tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22584050581326836152024-03-13T07:13:01.119-07:00Sally Saw...I came, I saw, I captured the moment. Then I went back to my quilting.Sally in WAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986783811683407554noreply@blogger.comBlogger403125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258405058132683615.post-70267058310148508492016-08-27T11:46:00.001-07:002016-08-27T11:46:54.690-07:00Alaska Adventure Part Sixteen - The Final ChapterOur last border crossing back into the U.S. at Roosville, Montana was uneventful and speedy. Six crossings over the journey and each one was pleasant and fast. No ripping the rig apart looking for contraband. Be nice to the agents, answer the questions, and smile! No sense getting smart or nasty with them. It will just make your day that much more ugly.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome Home!</td></tr>
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Our destination on this leg of the trip was Libby. We wound along the shoreline of Lake Koocanusa for many miles. The lake is 90 miles long with approximately 50 miles on the U.S. side of the border and 40 in Canada. It is actually a reservoir behind the Libby Dam. The name comes from combining the first three letters of Kootenay (or Kootenai) and Canada plus USA. It was the winning entry to name the reservoir after the dam was built in the early 1970's.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Koocanusa Bridge</td></tr>
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We were able to visit Libby Dam and tour their visitor center on one of our non-travel days. They have a nice visitor center with several hands-on displays. A tour is also offered but we were not able to take it due to having the dog with us. It was too warm outside to leave him in the truck.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Libby Dam</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Koocanusa Behind the Dam</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another View of Libby Dam</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us at the Dam</td></tr>
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We also made a quick visit to Kootenai Falls located west of Libby. It was quick because the steps down from the pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks were metal grated. Trip did not like walking on them and he is too heavy to carry down three long flights of stairs. I went ahead and took the short hike over to the falls.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kootenai Falls</td></tr>
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Libby is a neat little town. If you have a chance to visit, you should! It is called the City of Eagles and you will find plenty of eagle sculptures scattered around town. You will also see murals painted on several buildings as well as a few other miscellaneous sculptures. I enjoyed visiting Libby.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scenes from Libby</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Sign" for the RV Park</td></tr>
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After three days in Libby, it was time to travel to Kalispell where we would spend another three days. We had time to kill before meeting up with friends at Glacier National Park. Mom and I visited the two quilt shops in town (shocking, I know!) We didn't do much sightseeing here although maybe we should have to escape the RV park. We had a corner site across from the playground and there were plenty of rambunctious children enjoying themselves loudly. <br />
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The days went quickly and then it was rally time! Our truck camper club was gathering outside of the national park at Glacier Campground for five days of fun. Though we were not attending with a truck camper, all were welcomed at the <a href="http://www.natcoa.com/" target="_blank">NATCOA</a> rally. Even us with our fifth wheel. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Rally Hosts Campsite</td></tr>
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Wednesday was arrival day for most people although some of us came a day early. Thursday we caravanned to Polebridge. The mercantile was completed in 1914 to serve the homesteaders in the North Fork region and continues to do so today. The bakery is marvelous!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polebridge Mercantile</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bar in Polebridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Group Enjoying Baked Goods</td></tr>
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Thursday afternoon's forecast was for wind and rain and Mother Nature delivered. Unfortunately, a local musician, <a href="http://www.davidwalburn.com/" target="_blank">David Walburn</a>, was scheduled to play at the rally--outdoors of course. We had a few canopies set up and added a big blue tarp to the campsite area so we would have shelter from the elements. The temps got a little chilly as the evening wore on, but the music was worth braving the storm. We liked his music so much I ended up purchasing three of his CDs. He is a great storyteller, songwriter and musician.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David Walburn</td></tr>
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The skies were clear the next morning when a small group of us took a hike to Avalanche Lake. It was a five mile round trip with minimal elevation gain. It felt like it was much more than that as we seemed to keep climbing and climbing. But we made it! The view was spectacular!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Burnt Tree</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rich & Joanne Leading the Hike</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View From an Avalanche Area</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunlight Dappling the Forest Floor</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avalanche Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mOo-3DmNkQg/V8G2Elfc-dI/AAAAAAAAMOA/Y0oQ3ynxFjYewzELnrhiKJPVsPKkgHPugCLcB/s1600/20160819_Hike6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mOo-3DmNkQg/V8G2Elfc-dI/AAAAAAAAMOA/Y0oQ3ynxFjYewzELnrhiKJPVsPKkgHPugCLcB/s320/20160819_Hike6.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rich @ Avalanche</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fcE39GGjrow/V8G2GV-A5YI/AAAAAAAAMOE/9kMiBRIO_Swmu4k2QJCR4Rc0RtrgyQc5wCLcB/s1600/20160819_Hike7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fcE39GGjrow/V8G2GV-A5YI/AAAAAAAAMOE/9kMiBRIO_Swmu4k2QJCR4Rc0RtrgyQc5wCLcB/s320/20160819_Hike7.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creek Gorge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Friday night was chili cook-off night. We had plenty of entries to choose from including a vegetarian chili that George made. We didn't win any prizes but got to taste some delicious recipes.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hzeqOeREK4/V8G3SLv1CMI/AAAAAAAAMOQ/PwRYRkvRfQ0nxCExr-g6YagOsSdkm9AkgCLcB/s1600/20160819_Chili.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hzeqOeREK4/V8G3SLv1CMI/AAAAAAAAMOQ/PwRYRkvRfQ0nxCExr-g6YagOsSdkm9AkgCLcB/s320/20160819_Chili.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chili Cook-off</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Saturday was Red Bus Tour day! Hooray! I've always wanted to ride the Red Bus through Glacier and here was our chance. Our departure spot was the historic Lake McDonald Lodge. We would be going on three-hour tour (think about that one) along the Going-To-The-Sun Road up to the Logan Pass Visitor Center and back. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G5zWajAkpic/V8G9SnVU3hI/AAAAAAAAMOg/aQs9WXgN2jMBuqVYYx1Xk0HLCLNOmt6hwCLcB/s1600/20160820_LakeMcDonaldLodge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G5zWajAkpic/V8G9SnVU3hI/AAAAAAAAMOg/aQs9WXgN2jMBuqVYYx1Xk0HLCLNOmt6hwCLcB/s320/20160820_LakeMcDonaldLodge.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake McDonald Lodge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9Le6OKb6mc/V8G9S19IHnI/AAAAAAAAMOk/z1X_1pCNJlcZnZciNUCgwI1X5evUFx_5ACLcB/s1600/20160820_RedBus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9Le6OKb6mc/V8G9S19IHnI/AAAAAAAAMOk/z1X_1pCNJlcZnZciNUCgwI1X5evUFx_5ACLcB/s320/20160820_RedBus.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Famous Red Buses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The weather was a bit cool but the skies were clear and the sun was shining down upon us with the roof rolled back as we headed out. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jCjofxvc-sA/V8G9nUazxJI/AAAAAAAAMOo/Maa7bI6F30QV_rV2BSXZ83rwHr_2S-NuQCLcB/s1600/20160820_roofview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jCjofxvc-sA/V8G9nUazxJI/AAAAAAAAMOo/Maa7bI6F30QV_rV2BSXZ83rwHr_2S-NuQCLcB/s320/20160820_roofview.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rooftop Open</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MwClZ-xXWfA/V8G9yfWbN3I/AAAAAAAAMOw/cJpMhro66k8JMujT2USU_xnGdI9vaa-pACLcB/s1600/20160820_LoganPass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MwClZ-xXWfA/V8G9yfWbN3I/AAAAAAAAMOw/cJpMhro66k8JMujT2USU_xnGdI9vaa-pACLcB/s320/20160820_LoganPass.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Logan Pass Visitor Center</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0026xKCPagY/V8G9xSJ5UlI/AAAAAAAAMOs/dMeKF97dws4YfYhRwHr24_v27Jxs8pP8QCLcB/s1600/20160820_valley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0026xKCPagY/V8G9xSJ5UlI/AAAAAAAAMOs/dMeKF97dws4YfYhRwHr24_v27Jxs8pP8QCLcB/s320/20160820_valley.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valley with McDonald Creek Below</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8mVGzoovrvk/V8G_VgznUCI/AAAAAAAAMPE/0LN3Vru0X20BobvD4N2BN8EmfP8XedF0gCLcB/s1600/20160820_bighornsheep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8mVGzoovrvk/V8G_VgznUCI/AAAAAAAAMPE/0LN3Vru0X20BobvD4N2BN8EmfP8XedF0gCLcB/s320/20160820_bighornsheep.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can You Spot the Bighorn Sheep?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rhi_yPh-5VM/V8G_HWCeVMI/AAAAAAAAMPA/dVJkHD-7v_AG-6t9PFWbSCsFjuqQNJczgCLcB/s1600/20160820_Mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rhi_yPh-5VM/V8G_HWCeVMI/AAAAAAAAMPA/dVJkHD-7v_AG-6t9PFWbSCsFjuqQNJczgCLcB/s320/20160820_Mom.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom in the Red Bus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
The Going-To-The-Sun Road is not for the faint of heart. I think the Red Bus drivers must have nerves of steel! Larry, our driver, kept us entertained while navigating the narrow roadway.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cKQPpThD-68/V8G-wHsaCYI/AAAAAAAAMO4/DRrKCDO95SIW9wC_LfQ5jZOLuC6uqTZCwCLcB/s1600/20160820_GTSRoad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cKQPpThD-68/V8G-wHsaCYI/AAAAAAAAMO4/DRrKCDO95SIW9wC_LfQ5jZOLuC6uqTZCwCLcB/s320/20160820_GTSRoad.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yikes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GpxDYX5lPZc/V8G_HCNzNLI/AAAAAAAAMO8/m_SUVKdCeZgRJyIEjkO6TOuu2tnlbHJBACLcB/s1600/20160820_DriverLarry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GpxDYX5lPZc/V8G_HCNzNLI/AAAAAAAAMO8/m_SUVKdCeZgRJyIEjkO6TOuu2tnlbHJBACLcB/s320/20160820_DriverLarry.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Bus and Driver, Larry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Later in the evening, it was Potluck Dinner time at the campground for our group and then prize drawings. We did win one of the prize groupings. Everyone got something!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p2qeR9qWIfg/V8HKYinXiGI/AAAAAAAAMPU/PNP0KvayOB0pO2zpt0KIVfZ9yrxRgdVsQCLcB/s1600/20160822_Deer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p2qeR9qWIfg/V8HKYinXiGI/AAAAAAAAMPU/PNP0KvayOB0pO2zpt0KIVfZ9yrxRgdVsQCLcB/s320/20160822_Deer.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visitor to our Campsite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Most people departed on Sunday but we stayed one more day before heading to Clarkston, Washington. Our trip would include a one night stop over in Missoula, Montana. There was a big fire burning not far from the Flathead Lake area and you could see and smell the smoke from it. Not good! Luckily it did not impact our travel route.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1sTjxC4kKNI/V8HKfJEZkBI/AAAAAAAAMPY/oKw7-7FaoJgEKcvH8bZmaaRWeyWlwuG3gCLcB/s1600/20160822_Smoke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1sTjxC4kKNI/V8HKfJEZkBI/AAAAAAAAMPY/oKw7-7FaoJgEKcvH8bZmaaRWeyWlwuG3gCLcB/s320/20160822_Smoke.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoky Skies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
At our campsite in Missoula, we were seeing several firefighting aircraft coming and going to the nearby airport. We knew there was a smokejumper base at the airport and we took the opportunity to visit Missoula's before leaving town. With wildland fire having had a huge impact on our valley in recent years and the fact that we are located within a few miles of the North Cascade Smokejumper Base, we definitely had to stop.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t1OIY2da2ms/V8HMif59GBI/AAAAAAAAMPg/DsM6MhjSpnU_h8dC4mhDmkjbnDHoZAZ0QCLcB/s1600/20160822_Plane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t1OIY2da2ms/V8HMif59GBI/AAAAAAAAMPg/DsM6MhjSpnU_h8dC4mhDmkjbnDHoZAZ0QCLcB/s320/20160822_Plane.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Airtanker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Our tour started with an explanation of what smokejumpers do...they parachute into remote forest fires to do the initial attack. Hopefully the smokejumpers can successfully put the fire out before it becomes newsworthy. They carry a lot of gear both when jumping, and then when hiking out after the fire. They cannot leave their jumping gear and parachute behind so they have to carry it all out at the end. <br />
<br />
