On the Road with Beth

5/17-20/2012, Fairbanks, AK

Well, I had to get to Fairbanks – and before leaving Tok, I took a picture of these flowers that are blooming – even though the nights were still freezing. No idea what they are, wild, and probably a weed – but I like them.

Beautiful flowers

The View leaving Tok

About 15 or so minutes outside of Tok, Ms. Moose decided to appear magically out of the woods running into the road. I gulped, hit the brakes with a hand holding Peaches. Ms. Moose must have gulped also and did the best about face she was able and went back into the woods she came out of. I sat for a good minute doing breathing exercises. Then, I cussed out Ms. Moose that she should have stayed in site so that I could have gotten her picture. Yeah, right. I saw several more moose during the next hour or so. I was able to take a few blurry pictures. And a couple not so bad.

Notice the ice on the river.

It's hard to tell, but it was very thick still.

Butt shot -

I spent two nights at two different places along this road in 2009. It was fun to recognize both the place I had boondocked and the state park I stayed at as I drove past. The boondocking spot I picked last time partially because of the arctic swans on the water. There was one there this time, also. But there was no where to pull over for a picture when I saw her. But I did try to make different stops, for views, etc. It was hard to drive past some places, like Rika’s Roadhouse – a historical stop. But I have only so much time for this quick jaunt to Fairbanks and maybe on the way back – or again, maybe other new places.

Another lake

This has to be the largest mosquito I've ever seen

That and several other “knotty” pieces are displayed in front of

The Knotty Shop

The Knotty Shop

I enjoyed visiting the Alaskan tourist products in the shop – but my money went for ice cream. Yep. Me. Ice cream. Very good ice cream. If anyone has the Mile Post book (I don’t) I understand they have a coupon in it for a free cone. It’s well worth it even if you have to pay. Yum.

I skipped North Pole this time and headed directly into Fairbanks. I had decided to check out a state park in the middle of Fairbanks on the Chena River …

Chena River State Recreation Site

My site at Chena River SRS

My site at Chena River SRS

I drove around looking at all the sites. They have mainly dry camping sites but about 10 with water and electric. Dry camping is $17, w/e is $28. I elected dry – but needed a site that would get a fair amount of sun. Love the one I selected. And have gotten to talking with the camphost. She’s a neat lady. The river runs through the day use area – and Peaches and I have walked it a couple times a day, as well as walking through the campground. While we can hear road noise, it’s an oasis in the middle of busy Fairbanks. Amazing.

And in Fairbanks, on my possible list to go was back to Pioneer Village. It’s a definite must stop if you’ve never done it – and if I come back again, will probably put it on my list again, but this time had somewhere else I really wanted to go. (Off my list for all time is the Discovery boat trip and any trip that company does. OK, it wasn’t a total waste of money – but IMHO it is simply a bunch of stuff put together to make money off the tourists – when the real people doing the real thing are out there to see and talk to – usually free.)

On my list was Creamer’s Field. It was only partially on my list last time because of the time of year. However, I now know it probably is worth it any time – just more worth it spring and fall when birds are migrating. I am here for the end of the spring migration … and it’s a glorious end.

Chena River

Sandhill Cranes

I got my oil changed and the rig checked over by Ford yesterday – then took the RV and Peaches back to the park. I grabbed the car and went to Creamer’s Field thinking dogs wouldn’t be allowed. I stayed an hour or so – but didn’t do the hikes, because dogs ARE allowed on the trails. So decided to go back today (Saturday) with Peaches to tire us both out. So pictures are mixed from both days.

I will say that I saw more sandhill cranes on Friday – possibly 100 or more. I said 50 or more and people there told me to double or triple or even quadruple that. As I looked around – they were everywhere I looked in groups from a couple to 20 and more. So I can’t hazard a guess how many were there. Along with other birds, ducks and geese. Today when I went back with Peaches there was some kind of festival on the grounds behind the migrating fields. So people were everywhere. But the hiking trails were not busy … amazing. Pics to follow will include the cranes to robins and others in between.

Two Different Worlds - Wetlands left - Boreal Forest Right

Heading into the wetlands

I love reflections

Look closely at the picture above. Then look at the close-up in the picture below. Geez, these guys can blend right in.

I'm here and I'm beautiful!

Now it’s time to head to the Boreal Forest. Boreal means “to the north”. It’s dominated by spruce, aspen and birch trees and the Boreal Forests cover about 17 percent of the earths land surface.

Heading to the forest.

Every spring here in this forest, runoff water floods some of the low lying wetland and forms a temporary pond. The frozen soil underneath keeps the water from getting into the ground, giving life to many insects and invertebrates during the time of the flooding. By early June the ground finally thaws and the water seeps into the earth. At that time, irises will bloom along the edges and swallows will come dipping for the newly hatched insects.

Temporary Spring Pond

People always are telling me I get great bird pics. Well the next is to prove that many (most) of the pics I take aren’t so great.

typical bird picture

And that was the best shot I got of that bird.

Damages to forests from Permafrost

Just think - if it does this ....

no wonder it's so hard to maintain the roads!

