Trip to Alaska the summer of 2007

2007 Journey to Alaska
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MONDAY MAY 7 - TRAVEL DAY
Traveled 390 miles from Portage, Wisconsin to very nice little park (16 sites)just of I-94 @ Mn 78; Sundown RV Park at Ashby, Minnesota.

TUESDAY MAY 8 thru THURSDAY MAY 10 - WINNIPEG, MANITOBA
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Traveled 310 miles on Tuesday from Ashby, MN. to Travlers RV Park in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I screwed up at the border crossing and pulled into the commercial truck lane. Border guard opened the window announced that we were in the wrong lane, but then said it would be OK but he needed a minute to think about the questions he was suppose to ask. At the RV park we met up with a couple (Ted & Sandy)from Ottawa, Ontario that we had meet in Texas the winter of 05/06.
Wednesday was a record setting day in Winnipeg, temperature got up to 31* (88*) today. Unloaded the Harley, and got in some unexpected riding plus did some site seeing in downtown Winnipeg.
Thursday arrived and the temperature was back to normal; very windy and only got to about 60*. Ted & Sandy had to head out (unexpectedly) as Sandy's mother took ill and was hospitalized in Ottawa. We went to Harley dealership and to a casino, while waiting for Joe & Carole (also from Ottawa) to come into RV park on their way home from wintering in Texas and their trip up the west coast. We shared a great evening with steaks a few beers (girls had wine) and comparing notes on our travels.

FRIDAY MAY 11 & SATURDAY MAY 12 - SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN
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Friday was a very long day of travel day, 535 miles; with a couples hours of rain the heaviest coming in the only stretch of two lane we had to travel. Finally arrived at 16 West RV Park after long delay crossing Saskatchewan River in downtown area as six lane bridge was down to two for construction.
Saturday arrived with a light rain, so it was off site seeing in the big truck. It was recommended we go see the Western Development Museum; there are four museum locations in Saskatchewan, with a different heritage theme at each. The Museum in Saskatoon is called "1910 BOOMTOWN Saskatoon" and I feel it was the best museum we have ever been to in our travels to date. Looking forward to checking out the other museum locations/themes in a future trip to Saskatchewan.

SUNDAY MAY 13 thru TUESDAY MAY 15 - EDMONTON, ALBERTA
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On Sunday morning we left Saskatoon and traveled 330 miles to Glowing Embers RV Park on the west side of Edmonton. Bonnie is now a very happy camper as she has found out that world largest mall the West Edmonton Mall is only eight miles from us.
Monday morning it was off to the mall, after only 8 hours of shopping, Bonnie said enough. Good thing there was a casino in the mall. Not a winning stop but much more entertaining then checking out the entire bench system thru the mall.
Tuesday we traveled south of Edmonton to the Leduc #1 Oil Museum, it is on the site of the Leduc #1 well where oil was discovered on February 13, 1947. Filled up the truck today only 616.5 liters or 162.8 US gallons @ $0.801 per liter which is $3.03 Canadian per US gallon. Gas is $1.12 per liter or $4.239 Canadian per US gallon and Edmonton has the best prices in all of Canada.

WEDNESDAY MAY 16 thru FRIDAY MAY 18 - DAWSON CREEK, BRITISH COLUMBIA
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Wednesday morning we left Edmonton and traveled 360 miles to Dawson Creek the start of the Alaska Highway. Seen two Mule Deer today, just south of Dawson Creek.
Thursday was a day of exploring Dawson Creek, went to the museum where we watched an hour long film about the building of the Alaska Highway.
Friday was to be a travel day to Fort Nelson, but woke to the ground covered with snow, and more snow up north. Trailer slides would not come in without cleaning the wet snow off the roof. So....fall off the roof cleaning snow or another day in Dawson Creek. Another day in Dawson will be good.

SATURDAY MAY 19 - TRAVEL DAY DAWSON CREEK TO FORT NELSON
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Traveled 280 miles up the Alaska Highway today to Fort Nelson. Seen nine mule deer, two wolf, and three motorcycles. Was a great day for the motorcyclists, temperatures ranged from 38* to 43* with light rain and at one point for about 20 miles there was heavy snow.

SUNDAY MAY 20 & MONDAY MAY 21 - WATSON LAKE, YUKON
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Sunday morning we left Fort Nelson and headed north thru the Northern Rockies. The travel day was a mix of sun and then rain as we traveled thru the mountains. The first pass we came to we were in the clouds and fog, could not see a thing, but then Bonnie could not see the drop offs so had nothing to be afraid of. We were going to stay close but south of Liard River Hotsprings, but the park was not open yet. So we continued north across the only remaining suspension bridge (1,143 feet long) on the Alaska highway to the hotsprings. The two RV parks at the hotsprings were full and the hotsprings were over crowded with a holiday pople. Monday is Victoria day (Queen Victoria) making this Canada's three day spring weekend. Walked on a boardwalk back to the hotsprings, about 1/3 mile off the road. Very nice, about 108* water in two pools, one about 3 1/2' deep and the other about 9'. Decided to continue north to Watson Lake, traveled 320 miles, a long day over nine hours on the road, slow going thru the Rockies but very enjoyable. Seen four Mule deer, one Elk, ten Caribou, and more buffalo then we could count.
Monday we spent the day exploring Watson Lake. Went to the sign forest and put up a Wisconsin license (Quinn) plate. At last count, which was the end of September in 2006 there were 61,398 signs. Spent time at the museum, and watched a fifty minute film of northern lights at the Northern Light Center.

TUESDAY MAY 22 & WEDNESDAY MAY 23 - SKAGWAY, ALASKA
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Tuesday morning we left Watson Lake, not quite knowing where we would stop for the night. After crossing the Continental divide we traveled north to the Nisutlin Bay Bridge; the longest on the highway at 1,917 feet. About ten miles further up the highway we got to Mukluk Annie's, famous for their Salmon Bake; great salmon dinner for lunch. Twenty five miles up the highway we came to the third longest (1,770') bridge over the Teslin River. It was under construction one lane traffic in a just under 10' lane (3 meters). Bonnie enjoyed this (hands sweating) as the bridge is about eighty or ninety feet over the river. But we are not done giving Bonnie a thrill ride, headed down Yukon highway 2 to Skagway. After going thru the White Pass at 3,292 feet it's 11.5 miles down (11 percent grade) to Skagwag at sea level. Drove 360 miles seeing some of the best sights of the trip to date. Plus seen one wolf crossing road (Bonnie got picture of road), one Moose and one brown bear cub.
Wednesday we explored Skagway or shall I say Bonnie spent the day in the shops of Skagway. Skagway being a cruise ship stop, gets eight to ten thousand mew victims a day. We did take in the Days of '98 Show. It is a play about Soapy Smith a con man and his gang that reigned in Skagway from 1897 till his death (shot) on 7-8-1998. The best part of the play was Bonnie heard someone say to tell the ticket booth that you are local and wanted to know if there was a special; we got in free. So as I see it Bonnie coned the con man.