A smokejumper must weigh between 120 and 200 pounds before gear. Their weight determines what size parachute is used. They are also in top notch physical condition since their pack weighs around 110 pounds. They can work 14 to 16 hour days when out on a fire.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X1Qrws6tgI4/V8HO4zhivuI/AAAAAAAAMPo/3TUNI0xzQ5ISum6yNoyxZXcZujiSK_36ACLcB/s1600/20160823_Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X1Qrws6tgI4/V8HO4zhivuI/AAAAAAAAMPo/3TUNI0xzQ5ISum6yNoyxZXcZujiSK_36ACLcB/s320/20160823_Sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcoming Sign</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UrDMVWYNTRI/V8HQ5RVgH4I/AAAAAAAAMP0/o4ut1CzE32oGayb5zDc72AyXXrKDg2pJACLcB/s1600/20160823_JumpGear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UrDMVWYNTRI/V8HQ5RVgH4I/AAAAAAAAMP0/o4ut1CzE32oGayb5zDc72AyXXrKDg2pJACLcB/s320/20160823_JumpGear.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical Jump Suit & Gear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZNg2D8Ti-8/V8HRBRecr4I/AAAAAAAAMP4/Ox2kvpeAWvQIp5QbodpqzotGgZcR8zdEQCLcB/s1600/2016823_FireGear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZNg2D8Ti-8/V8HRBRecr4I/AAAAAAAAMP4/Ox2kvpeAWvQIp5QbodpqzotGgZcR8zdEQCLcB/s320/2016823_FireGear.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical Firefighting Outfit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GzrO3qoG1oM/V8HRCGm8LxI/AAAAAAAAMP8/f7u4vyjnJp0KTbbmeH0ZjJl-3o1hwrH4QCLcB/s1600/20160823_JumpBox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GzrO3qoG1oM/V8HRCGm8LxI/AAAAAAAAMP8/f7u4vyjnJp0KTbbmeH0ZjJl-3o1hwrH4QCLcB/s320/20160823_JumpBox.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical Supply Box</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A smokejumper is also a talented sewist. They make and repair their own gear including jump suits, gear bags, and parachutes. They also love their Spam and like to have cook-offs for the best recipe. Go figure.<br />
<br />
After a jump, parachutes are hung in the Tower Room so it can be inspected and dry out if needed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ksmrP-QrXBA/V8HS_C9a4LI/AAAAAAAAMQE/YoQXpLOwSZ0HCePV5EOHYgYGG6jJTXJAgCLcB/s1600/Tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ksmrP-QrXBA/V8HS_C9a4LI/AAAAAAAAMQE/YoQXpLOwSZ0HCePV5EOHYgYGG6jJTXJAgCLcB/s320/Tower.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tower Room - Outside and Inside</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A smokejumper has to be able to suit up in under two minutes when the call comes in that they are needed. This is no easy feat for the rookie. Practice, practice, practice!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KHxHCkxJI_I/V8HTYYznQHI/AAAAAAAAMQI/kshSoiWmhyw-hsMCjTNOujbFvhBrycM4wCLcB/s1600/20160823_ReadyRoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KHxHCkxJI_I/V8HTYYznQHI/AAAAAAAAMQI/kshSoiWmhyw-hsMCjTNOujbFvhBrycM4wCLcB/s320/20160823_ReadyRoom.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready Room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There were several air tankers on the ground at Missoula getting prepped for afternoon flights on nearby fires.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k1Edpzz0wX4/V8HT8YMIQJI/AAAAAAAAMQQ/CXQYEA4UD34SgnSBZe8vseTmUFsXERHZwCLcB/s1600/20160823_JumpPlane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k1Edpzz0wX4/V8HT8YMIQJI/AAAAAAAAMQQ/CXQYEA4UD34SgnSBZe8vseTmUFsXERHZwCLcB/s320/20160823_JumpPlane.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smokejumper Plane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ABttoBbpv_8/V8HT9qcEhCI/AAAAAAAAMQU/TOoAv4nbzrUS8l2g715Q1-JE1nzu77TDQCLcB/s1600/20160823_Tanker1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ABttoBbpv_8/V8HT9qcEhCI/AAAAAAAAMQU/TOoAv4nbzrUS8l2g715Q1-JE1nzu77TDQCLcB/s320/20160823_Tanker1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Airtanker (same one we saw flying the day before)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IsF7a7VLsVY/V8HT9hPENFI/AAAAAAAAMQY/MH8Pjwh-pwkJBQ45yEtuTQxJORxzwlZuQCLcB/s1600/20160823_Tankers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IsF7a7VLsVY/V8HT9hPENFI/AAAAAAAAMQY/MH8Pjwh-pwkJBQ45yEtuTQxJORxzwlZuQCLcB/s320/20160823_Tankers.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Airtankers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WmGL10wYk3k/V8HU21lkitI/AAAAAAAAMQc/QGOX0gKYB6wpWqjwX4HTVs0tbole1qR2ACLcB/s1600/20160823_Memorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WmGL10wYk3k/V8HU21lkitI/AAAAAAAAMQc/QGOX0gKYB6wpWqjwX4HTVs0tbole1qR2ACLcB/s320/20160823_Memorial.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Sobering Reminder</td></tr>
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It was a good tour and I recommend it if you are in the area. There is no charge but donations are accepted.<br />
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Leaving Missoula in the rearview mirror, we followed Highway 12 west across Lolo Pass into Idaho. This scenic route follows the journey the explorers Lewis and Clark took looking for a watercourse through the Rocky Mountains that connected the Missouri and Columbia rivers. It was a very winding road and I would not want to do this in the winter months.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YSc1nJKh74w/V8HWbeO0S4I/AAAAAAAAMQo/inuX1qW-G20U8O7BvcQJaO5WqvY9YJO0gCLcB/s1600/20160823_Lolo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YSc1nJKh74w/V8HWbeO0S4I/AAAAAAAAMQo/inuX1qW-G20U8O7BvcQJaO5WqvY9YJO0gCLcB/s320/20160823_Lolo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign At Lolo Summit</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dCK3USHUK8w/V8HWeePajuI/AAAAAAAAMQs/PoZkxdry790xff4Cf5NwCusJc9MBeuVDACLcB/s1600/20160823_Clearwater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dCK3USHUK8w/V8HWeePajuI/AAAAAAAAMQs/PoZkxdry790xff4Cf5NwCusJc9MBeuVDACLcB/s320/20160823_Clearwater.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Following Along the Clearwater River</td></tr>
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After two nights in the Lewiston, ID/Clarkston, WA area, we made the final trek home. Up through the rolling wheat fields of the Palouse region in Eastern Washington, then near the Grand Coulee Dam, and at last, the home stretch up the Methow Valley.<br />
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We were away ten weeks. We experienced so many wonderful things and met really nice people along the way. But it sure felt good to get home.<br />
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<br />Sally in WAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986783811683407554noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258405058132683615.post-5712423718164793432016-08-12T14:39:00.001-07:002016-08-12T14:39:47.387-07:00Alaska Adventures Part Fifteen - Last of CanadaThe next stop on our big summer adventure was Radium Hot Springs in British Columbia, a whopping 64 miles from Golden, BC. Whew, those long drives are killer! We were booked into Radium Valley Vacation Resort. A camper we met in the horrible campground in Golden recommended this place to us. Turns out it was a good recommendation.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-td591SsHw0g/V64sV7eCaeI/AAAAAAAAMJg/PF12lN3NzXQlEZ5RGJKXtxk1kz3TneeWwCLcB/s1600/20160805_ColumbiaValley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-td591SsHw0g/V64sV7eCaeI/AAAAAAAAMJg/PF12lN3NzXQlEZ5RGJKXtxk1kz3TneeWwCLcB/s320/20160805_ColumbiaValley.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columbia Valley View</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T9DvLQorkLw/V64sXK3lC3I/AAAAAAAAMJk/O_Z6UdwrbXYhEuJUUdnEiTB9YiZWjYySACLcB/s1600/20150805_Deer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T9DvLQorkLw/V64sXK3lC3I/AAAAAAAAMJk/O_Z6UdwrbXYhEuJUUdnEiTB9YiZWjYySACLcB/s320/20150805_Deer.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deer Along the Roadside</td></tr>
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Check-in time wasn't until 1 p.m. and we had a hour or so to wait. We drove a little further south into the town of Invermere so George could get a haircut. Talk about insanity! It was so busy with all of summer tourist and the lake looked like a zoo with boats zipping about. <br />
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We returned to the resort to check in and whoa! What a ritzy "campground" that was. We started off in site #99 for one night knowing we would have to move to another site the next night. We were just happy to have a place to stay. We also added a third night to our stay here. Most of the sites have their own private cabana and gas grill. The entire resort was neat and clean. I almost felt out of place here with See-More sporting a new layer of grime. We had the okay to give the trailer a bath right at our site. Yay, a clean trailer again! Best of all, it was the second day in a row with NO RAIN!<br />
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We moved the next day to site #90, right along the bluff overlooking the Columbia River valley. Nice. The cabana came in handy since it decided to rain a little. And it stormed the next day really good, even knocking out the power. It was an inopportune time, too, since we had clothes in the dryer that ended up still damp. George got us a refund and we re-ran the load through the dryer. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQpWxgkOUW0/V64s_I9WuoI/AAAAAAAAMJo/-CZqmkJ9lDwBFGRcmXDlOpe9h0t59bCaACLcB/s1600/20160806_Radium1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQpWxgkOUW0/V64s_I9WuoI/AAAAAAAAMJo/-CZqmkJ9lDwBFGRcmXDlOpe9h0t59bCaACLcB/s320/20160806_Radium1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Site Along the Bluff</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_NcPBE6GOoI/V64s_N54Q8I/AAAAAAAAMJs/ed3hmX4cQTQbgoPZxEQg6_DyLkniD7ekACLcB/s1600/20160806_Radium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_NcPBE6GOoI/V64s_N54Q8I/AAAAAAAAMJs/ed3hmX4cQTQbgoPZxEQg6_DyLkniD7ekACLcB/s320/20160806_Radium2.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Cabana</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-anXvguXnnAM/V64s_Jb_HfI/AAAAAAAAMJw/whl0dNNkvSY5tIr1O1_YBJ8PBp_4UGukgCLcB/s1600/20160806_Radium3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-anXvguXnnAM/V64s_Jb_HfI/AAAAAAAAMJw/whl0dNNkvSY5tIr1O1_YBJ8PBp_4UGukgCLcB/s320/20160806_Radium3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View From Our Cabana Deck</td></tr>
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There is a nice hot springs in Radium, or so we were told. We planned on visiting the hot springs, but it was so relaxing at the campsite that we stuck around there instead. Maybe next trip. <br />
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We departed Radium and journeyed south towards Cranbrook. This would be another long strenuous driving day. Oh, maybe 60 or 70 miles to travel. Along the way there were cool hoodoos just south of Fairmont Hot Springs. We also passed Columbia Lake, the headwaters of the mighty Columbia River. The same Columbia River that flows through Washington state and empties into the Pacific Ocean and forms part of the southern Oregon/Washington border. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZYkvwudImU/V64yfrFXbgI/AAAAAAAAMKE/OBPh-NIVLdAosHoASaPtp-ZorbYs6pDSACLcB/s1600/20160808_Columbia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZYkvwudImU/V64yfrFXbgI/AAAAAAAAMKE/OBPh-NIVLdAosHoASaPtp-ZorbYs6pDSACLcB/s320/20160808_Columbia.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columbia River in BC</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WymDybQZwRc/V64yfSAATVI/AAAAAAAAMKA/LwCS_QhlpT8D5ZsA1mM6W9nfwdAONunoACLcB/s1600/20160808_ColumbiaLake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WymDybQZwRc/V64yfSAATVI/AAAAAAAAMKA/LwCS_QhlpT8D5ZsA1mM6W9nfwdAONunoACLcB/s320/20160808_ColumbiaLake.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columbia Lake - Headwaters of the Columbia River</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aVhFkHdx4mM/V64y7nnQViI/AAAAAAAAMKI/QVQAuo2EY187t3fD6hiqnQblqUacFznBwCLcB/s1600/Columbiarivermap.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aVhFkHdx4mM/V64y7nnQViI/AAAAAAAAMKI/QVQAuo2EY187t3fD6hiqnQblqUacFznBwCLcB/s320/Columbiarivermap.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columbia River Drainage</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5iixRR4BcVo/V64zMhvCg8I/AAAAAAAAMKY/B5ky3iFQEykSBKTWC2Mqt_i0s-DHavTogCLcB/s1600/20160808_Hoodoo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5iixRR4BcVo/V64zMhvCg8I/AAAAAAAAMKY/B5ky3iFQEykSBKTWC2Mqt_i0s-DHavTogCLcB/s320/20160808_Hoodoo1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoodoos From a Distance in Fairmont Hot Springs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tGiO6nYa9Z4/V64zMuUUA4I/AAAAAAAAMKU/DL6K4FnsRQkBMzw-33Z1mgsksvnSYY19wCLcB/s1600/20160808_Hoodoo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tGiO6nYa9Z4/V64zMuUUA4I/AAAAAAAAMKU/DL6K4FnsRQkBMzw-33Z1mgsksvnSYY19wCLcB/s320/20160808_Hoodoo2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of the Hoodoos</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lBOmZR_mm24/V64zMlkOcNI/AAAAAAAAMKQ/EAaPNSgLY4MNWzEDJvoPF9DDsm7UvrkbwCLcB/s1600/20160808_Hoodoo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lBOmZR_mm24/V64zMlkOcNI/AAAAAAAAMKQ/EAaPNSgLY4MNWzEDJvoPF9DDsm7UvrkbwCLcB/s320/20160808_Hoodoo3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reminds Me of Castle Parapets</td></tr>
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We planned on staying two nights at Premier Lake Provincial Park. The park was 15 km off of the highway. The further we drove, the more we wondered what we would find. Hopefully it would be a quiet place. Uh, wrong! The campground was packed with other campers. The loops were tight turning with a bigger trailer but we managed to get ourselves maneuvered around and back out of the park. It was a no-go for us there. Time to find a new campground. <br />
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We figured (hoped) we would find something once we got back on the main highway south. And we did just a few miles down the road at Springbrook Motel and Campground in Skookumchuck. This place wasn't too bad. A little highway noise, but the site was spacious and there was a fire pit for George. We found our friends' home near Wasa Lake and made plans to meet up again the following afternoon. Oh how I wished we could have stayed at Wasa Lake Provincial Park. However, I thought there wasn't any camping there, just day use. Wrong! It would have been much closer to our friends' house. Live and learn.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Hpk8ldTmYQ/V64zwiNMHFI/AAAAAAAAMKc/d5QbRwvufZYpRNWkLUM3rJ116fe8eyK3gCLcB/s1600/20160809_Skookumchuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Hpk8ldTmYQ/V64zwiNMHFI/AAAAAAAAMKc/d5QbRwvufZYpRNWkLUM3rJ116fe8eyK3gCLcB/s320/20160809_Skookumchuck.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skookumchuck Statue</td></tr>
