Off to Alaska

eagl swimming

2009-10-31T10:10:00.000-07:00

On the way home

2009-09-09T12:06:00.000-07:00

well, we arrived in Red Bay AL today. This ment we have traveled full circle. We stopped in rapid City SD to see CRazy Horse Sculpture and lasar light show. Then we parted company with Carol and Doc as they headed home and we headed to Moscow Iowa to have the jacks looked at. On the way we revisited the Wall Drugstore. andwe stopped in Mitchel SD to see the Corn Pallace. In Iowa City I had my arm checkedand a new cast put on. The jacks were fixed at the next stop and then to Rebecca's to pick up our mail, have freightliner do their M3 maintenence and visit. WE planned to leave on Labor Day but Frieghtliner had made an error which caused the steering to shake so severly we could not drive it and we ended up back there while they located the problem . It took a day and a half and 3-4 test drives to solve the problem. a misaligned wheel bead ballancer.
If my WIFI stays I will post more of our favorite pictures from the trip. Both of us had a more than fantastic time.
PS Typing with one hand is NOT my most favorite thing.

Pictures from our trip back to the lower 48

2009-08-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

In between watching bears we took a drive up to view Salmon Glacier

Lake Moraine in the Banif/LakeLouise Nat Park in Canada

The bear in Stewart-Hyder munching berries after catching fish-'

Traveling back to the lower 48

2009-08-24T06:25:00.000-07:00

Going back along the icefield parkway. It was stll just as beautiful. Even the mts without the snow.

In Valemount Doc stopped so I could snap a picture of Jodie and Cassie. A ltttle too big to be a playmate for Did, but Runway might be able to hold his own. At least he is quick enough to get away if it got too rough.

Great sky between Vanderhoof and Valemount. Not too many mountains now.

Misty checks out therest area on the way to Vanderhoof.

Stewart-Hyder

2009-08-18T13:49:00.001-07:00

Bear in hiding

Bear Glacier on the Way to Stewart.

Whitehorse return visit

2009-08-18T13:12:00.000-07:00

On our stop back in Whitehorse we paid another visit to the Mut-tuk kennels and got an autographed picture from Frank Turner.

countryside

2009-08-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

Whitehorse to Dease Lake to Stewart-Hyder was beautiful drive. we will be here for afew days to catch up on pictures.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALLIE

2009-08-14T20:52:00.000-07:00

We are still in Canada and my phone does not work so I am wishing Allie a very Happy 6th Birthday Have fun at McD.onalds John and I and Did and Runway will see you ina few weeks

White River Crossing

2009-08-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

Sunset (around 1030pm) on hunt for bears. Still hard to take left-handed pictures

John goes for a test ride with Doc as driver before the "Bear Hunt" Is he praying??

We were 4 of 6 campers at this campground that was officially closed for the season for remodeling, We had this beautiful setting all to ourseves. Of course we didn't have sewer nor was the electric dependable since it was a generator shared with the house and was turned off at night. Thank goodness for propane the temp was in the 40's.

We had our best campfire spot and kept it going all day. The guys went looking for carving sticks with Bob and Amanda gave the girls my best ever nature walk. In the evening we went in some restored vehicle into the woods looking for bear down an almost road knocking trees down as we went. better than any adventure I"d been on. Found only bear tracks

Tok to White River Crossing

2009-08-14T11:26:00.000-07:00

In these St Eelias Mts these dwarf black spruce dominate the landscape.

This is a Boreal forrest. Many of these trees are over 100yrs old but because of the perma frost they avarge in hight from 2 to6-7 ft in size

more pictures from valdez

2009-08-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

we just fit on this side trip to see the fish wheels

my blogging is a little slower since I got to check out the health care facilities in Valdez.

Update for Valdez and Jean

2009-08-11T09:38:00.001-07:00

John in Valdez watching Salmon go upstream

Two of the many glaciers that surround Valdez.

2009-08-08T23:37:00.000-07:00

Palmer

2009-08-08T22:43:00.000-07:00

While in Palmer we wnt rafting on the Matatuska river. John and I are on the left.

Over then under the water . It was cold and cloudy but oh so much fun!

more pictures from the Kenai

2009-08-06T23:04:00.000-07:00

Fireweed along the Cook Inlet---Homer,AK

Christy and I at the Winery with Glacier in background

Seward Monday Aug 3

2009-08-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

The day before John went with the Coast Guard Aux on a tour of the Area. He go t a close up a personal look on a beautiful day.

We also saw a pod of 5-6 orchas.

