Fort Nelson, BC

Today we left Dawson Creek and traveled 17 miles where we left the modern Highway and turned onto the original highway. It was still mostly gravel for the bypassed 4 or 5 miles. We crossed the last original wooden bridge left. It was also the only curved one built. traversed what appears to be one of the most desolate areas of the highway, from Fort St. John to Fort Nelson. Very little human presence. We stopped for lunch at Pink Mountain for lunch. We then jumped in the Saturn and drove back to a side rode and up it for 10 gravel miles to the trailhead to Sikanni Chief Falls. Janae, Dakota, and I hiked up to see the falls, which were pretty spectacular. Shortly after leaving Pink Mountain, we saw a cow moose and her calf running across the highway. Later we saw four more bears and a deer. The scenery is incredible. Very unlike anywhere I've been before. Short and skinny evergreens everywhere along the muskeg. I guess typical of what you would think of as how the great white north looks. Back into the Rockies tomorrow. Not much to talk about regarding Ft. Nelson. However, this campgound (Ft. Nelson Truck Stop and RV Park) does seem to have the best Wi-Fi and internet connection of any campground so far. That name alone should tell you what it 's like. At least it's quiet so far. Heading to Laird Hot Springs Provincial Park tomorrow. After that, who knows? I'll post again when I have a connection. Ya'll gotta do this trip someday...

Second day in Dawson Creek

A day off from traveling today. We got up late, and then drove downtown to see some sights and shop. We went to the traffic circle at mile 0 of the highway, along with a museum at the end of the rail line. This is where the GIs who built the highway debarked from the trains. We also went to the Alaskan Highway Museum and saw interesting artifacts and photos. After that it was shopping and more shopping. Had to go to a liquor store to buy beer. Expensive! $55 Canadian for 18 bottles of Coors Light, and 12 bottles of Corona. I may have to quit... Or not! The kids have been spending a great deal of time in the man-made lake at Rotary Park. Very similar to the old Pete's Pool, except no deep end. Colton managed to get sunburned. Had a big dinner tonight. Venison steaks (from Mikee's spike buck), baked potatoes, and corn on the cob. Starting tomorrow things will be a bit more spartan. I'm planning on three meals of pancakes a day like the GIs did for weeks while building the highway... I bought a book by one of the catskinners (Caterpillar operator) who built the highway in 1942. Amazing stories... We're going to stop at Safeway in the morning for fuel and then head out.

Dawson Creek

Day 3 took us from Hixon, BC through Prince George to Dawson Creek. The official beginning of, and "Mile 0" on the Alaskan Highway. On the trip today, we saw a sow bear and two cubs, several deer, and three moose. Unfortunately, no picture of the bears or cow and calf moose. We were moving too fast with vehicles following us, and no shoulder with the bears, and too far away running into the brush for the moose and calf. However, the bull moose standing on the shoulder, I got. Well, I got his ass anyways. As we approached and began slowing down in the "urban attack vehicle" (You "Stripes" fans know what I'm talking about), he turned and headed for the pucker brush. The Canadian Rockies were beautiful, and we stopped for a walking break and pictures.We are now on the east side of the Rockies and it shows. I hadn't really thought much about that and was surprised by how much the landscape looks like eastern Colorado or western Kansas. Rolling hills with We are now in the Mountain Time Zone for a day or two before heading northwest toward the Yukon Territories.