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We visited Cranbrook and a quilt shop there (Surprise!). Close to that store was a train engine on display. Actually it was two engines. The main engine #4090 was put into service in 1953. Just a short year and half later, misfortune struck. The engine was hit by a snow slide and pushed into Kootenay Lake in British Columbia. The second engine, #4469, doesn't have a cab and was controlled from another engine. Neither 4090, even after being repaired, or 4469 lasted long in the inhospitable conditions of the west. The terrain and general conditions were very taxing on these first generation engines and the crews didn't have many kind words to say. In 1957, the engines were sent east to Ontario. Both were retired from service in 1977 and retained by Canadian Pacific for historical purposes. After being acquired by the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel, they were moved to Cranbrook in 1992. An exterior refurbishment and painting was completed by the Rotary Club of Cranbrook Sunrise in 2015.<br />
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Also on site here were a restored train station and water tower from the surrounding areas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QDZpxcQSYxY/V644EdQdgaI/AAAAAAAAMKw/kAD0B4Xo7gEyDO0DUNJFn0LnQAKbuCaPQCLcB/s1600/20160809_Train1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QDZpxcQSYxY/V644EdQdgaI/AAAAAAAAMKw/kAD0B4Xo7gEyDO0DUNJFn0LnQAKbuCaPQCLcB/s320/20160809_Train1.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of Engine 4090</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7RX5ib1CMC8/V644Ee0nKRI/AAAAAAAAMK0/8WJwlKHQn_snKcj5YjcqXs5-AGRGqjxYgCLcB/s1600/20160809_Train2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7RX5ib1CMC8/V644Ee0nKRI/AAAAAAAAMK0/8WJwlKHQn_snKcj5YjcqXs5-AGRGqjxYgCLcB/s320/20160809_Train2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Engines 4090 & 4469</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kekHmeegtT0/V644h52oDuI/AAAAAAAAMK8/X9XnDI5n5Js9Yaexx50AWrT_iVdcC6KGQCLcB/s1600/20160809_Station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kekHmeegtT0/V644h52oDuI/AAAAAAAAMK8/X9XnDI5n5Js9Yaexx50AWrT_iVdcC6KGQCLcB/s320/20160809_Station.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elko Station</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B5P5Z1JXedc/V644h-SlBTI/AAAAAAAAMLA/MV6z431a6DgeAvK1lNwIECOKTH2juEbSwCLcB/s1600/20160809_WaterTower2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B5P5Z1JXedc/V644h-SlBTI/AAAAAAAAMLA/MV6z431a6DgeAvK1lNwIECOKTH2juEbSwCLcB/s320/20160809_WaterTower2.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Tower Door</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A5zD6FzOqLQ/V644hcxGrEI/AAAAAAAAMK4/vWCl_jsBZ8Uon44ivri47mEa11in_W40gCLcB/s1600/20160809_WaterTower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A5zD6FzOqLQ/V644hcxGrEI/AAAAAAAAMK4/vWCl_jsBZ8Uon44ivri47mEa11in_W40gCLcB/s320/20160809_WaterTower.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Tower</td></tr>
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We met our friends for dinner in the nearby town of Kimberley. We learned Mike's family has a long history in this town and the surrounding vicinity. Kimberley used to be an old mining town until the mine closed and they transformed the town into a year-round tourist destination. In the winter, there is a ski hill visible from the town. They have a Bavarian theme going and a nice platzl or plaza where a couple of blocks are closed to vehicular traffic. There are plenty of things to do in Kimberley including an underground mining railway so we have to come back here again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YqjQGeFC25I/V645Lp6HQKI/AAAAAAAAMLI/ckzhfhCD5wYzJBvykZsboqyVeRiFlI-qACLcB/s1600/20160809_Kimberley1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YqjQGeFC25I/V645Lp6HQKI/AAAAAAAAMLI/ckzhfhCD5wYzJBvykZsboqyVeRiFlI-qACLcB/s320/20160809_Kimberley1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sullivan Mine Display</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ELbkN7CjK_U/V645Le1aK1I/AAAAAAAAMLE/mFOXJsSpYawWkrip-073K1x0qmDynbBjACLcB/s1600/20160809_Kimberley2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ELbkN7CjK_U/V645Le1aK1I/AAAAAAAAMLE/mFOXJsSpYawWkrip-073K1x0qmDynbBjACLcB/s320/20160809_Kimberley2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bavarian Style</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vK3zjNO8SZ0/V645Lnfp3NI/AAAAAAAAMLM/_3_HtvpXN2gxetXBqjL3xbS5i2IJBL_yQCLcB/s1600/20160809_Kimberley3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vK3zjNO8SZ0/V645Lnfp3NI/AAAAAAAAMLM/_3_HtvpXN2gxetXBqjL3xbS5i2IJBL_yQCLcB/s320/20160809_Kimberley3.jpg" width="199" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuckoo Clock on the Platzl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<div>
On the ride back to our campsite, we saw twenty deer! The one below was spotted earlier in the day.</div>
<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QEZj_FxR76g/V645ddpfirI/AAAAAAAAMLQ/0SiwHpujz0ktdtNvMTVYlDL600G-wiOAQCLcB/s1600/20160809_Deer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QEZj_FxR76g/V645ddpfirI/AAAAAAAAMLQ/0SiwHpujz0ktdtNvMTVYlDL600G-wiOAQCLcB/s320/20160809_Deer.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mule Tail Buck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After leaving the Cranbrook area, we will be returning to the U.S. somewhere along the Montana border. And hopefully, we will be leaving the almost daily rain shower back in Canada!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t5iJM1oVThc/V647LzlOHgI/AAAAAAAAMLg/4Y9_C46OaUsoNqz9o0zoiMQ7RRh392JOgCLcB/s1600/20160809_Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t5iJM1oVThc/V647LzlOHgI/AAAAAAAAMLg/4Y9_C46OaUsoNqz9o0zoiMQ7RRh392JOgCLcB/s320/20160809_Sunset.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Last Sunset in B.C.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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Finally, here is a truck camper that has been heavily modified. We spotted it in Cranbrook. The last "weirdness" from Canada.</div>
<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNdloE0ffUU/V645oTFukEI/AAAAAAAAMLU/_DxGJVGhOBURM5oAzsqcABLthOWPDvJRACLcB/s1600/20160809_Camper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNdloE0ffUU/V645oTFukEI/AAAAAAAAMLU/_DxGJVGhOBURM5oAzsqcABLthOWPDvJRACLcB/s320/20160809_Camper.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, What Have They Done to This Truck Camper?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Sally in WAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986783811683407554noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258405058132683615.post-58425063330925870352016-08-06T14:35:00.004-07:002016-08-06T14:35:51.933-07:00Alaska Adventures Part Fourteen - On to Jasper, Banff & A Not So Golden RV ParkOur next park was much nicer than the one in Fort St. John. After breakfast at the café next to the campground, we continued south to Dawson Creek - the start of the Alaska Highway! Of course, we had more rain to start our day. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ahg92lGtUkk/V6VITHMx5vI/AAAAAAAAMFg/TLKrHBwPaVElhmy_YX4i90s2uHf1BcjDQCLcB/s1600/20160731_AlaskaHwy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ahg92lGtUkk/V6VITHMx5vI/AAAAAAAAMFg/TLKrHBwPaVElhmy_YX4i90s2uHf1BcjDQCLcB/s320/20160731_AlaskaHwy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing It Backwards - Start of the Alaska Highway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xxcAUVyZfmk/V6VITwERBQI/AAAAAAAAMFk/-BZVucNuyy8vfXBWCmkzrHVigVq5D4LqgCLcB/s1600/20160731_Mile0Marker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xxcAUVyZfmk/V6VITwERBQI/AAAAAAAAMFk/-BZVucNuyy8vfXBWCmkzrHVigVq5D4LqgCLcB/s320/20160731_Mile0Marker.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway</td></tr>
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We continued on towards Grande Cache in Alberta. This area along Hwy 16 in Alberta reminded me of West Central Minnesota with lots of rolling plains. As we drove into Grande Prairie, we made the decision to stop for the night in Grande Prairie. It was a good size town (68,000+) people with plenty of shopping opportunities. It had a quilt shop, too. But it was closed for the long holiday weekend in Canada. We chose Camp Tamarack on the road we would be taking to Jasper. We were lucky once again to get a nice site for the night. Pull through with full hookups, shade trees, and close to the office and showers. The park was so nice and had really good Wi-Fi, we decided to take another day off from the drive and stay two nights. The owners were super nice to boot. George was happy to have a fire pit in our campsite. No sooner did he start a fire did the rains show up to put a big damper on his party. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGaJAFvRUjM/V6VIbS48bfI/AAAAAAAAMFo/xJc2nZ0BlqAVeP8FzGKIjxRbbHOuOngMwCLcB/s1600/20160731_Alberta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGaJAFvRUjM/V6VIbS48bfI/AAAAAAAAMFo/xJc2nZ0BlqAVeP8FzGKIjxRbbHOuOngMwCLcB/s320/20160731_Alberta.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the Prairie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The highway south out of Grande Prairie provided entertainment for us. We saw many tanker trucks and gas pipeline sites. It was a busy road for commercial vehicles. We came to a construction zone where we had to stop. We were in for a treat. Two super duper jumbo extra wide loads were having to cross a single-lane bridge. From our vantage point, it looked like they barely had enough room to squeeze across. But they did and we were soon on our way again. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1mW2XBlgPkY/V6VItLEEnMI/AAAAAAAAMFw/JWhmUcNP6J8KSIo67xZR3MNobpi1mZniwCLcB/s1600/20160802_Construction1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1mW2XBlgPkY/V6VItLEEnMI/AAAAAAAAMFw/JWhmUcNP6J8KSIo67xZR3MNobpi1mZniwCLcB/s320/20160802_Construction1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tight Squeeze!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l__7Cr9nEQ8/V6VIsuo03II/AAAAAAAAMFs/daTvZTEJj94a8BHkBpBsbL6f7GyrCcA_gCLcB/s1600/20160802_Construction2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l__7Cr9nEQ8/V6VIsuo03II/AAAAAAAAMFs/daTvZTEJj94a8BHkBpBsbL6f7GyrCcA_gCLcB/s320/20160802_Construction2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Equipment Up Close</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We stopped for fuel in the small town of Grande Cache. We were glad we had made the decision to stay in Grande Prairie. It would have made for a long driving day for us. Plus the amenities were not as great there. We just missed the <a href="http://www.canadiandeathrace.com/what-is-the-canadian-death-race" target="_blank">Canadian Death Race</a>. What is that, you ask? I had to look it up myself...the flag was just too intriguing for me. It is one of the world's toughest adventure races (at least according to their website). 125 km of hell is what it sounds like. Over three mountain summits with an elevation change of more than 17,000 ft and one river crossing, the racers battle heat, cold, altitude and themselves. Another good reason I am glad we didn't have to deal with that by staying there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rt4sdI1-9dA/V6VI4rxadVI/AAAAAAAAMF0/0O4TOg9fITs-2jh5SW1RswbhURKk9ENywCLcB/s1600/20160802_DeathRace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rt4sdI1-9dA/V6VI4rxadVI/AAAAAAAAMF0/0O4TOg9fITs-2jh5SW1RswbhURKk9ENywCLcB/s320/20160802_DeathRace.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eye Catching Flag in Grande Cache, AB</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We arrived at the gate for Jasper National Park and the line to enter the park was not too long. Highway 16 transits the park for those going on to Prince George or Prince Rupert, BC, as well as connecting to Highway 93 and the Icefields Parkway. In a way, the town of Jasper reminded us of Leavenworth, WA, with some of the buildings having a Bavarian look to them. And the size was about the same, too. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jPTb7qKzP0Q/V6VK8sF1HsI/AAAAAAAAMGI/QLL9CWxREdQOfeE3lA01MmAu7dpK4ppfACLcB/s1600/20160802_Jasper1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jPTb7qKzP0Q/V6VK8sF1HsI/AAAAAAAAMGI/QLL9CWxREdQOfeE3lA01MmAu7dpK4ppfACLcB/s320/20160802_Jasper1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming Into Jasper National Park from the East Gate</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1-gmqDWLh8/V6VK86murjI/AAAAAAAAMGM/Itl5U1jBgskSJgzik0GWVKNh0V7HOSHrwCLcB/s1600/20160802_MtEdithCavell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1-gmqDWLh8/V6VK86murjI/AAAAAAAAMGM/Itl5U1jBgskSJgzik0GWVKNh0V7HOSHrwCLcB/s320/20160802_MtEdithCavell.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Edith Cavell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
We had reservations for Whistler's Campground just south of town on 93. There must have been ten or twelve
vehicles in line to check in. No wonder, this was a popular place with over 780
sites and we were smart to have made our reservation earlier. They had a good
system for check-ins. A park ranger walked through the line and if you had a
reservation, you were given a map showing where your site was located and sent
on your way. No pass needed if staying just for the night (which we were). Our
site at Whistler's wasn't too bad. Nicely wooded and large. The slope of the
campsite made it so we didn't have to unhook See-More. Just level it
side-to-side and we were good to go. Our site was not-serviced, meaning we
would be dry camping. No biggie. We can easily handle it. The bathroom (oooh,
flush toilets) were right next to our site. Plus, hot and cold running
water. Woo hoo!</div>
<br />
Bad news was no fire pit. Boo hiss.
We dug out Little Red, our propane fire pit, from the trailer and discovered it
had taken a beating on the trip. Several of the ceramic logs were broken and
duct tape wasn't going to fix them. We rearranged what we had and fired it up.
Kinda. Sorta. Looked like twelve Bic lighters surrounding marbles. We put
Little Red back in the trailer with a promise to do some research and see if
repairs can be made when we get home. For entertainment, we watched a lightning
show far off in the distant clouds and listened to the rumble of thunder. After
we retired to bed for the evening, the rains did come. Animal sightings for the
day: 2 live deer, 1 dead moose (another). <br />
<br />
The next morning started off pretty
promising. Big patches of blue sky and the sun was shining. We got an early
start, around 8:30 a.m., because we did not have reservations for the evening.