THURSDAY MAY 24 thru MONDAY MAY 28 - WHITEHORSE, YUKON
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Thursday morning it was on the road again, leaving Skagway at it's ocean port location and climbing back up to 3,292 feet in 11 1/2 miles to get thru White Pass. Then it was on to Whitehorse, a trip of only 110 miles.
Friday morning we unloaded the Harley for the 5 mile trip in to explore Whitehorse. Spent the day at the info center, the MacBride Museum, a visit to the dam & fish ladder, and toured the SS Klondike. The Klondike was a restored steam paddle wheel from the early 1900's used to carry passengers and supplies down the Yukon River from Whitehorse to Dawson City.
Saturday morning in a light mist it was into Whitehorse on the Harley as we had heard there would be a gathering of bikes at the Shine & Show. Ended up with 34 bikes sitting on a sidewalk mall area for a couple of hours of viewing. Had a great time talking to the locals and was invited on a short ride after the show. After the ride we returned to tour the Yukon Brewing Company. A local brewery which makes 12 different beers. The tour starts out with a 2 oz. sample of each beer. After you have sampled each you then get a glass of your favorite to take on the tour. Good tour and much cheaper then $4.50 per beer in a bar.
Sunday it was off to breakfast (44*) with our new biker friends. After which about 8 bikes took a 140 mile round trip up the Klondike highway. On the return trip the one couple invited us to stop at their place. Had lived there for over 25 years (30 miles out of town) and had just got electric poles last fall. Prior to that they had their own power plant. Linda said that the power poles were the most beautiful thing she had ever seen; that it was hell going out in the winter at 40 below to start the power plant. They now have daylight from about 4 AM to Midnight. In the winter daylight is from about 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM and this winter it got down to 55* below zero. So far can't get Bonnie to drink from the Yukon River, it is said that if you drink from the river you will not leave the Yukon. It was 58* when we got back at 6PM, but you most ride when there is no snow as they have only 91 frost free days a year. Of the 30,000 people (65,000 Moose) that live in the Yukon, 23,000 of them live in Whitehorse.
Monday, major travel plan changes today, will spend one more day in Whitehorse. Was heading to Haines, Alaska today for a week with a 3 day ferry trip with the Harley to Juneau, Alaska. Weather calls for rain all week with temps in high 40's. Will stop in Haines on way home and do Juneau then. Tomorrow we will head north on the Klondike Highway to Dawson City, Yukon for a few days.

Tuesday May 29 thru SATURDAY JUNE 2 - DAWSON CITY, YUKON
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Tuesday we traveled 335 miles up the Klondike highway. Experienced our first roads built on permafrost, there were patches on top of patches, and in some places no asphalt to patch, just gravel repairs. Seen a couple of deer, plus we saw four swan, yes that's right swan. We were told that if we had been a week or two earlier we would have seen hundreds as they were making their way up to their tundra nesting grounds. After we got set up at Gold Rush RV Park, we walked a few blocks into town. Stopped at the grocery store to check prices, a box of Corn Flakes was $7.99 on sale. Then to the info center, watched a couple of films and checked out what we had to see and do in town.
Wednesday, it was off to explore Dawson, we toured the Palace Theater (dance hall) built during the gold rush. We also viewed another paddle wheel boat (Keno), and had a Canadian Parks employee give us a guided walking tour of all the historic buildings in Dawson City.
Thursday, after unloading the Harley, we went to fill it up, 16.384 liters @ $1.526 per litter ($25.00) or $5.78 per gallon. Then it was off to see Robert Service's cabin and hear some of his poems. Johnny, another Canadian Parks employee, told of Roberts time in the Yukon and did a great job of reciting several of his poems. The Cremation of Dan McGree, The Shooting of Dan McGrew, and a couple more tales of the Yukon. In the afternoon it was a cycle ride to the top of Dome Mountain. On the top there is a 360* view of the area; Klondike and Yukon Rivers, the city of Dawson and snow capped Mountains to the north. Back in town we went and had a SourToe Cocktail. It is the drink of your chose, Bonnie & I had a shot of Yukon Jack, but before you drink your drink a human toe is placed in the glass. You can drink it fast, or you can drink it slow, but your lips must touch the toe. Go to their web site www.sourtoecocktailclub.com for more info. It was then off to Diamond Tooth Gerties, a gambling hall with three different can can dancing shows a night.
Friday, another great day, so we rode the Harley out Bonanza Creek road (10 miles of gravel) to tour Dredge # 4. The restored dredge, the largest wooden structure dredge in the world was used to mine gold up the river and creek valleys. After the tour we went another couple of miles up the road to a claim (free) area where you could pan for gold. Several people were panning and we did see people who found gold. Back in town we went to a locals bar called the "Pits". Met some of the local characters, Doug & his dog Sadie, a miner with a claim on Bonanza Creek for the last 28 years. Anita a 1st Nation (Indian) lady, Bob the happy hour piano player and Cave Man Bill, he has lived in a 12' by 14' (room) cave in the mountain side for the last eight years. Latter they had a great local band so it was midnight before we headed home. Still could wear sunglasses as the sun had just set. A few beers with the locals made for a great Yukon evening.
Saturday being another nice day we took a ride back down Bonanza Creek road to Doug's claim to see his mining operation, but he was not home. So we rode down the Kondike highway to the Dempster highway and took a short 10 mile ride down it. The Dempster highway is a 460 mile gravel road going past the Arctic Circle to Inuvik, Northwest Territories, making it the most northerly road in all of Canada.

