VALLEY RV SERVICE DEPT

 When we arrived at the border crossing July 02, to enter Alaska, the U.S., the customs agent asked if we had purchased fruit in Canada? I told him we had four peaches from Canada and he told me to pull forward, get the peaches, and bring them for him to see. He said they must be a product of the USA or they could not come in. Okay, I thought, no problem. That is when a major issue began.

 I opened the RV door, to access the switch, to push the street side slide out so I could get to the refrigerator. CRUNCH, POP, GRIND, SQUEAL! You got it. The slide would NOT go out.

 When we got to Tok, we found that neither slideout would work. Both seemed to have the same problem and sounded the same when activated.

 What a "sinking" feeling. We got a new RV so we wouldn't have problems on the trip! Now what?..... What are the options? What would my buddy, Paul do?? Gosh I wish he was here to look at this with me. Well, he's not, so what next? I crawled under the RV and could see the gear and rail mechanism were full of sand and small rocks. That must be the crunch, grind, pop, squeal sound.

Since we were in Tok just over night, I decided to wait until we got to Fairbanks tomorrow to deal with it. Tonight, we would climb over the corner of the kitchen counter and swing our legs through the four inch space between the slideout and the counter. We could get to almost everything, refrigerator, most cabinets, kitchen sink, etc. Not convenient, but workable. Going to the bathroom and bedroom was no problem, not blocked.

 I know, if you are not familiar with RV's, or this floor plan, it maybe difficult to visualize. Basically, when that slide comes in, your house is full of slide out and you have no room in there.

Well, not wanting to tell friends & family that I had torn up my "new" RV on the roads to Alaska... You know..... The "I told you so" factor, I have not blogged about this before. OK, I'll call Paul. He will understand and misery loves company. I need company, I feel miserable.

 Paul, and Brenda, were understanding and tried to offer suggestions and commiserate with us. Bottom line, none of us could believe it and weren't sure what to do. Sharon kept reminding me, "It's under warranty". Ok, tomorrow we will go to Fairbanks, find a Forest River dealer, make an appointment, get them fixed, and go on with our trip. Great plan, right?? WRONG!

 When we got to Fairbanks, we found two RV dealers. One does warranty work for Forest River. Great, right??? WRONG! They could get to us in about five to seven days and they would NOT recommend the other dealer with only one technician. We couldn't wait a week so, I called the other dealer. After a short conversation, I knew I didn't want to use them.

Talked to Paul again. He did web search for "Forest River Dealers in Alaska". Came up with one in Palmer, AK.

 In the mean time, I decided to work on it myself. Hooked up my hose and washed out sand and gravel on both sides, no help. Several "Good Sammers" arrived on the scene, with a plethora of suggestions. Me, I didn't like any of them. I found another mechanic, in Fairbanks, who agreed to look at it but, they would not be a warranty dealer. Okay, worth a shot anyway. Maybe I can send the bill to Forest River?

 To speed this story up, after nearly eight hours, they did get one slideout to work. That was good. However, the one they fixed was not the one we need to slide out so we can enter the kitchen area without climbing over the kitchen counter. We can't keep doing that? Can we?

 I called VALLEY CAMPER and got an appointment during the time we were scheduled at Anchorage. After "climbing" for eleven days we arrived at Valley Camper, in Palmer for an assessment of the problem by Forest River approved technicians. We were assured that their man could fix it but, Not Today! "We are swamped", can you come back Monday morning?? You bet, I will drive the 35 miles back from Anchorage, and Sharon can stay with friends and do the trolley tour of Anchorage. We were excited, finally we can quit this climbing in & out.

 Another disappointment! After 4 hours in the shop, they came to the conclusion that they needed parts and would need to talk with the manufacturer. Sharon was NOT a "Happy Camper" when I told her our predicament. We would have to continue with our current situation and return to Palmer, after our visit to Homer, ONLY another ten days.

 I won't keep dragging this out. We returned to Valley Camper at Palmer, on July 23rd. After another six hours and a questionable outcome, we returned to the shop to find the slide does work. Three weeks we could not have access to the kitchen and living room area of our new rig, without the climbing inconvenience. And of course, as soon as we would climb in, we needed something on the other side or someone was at the door.....climb back.

