Register of Deeds at (843) 255-2555.
Your home is one of your most significant investments. Safeguard it with the tools and resources available to you, starting with the Property Alert Service.
The resource for this article was Beaufort County SC News.
Gary Smythe is a local real agent with William Raveis Real Estate focusing on the Hilton Head and Bluffton areas.
Gary Smythe
Ready for it: end of the year tax tips
BY CURTIS LOFTIS Contributor
It goes fast, doesn’t it? Just when you’re comfortable with the back-to-school routine, here come the holidays. Take a deep breath and enjoy the season – 2024 version.
But once the decorations are packed up and the wrapping paper is in the trash, I hope you’ll set aside a few moments to get ready for a very different kind of season: tax time. You’ll want to be sure to close out the year strong to be in the best situation when Tax Day rolls around.
Timing is everything
Taxes are usually due on April 15th of each year - unless the day falls on a weekend. However, this tax season will be different for some states, including ours. Because of the devastation of Hurricane Helene, South Carolina will have their taxes due on May 1, 2025.
Get motivated
Begin by estimating your federal in-
come tax bill for the year. You can find your tax bracket as well as standard deduction information on the IRS website. Your federal tax estimate will motivate you to consider using a win-win strategy that can lower your state tax bill.
Save for the win
One of the best moves you can make to subtract from your state tax bill actually involves adding to your own education savings. By contributing to your Future Scholar 529 college savings account, you could reap the benefits of state tax incentives now. South Carolina is one of more than thirty states, along with the District of Columbia, that offer tax incentives to families who save with a 529 plan.
The tax savings can be significant. South Carolina allows residents to deduct 100% of the amount they contribute to Future Scholar, South Carolina’s 529 plan on their SC state income tax return. It’s a great benefit for the citizens of the Palmetto State.
Deadlines matter
Of course, there’s no deadline to contribute to your 529 account. However, if you want your contributions to qualify for tax savings for your 2024 tax returns, you
can take advantage of the extended tax deadline and make contributions up until May 1 and deduct them from your South Carolina state income tax return.
Be a front loader
The IRS has a special gifting feature that will allow a larger amount of money to be given at one time. Called frontloading or superfunding, this feature gives your funds the ability to compound for a longer time than they would if you were making regular annual contributions. Through frontloading, your 529 plan may be funded up to the 2024 annual exclusion of $18,000 for a single person or $36,000 for a married couple. When you front-load, you contribute a one-time gift of the amount that is usually allowed over five years – without paying gift taxes. With frontloading, a single person can contribute $90,000 per child in one year and enjoy the benefits of compounding interest on a larger amount. The contribution will be removed from the contributor’s taxable estate and will be treated by the IRS as if $18,000 were given per year for five years. Of course, any contributions made beyond this amount over the five years could be subject to federal
taxes. A financial professional can help you decide if front-loading could work for your family and your financial situation. Earmark your refund
Expecting a tax refund in 2025? Decide today to use it to invest in your child’s future education. Earmark it for a lump sum contribution to boost your 529 college savings. That way you know you’re using it for something meaningful.
Appreciate your genius
While you’re enjoying the last few days of 2024, take a minute to appreciate how smart your decision to save with a Future Scholar 529 account really is. You’re saving for college tax free, and when the time comes to use those 529 funds to pay for qualified education expenses like tuition, books, computers, room and board, you’ll be withdrawing your funds tax-free, too. Congratulations - genius move.
Curtis Loftis is the State Treasurer of South Carolina. He also serves as the administrator of South Carolina’s Future Scholar 529 College Savings Plan. Visit treasurer.sc.gov or futurescholar.com for more information on ways to save through a 529 plan.
Memory Matters: Comprehensive Dementia Support in the Lowcountry
Since its founding in 1997, Memory Matters has provided quality professional services to support adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) by helping individuals remain safely in their homes and communities through day program services and caregiver support. Memory Matters balances Brain Health Education with professional Memory Care Services. We offer a Memory Care Adult Day Respite Program and comprehensive dementia support services, including caregiver and community education, a memory enhancement class for those with mild cog-
nitive impairment, free memory screenings, resources/guidance, caregiver support groups, dementia sensitivity training for local businesses/organizations, crisis management, care consultations and much more. Our impact continues to grow as we expand into Greater Beaufort, Jasper Counties and surrounding areas.
Memories Do Matter: 2025 Speaker Series presented by Dave Ekedahl
We are excited to announce our 3rd Annual Memories Do Matter: 2025 Speaker Series. This informative and innovative series will highlight local and regional neurologists, an elder law attorney, and
include a poignant personal account from an individual’s perspective about living with dementia. This series is being offered to the public for free.