Viewing platform

Peaches running up the stairs.

An aside – one of my previous dogs, Moxie, would never have gone up those stairs. I think open stairs were one of her biggest fears. All the fears Peaches has had – these are nothing. Just like us – they are all so individual.

Most of the viewing platforms are over in the migratory area to see the birds. This one is to show the work they do to assure that the moose have a good habitat also. Willows, twigs and leaves are preferred food of moose. When the forest gets too dense and the trees too tall, it’s difficult for them. The area here is maintained to help the moose.

Looking into the maintained area.

Turn around and …

and the full forest in spring glory

Better they explain than me ...

A Thermokarst Pond

We also walked over an ancient dune. An ice age dune. How neat.

As Creamer’s Field is a Migratory Wildlife Refuge, as well as bin a National Historic Site – it has some different signs…

Birds Only, Please

To be honest, I was really surprised how close we could get to the migratory birds. And that the trails went all around them. And that dogs were allowed (on the trails, on leash, of course). It’s a wonderful place and I will, if I make it to Denali and thus through Fairbanks in Sept, come back to see what birds are heading north.

Peaches and I spent 1/2 the day today at Creamer’s Field. Yesterday I was there an hour or two. It’s an absolutely wonderful place. If any of my friends come through this summer – make sure you use mosquito spray. I didn’t need it now, but imagine they will be bad later. That is one of the things that temporary pond breeds. But it means some wonderful birds will be there to eat all those insects.

And if any of you coming through Fairbanks this summer are interested in this State Park – be aware that the address and gps coordinates out there now are for an entrance that no longer exists. The entrance now is NOT on University but on Geraghty (sp). If you come on University, you’ll pass the Fred Meyers and Safeway (across the street from each other – and the Safeway has the best gas prices I’ve seen so far – as well, if you have a Safeway card you get another 3 cents off). Pass those and you’ll be at a stoplight which is Airport Way. Immediately after the stoplight is a side street to your right called Geraghty. Turn right (in front of a car wash) and watch for the state park on the left. It’s REAL easy to miss. Watch the right for a auto place (not Auto Zone, the other one) and it’ll be across the street.

If you come via Airport Way from Pioneer Park, if you watch closely before University, you can turn right in front of the auto place and go almost straight across Geraghty. If you miss that right, turn right on University, then follow like above.

As to Creamer’s Field – it’s on College Dr. There is room for rv’s to park but no over-nighting allowed.

Tomorrow we head back south – will make an overnight somewhere instead of overdoing it in one day and get into Valdez on Monday.

5/14/12 – Crossing back into Alaska, arriving in Tok

Peaches being asked to pose under the Alaska sign

She stayed like I asked, but posing? Smiling? Well, I then set up the camera and had to RUN up the rocks to get next to her – I think she liked that … you be the judge.

We made it to Alaska, Again! YAY!

We were officially greeted …

We had a welcoming committee of two of these fellows.

And a few miles into the state, there was a gas station

The welcoming gas station/rv park, etc.

We headed on to Tok.

We are back in the US. It’s good to be home. And it’s great to be back in Alaska.

The scenery doesn't change.

We drove on to Tok – stopping to spend our first night at the Tok River SRS (a state cg) just before Tok. $15 to dry camp. The have only a small # of sites. The nice ones are back-ins. But they also have 5 or 6 long pull-throughs next to each other, which I elected so that I didn’t have to unhook. It turned into a cold night and a colder, cloudy morning to follow. No pictures there, I’m afraid.

Today, the 16th, I moved to an rv park in town. Taking a day off to do nothing. Well catch up on emails, forums and my blog! The rv park I stayed at last time here wanted $29 for electric (they didn’t have the water turned on to the pull-throughs, yet). The one I had picked to stay at wasn’t open. Another had a sign for $29 for rv’s out front – including wifi, full hook-ups and cable tv. OMG, I wouldn’t have gotten anything done. But when I checked, their advertising was misleading. For me, for 30 amp electric they’d take $42 and some change (and that included a 10% discount!) I’m too cheap for that. Then I came to the Tundra Lodge. They will officially open this weekend. Water is not on to sites yet, but they have locations where we can fill our tanks. Their normal rate is around $32 I believe. They charged me $20 for the night. Much better. And I like my level pull-through site.

Tundra Lodge site in Tok

As much as I love Alaska, I’m not a big fan of Tok. I feel like many of the businesses know that they are the first stop for most on their way in, and the last stop on the way out. Instead of spending a little money and making the town a place tourists want to stop and spend time – most only spend one night both directions. And if I was not traveling when the last few Yukon Gov’t CG’s were closed – I would have stopped in one, then bypassed Tok entirely for Delta Junction or anywhere else. That’s just me. And here I am a 2nd night. But I feel like I’m in the wilderness here – so few people here with me – and I was hibernating most of the day.

That said, back in Dawson Creek I met some folks who stopped at the same campground as me. Without any plans, the last 3 nights we have stopped at the same places! Well, 4 nights now. And 2 of those nights included Provincial Parks or Yukon Gov’t cg’s that weren’t officially open! Nice couple and we’ve enjoyed a few conversations in the cold.