SUNDAY JUNE 3 thru TUESDAY JUNE 5 - TOK, ALASKA
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Sunday, after packing up it was down the road a half mile to the ferry crossing of the Yukon River. The ferry is about 20 feet wide (2 lanes) by 75 feet long, plus the landing ramps on each end (we are 8 1/2' by 70'). There was only us, two cars and a pickup camper, so as we approached the ferry they signaled to come in the middle, great they are taking us over by our self. Now on the west side of the Yukon River it was only 187 miles (7 plus hours travel time) on the Top of the World highway to Tok, Alaska. The first 10 or so miles up the steep grade was asphalt, then the remaining distance to the Canada/Alaska border (67 miles total) was a good gravel road with a few asphalt sections. Once we went thru the border crossing into the US (Alaska) it was a poor narrow dirt road for about 50 miles to Chicken, Alaska. Did I say narrow dirt road; it was also at times hanging on the side of the mountain (no guard rails) with only a couple thousand feet down to the river valley below. Great trip with great views, and we were lucky as the several cars, trucks, including two semi's and RV's that met us came at good times; and not when we were hanging on the side of the mountain.
Monday it was off for Bonnie to explore the the gift shops of Tok and for me to get an Alaska fishing license (year non-resident $145.00). In the evening the RV Park had a hour long singing program of Alaska songs.
Tuesday morning woke up to rain, then I headed twenty miles down the Tok Cut-off highway to the Little Tok River for some Arctic Grayling fishing. Was told if I fished up stream from the second river bridge that about a mile up stream the river would come back out by the highway. Limit is only two so throw the first two back (small) the third fish was OK size so being close to starting bridge hung it on twig of brush. Continued to fish up stream, got back by a steep mountain slope and seen two Sheep up on the slope, (no camera) but sat an watched them climb around for a while. Caught two more grayling, released the one but I heard a car on the highway just before I caught the second so I kept it and headed to the road. When I got back to the bridge I walked back up stream to the brush I had hung the first fish on. But no fish and several twigs were broke on the brush. Looking around I found fresh bear tracks in the mud along the river. Well I guess its one fish for my supper; one fish for the Bear's supper. What a great fishing trip it was, my first Alaska fishing and my first Arctic Grayling.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 6 thru TUESDAY JUNE 26 - FAIRBANKS AND SIDE TRIPS IN AREA
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Wednesday (6-6) it was up the Alaska Highway to it's end at Delta Junction. It is there that it joins the Richardson Highway to Fairbanks. The 206 mile trip took us along the Tanana River with the Alaska mountain range off to the west in the distance. Today we had our first sighting of the Alaska Pipeline, as well as seeing three Moose. The last one brought the four lane highway just outside Fairbanks to a halt as he made his way across all four lanes.
Thursday (6-7) it was off to look around this city of 31,000 plus people. Bonnie did some shopping down town while I took in the visitors center. Watched a couple of films at the public land center and then it was off to the Fred Meyer store. If you have never been in a Fred Meyer, it is bigger then a super Wal-mart. Better then that it is within walking distance from our RV Park for Bonnie. Well it's 3:12 AM, sun set at 12:26 AM and is going to rise in 5 minutes, but never got dark in between, just stayed twi-light.
Friday (6-8) morning it was off to the Harley Davidson dealership, the "Farthest North Outpost" where we found that tomorrow there will be a MDA ride. Then it was off to the sternwheel paddle boat "Discovery". It was a great three & half hour cruise down the Chena River to the Tanana River. This boating operation since 1898 has been operating as a tourist attraction since 1950 by the same family. On the cruise you see a bush pilot, take off and land a float plane in the river along side the boat. A stop along the river at the late Susan Butcher's home; where her husband and daughters talk about the Iditarod Champion's dog team and show them in action. Farther down the river you stop at an Athabascan Indian Village. Here you are shown their native traditions and cultures.
Saturday (6-9) it was back to the Harley dealership for their 3rd annual MDA ride. The ride was a great 80 mile poker run ride; which we rode with twelve of the bikes at the ride. Small but growing MDA event, last year they had 13 bikes, this year it was up to 25, but those 25 bikes and their riders raised $4,266.00 for MDA, not bad for that size group. After the ride it was back to the dealership for music, food, and several drawings, but no luck for the Quinn's. Then it was off riding with some of our new friends to be shown or where to turn for other great rides or sites around Fairbanks. That evening we spent about three hours at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks where a Folk Music Fest had been going on all day; great music and better people watching.
Sunday (6-10) it was off to Pikes Landing on the Chena River for brunch. After a great brunch we returned to the RV park (also on the Chena River) for Bonnie to change. But before we could take off on the bike, we got a visit from Henry & Cindy Brown (Full-timers / Volvo Truck & 5th wheel). After a couple hours of visiting it was too late for our planed trip so we jumped on the bike and rode down to North Pole, Alaska to visit Santa's house. After bonnie was done shopping we had a great visit and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Then went looking and found Bill and Judy Gilhaus's motorhome (full-timers from Madison, WI.), but they were not around so left them a note and headed back to Fairbanks and the trailer. Went we got back we found Matt & Loretta (couple we met yesterday on MDA ride) leaving us a note so showed them truck and visited for a couple of hours. Found out more things to see and do around Fairbanks.
Monday (6-11) it was off to the El Dorado Gold Mine for a train ride tour thru a mining camp showing old mining methods. After we got off the train it was over to the mines sluice box, where water running down the box washes the large gravel and dirt from the gravel fines and gold which drop into the bottom of the sluice box. Then it was time to pan for our own gold, we were given a small poke (bag) of the pay dirt from the bottom of the sluice box. We both found gold after we panned out the diet and gravel. So it was into where selse but a gift shop to weight the gold; Bonnie had about $5.00 worth, but I struck it rich, I had 10 grams ($20.00). Took a bike ride north of the mine up highway 2 to the Hilltop truck stop, the last service for 118 miles, as just up the road the pavement ends and the 460 miles of gravel pipe line haul road to Prudhoe Bay starts. On the way back we had a moose cross the road just in front of us.
Tuesday (6-12) started as a work day; Bonnie did laundry and I went thru our mail, that was forwarded to the RV park. Called Bill & Judy Gilhaus and they were on their way to Fairbanks, so they stopped by and we visted for a couple of hours. We were just thinking about what to do when Ron and Sandy Opitz from Sauk City, WI. showed up on their rental Harley They had flown into Anchorage on Saturday. So after some visiting and hearing about their to date we took a ride to the Pump House Restaurant and had a couple of cocktails on their Chena River deck.
Wednesday (6-13) it was off to the Harley shop for shopping as we received our Visa Harley Card Rewards money in the mail yesterday. While at the shop we were very surprised when Warren Knaub and Ron "Soupy" Sayles (Retired / Madison) rode in on their bikes. Went back to the trailer, had a couple of beers and talked about their trip up on the bikes. Later I led them 30 miles up into the White mountains, where they were going to spend the night at Chatanika Lodge.
Thursday (6-14) the first day of the Alaska HOG rally (500+ registered), we met Ron & Sandy and Warren & Soupy at the Fair grounds. Took a ride up to Chena Hot Springs, where at the end of the road is a restaurant, hotel, the hot springs outdoor pool and the Ice museum. We took a tour of the museum; which is a hotel built of ICE inside a 20* building. The ice hotel has four rooms with ice toilets and bear shaped beds carved from ice. The lobby of the hotel has an ice fireplace and ice bar with ice stools and ice tables. At the bar you can get "appletini" served in a martini glass made of ice. A ride around Fairbanks took us back to the fairgrounds for a gathering and BBQ.
Friday (6-15) it was a poker run day at the ralley. Went on a 130 mile poker run ride, which took us thru rain, sun, and more rain. After the poker run there was a ride up to Chatanika Lodge where Rodney the owner had prepaired a great pork and chicken BBQ.
Saturday (6-16) was parade day, around 300 bikes took part in the parade around Fairbanks. They had flags for 19 states and one country (Austrilia) represented, so Ron & Sandy got to carry the Wisconsin flag, while Bonnie & I carried the South Dakota flag. After the parade the Harley dealer had a BBQ at the shop, then it was back to the fair grounds for bike games.
Sunday (6-17) Ron & Sandy headed back to Anchorage, while Warren, Soupy, Bonnie &I rode around the area. Then it was off to Ester gold camp in the evening for dinner and shows. As hard as Warren,Soupy and I tried,we could not eat them out of crab legs. The northern light show was not anything like the one we saw in Watson Lake. Just still pictures. The Maleute Saloon was OK but not as good as the other shows we have seen. Spent too much for the entertainment but we made up for it in the crab legs.
Monday (6-18) Warren and Soupy headed off for Denali today. We had to take a rest from the four days of partying. We're used to a much slower pace!! We did get to Pioneer park for their evening show.
Tuesday (6-19) I spent the day running a couple of errands and going on a 120 miles bike ride. Tammie Hemmen (met at HOG rally) picked Bonnie up and they had lunch and spent the day exploring Fairbanks.
Wednesday (6-20) it was a day at the "Museum of the North" at the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus. In the evening we went to Dick & Tammie Hemmen's home for a great Halibut dinner. Got to 82* today, who would have thought we would be riding the Harley at 10:30 PM in shirt sleves and sunglasses in Alaska.
Thursday (6-21) summer solstice; the most sunlight of the year with sunrise in Fairbanks at 2:58 AM and sunset tomorrow at 12:47 AM (21hr. & 49min). If we would travel 100 miles north of here (half on gravel) to Eagle Summit we would see the sun NOT set; it just drops close to the horizon and then starts to rise again. On December 21 the shortest day of sunlight in Fairbanks the sunrises at 10:58 AM and sets at 2:40 PM (3hr. & 42min.) More activities then we can take in today; 12 hour party down town with 3 band stages & 160 craft booths, the 102nd playing of Midnight Sun Baseball game (no artificial lights), a Midnight Sun Run, Midnight Golf, Trap shoot, Tennis match, and a Midnight cycle ride. Will be sleeping in tomorrow, in the sunlight of course.
Friday (6-22) We told you yesterday what we were going to do.
Saturday (6-23) Stopped at North Pole RV Park for a short visit with Bill & Judy Gilhaus (Full-timers from Madison) on our way to Eielson Air Force Base. Today there is an air show, so the base was open to the public. Very good show that featured F-16's and A-10's, but also had some helicopters showing fire fighting demonstrations. Many planes on the ground to view, including a C-130 and a B-52.
Sunday (6-24) Went for a bike ride and in the evening went out to eat at the Turtle Club with Henry & Cindy Brown (Full-timers with Volvo from Alaska)
Monday (6-25) Went to the University of Alaska Musk Ox farm. Then took a great ride up into the White Mountains on Steese (6) Highway to the end of the asphalt. From the end of the asphalt it is about 90 miles on gravel to the end of the highway at Circle, Alaska on the Yukon River. It was a great road to ride as it winds thru the mountains with many views of the Chatanika River. Had a cow moose and two calves crosses the road in front of us, no time for pictures. On our way home we stopped at the Chatanika Lodge for a great meal of Halibut and a visit with four guys (2 from Wisconsin & 2 from Germany) with off road cycles that were going to take the haul road to the arctic circle. We talked about the 36 retired police officers from Georigia who had their bikes shipped to Fairbanks. Then they rode them up Prudhoe Bay (460 miles on gravel pipe line haul road) heard that 33 of the 36 bikes have been on their sides at least once: two have been hauled back to Fairbanks for repairs as they were to damaged to ride. They left last Tuesday (6-19) and got back today; then will ride down to Key West, Florida for a fund raiser. People we have talked to that went to the Arctic Circle said that a lot of that 150 miles streach was 6" braker run rock, so the road was VERY rough.
Tuesday (6-26) I went fishing today, but nothing to keep all small. Got the bike loaded and every thing ready so we can leave tomorrow.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 27 thru SATURDAY JUNE 30 - DENALI PARK
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Wednesday we traveled 110 miles down the Parks Highway (AK-3) to Denali Rainbow RV Park which is just a mile north of the Denali National Park entrance road. After we got set-up and the Harley unloaded we went to the park wilderness center and got tickets for a bus trip into the park. Saturday was the first day we could get for the trip we wanted; called the Kantishna Experance (new this year) it goes in 90 miles to Kantishna an old mine town and the end of the road. After watching a short film on the park we rode the Harley into the park; private vehicles can drive in to mile fifteen at the Salvage River, only bus or special permits from that point into the park. There are several areas from mile nine to mile fourteen to see Mount McKinley if it is visiable. The mountain at 20,320 feet is hidden by clouds more then 2/3rd of the year. With the odds againist us we did not see the mountain today only signs showing there the mountain should be on the horizon. We did see four Caribou back by the Salvage River.
Thursday it was back to the park, and a stop at the visitor center, where we seen another film, listen to a rangers talk about animals, and viewed the park museum. Later we took a bus trip to the dog sled demonstration. The park rangers have 30 sled dogs for patroling the park in the winter. After the sled dog demo we heard the mountain was out (first time in last 10 days) so we rode the Harley back into the park to mile 12, a great viewing area where the mountain can be seen; from this area McKinley is 75 miles away; but it still towers over the other mountains. The closest viewing point is at Wonder Lake, which is 86 miles into the park and from there the montain is 27 miles away.
Friday we headed back north thru the area where the Parks Highway (AK-3) goes thru a canyon to Healy, a small town about 10 miles away where we were going to go ATVing. On the way up the highway we were lucky and found a cow moose with her two calves feeding in the ditch. Had a great time ATVing with eight others up into the foothills of the Alaska Mountain Range.
Saturday morning it was up early for a 12 hour bus trip into the park, to Kantishna the old mining town at the end of the road. In 1980 the park was expanded from two million acres to six million acres, so the last 6 miles of the road has private land with a couple of rustic hotels built on the old mining claims. It was cloudy with light rain a couple of times durning the day so no view of MaKinley today. We did see all the small animals and birds, plus seven Grizzly Bears, a Bull Moose, several Caribou, and more Dull Sheep then I could count. A long but very enjoyable day.

