Sunday, September 13, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Through the State of Oregon on the Way Home...
September 2,2009
Through the state of Oregon on the way home.
After La Pine we checked in to the Collier Memorial State Campground.We liked the Oregon State Campgrounds,mostly nice large Spaces with partial or full hookups in beautiful settings and only
$17.00.It was really relaxing. From there we drove to Mac Arthur Burney Falls and booked for 2 days.We had been here a few years ago and liked it very much.We took hikes down to the beautiful Waterfalls and along the River.The weather was nice and warm,just right. Next stop we had planed on Carson City,but with the Laborday Weekend,everything was booked out and we did not really liked the Campgrounds either,all looked like a big Parkinglots,very closed together.So instead to drive on to Minden,we decided to go back a few miles and check out the Washow Lake Nevada State Park.We had been ther about 20 years ago and the Park was not very inviting and we did'n stay.there douring that time. But now it was a beautiful layout,large spaces up to 75feet deep and far apart,nice and clean,no hookups,but showers.We stayed 2 days until monday,since our next stop should be Mammuth Lakes,so the Laborday travelers would be gone. We had a nice drive on the hwy.395 to Mammuth,stopped for lunch on the way and made it there by 2.00 pm,found a nice spot at the Old Shadyrest Campground and settled in .Ther where only a few Campers left in here,since thy would be closing this site on the 15th.The days are nice and warm,but at nigth th temperatures went down to about 40F,so in the mornings we had to turn on the heater.In the evenings we made a little campfire after dinner to sit outside and watch all the stars.We stayed here for 4 days,just relaxing and getting our mind set for our homecoming ,after 31/2 month,about10000miles,[oder 16000 Km],the End of our great Adventure.
Through the state of Oregon on the way home.
After La Pine we checked in to the Collier Memorial State Campground.We liked the Oregon State Campgrounds,mostly nice large Spaces with partial or full hookups in beautiful settings and only
$17.00.It was really relaxing. From there we drove to Mac Arthur Burney Falls and booked for 2 days.We had been here a few years ago and liked it very much.We took hikes down to the beautiful Waterfalls and along the River.The weather was nice and warm,just right. Next stop we had planed on Carson City,but with the Laborday Weekend,everything was booked out and we did not really liked the Campgrounds either,all looked like a big Parkinglots,very closed together.So instead to drive on to Minden,we decided to go back a few miles and check out the Washow Lake Nevada State Park.We had been ther about 20 years ago and the Park was not very inviting and we did'n stay.there douring that time. But now it was a beautiful layout,large spaces up to 75feet deep and far apart,nice and clean,no hookups,but showers.We stayed 2 days until monday,since our next stop should be Mammuth Lakes,so the Laborday travelers would be gone. We had a nice drive on the hwy.395 to Mammuth,stopped for lunch on the way and made it there by 2.00 pm,found a nice spot at the Old Shadyrest Campground and settled in .Ther where only a few Campers left in here,since thy would be closing this site on the 15th.The days are nice and warm,but at nigth th temperatures went down to about 40F,so in the mornings we had to turn on the heater.In the evenings we made a little campfire after dinner to sit outside and watch all the stars.We stayed here for 4 days,just relaxing and getting our mind set for our homecoming ,after 31/2 month,about10000miles,[oder 16000 Km],the End of our great Adventure.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Our Snake River Adventures
Our Snake River Adventures.
8/21/09
Well,we made a reservation for a 4 hour rafting trip at the Snake River and through the gorge,about 10 miles with grades 2 and 3 rapids.We had 2 rafts with 8 people each plus guides.We started out with light rapids,easy to get through,but then came the bigger ones and we where getting wet,but had fun.And then came big rapids,we had to concentrade on paddeling through and by the end of our trip we where all soaking wet,lauphing and had a phantastic time.We dont have any photos from it,but the Operator made a vidio from the side of the Gorge and of the largest rapids.It came out pretty good,but his hands where not very steady with the camera.
The next day we left Idaho into Oregon on Hwy.84.At an Infocenter the lady told us to continue on Hwy.84 to Baker City,then take the 7 to the Hwy.26,which would be a much niecer scenic drive.So we took her advise.In baker City we read about the Hells Canyon,about 70 miles away along the Idaho-Oregon Border.It is the deepest Canyon in North America,supposedly deeper then the Grand Canyon.
So we changed our timetable and drove there the next morning and found a campground in the Canyon right on the River.Then we took the Tracker and drove along the river 22 miles to the end of the road,a little beyond the Hells Canyon Dam.What a magnificend drive that was,sometimes even with the water,then again way obove.We were so glad to add this trip to our adventures.Next day we made a sidetrip to an outlook high in the mountains.It was a phantastic drive and view.But for the last mile or so we noticed a noise at the right front weel.Since there was nothing to see,Heinz took off the Weel and found it was a bad Weelbearing.What to do now??We where almost 8000 feet high and 45 miles away from our RV.But we had no choice,as to try to get down without loosing the whole Weel.We where scared,but we made it down,but the next City was Baker City,70 miles away.Heinz took the Weel off again and put a lot off grease into the Bearing,then hooked the car up to the RV the next morning and we hoped for the best..Well we made it to Baker City ,found a good repair shop.Both front Weelbearings had to be replaced plus the breakpads. While we where waiting the next day,we went to the Oregon Trail Interpretation Center and Museum.It was so very interesting done,we spend over 3 hours there.On the way back we could pick up our car and the next morning we went on our way again.We took then the Hwy7 and 26 west,stopped a couple of days in John Day at a very nice State Campground,and today we are in La Pine at Hwy 97 south of Bend,Oregon,so we had a few relaxing days after all that trouble and exitement.
8/21/09
Well,we made a reservation for a 4 hour rafting trip at the Snake River and through the gorge,about 10 miles with grades 2 and 3 rapids.We had 2 rafts with 8 people each plus guides.We started out with light rapids,easy to get through,but then came the bigger ones and we where getting wet,but had fun.And then came big rapids,we had to concentrade on paddeling through and by the end of our trip we where all soaking wet,lauphing and had a phantastic time.We dont have any photos from it,but the Operator made a vidio from the side of the Gorge and of the largest rapids.It came out pretty good,but his hands where not very steady with the camera.
The next day we left Idaho into Oregon on Hwy.84.At an Infocenter the lady told us to continue on Hwy.84 to Baker City,then take the 7 to the Hwy.26,which would be a much niecer scenic drive.So we took her advise.In baker City we read about the Hells Canyon,about 70 miles away along the Idaho-Oregon Border.It is the deepest Canyon in North America,supposedly deeper then the Grand Canyon.
So we changed our timetable and drove there the next morning and found a campground in the Canyon right on the River.Then we took the Tracker and drove along the river 22 miles to the end of the road,a little beyond the Hells Canyon Dam.What a magnificend drive that was,sometimes even with the water,then again way obove.We were so glad to add this trip to our adventures.Next day we made a sidetrip to an outlook high in the mountains.It was a phantastic drive and view.But for the last mile or so we noticed a noise at the right front weel.Since there was nothing to see,Heinz took off the Weel and found it was a bad Weelbearing.What to do now??We where almost 8000 feet high and 45 miles away from our RV.But we had no choice,as to try to get down without loosing the whole Weel.We where scared,but we made it down,but the next City was Baker City,70 miles away.Heinz took the Weel off again and put a lot off grease into the Bearing,then hooked the car up to the RV the next morning and we hoped for the best..Well we made it to Baker City ,found a good repair shop.Both front Weelbearings had to be replaced plus the breakpads. While we where waiting the next day,we went to the Oregon Trail Interpretation Center and Museum.It was so very interesting done,we spend over 3 hours there.On the way back we could pick up our car and the next morning we went on our way again.We took then the Hwy7 and 26 west,stopped a couple of days in John Day at a very nice State Campground,and today we are in La Pine at Hwy 97 south of Bend,Oregon,so we had a few relaxing days after all that trouble and exitement.
