This trip ended with a cracked windshield from a tow truck passing us at no less than 70 mph in the breakdown lane and kicking up a rock. The crack kept getting longer and longer. Yes, insurance will cover it and will be replaced next Wednesday. The driver's side mirror broke off even though Frank thought he had done preventative measures after he replaced the broken off passenger side mirror a year ago.
I went out back to check on the wooden wind chime (the clanger was missing again!) and discovered a dead RAT (not a mouse) in the pool skimmer. Ick!!!
After Christmas I will start planning our trip to the New England states and eastern Canada.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Roy, Dale, and Trigger
Before going to Branson Landing for some shopping, we went to the Roy Rogers Museum which Dusty Rogers relocated to Branson from Victorville, CA, some years ago. The museum featured continuous showings of the movies Roy made and had thousands of family photos and memorabilia. And, yes, Trigger, Buttermilk, and Bullet are well preserved and on display. So is Nellie Belle and several of Roy's favorite cars. We didn't stay for the show featuring Dusty and his band.
When we got to Branson Landing, I discovered the trolley doesn't stop anywhere in the parking lots. It only stops at each end of the stores and several points in between then makes a loop up Main Street then back to the Landing. At noon I watched the water fountain show and continued on my way to check out the rest of the stores. There was a good variety of stores, yet I was disappointed to find they were mostly high end.
We headed toward Mansfield and the Laura Ingalls Wilder farm where she lived most of her life and started writing the Little House series after she turned 65. The guide told us that she was concerned that daughter, Rose, who successfully wrote fiction, would "borrow" her life events and change them so she decided to write about her life the way it really happened herself. The house, which started as a shed that Almanzo dragged to its current location on a skid, is located up a hill across the street from the parking lot.
My feet hurt the rest of the day and my shin was still sore from ramming into that chair.
We continued back onto I-44 east to St. Louis to get on I-64 east to I-81 north in Virginia to see our relatives in Front Royal and Luray for a couple weeks before returning home
When we got to Branson Landing, I discovered the trolley doesn't stop anywhere in the parking lots. It only stops at each end of the stores and several points in between then makes a loop up Main Street then back to the Landing. At noon I watched the water fountain show and continued on my way to check out the rest of the stores. There was a good variety of stores, yet I was disappointed to find they were mostly high end.
We headed toward Mansfield and the Laura Ingalls Wilder farm where she lived most of her life and started writing the Little House series after she turned 65. The guide told us that she was concerned that daughter, Rose, who successfully wrote fiction, would "borrow" her life events and change them so she decided to write about her life the way it really happened herself. The house, which started as a shed that Almanzo dragged to its current location on a skid, is located up a hill across the street from the parking lot.
My feet hurt the rest of the day and my shin was still sore from ramming into that chair.
We continued back onto I-44 east to St. Louis to get on I-64 east to I-81 north in Virginia to see our relatives in Front Royal and Luray for a couple weeks before returning home
Monday, October 27, 2008
Branson Belle Showboat Trip
Excellent food but too much, great show, smooth ride, and a lot of fun, that's the Branson Belle Showboat tour of Table Rock Lake near Branson.
EXCEPT, during the show I needed the restroom so, not wanting to distract the audience by going through the curtains to either side of the stage, I went to the back, up a flight of stairs and across an unlit section of tables, to get to the second floor front restroom. On my way back to the table I went down the stairs in the back and had intended to cross the auditorium through a section with shelf seating (like a balcony) and tables for four with an aisle between them when I slammed into a metal chair someone, probably a staff member, had left out in the aisle. I could see no one was sitting in this section but couldn't see the tables or chairs until I ran into that one.
By the time I had dealt with the EMT who insisted on icing the lump on my shin, and two Safety Officers with their reports, the show was over and most of the customers had gotten off the boat, including Frank. I finally caught up with him and the others.
We visited the College of the Ozarks where the Foster Museum is located. Signs all around campus say, "Hard Work U" or something similar. This college is free to any student as long as the GPA requirement is met and 15 hours of work a week for the college which pays for the books and tuition, and 40 hours a week in the summer to pay for room and board. Sounds like what every college and university should require!
We returned to the RV park for dinner then met the group in time for the Acrobats of China at the New Shanghai Theater in the evening. While waiting, I decided to look through my postcards and brochures to see if I had duplicates or if I needed to get more. In that stuff was my driver's license!
The show was fantastic! Our hands were sore from so much clapping. Those youngsters (they all looked to be no older than about 15!) were exceptionally strong and managed amazing feats: the young girl who juggled a table with her feet, the plate spinners, the drummers, the boy who look to be about eight or ten years old who walked the slack rope on his hands as well as other stunts, and the girls who twirled fabric squares with their hands and feet. And we saw all of this from front-row center seats. During the birthday/anniversary mentions at the beginning of the show, it was announced that Jon Provost (Timmy of the old "Lassie" series on TV) was present so he stood and waved.
EXCEPT, during the show I needed the restroom so, not wanting to distract the audience by going through the curtains to either side of the stage, I went to the back, up a flight of stairs and across an unlit section of tables, to get to the second floor front restroom. On my way back to the table I went down the stairs in the back and had intended to cross the auditorium through a section with shelf seating (like a balcony) and tables for four with an aisle between them when I slammed into a metal chair someone, probably a staff member, had left out in the aisle. I could see no one was sitting in this section but couldn't see the tables or chairs until I ran into that one.
By the time I had dealt with the EMT who insisted on icing the lump on my shin, and two Safety Officers with their reports, the show was over and most of the customers had gotten off the boat, including Frank. I finally caught up with him and the others.
We visited the College of the Ozarks where the Foster Museum is located. Signs all around campus say, "Hard Work U" or something similar. This college is free to any student as long as the GPA requirement is met and 15 hours of work a week for the college which pays for the books and tuition, and 40 hours a week in the summer to pay for room and board. Sounds like what every college and university should require!
We returned to the RV park for dinner then met the group in time for the Acrobats of China at the New Shanghai Theater in the evening. While waiting, I decided to look through my postcards and brochures to see if I had duplicates or if I needed to get more. In that stuff was my driver's license!
The show was fantastic! Our hands were sore from so much clapping. Those youngsters (they all looked to be no older than about 15!) were exceptionally strong and managed amazing feats: the young girl who juggled a table with her feet, the plate spinners, the drummers, the boy who look to be about eight or ten years old who walked the slack rope on his hands as well as other stunts, and the girls who twirled fabric squares with their hands and feet. And we saw all of this from front-row center seats. During the birthday/anniversary mentions at the beginning of the show, it was announced that Jon Provost (Timmy of the old "Lassie" series on TV) was present so he stood and waved.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Branson Scenic Railroad
Our train was to start boarding at 8:30 a.m. for the 9 a.m. trip into the Arkansas Ozarks going south out of Branson, so we went east on Rt. 76 (Main Street) down to Branson Landing Blvd where the depot is on the southeast corner. We were in the RV. The depot was on the right and the only parking lot we saw was on the left (north) with a barrier fence and sign saying "No Left Turn". We turned right into what we thought would be RV/bus parking just before the depot on the right to find that it was not! We attempted to turn around but didn't have enough room so we squeezed between the chain link fence and the train to get to the parallel street where we turned right, then right again, crossed over Main Street to find the parking lot entrance blocked by big concrete barriers. So we turned around again! and went back to Main Street, took a left, then at the light took another left, and about a block north of the intersection made an illegal u-turn to get back to Main Street and the only entrance to the parking lot.
We all enjoyed the train ride. All the train cars were of different vintages and included three domed cars. We were able to sit pretty much anywhere we wanted because so few people were on board.
After the train ride we drove west on Rt. 76 to the Grand Country Comedy Jamboree to have lunch in their buffet before the 2 p.m. show. When I picked up the tickets for the show, we were given front-row center seats. This has been amazing!! We've had great seating time after time!
This buffet was the very best so far. It included many choices for salads, four soups, rolls and cornbread, several veggies (not just green beans and/or corn), two cobblers with three choices of soft-serve ice cream, bread pudding with vanilla sauce, and every thing was wonderful.
As we were enjoying our lunch, Rhonda, one of the servers, started signing at another table. She ad a wonderful voice so I took her photo with her permission.
After helping the economy by buying some bling, we went to the show and had a wonderful time. One of the pre-show people came out and took pictures of some people in the audience (Frank was one!) and used them in a comedy bit later in the show. The two couples sitting in the row behind us were from Stephens City(!) who runs an auction house from his barn and Front Royal(!!) who live on Stayman Street near where I use to live in 1970-71. One of the comedy skits in the show was singing "It Had to be YOU" to ME!!!! One of the guys dragged me up on stage for this bit. I can now say, "I have appeared LIVE on stage in Branson, MO!"; then David was picked TWICE for comedy skits. He was really funny; got into the skits with them. So, of course, we both bought the CD of that show.
When the show ended we decided to call it a day; canceled our dinner and shopping plans at Branson Landing and returned to where we were staying.
We all enjoyed the train ride. All the train cars were of different vintages and included three domed cars. We were able to sit pretty much anywhere we wanted because so few people were on board.
After the train ride we drove west on Rt. 76 to the Grand Country Comedy Jamboree to have lunch in their buffet before the 2 p.m. show. When I picked up the tickets for the show, we were given front-row center seats. This has been amazing!! We've had great seating time after time!
This buffet was the very best so far. It included many choices for salads, four soups, rolls and cornbread, several veggies (not just green beans and/or corn), two cobblers with three choices of soft-serve ice cream, bread pudding with vanilla sauce, and every thing was wonderful.
As we were enjoying our lunch, Rhonda, one of the servers, started signing at another table. She ad a wonderful voice so I took her photo with her permission.
After helping the economy by buying some bling, we went to the show and had a wonderful time. One of the pre-show people came out and took pictures of some people in the audience (Frank was one!) and used them in a comedy bit later in the show. The two couples sitting in the row behind us were from Stephens City(!) who runs an auction house from his barn and Front Royal(!!) who live on Stayman Street near where I use to live in 1970-71. One of the comedy skits in the show was singing "It Had to be YOU" to ME!!!! One of the guys dragged me up on stage for this bit. I can now say, "I have appeared LIVE on stage in Branson, MO!"; then David was picked TWICE for comedy skits. He was really funny; got into the skits with them. So, of course, we both bought the CD of that show.
When the show ended we decided to call it a day; canceled our dinner and shopping plans at Branson Landing and returned to where we were staying.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
The Fun Really Begins Today
We met with the Lubinskis and Allens for some shows, buffets, and shopping. First was the Gatlin Brothers show at Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater where we had fifth-row center seats. When I went to the side at intermission to purchase a CD, I discovered I didn't have my driver's permit. Thinking I had handed it to the woman at the ticket counter to get our tickets, I went out into the lobby to find she had no idea what I was talking about. So I asked her to please mail it to me at the address on the permit.
After the show we went to Starvin' Marvin's Buffet for lunch and were disappointed with the few choices available even though we were told it was the brunch menu. Very few people were in there.
We went to the Branson Craft Mall for the Ozark craft booths after dropping off the RV at the campground. Where we made several purchases (new purse for me!) and I seriously considered getting a dulcimer hand made by the man in the booth. As our next show was the Baldnobbers, we decided to have their buffet dinner and were sorry that we chose them. They had even fewer choices than the Starvin' Marvin's. The seating was crowded and the service was very slow. The show was very funny and entertaining. We had seventh-row center seats. We also noticed that the theater was only about one-third filled.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Whadda Ya Mean, NO RENTAL CARS??!!!!
After finding out no rental cars were available any where in Branson, I walked east on Route 76 to see where a few stores were and found a wonderful scrapbooking store. Then I stopped at a souvenir store where i purchased a Branson tee. After dinner we went to the Jim Stafford show and were wowed by his 15-year-old son and 11- year-old daughter. He can really pound that piano and she is really gifted, too. They didn't inherit their talents from their parents as they are both adopted. They joked around about how he stands over them to make them practice for the show; the son is in a band of his own.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Branson
We arrived in Branson on Saturday afternoon about 4 p.m.
As we drove through town on the two-lane highway, fortunately with a center turn lane, we noticed that it appeared to be built on the ridge line. The theaters were down the sides of the road and the parking lots were down the slope to the road that runs parallel in back of the theaters. Most of the ones we saw on our way in looked too steep for the RV.