SUNDAY JULY 1 thru SATURDAY JULY 7 - WASILLA
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Sunday we got the Harley loaded and the trailer hooked up before it started to rain. We then drove 210 miles down the Parks Highway (AK-3) to Wasilla; which is about 30 miles north of Anchorage. Rained off and on all day, but we did get lucky and got set back up during a dry period.
Monday woke up to more rain today. Rained most of the day; then finally started to clear up around 8:00 PM.
Tuesday we woke up to clouds and rain, went to store and a museum.
Wednesday the 4th of July was again a cloudy and rainy day, but it stopped raining long enought for the parade in Wasilla. It was a good parade, lasting over and hour and a half with old cars and tractors, a big foot truck, bands and of course we got to see the Mayor and all the other polticians. After the parade the city had a picnic, with free hot dogs, chips, pop and a cookie. There were games for the kids and a jazz band for the adults. We are farther south then the midnight sun of Fairbanks, so here the sun is setting at 11:30PM and coming up at about 4:15 AM. So they do have fireworks, but they don't start till midnight.
Thursday, well guess what it is raining again. We went to the Iditarod museum, as Wasilla is where the race starts from, but because of the rain they did not have any of the outside dog shows today.
Friday I tryed my luck at fishing again, caught a lot of rainbow trout, but they were all small; so put them all back.
Saturday the weatherman said would be a good day with a high upper 60's but with clouds, so we unloaded the Harley and rode 75 miles up to Talkeetna. Talkeetna is a very small tourist town at the end of a road, but all the air flights to denali leave from here, including people that are climbing the mountain; so it is a very busy place. Three big mountain rivers come together here, so Bonnie and I took a fifty mile (3 1/2 hour) jet boat ride, that included all three rivers. Very good ride and interesting how each of the rivers, Talkeetna, Susitna, and Chulitna each had a different water color, because of the minerals in the area of the glacier that were feeding from. An the weatherman; well it started raining again about noon; not hard but raining just the same. Got home at 9 PM after a long 75 miles in and out of the rain. Well better get to bed as tomorrow is a big moving day, heading down the highway.