Tomorrow – who knows – the blog will, eventually!

5/12-14/2012 – Yukon Territories, Canada

Big Creek Campground, Yukon

The gates are open.

There are advantages as well as disadvantages to starting your trip north so early. Many cg’s are closed. But also, many are simply not “officially” open – which means you don’t have to pay for your overnight. That’s a good deal.

Mom, you showed me this before - it's SNOW.

It wasn’t the fluffy snow she enjoyed before, but she didn’t complain.

C'mon Mom, there's open water down there.

I tried, but that snow was hard, but my weight would break through – so Peaches had to accept we wouldn’t take that trail to the water.

Our big, pull-through site.

We did find another trail to the water – that I did take, and we got a couple wonderful walks around the campground that night and the next morning. Peaches was happy. Then it was time to get on the road again.

While the scenery is absolutely breath-taking, we also were getting occasionally rained on – and a few times big huge flakes of snow – which were sticking! Then we’d go down in elevation a tad and be out of it again. The day kept alternating from sun to clouds – and into the occasional snow.

We passed through the Lost Landscape of the Quesnellia

Ancient Land of Quesnellia

Looking across the river to Teslin on the right.

The bridge to Teslin

Teslin Lake

Teslin lake is not the largest lake in the territory, but getting there. It’s 78 miles long and 2 miles wide. It’s name came from the Tlingit meaning “long narrow lake”.

Teslin Lake

And, hmmm, what would Peaches want to do here?

Over the rocks and to the shore ...

to water's edge I go ...

She’s in the water – what looks in the picture to be the water’s edge is where the ice comes to. Yep, still mostly ice-covered.

We headed to the Teslin Lake Campground

Yukon Campgrounds, when officially opened, offer free firewood. While this one wasn’t officially opened it had …

free firewood

It also had nice sites – but it was way too early for us to want to stop. Well, don’t ask Peaches – I think she came to the conclusion I was in a race.

You can't see the snowflakes, but you can see the road's wet.

We passed through the Takhini Valley

The Takhini Valley

I liked these cloud formations.

Do you see the plane flying across?

We stop for the night at another Yukon Gov’t CG:

Pine Lake Campground

We both loved this campground and would have been more than willing to pay their nightly fee of $12 – but they didn’t even have envelopes available. It might have been (no might about it) cold, but it was so beautiful, and so worthwhile – almost stayed a second day/night.

Our site at Pine Lake CG

If there's a trail leading to water, you best believe Peaches finds it.

And I don't think she knows the meaning of cold.

Although, I must admit – she goes in and doesn’t stay long. But she keeps going back in.

Pine Lake

And then we found …

The Interpretive Trail

This trail meanders along the side of the lake with information – and just outstanding views – and, wow, ducks and birds and more ducks.

and more beautiful views

Dancers

Ducks

Ducks

We scared off many, many ducks. But they never went far.

Sometimes our trail would be covered in snow.

Pine Lake CG is just a few miles before Haines Junction. From there we make the trek to Tok, AK and back into the US. But this will be a bit of a drive – and better than 1/2 is still in the Yukon. So more Yukon in the morning.

Changes in the sky

The top of that picture shows the dark clouds – while the mountains in the distance are bathed in sunlight – and the road I’m traveling is wet, but it wasn’t currently raining.

Kluane Lake - the largest lake in the Yukon.

The road travels alongside it for quite awhile.

Kluane Lake

Interesting roadside exhibit.

There was no place easy to stop to go check that out, or I would have!

Burwash Landing

While the road starts getting worse before Burwash Landing it’s nothing in comparison to after. So, remember, when traveling this route, now’s the time you’ll be driving slower and for more road damage. Although it wasn’t as bad as many say, it is something that requires diligence, as after this point much of the damage isn’t marked as well as before.

The Kluane River

Looking opposite the Kluane River

About 1/2 way between Haines Junction and Tok is a lovely roadside. I stopped there in 2009 on the return trip and recognized it this time, so stopped again. If in a big rig, I suggest looking to see how many are there before pulling in – or you might have more trouble turning around.

Pickhandle Lake

Pickhandle Lake

Bald Eagle on Pickhandle Lake

Shortly before the border crossing —

5/10-12/2012, British Columbia, CA

OK, dates get a little hazy – but close enough. One of these days traveling was awesome – the others were good – but one, awesome – with black bear, bison, caribou, sheep, a bald eagle and possibly some moose in the distance. I probably won’t be labeling many pictures – but who knows, as I go along, maybe I will.

We stopped too early in the day for a night stop – but it would have been a nice one:

Peaches approved

Back on the road …

You can't miss this lighted road sign - flashing English, then French

Ft. Nelson Museum

Next to the museum you can get info on the provincial parks, and they have fresh water for your tank, and a dump station – all free.

Ice and Snow on the Rivers

I really wanted to stop at Summit Lake – but it was too early in the season. It’s the highest point on the Alaska Highway – although other places seem higher. And don’t misunderstand, there are higher places in Alaska and probably on other highways – just the highest elevation on the Alaska Highway. Many of the provincial parks, while not yet open officially, were not gated and you could get in. Alas, not this one.

