Sorry it took so long to get back to this, but the hard drive on my desktop crashed the day after we got back and I've been restoring everything after installing a new one. I prefer to edit photos on the old tube monitor, since it reproduces color, brightness, etc much more accurately than the laptop. Still working on the pics. I'm still having a hard time getting back into the daily routine here at home. The routine on the road is much simpler.
Well, here are some statistics. We put 11,700 miles on the motorhome, and 3300 miles on the Tracker. Both performed very well. (I did discover a broken anti-sway bar bushing retainer, and a leaking front shock. Not surprising considering some of the suspension 'tests' I did along the way.)
We were gone 62 days, and spent an average of $100 per day for fuel and campgrounds. I consider that quite reasonable. Would be hard to beat by driving a car and motelling it. (We do not consider food and other necessities into the formula, cause we would have spent about the same amount at home. We did have most of our meals in the motorhome.....can't beat home cooking. Barb had prepared many meals before we left and froze them, so preparing them was simply a matter of reheating in the microwave. We also used our George Foreman grill often for steaks, chicken, burgers, etc. I did not fire up the gas grill at all during the trip.)
Now for the important part. We had a FANTASTIC trip! The months of planning and researching the places we wanted to see paid off. The scenery was tremendous and we got to see and do most of what we planned. (One disappointment was not seeing a grizzly up close.;)) The Canadian Rockies from Banff to Jasper were spectacular and were a highlight of the trip. The roads, though really miserable at times as noted earlier in the blog, were generally good and should not discourage anyone from driving up there.
There were many surprises in Alaska, especially the variety of wildflowers growing almost everywhere. It's hard to believe that after 6 months of the harshest of winters there would be much growing there. It is definitely NOT a frozen wasteland. Even the trip up the Haul Road to the Arctic Circle surprised us by the amount and variety of vegetation we saw, and very little snow. Also, as shown in a few of my blog pics, some of the mountains are covered in green making them look almost tropical. The number and variety of glaciers was also a surprise, as was where you find them. (BTW, 10% of Alaska glaciers are expanding.) They can be found all over the state as well as throughout Canada.
Though not a surprise, there were many long hours of driving without seeing anything but trees and mountains. Very little of the trip, however, was boring. There was always something new to see around the next bend or over the next hill. Much of the scenery is unique and unusual, and we never tired of it.
The people we met, especially in the services business (campground owners, gift shop clerks, waitresses, etc), were wonderful and very helpful. We got a lot of inside information, as to where to go and what to see, from them. We also met a few travelers from around the US and Canada who we are now priveleged to call friends, and hope to cross paths with in the future. I mentioned some of them in the blog.
However, the typical driver in Alaska and Canada is no different than anywhere else. They do not like being behind a large vehicle like a truck or motorhome and will do anything to get around you, including putting you and themselves at risk. They do not realize or seem to care that when they cut you off or hit the brakes after passing you, a large vehicle requires a bit more distance to stop, making for a few close calls and elevated tempers. 'Nuff said about that.
I noted in an earlier blog to comment about the people we would pass on the streets or in a turnout or on a hiking trail, wherever, whether in Alaska or Canada or Ohio. I guess it's a sign of the times, but it seems fewer people, mostly older, look at you and say 'hi' as you pass. Most younger folks (I would guess in the 25-55 year old range) deliberately avoid eye-to-eye contact and any form of social interaction. I would venture a guess this is a result of more and more folks communicating by email, texting or phone, and have lost or never learned the art of face-to-face communication. 'Interpersonal skills' as we know it. It was a bit disconcerting to say 'hello' as you approached someone and not receive any acknowledgement of your existance as they passed by. Most campers and RVers generally are a more gregarious bunch of folks and usually anxious to talk about each others travels or rv's, though I do see this trend occurring among the younger campers also. It was prevalent enough to be noticed and commented on by both Barb and I. I find it both interesting and somewhat sad.
Aside from the above observations, (which, by the way, did not affect our fun,) it was a memorable journey, and I enjoyed sharing the adventure with you all. I'd be glad to help with any information you may be seeking if you're considering going to Alaska. I must thank Gene Grabarits for sharing his Alaska experience with us before we left. It helped greatly in the planning.
That's about it for now. Thanks for following along and till next time, take care have fun and be safe.
Ron & Barb
P.S. I'll post more pics as I get them organized.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
We're Home!