SUNDAY JULY 8 thru SATURDAY JULY 14 - ANCHORAGE
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Sunday, well today is the big moving day. We had to stay in out Wasilla park as long as we were allow as it was only 36 miles down the road to our new RV park in Anchorage. Took twice as long to get ready to leave and set back up as it did to get there. But wanted to move to be right in Anchorage, plus two couple we know will be staying at this park latter in the week. I went for a ride around town so I knew where things were. Then stopped at a river in town to watch the combat fishing for salmon; one on each bank plus one or two in the river almost shoulder to shoulder up the river.
Monday we woke up to rain again, but when rain stopped in the late morning we took the Harley and went to the Harley dealership and was then going down town for sight seeing. Right after we left the dealer a car two in front of us deceided to turn left across two lanes of traffic the car in front of us hit the brakes as we did, but with the wet roads the bike skid and down we went. Didn't hit anything but the pavement, but it is hard. Bonnie's foot must have gotton caught under the bike and she ended up with a broken ankle, and some road rash. There was a short section of median curb & gutter where we went down, and I hit into it and slid down the pavement with my forehead on the curb, looking forward to getting new skin on my forehead. Happened about 1 PM and it was 8:30 before Bonnie went for surgery and 11:30 before she got back to her room. Doctor had to put plates and screws in both bones, right above the ankle joint. In a cast now (no weight on foot), that will be changed in two week to new cast and will be in that cast for two months (no weight on foot). Then will get a walking cast(middle of September)for another four or five weeks.
Tuesday was spend at the hospital, Bonnie didn't do well with the meds and was kind of sick today, so they are keeping her another day. When I got back to the RV park I met up with Bud & Pat Alford and Errol & Jean Ryland the two couples we had met at Camp Teton (factory repairs) in Casper last year.
Wednesday, Bonnie is getting out of the hospital today, but waiting for arm rest to come for her walker (told it will be 4:30) as she also had sprained her right hand and can't put a lot of pressure on it. After we got home from the hospital; Bud & Pat and Errol & Jean came down to our trailer with supper to share with us. We then had a great time visiting and talking about our Alaskian adventures.
Thursday, we hung low today, but a very busy day for me. Had to learn how to do laundry; make sure you take the lint out of the drier; the directions just keep coming. Then it was time to eat; turn the heat down on the pan, when you are done with the dishes could you get me a pain pill. Bonnie is feeling better, but very hard for her to get around, with one bad leg and one bad wrist, even the walker is not easy.
Friday was another day to sit and heal, hoping the pain would go away. My left hip and butt is now starting to turn black and blue. Bonnie is finding better ways to get up the three step for the bathroom and bedroom.
Saturday it was a trip to the store, get the Harley loaded and for Bonnie to explore outside the trailer for the first time. Once we got her out of the trailer then we had to try getting into the semi as tomorrow we will be moving. With the help of the three foot step ladder Bonnie was able to work her way up the semi steps, sitting on each step, as she worked her way into the truck. Now lets try to get back out, all went well getting back down.

SUNDAY JULY 15 thru WEDNESDAY JULY 18 - SEWARD
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Sunday, got the trailer ready to go and Bonnie into the truck, then it was 125 miles into the Kenai Peninsula to Seward. After I got the trailer set up, Bonnie got back into the truck again for a trip into town and to see Resurrection Bay. The first day in at least two weeks that the sun is shining, so better go today, found a parking spot right on the water so we just sat and listened to the waves hitting the shore.
Monday we took a six hour 120 mile round trip cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park with Renown Tours. They came to the RV park and picked us up and had a wheel chair waiting to take Bonnie to the boat. Great cruise to the Aialik Tidewater Glaicer; on the trip to and from we saw Humpback Whales, Orca (Killer Whales), Sea Lions, Sea Otters, Dall's Porpoise, Bald Eagles, Puffins, and many other sea birds.
Tuesday was a take it easy day for Bonnie, after all the activies yesterday. Bub & Pat and Errol & Jean and their grandson Robert caught back up with us as they came to the same RV park in Seward for a couple of days. We all got together for supper and to hear their fishing stories; they had been Halibut fishing in Ninilchik since they left us in Anchorage.
Wednesday Errol, his grandson Robert and I took a fly-in fishing trip to a mountain lake ouside of Seward. Never caught any Rainbow Trout, but caught quite a few Artic Grayling. I kept four so Bonnie and I had fresh fish for supper tonight. A great trip to a remote lake with glaciers in several of the mountains around the lake and excellance Bald Eagle viewing as he followed us around the lake, looking for an easy lunch.