Hopefully we would have a chance with an earlier arrival in Lake Louise. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ty0UXcnHzoc/V6VSnaRvGvI/AAAAAAAAMGc/A1i8aS3nqZAczTs-SOnqFHDSaG9NNLXMACLcB/s1600/20160803_EdithCavell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ty0UXcnHzoc/V6VSnaRvGvI/AAAAAAAAMGc/A1i8aS3nqZAczTs-SOnqFHDSaG9NNLXMACLcB/s320/20160803_EdithCavell.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Mount Edith Cavell the Next Day, 3368 m</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OtbVZEROp7I/V6VSr1lNhTI/AAAAAAAAMGg/sMTuqLngPOg2cD2panA7Ect9aQFKFSPLQCLcB/s1600/20160803_AbathascanPass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OtbVZEROp7I/V6VSr1lNhTI/AAAAAAAAMGg/sMTuqLngPOg2cD2panA7Ect9aQFKFSPLQCLcB/s320/20160803_AbathascanPass.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Athabasca Pass, 1748 m</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Jasper National Park is very scenic.
Lots of high rocky mountains and spectacular views. The only problem is that
the farther south we drove, the cloudier it got. Before long, you couldn't see
the tops of the peaks. I am sure we missed seeing the magnificent beauty of the
area. We could only imagine those peaks. There were many glaciers in the park.
We were going to stop at Icefields Centre, near the border of Jasper and Banff
National Parks. However, it was very busy and well, I don't do crowds very
well. We decided to skip it. Probably missed a great opportunity as well. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kVw17jCIwks/V6VS52QNLeI/AAAAAAAAMGk/hZ4HLig0b0UOI-2EceMjU9ef04y__MhbgCLcB/s1600/20160803_Jasper1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kVw17jCIwks/V6VS52QNLeI/AAAAAAAAMGk/hZ4HLig0b0UOI-2EceMjU9ef04y__MhbgCLcB/s320/20160803_Jasper1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the Icefields Parkway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c794BmyUmDQ/V6VS57DFYSI/AAAAAAAAMGo/BDVTL4LfaI0K8D17oR-IImepU3WCgbd-wCLcB/s1600/20160803_Jasper2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c794BmyUmDQ/V6VS57DFYSI/AAAAAAAAMGo/BDVTL4LfaI0K8D17oR-IImepU3WCgbd-wCLcB/s320/20160803_Jasper2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6oa2a3EVQXY/V6VS6gGhohI/AAAAAAAAMGs/TObXI5ThZpwzTBDsCaPzoPB_Jz95zmb6QCLcB/s1600/20160803_Jasper3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6oa2a3EVQXY/V6VS6gGhohI/AAAAAAAAMGs/TObXI5ThZpwzTBDsCaPzoPB_Jz95zmb6QCLcB/s320/20160803_Jasper3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-prVOolueYTE/V6VS8Ib8ZBI/AAAAAAAAMGw/S_cdDvce8ggruEyorj9tvBuyW5vX9L2MwCLcB/s1600/20160803_Jasper4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-prVOolueYTE/V6VS8Ib8ZBI/AAAAAAAAMGw/S_cdDvce8ggruEyorj9tvBuyW5vX9L2MwCLcB/s320/20160803_Jasper4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O0X4Ts7ab04/V6VTL65Fd2I/AAAAAAAAMG4/eejG52x7gAseq6H86TnpJLlupSM_xDqIwCLcB/s1600/20160803_Jasper5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O0X4Ts7ab04/V6VTL65Fd2I/AAAAAAAAMG4/eejG52x7gAseq6H86TnpJLlupSM_xDqIwCLcB/s320/20160803_Jasper5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glacier in the Distance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sAmPu8MYchw/V6VTMF8R83I/AAAAAAAAMG8/WCbzHBXnlv4WoCBFFlNblq2HynT-l9B_ACLcB/s1600/20160803_Jasper6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sAmPu8MYchw/V6VTMF8R83I/AAAAAAAAMG8/WCbzHBXnlv4WoCBFFlNblq2HynT-l9B_ACLcB/s320/20160803_Jasper6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Glacier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7RmHwCmSguc/V6VTKBHOSaI/AAAAAAAAMG0/TQTB3wgsYoMZ-uiCjH_WW70dY3ziLKMzACLcB/s1600/20160803_JasperIcefields1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7RmHwCmSguc/V6VTKBHOSaI/AAAAAAAAMG0/TQTB3wgsYoMZ-uiCjH_WW70dY3ziLKMzACLcB/s320/20160803_JasperIcefields1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming into the Icefields Centre Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CILbg3RpwDI/V6VTNsqqCFI/AAAAAAAAMHA/wdjYU9-vI7U-yVOPUi8IsC4FYvkM7GEMgCLcB/s1600/20160803_JasperIcefields2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CILbg3RpwDI/V6VTNsqqCFI/AAAAAAAAMHA/wdjYU9-vI7U-yVOPUi8IsC4FYvkM7GEMgCLcB/s320/20160803_JasperIcefields2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Glacier!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It seemed weird that Jasper and
Banff are connected. Why not one big park? At least we did not have to pay a
separate entrance fee for Banff. Not long after crossing into Banff, we came to
Parker Ridge. Whoa! We could see the road way down below us in the canyon. We
started down and rounded a corner to see the hairpin turn we had to traverse.
And we were only part way down the steep grade! This was a little nerve-wracking
because twice within a span of several miles, the warning light came on to tell
us the trailer was disconnected. That meant we had no lights and no brakes on
it. We were able to pull over, reconnect the plug and continue on.
I was glad
coming down off of Parker Ridge that our brakes were working. It was only at
the bottom as we came by the Weeping Wall did the truck chime again with the
disconnect message. What the heck? We had traveled over much rougher roads with
no problems and now three times in about ten miles? We found another spot to
pull over and were able to get the plug securely connected. No further issues
occurred. Just more road construction and traffic galore.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pMkODIa2-Ms/V6VTql2r1TI/AAAAAAAAMHM/f7DFbI1w_4gno-V72fcOp1r42TIzQ1YcQCLcB/s1600/20160803_Banff1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pMkODIa2-Ms/V6VTql2r1TI/AAAAAAAAMHM/f7DFbI1w_4gno-V72fcOp1r42TIzQ1YcQCLcB/s320/20160803_Banff1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bowl-shaped Valley Carved by a Receding Glacier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HMchloKMDy0/V6VTuRhUmRI/AAAAAAAAMHU/4fnrnOsRN8wEUyoZO9Rc1s-F0S2h5GNmQCLcB/s1600/20160803_Banff2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HMchloKMDy0/V6VTuRhUmRI/AAAAAAAAMHU/4fnrnOsRN8wEUyoZO9Rc1s-F0S2h5GNmQCLcB/s320/20160803_Banff2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mist in the Trees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y0A_i0KUiZ8/V6VTxeWJSmI/AAAAAAAAMHc/bI5HZEtPxjkLOFdPfqG6ZUls5Wk06up-ACLcB/s1600/20160803_Banff3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y0A_i0KUiZ8/V6VTxeWJSmI/AAAAAAAAMHc/bI5HZEtPxjkLOFdPfqG6ZUls5Wk06up-ACLcB/s320/20160803_Banff3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parker Ridge - See the Highway Below?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CB9eUFQbFqw/V6VTzabt5gI/AAAAAAAAMHg/bI0BSxqR7VcEKc0snHzNnWiO1mrY5084gCLcB/s1600/20160803_Banff4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CB9eUFQbFqw/V6VTzabt5gI/AAAAAAAAMHg/bI0BSxqR7VcEKc0snHzNnWiO1mrY5084gCLcB/s320/20160803_Banff4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hairpin Turn off Parker Ridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qhJYzfL0-78/V6VT25ZC6bI/AAAAAAAAMHk/93i0Rv4ighYhAXU3-mzo01KNfYhklkQOwCLcB/s1600/20160803_Banff5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qhJYzfL0-78/V6VT25ZC6bI/AAAAAAAAMHk/93i0Rv4ighYhAXU3-mzo01KNfYhklkQOwCLcB/s320/20160803_Banff5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still Descending from Parker Ridge. See the Highway?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BrXnWQ7zGqU/V6VT37N_LHI/AAAAAAAAMHo/OMsF_Oe6q04yPeuxAGOvWfH8E4vkrA-LQCLcB/s1600/20160803_Banff6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BrXnWQ7zGqU/V6VT37N_LHI/AAAAAAAAMHo/OMsF_Oe6q04yPeuxAGOvWfH8E4vkrA-LQCLcB/s320/20160803_Banff6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unique Rock Formations, And Clouds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lrg9lO6-6vE/V6VT6mx2qqI/AAAAAAAAMHs/1I_9a_qrpiMFPRlFnEFxQ31cQeILSRsyACLcB/s1600/20160803_Banff7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lrg9lO6-6vE/V6VT6mx2qqI/AAAAAAAAMHs/1I_9a_qrpiMFPRlFnEFxQ31cQeILSRsyACLcB/s320/20160803_Banff7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Fallen Snow (It was only 48 degrees on the Parkway)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OpaPpzclLUM/V6VUMuTmjbI/AAAAAAAAMH0/Kthe_qBwuJ0422r0DZghGwKS9NecRtx2gCLcB/s1600/20160803_Banff8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OpaPpzclLUM/V6VUMuTmjbI/AAAAAAAAMH0/Kthe_qBwuJ0422r0DZghGwKS9NecRtx2gCLcB/s320/20160803_Banff8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traffic Jam from Road Construction</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--4tqwhIqZX0/V6VUW-XIXvI/AAAAAAAAMH4/GaE83gl90FAP2d3mi_xwaizFP6ZIVL-gwCLcB/s1600/20160803_Banff9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--4tqwhIqZX0/V6VUW-XIXvI/AAAAAAAAMH4/GaE83gl90FAP2d3mi_xwaizFP6ZIVL-gwCLcB/s320/20160803_Banff9.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical View - A Slice in the Clouds & A Mountain Glimpse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bfDqiyGqOUA/V6VTqUFYP_I/AAAAAAAAMHI/mjuXrIjA2v0Ar8D96ro3zfta0pdw6T2IgCLcB/s1600/20160803_Banff10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bfDqiyGqOUA/V6VTqUFYP_I/AAAAAAAAMHI/mjuXrIjA2v0Ar8D96ro3zfta0pdw6T2IgCLcB/s320/20160803_Banff10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Lake View</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fLNFMMss8uY/V6VTrDmmnuI/AAAAAAAAMHQ/7_z3wboiP7MsMlXbQDEiWWiXSIT2hGgwwCLcB/s1600/20160803_Banff11_Crowfoot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fLNFMMss8uY/V6VTrDmmnuI/AAAAAAAAMHQ/7_z3wboiP7MsMlXbQDEiWWiXSIT2hGgwwCLcB/s320/20160803_Banff11_Crowfoot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Glacier in Banff</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As we drove south along the parkway,
we figured we wouldn't have a chance at all to get a spot in Lake Louise based
on the traffic volumes. Instead, we would drive to Golden, BC another hour or
so west of Lake Louise. We would be trying to reconnect with friends there any
way. From Lake Louise, you take the Trans-Canada Highway to Golden. OMG.
Another white knuckle ride in places. We did stop to view the Spiral Train
Tunnels (no trains though when we were there). As trains climb up Kicking Horse Pass, they go
through two spiral tunnels cut into the mountain. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MokJUIr7JCk/V6VYb5-P-qI/AAAAAAAAMIQ/3hEAzAkaA0c6ZYMmTOhIHKMPg0JgyLfwgCLcB/s1600/20160803_SpiralTrainTunnel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MokJUIr7JCk/V6VYb5-P-qI/AAAAAAAAMIQ/3hEAzAkaA0c6ZYMmTOhIHKMPg0JgyLfwgCLcB/s320/20160803_SpiralTrainTunnel.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Lower Spiral Tunnel</div>
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3dRYvMwsL8k/V6VZL_qELhI/AAAAAAAAMIU/KFEvM3Fe0OkXsfRjwvScZkNsBqTyvsWLACLcB/s1600/natcul12-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3dRYvMwsL8k/V6VZL_qELhI/AAAAAAAAMIU/KFEvM3Fe0OkXsfRjwvScZkNsBqTyvsWLACLcB/s1600/natcul12-3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diagram of the Spiral Tunnels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ugLz2oSWKQ/V6VVDAAQrtI/AAAAAAAAMIE/I0_sd-sIWtk9qGbQGttdEP2Lgf5p4LqrwCLcB/s1600/20160803_Hwy1Cut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ugLz2oSWKQ/V6VVDAAQrtI/AAAAAAAAMIE/I0_sd-sIWtk9qGbQGttdEP2Lgf5p4LqrwCLcB/s320/20160803_Hwy1Cut.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cut in the Mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Just before you reach Golden, you
come down through Pipestone Canyon. When the posted speed is 40 kph, there is
good reason. It is a narrow, winding, steep downgrade section. Towing a trailer
through there was no fun for me. Just ask George. <br />
<br />
We stopped at the first private
campground we came to in Golden. The Whispering Spruce. It was an old KOA
campground. From initial appearances, we thought it would be okay for the
night. How wrong our assumptions turned out to be. The guy doing check-in did a
good job bashing previous customers about their lack of recycling habits,
dumping ashtrays in firepits, and so on. He gave us our site assignment and
told us how to get to it. What a complete idiot he was. I don't think he
understands how to deal with angled campsites and you can't come in from one
direction and expect to turn 110 degrees into the site, especially with trees.
We were within inches of ripping our awning off. Goofball gave us a different
site across the road and we managed to get into it okay. <br />
<br />
After we got set up, George and I
went to get ice. When we came back, there was all kinds of activity with a new
arrival at the site next to ours. Seems Goofball struck again telling them how
to get into their site. It was on an incline and their trailer jacks, front and
back, were digging into the ground as they tried to climb the small hill. The
trailer was practically stuck. Other campers came to help and with lots of
blocks and common sense, the trailer was freed and brought in a different way
into the site. The couple turned out to be fun people from Edmonton, AB.