The Musicland Kampground is wonderfully shaded and all the campsites are tiered down the slope and no two are on the same level. There's a small park directly behind our site with a trickling stream and many squirrels and chipmunks. The owners have placed several lawn ornaments of deer and other critters around this area.
We decided to just chill on Sunday and get a rental car Monday.
As we drove through town on the two-lane highway, fortunately with a center turn lane, we noticed that it appeared to be built on the ridge line. The theaters were down the sides of the road and the parking lots were down the slope to the road that runs parallel in back of the theaters. Most of the ones we saw on our way in looked too steep for the RV.
The Musicland Kampground is wonderfully shaded and all the campsites are tiered down the slope and no two are on the same level. There's a small park directly behind our site with a trickling stream and many squirrels and chipmunks. The owners have placed several lawn ornaments of deer and other critters around this area.
We decided to just chill on Sunday and get a rental car Monday.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tunica Sam's Town
We left for Tunica thinking it would take two days to get there but it only took one. I misread the map mileage as 284 when it is only 184 miles from Jackson on I-55. We got there about 6 p.m. and went to the Hollywood Casino to park over night in their back parking lot. Tomorrow we'll go over to Sam's Town where we have three free nights. Two of the area casinos are offering $1 buffets as long as you have the points on your player's card so we'll eat well despite the fact the RV refrigerator seems to not be working. We were in the hotel so we didn't realize something was wrong until getting ready to leave to go over to Bally's the next day for lunch. The temperature in the freezer read 20 degrees but the bacon was soft so something was wrong. The "check" light had been on and when we flipped the switch from automatic to gas it went off.
I checked out the pool area. It's like a garden enclosed by the four walls made by the hotel and casino complex with a decent size pool and huge hot tub. I don't think we'll use the pool while we are here even though it's still open. The air temperature is 70 degrees.
The room was great - the view isn't. It's of the parking lot and the two other casino/hotels across the road. We could see the cotton fields and they are ready to be harvested.
I checked out the pool area. It's like a garden enclosed by the four walls made by the hotel and casino complex with a decent size pool and huge hot tub. I don't think we'll use the pool while we are here even though it's still open. The air temperature is 70 degrees.
The room was great - the view isn't. It's of the parking lot and the two other casino/hotels across the road. We could see the cotton fields and they are ready to be harvested.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
THE Pool!
About 11 a.m. today, I finally figured out where the pool is at the IP Hotel. Yesterday I had followed the signs across the lobby but could only find the parking garage entrance. It turns out you have to travel to the 13th level of the parking garage by elevator only and there is the pool. It is enclosed by at least six foot walls, has dressing rooms and locker areas as well as a towel attendant. The pool is large both by width and length. On one side in about four inches of water is a sunbathing ledge; on the other side are two. Both of them hold about six plastic wicker loungers for this purpose. At one end of the patio area is a huge TV screen (football stadium size!) which only shows ESPN! There is also a large hot tub on a platform with a view of the bay.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Biloxi Bound
We arrived in Biloxi around 3 p.m. and toured the city. It's amazing how far the Biloxi/Gulfport area has come since Katrina hit. The beach road is still in pretty bad shape but they are moving right along with the repaving and reworking the medians. We enjoyed looking at the carvings someone is doing with the dead tree trunks. The beach is still closed as many areas still have piles of debris along the road side. Jefferson Davis' Biloxi home, Beauvoir, is nearly restored. We didn't get a chance to take the tour. I don't think the RV could have gotten through the turn into the parking lot because of the temporary fence but maybe the next time we're in the area we can get around that and the construction vehicles.
We got our free room for two nights at the IP which was on the 20th floor on the east side of the tower. We really enjoyed the free steak and snow crab buffet then we waddled over to the second floor slot machines to try our luck on the penny machines.
We got our free room for two nights at the IP which was on the 20th floor on the east side of the tower. We really enjoyed the free steak and snow crab buffet then we waddled over to the second floor slot machines to try our luck on the penny machines.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Getting on the Road, Again!
9 a.m. and we're finally ready to roll - or are we? Wait! I forgot my keys!!! Now we can leave; no, wait! I forgot to pack several pairs of shorts. Now, I've gotten that taken care of so we can leave. No, wait! Did I put the a/c on 80 degrees and 'hold'? Return to the house and check to find that I did do it.
Now we are headed to Ace Hardware to get propane, seven miles to the south. While the man is filling the tank, I can't remember if I'd put the cell phone in my purse. When he finished, I got back in the RV and ,yes, I did have the cell phone and also double checked that I had the camera.
Now we're are ready to travel west about five miles to Cumberland Farms for a gas fill-up. Frank decides he needs to drive four miles back toward home in order to get the unit to make the brake lights and turn signals to work. He got the wrong one the first try and had to return to the store to exchange it for the correct one. Now the brake lights work but we still don't have any turn signals. Oh, well. it must be they have a separate unit but where under the dash we don't know so we'll worry about them later.
O. K., it's now 10:40 a.m. and we're finally on I-95 headed north out of Florida.
Hours later outside Marianna, FL, we stopped at Florida Caverns State Park and found out they don't have any RV sites available so they referred us to Arrowhead RV Park in town where we had stayed before when we came this way going to San Diego two years ago. This park has not changed. They are nearly full because they have their for-sale units occupying the sites and most sites are not very level. They are also selling RVs and it appears they don't really care about the park conditions. It looks like they are reworking a large section of the park expansion (or maybe just upgrading).
Now we are headed to Ace Hardware to get propane, seven miles to the south. While the man is filling the tank, I can't remember if I'd put the cell phone in my purse. When he finished, I got back in the RV and ,yes, I did have the cell phone and also double checked that I had the camera.
Now we're are ready to travel west about five miles to Cumberland Farms for a gas fill-up. Frank decides he needs to drive four miles back toward home in order to get the unit to make the brake lights and turn signals to work. He got the wrong one the first try and had to return to the store to exchange it for the correct one. Now the brake lights work but we still don't have any turn signals. Oh, well. it must be they have a separate unit but where under the dash we don't know so we'll worry about them later.
O. K., it's now 10:40 a.m. and we're finally on I-95 headed north out of Florida.
Hours later outside Marianna, FL, we stopped at Florida Caverns State Park and found out they don't have any RV sites available so they referred us to Arrowhead RV Park in town where we had stayed before when we came this way going to San Diego two years ago. This park has not changed. They are nearly full because they have their for-sale units occupying the sites and most sites are not very level. They are also selling RVs and it appears they don't really care about the park conditions. It looks like they are reworking a large section of the park expansion (or maybe just upgrading).
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Getting Ready for Branson
After vacuuming again and again, removing the back bed and plastic carpet covering, Frank started the 'tightening up' of the whole RV. He still has some tweaking to do. He replaced the bed after putting down new carpet plastic and moving the hydraulic lifters back two inches on the underbed storage area so it would open wider. This will make it much easier to get items in and out. He also removed all the outside trim, cleaned it, and replaced it along with new sealants. Some other minor items have been taken care of now; the converter box and tv have been connected. Looks like we may be ready to leave here September 27th for Biloxi and Branson.
In the meantime, I learned how to post photos within the post instead of in the left-hand strip.
In the meantime, I learned how to post photos within the post instead of in the left-hand strip.
Friday, July 4, 2008
14,642.2 Miles Later
All in all, I am so glad we went on this trip. Next time though, I think we'll fly into Anchorage, rent a car, and stay in motels for a few weeks (or get cabins in the military FamCamps). We saw a lot of wildlife, got snowed on several times even though it was May and June. I made the mistake of making the itinerary too far north in May and too far south in June; should have switched that around. Although it would have made no difference as far as Memphis, Tupelo, and Biloxi.
The highways in Alaska and western Canada were almost empty until we got to a town of any size. Even then some looked deserted. Some of the roads were not any better than the Alaska Highway, most were two lanes.
We didn't have any problem getting a camp site anywhere we went. Some were ok, one had fantastic showers, most had showers that sucked especially in the state parks! Some we couldn't get the RV level; most told us to park where ever as they had plenty from which to choose.
The highways in Alaska and western Canada were almost empty until we got to a town of any size. Even then some looked deserted. Some of the roads were not any better than the Alaska Highway, most were two lanes.
We didn't have any problem getting a camp site anywhere we went. Some were ok, one had fantastic showers, most had showers that sucked especially in the state parks! Some we couldn't get the RV level; most told us to park where ever as they had plenty from which to choose.
Ho Hum Down the Long Road Home
Passing through Kansas was almost dangerous. The drivers are getting worse!
The scenery is flat, the further east we go, we were seeing more trees.
All the time we have been on this trip, I'll see a billboard for a store or catch sight of one that I'd like to shop in only to see it after we have passed the exit or it's way too early to be open.
The one unexpected sight was rice fields in Arkansas. We passed by Memphis, through Tupelo and another visit to Hobby Lobby. Then Frank decided he had earned a side trip to Biloxi for the casinos and we'd still get home by Wednesday evening.
On a quarter slot machine, I won $360; on a 9-line penny machine, he won over $500. Then we parked in one of the casino parking lots for the night. There was a slight breeze but because of the lights in the lot, we had to have the blinds drawn. Then a trucker pulled up right beside us (he had his choice of four other parking lots!) and ran his engine all night while he slept in comfort with a/c. Never, never again will I sleep in the camper without a/c if the temperature is not going below 60 degrees! In fact, I didn't get any sleep. Frank said he started to move the RV but thought the guy was going to turn it off after a little while.
The scenery is flat, the further east we go, we were seeing more trees.
All the time we have been on this trip, I'll see a billboard for a store or catch sight of one that I'd like to shop in only to see it after we have passed the exit or it's way too early to be open.
The one unexpected sight was rice fields in Arkansas. We passed by Memphis, through Tupelo and another visit to Hobby Lobby. Then Frank decided he had earned a side trip to Biloxi for the casinos and we'd still get home by Wednesday evening.
On a quarter slot machine, I won $360; on a 9-line penny machine, he won over $500. Then we parked in one of the casino parking lots for the night. There was a slight breeze but because of the lights in the lot, we had to have the blinds drawn. Then a trucker pulled up right beside us (he had his choice of four other parking lots!) and ran his engine all night while he slept in comfort with a/c. Never, never again will I sleep in the camper without a/c if the temperature is not going below 60 degrees! In fact, I didn't get any sleep. Frank said he started to move the RV but thought the guy was going to turn it off after a little while.
The Old TV West
Stopping in Dodge City, I visited the Boot Hill Museum. This is a reconstructed cowtown main street from the turn of the century. Most of the buildings have been moved from their original locations around town with most of them from Front Street. The cemetery has fake headstones as the city fathers shortly after becoming a state decided the land was too valuable to be a cemetery so the bodies were moved to the present day city cemetery. In one of the 'rooms' was a 1950's style tv playing old "Gunsmoke" shows and on display were autographed photos showing town leaders meeting the stars of the show. A street gunfight was played out in front of us at noon. Later I rode the trolley for a tour of the city. Then we went on down the road toward Wichita.
West of Lamar, along the railroad track were utility poles sunk into the ground, the lowest cross bar looked to be one foot above ground. The ones on the other side of the road were at normal height. We also started seeing many oil well pumpers.
Again the wind was really stiff, the WalMart windsocks on the fences were being shredded.
Leaving Cheney State Park just west of Wichita, we took U.S. 400 on through until it joined I-44 toward Joplin, MO.
Kansas drivers are idiots! They pass on a double yellow lines, going up around curves, and seem to wait to pass until they see at least one vehicle in the oncoming lane. We were seeing more trees now and not so many scrub bushes.
West of Lamar, along the railroad track were utility poles sunk into the ground, the lowest cross bar looked to be one foot above ground. The ones on the other side of the road were at normal height. We also started seeing many oil well pumpers.
Again the wind was really stiff, the WalMart windsocks on the fences were being shredded.
Leaving Cheney State Park just west of Wichita, we took U.S. 400 on through until it joined I-44 toward Joplin, MO.
Kansas drivers are idiots! They pass on a double yellow lines, going up around curves, and seem to wait to pass until they see at least one vehicle in the oncoming lane. We were seeing more trees now and not so many scrub bushes.
Riding the Rails
Unfortunately it took a lot longer to cross Monarch Pass than we thought it would so we ended up spending the night in a RV park just off the highway which had two levels for camping. We took a site right alongside a rapid creek. The park had mostly tents occupied by groups who were going over the rapids in kayaks.
