YUKON RIVER

Miles Canyon is just a few minutes from Pioneer RV Park, where we are staying here at Whitehorse. Today, we crossed that bridge and hiked along the river to Canyon City. Actually, the city is no longer there. During the gold rush, stampeders came here to move their supplies by rail, around the swift currents and rapids in Miles Canyon.

We enjoyed the hike but are tired this evening. Maybe part of that is from the shopping this morning. Whitehorse is the largest city as well as capitol of the Yukon. 26,000 population. It even has McDonalds and Walmart. Now that is a real city. It's a good place to restock.

We are here one more day. Saturday we head to Destruction Bay.... No electric service, no Internet , but lots of bears. There is no garbage pick up because you cannot put garbage out. "Keep small pets on a leash and close to camp". Bears are very active so we will be alert and keep Sophie close by. We have too many $$ invested in her to feed her to the bears.

I thought about bears on our hike today but , the two teenage girls leading the group assured us they had training on what to do & they carried Bear Spray. Then I remembered, we were told not to waste our money on Bear Spray, not effective. Oh well, safety in numbers and I know I can out run one or two in this group.

( I love this picture. )

TESLIN, YUKON TERRITORY, CANADA

Nisutlin Bay Bridge is the longest water span on the Alaska Hwy. The Yukon Motel & RV Park is just across the bridge on Teslin Lake. We had a fairly easy drive today, 160 miles. Partly cloudy, rain showers, 48 degrees. (We hear it is 97 in MO & higher in TX). We stopped at Rancheria Falls on the Rancheria River. Hiked the trail back to the falls. Sophie loved it but she is needing a bath when we get to Whitehorse tomorrow, Wednesday.

Advertised wifi is non-existent here at the Yukon Motel & RV Park, so I won't be able to post this on the blog til tomorrow. This is a busy place. Lots of motorcycles, RV's & trucks fueling up. Had to wait in line for Diesel, $5.12 per gal. Sure beats the $6.45 we paid yesterday and we got a .04 cent a liter discount for being a campground resident here. When I paid for the fuel, I couldn't resist the Blueberry muffin & Cinammon "sticky bun". We came in and made a pot of coffee and enjoyed them right away.

This evening we (Our group) is having a campfire, including a wine & cheese party over by the lake. Actually, the RV Park and our site is right on the lake shore. Still cool, but not raining. We will need our coats!

350 more miles to Tok, Alaska. We will stay three nights in Whitehorse, then one more stop before arriving in Tok, Sunday evening.

Happy Trails To You!

Bear in Yukon

Sign Post Village

At Watson Lake. We are doing a group pic here this afternoon. This is only a small portion of it. I didn't bring a sign to post, some did. Look this up & read the history of it. Don't have time to post all that.

Alaska Highway

Stone Mountain, as seen driving the AK Hwy. We saw lots of stone sheep, 9 bear, moose, wolf, & wood bison the last two days. Exciting and beautiful scenery around every curve. Hwy is good at times, poor at times & dangerous at times. Several in our group hit big holes yesterday that did some damage. We have been lucky so far!!! No wifi yesterday, poor today. I'll update as I am able. We are at Watson Lake in the Yukon Territory, Canada. Going to Sign Post Village now.

Alaska Highway

We did 300 miles of it today. Some good, some bad, some construction... Gravel & dust. Very big hills, up and down 10% grades. We are in Fort Nelson tonight. Liard Hot Springs tomorrow evening. Their generator is out, no electricity!! No WiFi either. So far, so good.

We saw one deer today. Others saw bear, moose, and deer. Our turn is coming.

Happy Trails!

TRAVELING PUPPY

Sophie had no idea what she was in for when we adopted her back in November. She has already seen eight states and two Canadian provinces. On this trip alone, she has ridden over 2,500 miles.

She rides very well, usually laying by one of us and sleeping quite a lot. She does have to get up occasionally to crawl up on our lap and look out "to see where we are". If she begins to get too restless, we know it must be time to stop.

We arrived at Dawson Creek, BC this afternoon. The trek begins Fri. More of the group should arrive today and tomorrow. Most everyone will be here by Wednesday. We are anxious to meet everyone.

Today was the first day we drove in the rain almost the entire day. It stopped, long enough for me to set up, and then started again. It is a cold and wet 57 degrees at 4:40 pm. We are now on Pacific time, two hours behind you guys in the Central time zone.

"It's 5:00 somewhere"! Oh, I guess that would be here. I'm sure I am at least two behind you guys so I need to get out the Tanquery & Tonic lest I get too far behind to catch up, eh?

Happy (Belated) Father's Day

We spent Father's Day afternoon and evening at Lion's Campground, Whitecourt, Alberta. It is a pretty park with lots of tall pines. We are really feeling far from you guys now. Another 200+ miles and we will arrive at Dawson Creek tomorrow.

There is no wifi at all here, so I can't send this until we get to our RV Park tomorrow..... They are supposed to have wifi.

The weather is very pleasant, partly cloudy, and mid 60's. We saw three deer and Sharon "thinks" she saw two moose today. Lots of signs indicating moose and elk crossing along the highway today. The Bear poster is across the road from our site in this park. Sharon says she will cook inside tonight. Still have some pecan pie too.