Another couple across from us, who also helped, were from the Edmonton area,
too. We had a good evening together around the campfire watching other
unsuspecting victims come in for the night. <br />
<br />
The real kicker was when George
visited the bathroom the next morning. It. Was. Disgusting!! George said it
looked like it hadn't been touched since the park was a KOA and that was many
years ago. George decided right then we were outta there. Another camper had remarked
to Mom the previous evening on how filthy the bathroom and laundry rooms were.
Guess she was right. Needless to say, this place will not get a good review from us. Alas, no pictures from here.<br />
We drove into the town of Golden to
the Municipal Campground. Lady Luck was with us once again as they had one site
available that we might fit into. We did. Barely. But that's okay. We had a
spot for the night. We had lots of flowers in a nice bed by our site. We were on the outside edge of the campground and close to the hiking trail.
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K8gMCmKNp5E/V6ZC5yGqLEI/AAAAAAAAMI4/zJ0LoEZtWo0Tm_MXRsY61o39lUc9DGVxwCLcB/s1600/20160804_Trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K8gMCmKNp5E/V6ZC5yGqLEI/AAAAAAAAMI4/zJ0LoEZtWo0Tm_MXRsY61o39lUc9DGVxwCLcB/s320/20160804_Trail.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking Trail at Campground</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wRXK9yU1YXU/V6ZC5KHrFZI/AAAAAAAAMI0/DkbLs1JqoIIU0XWo7ev0p9zvfc3P-BidACLcB/s1600/Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wRXK9yU1YXU/V6ZC5KHrFZI/AAAAAAAAMI0/DkbLs1JqoIIU0XWo7ev0p9zvfc3P-BidACLcB/s320/Flowers.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers by Our Site</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We were close to the rail yard in Golden, but the sounds of
the freight trains were not intrusive. And it was a busy yard! Eastbound trains headed into a canyon along the Kicking Horse River. Too bad I didn't capture a train passing through here.<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G8z9RHliqSQ/V6ZB-5T6KPI/AAAAAAAAMIs/xSrsJtiGN4wq8mwsHOgEl93N3g-61Tn7ACLcB/s1600/20160804_Train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G8z9RHliqSQ/V6ZB-5T6KPI/AAAAAAAAMIs/xSrsJtiGN4wq8mwsHOgEl93N3g-61Tn7ACLcB/s320/20160804_Train.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Train Across the River from Campground</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9LKe_1emmZQ/V6ZDGIBH7pI/AAAAAAAAMI8/2eOHRoRetVIzsGHkas1vHdFwdz5NNcS4QCLcB/s1600/20160804_Canyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9LKe_1emmZQ/V6ZDGIBH7pI/AAAAAAAAMI8/2eOHRoRetVIzsGHkas1vHdFwdz5NNcS4QCLcB/s320/20160804_Canyon.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canyon with Train Tracks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We were not able to meet up with our friends. I think
perhaps we have an error in their email address since we did not hear from them
when we emailed earlier in the week. We left a note on their door and then we
went to the Northern Lights Wolf Centre. While we were there, our friends
showed up at our campsite and left us a note. They were off to the lake and
sorry to have missed us. Oh well. Hopefully we will see them at Glacier
National Park later this month. <br />
<br />
The Wolf Centre was interesting. We listened to a talk on wolves and their behaviors and communications. They have six wolves and one wolf dog (part wolf, part dog) at the Centre. The two pictured below are brother and sister and were born in the Spring of 2012 and had just come back from a hike. They are the most "humanized" of the seven and so are able to go on hikes in the mountains for additional exercise. It was interesting when the two wolves were put back with the alpha male wolf and how they interacted with him. There were definitely signs and sounds of submission in their pack structure. You knew who was the boss.<br />
<br />
Wolves are a topic of hot discussion back in our neck of the woods. Ranchers are not happy with the packs that roam our mountains because of livestock predation. Can't say I blame them. There is also the story of how wolves saved Yellowstone's ecosystem, yet there may be holes in that theory, too. It is a complicated issue, for sure.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wYBQZJvqZc8/V6ZDdEs3DoI/AAAAAAAAMJE/WCKQLmVtSHAqgt1jsOTDh2VdXwNGDGAKgCLcB/s1600/20160804_Flora.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wYBQZJvqZc8/V6ZDdEs3DoI/AAAAAAAAMJE/WCKQLmVtSHAqgt1jsOTDh2VdXwNGDGAKgCLcB/s320/20160804_Flora.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flora</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QDIEWUqKSK4/V6ZDdAAzK6I/AAAAAAAAMJA/j2_ULkK1SA0MwoIGijxtfmCBCx0zM-81ACLcB/s1600/20160804_ScrappyDave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QDIEWUqKSK4/V6ZDdAAzK6I/AAAAAAAAMJA/j2_ULkK1SA0MwoIGijxtfmCBCx0zM-81ACLcB/s320/20160804_ScrappyDave.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrappy Dave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Golden and the surrounding valley is a beautiful area. We were surprised to learn the Columbia River that runs through Washington (and not far from our house) flowed by the town of Golden. We will be driving south along the Columbia to our next destination.<br />
<br />
Don't forget you can click on any picture to see a larger version.</div>
Sally in WAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986783811683407554noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258405058132683615.post-23109127243140135952016-08-01T17:17:00.000-07:002016-08-01T17:17:35.534-07:00Alaska Adventures Part Thirteen - Northern RockiesFirst - a big shout out to Christine and Jerry. Sending good wishes and love your way!! We will be home soon.<br />
<br />
This part of our route went through the <a href="http://This part of our route went through the Northern Rockies and several provincial parks including Muncho Lake and Northern Rocky Mountains. (Liard Hot Springs is also in the Northern Rockies area.) " target="_blank">Northern Rockies</a> and two provincial parks including Muncho Lake and Northern Rocky Mountains.
(Liard Hot Springs is also in the Northern Rockies area.)<br />
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After leaving Liard Hot Springs, it was a good animal spotting day. Within a mile or so of the park, we spotted our first bear of the day. Before arriving in Fort Nelson later that afternoon, we saw one bison, three Stone's Sheep and five bears. We also saw more rain and road construction. Story of our lives lately.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dkFeOq0yqb0/V5_cIaxB9CI/AAAAAAAAMEg/XYTVP9gSDCg88PWKf2vntLq9uea8I8QvQCLcB/s1600/20160729_Bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dkFeOq0yqb0/V5_cIaxB9CI/AAAAAAAAMEg/XYTVP9gSDCg88PWKf2vntLq9uea8I8QvQCLcB/s320/20160729_Bear.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear Near Liard Hot Springs</td></tr>
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Muncho Lake itself is spectacular. The lake has a gorgeous jade green color and looked so enticing. The highway snakes along the edge of the lake very close to rocky cliffs at one point. Don't sneeze or you might end up in the lake or against the rock wall! At least it wasn't raining when we went through there. A bit farther up the road, we went through a neat canyon-like section along the Racing River/McDonald Creek area. Stone Mountain is where we saw Stone's sheep along the rocky walls as the road climbs out of yet another canyon.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muncho Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Highway Along Muncho Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along McDonald Creek</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's that up ahead? No, not the 5th wheel, the RAIN!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stone's Sheep</td></tr>
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At one point, it felt like we were driving along the ridges of the mountains, skirting the rain clouds for a bit. But alas, we finally ended up getting wet.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skirting the Rain Along the Ridgetops</td></tr>
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We stopped for the night at Triple G Hideaway in Fort Nelson. We were supposed to camp here on the drive up to Alaska, but could not because of the highway being closed down south due to flooding and road washouts. The staff were super nice and friendly. The owner had a great personality. We were able to park directly across from the office/cafe/showers. We had dinner in the cafe and it was delicious! Afterwards, the campground had karaoke. Not many people seemed to be singing, but I did stay for a few songs. Only listened, did not sing. I didn't want to scare the rest of the customers away! The karaoke hosts were not as talented as our McKenzie at the Twisp Eagles. The town of Fort Nelson was hosting some kind of movie night on a giant outdoor screen across the road from the RV park. Of course, the flick did not start until almost 10 p.m. because of waiting for the sun to set. I did not see what was playing, but they did have a good sound system. I thought it was nice the town did this. I hope they do it at least monthly during the summer months for the local people. <br />
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Our next destination took us to Fort St. John, farther south in BC and out of the Northern Rockies range. Not much to talk about this day's drive except more remains of forest fires, more rain and more road construction which meant more mud! The truck and See-More need a bath again. We saw one dead cow moose along the road so we know they were in the area. About the only bright spot was an area filled with blooming purple fireweed flowers after another recent forest fire. Too bad those pictures did not turn out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GE8DyBwmaFU/V5_deqDN8mI/AAAAAAAAMFE/PIXORHNtnxwzr031xTIqGGQIftfeJ_hhgCLcB/s1600/20160730_SuckerHole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GE8DyBwmaFU/V5_deqDN8mI/AAAAAAAAMFE/PIXORHNtnxwzr031xTIqGGQIftfeJ_hhgCLcB/s320/20160730_SuckerHole.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sucker Hole - You Think Good Weather Is Coming</td></tr>
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The RV park was nothing to brag about. It is a newer park and seems to be catering more towards long-term stays. There were many RVs with insulation around the undersides and over the slideouts and one trailer was even wrapped in Tyvek material. Most of the windows on many rigs were covered over with insulation material. It must get cold there as the water spigots had heat tape on them. The park was fully graveled and we did have a picnic table at our site. But no cable and only one over-the-air TV station. However, Fort St. John did have two quilt shops participating in the Row by Row Experience. Mom and I took a quick side trip after setting up camp to pick up our rows. Since it was raining later in the evening, we watched The Aviator with Leonardo DeCaprio on DVD. Good movie.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Fort St. John</td></tr>
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I am beginning to think Mother Nature is giving us all this rain because George forgot his shorts. No need for shorts with the cooler temperatures. Time to go shopping!<br />
<br />Sally in WAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986783811683407554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258405058132683615.post-41378355840704338192016-08-01T15:33:00.000-07:002016-08-01T15:33:21.483-07:00Alaska Adventures Part Twelve - Time for a Soak, or TwoAfter enduring the beating the highways have been doling out to us, we pulled into Takhini (Tak-EE-nee) Hot Springs ready for some real R&R. Takhini is just north of Whitehorse in the Yukon Territory, about 15 miles (or 25 kms) away. We would be spending two nights here. This would allow us time to go soak in the hot pools and also visit the town of Whitehorse where the only quilt shop in the Yukon that was participating in Row by Row was on our "must do" list. LOL.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tDCTMEw8Sno/V5--x3AbmFI/AAAAAAAAMCM/CJqkm93y55AQgf9JnUvTGPLfk4_-gevegCLcB/s1600/20160726_Takhini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tDCTMEw8Sno/V5--x3AbmFI/AAAAAAAAMCM/CJqkm93y55AQgf9JnUvTGPLfk4_-gevegCLcB/s320/20160726_Takhini.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See-More @ Takhini Hot Springs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toadstool in our Campsite</td></tr>
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We met a very nice couple from Santa Fe, New Mexico, who were camped in the site next to ours. Scott and Jeanette would also be spending two nights here. We hit it off right away and spent the evening around the campfire talking about our adventures so far. <br />
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The next morning it was time to hit the hot pools. They have two, one warmer and smaller than the other. It felt soooo good to be in these naturally heated waters. It does a body good. <br />
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After showering off, it was off to Whitehorse for us. We found the quilt shop, and the meat markets, and Walmart. Now their parking lot was a sight to see. So many campers "camping" there. There was a sign limiting your stay to 24 hours. I could see where longer stays could easily become a problem. It really takes up a lot of their parking lot not to mention some of the campers were not in the best of shape. We also had our windshield repaired while in town. We had picked up a couple new rock chip stars in the past couple of days on the Klondike Highway and we didn't want the cracks to spread any further.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walmart "Campground"</td></tr>
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We stopped to see the sternwheeler S.S. Klondike, now a Canadian national historic site, on the banks of the Yukon River in downtown Whitehorse. The boat is actually the S.S. Klondike II. The first Klondike ran aground in 1936. Between salvaging and cannibalizing as much of the wreckage as possible, the Klondike II was built the following year. It was used to haul freight between Whitehorse and Dawson City until 1950. Once the Klondike Highway to Dawson City was completed, many of the sternwheelers were decommissioned. The SS Klondike II was then put into service as a cruise ship but that only lasted until 1955. She was eventually donated to Parks Canada and underwent restoration, opening to tourists in 1967.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6t0MNm6z9sU/V5-_KNZL_-I/AAAAAAAAMCQ/PRuIo26TvW0aUd7T3Vi8iPh-PDPBqoduwCLcB/s1600/20160725_Klondike1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6t0MNm6z9sU/V5-_KNZL_-I/AAAAAAAAMCQ/PRuIo26TvW0aUd7T3Vi8iPh-PDPBqoduwCLcB/s320/20160725_Klondike1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">S. S. Klondike II - Whitehorse</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1maA35PJ_ao/V5-_Mh1FeiI/AAAAAAAAMCY/JWO6tdE8iokS7hZY_6XlniBflLRFl0j3ACLcB/s1600/20160725_Klondike2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1maA35PJ_ao/V5-_Mh1FeiI/AAAAAAAAMCY/JWO6tdE8iokS7hZY_6XlniBflLRFl0j3ACLcB/s320/20160725_Klondike2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sternwheel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the Doors and Windows!</td></tr>
