Hiya Trek420,
Well, I don't remember Walter specifically but, if he shared with you the tough time we had on Day 2 of AAVR2001, then he was surely battling the elements out there with us. I did the Montana AIDS Vaccine ride the following year (where we also had some severe weather challenges on Day 2), but I heard from buddies who rode in Alaska in 2001 that they enjoyed great weather - lucky them.
At any rate, send my regards along to Walter!
Mary