The Cog Railroad is located up a steep narrow street right in the town of Manitou Springs. We arrived about 10:20 a.m. and I got a stand by ticket for the 10:40 a.m. train. When it was filled, I got a seat, Row 1/Seat C, on the aisle next to the driver, Howard,for the noon train. This was the front row facing forward going up and backward going down facing the rear. The temperture at the depot was 90 degrees, at the top it was 48 degrees and windy.
Going up and returning, we saw many yellow bellied whistling marmots that just sat along side the tracks and watched us go by. Then we saw a big horned ram way up on the ridgeline. The guide told us the history of the train (built in 1891) and how it was from viewing the mountain reached by wagon road that a school teacher wrote the poem "America, the Beautiful". When asked, she told us that the trains have three types of brakes: cog, air, and transmission. If they failed, there are two big springs at the bottom named Manitou and Colorado to catch us! As we left the summit for the return to the depot, it started snowing. Hope my pictures turn out.
Later we saw on the news that a teenager rolled his car off the top of the mountain. It took several hours to get him off the side of the mountain.
This part of Colorado is really flat on both sides of U.S. 50. We couldn't see any mountains east of Pueblo.
We stopped for the night in Lamar and had dinner in BJ's Drive-In. At the inside tables were back-lighted menus with a phone handset which you picked up and pushed the black button to place your order then the carhop brought it to us.
The Cog Railroad is located up a steep narrow street right in the town of Manitou Springs. We arrived about 10:20 a.m. and I got a stand by ticket for the 10:40 a.m. train. When it was filled, I got a seat, Row 1/Seat C, on the aisle next to the driver, Howard,for the noon train. This was the front row facing forward going up and backward going down facing the rear. The temperture at the depot was 90 degrees, at the top it was 48 degrees and windy.
Going up and returning, we saw many yellow bellied whistling marmots that just sat along side the tracks and watched us go by. Then we saw a big horned ram way up on the ridgeline. The guide told us the history of the train (built in 1891) and how it was from viewing the mountain reached by wagon road that a school teacher wrote the poem "America, the Beautiful". When asked, she told us that the trains have three types of brakes: cog, air, and transmission. If they failed, there are two big springs at the bottom named Manitou and Colorado to catch us! As we left the summit for the return to the depot, it started snowing. Hope my pictures turn out.
Later we saw on the news that a teenager rolled his car off the top of the mountain. It took several hours to get him off the side of the mountain.
This part of Colorado is really flat on both sides of U.S. 50. We couldn't see any mountains east of Pueblo.
We stopped for the night in Lamar and had dinner in BJ's Drive-In. At the inside tables were back-lighted menus with a phone handset which you picked up and pushed the black button to place your order then the carhop brought it to us.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Fruita, CO
We stopped in Fruita, CO, for the night. Then took US 50 east off I-70. Colorado has much more desert than I realized. I had assumed it would be mountainous and greener than it is so far. We're hoping to reach Pike's Peak this evening.
Goblins, Goblins Everywhere!
Today we travelled along I-15 north to I-70/US 50 to see Goblin Valley State Park, about an 80 mile side trip. What a sight! One we named "Bertha Butt" who looked like she was hugging another rock. The man who had owned the property until the state bought it from him called it Mushroom Valley. The wind has shaped these formations in the same way the Arches near Moab where we went next. Most areas along the 48 mile route were a long walk or hike to get a good look at the formations and we only did half the park. The campground, with no hookups, was full so we went on down the road to Grand Junction, CO, to stay in a regular RV park with t least electric so we could have a/c. This was the first time we couldn't get a space when we would have liked.
At the Arches where the parking lots are very small, we saw again many cars and pickups parked in the few spaces for RV/travel trailers while car spaces were empty. To us, that's as bad as taking a handicap space! We waited and waited behind another couple in front (and I do mean right up against) an information plaque where there was a choice of two trails. They stood there and discussed which trail would be better, or should they take the one to the left or to the right, or do one first then do the other one, when Frank asked them to step aside so others could read the sign. They got all huffy. (Updated 8/18/08: We saw in last week's paper that Delicate Arch fell sometime Monday night or Tuesday morning. What a shame!! All the signs and the rangers said that the park was a work of nature which won't let up on the 'work')
When we stopped to pick up some milk and other stuff at WalMart, I noticed all the margarine and butter sticks were the short chunky ones like we saw in Canada. Will they fit on my butter dishes?
We left Arches on US 285. This road follows along the side of the Colorado River which was almost in a flood stage and moving very rapidly along. This part of the river is through a beautiful red rock canyon. As we exited the canyon into a very wide valley, the wind really picked.
As I started fixing dinner, I had to wash some more Alaska/Canada Top of the World Highway dust out of the pans! This dust has a certain odor and is reddish tan in color.
At the Arches where the parking lots are very small, we saw again many cars and pickups parked in the few spaces for RV/travel trailers while car spaces were empty. To us, that's as bad as taking a handicap space! We waited and waited behind another couple in front (and I do mean right up against) an information plaque where there was a choice of two trails. They stood there and discussed which trail would be better, or should they take the one to the left or to the right, or do one first then do the other one, when Frank asked them to step aside so others could read the sign. They got all huffy. (Updated 8/18/08: We saw in last week's paper that Delicate Arch fell sometime Monday night or Tuesday morning. What a shame!! All the signs and the rangers said that the park was a work of nature which won't let up on the 'work')
When we stopped to pick up some milk and other stuff at WalMart, I noticed all the margarine and butter sticks were the short chunky ones like we saw in Canada. Will they fit on my butter dishes?
We left Arches on US 285. This road follows along the side of the Colorado River which was almost in a flood stage and moving very rapidly along. This part of the river is through a beautiful red rock canyon. As we exited the canyon into a very wide valley, the wind really picked.
As I started fixing dinner, I had to wash some more Alaska/Canada Top of the World Highway dust out of the pans! This dust has a certain odor and is reddish tan in color.
Hoover Dam
It was 115 degrees at Lake Mead. We both drank two large bottles of water during our tour of Hoover Dam. The a/c in the gift shop and the restaurant was probably set at 90 degrees. We were both wiped out by the time we returned to the RV hours later.
A new highway with a bridge which the tour guide said would be the tallest in the world is being built so traffic an avoid the road across the top of the dam. Traffic is at a crawl due to the crowds now visiting the dam because a visitors center with IMAX theater, gift shop, and restaurant was completed about eight years ago thereby increasing tourist traffic by thousands a year. Several pedestrian crosswalks back and forth on the dam require traffic to stop.
On the way back, our driver pointed out a large herd of antelope lounging around the Boulder City Park.
A new highway with a bridge which the tour guide said would be the tallest in the world is being built so traffic an avoid the road across the top of the dam. Traffic is at a crawl due to the crowds now visiting the dam because a visitors center with IMAX theater, gift shop, and restaurant was completed about eight years ago thereby increasing tourist traffic by thousands a year. Several pedestrian crosswalks back and forth on the dam require traffic to stop.
On the way back, our driver pointed out a large herd of antelope lounging around the Boulder City Park.
Yet Another Hole in the Ground
We took a slight detour south off US 50 to see Great Basin National Park and to tour the caverns. The park is really for hikers and people in cars as the road to the highest peak, Wheeler, was not recommended for any vehicle over 24 feet as the road is so narrow and curvy. Even the parking lot at the cave entrance was small. Tours are limited to 20 people. The guide talked about the original entrance which was a 20 some foot drop on a rope then a tall ladder then some rock steps down into the tunnel to the main cave. He told us about the locals having dances down there and the Boy Scouts having camp outs. The fires they had to have darkened the walls somewhat. The Park Service took it over in the 1950's and even then allowed the Scouts to camp.
The guide also pointed out that the drapery stalactites made a sound and that the Park Rangers would demonstrated the different tones until someone finally realized that this was damaging the stalactites. I told him about the Luray Caverns organ which he had never heard of.
The guide also pointed out that the drapery stalactites made a sound and that the Park Rangers would demonstrated the different tones until someone finally realized that this was damaging the stalactites. I told him about the Luray Caverns organ which he had never heard of.
The Loneliest Road
Leaving Carson City on US 50, we headed east. I was unable to find a "Loneliest Road Survival Guide" booklet until we were almost out of Nevada in Ely. If I'd had it from the furthermost point west, I would have been able to get it stamped at each place and sent it in for the certificate. Oh, well.
Ely is a very nice small county seat right in the mountains of eastern Nevada just about 100 miles from Utah. They really trade on the Route 50 gimmick. Lots of murals are around town depicting the history of the area. The BLM has a garnet mining site just west of town but yesterday it was too hot to be out in the sun digging. This mine is not a cave or tunnel but a hillside and open area and it's bring your own tools and water for washing the stones.
Just outside Middlegate, we saw another shoe tree - the only tree within miles and miles in a small pull out. We have also been seeing a lot of signs for calling 911 out in the middle of no where and, of course, no cell phone signal! This highway has no utility poles in sight or billboards, a truly scenic road.
Ely is a very nice small county seat right in the mountains of eastern Nevada just about 100 miles from Utah. They really trade on the Route 50 gimmick. Lots of murals are around town depicting the history of the area. The BLM has a garnet mining site just west of town but yesterday it was too hot to be out in the sun digging. This mine is not a cave or tunnel but a hillside and open area and it's bring your own tools and water for washing the stones.
Just outside Middlegate, we saw another shoe tree - the only tree within miles and miles in a small pull out. We have also been seeing a lot of signs for calling 911 out in the middle of no where and, of course, no cell phone signal! This highway has no utility poles in sight or billboards, a truly scenic road.
Oregon Scenic Route
On an Oregon scenic route, US 395, going south, we saw hundreds of butterflies swarming in the pullout near a creek in a hurry to get somehere. Then about 40 miles south of Burns was all desert, sandy, and dunes. We saw a large herd of antelope just before Valley Falls then more further down the road, There was a heavy haze from the California wild fires hanging over the mountains.
Crossing the state line into California, the gas prices dropped about 20 cents a gallon. We saw a shoe tree in a small pullout about 40 miles north of Sparks, NV. It was full of what looked like tied together basketball shoes. Must have been at least 100 pairs hanging from the limbs, and a 100 more caught in the crotch.
We coasted through Reno, looking but not finding the famous arch. As there was too much traffic, we continued south on US 395 to Carson City. I really liked Carson City but their library sucked! This is the state capital and the library can't afford decent computers???? The mouse had the cursor all over the screen and you could not control it, and they are on dial-up for crying out loud!!!
We went on down the road to have a look at Lake Tahoe. There was so much traffic and very, very long traffic lights. Vehicles were parked on both side of the road and were being ticketed so we turned around and returned to Carson City without getting a good look at the lake. It probably would have been possible if we had been in a car but a 29-foot RV just doesn't go some places.
Crossing the state line into California, the gas prices dropped about 20 cents a gallon. We saw a shoe tree in a small pullout about 40 miles north of Sparks, NV. It was full of what looked like tied together basketball shoes. Must have been at least 100 pairs hanging from the limbs, and a 100 more caught in the crotch.
We coasted through Reno, looking but not finding the famous arch. As there was too much traffic, we continued south on US 395 to Carson City. I really liked Carson City but their library sucked! This is the state capital and the library can't afford decent computers???? The mouse had the cursor all over the screen and you could not control it, and they are on dial-up for crying out loud!!!
We went on down the road to have a look at Lake Tahoe. There was so much traffic and very, very long traffic lights. Vehicles were parked on both side of the road and were being ticketed so we turned around and returned to Carson City without getting a good look at the lake. It probably would have been possible if we had been in a car but a 29-foot RV just doesn't go some places.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
After getting sorted out this morning, we continued south on Highway 1 until we got to Hope,BC where we took Route 3, the Crow's Nest Highway. About twenty miles west of Princeton, we came around a mountain curve to find a ground hog draped over the top of a concrete roadside barrier looking out over the valley as if he was trying to decide if he had enough time to go down and get back before dark. He was completely ignoring traffic.
When we crossed the border, the Agra Inspector came into the RV looked in the back, shower, the bottom of the refridgerator, and the cabinet over the sink, asking about fresh meat and produce purchased in Canada.
Down through central Washington are miles and miles of fruit orchards, apples, peaches, cherries, and many vineyards.