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Upon leaving Whitehorse the next day, we simply had to make a quick stop at the <a href="http://goytm.ca/" target="_blank">Yukon Transportation Museum</a>, located near the airport. Oh how I wished we had more time to spend there. It looked like a great little museum. What is really eye-catching is their weather vane made out of a 1942 DC-3 airplane. This plane spent the first three years of her life flying transport missions in India and China for the United States Army Air Forces. After the war, she was sold to newly-formed Canadian Pacific Airlines and registered as CF-CPY. She flew routes throughout Canada until 1960 when she was sold to Connelly-Dawson Airways and based out of Dawson City. Eventually the plane was operated by Great Northern Airways out of Whitehorse. On her last flight in November 1970, she lost an engine during a routine take-off. The crew was able to abort the take-off without incident. Great Northern declared bankruptcy in December 1970 and CF-CPY was among the assets acquired by Northward Airlines. It was used for spare parts and sat neglected at the Whitehorse airport. By 1977, she was purchased for the purpose of making her into a monument. She was then promptly sold for $1.00 to the Yukon Flying Club. Four years later, CF-CPY sporting her 1950s Canadian Pacific colors, was mounted on her special pedestal in front of the Whitehorse airport. With expansions planned for the airport, CF-CPY was moved in July 2009 to the front of the Yukon Transportation Museum. Her nose always points into the wind with the slightest of breezes. It wasn't very breezy the day we visited, but you could see the plane imperceptibly pivot on her pedestal. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CF-CPY Wind Vane</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JxuxS89234M/V5_BBrkb_xI/AAAAAAAAMC4/mbTwPRSPEpYFEMG3lYdiOjXI9KbEYWStgCLcB/s1600/20160726_WHMuseum2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JxuxS89234M/V5_BBrkb_xI/AAAAAAAAMC4/mbTwPRSPEpYFEMG3lYdiOjXI9KbEYWStgCLcB/s320/20160726_WHMuseum2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outdoor Exhibit at the Museum</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rtWxVhbiHYY/V5_BBQQktwI/AAAAAAAAMC0/kyOFs3kTOCM9O6oQxtavKMxcT7D8Dc32wCLcB/s1600/20160726_WHMuseum3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rtWxVhbiHYY/V5_BBQQktwI/AAAAAAAAMC0/kyOFs3kTOCM9O6oQxtavKMxcT7D8Dc32wCLcB/s320/20160726_WHMuseum3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Exhibit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zo9yZ0MfDr0/V5_BCh1Oj8I/AAAAAAAAMC8/H1t4F6CrLiUo8SEOqsqzuDkq_7kS9a_oACLcB/s1600/20160726_WHMuseum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zo9yZ0MfDr0/V5_BCh1Oj8I/AAAAAAAAMC8/H1t4F6CrLiUo8SEOqsqzuDkq_7kS9a_oACLcB/s320/20160726_WHMuseum.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yet Another Exhibit</td></tr>
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We also found the house on the outskirts of Whitehorse that George's friend, Mike, lived in until recently. They moved to southern British Columbia and we will be visiting them in a week or so.<br />
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Our destination for the night would be back in Teslin, YT. We would be closing the loop from where we turned off to Skagway about a month earlier. This time we opted to stay at Teslin Lake Campground. This is another Yukon government campground and was definitely much nicer than our last stay in Teslin, even if our site had a good slope to it. There was a footpath down to the lake where we took Trip. He is not a water baby. No way! We tossed a stick into the lake because he likes sticks, but he does not like to get his feet wet. We laughed at his antics trying to retrieve the stick along the edge of the lake. Scott and Jeanette showed up and stayed in the site across from us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ckPHlQtGsVs/V5_BWlC4quI/AAAAAAAAMDM/hw6x1gKapSc4BNlJ7_zXB9x6Dd7VMDxZwCLcB/s1600/20160726_TeslinLake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ckPHlQtGsVs/V5_BWlC4quI/AAAAAAAAMDM/hw6x1gKapSc4BNlJ7_zXB9x6Dd7VMDxZwCLcB/s320/20160726_TeslinLake1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campsite @ Teslin Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gs3xVd-IcJM/V5_BWANFaYI/AAAAAAAAMDI/NIW3T7X1VZMeeacQxlj7M49meoD_m7K8QCLcB/s1600/20160726_TeslinLake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gs3xVd-IcJM/V5_BWANFaYI/AAAAAAAAMDI/NIW3T7X1VZMeeacQxlj7M49meoD_m7K8QCLcB/s320/20160726_TeslinLake2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Lake Looking North</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trip Trying to Keep His Feet Dry</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RImgg5k1leo/V5_BczcB--I/AAAAAAAAMDQ/GXOkXz54ewws9ZBGRA7oXvmLNOua5q0cwCLcB/s1600/20160726_George%2526Trip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RImgg5k1leo/V5_BczcB--I/AAAAAAAAMDQ/GXOkXz54ewws9ZBGRA7oXvmLNOua5q0cwCLcB/s320/20160726_George%2526Trip.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George and Trip</td></tr>
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Next it was on to Watson Lake where we once again stayed at Baby Nugget RV park. We got caught up on laundry while there. We made another quick stop at the Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake the next morning before driving on to Liard Hot Springs in BC. And no, we did not leave a sign of our own.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DqUHKbdOPyw/V5_Bu0WcE6I/AAAAAAAAMDY/aikFH5ZjWKUwhd0kvmZ1FrJRPKM8NsW1ACLcB/s1600/20160728_SignPost1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DqUHKbdOPyw/V5_Bu0WcE6I/AAAAAAAAMDY/aikFH5ZjWKUwhd0kvmZ1FrJRPKM8NsW1ACLcB/s320/20160728_SignPost1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign Post Forest - Watson Lake</td></tr>
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On the way, we passed a lone bison along the roadside and then nothing else for a long period of time. I was beginning to think this would be like our visit to Yellowstone when we only saw one bison. One. Then we crested a hill and saw lots of dust way ahead of us. It was a stampeding herd of bison, running along the shoulder of the road, tongues hanging out of their mouths. We wondered what spooked them and wished the traffic would slow down so the bison could stop running.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9THHGVbxBA8/V5_BoJiKZLI/AAAAAAAAMDU/nAUQ4nMr4PoGP-zu5wlfEocpla3hSHWIQCLcB/s1600/20160728_Bison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9THHGVbxBA8/V5_BoJiKZLI/AAAAAAAAMDU/nAUQ4nMr4PoGP-zu5wlfEocpla3hSHWIQCLcB/s320/20160728_Bison.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a Stampede!</td></tr>
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We also spotted a small black bear chowing down on something in the grass during our drive. <br />
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Our campsite at Liard Hot Springs Provincial Park, while nice and private, was about as far away from the hot springs as one could get. We were lucky to get one as it is a popular place. It was probably a good 2/3 of mile from our site, with 4/10ths of that being the board walk out to the hot springs. It was too far for mom to walk there, and George was "been here/done that", so only I made the trek out for a soak. These hot springs were really natural...a pea gravel bottom and mud sidewalls compared to the concrete pools at Takhini. The upper pool was again much hotter and even more so the further up the pool you went towards the source. The lower pool had more of a muddier bottom but was neat in how it wrapped around with the trees overhanging it and the small waterfall over the log barrier into the stream. Liard also had a sulfur smell to it that wasn't present at Takhini. It was still enjoyable though.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the Boardwalk Over the Marsh</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-770Kuok016Q/V5_CjmNfOWI/AAAAAAAAMDw/387JBTOIXoQAUd7ErrissoybqT_StEi_wCLcB/s1600/20160728_Liard1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-770Kuok016Q/V5_CjmNfOWI/AAAAAAAAMDw/387JBTOIXoQAUd7ErrissoybqT_StEi_wCLcB/s320/20160728_Liard1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper Pool</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower Pool</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fwz5953pLfw/V5_Cmu7s2fI/AAAAAAAAMD4/S5A7pt0zdLoyKXAjchK7JaoC5MpCaFaaACLcB/s1600/20160728_Liard4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fwz5953pLfw/V5_Cmu7s2fI/AAAAAAAAMD4/S5A7pt0zdLoyKXAjchK7JaoC5MpCaFaaACLcB/s320/20160728_Liard4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of the Lower Pool</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g7FPxCZRrFU/V5_CiW2lIvI/AAAAAAAAMDs/p4Zo44-UQ5EPArv9-LMWF1Q-ct72I1bSACLcB/s1600/20160728_Liard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g7FPxCZRrFU/V5_CiW2lIvI/AAAAAAAAMDs/p4Zo44-UQ5EPArv9-LMWF1Q-ct72I1bSACLcB/s320/20160728_Liard2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clear Water in the Upper Pool</td></tr>
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We did have several squirrels in and around our campsite at Liard to keep us, and Trip, entertained.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fZY9OFH4e_o/V5_D6iimH4I/AAAAAAAAMEI/BFL4FMmij8Y5XyaXMNT-q40UiFqsCJfLgCEw/s1600/20160728_Squirrels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fZY9OFH4e_o/V5_D6iimH4I/AAAAAAAAMEI/BFL4FMmij8Y5XyaXMNT-q40UiFqsCJfLgCEw/s320/20160728_Squirrels.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hang on, Baby!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fca14w7JmWM/V5_EuqrgSZI/AAAAAAAAMEM/72AFIRINPVAo6nK8hZ7Pb6mfWdTQlt5jACLcB/s1600/20160728_Hank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fca14w7JmWM/V5_EuqrgSZI/AAAAAAAAMEM/72AFIRINPVAo6nK8hZ7Pb6mfWdTQlt5jACLcB/s320/20160728_Hank.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What are you looking at?</td></tr>
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As usual, we have had rain, at least a sprinkle, every day still since leaving Denali. Will we ever find a full day of sunshine?<br />
<br />Sally in WAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986783811683407554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258405058132683615.post-29538676389049671482016-07-29T22:37:00.000-07:002016-07-29T22:48:38.538-07:00Alaska Adventures Part Eleven - Top of the World!We did it! We survived the Top of the World Highway. Up through Chicken, Alaska, on the Taylor Highway section, then on to Dawson City, Yukon, on the Top of the World Highway, and then into Takhini Hot Springs just north of Whitehorse, Yukon, on the Klondike Highway. Please note, the word "highway" is used VERY loosely. The Top of the World Highway was mostly dirt and gravel with just a few areas of actual pavement.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L6FBlOrdy8o/V5wswnYCbQI/AAAAAAAAL-k/ycl5WOi9SNcl8vm7zG7S6uuoG8QR0KkcQCLcB/s1600/20160720_TaylorHwy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L6FBlOrdy8o/V5wswnYCbQI/AAAAAAAAL-k/ycl5WOi9SNcl8vm7zG7S6uuoG8QR0KkcQCLcB/s320/20160720_TaylorHwy1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taylor Highway Sign</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2B7DOW7JR6g/V5wsx2CpSGI/AAAAAAAAL-o/WwyukQUb2M8IrhU3fw_x6UHCEEVr4Y30wCLcB/s1600/20160720_TaylorHwy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2B7DOW7JR6g/V5wsx2CpSGI/AAAAAAAAL-o/WwyukQUb2M8IrhU3fw_x6UHCEEVr4Y30wCLcB/s320/20160720_TaylorHwy2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View Along the Taylor Highway</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TBVy85tjbuY/V5wsv-y98uI/AAAAAAAAL-g/dVOzYWWhJo83I0fQ-PAhX86ZZbdlVK8BQCLcB/s1600/20160720_TaylorHwy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TBVy85tjbuY/V5wsv-y98uI/AAAAAAAAL-g/dVOzYWWhJo83I0fQ-PAhX86ZZbdlVK8BQCLcB/s320/20160720_TaylorHwy3.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another View From the Road</td></tr>
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Chicken is not far mileage-wise from Tok, only about 77 miles. However, it took about two hours to get there. The Taylor Highway was paved with various road patches until the last two miles before we reached Chicken. Then it was pot-hole city, hang on to your dentures, hang on Sloopy until we reached Chicken Gold Camp. Again we had gray skies with a little spit on the windshield occasionally. Chicken got its name because ptarmigans were plentiful when early settlers arrived. A ptarmigan is a chicken-like bird. It seems there was a problem spelling ptarmigan so the place became known as Chicken. There isn't much to the town nowadays when gold mining was at its peak. Mining is still very evident in places, but I think it is mainly becoming a tourist stop-over along the highway.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E6Xg_4HHhg8/V5wtdlhZ--I/AAAAAAAAL-w/9euPKDOQz44ziFZboxQCN2A74MH4OiUywCLcB/s1600/20160720_DowntownChicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E6Xg_4HHhg8/V5wtdlhZ--I/AAAAAAAAL-w/9euPKDOQz44ziFZboxQCN2A74MH4OiUywCLcB/s320/20160720_DowntownChicken.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Downtown" Chicken</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i419JS0HtDg/V5wtZNW5svI/AAAAAAAAL-s/alEL27AuqpYFIBpnDwIbzGGkq7Q0dapHgCLcB/s1600/20160720_ChickenPoop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i419JS0HtDg/V5wtZNW5svI/AAAAAAAAL-s/alEL27AuqpYFIBpnDwIbzGGkq7Q0dapHgCLcB/s320/20160720_ChickenPoop.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Public Restrooms in Chicken</td></tr>