THURSDAY JULY 19 thru WEDNESDAY JULY 26 - NINILCHIK
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Thursday was moving day as we traveled 130 miles to the west side of the Kenai Peninsula. Got the trailer set back up, things in order for Bonnie and then I took off on the Harley for a ride back up the road to Soldotna.
Friday morning came early as I had a Halibut fishing trip at 5:15 AM. Great trip with five others, and we all caught our limit, before heading in around noon. In the afternoon I took the Harley for a ride looking to find some people claming, but the tides are not good for claming this week.
Saturday we woke to a cloudless day with temps going up to near 70*. I will take a Harley trip down to Homer this afternoon, while Bonnie soaks up the Alaska sun.
Sunday was not a day like yesterday, as we woke to rain and temputures that only got to 54*. Spend the day catching up with uploading a small selection of pictures from the trip to date.
Monday was much like Sunday weather wise. We got Bonnie in the Volvo and took her 35 miles up the road to Soldotna to the Fred Meyer store. There we got her into an electric shopping cart, where she drove up and down every aisle for the next four hours.
Tuesday was another day of crappy weather, with more rain, so spend the day getting all my newly accquired chores done while Bonnie gave me directions.
Wednesday was cloudy and cool but not raining, so I went an tried some salmon fishing, but all the rivers near us were in between runs with the Kings done and the Reds are still 3 or 4 day from starting. Well it was still a good day in the great outdoors of Alaska.

THURSDAY JULY 26 - ANCHORAGE
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Thursday we traveled 180 mile back north out of the Kenai Peninsula to Anchorage. This was not a stop on our return trip but have a doctor appointment tomorrow morning for Bonnie. After I got the trailer set back up, we made the short trip to Fred Meyers. While Bonnie ran the battey down in their shopping cart, I filled the truck up with diesel.

FRIDAY JULY 27 THRU SUNDAY AUGUST 5 - VALDEZ
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Friday morning it was up early to get to Providence hospital for a cast change for Bonnie. The Doctor told us that they would normally change the cast again in a month, when more swelling was out of the ankle. But since we would be in the Canadian wilderness at that time he was going to put her in an air cast so we could change the cast (air pressure) for tightness as the swelling when down. An air cast is removeable and used as a walking cast, so it is nice that she can take it off for showers, but still needs plastic bag as incision will need a couple more weeks to heal. She still can not walk on foot (non-weight bearing) till we get back to Wisconsin to see a doctor the second week of September. After the doctor visit it was back to the RV Park hook up the trailer up and a 310 mile drive to Valdez where we had a site reserved.
Saturday was a nice day with sun, this is rare along the coast, as 70% of time it's cloudy. I unloaded the Harley and rode down to the harbor an got us signed up for a glacier cruise tomorrow. Then went looking for the place the folks at the RV Park said people were catching salmon. Found a nice place along the bay where I could park the Volvo, so went back to the trailer and took Bonnie along to sit in the sun, while I fished. Fishing was great the Pink Salmon were heading back in to spawn. I kept three as the pink is the low salmon on the food list. Must have caught and throw back at least 20 more. As I was fishing I noticed that my left elbow was starting to hurt, had a big cut in it from the motorcycle accident. When we got back to the trailer found that it was all red and swollen, so it was off to the Valdez hosipal for me. The doctor on duty, didn't thing it was an infection, but just fluid on the elbow. But she gave me a shot and pills just in cast it was an infection.
Sunday it was off on the nine and a half hour glacier cruise. A great trip with sun in the morning and clouds in the afternoon. Very different for our cruise out of Seward, as one of the two glaciers we seen was retreating (getting smaller) and we could not get close to it as there were thousand of Ice bergs out in front of it. The second one was advancing, and pushing farther into the ocean so we were able to boat up very close to it, where you could see the calfing and hear the ice cracking (sounded like thunder). Seen quite a few sea otters and harbor seals, plus many bald eagles. On the return trip which was to be thru the open water where we should have seen whales the water was VERY VERY rough, so the captain changed his route thru a lot of islands, where the water was calm, so only had one sick before we got out of the rough water.
Monday I woke to find my left arm red again by the eblow, but as the day went on the red moved both ways from the eblow and the afternoon was spend at the clinic. Seen the same doctor, got two more meds and she took a sample of the drainage, so the lab could figure out what kind of infection it was, as the shot and first day of meds should have started to make improvements.
Tuesday I was able to get a wheel chair on loan from the Valdez Senior Center, so this afternoon I will be pushing Bonnie around the town. Found a store that had a great idea, a dozen chairs with TV showing films of the building of the pipeline and the earthquake of 1964. No it Ok you can keep on shopping I have one more film to see.
Wednesday we spend the day at the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum. It is the largest collection of Native art & artifacts in Alaska. There were hundreds of ivory carvings, native doll collection, and a great display of native beading, plus tools, boats, sleds etc. The museum also had a mounted collection of all alaskian birds and wildlife.
Thursday it was up early so I could join five other guys for a 12 hour halibut fishing trip. It's a long boat ride out to the halibut as it is 80 miles thru Prince Williams Sound to the Gulf of Alaska. No big halibut today but we all took our limit of two home, I caught seven, throwing back the smaller ones, hopping for the big one, but ended up with the average size keepers in the 25 to 30 pound size. The largest Halibut in this years Veldez derby is 340 pounds, with number 2 & 3 being 328 and 274 pounds. I did have a great time fighting the three foot shark that I also caught. The boat thip out and back in was just as good or beter then the fishing, seeing several Humpback Whales, Puffin, Sea Loins, and more beautiful scenry then you can imagine. On the way back in we came upon two humpbacks that seemed to be playing so the capitain moved the boat in closer and shut it down. Got some nice pictures of the huge Humpback's splashing their tails. While I was out fishing, Bonnie went on her own adventure, getting out of the trailer and wheeling herself over to the store next door to the RV park.
Friday, I had to work as I played all day yesterday. Spend the day washing the truck and trailer, while Bonnie tryed to get some indoor projects done.
Saturday it was off to the Eagles Club for breakfest as this was part of Gold Rush Days in Valdez. After breakfest it was down to the crafts tents, and then over to the city museum, as today it was free. Good museum with many old artifacts from the begining of the city in the early 1900's. Spend time talking to several couples who knew we were the people with the motorcycle and the Big truck. After the museum it was over to the Luthern Church for the pie and ice cream social, and the end of a very good day in the fog and rain of Valdez.
Sunday it is still foggy and raining today. We have not seen the sun since last Saturday and first half of Sunday. Today is the Gold Rush Days parade, followed by the free community fish fry dinner. Also have to get the wheel chair back and the Harley loaded as tomorrow we will be heading up the road.