It has been cloudy most of the days . We took the boat cruise to see the Holgate Glacier on Monday. So overcast that we could not see the tops of the clifts we were riding amongst. But LO and BEHOLD when we got to the Glacier the weather cleared and we had blue skies until we started back.

More Sights from Homer

2009-08-02T14:57:00.000-07:00

Misty looks at a segment of the Seafarers Memorial. 3 Members of the " Time Bandit" have plaques there.

Ninliceck to Homer and back

2009-08-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

On Thursday we took a drive to the town of Homer on the Kenie Peninsula. It reminded me of a shore town driving out along the spit. it was still cloudy.

Fishing at Ninilchik

2009-07-29T16:25:00.000-07:00

The fellows went fishing today and Larry caught the big one. The biggest one the boat ever caught.

Animals from Denali Nat Park

2009-07-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

Bears at Denali and a repeat picture of Ninilchek

Misty wants to be a Moose

Foxes in Denali. One climbing up the rocks while the others play on the road.

Sterling to Ninilchek

2009-07-29T08:59:00.000-07:00

Short trip down the Kenie peninsula in the Rain. John and Larry and Alex are going halibut fishing today and it looks like we might see sun!! The high will be in the
60's and they are calling it a heat wave. Drove around the town yesteday. Still having fun

Soldotna

2009-07-28T09:03:00.000-07:00

While john was Salmon Fishing. I checked out Soldotna.

More Hiking in Anchorage

2009-07-27T09:55:00.001-07:00

Last 2 days in Anchorage

2009-07-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

On the 23rd and the 24th, our last two days in Anchorage John went hiking with doc and his frien doug. It was going to be an overnight but turned into 2 day hikes. The first challanged there ability to go up and down including comming down a steep rocky grade in search of the trail. They said even the mountain goats gave up on it. The second day was easier but longer. They did encounter a few moose along the trail causing them to detour around them.

Anchorage -Portage Glacier& Whittier

2009-07-24T15:54:00.000-07:00

Portage Lake where we would have taken the boat tour of 7 glaciers flowing towards the Lake, had the weather been better.

It is cold, windy, and rainy but you can still see the blue ice of the glacier.

Inside the ranger station at Portage Lake keeping Smoky company.

Denali National Park Dogs

2009-07-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

Misty tried to be a sled dog oops pony. John got the feel of a musher

Denali Park Road

2009-07-21T18:09:00.000-07:00

What you see is the road we traveled into Denali National Park

Moose #1

2009-07-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

We did see a 2nd Moose but he did not want to lift his/her head out of the water long enough for us to get a good picture. Neither had a set of antlers.

Denali Park

2009-07-20T16:18:00.000-07:00

As we traveled in our bus in Denali National Park we were abe to see and photograph several different animals. Foxes on the road playing and a

Reindeer taking a drink. Misty even tried on some antlers.

Fairbanks Catch-up

2009-07-20T09:38:00.000-07:00

In Anchorage now and have only posted a few pictures of Fairbanks. Raining today and yesterday.

Gold Panning

2009-07-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

We did some gold panning at the Eldorado Mine. Very interesting train ride to get there but also very touristy . We all had a bag of dirt to pan. After we found our "flecks" we had them wieghed. The two of us had a grand total of &14.13. See the pieces in the pan. We are still on the lookout for some public lands where we can try it on our own.

Two Rivers Meet

2009-07-20T09:07:00.000-07:00

On Riverboat Discovery on the Chena River we get to see the color difference of a glacier fed river (top) and a spring fed River we are on.

Misty checks location

2009-07-20T08:49:00.000-07:00

Still tring to upload pictures. Visited the Alaskan Pipeline while in Fairbanks

John viewing the ice sculptures at the Ice Museum

Catching up on photos

2009-07-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

We have been hard pressed to have good internet service. So, I am spending time
in the camp laundry to upoad some pictures and catch up.

Fairbanks to Denali

2009-07-15T13:27:00.000-07:00

Arrived by 11;15 Alaska time. It was short and rather a smooth ride compared to some of the others. The only drawback was that it was overcast and rainy. Thankfully it seemed to be more clouds than smoke. Tomorrow we tour Denali if we are lucky and the weather clears we will be able to see Mt Mc.Kinley. So far we are 0 for 3 of the 10 best viewing spots.