Friday, August 21, 2009
From Calgary going south.
We left Banff National Park and drove to Calgary to visit Maria and Fred,friends of Al and Sally.We had met them a few times in Yuma,Arizona. Since they had plans for the next few days,we went that afternoon and had a few very nice and happy hours together.
The next morning we drove to Fort Macleod,only a short drive.We stayed there two days.We rested up a bit,drove to the nearby Buffalo-Hunt Museum,and later in to the City,just in time to watch the show of the RCMP [Royal Canadian Mounted Police]at the Fort.
Next day we left for the Border,the crossing took about one hour,and then driving south on the Hwy.15 through Montana to Hwy 86/84 east in Idaho with some overnight camping on the way.We are right now close to Twin Falls and will get tomorrow some information on Rafting or Kayaking on the Snake River,which passes through here. It is really hot here right now,97 F today,and a trip like that could be a lot of fun.
The next morning we drove to Fort Macleod,only a short drive.We stayed there two days.We rested up a bit,drove to the nearby Buffalo-Hunt Museum,and later in to the City,just in time to watch the show of the RCMP [Royal Canadian Mounted Police]at the Fort.
Next day we left for the Border,the crossing took about one hour,and then driving south on the Hwy.15 through Montana to Hwy 86/84 east in Idaho with some overnight camping on the way.We are right now close to Twin Falls and will get tomorrow some information on Rafting or Kayaking on the Snake River,which passes through here. It is really hot here right now,97 F today,and a trip like that could be a lot of fun.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Banff National Park
Banff is a beautiful Mountain Village,actually much bigger then we expected.The first afternoon we walked through the main part of the Town and ended up in the Cascade Gardens,adjoining the Administration Building.We enjoyed the masses of Flowers in all colour combinations,all arranged in steps going up a Hill,with many Benches and Gazebos made of polished Wood.You could spend hours just walking ,admiring and taking photos. The next day we visited the Indian Heritage Museum,which had some large lifelike scenes in there.We watched part of a Buddist Wedding Ceremany in the Park,had some early dinner in town with a view at the lively street below.Went up to the famous Fairmont Hotel and finally back to our "Home",tired again from all the walking.I think we have walked,hiked and seen so many amazing things in the last week,we need to take a couple of days just to relax and digest it all.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Jasper National Park
8-11-09 JASPER NATIONAL PARK
We are now in Jasper National Park.The last two days we had some havy Rainshowers,so I guess the Weatherman was right,but it was much needed because of all the Wildfires.Jasper is a beautiful Mountaintown at about 3800 feet elevation.We stayed at the Whistlers Campground at the foot of Mt.Whistlers.The first afternoon we took the Gondola up the Mountain.When we got to the upper station,the Sun was shining and we had a phantastic view of the Village and the River down bellow.As we started our hike to the top,thick clouds started to move in and within 20 minutes we could not see anything,also the wind got very strong and icy,time to turn around.We made it to the RV.and it started pouring,all night through.By the time we had breakfast,the sun was out again and we went to the Maligne Canyon.It is impossible to describe this deep and narrow Canyon,you just have to see it,it makes you wonder how nature can create such a beautiful thing.We took the Trail all the way down the Canyon and back. In the afternoon we drove to Mt Edith Cavell and the Hanging Glacier.It was a steep road up the mountain to park the car ,and then a long hike to the Lake in front of the Glacier.It was raining almost all the way until we got down to the Lake.There where actually 3 Glaciers,the Angel Glacier,the Cavell Glacier and a smaller one ,the Ghost Glacier.On the bottem of the large Angel Glacier we could see an Ice Cave,2 people where standing in the entrance,but it was so far away and only accesseble by climbing over the rocks.There was some rumbling and a large piece of Ice from the side of the Glacier brook off and crashed in to the Lake,causing a small Tsunami.We looked at the Cave again and both of us wanted to try to get there.We had to be very carefull where to put our next step,so we would not break an ankel.It was a long way,but we made it and we have a photo to prove it.But then we had to go all the way back. Well,the whole thing took us about 3 hours and it was 8.00 pm by the time we where back at the Motorhome,hungry and tired,but very happy. Tomorrow we start the Icefield Parkway.
We are now in Jasper National Park.The last two days we had some havy Rainshowers,so I guess the Weatherman was right,but it was much needed because of all the Wildfires.Jasper is a beautiful Mountaintown at about 3800 feet elevation.We stayed at the Whistlers Campground at the foot of Mt.Whistlers.The first afternoon we took the Gondola up the Mountain.When we got to the upper station,the Sun was shining and we had a phantastic view of the Village and the River down bellow.As we started our hike to the top,thick clouds started to move in and within 20 minutes we could not see anything,also the wind got very strong and icy,time to turn around.We made it to the RV.and it started pouring,all night through.By the time we had breakfast,the sun was out again and we went to the Maligne Canyon.It is impossible to describe this deep and narrow Canyon,you just have to see it,it makes you wonder how nature can create such a beautiful thing.We took the Trail all the way down the Canyon and back. In the afternoon we drove to Mt Edith Cavell and the Hanging Glacier.It was a steep road up the mountain to park the car ,and then a long hike to the Lake in front of the Glacier.It was raining almost all the way until we got down to the Lake.There where actually 3 Glaciers,the Angel Glacier,the Cavell Glacier and a smaller one ,the Ghost Glacier.On the bottem of the large Angel Glacier we could see an Ice Cave,2 people where standing in the entrance,but it was so far away and only accesseble by climbing over the rocks.There was some rumbling and a large piece of Ice from the side of the Glacier brook off and crashed in to the Lake,causing a small Tsunami.We looked at the Cave again and both of us wanted to try to get there.We had to be very carefull where to put our next step,so we would not break an ankel.It was a long way,but we made it and we have a photo to prove it.But then we had to go all the way back. Well,the whole thing took us about 3 hours and it was 8.00 pm by the time we where back at the Motorhome,hungry and tired,but very happy. Tomorrow we start the Icefield Parkway.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Yellowhead Highway East
We left Steward and went to Hazelton on the highway 16. On the way we drove through a few Indian Villages to see the famous old origional Gitwangak Totempoles.In Hazelton we took a tour through the Historic Ksan Village and Museum.It is a Replica of the traditional Gitxsan Indian Village,which has stood at this site for centurys.There was also a very nice Campground next to it,where we stayed.Next day we drove the short way to Smithers,a very nice town.The Mainstreet has some Alpine themed storefronts.We found a swiss Butcher-shop and bought some Schnitzel,Coldcuts and Swiss Cheese.
Near the town of Smithers are twin Waterfalls.We hiked up to them,quite a steep trail,but a beautiful sight.We also found a Car and RV wash in town.By the next day both our vehicles looked clean again [for how long?] We will bypass Prince George,since we stopped there before and will be on our way to the Jasper and Banf National Parks.Rain is in the forcast for the next 3 days,well,we will see.