Good morning. Well, in my last post, I mistakenly predicted our arrival home as Saturday, but we actually got home Friday around 3:00 pm. I just lost track of what day it was/is. (Easy to do when you don't much care what day it is.;)) Anyway, we had a fun reunion with family and friends and it felt good to be home. The kids took good care of the place while we were gone, but now the realization of having to do it myself has set in......mowing grass, killing weeds and bugs, cleaning the pond filter, etc., etc. MANY THANKS to all who let us go away for two months without having to worry about this stuff.
I haven't really started going through my pictures yet and editing and sorting them, but as soon as I get a bit organized I will post some. I also plan to do a wrap-up of our trip as soon as I can. Looking forward to seeing all of you soon, and thanks for following along. Hope you enjoyed it.
Later, Ron & Barb
I haven't really started going through my pictures yet and editing and sorting them, but as soon as I get a bit organized I will post some. I also plan to do a wrap-up of our trip as soon as I can. Looking forward to seeing all of you soon, and thanks for following along. Hope you enjoyed it.
Later, Ron & Barb
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Where are we? Everyone wants to know.
It's been a while since I've had a chance to post cause we've been hoofing our way back east. Right now we're in a campground near Dayton Ohio, and surprisingly, it has wifi, which we haven't had for a while. How did we get here?
Saturday, July 11, we left Custer, SD after Rick picked up his truck in Rapid City after routine maintenance nearly turned into a disaster. I'll leave that story for another time. Anyway, as we headed east, we stopped and toured the South Dakota Badlands. Now, North Dakota has badlands, Montana has badlands and Wyoming has badlands, but South Dakota's Badlands are THE baddest. We've seen them before, but they still leave you in awe everytime we see them. Took MANY pics and will post probably after we get home this coming Saturday.
After leaving the badlands, we found a campground in Kennebec, SD for the night. In the morning, Sunday, July 12, we were on our way to Bloomington, MN and the Mall of America. Now Barb and I had stopped there on our way west, but Rick and Kathy and the kids had not been there. We found a nice campground about 8 miles from the mall. Samantha's birthday is on Tuesday, July 14 and they decided to do the mall on that day for her birthday. Anyway, Monday, July 13, we visited the Minnesota Zoo, which was just a few blocks from or campground. It is a VERY nice zoo with most exhibits somewhat under cover, and we had a fun day there. (More about that later)
Tuesday, July 14,we went to the Mall of America where the kids rode many of the rides in the amusement park. We had a fun birthday lunch at the Rainforest Cafe and Samantha shopped till we left around 4:00. We drove into the night across Iowa and stayed at a Walmart in Cedar Rapids.
That brings us to today. We travelled across Illinois, Indiana and ended up here near Dayton, Ohio. We didn't make any stops for sight-seeing, just fuel and food. Tomorrow we go to Wright-Patterson Air Force Museum before continuing our trek east tomorrow afternoon. We plan to overnight one more time and be home sometime Saturday.
That's all I have time for, so till I get a chance to update my post, take care, have fun and be safe.
Ron & Barb
Saturday, July 11, we left Custer, SD after Rick picked up his truck in Rapid City after routine maintenance nearly turned into a disaster. I'll leave that story for another time. Anyway, as we headed east, we stopped and toured the South Dakota Badlands. Now, North Dakota has badlands, Montana has badlands and Wyoming has badlands, but South Dakota's Badlands are THE baddest. We've seen them before, but they still leave you in awe everytime we see them. Took MANY pics and will post probably after we get home this coming Saturday.
After leaving the badlands, we found a campground in Kennebec, SD for the night. In the morning, Sunday, July 12, we were on our way to Bloomington, MN and the Mall of America. Now Barb and I had stopped there on our way west, but Rick and Kathy and the kids had not been there. We found a nice campground about 8 miles from the mall. Samantha's birthday is on Tuesday, July 14 and they decided to do the mall on that day for her birthday. Anyway, Monday, July 13, we visited the Minnesota Zoo, which was just a few blocks from or campground. It is a VERY nice zoo with most exhibits somewhat under cover, and we had a fun day there. (More about that later)
Tuesday, July 14,we went to the Mall of America where the kids rode many of the rides in the amusement park. We had a fun birthday lunch at the Rainforest Cafe and Samantha shopped till we left around 4:00. We drove into the night across Iowa and stayed at a Walmart in Cedar Rapids.