Coming up on Summit Lake

Summit Lake

The drive from Ft. Nelson to Summit Lake is gorgeous. However, I do believe the information that that stretch of road was probably the most challenging for the USACE. But what the Army Corp of Engineers designed was a rough, military road. After that a civilian crew had to upgrade it to an all-season highway.

The sign may have said bison on the highway – but first … let there be …

Sheep on Highway

Sheep

Sheep on Highway

Sheep on Highway

Slowly driving past - they don't move far off the road.

And look to both sides.

I like some of the moose signs both in Alberta and British Columbia. In Alberta they had gigantic yellow moose cutouts occasional. In British Columbia …

Watch for Moose

Unfortunately as I drove mile after mile through Alberta, British Columbia and the Yukon (and now into Alaska) I only believe I saw moose once – at a great distance. But there is plenty of time this summer.

Caribou

Caribou

Stopped on the side of the road

Muncho Lake - mainly still frozen

Muncho Lake is about 7 miles long – so you drive alongside it for quite awhile.

And we enter buffalo country.

And they want us to know it.

Someone might want to tell these guys that I’m watching for bison now.

More sheep in the road.

One place I hoped to stop last trip (2009) and again this trip was the Liard River Hotsprings. The campground was open as were the hot springs. Campground, full price, but hot springs free until the weekend – they were still getting it prepared for the official “opening”.

Board walk to the Liard River Hotsprings

Peaches wasn’t allowed – so I went it alone. Such a hardship. Haha. But it is a LONG boardwalk.

With birds along it.

Keep on walking.

Liard River Hot Springs

Yes, it was warm enough – and the water was fabulous – even if all I did was take off my shoes and roll up my pant legs. Retrospect – I should have taken a campsite and spent the afternoon in that hot spring – next time!

Liard River Hot Springs

Some Liard River Campsites

Back on the road – and no, unlike the moose signs, the bison/buffalo signs are not lying …

Buffalo

lots of Buffalo

Baby Buffalo

Baby Buffalo

Size perspective between adult and baby buffalo

No road signs, but I saw 3 or 4 bear on this one days drive…

Black Bear

Black Bear

This buffalo has an ....

itch! Buffalo kept rolling on his back to scratch it.

Peaches and I made another stop at a place I thought of spending the night – Peaches again approved …

Mom, there's water. It's got to be good!

This water was moving very fast.

With spring thaws giving some rapids

Site's not bad ...

But I was feeling pretty good and driving more just seemd the thing to do – so after the break, on we went.

Black Bear

Buffalo

I didn’t take pics of where I stayed the night of 5/11. First, I intended to stay at the Tetsa River Provincial Park. I was told in Ft Nelson that it was not “officially” open, but that it was available. They were wrong. After driving about 1 1/2 miles into it, it was gated shut. So, on down the road. Then a truck turned onto the highway (still good highway at this point) that had just filled with a load of gravel. He overfilled, the wind picked up gravel and my rig sounded like someone was shooting at it. I’m guessing I got 5 or more dings – only one of which I need to see if I can get filled. Peaches is now terrified of the sound of gravel when it spits out of my tires. Hopefully she’ll get over it soon. Poor girl. But I have to admit, it was not a nice sound and I really was surprised I didn’t have more damage.

I ended up stopping at Tetsa River Services and Campground – paid $20 to dry camp. He had some sites with electric (15/20 amp) but turns the electric off at 9 pm. The only reason I’d have wanted it was for my electric heater overnight – so passed on that for a pull through without – that way I didn’t have to unhook the car.

I met a nice man on vacation from Europe here who had rented an rv and was traveling on his own. He says he’d never be able to get an rv our width on his roads and was amazed with my toad – asked to take pictures of the connections – as he said they don’t have that at all in Austria. Nice conversaion – hope he’s having a good trip.

5/12 I ended the day in the Yukon. That’s another story – for a day or two you cross back and forth between British Columbia and the Yukon several times. But for my purposes – after I crossed the first time, I consider myself in the Yukon. It was hard enough that Dawson Creek didn’t change time, but my next stop did – so I changed time zones back and forth in two days. That really confused me – and yes, I know, I can be easily confused, especially where time is concerned.

Next post – driving and sightseeing the Yukon …

5/7-9/2012 – A quick travel through Alberta, Canada

Well, there’s lots to see an do in Alberta – but I will not plan to travel the route I took the past few days again. It’s like a couple days driving through Iowa and Nebraska. And while I love some areas in both those states, when I know I could have driven up through the Canadian National Parks and been ooohing and aaahing the entire time instead of looking at cattle and horses – well – let me say, I’ll pick the parks.

On the other hand, I stayed in a couple wonderful provincial parks and will continue to do so, most likely, heading through British Columbia.

