Fairbanks,AK., June 30
Hi folks, we headed towards Fairbanks today and stopped at Chena. Lake campground. It is a beautiful secluded park nestled in the woods. We drove into Fairbanks to the North Pole and visited Santa house. Since I love Christmas, I felt right at home. We drove around and found a neat park where we will stay tomorrow right in Fairbanks. There is a lot to do right in town. We visited The University of Alaska Museum which was wonderful. So much to learn about this great state. The art work was fabulous. Fairbanks is the second most populated city in Alaska. The weather was cloudy but sunny in the afternoon with temps in the mid 60's. A great day! We feel so blessed to be able to experience the treasures that are offered here.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tok, AK
Tok, Alaska, June 28-29
Finally after driving 4000 miles, we are in Alaska . Yesterday we left Whitehorse and drove until 2:00, thinking we were just going to rest. But since it was raining and the roads were less than desirable we just stayed. We played games and watched movies for fun. I forgot to mention in previous posts that it never gets dark. All through Canada it stayed light until God knows when. We usually go to bed at 11:00 and we can still see the sun. When we get up at 6:00, it is bright. Even when the sun sets, it is still light outside. Isn't that a scream? We got up this morning and started out for Alaska. We had to drive some pretty rough roads because of the frost heaves. They are constantly working on them. That was quite an experience. Thank God that isn't the norm.
We arrived across the border at noon. We are now on Alaska time which is 4 hours behind Ohio. We stopped for fuel and the visiter's centerand drove to our spot for the night. See you tomorrow in Fairbanks
Finally after driving 4000 miles, we are in Alaska . Yesterday we left Whitehorse and drove until 2:00, thinking we were just going to rest. But since it was raining and the roads were less than desirable we just stayed. We played games and watched movies for fun. I forgot to mention in previous posts that it never gets dark. All through Canada it stayed light until God knows when. We usually go to bed at 11:00 and we can still see the sun. When we get up at 6:00, it is bright. Even when the sun sets, it is still light outside. Isn't that a scream? We got up this morning and started out for Alaska. We had to drive some pretty rough roads because of the frost heaves. They are constantly working on them. That was quite an experience. Thank God that isn't the norm.
We arrived across the border at noon. We are now on Alaska time which is 4 hours behind Ohio. We stopped for fuel and the visiter's centerand drove to our spot for the night. See you tomorrow in Fairbanks
Whitehorse
Whitehorse, Capitol of the Yukon, June27
Hi everyone, we had a wonderful drive getting to Whitehorse. We have such a connection with this magnificent land. Such peace and serenity we feel as we look at the clear blue lakes surrounded by majestic mountains. Wow, is all we can say. This is certainly beyond anything we expected.
Whitehorse was named after the historic rapids on the Yukon River which resembled the flowing manes of charging white horses. It was founded during theKlondike gold rush. The section of river upriver from town, Miles Canyon and White horse Rapids, was so dangerous that two rail trams were built around it. This was also the head of navigation of theYukon, a natural place for a town. And what a town it is! There is so much to do here. We didn't do a lot of the touristy things because we would rather drive around looking at everything. I did walk to town to visit some shops. We saw the S.S.Klondike which represented an age when the city of Whitehorse served a major function as the transportation hub of this entire region, taking miners, their families and those who wished to take advantage of the Gold Rush.
We are getting excited to see Alaska, but certainly our journey getting there is a treasure we'll never forget!
Hi everyone, we had a wonderful drive getting to Whitehorse. We have such a connection with this magnificent land. Such peace and serenity we feel as we look at the clear blue lakes surrounded by majestic mountains. Wow, is all we can say. This is certainly beyond anything we expected.
Whitehorse was named after the historic rapids on the Yukon River which resembled the flowing manes of charging white horses. It was founded during theKlondike gold rush. The section of river upriver from town, Miles Canyon and White horse Rapids, was so dangerous that two rail trams were built around it. This was also the head of navigation of theYukon, a natural place for a town. And what a town it is! There is so much to do here. We didn't do a lot of the touristy things because we would rather drive around looking at everything. I did walk to town to visit some shops. We saw the S.S.Klondike which represented an age when the city of Whitehorse served a major function as the transportation hub of this entire region, taking miners, their families and those who wished to take advantage of the Gold Rush.
We are getting excited to see Alaska, but certainly our journey getting there is a treasure we'll never forget!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Slow Internet connections
Hi folks
Due to slow internet connection speeds in these desolate locations, uploading pictures can be difficult,so we will send when we can.