Fairbanks ( July 11, 12, 13)

2009-07-14T07:46:00.000-07:00

Fairbanks has been unseasonably hot! -- in the 80's these three days. the first day we drove around hitting the Visitor Center, Large Animal Research Center, and the Ice museum, which proved more interesting then we had anticipated. Day 2 we went with Larry and Linda to the " North Pole to visit Santa. On the way we stopped to see the Alaskan Pipeline and Gold Dredge #8 which was closed. Took pictures of both. Misty was disappointed that Santa was on vacation when we stopped in his town. In the afternoon we took a short boat ride up the Chena River and visited a Chena Indian Village, Watched an exibition of Susan Butchers sled dogs and learned how the native Alaskans prepared their Salmon in the fish camp. On Monday we took the Eldorado Train into a permafrost mining tunnel and listen to the history of how mining was. At the end of the ride we all had a chance to try our hand at gold panning. John and I managed to get a whopping $17. but it was fun! In the evenings, we all sit in the campground and watch the people floating, paddeling, motoring or jet sking down th river. Since the sun is till up at 10pm. this activity can continue long after I am ready for bed.

Tok to Fairbanks ( July 10 )

2009-07-13T19:13:00.000-07:00

This was a plesant but uneventful ride. The road was good and for the most part just slightly rolly. We made one stop in Delta Junction at the end of the Alaskan Highway. We did it the top of the world and most of the Alaskan highway. And for as bad as it was at times it was a great deal worse when it was first opened. River, s Edge RV park was easy to get into. slightly shaded and a peaceful view of the Chena River.

Dawson City to Tok

2009-07-13T07:24:00.000-07:00

Set off on a cloudy Day from Dawson City at 8;30. we needed to take the Ferry across the Yukon River to continue our trip on the Top of the World Highway. There was no line for the Ferry when we arrived, however only one RV and towed vehicle would fit at one time and construction vehicles and tour buses had priority. It took 4 crossings before we were all across and ready to tackle the next adventure. It was our turn to lead. About 10 miles from the landing we hit the gravel/washboard roads. They went up, they went down, they went round and a. round. There was no guard rails and as John says they were wide enough for 2 Model T's to pass. Going slow 5-10mph I thought the coach would shake apart. When we increased the speed to 35mph we seemed to skim the top of the bumps but then the curves became more treacherous. we had 100+ miles to go. Sorry but my camera broke the day before (it bounced off the dash during a bumpy stretch) and I was having a hard time working John/s. By the time we hit the boarder it was not only cloudy but a haze was settling in. The farther we went the thicker it got. It was the smoke from the forest fires. Visibility was diminishing. Soon it was so bad that we could not see the sides of the road and when we hit the gravel again there was NO line down the center. If we could see 5 ft in front of us we were lucky. I was almost ready to go and walk in front of the coach. Thankfully it started to disperse and at least we could now see the road. We stopped in Chicken. We were more than half way. Shortly after we met up with the Alaskan Highway and smooth roads. What a relief. We reached Tok and the Sourdough Campground. Before entering the Campground we stopped for fuel. John had taken some on in Chicken but at 4.35/gal. --not a full tank. Alex arrived on fumes. Glad we did not have to worry about that on the trip. We had a relaxing evening at the campground. Chilie in sourdough bread bowls and then a pancake toss to see if we could win breakfast in the morning. We all need more practice in tossing those pancakes.
Would we do it again? Probably not. The weather was so bad we can't even say that the view was great. But it was an experience.

Whitehorse to Dawson City

2009-07-12T22:30:00.000-07:00

Carol and Doc left us here and went ahead to Ancorage. We headed out around 830 towards Dawson City. We were to take the "Top of the World' Highway the next day. About an hour into the trip we stopped in Brayborne to buy cinnamon buns the size of a dinner plate. It was a nice break. The host was not very friendly --he must have been having a bad day. When we left the sun looked like a bright red dime and it was almost 11am. The color was from the smoke carried there from the fires in the interior. The scenery was not as spectacular as before but it was pleasant except for the long patches of gravel we kept comming upon. Glad we had our stone guard on. We did pass Lake Labarge the place they cremated Sam MaGee. As we got closer to Dawson it was evident that a great deal of mining had been don because everywhere you looked you could see piles and piles of rocks "trailings" left by the dredges searching for gold.We arrived early enough to visit the town. Sadly it reminded me of a dying town. Many buildings in need of repair and many closed or for sale.