My initial intentions were to find a place to stay in Red Deer. I had no idea that it was really big – was bad enough driving around Calgary. But I got off the interstate (and remember, I don’t like interstates) and into town in Red Deer. I knew the Walmart there allow rv parking. And I saw they had a flying J. However, I also saw a sign to a Lion’s Club run campground and decided I just might take a night there (if the price was right and they had wifi). Well, I found the park, price was $32 or $33 – but no wifi and no available pull throughs. Well, I wasn’t paying that if I couldn’t get wifi, and it was still early enough in the day. So I headed over by the Flying J – it didn’t have rv parking, and I didn’t want to be in among the trucks. I got back on the interstate and headed on down the road. Good decision. I stopped at a pull out and looked to see what I could do to get off the friggin interstate (shouldn’t have ever come up that way). And found another route that would go past a provincial park. I’d already passed a few with cg’s and the cg’s were open – so headed to…

My Site at Aspen Beach Provincial Park

The campground had a separate name … Brewers CG … within the park. Nice park, and I guarantee they get very busy in the summer! That said, it has been a beautiful couple last few days … warm days, cool (well, cold) nights. But the warm days have been wonderful, and the cool/cold night have been great for sleeping. I simply turn on my heater about 15 minutes (well, one day a good 1/2 hour) before getting up … then the sun has warmed us up wonderfully. Sandal and even sundress weather for a couple days here. This cg had a beach area (and some people were there) and a store (closed now) that will open shortly – large store, restaurant, etc. Only one loop of the cg was available. And between the cg and beach was an area marked off as breeding grounds for shore birds. I tried to take pics between the trees, as there were quite a few birds sitting, but, unfortunately, most of those didn’t turn out well. Following are pics from this … not many captions … just pics …

Where we are.

Explanation needed. I was trying and trying to get a picture of one of the beautiful little lilac butterflies … but they never stopped flitting and I couldn’t get one. These guys would stop and pose, so I took a pic.

Day two driving in Alberta had it’s frustrating points. The roads were good – well, I screwed up with the help of my GPS and turned wrong – took a different road than intended, but that worked out fine. Just missed one place I would have stopped to see yesterday, but saw another. Had intentions to stop in Whitecourt and see if I could find wifi someplace for a bit. The previous day I had lost one of the caps to my bumper and couldn’t find my replacement one. I know, it’s here somewhere – but I saw an rv place in Whitecourt so went in and bought one. I actually like the one I bought – it locks (supposedly) so maybe I should have bought two. But I still have an extra someplace. Saw it not long ago, just no clue where. Anyway, headed over to park near the McDonald’s – and there signal, while good, kept disappearing – so couldn’t stay online. Was a Super 8 next door – could get on their signal and it asked me for my Super 8 code. So walked into Mickey D’s – and discovered they were having trouble. No kidding. Good 1/2 hour wasted. So headed on down the road. I have no clue what little town I was driving through. Pretty much a couple blocks long after you turn off the highway, but I decided to try, since there was parking all along the long street. Lots of signals, mainly encrypted … people are getting smart. Even some of the motels were. But one weak signal wasn’t encrypted. I figured out who it was, moved closer to that building … voila, internet. Checked emails quickly and took care of business … then got back on the road. Temps were still nice, but winds had started picking up and were continuing to do so. Wanted to get to a destination for the night. I had a few provincial parks eyed on the map and stopped short of Grande Prairie at …

Williamson Provincial Park

my site at Williamson - a pull through

This park actually had a combination of dry camping and electric sites. I chose dry – if there had been wifi (actually had an AT&T signal here … but not going with international data!) I would have taken electric … but no need. Temps were still nice, but winds were getting worse and worse. By Peaches and my last walk, temps were dropping outside also. My site didn’t feel the winds at all. Another beautiful campground on Sturgeon Lake … only a few pics …

Since we couldn’t feel the wind in the rv, had no idea until I was walking Peaches that it hadn’t ever lessened overnight. Before bed I had kind of planned a route for today of about 185 miles. We didn’t get that far. I did dump and got gas … prices are going up now. Yesterday when I got gas, the lady at the station told me I was smart, she was the last station I’d see at those prices ($1.109/liter) as today I paid $1.24 … expected, so not complaining.

As to money – I did stop at a bank and get Canadian money … need it to pay for sites at the provincial parks where it’s cash only in envelopes on the honor system. One of my credit cards didn’t work at the pump at the first gas station in Canada – even though I had told them I’d be in Canada. Yesterday when I got online, had an email from them saying they had potential fraud … blah, blah, blah. Had to go in and mark it as I really HAD tried to use my card, just like I told them I’d be doing. Just a fact of life and one reason I always try to have back up. And did. In more ways than one.

Today, I entered British Columbia. And arrived at ….

Dawson Creek, Mile 0, Alaskan Highway

Peaches doesn't understand the thrill.

Due to fires last time, we didn’t come over to Dawson Creek – so this historic beginning of the Alaskan Highway is a first for me, as will the next few stops be. Because of the horrendous winds, I decided to stay here and get a site with electric.