Due to slow internet connection speeds in these desolate locations, uploading pictures can be difficult,so we will send when we can.
Dawson Creek
Alaska highway, June 23-25
Hi folks, We arrived at Dawson Creek Thursday afternoon. It started raining and it didn't stop until Sat. Morning. We stayed at the Wal-Mart for 2 nights. We had a great Wi-fi signal so we caught up on our e-mails and blog. I couldn't walk outside so I walked inside Wal-Mart. I knew the store so well I started straightening shelves. We left Dawson Sat. Morning and started at mile 0 on the Alaskan highway. We drove through some more of the Canadian Rockies which do not look the same as the Rockies we drove in Alberta. Most of the mountains were covered with pine trees and they are not as high. Some were similar to the Badlands. We passed a lot of wildlife. Moose, Mountain goats and Elk. Beautiful scenic vistas took our breath away. The weather was sunny and temps were in the 70's. The days we have spent in the mountains have been beautiful and sunny. As I write this we are parked at a roadside camp with 3 other campers. We have had no trouble getting a site at any campground we have been to. Tomorrow we plan to stop at Watson Lake. See you then.
Hi folks, We arrived at Dawson Creek Thursday afternoon. It started raining and it didn't stop until Sat. Morning. We stayed at the Wal-Mart for 2 nights. We had a great Wi-fi signal so we caught up on our e-mails and blog. I couldn't walk outside so I walked inside Wal-Mart. I knew the store so well I started straightening shelves. We left Dawson Sat. Morning and started at mile 0 on the Alaskan highway. We drove through some more of the Canadian Rockies which do not look the same as the Rockies we drove in Alberta. Most of the mountains were covered with pine trees and they are not as high. Some were similar to the Badlands. We passed a lot of wildlife. Moose, Mountain goats and Elk. Beautiful scenic vistas took our breath away. The weather was sunny and temps were in the 70's. The days we have spent in the mountains have been beautiful and sunny. As I write this we are parked at a roadside camp with 3 other campers. We have had no trouble getting a site at any campground we have been to. Tomorrow we plan to stop at Watson Lake. See you then.
Watson lake, Yukon Territory, June 26
Hi everyone,
We crossed the border from British Columbia into The Yukon Territory. We have driven 3400 miles so far. Watson Lake is a popular destination for Northbound travelers. Frank Watson, at the age of 14, left California and headed north with his father to seek gold in the Klondike. Now it is a key transportation, communication and distribution centre for mining and logging in the southern Yukon. It is the "Yukon's Gateway."
When we got here, we arrived at our campground and started sightseeing. The best known attraction was The Sign Post Forest. So famous, it is known and mimicked around the world. The forest was started in 1942 by a homesick U.S. army G.I. While working on the Alaskan Highway, he erected a sign pointing the way and stating the mileage to his hometown. Others followed his lead and are still doing so to this day. There are 72,000 signs posted.
We visited the Alaska Interpretive centre and saw a movie about the history of the highway. That was so interesting! We drove to Wye lake and took a nature hike around the whole lake. After dinner we visited the Northern Lights Centre and saw a show on Aurora Borealis. A busy and very interesting day. What tomorrow holds we don't have a clue! But one thing for sure is we are enjoying every moment like its our last. Love to all!
We crossed the border from British Columbia into The Yukon Territory. We have driven 3400 miles so far. Watson Lake is a popular destination for Northbound travelers. Frank Watson, at the age of 14, left California and headed north with his father to seek gold in the Klondike. Now it is a key transportation, communication and distribution centre for mining and logging in the southern Yukon. It is the "Yukon's Gateway."
When we got here, we arrived at our campground and started sightseeing. The best known attraction was The Sign Post Forest. So famous, it is known and mimicked around the world. The forest was started in 1942 by a homesick U.S. army G.I. While working on the Alaskan Highway, he erected a sign pointing the way and stating the mileage to his hometown. Others followed his lead and are still doing so to this day. There are 72,000 signs posted.
We visited the Alaska Interpretive centre and saw a movie about the history of the highway. That was so interesting! We drove to Wye lake and took a nature hike around the whole lake. After dinner we visited the Northern Lights Centre and saw a show on Aurora Borealis. A busy and very interesting day. What tomorrow holds we don't have a clue! But one thing for sure is we are enjoying every moment like its our last. Love to all!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Jasper Nat'l Park, Alberta, Ca. June 22
Sorry folks if the posts aren't coming every day. We are in pretty remote areas where wi-fi isn't available. Today we are eating pizza in a place that offers free internet service.