Near the town of Smithers are twin Waterfalls.We hiked up to them,quite a steep trail,but a beautiful sight.We also found a Car and RV wash in town.By the next day both our vehicles looked clean again [for how long?] We will bypass Prince George,since we stopped there before and will be on our way to the Jasper and Banf National Parks.Rain is in the forcast for the next 3 days,well,we will see.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
no WiFi.
Sorry, we did not have internet access for a quite a while, but will try to keep you all up to date.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
The Cassiar Highway
We left Teslin and the Alaska Highway and took the Cassiar Highway #37 south. The first 30 miles of this hwy.was very,very bad, narrow dirtroad and no shoulder and some one line traffic.We eventually made it to Jade City. 75% of all the Jade in the World is found in the Mountains around here.There is a Giftstore where you can buy beautiful jewelry designed and crafted by the local people. We followed the highway 37 south ,found a couple of very nice campgrounds,one direct on a Lake and the other between snowcapped mountains.
We are now in Steward,which is right on the border of Alaska again.Bordertown there is Hyder,the most southern city in Alaska. Yesterday we went to watch a large Grisly Bear at the River catch Salmon for his Meal. Today we took a 6 hour trip on a small sailboat down the Portland Canal [Fjord].It was a nice trip ,only 4 passengers[a young couple from Belgium and us].Tomorrow we will travel the rest of the Cassiar Hwy and then turn east onto the Yellowhaed Hwy.16.There are several Wildfires around this areas.They need rain desperatly.
We are now in Steward,which is right on the border of Alaska again.Bordertown there is Hyder,the most southern city in Alaska. Yesterday we went to watch a large Grisly Bear at the River catch Salmon for his Meal. Today we took a 6 hour trip on a small sailboat down the Portland Canal [Fjord].It was a nice trip ,only 4 passengers[a young couple from Belgium and us].Tomorrow we will travel the rest of the Cassiar Hwy and then turn east onto the Yellowhaed Hwy.16.There are several Wildfires around this areas.They need rain desperatly.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
Whitehorse and Skagway
Once we got to Whitehorse,we parked our Motorhome at Walmart and went to the Ford-Dealer,but no luck,they don't work on class A Motorhomes.After 2 days we found a truck-repair shop with compedent mechanics.Since they did'nt have time until the next morning,the manager offered us to leave the Motorhome there and we took the Tracker for a sidetrip to Skagway,240 miles roundtrip,but it was worth every mile of it. The next morning after a short time it was all fixed and we are now on the road again. We stopped in Teslin and tomorrow will go down the Sterling Highway south.
A forced change in traveling plans
On the way we found a nice BLM campground,overloking a small lake,where the moose came to feed.We stayed here 3 days and just relaxed.Then we drove on to the town of Chicken,which consisted of a few old buildings with a bar and cafe,some outhouses,a postoffice and a lot of mining-equitment,also an RV park.Water they have to pump up,electricity only by generator,but all together an very interesting place to see.
But we had trouble with the gearshift on the RV.Heinz tryed to adjust it with no luck.So then the desition was made to go back to Tok. And then the headach started.In Tok we found out we need a new Shiftcable,ours had stretched.To get that is a nightmare by itself.After about a dozent phonecalls to all over the state,we found somebody in Anchorage who ordered the part from Detroit overnight,then shipped it to us at the campground in Tok and we had a shop who would install it.So we are going to be stuck here in Tok probably until monday or tuesday because of the weekend.
Hurray,we got the part already on saturday and the guy in the shop installed it.The installation took longer then estimated,and the adjustment took about 3 hours. But the bad news was,the problem still existed.So we decided enough is enough and we would leave for Whitehorse in the morning.
But we had trouble with the gearshift on the RV.Heinz tryed to adjust it with no luck.So then the desition was made to go back to Tok. And then the headach started.In Tok we found out we need a new Shiftcable,ours had stretched.To get that is a nightmare by itself.After about a dozent phonecalls to all over the state,we found somebody in Anchorage who ordered the part from Detroit overnight,then shipped it to us at the campground in Tok and we had a shop who would install it.So we are going to be stuck here in Tok probably until monday or tuesday because of the weekend.
Hurray,we got the part already on saturday and the guy in the shop installed it.The installation took longer then estimated,and the adjustment took about 3 hours. But the bad news was,the problem still existed.So we decided enough is enough and we would leave for Whitehorse in the morning.
Leaving Valdez
We left Valdez after filling up both vehicles.The clouds were very low,halfway down the mountain. The return trip starts with a very steep incline,so I drove the Tracker to the summit,boy,what a drive! We had the walky talky's with us. Slowly we got in to the clouds and could bearely see anything.I tryed to stay close to the taillights of our RV.Heinz could not see my headlights,it was scary. It took one hour,when we finally got low enough to see where we were going.
Next we went to Chitina,where we would leave the RV and drive the Tracker to Mc.Carthy and the old Coppermine the next day.We got up at 5 am,it just started to rain.We packed a lunch and overnight pack and started out.The rain got havier.We expected a rough road and counted about 3 hours for the 60 miles to Mc.Carthy.No such luck!We could only drive 5-10 miles an hour at the most,not only the potholes,but havy washboard all the way.We drove almost 12 miles and were two hours on the road,when Heinz made a U-turn to drive back.He did not want to break down in the middle of nowhere with hardly anybody to drive by.We got back to the RV,it was close to noon and moved on to Glenellen,next day to Tok and from there to Dawson City.
Next we went to Chitina,where we would leave the RV and drive the Tracker to Mc.Carthy and the old Coppermine the next day.We got up at 5 am,it just started to rain.We packed a lunch and overnight pack and started out.The rain got havier.We expected a rough road and counted about 3 hours for the 60 miles to Mc.Carthy.No such luck!We could only drive 5-10 miles an hour at the most,not only the potholes,but havy washboard all the way.We drove almost 12 miles and were two hours on the road,when Heinz made a U-turn to drive back.He did not want to break down in the middle of nowhere with hardly anybody to drive by.We got back to the RV,it was close to noon and moved on to Glenellen,next day to Tok and from there to Dawson City.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Anchorage to Valdez
After we finally washed our motorhome,we left Anchorage and went to Palmer. We visited a maskox-farm and drove the Tracker up to the Hadger Pass and an old mining town, a beautiful drive.Sunday night was Icecream social at the campground and we met some other campers.
Monday we went to the Matanuska Glacier.We stayed at the state campground a few miles away in the woods.The next morning we took the Tracker and drove the steep road down to the glacier entrance station. The Glacier is about 2 miles wide and 27 miles long,it was just fantastic to look at . Now we took both a skipole and jacket and started down the rugged and very difficult trail all the way down to the foot of the glacier. The way was marked with orange cones,and you had to find the best way to get to the next one without getting in to mud,water or black Ice,wich is very dangerous.I was a little scared sometimes and thought of turning back,but we came already so far,we wanted to make it all the way.The Ice was getting more solid now and we had to be very carefull. We made it to the point ,where a guided group put their spikes under their boots to continue.We looked back up,our car looked like a machbox at the rim,but looking over the Glacier,it was such a great feeling to have made it this far.But now it was time to turn back.
As you see,we made it back allright,the hike had taking us about 2,5 hours. We went back to the camp,had some lunch and drove all the way to Valdez,since the RV-park we wanted to stop was all closed up.It was a nice drive especially through the canyons just before Valdez.Today we walked through the city,along the harbor,hiked up the hill to the lookout and drove to the old Valdez,wich was completly destroyed in 1964 by an strong earthquake.Tomorrow we will be on the road again.