MONDAY AUGUST 6 - TOK, ALASKA
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Monday morning went to see the doctor about my arm infection, before we headed north and was told that everything looked good. Hooked up trailer and drove 255 miles to Tok, Alaska. Tonight will be our last night in Alaska.

TUESDAY AUGUST 7 - DESTRUCTION BAY, YUKON
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Tuesday morning in the rain again we headed out of Tok, only 90 miles to the Canadian border. When thru customs with no problems, but then the worst roads of the entire trip were upon us, 100 miles thru a permafrost area. Happy to see the gravel areas, where the worst of the frost heaves had been repaired. Only problem was with all the recent rains the gravel sections were full of potholes, but still better then the remaining asphalt section that were full of frost heaves, but not bad enought to make the repair list, but bad enought to throw you out of the truck.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 8 thru THURSDAY AUGUST 9 - WHITEHORSE
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Wednesday it was a late start as it is only 165 miles to Whitehorse. If we had not had the cycle acident in Anchorage, and Bonnie's broken ankle, we would have gone to Haines, Alaska today. Then taken a four day side trip with the Harley on a ferry to Juneau, (no roads to Juneau)the capital of Alaska. But with no bike riding for Bonnie and her trying to get around with a walker, we dropped that week from the trip. All the RV parks around whitehorse are small for us; too tight to maneuver our 70' rig. We had reservations at the park we stayed at on the way up and told them the one site we could get into and out of, but they didn't listen good to our size and had given it away. After a hard time maneuver we were able to get out of there and it was off looking for a place to stay. Found a small motel with 12 RV spots and one spot that we could back into.
Thursday it was off to revisit Whitehorse. Went to the fish ladder at the dam on the Yukon river, but like most of the trip we have been just a few days too late or a little to early for the salmon run in the area. The King salmon run will peak next week, but there were a few that started to arrive yesterday. As the salmon climb up the ladder they get to a holding area, where the females are stripped of their eggs for the hatchery and then released to continue up stream where they will die. A total of 54 Kings have gone thru the fish ladder as of noon today, with thousands to come. There were two small (20 to 25 pound) Kings in the holding area while we were there, but didn't get to see any fish jumping their way up the fish ladder. Was going to retour the Yukon brewery, but had the tour time wrong, so missed out on the free beer. Stocked up on food as the route we are taking home will have us in wilderness for the next 10 to 12 days, don't thing we will have phone or internet.

FRIDAY AUGUST 10 - ALASKA HIGHWAY & CASSIAR HIGHWAY
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Friday morning we headed out of Whitehorse and drove 255 miles to the intersection of the Alaska Highway and the Cassiar Highway, which is about 15 miles west of Watson Lake. Had a couple of areas where we had rain, making this 12 days in a row that it has rained. We had one construction delay today at the Teslin River bridge they had just started construction on the way up to Alaska. Today they were pouring the last of the concrete deck. Had to wait about thirty minutes while a couple of concrete trucks unloaded, then a pilot car took us across at 5 KM or about 3 1/2 MPH so there was a minumun of vibrations for the setting concrete. Bonnie didn't think we would ever get across the 1,770 foot bridge that is about 80 or 90 feet above the river.

SATURDAY AUGUST 11 - DEASE lAKE, B.C. ON THE CASSIAR HIGHWAY
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Saturday morning we were about to head down the Cassiar Highway, about 400 miles of wilderness (only 2 small towns) thru to Canada 16. We were told that most of the road is just seal coated gravel, with no center line, and that about 25% of it is just dirt and gravel. Well before we took off I looked every thing over good and found that one of the trailer tires was wearing very bad on the inside edge. Went into Watson Lake to the only repair garage, they looked at it and found that the axle had a slight bend in it and the shock was broke off. They could not fix it but told me I could get it fixed in Dawson Creek 600 miles down the Alaska Highway. I had them put the spare tire on and looked at the map, Prince George (bigger then Dawson Creek) on Highway 16 was about 700 miles so why not take the route I had planned on, as it is the way to Hyder, Alaska. Wanted to go to a RV park in Iskut, about 200 miles down the Cassiar, but when I called there last week they were full, so called the park at Dease Lake about 150 miles away. The lady told me she had room, I told her several times how big we are and she said no problem. Well when we got there found that she didn't write down or let her husband know how big we were. They had no spot left with power and water that we could fit in. The owner had me back-in by the well house and ran me out an extension cord so we had power for our small freezer in the lower storage that we have full of salmon and Halibut. After we got set up he came out an gave us our money back, as they didn't have the spot I had paid for. I told him that I owed him for electric and he said your stay is on me, we were the one that made the mistake. We found that the road was not as good as we had been told, because of the heavy rains this year there were several land slides that took out sections of the road so found a lot more gravel and road construction.

SUNDAY AUGUST 12 - HYDER, ALASKA
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Sunday morning we had about 250 miles to get us to Hyder. Hyder is about 40 miles on a spur road off the Cassiar Highway and just thru the town of Steward, British Columbia. On the road into Steward / Hyder you pass by Bear Glacier, which is very close to the road and calves into a small lake that the glacier has formed. Hyder with a population of 89 has two taverns, a couple of stores, a pizza place, RV park and a post office. Only the post office is on Alaska time as it is federal, the rest of the town uses Pacific time the same as British Columbia. With no bank they also use the Canadian dollar, but will take US dollars. The big reason to go to Hyder is to see the bears, and that we did, seen a black bear and her two clubs on the way into Steward / Hyder. Then after we got set-up and had supper we took the only road out of Hyder a very rought dirt road that runs 22 miles up to Salmon Glacier. About 3 miles out that road they have a viewing deck by Fish Creek, which this time of year is full of spawning salmon. On the way there we had a grizzly in the road and at about 7:30 PM the bear came to the creek for a little fishing. Seen several Black and Grizzly try there luck at fishing, most were very good at grabbing a salmon for supper. But one small grizzly spend 20 minutes chasing salmon upstream and then down stream and back up again with no luck, don't think his mother taught him how to catch fish, but he sure put on a good show.