When we stopped, a sparrow flew into the RV through the open driver's window. We stopped for pizza in Burns, OR, at Jolly times Restaurant and BBQ/Hamburgers/Salad Bar. It was the world's best pizza!!!
When we crossed the border, the Agra Inspector came into the RV looked in the back, shower, the bottom of the refridgerator, and the cabinet over the sink, asking about fresh meat and produce purchased in Canada.
Down through central Washington are miles and miles of fruit orchards, apples, peaches, cherries, and many vineyards.
When we stopped, a sparrow flew into the RV through the open driver's window. We stopped for pizza in Burns, OR, at Jolly times Restaurant and BBQ/Hamburgers/Salad Bar. It was the world's best pizza!!!
Another Slow Day
Another slow day on the road, We reached Quesnel and found the Pinnacles Provincial Park where there are hoodoos. After traveling up a steep hill for about ten minutes, we reached a very small parking lot. I then walked about a half mile up a trail to the cliff edge to see the formations. Fortunately for me, the cliff side was fenced so I could lean over it to take picturres without fear of falling over the edge. Unfortunately, most of the view was obstructed by trees and bushes. Then it was one half mile back to the parking lot. Along the way I thought about bears, but decided no warning signs were posted so I was perfectly safe. As we were going back down the road and almost back to town, a young black bear knocked over someone's garbage can and ran across their lawn into the woods carrying their bag of trash.
We ended up in Cache Creek for the night as a bad storm was coming into the area. It seems that all the campgrounds we have been in are just parking slots, some are a foot or two wider than others, and all are without any spare space.
We ended up in Cache Creek for the night as a bad storm was coming into the area. It seems that all the campgrounds we have been in are just parking slots, some are a foot or two wider than others, and all are without any spare space.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Laundry, etc.
Today was a laundry, dump the holding tanks, and visit the library day. Doing laundry in a laundramat in Canada is expensive: three loonies a load to wash (three loads of clothes) $9 CA;
no sheets washed today, then 2 loonies a load to dry ($4 CA) and then the clothes aren't quite dry.
The library here was a very modern structure with wide spiral concrete staircase up from the underground garage to the main level, then up another wide staircase to the computers. The whole place was airy and spacious. About fifteen minutes into my time on the internet, the computer locked up, so I got another visitor access number and got a full hour again.
no sheets washed today, then 2 loonies a load to dry ($4 CA) and then the clothes aren't quite dry.
The library here was a very modern structure with wide spiral concrete staircase up from the underground garage to the main level, then up another wide staircase to the computers. The whole place was airy and spacious. About fifteen minutes into my time on the internet, the computer locked up, so I got another visitor access number and got a full hour again.
A Slight Detour
Although we hadn't planned to do so, we took a detour down to Stewart, BC/Hyder, AK, for the glacier and bear watching opportunities. We did see a couple hanging glaciers as well as Bear Glacier. Stewart has about 600 people living there mostly workers at the docks. Hyder has less than 100.
After talking to the lady who owns the Boundry Gallery and Fudge store in Hyder, we vetoed the trip up to Salmon Glacier. She said that she has been up there several times in all the years she has lived in Hyder and that it's really an all day trip as the road is very rough.
We returned to the Cassiers Highway (Rt. 37) and headed south to get on the Yellowhead Highway toward Prince George. We saw two black bears miles apart then a mama fox with junior running across the road in Vanderhoof. Mama made it to the other side, junior chickened out half way across and bolted back the way he had come.
After talking to the lady who owns the Boundry Gallery and Fudge store in Hyder, we vetoed the trip up to Salmon Glacier. She said that she has been up there several times in all the years she has lived in Hyder and that it's really an all day trip as the road is very rough.
We returned to the Cassiers Highway (Rt. 37) and headed south to get on the Yellowhead Highway toward Prince George. We saw two black bears miles apart then a mama fox with junior running across the road in Vanderhoof. Mama made it to the other side, junior chickened out half way across and bolted back the way he had come.
Cassiers Highway South
Today we started down the Cassiers Highway. Frank saw a timber wolf that was checking out the campground this morning. This was also a badly damaged road in places. It took us about three hours to get to Jade City where most of the jade in North America is mined. I shopped for birthday and Christmas presents. Saw a grizzly playing along the road side. On a short stretch of road just before we got to Meziadin, we saw eleven black bears. I managed to get some photos. Unfortunately, some are blurred.
We got a campsite in Meziadin Lake Park for the night, right on the lake.
We got a campsite in Meziadin Lake Park for the night, right on the lake.
Monday, June 9, 2008
The Northern Lights
Just east of Whitehorse at a boat launch, hundreds of birds were diving to the river bank then flying back to the side of the bridge and building mud nests. Strange sight.
Retracing our route to Watson Lake, we got into town to the library only to find it had closed that Friday at 4:30 and didn't open on Saturday until 1 p.m.
This time the Northern Lights show was open. It was in a planetarium style auditorium with seats that are reclined so you're looking at the domed ceiling where all the action takes place. I hadn't realized the Aurora Borealis is always there circling both poles. It's just not visible unless it's really dark and usually not seen at all every below the 30th parallel - so they claim! I know we have seen it in northern Virginia in the winter when the sky has been really dark and clear...mostly it's like a white streaky looking cloud with some blue or pink threaded though it.
Retracing our route to Watson Lake, we got into town to the library only to find it had closed that Friday at 4:30 and didn't open on Saturday until 1 p.m.
This time the Northern Lights show was open. It was in a planetarium style auditorium with seats that are reclined so you're looking at the domed ceiling where all the action takes place. I hadn't realized the Aurora Borealis is always there circling both poles. It's just not visible unless it's really dark and usually not seen at all every below the 30th parallel - so they claim! I know we have seen it in northern Virginia in the winter when the sky has been really dark and clear...mostly it's like a white streaky looking cloud with some blue or pink threaded though it.
Back in Whitehorse
We're back in Whitehorse to tour the S.S. Klondike, take a Yukon River Cruise, and to finally see the Frantic Follies show. The cruise started a little late as there were 46 passengers on board and regulations only allowed 40, so six people had to get off. Somewhere, somehow, somebody sold too many tickets.
This part of the Yukon River was dramatically changed when the power dam was built in the 1950's. It raised the river level over 25 feet and eliminated the rapids where the stampeders lost their supplies and sometimes their lives. The tour took us about ten miles up river and back. We saw a raven's nest on the cliff side with only one baby left in it. Here also is where the only bridge across the river was built in 1902. It has never been replaced and is still used by hikers. Coffee was served correctly! They made it in a camp pot and had evaporated milk to go with it.
When I got some groceries later that day at the real Canadian Superstore, I took a stroll through the bakery section. I have to tell Margie Primavere they sell a huge pull-apart bun/roll filled with garlic, green and red peppers, Italian spices and topped with melted cheese. Yummy!!!! It'll go great with a spaghetti dinner.
This part of the Yukon River was dramatically changed when the power dam was built in the 1950's. It raised the river level over 25 feet and eliminated the rapids where the stampeders lost their supplies and sometimes their lives. The tour took us about ten miles up river and back. We saw a raven's nest on the cliff side with only one baby left in it. Here also is where the only bridge across the river was built in 1902. It has never been replaced and is still used by hikers. Coffee was served correctly! They made it in a camp pot and had evaporated milk to go with it.
When I got some groceries later that day at the real Canadian Superstore, I took a stroll through the bakery section. I have to tell Margie Primavere they sell a huge pull-apart bun/roll filled with garlic, green and red peppers, Italian spices and topped with melted cheese. Yummy!!!! It'll go great with a spaghetti dinner.
Tetlin Junction, Past Chicken, and Top of the World Hwy
The route from Tetlin Junction through Chicken, AK, to Dawson City, YT was 168 miles. We expected about 40 miles to be packed earth and gravel. What we got was dust and dirt for over 100. miles. Chicken is a very quirky community. The post office is up the hill off the main road to the left beside the landing strip. All the mail if flown out on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The rest of the town is in three different driveways. There are two RV parks, two restaurants, three stores, two gas stations, a bar, a mining operation, a barbershop open only on Saturdays, and 21 residents who have to leave around October 1 and can come back after April 1.
The Top of the World Highway over the border into Dawson City has outstandingly fantastic views. You feel like you're on the top of the world. You can see mountain range after mountain range for miles and miles.
Just before Dawson, the road ends in a steep downgrade to a small ferry. It's a short ride over the Yukon River to town. I was expecting something different in Dawson - they are working on being a frontier town - I think I was expecting a more gold rush era look to everything (and maybe I got what I wanted except not what I thought the gold rush era was really like!). The show at Diamond Tooth Gertie's was not the 1890's vaudeville they are advertising. It was 30 minutes of songs from the era, one can can, and the rest was more like a modern Broadway musical and with modern costumes without any story line.
When we got into town and were setting up in the RV park, we discovered about a bucket of dirt all over the bed, the drawers of the closets, and carpet. It got into the oven, and the shower. Some how the seal or screws holding a panel on got loose and that was enough to let in massive amounts of dust. I don't think we will ever get it all out. All our clothes and the bedding had to be washed, then we needed to be washed, and all the upholstery pieces, including the window cornices, had to be vacuumed. I can still smell it and I tasted it in my dinner. All the pots and skillets had to be washed.
AND the cell phone died again. I've taken the batter out three times and putting it back in. It still won't work. No service in Canada, but I thought it would still show me the time and the amount of batter life left.
The Top of the World Highway over the border into Dawson City has outstandingly fantastic views. You feel like you're on the top of the world. You can see mountain range after mountain range for miles and miles.
Just before Dawson, the road ends in a steep downgrade to a small ferry. It's a short ride over the Yukon River to town. I was expecting something different in Dawson - they are working on being a frontier town - I think I was expecting a more gold rush era look to everything (and maybe I got what I wanted except not what I thought the gold rush era was really like!). The show at Diamond Tooth Gertie's was not the 1890's vaudeville they are advertising. It was 30 minutes of songs from the era, one can can, and the rest was more like a modern Broadway musical and with modern costumes without any story line.
When we got into town and were setting up in the RV park, we discovered about a bucket of dirt all over the bed, the drawers of the closets, and carpet. It got into the oven, and the shower. Some how the seal or screws holding a panel on got loose and that was enough to let in massive amounts of dust. I don't think we will ever get it all out. All our clothes and the bedding had to be washed, then we needed to be washed, and all the upholstery pieces, including the window cornices, had to be vacuumed. I can still smell it and I tasted it in my dinner. All the pots and skillets had to be washed.
AND the cell phone died again. I've taken the batter out three times and putting it back in. It still won't work. No service in Canada, but I thought it would still show me the time and the amount of batter life left.
Observations and Other Issues
Our first stop of the day was to find Drixoral for my sinus problem but we were unable to find any.
Then we stopped at the library to catch upon emails, this blog, and our finances. I had to wait a hour for a computer for the first time since being on this trip. This is the main library in town and is beautiful. It has several stain glass panels by local artists. A "quiet room" with about 15 upholstered chairs with swing-away arms intended for use by people with lap tops. The room also has a huge stone fireplace (and it looks used) with large windows on either side.
We're seeing more and more moose but mostly they are too far away to get any photos. Many of the gift shops and stores sell genuine moose nugget jewelry and other tacky items. On the way up, we saw many, many espresso huts no bigger than about four phone booths out in the middle of nowhere, a Thai food and BBQ cafe in Cooper Landing, turquoise rivers and lakes, and about twenty miles south of Fairbanks, we saw a white sofa filled with stuffed bears sitting on top of a road cut. We stopped for some groceries and noticed ham, cheese and macaroni loaf lunch meat, and Ice Java syrup for milk. We couldn't find any ham salad...just got strange looks. If a sign says, "Stop of Interest Ahead", it means an informational plaque of historical event.
Later we drove on down to North Pole, AK. So we are officially on our way home. We stopped for the night at Big Delta State Park. We didn't travel many miles today. Also the temperature is getting significantly warmer.
Then we stopped at the library to catch upon emails, this blog, and our finances. I had to wait a hour for a computer for the first time since being on this trip. This is the main library in town and is beautiful. It has several stain glass panels by local artists. A "quiet room" with about 15 upholstered chairs with swing-away arms intended for use by people with lap tops. The room also has a huge stone fireplace (and it looks used) with large windows on either side.