Well, all is well, that ends well. Both slides work again but, is this the end of the story??? RETURN TRIP!!!!!

 Oh yeah, the peaches were products of the USA and we got to keep them.

VALDEZ

The drive to Valdez was beautiful. The sun was actually shining. Mountains like this one surround us. We also saw Worthington Glacier, the Alaska Pipeline, Bridal Veil & Horsetail Falls, and crossed over Thompson Pass to the long, steep 7.5 mile downgrade following the summit.

We have not had time to explore yet, I am told however, that we cannot get near where oil is loaded aboard the ships. Saturday we do take a cruise on Prince William Sound. We will be looking again for seals, whales, otters, and puffin and the Columbia Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in the world. Looking forward to that and hope this weather holds out until then.

Last night we were in Tolsona Wilderness Campground, much like a state park, small sites with water & electric only. What they did share was lots of huge, hungry mosquitoes. Thanks to my buddy Jim, I had the Therma Cell, from Bass Pro Shop, to help me deal with them.

The day before, we spent in Palmer, and I will write more about how that time was spent at a later time. Oh, I won't forget!

We did visit the only domestic musk ox farm in the world and that evening our "Adventure Trek" leader and tail gunners prepared dinner for us. Of course, it was rainy, but we had a shelter to hold our dinner in.

FYI: When we leave Valdez, we go to Tok & Chicken. We, along with a few other couples, are contemplating crossing "Top of the World Highway" to Dawson City. We would drive from there ( in two days ) and rejoin our group at Whitehorse. (You can read about this route online.)

By doing this, we would have the experience, see Dawson City, and do something we all wanted to do that was not a part of this trek. In addition, we would not have to retrace our path from the Canadian border to Destruction Bay, to Whitehorse, which most of us felt was the worst stretch of highway we have ever driven.

We will make the decision in Tok and/or Chicken when we can see what the weather is like. Also, we hope to get an assessment of Top of the World Highway from someone who has just driven it from Dawson City.

The "Alaska" portion of our trip will be over in only five more days. We will try to keep you posted so you will know which route we take. Keep your fingers crossed that it is Top of the World. We would love to miss that other 400 mile stretch. This route is not shorter but we think, lots more fun, and very little further.

ONLY 8% of Americans visit Alaska. 70% of that 8% do it by ocean cruises or flying. That leaves 2-2.5 % who drive and even less who do it by RV. Since we have made the sacrifice to come, we want to do it "our way" and our Trek Leader is fine with whatever we decide.

Happy Trails!

AT AIALIK GLACIER

This is where we were, however, this is not our boat. As we moved away from the glacier this boat moved in where we were and I took this picture.

ORCA

It is rainy and cold today so we are sitting inside enjoying our pictures and remembering the great experience we had Thursday on the boat trip. This is one of the killer whales.

MONSTERS IN THE WATER

Yes, yesterday was one of the most awesome days of my life. Just could not believe how everything worked out so perfect. Beautiful sunny day to start. Thought about not dressing so warm.

But cool & breezy on upper deck of boat behind the cabin, on back end. Had barely gotten out of harbor into ocean and the captain announced, "Sea Otter lying on his back eating a crab". Cool!

Then soon, Humpback Whales in a cooperative feed. Very unusual, he said he has seen it but not often. Must have been 4 of them. Difficult to get pics. Came up & back down.... Got mostly pics of tails or water.

Then Puffins, birds that look like little penguins, high on the sides of cliffs & mountains which stick out of the water. As we left that area, the fog set in. I thought it was all over. We rode along in fog with the Captain sounding the ship horn occasionally to let smaller vessels know we were there. He apparently had radar & could tell when they were not changing course.

We rounded a cape and out of the fog. I could see mountains with glaciers around us. I was snapping pictures of the awesome glaciers, as I could tell we were approaching this one big glacier which went all the way down the mountain and into the water. Aialik Glacier.