Monday we went to the Matanuska Glacier.We stayed at the state campground a few miles away in the woods.The next morning we took the Tracker and drove the steep road down to the glacier entrance station. The Glacier is about 2 miles wide and 27 miles long,it was just fantastic to look at . Now we took both a skipole and jacket and started down the rugged and very difficult trail all the way down to the foot of the glacier. The way was marked with orange cones,and you had to find the best way to get to the next one without getting in to mud,water or black Ice,wich is very dangerous.I was a little scared sometimes and thought of turning back,but we came already so far,we wanted to make it all the way.The Ice was getting more solid now and we had to be very carefull. We made it to the point ,where a guided group put their spikes under their boots to continue.We looked back up,our car looked like a machbox at the rim,but looking over the Glacier,it was such a great feeling to have made it this far.But now it was time to turn back.
As you see,we made it back allright,the hike had taking us about 2,5 hours. We went back to the camp,had some lunch and drove all the way to Valdez,since the RV-park we wanted to stop was all closed up.It was a nice drive especially through the canyons just before Valdez.Today we walked through the city,along the harbor,hiked up the hill to the lookout and drove to the old Valdez,wich was completly destroyed in 1964 by an strong earthquake.Tomorrow we will be on the road again.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Seward
Seward....
We could not believe it, we found a RV-space on the beach, no hookup's but very nice.
The water at front door and the snow covered mountains across the bay,and on top of it sunshine and warm..After breakfast we took the Tracker and drove to the Exit Glacier,about 9 miles out of town..From the end of the road we walked to the Glacier view point,a beautiful sight..From there we could hike to the toe of the Glacier or about a mile to the edge ,which would be more strenoues since it is rocky and uphill and narrow.We took that trail,a lot of climbing,but I had my hiking pole with me.It felt like long time ago,when we used to hike all the mountain trails in Zion or ather parks.We made it to the edge of the Glacier,a very cold wind was blowing very hard,but what a feeling you get ,when you stand there and almost can touch the Ice,just awsome.
The rest of the afternoon we just took our chairs and relaxed outside on the waterfront.Later we had a fish-dinner,so I did not have to cook.In the morning we saw all the fishermen going out with there boats,lots of seagulls and even some Otters in the water. By mid-morning we left Seward,stopped over again in Girdwood and stayed there for the night in front of the Ski-Lifts and watcht a lot of Paragliders coming down from the top of the mountain..Tomorrow we will be in Anchorage.
Two days later:
We made it to Anchorage,and took the Tracker in to downtown.What a nightmare! Most streets east-west ore north-south are one way streets.Some go part two-way and then suddenly only one way.Then they have a construction zone in the mittle of the city and another one at the Glen-Highway,also in the city.You want to go someplace,so you finally figured out how to get there,then you have to find a way to get back.,but we managed it ,went to the Anchorage History Museum in downtown,we enjoyed it very much.We also found a Walmart and even a Costco.We went to the Salmon viewingarea at the river,but only saw some salmons,not spawning,but only swimming around.Then we walked through the inner city with all the beautiful flowers,went through some shops ect. But we found a RV carwash,so tomorrow morning we will start very early,wash our RV and be on our way to Palmer,via the old GlenHwy .Lets see what is in store for us there.
We could not believe it, we found a RV-space on the beach, no hookup's but very nice.
The water at front door and the snow covered mountains across the bay,and on top of it sunshine and warm..After breakfast we took the Tracker and drove to the Exit Glacier,about 9 miles out of town..From the end of the road we walked to the Glacier view point,a beautiful sight..From there we could hike to the toe of the Glacier or about a mile to the edge ,which would be more strenoues since it is rocky and uphill and narrow.We took that trail,a lot of climbing,but I had my hiking pole with me.It felt like long time ago,when we used to hike all the mountain trails in Zion or ather parks.We made it to the edge of the Glacier,a very cold wind was blowing very hard,but what a feeling you get ,when you stand there and almost can touch the Ice,just awsome.
The rest of the afternoon we just took our chairs and relaxed outside on the waterfront.Later we had a fish-dinner,so I did not have to cook.In the morning we saw all the fishermen going out with there boats,lots of seagulls and even some Otters in the water. By mid-morning we left Seward,stopped over again in Girdwood and stayed there for the night in front of the Ski-Lifts and watcht a lot of Paragliders coming down from the top of the mountain..Tomorrow we will be in Anchorage.
Two days later:
We made it to Anchorage,and took the Tracker in to downtown.What a nightmare! Most streets east-west ore north-south are one way streets.Some go part two-way and then suddenly only one way.Then they have a construction zone in the mittle of the city and another one at the Glen-Highway,also in the city.You want to go someplace,so you finally figured out how to get there,then you have to find a way to get back.,but we managed it ,went to the Anchorage History Museum in downtown,we enjoyed it very much.We also found a Walmart and even a Costco.We went to the Salmon viewingarea at the river,but only saw some salmons,not spawning,but only swimming around.Then we walked through the inner city with all the beautiful flowers,went through some shops ect. But we found a RV carwash,so tomorrow morning we will start very early,wash our RV and be on our way to Palmer,via the old GlenHwy .Lets see what is in store for us there.
Monday, July 6, 2009
The Kenai Peninsular.
We left the Wasilla area on tuesday and went direct to the Kenai peninsular, known as Alaskas playground. We bypassed Anchorage to make it in time to meet Ingrid and Richard and their daughter Kellys family,since the Fricks were going to fly back to California on sunday.We found our campground and made reservation for a 5 hour Glacier Tour the next day out of Whittier.
We relaxed the rest of the afternoon. Whittier is a small seaport and was used as a navelstation in World War 2.We boarded the ship and got a table inside at a window,since we booked with a
"all you can eat" salmon and primerip luncheon. After lunch we went out on deck,ther where some whales and a lot of sea-otters around the ship. Then we came close to the Northland Glacier,we watched a big waterfall next to it ,and suddenly a loud cracking noise and a large piece of ice brooke loose and ended in the water.Boy,we where hoping to get to see something like that,what a sight.Next the ship went around a small peninsula and there was the large Blackstone Glacier.Our ship stayed there for a long time.We heard some loud ckracking,but nothing brook off.We went around an island to see another one,the Beloid Glacier,very large,massive and solid,here we also stayed for a long while,then continued our trip back,passed a few more smaller ones.Around the Glaciers the wind was icy cold,so finally we went back inside to our table and had some delicious desserts.
Next morning we met the Frick's and toured the Wild Animal Conservation Center,which is being run by Kelly and her husband Mike.After that we all went to Girdwood,a pretty little village, about 10 miles away,for the 4th of July Forest Fair.It was the first day of a 3 day weekend and already crowded.We had a nice time with lots of local Arts and Crafts for sale,musik bands ,lots of food and a beergarden ,etc. Then Kelly invited us for the next day for Salmon Dinner at their house.It was a great evening.The baby boy,Owen,is only 4 weeks old,and 2.1\2 year old Abbie[Abigail] is such a sweet little girl.
Today,sunday,we went down to Seward and checked out the town.
Tomorrow we will do some more exploring.