Session #1 will be held Friday, February 28, 10 a.m. -12 p.m., at Grace Community Church in Hilton Head featuring Dr. Gregory S. Day, speaking on Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Alzheimer Disease. This will include strategies to help prevent dementia. Dr. Day is an Associate Professor, Director of the Division of Behavioral Neurology, and Vice Chair of Research within the Department of Neurology at Mayo Clinic in Florida. His research is supported by the National Institute on Aging and focuses on improving the clinical diagnosis,
Curtis Loftis
MEMORY
FROM PAGE 6SCS
characterization, treatment and prevention of common and uncommon causes of dementia, including Alzheimer Disease and related dementias.
Session #2 will be held Tuesday, March 18, 10 a.m. -12 p.m. at The Rotary Community Ctr at Oscar Frazier Park in Bluffton. Neurologist, Paramod Chopade of Novant Health will be speaking about dementia types and management of the disease. Memory Matters is proud to help connect families with experts to answer questions and bridge the gap between physicians and access to services. We connect families with experts by including ample time for discussion after each session.
Session # 3 will be Wednesday, April 9, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at St. Gregory the Great Parish Life Center in Bluffton. Lisa Hostetler Brown, Managing Attorney, Lawyer Lisa, will discuss estate planning and elder law issues that families affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD) encounter. Lisa has been practicing law since 2007 and was a share-
holder, department head and committee chair at her prior law firm. She started LawyerLisa in 2014 to provide thoughtful and creative solutions to her clients’ needs. Lisa is a certified specialist in elder law. This designation is through the National Elder Law Foundation and is an ABA accredited specialist certification.
Session #4 will be held Wednes-
day, October 8, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., at Grace Community Church in Hilton Head. We are proud to invite Samuel A. Simon to share his personal experience. Dementia Man, An Existential Journey is the award-winning autobiographical story of a man who faces his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease by actor and playwright Samuel A. Simon. In this fulllength theatrical piece, Simon takes the stage as a man facing his cognitive decline and asks the hard questions of what to do next in the face of what he calls “an existential journey.” It is a peek into the head and heart of the struggle with a broken medical system and a personal and family challenge. The play challenges the audience to imagine a meaningful future for the millions of people with neurocognitive disease, with accommodation and adaptation. Sam Simon was diagnosed in 2018 with Mild-Cognitive Impairment and in 2021 with Early-Stage Alzheimer’s. There will be a discussion period after the performance with Sam and Susan.
Registration opens January 1, 2025, for this free Speaker Series. To register visit www.mymemorymatters.org.
BY CHRIS ROOSA Contributor
Let’s get a new dog
“Let’s get a new dog,” I said. “It’ll be so much fun.”
Little did I know what I was getting myself into. I spent the next 30 months looking for an adult, Tri-colored King Charles Cavalier.
Of course, as the search continued and the months passed by, I was getting that much older, really old! I had taken more falls, broken more bones in the plight of looking for this perfect dog. I had just told my husband I was going to give up on my quest when I received the phone call I had been waiting for all those long months. The search was over. Come pick up this beautiful three-year-old retired breeding male.
The breeder met me with dog in hand and a belly band. I had never seen a belly band, nor did I know it’s purpose. I soon found out that he’d hike on anything! See the table leg? Hike. See the chair? Hike. Oh, a piano leg! Big hike. This went on until I had him neutered ten days later. Thankfully, the hiking stopped immediately, but in the interim, I learned the full purpose of a belly band.
In those first weeks, it was like he was in shock. He wouldn’t drink water for 27 hours. Wouldn’t eat a morsel of food for three days. Would only accept small hand feedings for the first two weeks. Nervous, shy, skeptical of us, skittish, wouldn’t come, knew no commands and didn’t even respond to his own name. Certainly not the lovable little bundle I thought I was getting.
Just about the time he began to timidly approach me, I took him for his neutering. That blew the trust issue for another 10 days. Plus, the dog had lost two pounds, so now I was concerned he would starve to death. Little did I know what was to come.
By week three he was starting to warm up. Toys were new to his vocabulary. My living room has more scattered with an assortment of toys now than when I had three toddlers under five. Stuffing was being pulled out daily. Soft, stuffed characters were violently tossed around bouncing off my head, into my piano, on
top the armoire, behind furniture. I was hopping up and down like a jack-rabbit to retrieve them for the anxious, hyper dog.
Picking up toy guts became my daily routine along with replacing torn up toys with new toys. I finally reverted to buying used toys from resale shops for 50 cents. If he lost a toy in the tossing faze, as fast as his feet would carry him, he’d spin and spin in circles, like an idiot grabbing his tail while growling at himself.
Kisses seemed foreign to this canine. Previously potty trained to use a doggy-door, the leash was foreign, and leash training became a whole new venture.
Many hours were spent outside giving the bathroom command. Many hours were spent inside cleaning up the oops!