We're seeing more and more moose but mostly they are too far away to get any photos. Many of the gift shops and stores sell genuine moose nugget jewelry and other tacky items. On the way up, we saw many, many espresso huts no bigger than about four phone booths out in the middle of nowhere, a Thai food and BBQ cafe in Cooper Landing, turquoise rivers and lakes, and about twenty miles south of Fairbanks, we saw a white sofa filled with stuffed bears sitting on top of a road cut. We stopped for some groceries and noticed ham, cheese and macaroni loaf lunch meat, and Ice Java syrup for milk. We couldn't find any ham salad...just got strange looks. If a sign says, "Stop of Interest Ahead", it means an informational plaque of historical event.
Later we drove on down to North Pole, AK. So we are officially on our way home. We stopped for the night at Big Delta State Park. We didn't travel many miles today. Also the temperature is getting significantly warmer.
Artic Circle Trip #2
We got back to the RV about 11 p.m. - still broad daylight. During the whole trip my nose ran and my head stayed stuffed up, my eyes felt squeezed and blurry. This was even though I had taken medication the day before and on the trip. I had my own person trash bag.
Our driver, Laura, explained that in some areas of Alaska especially around Fairbanks, people have problems getting good water or getting their land to perk for a septic system so if you're not on city utilities, you dig an outhouse hole. She and her husband are building a new house where they will have to have the water tanker bring them about 15,000 gallons every three months. They spend their weekends digging their outhouse hole. Five inches down they hit permafrost and have to wait as a few more inches thaw, then they will dig that out, wait for another couple inches to thaw, then dig until they get past the permafrost. So all those beautiful homes along the river probably have to use outhouses!
Our driver, Laura, explained that in some areas of Alaska especially around Fairbanks, people have problems getting good water or getting their land to perk for a septic system so if you're not on city utilities, you dig an outhouse hole. She and her husband are building a new house where they will have to have the water tanker bring them about 15,000 gallons every three months. They spend their weekends digging their outhouse hole. Five inches down they hit permafrost and have to wait as a few more inches thaw, then they will dig that out, wait for another couple inches to thaw, then dig until they get past the permafrost. So all those beautiful homes along the river probably have to use outhouses!
Monday, June 2, 2008
The Long Awaited Artic Circle Trip
Bright (and I do mean bright!) and early (5:45 a.m.) we were standing in front of the RV park office waiting to be picked up by our Northern Alaska Driving Tour of the Artic Circle. We made several rest stops on the way. The first was at Joy, AK, at the Great Alaska Trading post run by the founding family (all 23 of them). Hours later we stopped to pick up the pre-ordered lunches at the Yukon River Camp, then continued on to the Finger Mountain Rest Stop (we ate on the bus to save some time). About 18 miles (an hour later!) we got to the Artic Circle. After photos of our driver, Laura, welcoming us to the Circle, she took group pictures for everyone.
The Dalton Highway (the Haul Road) is far worse then the Alaska Highway. It was built to be the supply road for the building of the pipeline. On this road truckers have the right of way - other traffic pulls over to let them pass both going the same direction or in opposite directions. The scenery changes from heavily forested miles in all directions to tundra with only a few trees as far as you can see and back again. We were all expecting to see much more snow than was there.
Once when we stopped, the door wouldn't open (it opened hydraulically out, down, then slide back alongside the bus. Frank got it to open and we had no further trouble with it. Then when we stopped at a rest area without toilets, the one in the bus wouldn't open! The door had gotten locked some how (probably all the bouncing and rocking along the road). Laura found the key and opened it for the relief of several passengers (including me!)
The Dalton Highway (the Haul Road) is far worse then the Alaska Highway. It was built to be the supply road for the building of the pipeline. On this road truckers have the right of way - other traffic pulls over to let them pass both going the same direction or in opposite directions. The scenery changes from heavily forested miles in all directions to tundra with only a few trees as far as you can see and back again. We were all expecting to see much more snow than was there.
Once when we stopped, the door wouldn't open (it opened hydraulically out, down, then slide back alongside the bus. Frank got it to open and we had no further trouble with it. Then when we stopped at a rest area without toilets, the one in the bus wouldn't open! The door had gotten locked some how (probably all the bouncing and rocking along the road). Laura found the key and opened it for the relief of several passengers (including me!)
Enjoying the Sights around Fairbanks
The overnight low was 41.
The sternwheeler, Riverboat Discovery III, left the dock at 8:45 a.m. to cruise down the Chena River. We stopped at the dog sled kennels of Susan Butcher to "talk" a while with the new owner, Jesse. Later we talked to Dixie, a native Indian, about curing salmon when at the summer fish camps. She filleted a large salmon and got it ready to smoke in about 30 seconds! Later she told us about the beading designs on native clothing and the significance. She has a chief's coat on display in the Native Arts museum of the Smithsonian. We also watched a bush pilot take off and land on a sand bar in the middle of the river, then he took off and landed on pontoons in the river.
The sternwheeler, Riverboat Discovery III, left the dock at 8:45 a.m. to cruise down the Chena River. We stopped at the dog sled kennels of Susan Butcher to "talk" a while with the new owner, Jesse. Later we talked to Dixie, a native Indian, about curing salmon when at the summer fish camps. She filleted a large salmon and got it ready to smoke in about 30 seconds! Later she told us about the beading designs on native clothing and the significance. She has a chief's coat on display in the Native Arts museum of the Smithsonian. We also watched a bush pilot take off and land on a sand bar in the middle of the river, then he took off and landed on pontoons in the river.
The Days are LOOOONNNNGGGG!
The days are getting longer and longer. Sundown was after midnight and sunup was around 3:30 a.m. And cold!! When we got up this morning it was all of 23 degrees.
After laundry was done, we took off for Fairbanks which is about 125 miles further north of Denali.
From the visitors center in downtown, we travelled to Pioneer Park(formerly Alaskaland) now owned by the Fairbanks North Star Borough.
We saw a vaudville version of the founding of Fairbanks that was really, really, good.
Sunset tonight is suppose to be at 12:01 a.m. and sunrise will be at 3:37 a.m. Forecast high is 61, the low 43.
After laundry was done, we took off for Fairbanks which is about 125 miles further north of Denali.
From the visitors center in downtown, we travelled to Pioneer Park(formerly Alaskaland) now owned by the Fairbanks North Star Borough.
We saw a vaudville version of the founding of Fairbanks that was really, really, good.
Sunset tonight is suppose to be at 12:01 a.m. and sunrise will be at 3:37 a.m. Forecast high is 61, the low 43.
Denali National Park
We were very lucky yesterday to get a campsite in the first (closest to the Wilderness Access Center where all the tours leave from) loop of Riley Campground.
We were also able to get seats on the 8 a.m. (they start at 7 a.m.!) six-hour tour up to Talkat. The bus driver was very informative without being too chatty. Right off we started seeing snowshoe hares all over the road and on both sides. The driver, Mark, warned us that it would be too dangerous for us if he tried to brake for them. It didn't take too long to spot our first moose, then 2 caribou. We also spotted two ptarmigans, the Alaska state bird, which according to Mark can't urinate because they have a silent P. Also we saw gulls, a mama horned owl with her two (maybe three) owlets in their nest really close to the bus, a grizzy who was too high up to really get a good look at, then a red fox slowly crossed the road in front of us then took off running. Several times we spotted eagles soaring around the mountain peaks. Dall sheep were everywhere once we got up over 3,000 feet. Just before we got to the turn around point of the tour, it started to snow, light flurries mostly. Right after getting back on the bus to return to the WAC, we saw a very large light brown grizzly meanering along the glacier track. Then later we saw two asleep on a hillside near the road. Then we saw a wolverine booking it across a snow covered field. He had crossed the road in front of us, then turned to look back, then ran some more, turned to look at us, ran some more. We could see him for a long time.
About half way back, a herd of caribou crossed the road in front of us. By this time the snow was getting thicker with fatter flakes. Just about the time we got back to the WAC, it had changed to rain. We decided to walk the 1/4 mile back to the campsite rather than wait half hour for the shuttle. We got back to the RV and the sun came out!!
We were also able to get seats on the 8 a.m. (they start at 7 a.m.!) six-hour tour up to Talkat. The bus driver was very informative without being too chatty. Right off we started seeing snowshoe hares all over the road and on both sides. The driver, Mark, warned us that it would be too dangerous for us if he tried to brake for them. It didn't take too long to spot our first moose, then 2 caribou. We also spotted two ptarmigans, the Alaska state bird, which according to Mark can't urinate because they have a silent P. Also we saw gulls, a mama horned owl with her two (maybe three) owlets in their nest really close to the bus, a grizzy who was too high up to really get a good look at, then a red fox slowly crossed the road in front of us then took off running. Several times we spotted eagles soaring around the mountain peaks. Dall sheep were everywhere once we got up over 3,000 feet. Just before we got to the turn around point of the tour, it started to snow, light flurries mostly. Right after getting back on the bus to return to the WAC, we saw a very large light brown grizzly meanering along the glacier track. Then later we saw two asleep on a hillside near the road. Then we saw a wolverine booking it across a snow covered field. He had crossed the road in front of us, then turned to look back, then ran some more, turned to look at us, ran some more. We could see him for a long time.
About half way back, a herd of caribou crossed the road in front of us. By this time the snow was getting thicker with fatter flakes. Just about the time we got back to the WAC, it had changed to rain. We decided to walk the 1/4 mile back to the campsite rather than wait half hour for the shuttle. We got back to the RV and the sun came out!!
Observations
People are walking around wearing tank tops, shorts, and flip flops even though it is only about 55 degrees in the sun. It's even colder in the shade, then add in the breeze! Brrr!!
Frank lost his set of keys after opening the RV when we again stopped at the WalMart this morning. We tore the RV apart looking for them. Luckily I had brought my set with me so while I was in the library, he went to Lowe's to have another set made. The new basement key doesn't work. We also found we did have a spare house key. I didn't think I had one with me.
One thing that is so odd here is the number of espresso huts everywhere! Even out in remote places along the highway, with nothing else around, sits an espresso hut.
Frank lost his set of keys after opening the RV when we again stopped at the WalMart this morning. We tore the RV apart looking for them. Luckily I had brought my set with me so while I was in the library, he went to Lowe's to have another set made. The new basement key doesn't work. We also found we did have a spare house key. I didn't think I had one with me.
One thing that is so odd here is the number of espresso huts everywhere! Even out in remote places along the highway, with nothing else around, sits an espresso hut.
From Homer back to Anchorage
Before leaving Homer, we took the scenic road out toward a Russian Farming Community. Coming back was the scenic view part with beautiful views of the mountains across the Kachemac Bay.
Retracing our route down, we were not far out of Homer when a moose started to cross the road in front of us. She ran along side for a while then retreated to the woods. We had been seeing eagles. A nest in a tree right next ot the road and a line of four or five eagles on a ridge along the shoreline.
We got to Anchorage during rush hour. We were headed to Wasilla to park overnight in the WalMart parking lot only to find signs posted every where saying no overnight parking - tow zone. As we had to get some shopping done, we went in anyway. The toilet paper was $2.88(I had paid $8+ in Homer for the exact same thing; then I saw all the scrapbooking Alaska stuff that I had paid for at various stopping places along the way was way cheaper! Kinda made me sick.
Retracing our route down, we were not far out of Homer when a moose started to cross the road in front of us. She ran along side for a while then retreated to the woods. We had been seeing eagles. A nest in a tree right next ot the road and a line of four or five eagles on a ridge along the shoreline.
We got to Anchorage during rush hour. We were headed to Wasilla to park overnight in the WalMart parking lot only to find signs posted every where saying no overnight parking - tow zone. As we had to get some shopping done, we went in anyway. The toilet paper was $2.88(I had paid $8+ in Homer for the exact same thing; then I saw all the scrapbooking Alaska stuff that I had paid for at various stopping places along the way was way cheaper! Kinda made me sick.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Resurrection Bay Cruise
We left the campsite to get gas and propane only to find out that the person at the gas station who filled the tanks wasn't coming on duty until 10 a.m., give or take 15 minutes. Within 20 minutes of our pulling up. five Cruiseamerica rentals pulled in behind us. We then returned the RV to the campsite and walked two blocks to our cruise tour of the bay.