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Chicken Gold Camp was a nice place. It had quite a few level back-in campsites with firepits and electrical service, plus a very nice gift shop and cafe. It is the home of Chickenstock, featuring bluegrass music and held the second weekend of June. It also is the new home of the Pedro Dredge and we were able to get a tour of the now-retired gold dredge. The tour was interesting seeing the inner-workings of a gold dredge and learning the history of it. (More on dredging later) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-txn5UVS5Phg/V5wvTqfmBJI/AAAAAAAAL_A/EQJetID4gvgRDLD0d_QOMHOCwKJOwjFNwCLcB/s1600/20160720_ChickenGoldCamp1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-txn5UVS5Phg/V5wvTqfmBJI/AAAAAAAAL_A/EQJetID4gvgRDLD0d_QOMHOCwKJOwjFNwCLcB/s320/20160720_ChickenGoldCamp1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sculpture @ Chicken Gold Camp</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XUFuplk_fS0/V5wvX5PmGhI/AAAAAAAAL_E/rjx3R9594AMXjplgezVD9tRJ5dc9NZ_JgCLcB/s1600/20160720_ChickenStock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XUFuplk_fS0/V5wvX5PmGhI/AAAAAAAAL_E/rjx3R9594AMXjplgezVD9tRJ5dc9NZ_JgCLcB/s320/20160720_ChickenStock.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chickenstock Stage</td></tr>
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We left Chicken the next morning under more gloomy and dripping skies. Needless to say, that made the road extremely muddy in several places. Mud that plastered itself to the truck and See-More. The border crossing back into Canada was uneventful. The road was in better shape -- more gravel, less mud, but visibility dropped. We were lucky at times if we could see 100 feet in front of us. Not much of a view when all you can see is fog/cloud cover. It was that way from the border until just before the ferry crossing at Dawson. Yuck.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Active Mining Operation</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YPuPDHcyVrk/V5wwWaph8NI/AAAAAAAAL_Q/SriNa767qXcB37isOAviR3vLeJGne9nxACLcB/s1600/20160721_TOW%2526Boundary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YPuPDHcyVrk/V5wwWaph8NI/AAAAAAAAL_Q/SriNa767qXcB37isOAviR3vLeJGne9nxACLcB/s320/20160721_TOW%2526Boundary.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming into Boundary area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BEjKVs-GKbs/V5wwW9-mv6I/AAAAAAAAL_U/2PddT5k1knUiNptW8sGy0Iw_9lSIGYnMQCLcB/s1600/20160721_CafeBoundary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BEjKVs-GKbs/V5wwW9-mv6I/AAAAAAAAL_U/2PddT5k1knUiNptW8sGy0Iw_9lSIGYnMQCLcB/s320/20160721_CafeBoundary.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cafe Boundary - Closed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ziXUeVh-zzU/V5wwUQ68e6I/AAAAAAAAL_M/RCdlnKULfn0U3cimCCJKOteTRMJMDfOfQCLcB/s1600/20160721_BorderCrossing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ziXUeVh-zzU/V5wwUQ68e6I/AAAAAAAAL_M/RCdlnKULfn0U3cimCCJKOteTRMJMDfOfQCLcB/s320/20160721_BorderCrossing.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Border Crossing Peeking Out From Under the Clouds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JPjHvP4mD50/V5wwZDQmoJI/AAAAAAAAL_Y/KA3NC5m3bnYhbeP3MxVp3HjZz8ce74kbQCLcB/s1600/20160721_TOWSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JPjHvP4mD50/V5wwZDQmoJI/AAAAAAAAL_Y/KA3NC5m3bnYhbeP3MxVp3HjZz8ce74kbQCLcB/s320/20160721_TOWSign.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of the World Highway Sign</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PlBQ2O4SBJY/V5wxuYUXTMI/AAAAAAAAL_o/xtMQW1qkimkyHqFi5h2ba-1ySjxT-mCUACLcB/s1600/20160721_WelcomeDawson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PlBQ2O4SBJY/V5wxuYUXTMI/AAAAAAAAL_o/xtMQW1qkimkyHqFi5h2ba-1ySjxT-mCUACLcB/s320/20160721_WelcomeDawson.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Dawson Sign - In the Dense Fog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hO52U248I2Q/V5wyTj6isbI/AAAAAAAAL_0/wkGMTzKwCSUnfQLbeCh7lb1QVDeoa7XaACLcB/s1600/20160721_Ferry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hO52U248I2Q/V5wyTj6isbI/AAAAAAAAL_0/wkGMTzKwCSUnfQLbeCh7lb1QVDeoa7XaACLcB/s320/20160721_Ferry.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free Ferry Across the Yukon River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-smmEyxzMHJ8/V5wyXC3OVRI/AAAAAAAAL_4/zTTVFT76fc4Z8cA5eQkxUZMwOs2SB8kIQCLcB/s1600/20160721_PaddleWheeler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-smmEyxzMHJ8/V5wyXC3OVRI/AAAAAAAAL_4/zTTVFT76fc4Z8cA5eQkxUZMwOs2SB8kIQCLcB/s320/20160721_PaddleWheeler.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tourist Trap - I mean, Paddle Wheeler on the River</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yImPOe6sMSc/V5wySLPfzOI/AAAAAAAAL_w/45Opc_qab40OcwlKcVSIMMo8WA_jAn0UwCLcB/s1600/20160721_SeeMore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yImPOe6sMSc/V5wySLPfzOI/AAAAAAAAL_w/45Opc_qab40OcwlKcVSIMMo8WA_jAn0UwCLcB/s320/20160721_SeeMore.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Very Muddy See-More</td></tr>
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<br />
Dawson City was a neat little town with all of their restored buildings. Unfortunately, I do not have any pics of downtown Dawson because 1) it rained a lot; and 2) I was sick and was not up to much sightseeing. We have all been battling colds and it got me good while in Dawson. One day all I wanted to do was sleep but I did drag myself out of bed long enough to go visit the historic Dredge #4 up Bonanza Creek. I also drove up to the top of the Midnight Dome in between breaks in the rain. This was a great overlook of the surrounding areas.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NcdDh819xFY/V5wzLBUOsbI/AAAAAAAAMAQ/gIvSbF8IhNABse_wcP46EjYGK81RGBjMwCLcB/s1600/20160722_BonanzaCreek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NcdDh819xFY/V5wzLBUOsbI/AAAAAAAAMAQ/gIvSbF8IhNABse_wcP46EjYGK81RGBjMwCLcB/s320/20160722_BonanzaCreek.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the Midnight Dome - Bonanza Creek</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_1n6MCXDCo/V5wzK1lEchI/AAAAAAAAMAM/-zq--Kxd2XszRxZaY5WmXtiPW7IOPzeHwCLcB/s1600/20160722_BonanzaGold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_1n6MCXDCo/V5wzK1lEchI/AAAAAAAAMAM/-zq--Kxd2XszRxZaY5WmXtiPW7IOPzeHwCLcB/s320/20160722_BonanzaGold.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Campsite Under the Red Arrow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bB0FcFgxwRY/V5wzJIP7fBI/AAAAAAAAMAI/5QjD-d0EuqwA1qt-KLRR9d141vgWtKOmQCLcB/s1600/20160722_DawsonCity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bB0FcFgxwRY/V5wzJIP7fBI/AAAAAAAAMAI/5QjD-d0EuqwA1qt-KLRR9d141vgWtKOmQCLcB/s320/20160722_DawsonCity.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Dawson City from the Dome</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xmk_-petCHs/V5wzMp5BlSI/AAAAAAAAMAU/SXjHnPiNzVY6ntjs40ghSehFRBcuaqUKgCLcB/s1600/20160722_Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xmk_-petCHs/V5wzMp5BlSI/AAAAAAAAMAU/SXjHnPiNzVY6ntjs40ghSehFRBcuaqUKgCLcB/s320/20160722_Flowers.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers up on the Dome</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We stayed at Bonanza Gold RV park at the base of Bonanza Creek. Although the sites felt close together, we ended up not having neighbors on either side of us for the three nights we were there. Thank goodness the RV park had a vehicle wash! We had about an inch of mud on the truck's running boards not to mention the coating on See-More. It cost one loonie ($1 CDN) for three minutes of pressure washer time. I know we put in at least a dozen loonies trying to wash off as much muck and grime as we could. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dzm3vpoOO24/V5w6YnYnUJI/AAAAAAAAMB0/3-oB3manvEwDcgQp__OGlRp6AMHWD4akwCLcB/s1600/20160724_SeeMore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dzm3vpoOO24/V5w6YnYnUJI/AAAAAAAAMB0/3-oB3manvEwDcgQp__OGlRp6AMHWD4akwCLcB/s320/20160724_SeeMore.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Clean See-More @ Dawson City</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It was on Bonanza Creek that gold was found and triggered the Klondike gold rush of 1898. Dredge No. 4, which is the largest wooden-hulled dredge in the world, is in the process of being restored.<br />
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Basically, here is how a dredge works:<br />
<br />
A large gold dredge uses a mechanical method to excavate material (sand, gravel, dirt, etc.) using steel "buckets" on a circular, continuous "bucket line" at the front end of the dredge. The material is then sorted/sifted using water. On large gold dredges, the buckets dump the material into a steel rotating cylinder (a specific type of trommel called "the screen") that is sloped downward toward a rubber belt (the stacker) that carries away oversize material (rocks) and dumps the rocks behind the dredge. The cylinder has many holes in it to allow undersized material (including gold) to fall into a sluice box. The material that is washed or sorted away is called tailings. The rocks deposited behind the dredge (by the stacker) are called "tailing piles." The holes in the screen were intended to screen out rocks (e.g., 3/4 inch holes in the screen sent anything larger than 3/4 inch to the stacker). [source: Wikipedia]<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L5DoVg70d2Q/V5w19kZoE3I/AAAAAAAAMBc/-qyDrSfe7QAa1vCh7ufv0eRRR2eA__34ACLcB/s1600/20160723_Dredge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L5DoVg70d2Q/V5w19kZoE3I/AAAAAAAAMBc/-qyDrSfe7QAa1vCh7ufv0eRRR2eA__34ACLcB/s320/20160723_Dredge.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gold Dredge Diagram</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
1. Gold Bearing Gravel<br />
2. Bucket Excavator (Bucket line)<br />
3. Revolving Screen (Trommel)<br />
4. Gold Saving Sluice<br />
5. Tailings Stacker<br />
6. Dredge Pivot Point (Spud)<br />
7. Master Control Room<br />
8. Floating Barge<br />
9. Self-Dug Dredge Pond<br />
10. Tailings<br />
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The sluice box areas on the dredges were locked and only authorized people were allowed in to collect the gold flakes and small nuggets that were captured in the coconut matting. The mining season was about eight months long. Dredges are cool pieces of machinery.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ie_AU5ue8p0/V5w0ZeDLwiI/AAAAAAAAMAg/Gh-nrKNPRrgUQwfHycXWSc5tJHqjI6eLQCLcB/s1600/20160720_PedroDredgeBack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ie_AU5ue8p0/V5w0ZeDLwiI/AAAAAAAAMAg/Gh-nrKNPRrgUQwfHycXWSc5tJHqjI6eLQCLcB/s320/20160720_PedroDredgeBack.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stacker on the Pedro Dredge in Chicken</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFNc-xqpLv8/V5w0a2OStmI/AAAAAAAAMAo/3LQ8Z91y9dIsWJGsZwpkxinQiilFhYvlgCLcB/s1600/20160720_PedroDredgeFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFNc-xqpLv8/V5w0a2OStmI/AAAAAAAAMAo/3LQ8Z91y9dIsWJGsZwpkxinQiilFhYvlgCLcB/s320/20160720_PedroDredgeFront.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of the Pedro Dredge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K3rigzZjXaw/V5w081UteoI/AAAAAAAAMA0/GkIZEXeRWxkHeBOfVsC3kC7YMsqjUIqJACLcB/s1600/20160720_Dredge2_Trommel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K3rigzZjXaw/V5w081UteoI/AAAAAAAAMA0/GkIZEXeRWxkHeBOfVsC3kC7YMsqjUIqJACLcB/s320/20160720_Dredge2_Trommel.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rotating Screen - Pedro Dredge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0YBT6tqxOOc/V5w06yocKpI/AAAAAAAAMAs/tq4PF7hWN7UG1MVih2Hdl3S6s83b7CaDwCLcB/s1600/20160720_Dredge3SluiceBoxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0YBT6tqxOOc/V5w06yocKpI/AAAAAAAAMAs/tq4PF7hWN7UG1MVih2Hdl3S6s83b7CaDwCLcB/s320/20160720_Dredge3SluiceBoxes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sluice Boxes - Pedro Dredge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P_vE6knA3p0/V5w07_cbJ0I/AAAAAAAAMAw/EcwAULYcRjsgUVjfDwEfY6ROVKaYqQV3QCLcB/s1600/20160720_DredgeBuckets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P_vE6knA3p0/V5w07_cbJ0I/AAAAAAAAMAw/EcwAULYcRjsgUVjfDwEfY6ROVKaYqQV3QCLcB/s320/20160720_DredgeBuckets.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 Cubic Feet Buckets - Pedro Dredge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UmFNuLopBYQ/V5w1BO5EfcI/AAAAAAAAMA4/vTQsSY4yngYJKvnq0jh9FNiJergf-AuyACLcB/s1600/20160720_DredgeHardware.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UmFNuLopBYQ/V5w1BO5EfcI/AAAAAAAAMA4/vTQsSY4yngYJKvnq0jh9FNiJergf-AuyACLcB/s320/20160720_DredgeHardware.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Bolts - Pedro Dredge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OXzlzlku7NI/V5w1B36awgI/AAAAAAAAMA8/gsncRDXXx7gAb0mb8IWWznpX0R3RiNfXQCLcB/s1600/20160720_DredgeLevers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OXzlzlku7NI/V5w1B36awgI/AAAAAAAAMA8/gsncRDXXx7gAb0mb8IWWznpX0R3RiNfXQCLcB/s320/20160720_DredgeLevers.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Control Room - Pedro Dredge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uW_5T-GbFH4/V5w1FbW0HDI/AAAAAAAAMBE/02C-75tdEI4j66GnUInX3NU74NJfFrNFQCLcB/s1600/20160720_DredgeMaps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uW_5T-GbFH4/V5w1FbW0HDI/AAAAAAAAMBE/02C-75tdEI4j66GnUInX3NU74NJfFrNFQCLcB/s320/20160720_DredgeMaps.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of Dredge Areas - Pedro Dredge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2BPWKM63KUc/V5w1IpzE1JI/AAAAAAAAMBI/0z9Pb9aVLwsdsTP4Iz7LEQzPlc40xhr8wCLcB/s1600/20160720_DredgeTreasures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2BPWKM63KUc/V5w1IpzE1JI/AAAAAAAAMBI/0z9Pb9aVLwsdsTP4Iz7LEQzPlc40xhr8wCLcB/s320/20160720_DredgeTreasures.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buried in the Gravel and Dug Up - Pedro Dredge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k4cs_d-8PGg/V5w1JCEghxI/AAAAAAAAMBM/12MAfwOi2QAJuYqh5nE7yoWsQjZGrYMzQCLcB/s1600/20160720_DredgeWorkbench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k4cs_d-8PGg/V5w1JCEghxI/AAAAAAAAMBM/12MAfwOi2QAJuYqh5nE7yoWsQjZGrYMzQCLcB/s320/20160720_DredgeWorkbench.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Workbench - Pedro Dredge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hof6KPUYVk4/V5w18PDeX6I/AAAAAAAAMBY/tMaNenLOpy4cBEAHtv2IcNBnLjFHmJ9cgCLcB/s1600/20160723_ControlRoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hof6KPUYVk4/V5w18PDeX6I/AAAAAAAAMBY/tMaNenLOpy4cBEAHtv2IcNBnLjFHmJ9cgCLcB/s320/20160723_ControlRoom.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Control Room - Dredge No. 4</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bucket Line Area - Dredge No. 4</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George in the Control Room - Dredge No. 4</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Levers - Dredge No. 4</td></tr>
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After leaving Dawson City, we heading down the Klondike Highway to Takhini Hot Springs. Again, I use the term "highway" loosely. Several sections were graveled and full of pot holes from the recent rains. Oh, it rained on us a little again this day. It was slow going in places and See-More picked up a little more mud. RV wash places are in high demand in these parts! But now we have a day of relaxation ahead.<br />