We started out this morning on The Icefields Parkway which is a 230 km. highway which in our language in around 150 miles. Beautiful, gorgeous mountain ranges the whole way. I probably took 200 pictures. What a breathtaking sight! We arrived in Jasper at noon and set up camp. After lunch we drove around and saw some pretty lakes and other mountain ranges. The town is quaint and very rustic. I read that Alberta's parks are more developed because of the Railway system that runs along the Canadian Rockies. This is our last park in Alberta and then off to Dawson Creek which is a couple of days away. That is the beginning of the Alaskan Highway, mile 0' We will then be in British Columbia. That goes through the Yukon Territories before we get to Alaska. The only downside to being here is I can't use the phone. I miss you all, family and friends. Especially my newest little Grandson, Benjamin. Give your Mommy and Daddy and sisters a hug for me. And hugs for all of the rest of you too. We love you!
We started out this morning on The Icefields Parkway which is a 230 km. highway which in our language in around 150 miles. Beautiful, gorgeous mountain ranges the whole way. I probably took 200 pictures. What a breathtaking sight! We arrived in Jasper at noon and set up camp. After lunch we drove around and saw some pretty lakes and other mountain ranges. The town is quaint and very rustic. I read that Alberta's parks are more developed because of the Railway system that runs along the Canadian Rockies. This is our last park in Alberta and then off to Dawson Creek which is a couple of days away. That is the beginning of the Alaskan Highway, mile 0' We will then be in British Columbia. That goes through the Yukon Territories before we get to Alaska. The only downside to being here is I can't use the phone. I miss you all, family and friends. Especially my newest little Grandson, Benjamin. Give your Mommy and Daddy and sisters a hug for me. And hugs for all of the rest of you too. We love you!
Banff
Alberta Canada, Banff Nat’l Park, Canadian Rockies, June 19
We are in Canada wishing you were here with us. We drove most of the day yesterday in the rain and stopped overnight in Alberta. We drove this morning into Banff Nat’l Park. What a beauty of a park! It has everything you would ever want. You would never lack for things to do. It has so many spectacular scenic vistas that you can walk, drive, gondolla, fly, however you want to go.
Banff Nat’l Park was established in 1885 and the Park has always been about preservation and enjoyment of nature. It is 6,641 sq. kms 2,564 sq mi). We visited Banff Springs Hotel which opened in 1888. Designed in the Scottish baronial style, in a nod to the town’s namesake Banffshire, Scotland, the hotel was designed a National Historic Site in 1992. We drove to the top of Tunnel Mountain where the best view is. Then we drove through the town, which resembles Jackson Hole. We will visit there tomorrow where we can spend more time. (especially Cow’s ice cream parlor). Our campground is on Tunnel Mountain. There are over 300 beautiful sites. We love it here. Thank you, Canada, for this beautiful park.
We are in Canada wishing you were here with us. We drove most of the day yesterday in the rain and stopped overnight in Alberta. We drove this morning into Banff Nat’l Park. What a beauty of a park! It has everything you would ever want. You would never lack for things to do. It has so many spectacular scenic vistas that you can walk, drive, gondolla, fly, however you want to go.
Banff Nat’l Park was established in 1885 and the Park has always been about preservation and enjoyment of nature. It is 6,641 sq. kms 2,564 sq mi). We visited Banff Springs Hotel which opened in 1888. Designed in the Scottish baronial style, in a nod to the town’s namesake Banffshire, Scotland, the hotel was designed a National Historic Site in 1992. We drove to the top of Tunnel Mountain where the best view is. Then we drove through the town, which resembles Jackson Hole. We will visit there tomorrow where we can spend more time. (especially Cow’s ice cream parlor). Our campground is on Tunnel Mountain. There are over 300 beautiful sites. We love it here. Thank you, Canada, for this beautiful park.