Day 2- Hixon, BC

The end of day two of our Alaska Adventure ended in Hixon, BC. I was about to say what a clean and pleasant park Canyon Creek Rv Park is, but a bird just pooped on my enter key as I was uploading the picture to the right. No kidding! I'll have to clean that up... So anyway, no major glitches have occurred. The worst part of day one was the drive in morning rush hour between Sumner and Bellevue. Bumper to bumper, stop and go the whole way. Our first choice for campgrounds last night was full, so we had to settle for the other campground in Clinton, BC. Not the nicest, but had hook-ups and was nearly empty. Plus grass for the kids to play around on. Day two struck and we had to but groceries. I had read that Canadian customs has a habit of taking any meats, fruits, and vegetables, so we didn't bring much with us. Of course they didn't ask about food when we entered Canada... Food seems slightly expensive, but not too bad. We stopped in Wal-Mart, just outside of Quesnel, BC as the kids all needed clothing (that seems to happen every trip). The clothing seemed rather expensive, and the sizes were weird. Dakota couldn't fit into a set of boys size 16 swim trunks? Rained on us most of this morning, so the RV and car are filthy. I've seen two deer and three beaver lodges so far. Kinda cool seeing badger, moose, and bighorn sheep crossing signs. Anyway, we've made it this far along with our neighbor from last night, who pulled in next to us a couple of hours after we arrived here... Weird again... The kids, at least Mikee and Colton, enjoyed the creek here. I didn't call ahead to Dawson Creek for reservations. I didn't know this is Canada Day Weekend and everything may be full. At least we're self-contained, we can always pull off somewhere and sleep. Hopefully Dawson Creek tomorrow, beginning of the Alaskan Highway.

The Toad (that's RVeese for towed vehicle)

We have been looking for a second car since Barb's old Escort blew a head gasket on me. Barb insists that it died of a broken heart when Dad gave it to me. But that's another story. Anyway, I've been looking for a couple of months, for something that would get decent mileage. In addition I was looking for a vehicle that I could tow behind the RV, preferably already set up with a tow bar and accessories. My patience payed off yesterday when I found a car on Craig's List. A 2002 Saturn SL2, with 41,000 miles on it. Included a Stowmaster 5000 towbar and accessories. Bought it from an older couple in Lake Stevens (that was a drive!) They had traded for a smaller RV, and didn't want to tow anymore. Yes, the tow bar comes off (or goes back on for that matter) in about five minutes. All for about $500 under Kelly Bluebook and Nada prices. It's ready to tow on Wednesday!

The happy grad!

KJ graduated high school this evening. I know, that has nothing to do with RVs. But graduation certainly could lead to some adventures. I'm very proud of KJ. She had to overcome quite a bit to make it through. One consistent comment from her teachers the whole time was that she works very hard. Brings a tear to my eye. Love you KJ, congrats!

Banana Belt - Fairbanks?

I was looking at the crappy forecast for the next couple of weeks here in the Seattle region. Temperatures are struggling to reach 60, rain, and wind. After this past winter, I'm really looking forward to some comfortable temperatures. On a lark, I checked the forecast for Fairbanks... Ya, 70 degrees and clear. Whooda thunk it? Sign me up!

The Charm

Second time's the charm apparently. No more damage to the rig, and a great outing. We camped at Penrose Point State Park on the Key Peninsula, Thursday night through early this afternoon. What a great campground! Mom says we went there when I was about 3 or 4 years old, but I don't remember anything about it. We arrived Thursday evening, finding the drive though the campground rather tight for our 35' 10" behemoth. What's the max length that could get through? 38 foot? Beats me, depends I guess on your comfort level. Anyway, Thursday night we almost had the 80 some spots to ourself except for one tent camper. Friday morning we awoke to clouds, and low tide at the beach. I wouldn't have expected to have that many oysters available on a beach in a State Park. On Satuday morning, we went back with KJ's boyfriend who had a license, and managed to harvest one oyster before our knife broke. We also saw people filling their quotas on butter clams. Next time we'll be better prepared. The family has been doing great conserving battery power, fresh water, and grey and black water space. I'm very impressed. Anyway, nice campground. No hookups, but plenty of clean restrooms, garbage cans, and water spigots. Lots of shade. In fact I only saw a couple of sites with less than total shade. I had a great time this trip. Maybe due to no paint transfer this time. Reminded me of the great times we had camping when I was a kid. Thanks Mom and Dad!