MONDAY AUGUST 13 - KATWANGA, BRITISH COLUMBIA
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Monday morning on the way out of Hyder stopped at the post office to mail a couple of post cards. Mail into and out of Hyder is at 8 AM on Monday and then again on Thursday at 8AM; Linda (sister) better check on Post Master job there, looks like a short work week. Left the post office and had a black bear and her club cross main street (dirt) right in front of the truck. Went thru Canadian customs (no US customs) and was asked more questions then at any other Canadian customs, go figure, only way in and out of Hyder. How long were you in Hyder, why did you visit Hyder, where you going today, how long you staying there and why, he just kept asking questions. A 150 miles down the road got us to a RV park that had spots long enought for us (very few in this area of Canada). It was the hardest spot I have ever had to get into in the four years we have been on the road.

TUESDAY AUGUST 14 & WEDNESDAY AUGUST 15 - VANDERHOOF, BRITISH COLUMBIA
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Tuesday morning started by waiting for a couple of other people to leave the RV park, so we could get out. Had to back the trailer up turning it between two posts till I got the truck back far enought to go forward missing the electric box on the site next to ours and then cutting across two other sites. Then had to miss the sewer and water pipes on those sites so I could get an angle to get thru the trees that were at the end of each site and onto the narrow exit road. Cassiar RV Park is not big rig friendly, even tho they have 80 foot long sites. Traveled 240 miles to the next RV park that was big enought for us. Daves RV park is so nice, with 50 Amp, sewer and water, plus cable TV (no TV for last 4 nights) and WIFI, that we are staying a second night.
Wednesday was a day to take it easy in Vanderhoof and enjoy the great weather. Not a cloud in the sky, mid to upper 70's and a light breeze. Went and checked out the local museum and did a little shopping.

THURSDAY AUGUST 16 - ENDED UP AT EDSON, ALBERTA
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Thursday moening started out as a long thrvel day for us. It would be about 285 miles to Jasper, Alberta and Canada's Jasper National Park. As we approched Jasper National Park on Trans Canadian highway 16 all traffic goes thru a park entrance gate. You eather pay a park entrance fee if you are visiting the park or tell them you are passing thru toward Edmonton with no entrance fee. Paid our entrance fee or next three days as we will be heading down highway 93 (Icefields parkway). Traveled about 2miles down 93 to the National Park campground we were going to spend the night. Our Trailer Life Campground book had told us that they did not take reservations, so had started out early to try to get there before the rush. Wrong, their computers were down and the line when we got there was about 10 deep in two several lines. The worse news was that they have started to thke reservations at the start of the year. They said that they had a back-in electric & water site that would be big enought for us. To far to walk in to look over so back we headed into the heavy forested park. Stopped on the main road and walked back into the loop road our site was on, only to find someone in our site (computers down). Walked back to the rig and headed down the main road (showed large loop on map) back to registration. About half way around the loop there was a gate across the road, looked again at map in small print it said gate closed. Took a left at last camping loop, Oh no it way a tent camping area and I'm trying to get a 70 ' rig downthe road and around the trees. Well they have a lot less lower limbs on the pine trees and the truckers (phone) antenna on the trailer is now on the ground in the park but we did get the rig out, with my blood preassure only getting to 240 over 360. Got back to registration, kid said he was sorry (trailers now 20 deep in both lanes) gave me another spot, had remembered that site, no way could I even get the truck in it without the trailer. Told them I would take money back for camping and park pass. Amazing it was not a problem even tho the park pass had been paid at another spot. Well that was 2 hours of FUN. Now to find a spot down the road toward Edmonton. Well after 400 miles total fond a site in Edson and after the time change it was only 7:30 PM. So much for the rule of two, Two travelers, 200 miles, set up by two, and two cocktails.

FRIDAY AUGUST 17 AND SATURDAY AUGUST 18 - CALGARY, ALBERTA
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Friday it was off to Calgary on the new route. Would have traveled 140 miles thru the Canadian Rockies down highway 93 and spend two day by Lake louise in Banff National park, but had to change routes yesterday. Oh well will have to do the Canadian rockies on a loop thru Canada when we do the Vancover area of Canada. After 300 miles we got to Calgary, no room at RV Park in Red Deer, 85 miles back up the highway. Got settled in and it was still early enought for a well earned cocktail.
Saturday it was off to explore the small town of Calgary, now over 1 million people and traffic like there were 5 million. God I love being on the road by myself when we were in the wilderness of Alaska and Canada.

SUNDAY AUGUST 19 AND MONDAY AUGUST 20 - LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA
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Sunday morning it was a late start as only had 120 miles to Lethbridge. Stopped along the way for a late breakfest and met a nice Canadian couple (next table) on a RV trip to western US states. Got set up at the RV Park and met our new neighbors, the couple next door lived in town, but liked to come to the RV park to get away from home and met new people.
Monday morning after breakfest it is off to town for exploring. Went to the Harley shop, found a mall, got one of their wheelchairs and turned Bonnie loose shopping. Then went to a Casino that was in town, no luck, but then again we don't have and Canadian money left to worry about the exchange rate.

TUESDAY AUGUST 21 - RETURNING TO THE LOWER 48
Tuesday morning it was about 70 miles to the Canadian / USA border and the official end of the Alaska trip. Had been told they (US border guards) had been checking RV's for fruit and meats from Canada and taking everthing you could not prove came from the US (original package). A guard did enter the Motorhome that was two vehicles in front of us, but did not come back out with anything. Then it was our turn, where you coming from, then questions (why so big) about the fifthwheel and truck, where do you live, what did you buy in Canada. Then the questions about food, told him we didn't have any food from Canada. He said no food, you don't look like you are starving. Told him did't have any room as freezer was full of Halibut from Alaska. Wrong thing to say, where is your fishing license. Told him I had thrown it away when I left Alaska as it was no good anywhere else. Wrong we need it and need to see the skin on fish. There is no skin on the fish as I removed it when I cut up to vacuum pack and freeze, wrong. Well good luck, Bonnie said I kept your license its in my scrape book. So was told to pull over in parking lot get license and take it inside, after crawling thru the trailer looking for the scrap book I found the license. Took it inside and stood at the counter for 10 minutes till one of the dozen guards sitting at desks, finally asked if he could help. Told him I needed to show license to guard, was told to take a seat as it would take a while. After seating there another 15 minutes was told to have a good day, guest if you seat long enought with sweating everything is Ok. Started trip by entering Canada on May 8 and spend a total of 105 days outside the lower 48. We traveled in the truck a total of 7,717 miles from Canadian border leaving lower 48 to Canadian border entering lower 48. Bought a total of 913.071 gallons of diesel. The lowest price was $2.699 per gallon (Alaska) and the highest was $4.008 (Cnd $) per US gallon, had to get a few gallons to get to $3.403 (Cnd $) fuel in larger Canadian town. Paid as little as $3.032 (Cnd $) but did see it at what would have been over $5.00 (Cnd $) per US gallon. We also put a total of 2,358 miles on the Harley.