The boat slowed becaus the water around us was full of ice. To our left were hundreds of seals who had climbed up on the chunks of ice. The crew brought the boat as close to the glacier as they dared and killed the engine. We sat there in awe and silence shooting our pictures when, all of a sudden a sound rang out and I heard a woman call out. I thought someone had been shot. I looked up and a hunk of ice was falling into the ocean. You could see and hear it falling. Then a loud, plop as it hit the water. The glacier was "calving", a sight I never expected to see. I have seen similar events on TV, but to witness it in person is a breath taking experience.

We lingered there taking it in until another boat arrived and we slowly moved away. As we left, I could see the fog again and I knew we were on a collision course with it. I was just so happy to have had the experience at the glacier, I didn't care if I couldn't see anything on the return trip.

"Killer Whales" off to the right of the ship, came the announcement. "They are coming our way". I could see several with two coming right toward the ship. What a site! I can't remember if I even tried to take a picture. I was so excited. There were six or seven of them in this pod. They would blow water and all of a sudden three or four would surface together. Then, there goes that huge tail into the water. Again, the engines stop as we sit to watch the whales.

When we move again, we head right into the fog. Shortly, we pull in closer to rock formations where we see seals all over the rocks in the ocean and hundreds of birds clinging to the rock walls above.

Again, into the dense fog as we cruise along unable to see anything for an hour. As we approached Fox Island for dinner the fog cleared again. Just off the bow, were several porpoise and whales. It was difficult to tell who was chasing who as they surfaced and dived again and again.

On to the island for dinner and the Captain announced, "When you hear the ship's horn, return to the boat. If you hear it sound twice, run for the boat. If you hear it sound three times, wave goodbye".

Our food was excellent. The best meal we have had on the trip. As we pull back to the harbor, I am amazed at what a day this had been. As perfect as I could have planned. Even the fog seemed to move out of our way at just the right times. On the other hand, I wonder what else that fog may have concealed??

Sent from my iPhone

AIALIK

Today had to be the most awesome day of our trip so far. This is AIALIK Glacier, up close. The glaciers don't look big when you are far away..... So different up close. There are lots of smaller ones. This one is "calving", large & small pieces fall off into the water. It makes a loud sound like someone firing a rifle close by, as the ice breaks loose, and then a loud pop as the ice hits the water, unbelievable. This has to be one of the most exciting sights of my life.

Not to be outdone by glaciers, the sea life put on it's own show. The day was mostly sunny but cold. Layers of clothing kept the cold bearable. Occasional layers of fog made visibility near zero. Thank goodness for a captain and crew who know what they are doing.

We saw Humpback Whales, Orca's, Sea Lions, Puffins, Porpoise, Sea Otters, and Seals. I'm probably forgetting something but you get the idea, I was blown away. Even the mountains which surround this place are amazingly decorated, some in shades of green, some gray, and some white.

We ended our eight hour trip by stopping at Fox Island for dinner.
G R E A T prime rib, crab if you wanted it, several sides and desserts. Just a wonderful day. We took lots of pictures, but none capture the magnificence we have witnessed today.

Alaska is proving to be the trip of a lifetime. It is rugged, but it is beautiful. If you get the opportunity to make this trip, DO IT! It is long and hard, but it is well worth the sacrifice it takes.

And then to top it off, Sophie stayed loose in the RV by herself and did not make a mess.... 9:00 a.m.- 6:45 p.m.....
Nearly ten hours!!!

I hope I can store this day in my memory and always remember it.

JULY 4TH RACE

Here in Seward, they race up this mountain on the 4th of July. ( It just happens to be right behind our RV at Waterfront RV Park )

This year, a man in his 60's disappeared during the race and has not been found. The mountain does not look that formidable. I was thinking about running up it tomorrow morning before breakfast. Maybe I had better swim the bay instead! OK, I know I can't do either!

While we were in Anchorage, and just a few days before we left for Homer, a plane blew over on a little lake as you approach the "Spit". A woman drowned in that accident. The Spit?.......I could say, look it up! Actually, it is about a three mile gravel bar that runs out into the bay. The Harbor is out there and lots of restaurants and gift shops. It is a fun place and you can even take your RV and camp for $85 a night.