Paper was another issue. If he even found a morsel of paper, it was history. Shredded into minuscule scraps all over
the living room. Books were dragged off shelves, eyeglasses were used as teething rings and newspapers decorated the flooring throughout the house. It was like having a two-year-old hyped up on speed vomiting scraps of paper or stuffing throughout my domain.
He went from this picky, no eating dog to a pet that inhaled his food so quickly that we had to purchase a divider dish to slow him down from gulping his food. That’s all he wanted to do...eat!
My husband lost 70 pounds this year. Everything is big on him. He fell asleep at his computer one evening. At some point, I heard something drop, looked up but saw nothing. I was on my iPad when I happened to look over at the Cavalier. He looked really odd. I leaned in closer to see why his face looked so disfigured. To my horror, his lips were clamped down on my
husband’s bottom denture. It was the funniest looking sight! I pried the teeth lose from his mouth and placed them back on my husband’s desk, forgetting about them. Later, my husband woke, picked up his denture and replaced it in his mouth, not knowing that the Cavalier had been slobbering all over it and playing with it like a new toy. I was laughing so hard I could hardly get the words out to tell my husband what had happened! Today, we’ve had this little gem for eight weeks. He has, indeed, turned into the perfect, loving dog. It was a trying two months, but he has settled into our home life and is truly a member of our family.
Chris Roosa is a resident of Sun City Hilton Head.
Pets of the Week
Grayson Bob
More than anything, Bob wants to be the center of someone’s world! This happy-go-lucky 2-year-old gives off good vibes and makes friends wherever he goes. If you’re looking for a best friend to accompany you on all of life’s great adventures, Bob is ready to fill that important role. He is neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped. For more info, call Palmetto Animal League at 843-645-1725 or email Info@PalmettoAnimalLeague.org.
Need a lap warmer? Meet Grayson! This charming, 5-year-old boy loves to sit on your lap, and he is an excellent snuggler. Grayson has such a good heart. He is often found at Palmetto Animal League comforting orphaned kittens. He is neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped. For more info, call PAL at 843645-1725 or email Info@PalmettoAnimalLeague.org.
By Leslie Rohland Contributor
Bite-sized is right sized:
delicious mini holiday desserts that make a big impression
beautifully presented array of delicious bite-sized December delicacies – which can often be as much fun to make (and display) as they are to eat!
If there’s anything that people enjoy more than holiday desserts, it’s the chance to sample lots of perfectly proportioned special sweet treats at holiday get-togethers. Of course, although festive full-sized cakes, pies, and traditional Christmas fruitcakes will always be part of most menus this season, there is something particularly enticing to guests about a
Christmas Cookie Bar
Yields 24
2 C. packed brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. baking powder Mini chocolate chips Christmas sprinkles
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13” pan with foil and spray well
Mix butter and brown sugar with a stand or a hand mixer until crumbly. Mix in eggs and vanilla until smooth. Mix in salt, baking powder, then flour. Stir in desired amount of the M&Ms, sprinkles and chips.
Spread in prepared pan. The mixture is wet so it’s best to spray your hands with cooking spray and then smooth the dough with your hands to get an even layer. Top with more sprinkles.
Bake for about 22-25 minutes until they start to turn golden. Allow to fully cool then slice into bars.
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to a month.
Here are three of my favorite bite-sized holiday desserts that prove that bigger isn’t always better… and which can add fun and festivity to any occasion this holiday season.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas, happy holidaysand a holiday season filled with enjoying the little things in life!
Chocolate Crinkle
1 C. natural unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 C. granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 C. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. espresso powder (optional)
1 C. powdered sugar
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment by hand with a wooden spoon) beat together the cocoa powder, sugar, and vegetable oil until it comes together into a shiny dough.
Add the eggs, one at a time, and then the vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder if using.
Mix in the chocolate mixture on low speed until just combined. Do not over-beat.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill the dough for four hours or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the powdered sugar in a wide bowl.
Using a rounded teaspoon, scoop out clumps of the chilled dough and roll them into 1-inch sized balls using your hands. Do several at a time and drop them into the powdered sugar as you go. The dough will be quite sticky, so it’s useful to roll the dough in batches. Roll the balls in the powdered sugar and place on the cookie sheets spaced a few inches apart. Bake at 350°F for 11 to 13 minutes. Allow to cool a minute or two on the sheets before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Leslie Rohland is the owner of The Cottage Café, Bakery & Tea Room, The Bluffton Pasta Shoppe and The Juice Hive. She was named one of the 2024 Chef Ambassadors for the state of South Carolina.