The day had dawned clear and not cloudy. After boarding the tour boat, we cruised out into the bay and immediately saw two sea otters cavorting to the left of the bow. About five minutes later, we saw a cliff full of nesting seagulls, some horned and tufted puffins floating in the water. Then the harbor seals and off by himself was a Stellar seal on a rock just big enough for him. All the cruising was a couple 100 feet from the shore line. Twice the captain moved into the cliff side and almost touched it with the ship, showing us how very deep the water is along them. Later we saw mountain goats really high up on the side of the mountain and bear which look like specks on the cliff sides. We also saw Common Murres, Cormorants, Kittiwakes, some Dall's porpoise (which look like baby orcas), and two bald eagles. We also enjoyed a buffet of prime rib, grilled fresh caught salmon, salad (really, really good), and dessert. I went back for seconds on the salad.
The Park Ranger on board who did the narrative about the widlife we were seeing also commented on what a beautiful day we were having which apparently is unusual for Seward. The views were incredible - towering cliffs, some with very tall spruce trees growing out of the cracks, rivlets of glacier melt plunging down the cliff face into the sea.
The ride got a little rocky when we crossed the mouth of the bay, but smoothed out again when we got closer to the cliffs on the other side. The high light of the trip was seeing the humpback whales surfacing. One came completely out of the water. They were way too fast to take a photo of, even though I tried. All I got was a shot of a big splash of water! All in all, it was a great day.
The day had dawned clear and not cloudy. After boarding the tour boat, we cruised out into the bay and immediately saw two sea otters cavorting to the left of the bow. About five minutes later, we saw a cliff full of nesting seagulls, some horned and tufted puffins floating in the water. Then the harbor seals and off by himself was a Stellar seal on a rock just big enough for him. All the cruising was a couple 100 feet from the shore line. Twice the captain moved into the cliff side and almost touched it with the ship, showing us how very deep the water is along them. Later we saw mountain goats really high up on the side of the mountain and bear which look like specks on the cliff sides. We also saw Common Murres, Cormorants, Kittiwakes, some Dall's porpoise (which look like baby orcas), and two bald eagles. We also enjoyed a buffet of prime rib, grilled fresh caught salmon, salad (really, really good), and dessert. I went back for seconds on the salad.
The Park Ranger on board who did the narrative about the widlife we were seeing also commented on what a beautiful day we were having which apparently is unusual for Seward. The views were incredible - towering cliffs, some with very tall spruce trees growing out of the cracks, rivlets of glacier melt plunging down the cliff face into the sea.
The ride got a little rocky when we crossed the mouth of the bay, but smoothed out again when we got closer to the cliffs on the other side. The high light of the trip was seeing the humpback whales surfacing. One came completely out of the water. They were way too fast to take a photo of, even though I tried. All I got was a shot of a big splash of water! All in all, it was a great day.
Iditarod Dog Sled
We left a little early to go up the road to Seavey's Iditarod Dog Sled place. Three sleds were hooked up to 14 dogs each. The dogs yipped and barked like they were saying "Pick me! Pick me!" The ride on the wheeled dog sled was about two miles through their property. Danny Seavey was our guide and told us about the dogs, their training methods, how his family came to move to Alaska in 1963, and how his father Mitch, who has won or placed in several races, decided to get into dog sledding. Danny has also won races.
Afterwards, we retraced our route to Moose Pass and took Highway 1 (Sterling Highway)to Homer on the other side of the Kenai Pensula. We were able to get a campsite right on the bay beside the Fishing Hole. Homer is big ships (no cruise ships) and fishing, fishing, fishing.
Afterwards, we retraced our route to Moose Pass and took Highway 1 (Sterling Highway)to Homer on the other side of the Kenai Pensula. We were able to get a campsite right on the bay beside the Fishing Hole. Homer is big ships (no cruise ships) and fishing, fishing, fishing.
This Morning in Hope
Early this morning, I was able to get lots of photos of a mama moose eating tree twigs behind a RV across from our along the river bank. She had twins at her feet. They looked at me as if to say, "Surely, you have enough photos!"
On the way to Seward, we took the Exit Glacier road as a side trip. Eight miles later the road was blocked, "No Admittance". We had a heck of a time getting turned around as the right-hand side was filled with vehicles parked.
Arriving in Seward, we first visited the Alaska Sealife Center and the end of the main road in town and watched the Harbor seals play in their giant aquarium.
All along the harbor are about 400 city-owned RV and tent spaces. We got a space in the second one just one block from the main shopping district. It drizzled harder today, all day long. It didn't stop me from going uptown to shop, though. The True Value store is two floors of everything under the sun except groceries. They did have soda and snacks. Seward appears to be a couple miles long but only three blocks wide.
On the way to Seward, we took the Exit Glacier road as a side trip. Eight miles later the road was blocked, "No Admittance". We had a heck of a time getting turned around as the right-hand side was filled with vehicles parked.
Arriving in Seward, we first visited the Alaska Sealife Center and the end of the main road in town and watched the Harbor seals play in their giant aquarium.
All along the harbor are about 400 city-owned RV and tent spaces. We got a space in the second one just one block from the main shopping district. It drizzled harder today, all day long. It didn't stop me from going uptown to shop, though. The True Value store is two floors of everything under the sun except groceries. They did have soda and snacks. Seward appears to be a couple miles long but only three blocks wide.
Musk Ox Farm and Hope AK
The Musk Ox Farm was very interesting. Their under layer of fur is very, very soft and is used by the Native women in remote communities to knit hats, snoods, and neck scarves in order to earn extra money. The cow produces one cup of milk a day for the calf who then manages to gain about a pound a day from it. After visiting the Musk Ox Farm near Palmer, we headed toward Anchorage in a drizzly rain and high winds. We decided to just pass up all but the Alaska Native Heritage Center because we are coming back through here in a few days. As it was a holiday weekend, we decided to stop early in Hope before continuing to Seward the next day.
We were seeing the Wrangle National Park and Copper Glacier from the Glenn Highway.
After getting a camp site in downtown Hope on the Turnagain Arm, we walked up the block and back to look at the old buildings. The few 'houses' there were about the size of four phone booths. As this town started because of a small gold rush in the area, that's all that was needed.
On the way down we stopped at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center where we finally saw two black bears who were scuffling and a moose with horns still on.
We were seeing the Wrangle National Park and Copper Glacier from the Glenn Highway.
After getting a camp site in downtown Hope on the Turnagain Arm, we walked up the block and back to look at the old buildings. The few 'houses' there were about the size of four phone booths. As this town started because of a small gold rush in the area, that's all that was needed.
On the way down we stopped at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center where we finally saw two black bears who were scuffling and a moose with horns still on.
Along the Road to Palmer
Driving through Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge, we were seeing birds with a bright red head, black neck, and white body. Mixed in with them were black and white birds. We were still looking for moose but not seeing any. Unfortunely the most scenic part of the road was fogged in until Beaver Creek.
At Tok, we took Highway 1 (Glenn Highway) which at first was a much smoother road but then it too soon turned into another lumpy, bumpy one.
The route turned at Gakona Junction onto the Richardson Highway then back into Highway 1. Just before a bridge was a sign that said, "No Shooting from the Highway". I wonder what was being shot!
We saw a cow moose in a field. Then further down the road, a dead one was beside the road at the bottom of a hill. A littler further along at the next pullover /turnout was a small pickup with a busted windshield and crumbled right fender and a state trooper. the Glenn Highway follows along the Matansuka River which was dark gray and very shallow rapids. It looked very thick and nasty.
By the time we got to Palmer, the Musk Ox Farm had closed for the day so we got a campsite and will wait for it to open in the morning.
When we stay at a RV park, we find that cable TV means, to hook up your TV cable then raise your antenna until you get four or maybe five channels. In Montana, we got five channels, in the last one we got Max (porn movies), HBO (showiing You Kill Me and Transformers), Fox from Anchorage, and one other from who knows where. In Palmer we got regular over-the-air broadcasts: ABC, CBS, EI, and one very fuzzy channel but the sound was clear.
At Tok, we took Highway 1 (Glenn Highway) which at first was a much smoother road but then it too soon turned into another lumpy, bumpy one.
The route turned at Gakona Junction onto the Richardson Highway then back into Highway 1. Just before a bridge was a sign that said, "No Shooting from the Highway". I wonder what was being shot!
We saw a cow moose in a field. Then further down the road, a dead one was beside the road at the bottom of a hill. A littler further along at the next pullover /turnout was a small pickup with a busted windshield and crumbled right fender and a state trooper. the Glenn Highway follows along the Matansuka River which was dark gray and very shallow rapids. It looked very thick and nasty.
By the time we got to Palmer, the Musk Ox Farm had closed for the day so we got a campsite and will wait for it to open in the morning.
When we stay at a RV park, we find that cable TV means, to hook up your TV cable then raise your antenna until you get four or maybe five channels. In Montana, we got five channels, in the last one we got Max (porn movies), HBO (showiing You Kill Me and Transformers), Fox from Anchorage, and one other from who knows where. In Palmer we got regular over-the-air broadcasts: ABC, CBS, EI, and one very fuzzy channel but the sound was clear.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Heaving over the Heaves
We left Haines early this morning heading to Beaver Creek, YT. I started noticing that the mountains on the right were rounded on the top like the Blue Ridge with almost no snow on top, yet the mountains on the left were sharp edged like the Rockies with plenty of snow coverage.
Just north of Burwash Landing, we hit a long stretch of road that was lumpy and bumpy - really shook the RV no matter how slowly we went. We rocked side to side and up and down. It reminded me of the Minnow luching and bobbing in that stormy sea. We would hit a smooth patch of road for about half a mile then two or three miles of heave then some gravel patches before hitting a smooth patch again.
We crossed the border into Alaska and decided to stop for the night in Border City as this type of road continues for many, many more miles. Along the road, we've seen sections of drunken forest: trees (spruce?) with a very shallow root system because the soil layer is only a few inches deep. The trees grow like the others except they grow at an angle of about 10 - 15 degrees to the other trees and in all directions!
Just north of Burwash Landing, we hit a long stretch of road that was lumpy and bumpy - really shook the RV no matter how slowly we went. We rocked side to side and up and down. It reminded me of the Minnow luching and bobbing in that stormy sea. We would hit a smooth patch of road for about half a mile then two or three miles of heave then some gravel patches before hitting a smooth patch again.
We crossed the border into Alaska and decided to stop for the night in Border City as this type of road continues for many, many more miles. Along the road, we've seen sections of drunken forest: trees (spruce?) with a very shallow root system because the soil layer is only a few inches deep. The trees grow like the others except they grow at an angle of about 10 - 15 degrees to the other trees and in all directions!
Tacky, Tacky Skagway
We left early and walked up the street which was so steep they had put four sets of steps in the sidewalk. I was looking for the bank to turn in all of these nichles and pennies I've accumulated so far this trip. The only bank in town didn't open til 10 a.m. We continued up Main Street looking for the canning factory tour. I found it about four blocks from the bench where Frank took a rest. It certainly didn't look it would be open for business any time soon. No signage, no phone number, nada.
We took the Chilkoot Fast Ferry over to Skagway at 11 a.m. The trip takes about 35 minutes. After we disembarked at the Small Boat Dock, the route into town took us past a RV park where the Cousins were! They must have taken the Marine Highway Ferry over yesterday. We then walked up Broadway to 7th Avenue to see the "Days of 98" show at the old Elks lodge. The cast told the story of Jefferson "Soapy" Smith, the number 1 con man during the early days of Skagway and the gold rush. The "floozies", Molly and Snaggle Tooth, took Frank up on stage, then upstairs to entertain him privately as they fought over him! After a few more skits, they brought him back and continued the gag. And, yes, I have photos and he has a certificate of appreciation.
After the show we stopped by the Red Onion Saloon but had missed the start of the show and tour of the upstairs bordello. I managed to get plenty of Alaska scrapbook stuff and souvenirs.
We ambled back to the harbor in order to catch the 6 p.m. ferry back to Haines. When we got there about 5:30, we saw it was sitting at the dock so we got on board. Within a minute, we left port! After we got back to Haines, we realized we must have gotten on a 'crew run' trip.
Overall, I believe we walked over ten miles total today.
We took the Chilkoot Fast Ferry over to Skagway at 11 a.m. The trip takes about 35 minutes. After we disembarked at the Small Boat Dock, the route into town took us past a RV park where the Cousins were! They must have taken the Marine Highway Ferry over yesterday. We then walked up Broadway to 7th Avenue to see the "Days of 98" show at the old Elks lodge. The cast told the story of Jefferson "Soapy" Smith, the number 1 con man during the early days of Skagway and the gold rush. The "floozies", Molly and Snaggle Tooth, took Frank up on stage, then upstairs to entertain him privately as they fought over him! After a few more skits, they brought him back and continued the gag. And, yes, I have photos and he has a certificate of appreciation.