That brings us to today. We travelled across Illinois, Indiana and ended up here near Dayton, Ohio. We didn't make any stops for sight-seeing, just fuel and food. Tomorrow we go to Wright-Patterson Air Force Museum before continuing our trek east tomorrow afternoon. We plan to overnight one more time and be home sometime Saturday.
That's all I have time for, so till I get a chance to update my post, take care, have fun and be safe.
Ron & Barb
Friday, July 10, 2009
Custer SP and Devil's Tower
Wednesday, July 8, we left early for Custer State Park. This is probably my favorite state park we have visited over the years. It's layed out well and has spectacular scenery.
First, the Needles Highway, so called because of this rock and many other similar rocks.
The kids at Needles
Cathedral Spires
Beautiful Sylvan Lake
Then the Wildlife Loop where the buffalo had traffic backed up for a while.
When you're hungry, nothing's gonna stop you.
And the beggar donkeys.
Thirsty antelope.
Did you ever see a FAST turtle crossing?
Dark clouds had been forming before we got back to camp. These are storm clouds looking north from our campground. There was a tornado warning out for the area about 70 miles north of us and a watch in our area. This did not form into a tornado. In fact, the skies cleared later without even a drop of rain.
Well, that was an exciting and scary ending to a fun day in Custer State Park.
Thursday, July 9, we headed to Devil's Tower in Wyoming about 110 miles from Custer.
The kids and I hiked the 1.3 mile trail around the base of Devil's Tower. Barb stayed back at the visitors center. I was tired when we got back.
Of course, there are always the gophers.
Can't get enough of that red rock.
Looks like my kind of place ;)
We also took a trip to Sturgis, which hosts a giant motorcycle rally later this month, and the old towns of Deadwood, where Wild Bill Hickock was killed in a poker game, and the town of Lead. (pronounced LEED)
This is a fairly new attraction in Lead called President's Park where there are 20 foot tall busts of all 44 presidents in order. VERY impressive.
Outside of Hill City is the Crazy Horse monument, visible from a long distance. I hope I get to see it someday when it's finally done.
We got back to camp, had supper and played mini golf here at the campground. Around 8:30 we noticed lightning in the northern sky and it continued till after 11:00. It was quite spectacular and eventually made it's way toward us. We didn't get the heaviest part of the storm, but we had some lightning and rain till about midnight.
Today, we toured the National Museum of Woodcarvers about two miles from Custer. That was very interesting. Other than that, we just hung around and relaxed before our trip tomorrow. This evening we're going to Mt. Rushmore for the evening lighting ceremony.
So, till next time, take care, have fun and be safe
Ron & Barb
First, the Needles Highway, so called because of this rock and many other similar rocks.
The kids at Needles
Cathedral Spires
Beautiful Sylvan Lake
Then the Wildlife Loop where the buffalo had traffic backed up for a while.
When you're hungry, nothing's gonna stop you.
And the beggar donkeys.
Thirsty antelope.
Did you ever see a FAST turtle crossing?
Dark clouds had been forming before we got back to camp. These are storm clouds looking north from our campground. There was a tornado warning out for the area about 70 miles north of us and a watch in our area. This did not form into a tornado. In fact, the skies cleared later without even a drop of rain.
Well, that was an exciting and scary ending to a fun day in Custer State Park.
Thursday, July 9, we headed to Devil's Tower in Wyoming about 110 miles from Custer.
The kids and I hiked the 1.3 mile trail around the base of Devil's Tower. Barb stayed back at the visitors center. I was tired when we got back.
Of course, there are always the gophers.
Can't get enough of that red rock.
Looks like my kind of place ;)
We also took a trip to Sturgis, which hosts a giant motorcycle rally later this month, and the old towns of Deadwood, where Wild Bill Hickock was killed in a poker game, and the town of Lead. (pronounced LEED)
This is a fairly new attraction in Lead called President's Park where there are 20 foot tall busts of all 44 presidents in order. VERY impressive.
Outside of Hill City is the Crazy Horse monument, visible from a long distance. I hope I get to see it someday when it's finally done.
We got back to camp, had supper and played mini golf here at the campground. Around 8:30 we noticed lightning in the northern sky and it continued till after 11:00. It was quite spectacular and eventually made it's way toward us. We didn't get the heaviest part of the storm, but we had some lightning and rain till about midnight.