As I was finishing this blog, we had two neighbors come in from Iowa. One of the ladies has family in Macon and Clarence, MO. Many of you know these towns. For others, these towns are near Monroe City, where we lived and raised our boys.

I hope all you Father's had a great day!

Banff, Alberta Canada

We stayed over another night here near Calgary we liked it so well. This morning, we drove up to Banff, about 50 miles from here. Our Alaska trip ends in Prince George and we will come back through Jasper and Banff in August. Being so close, I just couldn't resist driving into the mountains. We will leave here in the morning and drive to Whitecourt. Monday we will arrive at Northern Lights RV Park, Dawson Creek to rest and restock before the trek begins Friday.

The road goes on forever and the party never ends...............
John Grimm (A new friend)

Cochrane, AB Canada

It was 39 degrees and raining early this morning. Now at 5:00 pm it is sunny and 59, feels much warmer. I'm outside with no jacket & the sun feels very warm. There is no wind this afternoon which seems to be very unusual here.

I can see cattle on the beautiful green hill across the highway, with the Canadian Rockies in the background. I am only a few miles east of Banff.

Went into town this morning. Got groceries at the Safeway. Filled up with diesel yesterday, 117.9 per liter. If I converted right, that is about $4.30 per gal. I paid $4.39 at St Mary, MT.

We are taking it easy, resting, and enjoying this beautiful place. Sharon did bake me a pecan pie this afternoon for Father's Day..... Even a homemade crust. Looks scrumptious. Thinkshe will make me wait til Sunday to try it?

Hi from Calgary

We rolled in to Calgary about 1:00 pm our time (Mtn Time). It is an overcast day. At least, not so windy!

It is a beautiful area. Rolling hills with mountains to the west.

We are five minutes from Jana, Jim Head's classmate, who has given me great and useful information about Canada and my trip. She is coming to meet us this evening. We are excited about meeting her.

Just wish some of you guys were with us.

Be safe, wherever you are.

FIN INTERRUPTED!

Last night (Mon) after we arrived at St Mary, we were outside soaking up the view, when all of a sudden we heard a pop, whoosh, ssssssss! The valve stem on the right rear truck tire was leaking air. There was nothing I could do but think about the flat tire to deal with tomorrow.

Not a big deal! Finished my drink, went to bed at 10:00 pm (still light outside) and slept well. Got up this morning, went outside to take another look at my flat. Oh yeah, it's flat. Okay, I'll put the spare on, take the flat down to get it repaired.

For some reason, I walked around the truck to look at the other tires. "WHEN, WHAT TO MY WONDERING EYES SHOULD APPEAR"! Another flat tire!!! Left front tire is down. I won't be going any where. Oh boy, do I miss my traveling buddy Paul!

To make a "long" day and this story shorter, all ended well. There is NO local tire shop,I had NO AT&T service on my phone, and the closest tire repair shop is 30+ miles from here. It took all day on the pay and office phones and waiting in the park office for return calls but finally COACHNET Emergency Road Service got a repair man to come at 7:00 pm this evening. (The 30 miles from Browning)

I was amazed at the concerned and caring neighbors and office staff at the park. Everyone had a suggestion on how to remedy the situation. Some, not realistic to me.

The point of all this, wherever you are in your life travels, there will be problems, trials, and rainy days. To overcome, you need to stop, take a deep breath and relax. Then, what are the options available? Often in life there is no best option. Pick the one best for you in your situation and don't look back. Make it work for you. Remember, "This too shall pass". You will get through it, you just don't know the outcome yet.

We were so fortunate to have been in a safe place and not out on one of the remote Montana roads we traveled, with no shoulder, no cell coverage, and miles from services. Even with a negative situation, you need to look at the positive aspects. Not at what you have lost but what you have left.

So, even though it was a long and bit stressful situation, by day's end, the crisis had passed. St Mary's Lake and the mountains were still there to enjoy. Tomorrow we will tour the area and visit Many Glacier. Thursday, we will drive through Waterton Park and cross the border into Canada.

My good friend Jim Head had given me the name of a classmate who lives near Calgary. Jana has given me so much information and reassurance concerning the trip, we may try to stop near where she lives to meet her. Then on to Dawson Creek. We need to be there the 19th.

Happy Trails To You!

Sent from my iPhone

Glacier National Park

So Beautiful, If you get the chance, you want to see this! I was here several years ago but I had forgotten how magnificent it is. Pictures are wonderful, but can't capture how breath taking it really is. I could sit and look at it for days. Actually, this is the view from our RV at Johnson's of St Mary Campground. We plan to look at this for a couple more days before moving 20 miles up the road to Canada. How can Alaska be any more awesome??

Wyoming/Montana Today

We drove from Sturgis, SD to Billings, MT today. The picture is the Bighorn Mountains near Sheridan, WY. I loved the area from Moorcroft to Sheridan.

It is very windy and 49 degrees here in Billings at 6:00 pm. Gonna need the fireplace this evening. Good sleeping and we are tired.