After the show we stopped by the Red Onion Saloon but had missed the start of the show and tour of the upstairs bordello. I managed to get plenty of Alaska scrapbook stuff and souvenirs.
We ambled back to the harbor in order to catch the 6 p.m. ferry back to Haines. When we got there about 5:30, we saw it was sitting at the dock so we got on board. Within a minute, we left port! After we got back to Haines, we realized we must have gotten on a 'crew run' trip.
Overall, I believe we walked over ten miles total today.
Not a Drop of Gas to be Bought
This morning, we couldn't find a gas station in Whitehorse that would accept either the debit or credit cards. Other people (with Canadian issued cards) could get all the gas they wanted. We were finally able to get gas at a aconvenience store about five miles out of town. We still don't have any cell phone service.
When we went through customs about 40 miles from Haines, the officer said he is planning to visit his aunt Minnie Hightower in Titusville this summer!
We were heading south toward Haines when we saw an overturned car and several people trying to hook a cable to it to tow it out of the ditch.
We got to Haines about 2 p.m. and stopped at the visitor center. I walked a block up the hill to the library to swap three books and to use a ccomputer. After my hour was up, I returned to the RV. Then I went up the other hill about a block to Main Street to do some shopping and to stop at the IGA for a gallon of milk, then out the back door and down a flight of steps into the parking lot a block from the RV. A cruise ship was in town so all the stores were open.
We decided to stay at a campground along the waterfront. After we set up and ate dinner, that group of cousins went down the road behind us! We could tell it was them because they each had a bandana tied to the passenger side mirror.
When we went through customs about 40 miles from Haines, the officer said he is planning to visit his aunt Minnie Hightower in Titusville this summer!
We were heading south toward Haines when we saw an overturned car and several people trying to hook a cable to it to tow it out of the ditch.
We got to Haines about 2 p.m. and stopped at the visitor center. I walked a block up the hill to the library to swap three books and to use a ccomputer. After my hour was up, I returned to the RV. Then I went up the other hill about a block to Main Street to do some shopping and to stop at the IGA for a gallon of milk, then out the back door and down a flight of steps into the parking lot a block from the RV. A cruise ship was in town so all the stores were open.
We decided to stay at a campground along the waterfront. After we set up and ate dinner, that group of cousins went down the road behind us! We could tell it was them because they each had a bandana tied to the passenger side mirror.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Canadian Style Holidays
After visiting the Whitehorse visitor centre, we stopped at the real Canadian Superstore for some mushrooms, a green pepper and a block (8 oz) of cheddar cheese which I could not find! They had a thin sliced (24 slices) pack of cheddar but it was white, a lite mild cheddar brick, and extra old cheese which is white not yellow.
Then we went to KFC to get dinner. What a difference! The two or three piece dinner comes with fried (limp & with the skin on) and a salad choice. They only have traditional, no crispy, or rotisserie. I picked the slaw. Boy! They don't know what slaw is. Theirs is diced, all uniformly lime green with two little bitty pieces of ham thrown in. We then saw the WalMart which had a 'grocery shelf' and was closing just as I went in. Seems with the holiday tomorrow, all the stores were closing at 6 p.m. instead of their normal time of 10.
Then we went to KFC to get dinner. What a difference! The two or three piece dinner comes with fried (limp & with the skin on) and a salad choice. They only have traditional, no crispy, or rotisserie. I picked the slaw. Boy! They don't know what slaw is. Theirs is diced, all uniformly lime green with two little bitty pieces of ham thrown in. We then saw the WalMart which had a 'grocery shelf' and was closing just as I went in. Seems with the holiday tomorrow, all the stores were closing at 6 p.m. instead of their normal time of 10.
Liard Hot, Hot Springs
Shortly after leaving Ft. Nelson, we actually saw a black bear then nothing for miles! Approaching Liard Hot Springs, we stared seeing lots of deer and bison, some of it in the road. The highway is still winding and steep in places with some gravel places, and almost no traffic. We stopped for the night in Watson Lake arriving around 8 p.m.
No libraries are open til Tuesday because Monday is the Queen's Birthday holiday. We kept meeting up with a group of five cousins and their spouses (and Vernon and Janie from Houston) who all flew into Iowa to pick up brand new Winnebagos from the factory to drive them to Anchorage for the Great Alaskan Holidays company. We first met up with this group in Dawson Creek then spent the night at the same RV park.
Summit Lake is completely frozen still. Caribou were in the road less than two miles south of here. Muncho Lake is turquoise! For miles west of Watson Lake people had taken fist sized stones (plenty in the area) and spelled out names, initials in hearts, etc., along the cuts that were made to put the road in.
I went in the hot springs, but Frank wouldn't go. It was really, really hot! The steam was rising from the water even though it was a reasonably warm day. It felt sooo good. There is a hotel there. I'd love to spend a week just going into the springs several times a day.
No libraries are open til Tuesday because Monday is the Queen's Birthday holiday. We kept meeting up with a group of five cousins and their spouses (and Vernon and Janie from Houston) who all flew into Iowa to pick up brand new Winnebagos from the factory to drive them to Anchorage for the Great Alaskan Holidays company. We first met up with this group in Dawson Creek then spent the night at the same RV park.
Summit Lake is completely frozen still. Caribou were in the road less than two miles south of here. Muncho Lake is turquoise! For miles west of Watson Lake people had taken fist sized stones (plenty in the area) and spelled out names, initials in hearts, etc., along the cuts that were made to put the road in.
I went in the hot springs, but Frank wouldn't go. It was really, really hot! The steam was rising from the water even though it was a reasonably warm day. It felt sooo good. There is a hotel there. I'd love to spend a week just going into the springs several times a day.
Dawson Creek & Mile Zero
On Friday we headed toward Dawson Creek and the Alaska Highway (or Alcan). The winds have lessened quite a bit. We did the walking tour of the town - lots of murals depicting the history of the building of the highway. The highway is long and empty of vehicles or life of any kind. It's all trees and steep inclines and then an eight or ten percent downgrade for three or four miles with a couple of rough, lumpy sections.
We ended up in Fort Nelson for the night because I wanted to see the museum here and hopefully visit the library. Monday is a holidy in Canada. We are at MP 300. Although we are in Ft. Nelson, we don't have any cell service so I really don't know what time it is. The TV is Cable with New York ABC, Seattle CBS in addition to the Canadian Global News Network which I believe is out of Vancouver but it doesn't seem to ever show the time there!
We ended up in Fort Nelson for the night because I wanted to see the museum here and hopefully visit the library. Monday is a holidy in Canada. We are at MP 300. Although we are in Ft. Nelson, we don't have any cell service so I really don't know what time it is. The TV is Cable with New York ABC, Seattle CBS in addition to the Canadian Global News Network which I believe is out of Vancouver but it doesn't seem to ever show the time there!
Going West Again
Thursday we woke up to bright daylight thinking it must be at least 9 or 10 a.m. Then found out it was only 5:30!! We headed west on the Yellowhead Highway (Rt. 16) out of Edmonton toward Hinton where we stopped at WalMart and got stocked up a little on groceries. Talk about small store! The Canadian stores have what is called a 'grocery shelf' about like a 7-Eleven. I ended up at the Safeway (I thought they went out of business years ago) which was next door. Canada has a hefty deposit system in place: 60 cents on a gallon of milk, the same for a 12 pack of soda, 40 cents for a case of 1/2 litre bottles. Of course, you can get your money back when you take them to the Bottle Return. It's NOT in the store! It's somewhere out there in the vast prairie.
Then we turned north toward Grand Cache, then took Hwy 40 north to Grand Prairie. We keep seeing signs for wildlife in the road. So far we have seen 1 hawk with a rabbit and five mule deer. No moose or elk in sight!
We had to stop in Grand Prairie to wait out the very strong crosswinds that kept changing directions.
Some things we have noticed: Important Intersection signs, Dangerous Goods Route sign, washrooms.
Then we turned north toward Grand Cache, then took Hwy 40 north to Grand Prairie. We keep seeing signs for wildlife in the road. So far we have seen 1 hawk with a rabbit and five mule deer. No moose or elk in sight!
We had to stop in Grand Prairie to wait out the very strong crosswinds that kept changing directions.
Some things we have noticed: Important Intersection signs, Dangerous Goods Route sign, washrooms.
Canada, Oh, Canada!
We headed to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, through Lethbridge. Crossing the border at Sweetgrass was a simple procedure. Three cars were ahead of us and we waited about ten minutes for our turn. After showing our passports, the Canadian Vehicle Insurance Certificate issued by our auto insurance company, and answering some questions, were told to have a safe trip and enjoy Canada.
We stopped in Lethbridge to visit the old Fort Whoop-Up (yes, that really is the name!) at the bottom of a very steep hill. We followed a school group in and found out the Fort wouldn't be open until the next day, but as we had come so far and needed to be on the road, we were allowed to shadow the children on their tour.
After that tour, we headed on up the road stopping at Head Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre about ten miles west off the main highway. This Centre is built at the site of the last known 'jump' of its kind. It's built into the side of the mountain.
Calgary is a beautiful, growing city. I'd love to come up here one July to see the Stampede. Alberta is really Big, Big Sky Country! Moreso than Montana. A curiosity is that there are elk ranches. Also, now it's not getting dark until about 10 p.m. Who needs daylight savings time???
We stopped in Lethbridge to visit the old Fort Whoop-Up (yes, that really is the name!) at the bottom of a very steep hill. We followed a school group in and found out the Fort wouldn't be open until the next day, but as we had come so far and needed to be on the road, we were allowed to shadow the children on their tour.
After that tour, we headed on up the road stopping at Head Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre about ten miles west off the main highway. This Centre is built at the site of the last known 'jump' of its kind. It's built into the side of the mountain.
Calgary is a beautiful, growing city. I'd love to come up here one July to see the Stampede. Alberta is really Big, Big Sky Country! Moreso than Montana. A curiosity is that there are elk ranches. Also, now it's not getting dark until about 10 p.m. Who needs daylight savings time???
Red Deer, Calgary, Edmonton
After a few missed turns, we finally got over the bridge and out of Calgary toward Red Deer. Up the road we were astonished to find a rest area that had dry camping sites for a fee and washrooms with showers.
In Red Deer while looking for a bank to get some Canadian Cash, I spied a Michael's!!! Yes, I did go in to shop. When I asked for this week's sales flier I got a blank look. then a cashier said they only have a items on sale every other week so this week nothing was on sale. She then handed me a 'friends & family' coupon for 25% off my total purchases, and a coupon for 50% off one item starting this Saturday and good through next Friday, by which time we should be in Anchorage.
Arriving in Edmonton around noon and after several trips around the block, we were able to get into the scrapbooking store I had found online. The square footage is no as big as I had thought, but she had lots and lots of stamp sets, stickers, loose paper and coordinated its. Then it was on to Fort Edmonton which we found out wasn't going to open for three more day with a carnival.
In Red Deer while looking for a bank to get some Canadian Cash, I spied a Michael's!!! Yes, I did go in to shop. When I asked for this week's sales flier I got a blank look. then a cashier said they only have a items on sale every other week so this week nothing was on sale. She then handed me a 'friends & family' coupon for 25% off my total purchases, and a coupon for 50% off one item starting this Saturday and good through next Friday, by which time we should be in Anchorage.
Arriving in Edmonton around noon and after several trips around the block, we were able to get into the scrapbooking store I had found online. The square footage is no as big as I had thought, but she had lots and lots of stamp sets, stickers, loose paper and coordinated its. Then it was on to Fort Edmonton which we found out wasn't going to open for three more day with a carnival.
Snow, Snow and More Snow
We woke up to a snow covered landscape - some time during the night the rain changed to snow and two inches covered the ground. Plenty of elk were in the campground nosing around the RVs and tents.
As we left White Sulphur Springs going North on US 89, the snow started coming down. We were crossing the Little Belt Mountains. The snow was wet and sticking but not to the roadway. We also encountered foggy conditions. Leaving Monarch at the foot of the mount range, not a snowflake in sight, none in the air or on the ground. But it started raining in spurts. We arrived in Great Falls, following the map and written directions, we still couldn't find the library so we got on I-15 north bound and stopped for the night outside Shelby about 60 miles south of the border crossing.