Stopped at the Mile “0″ Campground run by the city. There was a sign on the door “back at 3″. So I picked a pull through 30 amp site and decided I’d pay whatever it cost. However, when I plugged in, nothing worked. Before playing around, I just came in and figured I’d wait – my solar and invertor were fine. Now, little did I know that this strip of British Columbia that is before the change from mountain time to western time doesn’t change time … they stick with the rest of British Columbia. So, when I thought it was 3, no one was there. Came on line and learned why. An hour later, someone was there… wasn’t me, the electric wasn’t working to the entire row, which we found out together and with a couple who arrived and pulled into the same row. He said he’s not charge me more for a 50 amp pull through – so I took it. Then he gave me a LOWER rate for being so nice about it all. He’s only been working a couple weeks – we were using my coverter from 30 to 20 and then my ground tester checking the outlets. He gave me a 50 to 30 adaptor for the site I’m in – I moved … and here I sit. Oh, he also only charged me for a back-in 30 amp site. It’s even snowed on us here today … good start to mile zero wouldn’t you say? Peaches loves it and doesn’t understand why I don’t want to be out there. The temps aren’t bothering me … the wind is horrendous.

Talked with the couple who pulled in …. She is ready to call it quits and head back to warmer temps. I told her she really left for north awfully early … a few more weeks would make a big difference. Told them if they aren’t in any hurry to really take there time – that temps will be better … NOT like our southern states, but right now, Alaska is still waiting on snow to melt. I mean, so are lots of our upper states … I had snow in pics from Montana … and not just in the mountains. Hopefully she’ll feel better as they go on.

That said, I’m anxious to move on – and to figure out where I think tomorrow and the next day will lead. I’m ahead of schedule, so if this wind is still around and predicted to continue tomorrow, I might just hole up another day. Or not. Time will tell.

5/6/2012 – St. Mary Campground in Glacier National Park

I originally had this on my route – including going back up through the Canadian NP’s. However, considering the early date I was leaving, I changed my mind and rerouted inland. Then, driving on 5/6, I stopped, took a long look, and saw I only was talking 20 or so miles to go west to St. Mary and then come back east for the inland route. Well, maybe a little more – but who’s counting – and if I was doing it over again, knowing what I do now (I’m much further along as I type this) I would go back to my original route and take my time. But how do you know if you don’t try? All that said, I’m SO glad I decided to stop here – and the weather was wonderful, a sweatshirt kept me warm, and Peaches and I … well, here’s the pics.

On the Road to Glacier National Park

Around Glacier NP is Blackfeet country – and you are welcomed by beautiful statues no matter which way you enter (or leave) their country. I won’t try to give all the info on them – I drove past 2 of their statues. For more information here’s their website (and it’s worth reading) http://www.blackfeetcountry.com/blackfeetnation.html
Unfortunately, I didn’t stop and get a picture, as I was positive I had pictures from last time through this country. Guess what? Can’t find them. Started to “borrow” one from online, but you can see them at that link if you so desire.

My Site at St. Mary Campground - Glacier NP

I elected a pull-thru site, so I wouldn’t need to unhook the car. There were only a few of us there and prices were dropped for the preseason. Actually, the cg (weather permitting is open year-round with it being free for about 3 months. For the time I was there, charges were in effect – $10 (or $5 with the pass). Water wasn’t on, but one rest room was open.

There are advantages to this season – you can see for long distances.

Looking at St. Mary Lake and the mountains from the campground

Last time here, my walks were around the campground. I can’t figure out why I didn’t walk more to the lake, etc. Peaches and I certainly did this time.

We scared about 6-8 deer from the campground area as we walked through.

Checking out the bird who went in for the kill.

While we were looking at the water, a bird (I think an eagle – things happened to fast to be sure) swooped down and into the water behind some bushes. I could see a fight – well, water splashing like crazy, then doing so again a little further on – then all was silent. The above bird came swooping in to see the action, then flew off. The victorious bird was sitting behind the bushes enjoying a meal. Anyone who has seen an eagle with it’s food – well, that can take a long time. They enjoy it. Again, I can’t be positive it was an eagle… but I believe it was.

The growth the bird and it's reward were behind.

Flying over the lake.

Peaches on the wall on the other side.

By otherside – the side looking towards the campground. The actual lake is on the other side of the road.

Foreground, the backwaters area, background, the lake, then the Rockies.

We still weren’t seeing tree climbing squirrels – so the next is again either a ground squirrel or a prairie dog, and I don’t profess to be able to tell them apart. All I know is Peaches can’t understand them disappearing into the ground like the lizards she chase do.

Frozen in time - it works - temporarily.

Deer at dusk

Morning view of the Rockies behind St. Mary Lake from the campground.

I know, I know – it looks a lot like the pic from the afternoon before.

St Mary Lake is one DEEP lake.

Bald Eagle soaring over the lake this morning.

Peaches and I scared them into flight, before we saw them.

They didn’t go far – and landed again in St. Mary Lake.

We had a great overnight here. Someday I WILL be here when the roads are open and I can really get into Glacier NP. Let’s just say it stays and stays on my bucket list.

