Three friends recreate 1969 Alaska journey nearly six decades later

Fifty-seven years ago, three Eugene teenagers piled into a van and headed north. Not for a vacation or a road trip, but for an adventure that would shape the rest of their lives. In the summer of 1969, Greg Theim, Gary Gleaves and Ty Pierce left Oregon for Alaska shortly after graduating from high school. The friends, who have known each other since seventh grade, set out with little more than determination and a sense of adventure. At 17 years old, they traveled without smartphones, GPS or any guarantee they would find work when they arrived. "They actually discouraged us," Theim recalled. "They said the jobs are for local people, but we were persistent." READ MORE: https://kval.com/news/local/57-years-... --------------------- Stay connected with us online and on social media! Visit our website: https://kval.com/ Follow us on X:   / kvalnews   Follow us on IG:   / kvalnews   Have a news tip? [email protected] #liveonkval #KVAL #Eugene #Springfield #Corvallis #Albany #Roseburg #CoosBay #Oregon #News #LocalNews #OregonNews #KVALNews #PNW #PacificNorthWest #EugeneOregon #SpringfieldOregon #CorvallisOregon #AlbanyOregon #RoseburgOregon #CoosBayOregon #RoadTrip #VanLife #Alaska #Friendship #Friends #BestFriends