Today, we toured the National Museum of Woodcarvers about two miles from Custer. That was very interesting. Other than that, we just hung around and relaxed before our trip tomorrow. This evening we're going to Mt. Rushmore for the evening lighting ceremony.
So, till next time, take care, have fun and be safe
Ron & Barb
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
West Glacier to Custer, SD
Hello again. Monday, july 6, we left West Glacier and started our trek to Custer, SD. We took US2 and a couple other lesser roads, which were all good to very good except for construction and gravel road on one of the lesser roads. The scenery went from the mountains of Glacier NP to rolling hills the further east we traveled and flattened out somewhat for the farmland that seemed to go on for miles and miles. At one point we could see black clouds forming to the South and gradually moved over us. We had a bit of rain and then dime size hail. I slowed to minimize damage if it got worse, but in less than ten minutes, it was over. Our destination was Billings, MT and our favorite 'chain' of campgrounds .......WalMart.
We were surprised as we approached Billings to see that the road was way above the city. We stopped at an overlook to take pics and look down on Billings, which was built along the Missouri River. Again, just another big city with the usual mall-sprawl and businesses. The WalMart was along one of the mall roads. We found a good out-of -the -way spot and paid our 'fee' in the store. Though it was near a main highway, it was very quiet and we actually slept a bit later than we had planned. I highly recommend this WalMart for overnight stops.;)
Tuesday, July 7, We left WalMart and made contact with Rick and Kathy, who were in Colorado at the time. Kathy found a campground for us, Flintstones RV in Custer, and said they'd probably be there later tonight. We only had about a 350 mile drive from Billings on I90, but thought they might be pushing it to get here from Estes Park, CO. We took our time and took many pictures along the way, including a 1 1/2 hour stop at Little Bighorn National Monument, which was VERY interesting. The roads were very good and the scenery never ceases to amaze us, even though we'd seen much of it before. Again, I took lots of pics.
We found Flintstone, and got settled in our site about 5:30. At about 7:30, we got a call from kathy saying they were less than 40 miles away. Forty minutes later they pulled in and we had a joyous reunion. We shared tales a bit and watched video of their off-road adventures in a Jeep at Moab. Talk about excitement! WOW! We chatted till after 11:00 and finally hit the sack.
Wednesday, July 8, after breakfast, we headed off to Custer State Park, my favorite of state parks. The weather was mostly sunny and warm and got a bit warmer as the day wore on. We had fun on the Needles highway with the kids climbing the rocks. Later we got on the Wildlife Loop looking for buffalo and, of course, the donkeys. We found both up close and personal, and the kids had a blast feeding the donkey.
After the loop, Rick and Kathy headed off to Rapid City to do some shopping at WalMart and we went back to camp. We noticed darkening skies as we headed west back toward Custer, and just as we pulled into our campsite, Kathy called to let us know there was a tornado warning for our area. I immediately turned on our weather alert radio in the camper and went outside to watch the black clouds north of us move toward the east. We heard a little thunder, but that was it. Right now it is once again mostly sunny and warm, about 74 degrees. As soon as they get back from Rapid City, we'll have dinner together and talk some more.
That should bring us up to date except for some pictures I'll be working on. So, till then, take care, have fun and be safe.
Ron & Barb
P.S. This is mostly a reminder to me to write about the people we met along the way as well the driving habits of some of the people we almost met by accident. Also a few comments on the 'interpersonal skills', or lack thereof, of many people we observed along the way......very interesting. Probably when I get back home and have had some time to reflect.
We were surprised as we approached Billings to see that the road was way above the city. We stopped at an overlook to take pics and look down on Billings, which was built along the Missouri River. Again, just another big city with the usual mall-sprawl and businesses. The WalMart was along one of the mall roads. We found a good out-of -the -way spot and paid our 'fee' in the store. Though it was near a main highway, it was very quiet and we actually slept a bit later than we had planned. I highly recommend this WalMart for overnight stops.;)
Tuesday, July 7, We left WalMart and made contact with Rick and Kathy, who were in Colorado at the time. Kathy found a campground for us, Flintstones RV in Custer, and said they'd probably be there later tonight. We only had about a 350 mile drive from Billings on I90, but thought they might be pushing it to get here from Estes Park, CO. We took our time and took many pictures along the way, including a 1 1/2 hour stop at Little Bighorn National Monument, which was VERY interesting. The roads were very good and the scenery never ceases to amaze us, even though we'd seen much of it before. Again, I took lots of pics.