We relaxed the rest of the afternoon. Whittier is a small seaport and was used as a navelstation in World War 2.We boarded the ship and got a table inside at a window,since we booked with a
"all you can eat" salmon and primerip luncheon. After lunch we went out on deck,ther where some whales and a lot of sea-otters around the ship. Then we came close to the Northland Glacier,we watched a big waterfall next to it ,and suddenly a loud cracking noise and a large piece of ice brooke loose and ended in the water.Boy,we where hoping to get to see something like that,what a sight.Next the ship went around a small peninsula and there was the large Blackstone Glacier.Our ship stayed there for a long time.We heard some loud ckracking,but nothing brook off.We went around an island to see another one,the Beloid Glacier,very large,massive and solid,here we also stayed for a long while,then continued our trip back,passed a few more smaller ones.Around the Glaciers the wind was icy cold,so finally we went back inside to our table and had some delicious desserts.
Next morning we met the Frick's and toured the Wild Animal Conservation Center,which is being run by Kelly and her husband Mike.After that we all went to Girdwood,a pretty little village, about 10 miles away,for the 4th of July Forest Fair.It was the first day of a 3 day weekend and already crowded.We had a nice time with lots of local Arts and Crafts for sale,musik bands ,lots of food and a beergarden ,etc. Then Kelly invited us for the next day for Salmon Dinner at their house.It was a great evening.The baby boy,Owen,is only 4 weeks old,and 2.1\2 year old Abbie[Abigail] is such a sweet little girl.
Today,sunday,we went down to Seward and checked out the town.
Tomorrow we will do some more exploring.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Talkeetna
We are here about 15 miles from Wasilla. From Denali national park we went to Talkeetna, where most of the mount McKinley senic flight companies are located. Talkeetna is a pretty little town, lots of stores with handmade Alaskan crafts, Bakery with homemade bread and a Pub ect. The Talkeetna campground we selected was booked out. But they refered us to a boatlaunch campground near by very nice but dry camping. We liked it so much we stayed an extra day, since we wanted to do a senic flight of Mt. McKinley. We cheched all the flight service companies out and booked with Talkeetna airo service. The flight we choose would be 0ne hour and a half and over 20.000 feet. we had found an advertisment in the milepost with a note of $20 off per person for direct booking,it was honered, not bad since the prices are high.
The plane was a Piper chieftain with 8 seats and nice big windows. We had headsets on, so we could listen and talk to the Pilot. I can not discripe the beauty of the flight, it was awsome!!!! At about 10000 feet we had to to put oxigen masks on and circled around the mountain. Mount McKinley is 20320 feet high,we climed to about 21400 and flew over he top, while slowly circleling and desending the pilot told us he would cut the flight short and headed back to the airport. Dave the Pilot told us not to worry, but he decended faster then normal. It turned out we had a little problem with the oxigen system. We had 1 hour flight when we landed. They charged the oxigen system while we watched and then asked us if we wanted to complet the flight.This time we went up the Tokositna Glacier and back down the whole Ruth Glacier,what a sight,sometimes you think the wings would touch the mountains.Dave pointed out a plane,which was at a Glacier,that plane and the people around it looked like ants.It was the base camp for the climbers,an incredable feeling.When we landed,we had been flying one hour again.So,it was actually a good deal,even with the little scare for a while.
Yesterday we left Talkeetna and visited on the way the Dream of Dream dog farm of
Vern Halter,a veteran Iditarod multible winner.He and his wife are raising and training sleddogs for the yearly Iditarod race from Anchorage to Nome.He is also training people for the run.The dogs are very lovable,want to be hugged and patted all the time,especially the young ones.We took a walk with 3 puppies in the woods.Then we went on a 2 mile run in an ATV with 12 of the dogs pulling it.In summer they cannot run too long,it's too warm,they are sled dogs,as colder it gets,the better they run.We had a wonderful 3 hours there. We are going to stay here at the Hudson Riverside Campground an extra day to take care of the shopping,since there is a Safeway,Fred Meyer and Walmart Supercenter in Wasilla. I hope we get this still on the blog,then we are finally up to date.For the next week or more,we will travel the Kenai peninsula and we may not have any WiFi in our campgrounds.So bear with us,we will continue,when ever we can.
The plane was a Piper chieftain with 8 seats and nice big windows. We had headsets on, so we could listen and talk to the Pilot. I can not discripe the beauty of the flight, it was awsome!!!! At about 10000 feet we had to to put oxigen masks on and circled around the mountain. Mount McKinley is 20320 feet high,we climed to about 21400 and flew over he top, while slowly circleling and desending the pilot told us he would cut the flight short and headed back to the airport. Dave the Pilot told us not to worry, but he decended faster then normal. It turned out we had a little problem with the oxigen system. We had 1 hour flight when we landed. They charged the oxigen system while we watched and then asked us if we wanted to complet the flight.This time we went up the Tokositna Glacier and back down the whole Ruth Glacier,what a sight,sometimes you think the wings would touch the mountains.Dave pointed out a plane,which was at a Glacier,that plane and the people around it looked like ants.It was the base camp for the climbers,an incredable feeling.When we landed,we had been flying one hour again.So,it was actually a good deal,even with the little scare for a while.
Yesterday we left Talkeetna and visited on the way the Dream of Dream dog farm of
Vern Halter,a veteran Iditarod multible winner.He and his wife are raising and training sleddogs for the yearly Iditarod race from Anchorage to Nome.He is also training people for the run.The dogs are very lovable,want to be hugged and patted all the time,especially the young ones.We took a walk with 3 puppies in the woods.Then we went on a 2 mile run in an ATV with 12 of the dogs pulling it.In summer they cannot run too long,it's too warm,they are sled dogs,as colder it gets,the better they run.We had a wonderful 3 hours there. We are going to stay here at the Hudson Riverside Campground an extra day to take care of the shopping,since there is a Safeway,Fred Meyer and Walmart Supercenter in Wasilla. I hope we get this still on the blog,then we are finally up to date.For the next week or more,we will travel the Kenai peninsula and we may not have any WiFi in our campgrounds.So bear with us,we will continue,when ever we can.
Talkeetna
Monday,june 29th
We are here about 15 miles from Wasilla.From Denali we went to Talkeetna,where most of the scenic flight companies are located.Talkeetna is a very pretty little town,lots of stores with handmade alaskan crafts,bakery with homemade breads and a pub,etc.The talkeetna camper park we selected was booked out.They told us there is a boat-launch campground with some spaces avalable.So we drove there,it was pretty in the woods,but dry camping.We liked it so much ,we stayed another day. Since we wanted to do a scenic flight of Mt.Mc.Kinley.We checked all the flight service companies out and booked with Talkeetna Airo service.There flight would be 90 min and over 20.000 feet.We had found an advertisement in the milepost with a note for $ 20.- off per person for direct booking.We cut it out and got $ 40.- off not bad,since the prices are high.The plane was a Piper Chieftain with 8 seats,nice big windows.We had headsets on,so we could listen and talk to the pilot,his name was Dave.I cannot explain the beauty of that flight,it was so magnificent.At about 10.000 feet we had to put on our oxigen masks and he circelt around the mountain.Mt.Mc.Kinley is 20320 feet high.We climed up to over 21400 feet and went over the top.While slowly going around the mountain and down again,the pilot experienced some minor problem.So Dave told us it's nothing to worry about,but he will go back to talkeetna and cut the flight a little short,to have somebody check it out.So we went down faster then normal.We had one hour flight as we landed. After 30 min.Dave ask us if we wanted to complete the flight.This time we went up the Tokositna glacier and back down the whole Ruth glacier,what a sight,sometimes you think the wings would touch the mountains.Dave pointed out a plane,which was at a glacier,that plane and the people around it looked like ants.It was the base camp for the climbers.An incredable feeling.When we landed,we had been flying one hour again.So,it was actually a good deal,even with the little scare for a while.