Whitehorse

2009-07-09T07:30:00.000-07:00

In Whitehorse we staed at the High Country RV Park. Very nice with trees and level and a cute little store. the first night we went to see the Frantic Follies. It was a mixture of can-can , poetry, opera, and lots of fun. We all enjoyed it.

the next day we visited the fish ladder but the salmon are still two weeks away and were not utilizing it. In the afternoon we took the boat along 2 mile canyon on the Youkon River. In the evening we went to explore the hanging bridge that went over te canyon and walk along the paths. John and Doc were a littlel more adventurous than I on there hiking paths. The following day we toured the Mutluk Kennels. Such a fascinating place. Both Frank Turner, a musher in both the Idierdod and more recently the Yukon Quest and his wife, are two of the most facinatng people we have ever met. We stayed for there dinner feast of buffalo caribo and elk.. What a great day and evening.

Whithorse, Yukon Territory

2009-07-09T06:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Justin

2009-07-07T10:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Justin
For Justin's Birthday Happy 1yr old!!!!

Skagway to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory

2009-07-07T10:17:00.000-07:00

We drive along Tagish Lake.

Still driving along the Lake

Emerald Lake see the color change

With less than 200mi to drive we had a later departure. We had all fueled and hitched our tow cars and were ready to leave by 10:00. We retraced our path back over the White Pass, through customs and into the Yukon Territory. This time as we passed through Carcross we stopped at the "Smallest Desert" Large area of sand, most likly the bottom of a lake during the Ice Age. Unique. then on to Whitehorse.

4th of July Skagway

2009-07-07T07:29:00.000-07:00

Northwest Mounties help celebrate

Steam engine comes to celebrate also.

Doxy dog sled 1st Place in the Parade

Ducks float for first place

We attended the fireworks the night before. It was at 11pm --just about dusk. No pictures, but we will never forget the daylight fireworks ovrt the harbor with snow covered mountains in the background. The sound even the whinning echoed through the streets. Next day we attended the parade and ducky race (we had an entry but did not win) and went to eat at the old gold dredge for dinner, another fun day.

Jueno

2009-07-06T21:41:00.000-07:00

Before we started our boat ride Misty found a friend. On the way we saw over a 100 seals on the rocks

After eating lunch and walking around the town we headed out to Mendenhall Glacier. You can see it and the icebergs she created behind me. The Waterfall was to the left. We didn,t have enough time to walk over to it.

On the way back we past an old light house that was manned up until a few years ago. Now it is empty and for sale. I thought it might be nice to paint. We had a few passengers to drop off in the town of Haines. It takes 15 minutes by boat or 7hrs by road to reach this town. The sun came out on the way home it was beautiful.

Skagway Day1 and 2 (read bottom to top)

2009-07-06T18:26:00.000-07:00

(4) This is the same railway they used back in the goldrush days

(3) Misty liked the train so much she came with us the next day on the train ride.

(2) We hiked past the train yard to see the cemetary and Ried Falls.

(1) John, walking the Chilcoot trail. The one used by the stampeders to get to the gold fields. Although the trail is mostly oringinal, they did put in a few bridges in the beginning to keep hikers from getting wet in the beginning.

Watsom Lake via Carcross to Skagway

2009-07-06T06:04:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMY!!!

Arrived in Whitehorse Last night. Still have more to say about Skagway. so will catch up later

Ft nelson to Watson Lake

2009-07-05T17:47:00.000-07:00

At times the road dust was so thick we could hardly see the coach in front of us.

Misty likes a good seat when going over bridges

John and I placed a red fsign in the signpost forrest in Watson Lake and then walked across the stret to see a show on the Northern Lights. It seemed it was a good place to take a nap.

Both dogs like to play tug-of-war. When space is limited, they sometimes play together.

Skagway Day1&2

2009-07-01T19:24:00.000-07:00

Our first day we walked into town to check it out. Quaint, with a boardwalk instead of sidewalk. Most buildings were somewhat original. Lots of jewelry stores and souvenir Shops. We were there by 8am. By 8:30am, people from the 5 tour boat had entered the town and we could hardly walk down the walkway. Picked up some info and headed back.
Later we walked with Christy and Alex to past the train yard to Reid Falls and the Cemetery dating back to the late 1800's. In late afternoon the 4 of us took the train on the White Pass & Yukon Route. Started out sloooow but after 20min the views were breathtaking.
Day two was exciting for John. He and Doc took a hike on part of the Chilkoot Trail. They left at 6am and returned by 5pm. They had hiked 8 miles into Canyon City and back( a total of 16mi) along the same trail that those seeking Gold during the Klondike Gold Rush had taken. Much of it was still the same Very steep and treacherous. He had better than a great time.
I went shopping, tried to get this blog and or Internet to accept my photos and then went with everyone again to shop and walk the town . For me shopping after an hour is tedious and I was out over 4. I got home after John.