5/5/12 – Holter Lake BLM CG, MT, about 50 miles before Great Falls, MT

Where I turned for the BLM CG at Holter Lake there was also a place rv’s could pay and park on the opposite side of the road near where lots of people were fishing. I stopped to take a look – more expensive, and just spots right next to each other – mainly for people fishing, but got some interesting info:

Mann Gulch Fire

Turning onto the correct road, there was this sign:

Beartooth State Recreation Area

Until this sign, I didn’t know about the BLM CG, just the Log Gulch CG. Turns out I liked the unnamed BLM CG better (well, it was further down to Log Gulch – and between the 2, the road stopped being paved and wasn’t in the best shape. Log Gulch still had more people – as, since all the sites at the BLM CG were back-ins, I had to unhitch the car, so took a ride to check it out. Being before the season officially starts, no charge at either.

Driving in the couple miles to the BLM CG – I stopped with my mouth open. I had no idea this was an area for …

White Pelicans

And, yep, my bird book confirms them here. Live and learn.

Looking at the lake from the site I chose.

Peaches tested the water.

Looking back towards our site from the boat launch area.

Almost all the sites are gigantic - making room for rv, car and boat.

Deer were all around us.

White Pelicans visited in the water and flying overhead.

And various ducks.

White Pelican

White Pelican in flight

Geese

Deer

I was here on a Saturday night in weather I wouldn’t consider boating/fishing weather. Don’t tell that to the locals who were here in abundance. That said, there were plenty of sites available, and it was FREE… hahaha – although in season it’s $10 or $5 with you Golden Age pass if I remember correctly.

I will come back if in this area – beautiful – loved it here.

5/3-5/2012, South Tourist Park, Idaho Falls, ID

I usually have a few places in mind I can stop for the night. Sometimes never look at them – sometimes, like with this park, I definitely want to check it out. You’re only supposed to stay here one night, and I’m breaking the rules, but sometimes rules are meant to be broken.

South Tourist Park

South Tourist Park is along the Snake River about 1 or so miles south of downtown (or in a smaller town is it uptown?) Idaho Falls. The park has a dump station, fresh water, bathrooms (no showers), places for both tents and rv’s to stay and is beautifully maintained.

There are several geese families.

Peaches reading the park's rules.

Some of the back-in spaces.

Only a few minutes later, someone took one of those.

It was chilly out and I’m guessing the water was cold, but try telling that to my cold-weather dog …

Peaches doing what she does best.

Two geese families passing.

At one point yesterday I saw a baby goose that seemed to have gotten left behind. For a bit I thought a pair without babies took it on, then they left. Then one adult goose came and kept nudging the baby – hopefully they bonded. Today, though, a fisherman accidentally snared a baby. Those who know me, yep, I cried. I know they don’t all reach adulthood, but would rather not see it. I didn’t take a picture of that poor baby – the memory will stay with me too long as it is.

My site at South Tourist Park

My long pull-thru could have fit another rig easily – but it’s not full here, so I didn’t worry about how far I pulled up. I liked, for small rigs, the back-ins more, but since I did not want to unhook the car, a pull-thru was perfect.

Can I join?

The answer was no - he was left there alone.

Flying

There’s a walking/jogging/biking trail that comes through the park. Peaches and I have walked it quite a distance both ways from the park. When going south, we have a drive-in movie to the opposite side of us from the water. Yep, a real drive-in that looks like it’s in good condition. As we continue, we reach a sign saying no boating, fishing, etc beyond this point – dangerous waters. We’re almost at …

The dam drop off

Sun setting out my window last night.

Upon getting up today, I still planned to head north, even though the weather didn’t look good. I did a couple blog posts, then did head out. I went shopping at Walmart, then got my hair cut and didn’t like that the wind from the morning had stayed with – and the weather north still looked bad (and is predicted worse overnight tonight) so I came back to this park that has a one-night restriction. My fingers and toes are crossed that they won’t say anything – since it’s not too busy. Peaches is thrilled, as she loved walking here and we hadn’t gone too far on the path north.

I’m in Prairie Dog country, so am guessing that is what I’m seeing popping in and out of the ground.

Do you think there might be babies in the nest?

3 Pics of her in the water this time - all of them with her eyes closed!

Walking the path north of the park, you head towards town – past the hydro-electric plant on the opposite side of the river.

Looking towards town and shopping

Peaches and I stopped while I talked to a man also staying here. He and his wife are into their 8th year fulltime and come up to work one of the national parks up here every summer. While we were talking, a pair of mallards kept walking up closer and closer.

Begging mallards

They were only a couple feet away when Peaches couldn’t stand being so good any longer and tried to run at them. I had her leash tight, and it didn’t work, but they ran off. She was being so good, that I was hoping my next shot would have them and her in the same frame. Ah, I didn’t really expect that, did I?

Tonight's site

I’m in an area further south tonight – where tenters aren’t allowed. The man I talked to and his wife took the site I had been in. No problem. But I had to laugh. They arrived this morning before I left. First they started to park where no one is supposed to park – between the garbage cans and entrances to the bathrooms. (Can’t imagine anyone wanting to park there, either.) Then he went the wrong way and started backing into one of the back-in spaces. He was at a really awkward angle and got out and they were walking the dogs when I pulled out. I don’t think they ever saw the area I’m in tonight south of the other section. They did move, though, and took the pull-thru I was in last night. For 8 years in – I thought it all a little strange. BUT, I could tell tales on me these past few days – so while I smile – will say nothing else.