We found Flintstone, and got settled in our site about 5:30. At about 7:30, we got a call from kathy saying they were less than 40 miles away. Forty minutes later they pulled in and we had a joyous reunion. We shared tales a bit and watched video of their off-road adventures in a Jeep at Moab. Talk about excitement! WOW! We chatted till after 11:00 and finally hit the sack.
Wednesday, July 8, after breakfast, we headed off to Custer State Park, my favorite of state parks. The weather was mostly sunny and warm and got a bit warmer as the day wore on. We had fun on the Needles highway with the kids climbing the rocks. Later we got on the Wildlife Loop looking for buffalo and, of course, the donkeys. We found both up close and personal, and the kids had a blast feeding the donkey.
After the loop, Rick and Kathy headed off to Rapid City to do some shopping at WalMart and we went back to camp. We noticed darkening skies as we headed west back toward Custer, and just as we pulled into our campsite, Kathy called to let us know there was a tornado warning for our area. I immediately turned on our weather alert radio in the camper and went outside to watch the black clouds north of us move toward the east. We heard a little thunder, but that was it. Right now it is once again mostly sunny and warm, about 74 degrees. As soon as they get back from Rapid City, we'll have dinner together and talk some more.
That should bring us up to date except for some pictures I'll be working on. So, till then, take care, have fun and be safe.
Ron & Barb
P.S. This is mostly a reminder to me to write about the people we met along the way as well the driving habits of some of the people we almost met by accident. Also a few comments on the 'interpersonal skills', or lack thereof, of many people we observed along the way......very interesting. Probably when I get back home and have had some time to reflect.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Hungry Horse Fireworks
Well, hope everyone had a great 4th of July. We drove to Kalispell and had dinner at Applebee's, did a little shopping at WalMart and headed back to camp. We had asked where there would be fireworks, but both places were a good distance away. As we passed through Hungry Horse about 8:30, fireworks had already begun mostly in front of the Dam Town Bar. (Hungry Horse has a reservoir and of course a dam, hence the name). BTW, there are fireworks stands all over the place, so getting them is not a problem
After unloading the groceries, we headed back to Hungry Horse out of curiosity. The fireworks displays were just about in full swing as we found a parking spot in a gas station just outside the main part of town, right next to three police cars. Figured it would be safe there. Anyway, since the police started taking an interest in the free-for-all fireworks a few years ago, they no longer have the fireworks battles across the highway. However, there were fireworks everywhere, and I don't mean those little things you buy back home. These were the same ones the pros use. We sat there for over two hours and they never let up. Some were being set off right from the sidewalks as well as across the street from us and about 30 feet in front of the police cars. It was absolutely wild. I asked a sherrif's deputy when it ends, and I quote; 'Till they run out of fireworks or they pass out.' We left around 11:00 and it was still going strong, so I don't know which happened first. We might head back there tonight to see if there are any fireworks left.
All in all, it turned out to be quite a wild and unique July 4th celebration, one I imagine, like it was across the country years ago before governments started legislating for our personal safety.
Here's a sample.
Hope you had as much fun as we did.
Ron & Barb
After unloading the groceries, we headed back to Hungry Horse out of curiosity. The fireworks displays were just about in full swing as we found a parking spot in a gas station just outside the main part of town, right next to three police cars. Figured it would be safe there. Anyway, since the police started taking an interest in the free-for-all fireworks a few years ago, they no longer have the fireworks battles across the highway. However, there were fireworks everywhere, and I don't mean those little things you buy back home. These were the same ones the pros use. We sat there for over two hours and they never let up. Some were being set off right from the sidewalks as well as across the street from us and about 30 feet in front of the police cars. It was absolutely wild. I asked a sherrif's deputy when it ends, and I quote; 'Till they run out of fireworks or they pass out.' We left around 11:00 and it was still going strong, so I don't know which happened first. We might head back there tonight to see if there are any fireworks left.
All in all, it turned out to be quite a wild and unique July 4th celebration, one I imagine, like it was across the country years ago before governments started legislating for our personal safety.
Here's a sample.
Hope you had as much fun as we did.
Ron & Barb
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Happy July 4th!
Yesterday we travelled from Coeur D'Alene to West Glacier NP in Montana. We're at the North American RV park, and lucky to get a spot. The roads were good except for one 14 mile construction area, but a nice pleasant drive. Much traffic, though, because of the holiday.