2009-06-30T21:26:00.000-07:00

seems there is a problem uploading images. it may be the internet connection. time will tell

2009-06-30T16:16:00.000-07:00

Lake Watson to Sagway,AK

2009-06-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

The trip from FT. Nelson to Lake Watson and Lake Watson to Skagway AK were the longest stretches yet . Traveling over 300 miles each day through even more memorable scenery. The first day we stopped at the Liard Hot Springs. With just under two hours before we arrived at our campground for the night 6 of us decided to take a dip. I was cold and damp and the water temperature was perfect and hot. Such a relaxing stop in such a natural setting.

The second day on the way to Skagway we left at 830am instead of 7am. We drove along dusty highways and winding up and down hills. Saw some more bears. stopped for Cinnamon buns at the continental divide. We then made a short visit to the town of Carcross which was an old railroad town. Took pictures and browsed the stores. Then on to Skagway through the White Pass. Fascinating. Dogs are both fine. Misty sits front and center and can see everything first hand.

Dawson Creek to Fort Nelson

2009-06-28T06:01:00.000-07:00

Crossing the bridge

Misty sees the lumberjack

Yesterday was a long and cloudy Day. We did drive part of the Old Alaskan Highway which took us across the historic curved wooden Kiskatinaw River Bridge took pictures. Passed Pink Mt. the highest peak in BC and drove through the lowest. having a great time.

2009-06-26T09:11:00.000-07:00

Saw him , along the road

Radium Springs to Jasper to Prince George

2009-06-25T18:33:00.000-07:00

Icefields Parkway

Altogether at Lake Louise

Views along th Icefield Parkway

We traveled the Icefields Parkway through some of Canada's most beautiful National Parks.
the scenery was beautiful. we Stopped at Lake Louise, the town was very touristy. The Lake was beautiful and the resort seemed to attract people now, just as it attracted movie stars back in the 30's and 40's. Next we stopped at a Glacier. John and I and Doc and Carole took the specialized Glacial shuttle out to experience first hand what a glacier felt like. It was wet, snowy. icy and very very cold for two Floridians. i learned a lot from the tour guide and can now say "I walked on a Glacier and would have tasted real glacier water but my hands were too cold.
We camped in Jasper Nat Park for two nights. Very nice. Up until the time we arrived the elk and bear had been frequenting the campground daily. then they seem to disappear back into the forest to have their young. I did get to see one elk. a few bears along the road and a coyote. We saw the beautiful Alabascar Falls, Found a seldom visited Lake named Horseshoe lake and took a4mi hike which was about 10 if you clocked the ups and downs. Had a great day.
Was raining when we left Jasper and raining when we arrived in Prince George. Glad to have internet and sewer so i can wash my clothes. sorry, but i just don't have the time to go iIto more detail.
just wanted to wish MAYA and SARAH a happy 31/2 Bday. MISTY and DiD and Runway say hi too.

Kalispar MT to Radium Hot Springs CA

2009-06-23T07:07:00.000-07:00

Left at 11am after fueling. Carol and Doc were already in town having their Coach looked at and the thermostat replaced. if things went well they would meet the three of us later. Crossed the boarder without any problems. Seemed most concerned if we had any firearms and fresh fruit.
About 16 mi into Canada on 93, a 2Lane rd, Larry went to pull over onto the shoulder so we could all take a break. With all the rain they had had the road shoulder was not able to support the weight of the coach and within seconds of his right side leaving the road he started sliding down the hill. I thought they were going to tip. A few seconds after it stopped rocking Linda and Larry were out. No one was hurt. Five hours later, after standing in the rain, finding a cell phone that worked, waiting for one tow truck and then a second, they were able to Maneuver the motor home up the embankment. Doc and Carole caught up with us, just before they started to move the motor home and shut down the road in both direction. Their coach started right up and seems not to have too much residual damage except for a cracked windshield. Not the best way to start out on an adventure
i have some pictures when I have more time I'll post some. Was surprised I had internet

3rd Day Glacier National Park (Saturday)

2009-06-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

Checked this AM and saw that the "Going to the Sun Road" was opened farther than yesterday. so the four of us started out early again. It was a fantastic ride even though there was only one lane traffic at times

2nd Day Glacier National Park-

2009-06-21T12:45:00.000-07:00

Went to the East side of Glacier Park with Linda and Larry. Stopped at the Goat Lick, saw some beautiful Scenery and ended up at Two Medicine Lake. Took Pictures.