Yesterday we left Talkeetna and visited on the way the Dream of Dream Dog Farm of
Vern Halter,a veteran Iditarod multible winner.He is raising and training the dogs for the yearly Iditarod race from Anchorage to Nome.He is also training people for the run.The dogs are so lovable,want to be hugged and patted all the time,especially the young once.We took a walk with three puppies in the woods. Then we went on a 2 mile run in an ATV with 12 of the dogs pulling it ,what fun.In summer they cannot run too long ,it's too warm,they are sled dogs,as colder it is,as better they run.We had a wonderful 3 hours there. We are going to stay here at the hutson riverside campground an extra day to take care of the shopping, since there are a safeway,a fred meyers and a walmart supercenter in Wasilla. I hope, we still get this on the blog, then we finally are up to date. For the next week or more, we will travel the Kenai peninsula and we may not have any WIFI in our campgrounds. So bear with us, we will continue when ever we can
We are here about 15 miles from Wasilla.From Denali we went to Talkeetna,where most of the scenic flight companies are located.Talkeetna is a very pretty little town,lots of stores with handmade alaskan crafts,bakery with homemade breads and a pub,etc.The talkeetna camper park we selected was booked out.They told us there is a boat-launch campground with some spaces avalable.So we drove there,it was pretty in the woods,but dry camping.We liked it so much ,we stayed another day. Since we wanted to do a scenic flight of Mt.Mc.Kinley.We checked all the flight service companies out and booked with Talkeetna Airo service.There flight would be 90 min and over 20.000 feet.We had found an advertisement in the milepost with a note for $ 20.- off per person for direct booking.We cut it out and got $ 40.- off not bad,since the prices are high.The plane was a Piper Chieftain with 8 seats,nice big windows.We had headsets on,so we could listen and talk to the pilot,his name was Dave.I cannot explain the beauty of that flight,it was so magnificent.At about 10.000 feet we had to put on our oxigen masks and he circelt around the mountain.Mt.Mc.Kinley is 20320 feet high.We climed up to over 21400 feet and went over the top.While slowly going around the mountain and down again,the pilot experienced some minor problem.So Dave told us it's nothing to worry about,but he will go back to talkeetna and cut the flight a little short,to have somebody check it out.So we went down faster then normal.We had one hour flight as we landed. After 30 min.Dave ask us if we wanted to complete the flight.This time we went up the Tokositna glacier and back down the whole Ruth glacier,what a sight,sometimes you think the wings would touch the mountains.Dave pointed out a plane,which was at a glacier,that plane and the people around it looked like ants.It was the base camp for the climbers.An incredable feeling.When we landed,we had been flying one hour again.So,it was actually a good deal,even with the little scare for a while.
Yesterday we left Talkeetna and visited on the way the Dream of Dream Dog Farm of
Vern Halter,a veteran Iditarod multible winner.He is raising and training the dogs for the yearly Iditarod race from Anchorage to Nome.He is also training people for the run.The dogs are so lovable,want to be hugged and patted all the time,especially the young once.We took a walk with three puppies in the woods. Then we went on a 2 mile run in an ATV with 12 of the dogs pulling it ,what fun.In summer they cannot run too long ,it's too warm,they are sled dogs,as colder it is,as better they run.We had a wonderful 3 hours there. We are going to stay here at the hutson riverside campground an extra day to take care of the shopping, since there are a safeway,a fred meyers and a walmart supercenter in Wasilla. I hope, we still get this on the blog, then we finally are up to date. For the next week or more, we will travel the Kenai peninsula and we may not have any WIFI in our campgrounds. So bear with us, we will continue when ever we can
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Denali National Park
tuesday,june 23rd
We arrived at the Denali National Park yesterday afternoon. As we got up this morning,it was raining,it started already during the night.The clouds were so low,we could not even see our
cb antenna.It is now 9.30am and we have reservations for a 6 hour tour into the park at
12 noon and also reserved an RV space in the park for tomorrow.Well,we will see what will become of that. Will talk to you all later !
Friday,june 26th
We did the 6 hour trip.It was raining lightly.Our driver told us,since he has to watch the road,we have to watch for animals and call out ,so he would stop for us to take a photo.This was easy to say,since it was cold outside,the windows fogged up,but they could be wiped off.But then after the first 14 miles the dirtroad started.In a very short time th windows where splashed with mud and there was no way to look out.We where lucky,had the second seat behind the driver and could look out the front.But all we could see on the entire trip where one Lynx crossing the highway,two Seagulls,one Bear and her cub.Everybody was hanging out of the windows and trying to make photos of the bear?{it was far away} So Heinz took an photo of the people hanging out of the windows. Each stop we had some fun with buckets of water and squeegees to clean the windows,they stayed clean for about a mile,but someone always tryed it the next time again. We went in for 53 miles and up to over 4000 feet(snow on the ground). But the scenery on the trip was phantastic and we enjoyed it anyway. The next day we had booked at the
Savage River campground,13 miles in the park.That day the sun was shining and warm and we just relaxed,took some hikes to the river,watched a big moose on the river a little distance away.Next morning a big moose and her calf came right next to our camp,and in our exitment we forgot to take a photo.Well,maybe next time.
PS:sorry no photos for now,something went wrong and we cannot get them on to our computer.
If somone is worried about us,we are ok and enjoying every day,but we do not have WI FI all the time .we will stay here until tomorrow and with a little luck will catch up with our blog.
We arrived at the Denali National Park yesterday afternoon. As we got up this morning,it was raining,it started already during the night.The clouds were so low,we could not even see our
cb antenna.It is now 9.30am and we have reservations for a 6 hour tour into the park at
12 noon and also reserved an RV space in the park for tomorrow.Well,we will see what will become of that. Will talk to you all later !
Friday,june 26th
We did the 6 hour trip.It was raining lightly.Our driver told us,since he has to watch the road,we have to watch for animals and call out ,so he would stop for us to take a photo.This was easy to say,since it was cold outside,the windows fogged up,but they could be wiped off.But then after the first 14 miles the dirtroad started.In a very short time th windows where splashed with mud and there was no way to look out.We where lucky,had the second seat behind the driver and could look out the front.But all we could see on the entire trip where one Lynx crossing the highway,two Seagulls,one Bear and her cub.Everybody was hanging out of the windows and trying to make photos of the bear?{it was far away} So Heinz took an photo of the people hanging out of the windows. Each stop we had some fun with buckets of water and squeegees to clean the windows,they stayed clean for about a mile,but someone always tryed it the next time again. We went in for 53 miles and up to over 4000 feet(snow on the ground). But the scenery on the trip was phantastic and we enjoyed it anyway. The next day we had booked at the
Savage River campground,13 miles in the park.That day the sun was shining and warm and we just relaxed,took some hikes to the river,watched a big moose on the river a little distance away.Next morning a big moose and her calf came right next to our camp,and in our exitment we forgot to take a photo.Well,maybe next time.
PS:sorry no photos for now,something went wrong and we cannot get them on to our computer.