This morning we left about 9:00 for Glacier NP and The Going to the Sun road. The complete road just opened up July 1st from the winter damage. Because of the 4th of July, it was very busy, but we managed to survive the cliff hanging road and still get some good pics. The road is 50 miles and when you get to the end you have a choice of returning the same way or going nearly 100 niles to get back to West Glacier. We opted for the long way back.
So here it is about 5:30 and after a bit of a rest, we'll be heading out for some local food and hopefully find some good fireworks displays for tonight. We're near a town called Hungry Horse where they supposedly shoot fireworks across the main road at each other and anybody else who passes by. I think we might bypass that tradition.
Here are just a couple pics the kids will enjoy. The rest will get sorted later.
This is a mountain kid (young goat) hanging around a scenic overlook.
That's it for now. All have a Happy and safe 4th of July celebration, and see you soon.
Ron & Barb
This morning we left about 9:00 for Glacier NP and The Going to the Sun road. The complete road just opened up July 1st from the winter damage. Because of the 4th of July, it was very busy, but we managed to survive the cliff hanging road and still get some good pics. The road is 50 miles and when you get to the end you have a choice of returning the same way or going nearly 100 niles to get back to West Glacier. We opted for the long way back.
So here it is about 5:30 and after a bit of a rest, we'll be heading out for some local food and hopefully find some good fireworks displays for tonight. We're near a town called Hungry Horse where they supposedly shoot fireworks across the main road at each other and anybody else who passes by. I think we might bypass that tradition.
Here are just a couple pics the kids will enjoy. The rest will get sorted later.
This is a mountain kid (young goat) hanging around a scenic overlook.
That's it for now. All have a Happy and safe 4th of July celebration, and see you soon.
Ron & Barb
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Back in the USA
Yesterday we left Prince George, BC making our way back to the good ol' USA. The roads since we left Stewart have been good to very good and very welcome. It was a bit strange to be back in 'civilization' like stop lights and shopping malls and, of course, traffic. We had not really missed those things much, but kind of welcomed them.
We travelled to Jasper and then down the Ice Field Parkway to Lake Louise, which has thawed. We only stayed there a few minutes because the sun had gone down behind the mountain and the lake was not very photogenic. Though we went this route on the way up to Alaska, much of it seemed new because we were going the other way and the lighting was very different and beautiful from six weeks ago.
I had been trying to avoid the high price of fuel in British Columbia and got only what I needed to get me to Alberta, which has much lower taxes on fuel. Yesterday was Canada Day, a national holiday, and I had to get fuel at the only place available, which was on the Ice Field Parkway. Gas in BC was 1.149 per liter, but at this gas station on Canada Day it was 1.349 per liter, which comes to $4.34/gallon US. I got only enough to get me to Lake Louise, where it was 'only' $1.019/liter. We filled up there and continued on into the night. Yes, it got dark last night.....the first we had seen that in a long while. In fact, we pulled into one of the few rest stops in BC that allows overnight parking at around 11:00pm our time. Finally got lucky.
This morning we were on our way by 7:00 am and had about 100 miles to the border. We crossed into Idaho at the Eastport border crossing at around 9:45. I told the Border Patrol agent I was getting tired of meters, liters and loonies. We made our way to where we are now in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Being the 4th of July weekend, we thought we'd have a hard time getting a campsite. We pulled into Blackwell Island RV Resort and through good luck, they had a cancellation on one of their premier sites facing the river. But only for tonight. We'll be moving on in the morning.
One other thing we haven't encountered in quite awhile is HEAT. It is very warm here, around 84 degress and bright sunshine.....a real shocker for someone who's been living in the 50's and 60's for half the summer, and loving it!
We've been in touch with Rick and Kathy and it looks like we'll be meeting up with them in South Dakota in a week or so. We're looking forward to seeing someone familiar again. It'll be great.
Anyway, that's all for now, so take care, have fun and be safe.
Ron & Barb
We travelled to Jasper and then down the Ice Field Parkway to Lake Louise, which has thawed. We only stayed there a few minutes because the sun had gone down behind the mountain and the lake was not very photogenic. Though we went this route on the way up to Alaska, much of it seemed new because we were going the other way and the lighting was very different and beautiful from six weeks ago.