1st Day Glacier National Park+ Hungry Horse Dam

2009-06-20T13:55:00.000-07:00

Left the campground early. Our first stop was Hungry Horse Dam, in the town of Hungry Horse forming Hungry Horse Lake. (Yes, there is a story behind the name) We were able to walk across the dam and take pictures. Before 9-11 they gave tours inside. Soooo now, we took pictures. enjoyed the view, and drove on to Glacier Park.

We arrived at the west entrance just after 8am and there was already a line forming. I used my Senior National Park Pass again. It has already paid for itself. We stopped in the visitor center and got some hiking info. We were dissappointed that the Road to the Sun was only opened part way. Headed out to see what could be seen. First Stoped to hike to John's Lake. A 0.5 mi hike, that turned into a0.6 mi hike and then that must have been as the crow flies. I don't think they took into consideration the ups and downs of all the hills. The woods were peaceful, dence and beautiful. The lake, however did not meet our expectations. It was more like a pond. The hike down was easier.
We followed McDonald's Lake and creek as Far as Avalanche where the Road to the Sun was closedand we turnned around. On the drive down. we stopped a took pictures, trying to capture the splender of everything but not quite doing it justice.
When we returned to camp, Linda and Larry had arrived. Also found out that Christy and Alex were still delayed in Billings MT. having their generator repaired. Carol and Doc were traveling and not due to arrive 'till Saturday.

Some History

2009-06-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

Oops! Did I mention that we stopped at the Little Big Horn before we stopped in Dear Lodge on Tuesday Night. Not much space available for the coach. We just barly managed to pull in a spot. Just as someone was pulling out. Walked around a bit and took the mini-bus tour out onto the battlefield. Our tour guide did a wonderful job recounting the battle as he pointed out where each event most likly took place. Tour ended just as it started to rain. Glad we stopped.

Rapid City to Deer Lodge

2009-06-18T15:24:00.000-07:00

June15.We left Monday morning and drove as Far as Billings MT. We decided to try and stay at a Walmart. I called ahead they said no problem, but make sure you park at the far end. No problem, until we got there and found that the parking lot was small and to find space to park anywhere was a challenge. We did manage to fit, but just barely. We planned to straighten out or repark when the person, parked in front of us, moved and the parking lot thinned out. The car did move around 5pm but before we had a chance to move, someone else backed in even closer than the last. We stayed where we were. I hwas having trouble sleeping with the traffic. The tire air pressure alarm went off around 11 and at 2am my clock went off and the refrigerator alarm was going off and saying low battery. I had to wake John to start the generator to recharge the battery to make sure the fridge stayed cold. For me, it was a long night.
June 16, Tuesday. With me guiding John out of the space, we left early the next morning. I increased my driving time to almost an hour!!! We stayed in a town called Deer Lodge for the night. Close to the interstate, with mountains in the distance. We just relaxed.
June 17. On our last leg of the trip by ourselves. We had a little less then 4 hrs before we reached Kalispell. We didn't want to leave too early so we took the time to eat breakfast at a nearby resturant. Later I would call and make sure they could accommodate us a day early. As usual the scenery was beautiful. In Missoula we picked up 93 and headed north.-----for about 5 miles then we hit construction, Major construction. Sometimes 'no road' construction. Two lanes-heavy traffic-no shoulder-35mph speed limit( should have been 5mph.). This lasted for almost an hour it seemed like forever. John did a great job! We found the campground easily, Spruce Park on the River.
Peaceful! Here is where we will meet up with everyone else for our Alaskan adventure.

Rapid City MT

2009-06-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

#2 Friday cont.
Since it was only early afternoon when we finished setting up, we went to see Mt. Rushmore and take one of the scenic routes. The ride there and back was just as plesant as viewing these sculptures and reading about their history. We took the walk along the base of the mt. Lots of steps coming back. MIsty came with us.
June 13 Saturday. Left the campground early to visit the Wind Cave Nat'l Park. It was a beautiful day. Thought we would take the thunderhead trail that had the bridges and tunnels wthat we wanted to see. It was a spectacular drive. We took lots of pictures but it just doesn,t do it justice. We Drove along the edge of Custard State Park hoping to see some buffalo. We saw one. However when we reached the Wind Cave Nat Park we saw herds. You could almost imagine what it must have been like when they free roamed the land.
We toured the Cave . the shorter tour. It does coveran area over a mile sq. with several layers. Very interesting. By this time it was almost 2pm. We hadn't eaten and we needed to get back to DiD and Runway.
It was clear when we returned that runway did not like being in his crate. He had torn up anything he could get his paws on. In the afternoon we went to Thunder Falls. Interesting story but a tourist trap. Only good thing was that while we were inside there was a downpour of rain and hail.. We missed it. Runway does not like being in his crate.

