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The next morning, the four piled into the landrover. As they began the 1,522 mile drive, Chad wondered how his parents were and what was going on back home. Shirley and Thomas were on everyone's thoughts, so much so, that Adam even took a minute to pray for "those back home who need Your constant grace," before starting the engine.

A sign reading "You are now entering the world famous Alaska Highway" with a large red arrow, marked the start of the journey. Kevin sat in the back seat with Chad, never forgetting that for him, this wasn't a vacation. No matter where they went, or what they did, he must always be alert to possible danger.

A few miles into the drive, the satellite phone rang. It was Shirley, wanting to speak with Chad. After the boy had finished talking to his mother, he was sadly quiet. Shirley hadn't said anything that he didn't already know, but he did learn for the first time that his father was threatening to fight for his custody. Shirley was careful not to sound hopeless, but from the sound of her voice, Chad knew his mother was having a difficult time.

Adam checked the rear view mirror and saw the boy's pitiful face.

"Hey, Chad," the uncle said, in an encouraging tone, "why don't you tell us a little about this road we're on? When was it built?"

"It was constructed in 1942, by the United States Army to be used as a strategic military route that could be used in any weather," replied Chad.

"Go on," coaxed Charlie, when the young boy had stopped.

"It's 1,522 miles long, and stretches from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Delta Junction, Alaska, though most people choose to drive a few miles further to Fairbanks, as the end of their trip."

"We have our own personal tour guide," grinned Adam, checking the rear view mirror once more.

"We're going to Fairbanks, aren't we?" asked Kevin, who was mildly interested.

Chad nodded his head in the affirmative and leaned back in his seat with another sigh.

"How long did the Army take to finish the road?" inquired the ex-navy SEAL.

"I know what you guys are trying to do," said Chad. "You don't have to cheer me up."

"Yes, we do," replied Charlie. "When one part of the body suffers, we all suffer. '[When] one member suffer, all the members suffer with it.'" [1 Corinthians 12:26]

"Come on," urged Adam, with a kind smile, "how long did it take to build this highway?"

"What does it matter how long it took?" replied Chad. "No one here really cares."

"Perhaps we don't," admitted Adam, "but humor us."

"If it's not finished, we're in trouble!" laughed Charlie.

"It took eight months," responded Chad, knowingly.

"Really, so short a time as that?" mused Kevin. "Not bad for just Army guys. Now if the Navy had done it..."

"Hey," called out Adam, "how about taking the scenic route for a little of the way?"

"Not if that's code for 'no pavement,'" replied Charlie, only half joking.

The landrover turned off the highway and onto a part of the "Old Alaska Highway" which went on for a few kilometers before rejoining the main road.

"Look up ahead," said Adam, taking one hand off the wheel and pointing.

Chad sat up in his seat. Ahead was the Kiskatinaw Bridge, one of the last wooden bridges that still remained from the original construction of the Alaska Highway. The old wooden bridge snaked in a graceful nine degree curved angle that spanned the Kiskatinaw River below.

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