Flying overhead

I’ll be carefully monitoring the weather in the morning. If they get the snow overnight (which won’t last too long into the day, I’ll leave a tad later and give it the chance to melt and the roads to dry.) There’s no reason for me to play with bad weather. Mildly bad, no problem – but nothing beyond that, thank you.

Tomorrow – hopefully somewhere in Montana – then Canada, here I come.

5/1 – 2/2012, Salt Lake City

My visit to SLC was planned to visit a friend from the women’s forum, Sheila. I was also hoping I’d get to meet Janice from that same forum. Luck held and Janice was in town. I got a site across from Sheila and Larry at the KOA where they are staying and Janice came over – the 3 of us ladies went for dinner.

Janice, Sheila, Beth

We had a great dinner. My intentions were to get that picture with our fresh plates of food. Ha. Luckily I remembered when we were finished and waiting for take out containers! The restaurant was excellent – omg – would go back in a heartbeat. The Red Iguana in Salt Lake City.

We went back to the cg, and Sheila got a fire going in her outside fireplace. Larry joined us for a bit and we talked, and talked – finally splitting up. It was so wonderful to meet Janice and to see Sheila again (and to meet her husband, Larry!).

My SLC KOA campsite

My original intentions were to leave after one night, but I decided in the morning to stay another day – get the rv cleaned up some, better organized, laundry done one last time before I get to Valdez, insurance papers gathered to where I want them up front, etc. It was both a tough and easy decision. Staying and not going to see Janice again was hard. I did agree with Sheila to meet for dinner. But other than some wonderful walks with Peaches (pics to follow) I worked.

Luckily, just outside this KOA is a path along the Jordan River.

Jordan River Parkway

It’s wonderful. There are bridges to cross sides of the river and on the opposite side the path is actually paved and there is a large city park. Also, further down there is an off-leash dog area. Unfortunately, 2 of the walks I did without my camera – but 2 of them, I took it –

Mallard Couple

There were several mallard couples on the river. And a few rogue males. Unfortunately, I didn’t see any females for those single fellas. And some of the couples would try to chase the single males off – their life isn’t easy.

Small, fast flying birds

There were at least 50 of these little birds flying around, over and under one of the bridges across the river. Geez, they are fast. If occasionally a few hadn’t landed at the side, I never would have gotten any pics of them. Sneaky little buggers.

One of them in flight - only cuz I got him taking off from that group.

As you can tell, I thought they were cute little buggers.

Nap time.

Canada Geese

Growing up and living all my life in the midwest, I never saw lots of species of birds before I started rv’ing. One that I fell in love with – probably because of how they stand out is…

Magpie

Looking in my bird book I discovered there are black-billed magpies (above) and yellow-billed ones. Now I’m going to have to keep my eyes out in the future to see if I can find a yellow-billed magpie.

Black-billed Magpie

Black-billed Magpie in Flight

I guess those that live in an area with them find them as common as I do a robin – beautiful, but common. To me, they are just wonderful – well, obviously, I love them all.

Can anyone tell me what the tuft on the top of this female mallards head signifies?

I left SLC on the morning of 5/2 – and next up – Idaho Falls.

4/30/2012 – Devils Canyon CG, just north of Blanding, Utah

My site at Devils Canyon Campground

Since I stayed at Canyon de Chelly until close to 2 in the afternoon, I kept my eyes open for places I might want to stop earlier than what I had originally intended. I saw several places I’d like to spend time in, but didn’t want to stop THAT soon. This national forest cg though, caught my attention, and wasn’t going to make the next day too terribly long. Wonderful place. $5 with the Golden Age, etc passes, otherwise $10. No hookups, but this is a NFS campground that does take reservations. Sites are large, with sites to handle the biggest rigs. They are paved – some back-ins, some pull thrus. I chose the pull thru as I had no intention of unhooking the car.

My picnic area including a neat fire ring.

Peaches and I quickly discovered just walking the cg would take us quite awhile. And on the other end I saw a trail which I told her we’d save for morning.

The Forest and Man Trail

off we go

Peaches waiting for Mom again.

It was a very interesting trail. It was shorter than the walk to get to it, and then back again, though. Which is also beautiful.

some blossoming cg flowers

White and light purple flowers

The light purple flowers were just gorgeous – unfortunately, not sure if operator error on the camera, or because of no sun, but no matter how I took the pictures, those looked just as white as the white flowers.

Peaches and I got back in the rv, and it’s time to head for Salt Lake City. Here’s some “through the windshield pics”:

On the road to SLC

On the road to SLC

On the road to SLC

We stopped at a rest area for a break and walk.

The site was originally part of a ranch homesteaded in 1885

Lots of history here, including railroading in Spanish Fork Canyon

and a trail that made Peaches happy

It was a pleasure to enjoy a rest area so much. But then – back on the road -

On the road to SLC

Up next, my visit in SLC.