June14, Sunday. We Realized Saturday night that we had NOT seen the Badlands, but had passed them. They were around Wall, and we had decided not to take the scenic loop in the rain with the MH. I kept thinking that we had not yet reached them. We decided to stay an extra night and drove back in the morning so we didn't miss them. Good decision!! Spectacular!! Wish the pictures did it justice. Misty liked it too. The pups stayed at home. Runway really does not like his crate.

June

On Our Own

2009-06-16T15:18:00.000-07:00

June 6--We left Columbia MS early heading towards St Louis on Saturday ( Happy B-Day Teressa). We thought it would take two full days, but we stopped within 3 hr of St Louis the first night. We were within a few miles of the 'throwd rolls' resturant but were so excited that we found a campground and managed to park that we had a glass of wine and went to sleep.
Arrived in O'Fallon (my daughter rebecca's home) in time for lunch. we parked, jeep in tow, in front of her house. There was more room than I thought there would be so I was more relaxed. The next day we took the coach to frieghtliner to have routien maintenance done. While the coach was being serviced we had a great visit with family.
Runway, the new dog, cough was getting worse so we needed to take him to the vet to get it diagnosed. Poor thing. It was Kennel Cough. Nothing to do but let it run its course.
The next day we took both dogs (different vet) to get a health certificate to cross the boarder.
the whole time hoping that Runway would not have a coughing spell. He didn't and we are good to go.
June10 Wednesday. We picked up the coach and headed west. the first night we spent in Big Lake state Park. Very nice, but we needed to unhook to park. The roads were narrow and the turns were sharp. Another adventure in parking for John.
June 11 Thursday. The weather was cloudy. I took my first attempt at driving during the day so John could take a rest. It most likely woke him up . We picked a passport America campground for the night. Close to the interstate but not completely dried out from the rain.(Very Muddy)
We tried to pick an easy out site. We did, but when we leveled, our left rear tire was 6"off the ground. We also hoped there was no more rain. so we would not have a problem exiting from the bottom of the campground. The showers were nice but the gentle rain on the roof was not comforting. All our worrying was for nought. We had no problems leaving in the morning.
June12 Friday. Out early, heading for the Badlands. Took time to stop in Wall and have breakfast at the Wall Drug Store. The store was interesting. We bought a few souvoniers. Had breakfast(not the best) and took pictures. We headed out towards Rapid City and the rain was comming. In and out of rain the rest of the way. I drove for about 45min. The first campground that we planned to stay at we couldn't get to because the exit was gone because of construction. I went to plan B but that campground did not appear to be in existence when we found the location. So I found a Good Sam In Rapid City. called. John turned around and we headed back through the city to the Lazy J. Very nice. We needed to unhook the jeep to Park. the campground overlooked Rapid City. Very pretty. Couldn't get internet at our site. thus the late entries.

Columbia, Mississippi

2009-06-06T17:40:00.000-07:00

The drive was pretty and uneventful. We had a little clitch when we went to start. We couldn't get the jeep transfer case into neutral so it could be towed. With the help of doc and Carole we tried several things that just didn't solve the problem. I had keys and dog and candy lifesavers in hand ready to drive behind the jeep when John looked one more time underthe jeep and found the problem. He was able to fix it long enough to slide into neutral. We will have to replace the broken pin when we pass a jeep dealer.

Campers at Columbia are a group of "Old Friends" who gather together 4x a year to play games, share pot lucks, craft, and socialize. About 30 RVs& trailers attended this rally. We took a train ride on the train that crashed through the end and derailed with the group last year. No one was hurt so it has become a bragging memory "I Survived the Columbia Train wreck of 2008" It was a very plesent 4mile round trip experience. We also toured the Parachute Factory. It also very interesting.
Most of my time was spent trying to finish my sweatshirt jacket.While I sewed and sewed and sewed. John finished his book and I finally finished the jacket.
We played washers and ladder jacks and didn't win. We did win on the poker walk however with 4 Aces. Yea!! Now we could buy more 50/50 tickets------which we did not win. Nor did we win at BINGO But, we had fun!