Lake Louise, Banff Nat’l Park, June 21, 2011
What a wonderful day we had in this beautiful, scenic country! We arrived at Lake Louise Campground this morning and visited (or tried to visit) Lake Louise . There was road construction and tons of people so we turned around in the parking lot and left. We then visited Lake Moraine Lake Louise . We went there after supper and what a surprise! A little history: Lake Louise showcases the main range of the Rocky Mountains . Tom Wilson, a horsepacker for The Canadian Pacific Railroad survey, heard a roar of a distant avalanche. Edwin Hunter, an Indian, told him it came from “snow mountain above the lake of little fishes”. The next day, Edwin led Tom to the Lake . Tom was the first non-native person to see it. He was so impressed by the color, he called it Emerald lake. In 1884, the lake became known as Lake Louise in honor of Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the 4th daughter of Queen Victoria Florida Keys . The glaciers surrounding the lake make it one of the most famous photo destinations in the country.
I know this is just a sample of the beautiful sights we are going to see. Tomorrow we are going to Jasper, another great park in Canada
Monday, June 20, 2011
Banff
Alberta Canada, Banff Nat’l Park, Canadian Rockies, June 19
We are in Canada wishing you were here with us. We drove most of the day yesterday in the rain and stopped overnight in Alberta. We drove this morning into Banff Nat’l Park. What a beauty of a park! It has everything you would ever want. You would never lack for things to do. It has so many spectacular scenic vistas that you can walk, drive, gondolla, fly, however you want to go.
Banff Nat’l Park was established in 1885 and the Park has always been about preservation and enjoyment of nature. It is 6,641 sq. kms 2,564 sq mi). We visited Banff Springs Hotel which opened in 1888. Designed in the Scottish baronial style, in a nod to the town’s namesake Banffshire, Scotland, the hotel was designed a National Historic Site in 1992. We drove to the top of Tunnel Mountain where the best view is. Then we drove through the town, which resembles Jackson Hole. We will visit there tomorrow where we can spend more time. (especially Cow’s ice cream parlor). Our campground is on Tunnel Mountain. There are over 300 beautiful sites. We love it here. Thank you, Canada, for this beautiful park.
We are in Canada wishing you were here with us. We drove most of the day yesterday in the rain and stopped overnight in Alberta. We drove this morning into Banff Nat’l Park. What a beauty of a park! It has everything you would ever want. You would never lack for things to do. It has so many spectacular scenic vistas that you can walk, drive, gondolla, fly, however you want to go.
Banff Nat’l Park was established in 1885 and the Park has always been about preservation and enjoyment of nature. It is 6,641 sq. kms 2,564 sq mi). We visited Banff Springs Hotel which opened in 1888. Designed in the Scottish baronial style, in a nod to the town’s namesake Banffshire, Scotland, the hotel was designed a National Historic Site in 1992. We drove to the top of Tunnel Mountain where the best view is. Then we drove through the town, which resembles Jackson Hole. We will visit there tomorrow where we can spend more time. (especially Cow’s ice cream parlor). Our campground is on Tunnel Mountain. There are over 300 beautiful sites. We love it here. Thank you, Canada, for this beautiful park.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Makoshika State Park, Montana, June 16
Hi everyone, I heard it said that the joy is in the journey, not the destination. So I decided to start posting early. I was going to start when we got to the Canadian Rockies, but we are having such a good time, I wanted to share it with you.
We started out on Monday and drove 2 hard days and decided to take it easy for a couple of days so here we are at Makoshika State Park.
To the Sioux Indians, Ma-ko-shi-ka meant bad earth or bad land. Today, as Montana's largest state park, the pine and juniper studded badland formations house the fossil remains of such dinosaurs as tyrannosaurus rex and triceratops. We didn't expect the badlands to be in Montana but they are so similar to the badlands in S. Dakota, we were amazed. They are more whimsical in nature with their fluted hillsides, pinnacles and caprocks. We drove the dirt roads overlooking the park and it is quite a sight! Lots of walking trails, archery range and other attractions. I can't believe we are on the road again. I think we were born to do this. We just started and I am as excited as a little girl. Love you all
We started out on Monday and drove 2 hard days and decided to take it easy for a couple of days so here we are at Makoshika State Park.
To the Sioux Indians, Ma-ko-shi-ka meant bad earth or bad land. Today, as Montana's largest state park, the pine and juniper studded badland formations house the fossil remains of such dinosaurs as tyrannosaurus rex and triceratops. We didn't expect the badlands to be in Montana but they are so similar to the badlands in S. Dakota, we were amazed. They are more whimsical in nature with their fluted hillsides, pinnacles and caprocks. We drove the dirt roads overlooking the park and it is quite a sight! Lots of walking trails, archery range and other attractions. I can't believe we are on the road again. I think we were born to do this. We just started and I am as excited as a little girl. Love you all
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