I had been trying to avoid the high price of fuel in British Columbia and got only what I needed to get me to Alberta, which has much lower taxes on fuel. Yesterday was Canada Day, a national holiday, and I had to get fuel at the only place available, which was on the Ice Field Parkway. Gas in BC was 1.149 per liter, but at this gas station on Canada Day it was 1.349 per liter, which comes to $4.34/gallon US. I got only enough to get me to Lake Louise, where it was 'only' $1.019/liter. We filled up there and continued on into the night. Yes, it got dark last night.....the first we had seen that in a long while. In fact, we pulled into one of the few rest stops in BC that allows overnight parking at around 11:00pm our time. Finally got lucky.
This morning we were on our way by 7:00 am and had about 100 miles to the border. We crossed into Idaho at the Eastport border crossing at around 9:45. I told the Border Patrol agent I was getting tired of meters, liters and loonies. We made our way to where we are now in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Being the 4th of July weekend, we thought we'd have a hard time getting a campsite. We pulled into Blackwell Island RV Resort and through good luck, they had a cancellation on one of their premier sites facing the river. But only for tonight. We'll be moving on in the morning.
One other thing we haven't encountered in quite awhile is HEAT. It is very warm here, around 84 degress and bright sunshine.....a real shocker for someone who's been living in the 50's and 60's for half the summer, and loving it!
We've been in touch with Rick and Kathy and it looks like we'll be meeting up with them in South Dakota in a week or so. We're looking forward to seeing someone familiar again. It'll be great.
Anyway, that's all for now, so take care, have fun and be safe.
Ron & Barb
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Pics from Stewart/Hyder
Good morning from Prince George, BC. This is one of ten bears we saw on our trip down the Cassiar highway to Stewart.
This lynx was just walking down the side of the road seemingly oblivious to us. It passed within a couple feet of the car and Barb could have reached out and petted it. She wouldn't do it though
We followed the lynx and was able to get this picture.
This is just one of the many canyons we saw on our side trip to Telegraph Creek.
Here's a picture of downtown Stewart. It's a small, but neat town. There are several businesses for sale and the town is not in very good health.
Across the border back into Alaska is the town of Hyder. Dirt streets and really run down buildings. Stewart may be dying, but Hyder is terminal. The only thing going for it is the bear viewing walkway run by the NPS. I didn't get 'Hyderized' because the saloon didn't look too inviting.
This swamp is typical of low lying areas. This was on our way to Salmon Glacier.
Just one of hundreds of waterfalls.
This is a rock slide on our route up to the glacier. It was not the only one.
This is the toe of the glacier where it deposits the rock and sediment as it retreats.
Is it something I said?
Barb's handywork.
Remains of recent avalanche activity.
Who did that?
This is high up on the glacier as it makes a turn from the icefield above.
Another waterfall.
This is the edge of the glacer that has calved.
And this is the valley the glacier has formed.
We're leaving shortly for Jasper and Lake Louise, about 350 miles from here. When we first visited Lake Louise on the trip up, it was frozen. I hope by now we can get pictures of it thawed. So till next time, take care, have fun and be safe.
Ron & Barb
This lynx was just walking down the side of the road seemingly oblivious to us. It passed within a couple feet of the car and Barb could have reached out and petted it. She wouldn't do it though
We followed the lynx and was able to get this picture.
This is just one of the many canyons we saw on our side trip to Telegraph Creek.
Here's a picture of downtown Stewart. It's a small, but neat town. There are several businesses for sale and the town is not in very good health.
Across the border back into Alaska is the town of Hyder. Dirt streets and really run down buildings. Stewart may be dying, but Hyder is terminal. The only thing going for it is the bear viewing walkway run by the NPS. I didn't get 'Hyderized' because the saloon didn't look too inviting.
This swamp is typical of low lying areas. This was on our way to Salmon Glacier.
Just one of hundreds of waterfalls.
This is a rock slide on our route up to the glacier. It was not the only one.
This is the toe of the glacier where it deposits the rock and sediment as it retreats.
Is it something I said?
Barb's handywork.
Remains of recent avalanche activity.
Who did that?
This is high up on the glacier as it makes a turn from the icefield above.
Another waterfall.
This is the edge of the glacer that has calved.
And this is the valley the glacier has formed.
We're leaving shortly for Jasper and Lake Louise, about 350 miles from here. When we first visited Lake Louise on the trip up, it was frozen. I hope by now we can get pictures of it thawed. So till next time, take care, have fun and be safe.
Ron & Barb
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