We did get our runway setter . Cute and very scared. By the end of the week, we were able to pet him without him retreating to his crate. He even allowed a few camping with us to give him a treat and pet.

We had such a nice time with so many nice people we decided to join them again in September in Georgia.

We left this morning around 7:30am for St Louis. We got as far as Sikeston MO. where we stopped for the night. John drove all but the 30minutes I drove. I am a slow starter.

Off again early tomorrow

Talladega

2009-05-30T08:13:00.000-07:00

Saturday
Getting ready to Leave C&C Campground in Lincoln,AL. This campground is adjacent to the Talladega speedway. Missed our oppertunity to tour it because they were gone when we went to purchase the tickets. Spent too much time trying to decide if John wanted to drive the track or not. Maybe there will be a next time.

The Friendship Rally was a great deal of fun. Learned a lot at the seminars and met some nice folks.

Getting ready to leave. think we are getting a runway setter from the Red Bay campground.
Seems he is at the Vet getting ready. Posting some critter pictures that we are traveling with.
Next Stop Columbia, Mississippi

Day 1

2009-05-23T11:57:00.001-07:00

At 2:05 we pulled away from our home in the rain. It has rained , been cold or windy 4 out of the 5 times we have been camping. Good practice. We Stopped at the first rest area to check out the equipment--hitch ,jeep and any thing that we might have forgotten. Our traveling mentors were about two miles behind and had a chance to catch up. We did discover that our jeep tail lights were not working properly . Fooled with them so that the break lights worked. This would have to do until we got somewhere when we would have more time.
7:00 Refrigerator alarm was going off and we had to stop and turn on the propane to maintain the temperature.
9:30 Stopped outside of Tifton,Georga at Amy's Campground for the night.

The next morning we drove through some pretty Georgia and Alabama countryside and then John was able to experience the fun of driving through Birmingham AL traffic. After this some narrower country roads before arriving in Red Bay. Once ther we could work on the tail lights.
After camper input, and several conversations with different Tiffin tecnicians we were able to find a fuse box that contained the fuse to the taillight plug in that was not working. Once that was replace the fix was easy.
I guess I could mention that the emaserator pump for the sewer also burned out causing another fuse to blow. We aren't going to replace that now, but just going back to the old fasion way of gravity to empty the black and gray water tanks.

OOPS!! Forgot to post this----so it should be first

Waiting on the Runway

2009-05-23T11:57:00.000-07:00

We arrived at the Allegro campground in Red Bay AL on Tuesday May 19th. It is set up on an old practice runway and used chiefly for those awaiting service on their Tiffin ( Allegro) products. We thought while here we would see about having the door window replaced (fogging between the Panes) and the leveling jacks checked. Also we asked about our onboard computer which seemed to exprience major blackout on route. So on Tuesday,when we arrived we wrote our concerns on a repair request form. On Wednesday morning someone was around to asses the problems. and on Thursday they schedualed us for service on Friday in Bay 6 at 7am. Everything was good until we went to pull around to the service bay and the slide would not come in. What better place to happen! So we walked over to Bay 6 explained to them the problem and within the hour they were over and the problem was fixed. They were able to fix the one window right away but the lower window had not arrived. The jacks were adjusted but we had to wait for Gary the computer guy. Around 11:00 we were told we would be moved to Bay 1 so Gary could look at the computer. After lunch, they said the bottom window had not arrived and that Gary would come to our site and check out the computer. So back to the site. At 3:00
there was someone at the door telling us to come back to Bay 1 and they would replace the bottom window. So we packed up again, brought in the slides and went back. we managed to get everything taken care of. The computer needs to be sent out, but we made arrangements for it to catch up with us later.
In between all this we managed to tour the Tiffin factory on Wednesday --very nice and informative. Saturday we went to visit the coon dog cemetary. Definitely a one of a kind experience. Evenings we can sit and relax and talk to fellow RVers. All seem very nice and easy to talk with and like sharing both good and bad RV experiences .

Since this blog is intended mostly for family and friends I will be posting pictures of "Misty" who is comming with us as the grandchildrens representative and "DiD" our Shitzu who is not sure if this camping is for him.

Just about ready?

2009-05-17T04:44:00.000-07:00

Well we are set to Leave tomorrow. This will be our first adventure with our recently acquired motorhome. A 2007 36' Phaeton. In fact this is only the third camping trip we are taking it on and only the 6th time we have actually gone camping. We started out with a travel trailor and rather quickly decided that we needed something a tad bigger if we wanted to do this more often. We decided to do a blog to keep friends and family informed of our travels and this is the beginning.