If somone is worried about us,we are ok and enjoying every day,but we do not have WI FI all the time .we will stay here until tomorrow and with a little luck will catch up with our blog.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Hello Fairbanks,
We stayed one night at Delta Junction,had to do some shopping.It's funny,Alaska has the same laws as Canada,you have to buy beer and wine at the liquoer store,you can not get it at the supermarket.Next morning we left for Fairbanks.We wanted to make 2 stops,the knotty Shop and Delta Meat and saussages.As we got to the Knotty Shop,the whole parkinglot in the front was full of motorbikes,at least 300 of them.There was no way to get to the RV parkinglot on the side,we just had to keep on driving and we really wanted to see that store.We did not even have time to make a photo.At the next stop we bought some Buffalo-steak,Elk-saussage,and smoked Salmon.We also stopped at the Alaskan Pipeline crossing the River.But then we came to
North-Pole,Alaska.We had to make a stop to see where Santa lives.We did not see any Elfes,since they where too busy.We bought one ornament as souvenier for our Christmastree. We arrived in Fairbanks where we stayed 4 nights.We took a cruise with a large Paddelweeler on the Chena River,with a one hour stop at a native indian village. W e also took a tour to the El Dorado Goldmine,did some Gold-panning and a City tour which included a visit to the Pionier-Park, and the downtown shopping disdrict. A stop to the Visiter-center. Then out of town to the Alaskan-Pipeline,and finally to the Museum of the North at the University of Alaska{by that time the sky cleared up for the rest of the day.We had 3 interesting days.Tonight we will go out for dinner Chena's Fine Dining & Deck,it is next to our RV park,right on the Chena river.We had walked along the river to the restaurant yesterday,it looked very beautiful there and the menue is superb.It will make a nice Fathersday and Birthday celebration.
Tomorrow morning we have to get an oelchange on the motorhome,we already drove 3500 miles.Then we are off to Denali National Park.
North-Pole,Alaska.We had to make a stop to see where Santa lives.We did not see any Elfes,since they where too busy.We bought one ornament as souvenier for our Christmastree. We arrived in Fairbanks where we stayed 4 nights.We took a cruise with a large Paddelweeler on the Chena River,with a one hour stop at a native indian village. W e also took a tour to the El Dorado Goldmine,did some Gold-panning and a City tour which included a visit to the Pionier-Park, and the downtown shopping disdrict. A stop to the Visiter-center. Then out of town to the Alaskan-Pipeline,and finally to the Museum of the North at the University of Alaska{by that time the sky cleared up for the rest of the day.We had 3 interesting days.Tonight we will go out for dinner Chena's Fine Dining & Deck,it is next to our RV park,right on the Chena river.We had walked along the river to the restaurant yesterday,it looked very beautiful there and the menue is superb.It will make a nice Fathersday and Birthday celebration.
Tomorrow morning we have to get an oelchange on the motorhome,we already drove 3500 miles.Then we are off to Denali National Park.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Entering the 49th State
The last night in Whitehorse we had some havy showers.When we moved on in the morning, it was cloudy but dry.When we got to the area around the Kluane Lake,the road-constraction zone started,first 15km,the next 20km,and nothing but gravel and mud.We had put the cover over the windshield of the tracker. We wanted to drive to Burwash Landing,but it did not look very pleasent.Next one was 40 miles further and there was a sign: Closed for the season. So we finally had to drive all the way to Beaver Creek,one mile before the Alaskan Border,and 280 miles since Whitehorse. As we got out of our motorhome,we could not believe our eyes.The Tracker was completly covered in mud,windows,lights,everything.The motorhome was not much better,and no carwash anywhere. We hosed douwn the Tow-car a little at the RV-park anyway.But now we had to cross the border as messy as that,but all the other motorhomes and cars looked just as bad. Border-crossing was easy and we where on the way to Tok. It took us more then 2hours to pressure-wash our motorhome and car,so you could see again,what colour it was.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Watson Lake to Whitehorse
Watson Lake is not a large city,but the town is well known for it's Sign Post Forest.At the entrance to the town the highway is lined with the flags from around the world.We stayed two days.The sign post forest is incredible,65000 signs by now,adding more everyday.We brought ours from home and finished it on the way.We where so sorry that we did not find the one from Al from 1994 and from Manfred and Edda from 2006,we spend over 3 hours there,must have looked at every one of them.We where getting real tired,so we went back to the RV park.
The next day we went back to hang up our own sign .We found out,that the tradition with the signs started doing the second World War.Some signs we could still read where from the 1950's and 1960's.There where a lot of signs from Germany,many from Citys or smaller towns,also a lot of Licendsplates from around the world.
Next destination on our trip was Whitehorse with a stopover in Teslin.A fairly smooth ride with no wild animals on the road but beautiful scenery and still sunny sky.We had our first Rhubarb-pie a la mode on the way,hmm,yummi. But then came some road constraction,dust,dust and more dust,so we had to wash d0ewn our RV in Teslin.
Whitehorse,the Capital of Yukon,was interesting.We did a trip to the Miles Canyon,what a breathtaking sight.So we drove douwn to the suspention bridge,walked over and hiked about a mile along the Yukon river through the canyon. Next day we toured the SS Klondike,and later took a 2 hour boattrip on the Yukon river and through the Miles canyon,just georgious. On the way home we took a pizza,put it in the oven and voila,dinner finished,tasted real good after a busy day.
The next day we went back to hang up our own sign .We found out,that the tradition with the signs started doing the second World War.Some signs we could still read where from the 1950's and 1960's.There where a lot of signs from Germany,many from Citys or smaller towns,also a lot of Licendsplates from around the world.
Next destination on our trip was Whitehorse with a stopover in Teslin.A fairly smooth ride with no wild animals on the road but beautiful scenery and still sunny sky.We had our first Rhubarb-pie a la mode on the way,hmm,yummi. But then came some road constraction,dust,dust and more dust,so we had to wash d0ewn our RV in Teslin.
Whitehorse,the Capital of Yukon,was interesting.We did a trip to the Miles Canyon,what a breathtaking sight.So we drove douwn to the suspention bridge,walked over and hiked about a mile along the Yukon river through the canyon. Next day we toured the SS Klondike,and later took a 2 hour boattrip on the Yukon river and through the Miles canyon,just georgious. On the way home we took a pizza,put it in the oven and voila,dinner finished,tasted real good after a busy day.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Hot pool and cold shower
We made it to Fort Nelson.Next stop Liard Hot Springs. We saw a lot of Moose on the way{but only on the yellow road signs}.Later in the higher regions a whole family of Stone-Sheep where grasing on the side. The whole trip was awsome,unbelievable beautiful. We stopped many times on the road beside a river or just to admire the view of the snowcapped mountains. The highway followed a long way along the Toad River. The waterlevel was almost level with the highway.We both thought our friend Al would have parked his RV anyplace,pull out his fishingpole and catch something for supper. In the Liard Hot Springs campground we met Peter and Pat again.He is from Kiel and she is from Ireland. We first met them in Chetwynd,they live in Toronto.In the afternoon we hiked to the hot pools.It was very relaxing in the water,but a thunderstorm moved in fast,so we had to get out of the hot water and took a cold shower on the way back to the RV.In the evening we had a campfire going, with Peter and Pat and some Jaegermeister.At that time we found out ,another wildfire had started and the highway was closed again. That night we had havy rain for several hours,so in the morning the highway was open again. We went one more time into the pools and then on our way.We saw many smoldering hotspots along the way between the burned out trees. This was actuly the first rain we encountered since we left home.