Seward is a "cool" place too. Harbor just up the street, mountains all around, and just about half the size of Homer.

Tomorrow we are going out on a boat to see whales & other sea life a n d,
Ooooh, Ahhhh, Glaciers. Should get some great pictures. We bought some Dramamine....... Never have gotten sick but some of the guys who went out on fishing trips did get sick so just don't want to take a chance.

Happy Trails !

HOMER, ALASKA

This afternoon we visited the Homer Boat Harbor on the "Spit". We had a great tour by a local fisherman. Samples of several kinds of smoked fish were available at the end of the tour.

Then off to Bear Creek Winery for wine tasting. Several great wines. Their grapes are shipped in and combined with local berries to make their local versions. Rhubarb & Black Current Reserve won our awards.

Last on our tour was the Islands & Ocean Visitor's Center. Now we have to decide whether to eat "in" or eat "out". Several seafood restaurants on the "spit" we're recommended by today's tour guide. I guess we all know what the women will want to do.

STILL COLD & RAINY

The fog has moved in and these mountains are not visible now. Mid 40's and rainy. We are in Homer this evening. It is a beautiful place, if the sun would come out!

Our RV Park is right on the water. I was looking forward to a great happy hour outside this evening. The cocktails are good but the happy hour is INSIDE.

Maybe tomorrow!?!?

NOT AN IGLOO

Though it is not an Igloo, it is an Eskimo home. Eskimos did not live in igloos, sorry!

Today we visited the Anchorage Museum, a huge Farmer's Market, and the Heritage Center. All of them were impressive but, the Heritage Center tour gave a view of how the different Eskimo native tribes lived. This tunnel leads into a large underground room, sometimes, several rooms. Large families, up to 16 & 18 live here together.

It was an interesting tour and gave us a lot of information. Tonight we ate at Sourdough Mining Company Restaurant & attended the Dusty Sourdough Show. Tomorrow it is a 225 mile drive to Homer, and the Oceanview RV Park.

Happy Trails to you, wherever you are in your life's journey.

TALKEETNA

We are near Talkeetna this evening. Went in to see the town. Visited museum & Ranger station where climbers get permit to climb Denali/Mt McKinnley. Watched a movie about doing the climb.

About 44% attempting climb are successful in making it and returning. Six have died this year. There are 112 on the mountain right now. Winds are fierce and temps of -20. We visited cemetery for the many who did not make it. Many bodies remain on the mountain.

Visited shops and Denali Brewery. Had to sample....... Raspberry Wheat and Stout were my favorites. Ate next door. Back home now & on to Anchorage tomorrow.

Happy Trails to You!

DENALI NATIONAL PARK

We're you expecting to see animals??? Well, so was I! We saw a beautiful park, lots of awesome mountains and scenery, but few animals.

We started with a moose, several Dall Sheep, three Caribou, and a Grizzly with two cubs. I guess it is possible to see animals up close, but we did not.

We rode 66 miles into the park......and back. More fun going than returning. It was 42 degrees where we had lunch and turned around. We were all disappointed that we did NOT see Denali (Mt McKinnley). Apparently, only about 25 percent of visitors actually get to see it.

When we returned to our RV Park, we were met by the young man who was walking Sophie and several dogs with our group while we were gone. He told us of the excitement in our park this morning. A Black Bear, from the mountain behind us, wandered into our park and had to be shot. Never know when you will see them, usually when you least expect it.

Doing a Dinner Theatre tomorrow evening. Maybe I can see it up close!

YES! MOSQUITOS ARE BIG HERE

We reached Delta Junction yesterday morning, Mile 1422 and the end of the Alaska Highway. Then on the Richardson Hwy to North Pole, where we are staying at Riverview RV Park. North Pole is on the edge of Fairbanks.

We are going to a gold mine this afternoon and to a Salmon Bake tomorrow. Hope everyone has a happy 4th of July. Be careful with those fireworks....🎅