Jon Watkins’ epic motorcycle journey: from Sun City to the edge of the Arctic
BY JOE TURINO Contributor
For Jon Watkins of Sun City, his motorcycle journey from Sun City to Alaska wasn’t just a trip—it was a testament to resilience, resourcefulness and the sheer thrill of adventure. Over five weeks, he clocked more than 15,000 miles, riding through some of the most unforgiving terrains in North America, including the infamous Dalton and Dempster Highways. Along the way, he faced challenges that could have ended the trip for most, but not for Watkins and his riding partner, John Gorman of Virginia.
According to Watkins, the Dalton and Dempster Highways are notorious among motorcyclists for a reason. These single-lane, dirt roads stretch over 1,000 miles round trip, cutting through remote wilderness in Alaska and Canada’s Northwest Territories. Each turn comes with blinding dust, slippery gravel and the constant threat of the unexpected.
“The Dalton Highway is not a highway—it’s a battle,” Watkins said. “And the Dempster? The dust was so thick I could barely see a foot ahead of me. At one point, I nearly collided with an RV following a semi too closely in a dust plume.”
Despite the risks, Watkins reached Deadhorse, Alaska, on his 66th birthday. “It wasn’t planned, but arriving there that day felt like destiny,” he said. After a brief stop for fuel, photos and a meal at the Brooks Hotel, the pair began their arduous journey south.
On June 24, Watkins and Gorman were riding the desolate Dempster Highway, deep in the wilderness, when disaster struck. A warning light on Watkins’ bike flashed, signaling a flat tire. He pulled over, but before he could stop, the rear tire was completely deflated.
“I thought I was prepared for anything,” Watkins said. “I had a repair kit, but this was no ordinary puncture.” The tire’s lug was shredded, leaving a three-inch gash that could not be patched.
Watkins left his motorcycle alongside the road and hitched a ride 56 miles to Eagle Plains, the nearest settlement, carrying the damaged tire to seek repairs. Hours later, Watkins received a satellite message: the tire was irreparable. With no spare tire within hundreds of miles, Watkins was stranded.
But the duo was not ready to give up. Gorman volunteered to take the damaged wheel 700 miles south to Whitehorse, where a Yamaha dealership had a replacement tire. Complicating matters further, wildfires had closed the main road, forcing Gorman to sleep alongside his bike while waiting for it to reopen. When the road cleared, Gorman raced at breakneck
speeds to reach Whitehorse before the tire shipment deadline.
“He made it with just 15 minutes to spare,” Watkins said. “It was a miracle.”
Meanwhile, Watkins waited in Eagle Plains, grappling with isolation and uncertainty. “You feel so small out there,” he said. “It’s the middle of nowhere, and you’re at the mercy of the elements.”
By Friday, June 28, the new tire arrived at Eagle Plains, delivered by truck. The motel manager gave Watkins a ride back to his stranded bike, where he mounted the tire and finally continued south. “That tire cost me $3,000 when all was said and done, but getting back on the road was priceless,” Watkins said.
Beyond the mechanical challenges, Watkins’ trip was filled with unforgettable moments. Camping at Lake Louise and riding the Icefields Parkway in Alberta provided views of glacier-fed lakes and snowcapped peaks. In Dawson City, Yukon, he joined the Dust to Dawson motorcycle rally and met a colorful character he nicknamed “The Dude,” a companion who added humor to the journey.
Alaska’s endless daylight proved disorienting at times, with only a brief dusk around midnight. And the wildlife—grizzlies, bison, and moose—was both awe-inspiring and a stark reminder of nature’s power.
Watkins’ equipment was tested to its limits. The Dalton Highway’s infamous calcium carbide mud clogged his bike’s radiators, nearly causing it to overheat. “The highway is a beast,” Watkins said. “It’s slippery when wet, and when dry, it turns to cement.”
By the end of June, the relentless pace and challenges began to wear on Watkins. Deciding it was time to head home, he retraced his steps through Canada and the U.S., stopping to visit the Little Bighorn Battlefield and several Lewis and Clark sites.
Crossing the border back into the U.S. on July 5 felt triumphant. “I’ve never been so happy to be back on American soil,” Watkins said.
He arrived home in Sun City on July 11, mentally and physically exhausted, but with memories to last a lifetime. “The flat tire on the Dempster Highway was the most stressful experience I’ve ever had on a motorcycle,” Watkins admitted. “But the trip as a whole? Absolutely worth it. This adventure was a dream come true.”
For Watkins, this was not just a motorcycle trip. It was a testament to resilience, the kindness of strangers and the beauty of life lived fully. “It wasn’t just about the destination,” Watkins said. “It was about the adventure and the stories I’ll tell for the rest of my life.”
John Watkins, pictured with his motorcycle packed with all he traveled with, stopping for a photo in Dawson Creek, B.C., Canada, before entering the Alaska Highway. Also pictured is his motorcycle he left alongside the road with the rear tire missing as he left it in search of getting it repaired.