Monday, June 8, 2009
The Wildfire
We made it via Prince George to Chetwynd, the town famous for all the chainsaw-carvings.It's really a sight to see,over 100 ot them. But now we have a problem.We where informed ,that the Alaskan Highway is closed because of a major wildfire between Fort Nelson and Watson Lake,so all campgrounds south of Fort Nelson are overfillt. So we stayed another day in Chetwynd. Today we where informed that the Alaskan Highway has been open again and running convoys with pilot cars,but with hours of delays.So we decided to take the chance to drive to Fort Nelson.
O,jes,in Chetwynd we met two couples from germany,one was from Kiel,who saw the
"Hamburger Wappen"on our sparewheel-cover,and then was there Andrea and Frank from Cologne,they sah the "Koelner Wappen".With them we spend a nice evening together.It seems we having fun with our wheelcover. We are now in Fort Nelson,leaving here tomorrow morning for Liard-Hotsprings.
O,jes,in Chetwynd we met two couples from germany,one was from Kiel,who saw the
"Hamburger Wappen"on our sparewheel-cover,and then was there Andrea and Frank from Cologne,they sah the "Koelner Wappen".With them we spend a nice evening together.It seems we having fun with our wheelcover. We are now in Fort Nelson,leaving here tomorrow morning for Liard-Hotsprings.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Barkerville
We did the sidetrip to Barkersville.It was 51 miles throuvh the mountain,it is 4300 feet high and still had some large snowpatches on the ground.It is much larger then Body or some other goldrush towns we have seen before.It was a very interesting trip. They also had an one hour show at 2.00pm in the old operahouse,which we attended. We really enjoyed it and also had a good laugh{tears running,that funny}. On the drive in the morning,we already passed a few Deers,a Moose{our first one}and a Caribu. But on the way back,we had a thrill,our first Blackbear,it was just on the side of the road looking at us,as we slowed to a stop.Open our window and could take a picture.Then a bus drove by,that noise scared him and he ran back trough the trees.What an interesting day. Today we are in Prince George and start early tomorrow morning for Chetwynd. For that we have to cross another mountain,the Misinchinka and Hart Ranges.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Oregon to B.C.Canada
The next day we drove into Washington. Up untill now ,we had nothing but sunshine and
warm weather. It was a terriffic view and feeling crossing the bridge in Portland over the Columbia River.We found St.Helens Rv-Park and got a space,even on friday.Something like that would never happen in Southern-California. There was an RV-Club { 9 RV's},all seniors like us. People standing in groups,talking,but not a single one had a bottle or can of beer in his hand,even that it was after 5.00 pm,ha,ha. Well ,the sun is down and it is finally cools down.
It's saturday morning and we wanted to hook up the tow,battery dead,jump-start it hook up and go,have to charge over night.We had made a reservation at an RV-Park,about 20 miles from the border,because of the weekend.The sun got warm again and we could shed the sweatshirt,t-shirt would do just fine. Coming toward Tacoma,the traffic was getting havyer until we came to a stop. The problem: a car went down an embankment and landed on its roof. After that,traffic was normal again until we hit Seattle. We had expected havy traffic,but this was stop and go through the whole city.After that,what a beautiful scenery all the way to Bellingham.We turned on to the 539 only to start driving in slalom for miles and miles,since one side or the other was dug up,major road construction for the Olympic games,we almost missed our RV-Park. Next morning up early to the border. It took about 30 min,our mirrow on the right side scratcht the pole{we where not the first one to do it } since it 's very narrow.We had to park the RV ,go inside and were asked to wait.After about 20 min. they called us,gave us back our passports and wished us a nice day,no checking the motorhome.
Next stop Hells Gate Canyon .It was phantastic. it is the narrowest canyon of the Fraser River.We took the gondola down and across the river,walked over the suspencion bridge,through the museum etc.and yes,had a big icecream,spend over 2 hours there.Since it was already 3pm,we stopped a few miles further at Boston Bar and stayed over night.
Next day more mountain driving.After about 24 miles we stopped for gas and would you believe,on the rear bumper was Heinz's coffee-mug,after all the curves still in place{but the coffee was cold}
We are now in Quesnel. Here we have Wi-Fi and finally can continue our blog.Maybe we will make a side trip tomorrow to a little gold rush town called Barkerville,50 miles east of here.
By the way,we got already our first moscito-bites,even with protection,this guys are mean!!!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
now goes it loose
To our family and friends:please do not comment on our blog,you all have our e-mail adresse!
Thank You all.
Mai 24 ,2009
Well,we are on the road.Since there is always the last minute this little thing and that still has to be done,well I think you all know that happen,wenn you go on a longer {or even short } trip.So we agreed to forget saturday and instead leave sunday morning,so we would be more relaxed.But would'n you know,we where still bussy until late evening.But everything was done and ready by 8.00AM sunday morning,when we found out,that the lights on the tow did not work,chucks! After my hubby finisht a 3 hour electrical job,hurray,we where on our way.Since it was after 11 Am by now,we just drove a couple of hours,stayed over night and continuing early the next morning.We found a nice campground after about 250 miles{which we set as our dayly limit ]Two days later we found ourself in Sutherlin,Oregon.Here we drove in to an RV-Park that is somewhat different,because it used to be a drive in movie-theather.The big screen is still in place and they are showing movies for the RVers about 4-5 times a month. we had beautiful weather so far,somtimes even a little too hot,but that's o.k.
Thank You all.
Mai 24 ,2009
Well,we are on the road.Since there is always the last minute this little thing and that still has to be done,well I think you all know that happen,wenn you go on a longer {or even short } trip.So we agreed to forget saturday and instead leave sunday morning,so we would be more relaxed.But would'n you know,we where still bussy until late evening.But everything was done and ready by 8.00AM sunday morning,when we found out,that the lights on the tow did not work,chucks! After my hubby finisht a 3 hour electrical job,hurray,we where on our way.Since it was after 11 Am by now,we just drove a couple of hours,stayed over night and continuing early the next morning.We found a nice campground after about 250 miles{which we set as our dayly limit ]Two days later we found ourself in Sutherlin,Oregon.Here we drove in to an RV-Park that is somewhat different,because it used to be a drive in movie-theather.The big screen is still in place and they are showing movies for the RVers about 4-5 times a month. we had beautiful weather so far,somtimes even a little too hot,but that's o.k.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
here we go!
Hi,Family and Friends,
Here we are after talking and dreaming about a trip with our motorhome all the way to Alaska for
years and finally decided to go for it this year. Heck,we are not getting younger!
After about 4 month of planing,studying maps and books and put down a routing,the time is
finally here. Thanks also to Al and Sally and Manfred and Edda for all the good tips you gave
us,since you have been there already. We still cannot believe it,its exiting,but also a little scary,
its a loooong,loooong ,loooong way.
Well,next Saturday, May 23rd,we will leave for our 3 ½ month trip. We bought a laptop,so we
can be in touch with you all.
Hope you will also have some fun to follow our Blog.
Please wish us luck.
Love Heinz and Erika.
Here we are after talking and dreaming about a trip with our motorhome all the way to Alaska for
years and finally decided to go for it this year. Heck,we are not getting younger!
After about 4 month of planing,studying maps and books and put down a routing,the time is
finally here. Thanks also to Al and Sally and Manfred and Edda for all the good tips you gave
us,since you have been there already. We still cannot believe it,its exiting,but also a little scary,
its a loooong,loooong ,loooong way.
Well,next Saturday, May 23rd,we will leave for our 3 ½ month trip. We bought a laptop,so we
can be in touch with you all.
Hope you will also have some fun to follow our Blog.
Please wish us luck.
Love Heinz and Erika.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)