Sophie has done really well but does seem to be getting tired of riding. When we head for the truck, she is starting to put on the brakes.

We have had a couple glitches but so far, everything is going well after 1100 miles. This is the nicest RV Park this trip....on the Yellowstone River.

Heading to Great Falls & Glacier National Park tomorrow. Hope these high winds subside.

Good Night!

Crossing South Dakota

We are in Sturgis tonight, just west of Rapid City. This park, No-Name-City RV Park, is a Biker park (Guess they all are here--Duh!). Several here bikers here, may be hopping after while. There is a little bar & it's Sat night.....we will party with the Harley riders. I've already spotted women in leather!

Picture is all I could get of Badlands. Didn't go through the loop. We are in "Black Hill" country now.

Sheridan, WY in the morning and Billings, MT tomorrow afternoon for Happy Hour.

Happy Trails To You!

"Little House (RV) On The Prairie"

Very windy, stopped early in Plankinton, SD. New park, nice, us & one other here. Passed up the Corn Palace & Cabela's in Mitchell.

Sturgis tomorrow if all goes well & not too windy.... Time for Happy Hour! Hope everyone has a great weekend.

North To Alaska-- Day 1

Left Lake Village RV Park, Paris, MO about 8:30. Good weather day, sunny, breezy, 86 on truck thermometer most of afternoon. Stopped in Little Sioux, IA at 3:30 after 345 mi. Very dry on the western side of Iowa.

Passport America park & we are only paying $12.50 (Water & Elec).

We will stop in South Dakota tomorrow evening. Probably Plankinton, another Passport America park.

Thanks for all the kind words on Facebook today.

HAPPY TRAILS!

Sent from my iPhone

"Denali" or Mt Mckinley

WHY ALASKA?

                        "THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING AND I MUST GO!   John Muir

 I guess that's why. Because it is there, because I can, because I've always wanted to, just because.

 The plan is to leave Paris, MO, Thursday, May 07. Once again, this is the agenda. We will arrive at these parks on the day shown & be there until the next date shown. We don't know where we will stop on the trip up to Dawson Creek but we will keep in touch often by email so you will know where we are. We will probably cross into Canada 12th-14th. Our emails may be more sporadic then. Will do our best to email often!

 RV Adventure Treks can get us emergency information: 866-669-5865. This office is in TX, but they will be in contact with the tour leader, David Baxley.

 06/19 Northern Lights RV Park
 Dawson Creek, BC
 Ph: 250-782-9433

 06/23 Triple G Campground
 Fort Nelson, BC
 250-774-2340

 06/24 Liard Hot Springs Lodge
 250-776-7349

 06/25 Downtown RV Park
 Watson Lake, Yukon Territory
 867-536-2646

 06/26 Yukon Motel
 Telson, Yukon
 867-390-2443

 06/27 Pioneer RV Park
 Whitehorse, Yukon Territory
 867-668-5944

 06/30 Cottonwood RV Park
 Destruction Bay, Yukon Territory
867-841-4066

 07/01 Sourdough Campground
 Tok, Alaska
 907-883-5543

 07/02 Riverview RV Park
 North Pole, Alaska
 888/488/6392

 07/07 Denali Rainbow Village & RV Park, Denali Park, Alaska
907-683-7777

 07/10Mat-Su RV Park
 Willow, Alaska
 907-495-6300

 07/11 Golden Nugget Camper Park
 Anchorage, Alaska
 800-449-2012

 07-15 Oceanview RV Park
 Homer, Alaska
 907-235-3951

 07/18 Seward Waterfront Camping
 Seward, AK
 907-224-4055

 07/22 Mountain View RV Park
 Palmer, AK
 907-745-5747

 07/24 Tolsona Wilderness RV Park
 Glenallen, AK
 908-822-3865

 07/25 Bayside RV Park
 Valdez, Alaska
 888-835-4425

 07/29 Sourdough Campground
 Tok, AK
 907-883-5543

07/30 Chicken Creek R V Park
 Chicken, Alaska
 907-505-0231

 07/31 Westmark Campground
 Beaver Creek, YT
 867-862-7501

 08/01 Pioneer RV Park
 Whitehorse, YT
 867-668-5944

 08/04 Dawson Peaks Resort & RV Park
 Teslin, YT
 1-866-402-2244

 08/05 Baby Nugget R V Park
 Watson Lake, YT
 888-536-2307

 08/06 Mountain Shadow RV Park
 Iskut, BC
 250-234-3333

 08/07 Camp Run-A-Muck
 Hyder, Alaska
 250-636-9006

08/09 Riverside Golf & RV Park
 Smithers, BC
250-847-3229

 08/10 SouthPark RV Park
 Prince George, BC
250-963-7577

 08/11 Mt Robson Provincial Park
 Valemount, BC

 08/13 Whistler RV Park, Jasper National Park
 Jasper, AB

 08/16 Lake Louise Campground
 Banff National Park, Banff, AB

 08/19 hopefully back in Montana &
 Will be back to MO in four or five
 days...........Aug 24???

Wish us luck. Long trip, lots of miles! Meet the group at Dawson Creek & start from there. On our own til then.

 Sent from my iPhone