I can understand why Montana is Big Sky Country - miles and miles of nothing but blue sky and praire land as far as you can see
As we left White Sulphur Springs going North on US 89, the snow started coming down. We were crossing the Little Belt Mountains. The snow was wet and sticking but not to the roadway. We also encountered foggy conditions. Leaving Monarch at the foot of the mount range, not a snowflake in sight, none in the air or on the ground. But it started raining in spurts. We arrived in Great Falls, following the map and written directions, we still couldn't find the library so we got on I-15 north bound and stopped for the night outside Shelby about 60 miles south of the border crossing.
I can understand why Montana is Big Sky Country - miles and miles of nothing but blue sky and praire land as far as you can see
Leaving Yellowstone National Park
We were told that a mama bear with three cubs were in the Ox Bow Bend area and could be seen from the pullout. We couldn't find them! Early that morning we saw herds of elk and bison in the fields on the way out of Teton. Since arriving in Yellowstone, we've seen bison everywhere. I walked around one of the geyser fields on the raised walkway and came upon about six or seven bison just to the left, up close and way too personal! We then went to see Old Faithful. What a sight! The parking lot was only partically cleared and pile of snow were everywhere. It started drizzling while we were waiting for the 'show'. The forecast is for a low of 15 and high of 31 with a 70% chance of snow for tomorrow. These parks have plenty of pullouts to stop and see wildlife or visit the bubbling mud holes or small dormant geysers which are still hot enough to take your skin off or melt your boots.
We spend the night in the Mammoth Hot Springs Campground where there was plenty of evidence of wildlife activity. We had to be very, very careful where we stepped.
We spend the night in the Mammoth Hot Springs Campground where there was plenty of evidence of wildlife activity. We had to be very, very careful where we stepped.
Grand Tetons and Yellowstone
We left Rock Springs for Grand Teton National Park this morning. Our first stop was at the Jackson visitor center then we took the road to Kelly which loped around and back to US 191. After leaving the Moose Visitor Center, taking Teton Park Road, and arriving at the Signal Mountain Campground, we decided to back track to the Gros Ventre Campground for the night then take US 191 north to Yellowstone. When we register at the campground, we were told to be very, very careful as both a mountain lion and a bear had been hanging around the area. We saw plenty of tracks and calling cards but no wildlife.
We had been seeing patches of snow since leaving Cheyenne. Here in Grand Teton, there are fields of snow from a couple inches to several feet deep. I took photos. The wind finally died down this evening. So far we have seen elk far in the distance, mule deer near the fences and bison coming toward us.
We had been seeing patches of snow since leaving Cheyenne. Here in Grand Teton, there are fields of snow from a couple inches to several feet deep. I took photos. The wind finally died down this evening. So far we have seen elk far in the distance, mule deer near the fences and bison coming toward us.
Way Out West
We had spent the night expecting to visit Buffalo Bill's Scout's Rest Ranch just outside N. Platte, NE, only to find out it wasn't going to open til 10 a.m., so we continued west on I-80.
When we arrived in Cheyenne, we followed the Internet directions to the visitor center but couldn't fin it so we stopped at the Museum of the Old West and got directions to the Cheyenne Depot in downtown where it's now located. From there we took the trolley ride around the town. Cheyenne is a community planned by the railroad which then sold building lots to any churches for $1 to encourage them to come to town. We returned to the museum to see the history of the Frontier Days Rodeo that is held the last ten days of July which is worked entirely by volunteers. Wyoming had the first woman governor and had already given women the right to vote in order to get enough voters to qualify for statehood. That worked against the state as it took over 20 years for the rest of the country to catch up!
We continued on to Laramie where we had enough time to see the Wyoming Territorial Prison where Butch Cassidy was a guest for a time. The locals believe it was for a crime he in fact did not commit. The History Channel is funding an excavation of the area that is being worked by middle school students. They have made some very interesting discoveries which are on display.
When we arrived in Cheyenne, we followed the Internet directions to the visitor center but couldn't fin it so we stopped at the Museum of the Old West and got directions to the Cheyenne Depot in downtown where it's now located. From there we took the trolley ride around the town. Cheyenne is a community planned by the railroad which then sold building lots to any churches for $1 to encourage them to come to town. We returned to the museum to see the history of the Frontier Days Rodeo that is held the last ten days of July which is worked entirely by volunteers. Wyoming had the first woman governor and had already given women the right to vote in order to get enough voters to qualify for statehood. That worked against the state as it took over 20 years for the rest of the country to catch up!
We continued on to Laramie where we had enough time to see the Wyoming Territorial Prison where Butch Cassidy was a guest for a time. The locals believe it was for a crime he in fact did not commit. The History Channel is funding an excavation of the area that is being worked by middle school students. They have made some very interesting discoveries which are on display.
Wide Open Spaces
As we continued west on I-80, we encountered snowy rain which lasted about ten minutes. So far today, it has rained off and on and is getting colder. The only weather report we could get on the raio was that the high was to be 30 tomorrow with snowy rain and warm and sunny on Sunday but we don't know where that was for! We also started seeing herds of ponghorn antelope grazing alongside cattle in vast fields with not a building in site. We arrived in Rock Springs about noon and, because of bad weather, decided to stay put for the rest of the day by visiting the library, getting gas and propane. We will leave for the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone tomorrow morning. They are about 185 miles north of here.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Northwest to Alaska
A week ago, we were at home in Titusville. The first day was uneventful, then on Friday, heading northwest out of Tupelo, MS, on US 78 toward Memphis, we rant into really bad weather with a lot of rain and really hard, gusting crosswinds. Going down a hill, with abridge over a large creek, the wind started pushing us to the right toward the bridge railing – Frank is pulling the wheel to the left, we’re still going toward the bridge railing – like sliding on ice except you cannot steer into the slide – after some seconds (eternity), the wind let up enough for us to cross the bridge and go up the next hill.
SUNDAY:
When we arrived in St. Louis, MO, to see the Gateway Arch, AKA Jefferson Memorial National Park, we found that RV parking was along Leonor Street which is right on the Mississippi River which had flooded a couple weeks ago. Although the signs said reserved for RV/Bus parking, the spaces were filled by cars. We had to walk a little over ½ mile to the foot of the steps to the Arch. The entrances are at the ends of the legs of the Arch and everything is underground between the legs. We rode to the top in a five-person pod/tram car each of which had tractor-style seats and we sat knee-to-knee for the two minutes trip up and three minute ride back down. We stayed at the top for about ten minutes. The viewing windows were about four feet wide and twelve inches high with views to the east and west which were spectacular! When we got back down, Frank went outside to people watch and I went to see the movie about the construction of the Arch. Several times I thought I would have to leave because the movie was showing the workers outside the Arch with absolutely no safety equipment! The view from each stage of construction was sickeningly straight down. They didn’t even have on any safety gear while setting the keystone at 630 feet. Meanwhile outside, Frank was watching a driver who got ticked off because someone had blocked him in so he called the police who arrived, issued a ticket, then had the vehicle towed away. As we were walking back to our RV, we saw another officer writing tickets for every car parked on that part of the street where the NO PARKING signs were (about four blocks). To the north of the Arch is a parking garage for cars!
WEDNESDAY:
Now heading west through Nebraska on I-80. We were still experiencing very stiff crosswinds. Our cell phone locked up last night at 9:45: no LED light and none of the buttons worked. When I took it into a WalMart, the guy looked at it, turned it over, took the battery out, put it back in, and it worked!!! I thought it was toast and I would have to buy a pay-as-you-go phone for the duration of this trip! I didn’t think to ask him what “oo” meant on the display. After searching through the Nokia book, I found that this meant I have messages. DUH!!!! It was Hannah and Hope singing “Happy Birthday” to Grandpa.
THURDAY:
Today we got off I-80 to go about 20 miles south to the Harold Warp Pioneer Village in Minden, NE. This is over 20 acres of the most amazing collection of collections! Some exhibits were hands on so you could see how they functioned. The broom maker demonstrated his craft, the lace maker show how she made the lace items; another woman was stripping denim pieces for the rug weaver while another woman was spinning the yard used to hold it all together. All the items they made are sold in the gift shop to help fund this museum.
One building house appliances from the 1830s to the 1970s showing on two floors the evolution of labor-saving devices: ice chests to ice boxes to refrigerators. Another building was devoted to all types of collections from advertising pens and pencils to salt and pepper sets to stamps, coins, shells. Several buildings contained cars of every kind, buggies and wagons, even a 1937 Vagabond camper! Almost all the vehicles showed a copy of the original title and ad with price listed. Very few of these items on display were donated. Mr. Warp purchased all of them.
We continued west on US 30 to Holdrege to see the Nebraska Praire Museum, the highlight is a section devoted to Camp Atlanta and the other similar camps which housed German POWs from 1943 until the war was over. They were encouraged to take jobs in the area to help fill the void left by the local men in the service. They made many friends in the area during that time. We returned north to I-80 and continued west toward Cheyenne, WY.
SUNDAY:
When we arrived in St. Louis, MO, to see the Gateway Arch, AKA Jefferson Memorial National Park, we found that RV parking was along Leonor Street which is right on the Mississippi River which had flooded a couple weeks ago. Although the signs said reserved for RV/Bus parking, the spaces were filled by cars. We had to walk a little over ½ mile to the foot of the steps to the Arch. The entrances are at the ends of the legs of the Arch and everything is underground between the legs. We rode to the top in a five-person pod/tram car each of which had tractor-style seats and we sat knee-to-knee for the two minutes trip up and three minute ride back down. We stayed at the top for about ten minutes. The viewing windows were about four feet wide and twelve inches high with views to the east and west which were spectacular! When we got back down, Frank went outside to people watch and I went to see the movie about the construction of the Arch. Several times I thought I would have to leave because the movie was showing the workers outside the Arch with absolutely no safety equipment! The view from each stage of construction was sickeningly straight down. They didn’t even have on any safety gear while setting the keystone at 630 feet. Meanwhile outside, Frank was watching a driver who got ticked off because someone had blocked him in so he called the police who arrived, issued a ticket, then had the vehicle towed away. As we were walking back to our RV, we saw another officer writing tickets for every car parked on that part of the street where the NO PARKING signs were (about four blocks). To the north of the Arch is a parking garage for cars!
WEDNESDAY:
Now heading west through Nebraska on I-80. We were still experiencing very stiff crosswinds. Our cell phone locked up last night at 9:45: no LED light and none of the buttons worked. When I took it into a WalMart, the guy looked at it, turned it over, took the battery out, put it back in, and it worked!!! I thought it was toast and I would have to buy a pay-as-you-go phone for the duration of this trip! I didn’t think to ask him what “oo” meant on the display. After searching through the Nokia book, I found that this meant I have messages. DUH!!!! It was Hannah and Hope singing “Happy Birthday” to Grandpa.
THURDAY:
Today we got off I-80 to go about 20 miles south to the Harold Warp Pioneer Village in Minden, NE. This is over 20 acres of the most amazing collection of collections! Some exhibits were hands on so you could see how they functioned. The broom maker demonstrated his craft, the lace maker show how she made the lace items; another woman was stripping denim pieces for the rug weaver while another woman was spinning the yard used to hold it all together. All the items they made are sold in the gift shop to help fund this museum.
One building house appliances from the 1830s to the 1970s showing on two floors the evolution of labor-saving devices: ice chests to ice boxes to refrigerators. Another building was devoted to all types of collections from advertising pens and pencils to salt and pepper sets to stamps, coins, shells. Several buildings contained cars of every kind, buggies and wagons, even a 1937 Vagabond camper! Almost all the vehicles showed a copy of the original title and ad with price listed. Very few of these items on display were donated. Mr. Warp purchased all of them.
We continued west on US 30 to Holdrege to see the Nebraska Praire Museum, the highlight is a section devoted to Camp Atlanta and the other similar camps which housed German POWs from 1943 until the war was over. They were encouraged to take jobs in the area to help fill the void left by the local men in the service. They made many friends in the area during that time. We returned north to I-80 and continued west toward Cheyenne, WY.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Florida to Alaska 2008
Soon (around May 1) we will again be on the road! This time it is across country, through Alberta and British Columbia, Canada, and part of the Yukon into Alaska.
This trip should take about 9 weeks (maybe more?) and I've been planning it for months.
This trip should take about 9 weeks (maybe more?) and I've been planning it for months.
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