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Don't forget...you can click on any picture to enlarge them. ;-) Sally in WAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986783811683407554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258405058132683615.post-86563464209065374602016-07-29T20:58:00.000-07:002016-07-29T20:58:47.776-07:00Alaska Adventures Part Ten - FairbanksWe said our good-byes to Jim and Karen on Sunday morning and then departed for Fairbanks, less than 120 miles away from our spot near Denali National Park. It was a wet drive as we made our way north. In fact, it continued to rain off and on all three days we were in the Fairbanks area.<br />
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Our base camp for this part of our journey was Riverbend RV park. It was a neatly-kept park and less than 10 minutes from the downtown core. On Monday, Mom and I drove into Fairbanks with several stops in mind. First, the laundry mat. CK, the bad kitty, wouldn't let Baby Girl into the bathroom to access the litter box and sometimes when you gotta go, you gotta go. So she did. On mom's sleep sack. Again. Aaarrgghhh!! We found a laundry that had a 5-load capacity washing machine so we could do everything at once. Less than an hour and a half later, laundry was done and we were off to our next stop. I needed a new camera battery. My backup battery would not hold a charge and thankfully Fairbanks had a really nice camera store where I was able to purchase a replacement. Genuine Nikon. Woo hoo! <br />
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Next on our to-do list was to find the two quilt shops in Fairbanks that were participating in the Row By Row Experience. We found them both easily and added their row patterns to our stash. Then it was time to restock the food supplies at the grocery store before heading back to the 5’er.<br />
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For dinner, George took us to the Turtle Club in Fox, north of Fairbanks. We had reservations and it was a good thing. The place was packed! The menu is not very big; mostly prime rib and a few other entrees. Mom and I had prime rib and George had a lobster/prime rib combo. We had enough leftovers to bring home for another meal. It was good eating. RUAT-YBYSAIA. <br />
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On the way back to camp after dinner, we stopped at a turnout with access and info on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. We missed the one turnout on our way to Valdez so this gave us another opportunity to see it up close. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pipeline North of Fairbanks</td></tr>
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The following morning, we left Fairbanks and headed back to Tok. <br />
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Not far from Fairbanks is the North Pole. Yep, home of Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. Of course we had to stop and say hello. Luckily, Santa was home that day. I also made sure to see his reindeer at the Antler Academy of Flying and Reindeer Games. Rudolph must have been on vacation as he was nowhere to be found. All other eight reindeer were present and accounted for. Cute little buggers. Much smaller than I anticipated.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa's Reindeer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've Been a Good Girl!</td></tr>
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At one point along the Alaska Highway is another pipeline access/info site. It crosses the Tanana River on a unique suspension bridge. We were able to stop and learn more about this feature. I have enjoyed the informative signs at these pullouts.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pipeline Suspension Bridge</td></tr>
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In Delta Junction, we braked for yet another quilt shop and asked about places to eat lunch. We opted for the Buffalo Drive-in and had burgers, fries and milk shakes. It was a very popular place for lunch, even with the locals, but the service was fast.<br />
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The Alaska Highway in most places between Fairbanks and Tok was not very scenic, especially when the skies were gray and rainy at times. Lots of trees line the roadway with not a lot in between. The few scenic pullouts were not worth the stop unless you wanted to look at clouds covering most of the mountain range. The highway itself was in good shape with a few frost heaves and gravel construction zones. We saw one moose along the way and that was it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birch Lake Area</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dot Lake Church</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alaska Highway Heading towards Tok</td></tr>
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I am beginning to think that our drives to Tok are jinxed. The last time we arrived in Tok is when we discovered we lost our chairs at some point. This time we nicked our left rear trailer jack somehow. Perhaps it was when we came back up onto the highway when we did a bathroom break. Maybe we bent it turning into the pipeline pullout. We didn’t know. George noticed the bent jack when we stopped to see the pipeline and were walking back to the truck. All we did know is that it required some repairs in Tok that we accomplished with some ingenuity and muscle power (no duct tape required). Poor See-More is taking a beating and we haven't even driven the worst road yet. Will it survive the Top of the World Highway? Time will tell.<br />
<br />Sally in WAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986783811683407554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258405058132683615.post-85264752197847932992016-07-17T23:41:00.000-07:002016-07-17T23:41:44.373-07:00Alaska Adventures Part Nine - The Big MountainThey say timing is everything and ours was about spot on. <br />
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Did you know that Denali (formerly Mt. McKinley), all or part of it, is obscured by clouds or fog 80% of the time? Denali is so tall it makes its own weather. We were very lucky to have been able to see what we did.<br />
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After glimpsing the mountain at various spots before reaching Trapper Creek the previous day, our good fortune continued as we drove north to Denali Park.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Denali View Along the Parks Highway</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Veterans Memorial @ Byers Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See-More @ Byers Lake with Denali in the Background</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3-80AUSwgow/V4xuNoL29EI/AAAAAAAAL5w/pa7dR_KKRA8mHTfxDli2RM-cfLTqIC8BwCLcB/s1600/20160713_Denali_Roadview2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3-80AUSwgow/V4xuNoL29EI/AAAAAAAAL5w/pa7dR_KKRA8mHTfxDli2RM-cfLTqIC8BwCLcB/s320/20160713_Denali_Roadview2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another View Along the Highway</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panorama from Denali View North State Park (Click to enlarge)</td></tr>
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It would be a short travel day - only about 130 miles to cover. We stayed about eight miles north of the Denali Park entrance road. Not only were we looking forward to visiting Denali, my sister and brother-in-law were due to arrive in Healy via private plane in the afternoon. Yep, Jim piloted his Cessna plane up from the Seattle area so they could spend time with us at Denali.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lf0OBoesnR0/V4xuuOWyl2I/AAAAAAAAL50/3jySGd6PglQHGe8g3Ab0G8xUw_EAxmdHgCLcB/s1600/20160713_Memorial1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lf0OBoesnR0/V4xuuOWyl2I/AAAAAAAAL50/3jySGd6PglQHGe8g3Ab0G8xUw_EAxmdHgCLcB/s320/20160713_Memorial1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veteran's Memorial @ Byers Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VKMJy5rfCcg/V4xvNUkJSRI/AAAAAAAAL58/C-S-SpED_tk6xBWmzpqaiZLLyhCyM2A_wCLcB/s1600/20160713_Memorial2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VKMJy5rfCcg/V4xvNUkJSRI/AAAAAAAAL58/C-S-SpED_tk6xBWmzpqaiZLLyhCyM2A_wCLcB/s320/20160713_Memorial2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Memorial</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LF4HFm6Sx1o/V4xvq9TnAjI/AAAAAAAAL6E/4zLW1FQC_7AxYzh7RdtG7pmEIns1stWVgCLcB/s1600/20160713_Igloo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LF4HFm6Sx1o/V4xvq9TnAjI/AAAAAAAAL6E/4zLW1FQC_7AxYzh7RdtG7pmEIns1stWVgCLcB/s320/20160713_Igloo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unfinished Igloo City Hotel on the Parks Highway</td></tr>
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<br />
During check-in at the RV park, we overheard one of the employees tell a caller that tents were not allowed in their park. Uh oh. Jim was planning on sleeping in a small tent with their dog, Daisy, in our campsite. Hmmm...what to do, what to do? See-More has a set of large bunk beds in the back but we removed the lower bunk before leaving home, and the mattress from the upper bunk was pulled, too. The space was being utilized for storage purposes. Out came the bins from the top bunk area and in went Mom's 2" foam mattress topper. This would be Karen's sleeping area. Luckily they had a sleeping bag with them. Mom moved from the convertible dinette bed to the sofa so that Jim would have a place to sleep. Okay, humans are taken care of. Now to deal with the dog situation. Daisy, the golden retriever, and Trip, the German Shepherd, are not the best of buds. Daisy is also known to chase cats on occasion. This could be a problem. Guess what? It wasn't too much of an issue after all. We were able to use Trip's crate for Daisy to sleep in at night. That kept the cats safe. After day one, we didn't bother securing the cats when Daisy was in the trailer. She didn't chase the cats and at least Baby Girl gave her the cold shoulder. However, CK kept his distance and a watchful eye on Miss Daisy. When the dogs were outside, both were on leads at opposite ends of the trailer. No dog fights. We did not let them hang out in the trailer though. Why chance it? We ended up with five adults, two large dogs and two cats in See-More. It all worked out and we had a great time together.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8wkpOYJ3atc/V4xwex039LI/AAAAAAAAL6Q/wz2pCqaQ-dwHdUrRrQSP5ucdZGufQYA0wCLcB/s1600/20160713_SeeMore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8wkpOYJ3atc/V4xwex039LI/AAAAAAAAL6Q/wz2pCqaQ-dwHdUrRrQSP5ucdZGufQYA0wCLcB/s320/20160713_SeeMore.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See-More @ Denali Park RV</td></tr>
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<br />
Denali National Park contains over 6,000,000 acres with a single 92-mile-long access road into the park. Private vehicles are not allowed in Denali National Park past milepost 13. Buses are the primary mode of transportation beyond that point. Our first day in the park, we visited the Wilderness Access Center where shuttle bus tickets were purchased for four of us for the trip the next day out to Eielson Visitor Center at milepost 66 that would take approximately eight hours for the round trip. George would not be going since he has made that trip two times before. He offered to dog sit so the rest of us could ride the bus. Then we went to the Visitor Center and also checked out the Train Depot where the Alaska Railroad trains come in. Outside of the park entrance, Princess of cruising fame, has a huge lodge facility. They also have their own train and cars, as does Holland America and who knows what other cruise line, bringing passengers to Denali. We scoped out the Riley Creek campground before returning to our own campsite. (Next time I want to stay in the park, maybe even out at Teklanika.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsXaTCWfBsA/V4xx5HuN69I/AAAAAAAAL6o/S9eYVBIMoGsoQkJuqCSEUpmPdyCrH2N3ACLcB/s1600/20160714_Cloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsXaTCWfBsA/V4xx5HuN69I/AAAAAAAAL6o/S9eYVBIMoGsoQkJuqCSEUpmPdyCrH2N3ACLcB/s320/20160714_Cloud.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost like a mushroom cloud (of the bad kind)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-scGsYRSx9K4/V4xw3rj082I/AAAAAAAAL6Y/c5-4mAFs22Ymg6qSNAyj4jiDlLISEUhBwCLcB/s1600/20160714_Train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-scGsYRSx9K4/V4xw3rj082I/AAAAAAAAL6Y/c5-4mAFs22Ymg6qSNAyj4jiDlLISEUhBwCLcB/s320/20160714_Train.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princess Cruises Train @ Denali NP</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iss4Uoou4WI/V4xxblJ1fCI/AAAAAAAAL6g/R1XxAUlgW-4BDpx5ceSGrmG0c5MO6oupQCLcB/s1600/20160715_Train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iss4Uoou4WI/V4xxblJ1fCI/AAAAAAAAL6g/R1XxAUlgW-4BDpx5ceSGrmG0c5MO6oupQCLcB/s320/20160715_Train.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holland America Train</td></tr>
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<br />
Our shuttle bus reservation was for the 8:30 a.m. trip. We wanted to be there early so we could be first in line. One of the campground hosts told us to sit on the driver's side of the bus and we wanted to make sure we had that option. You have to take your own food and water on the trip out since there are no concessions available out in the wilderness. Bathrooms, yes. Food, no. And you can refill your water bottle at the visitor center. We were prepared for the day including our raincoats since liquid sunshine was in the forecast. We boarded the bus and off we went on our big adventure into the Denali wilderness. A ranger briefly got on our bus at mile 13 and we learned the American Sign Language signs for the five big animals found in the park - the grizzly or brown bear, moose, caribou, Dall sheep and wolf. <br />
<br />
Moving on, it wasn't long before we spotted our first wild animal - a caribou, standing in the road. A few miles later we saw our first brown bear. Whoa! This is a cool trip already and we still have many miles to go! What is nice is that the buses stop for wildlife sightings for us silly tourists to take photos. Rules are...be quiet and no hanging out the windows. The animals are acclimated to sound of the vehicles and the park rangers want to keep it that way. If the animals get used to human voices, then it puts both animal and man in danger. So silence! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YnP19qA9Gpo/V4xyroNHdXI/AAAAAAAAL60/5eCT7GUhNXI9fsBf_8DJU-22xAlkmOr9gCLcB/s1600/20160715_Caribou1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YnP19qA9Gpo/V4xyroNHdXI/AAAAAAAAL60/5eCT7GUhNXI9fsBf_8DJU-22xAlkmOr9gCLcB/s320/20160715_Caribou1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caribou in the Road</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDW-F4e41s8/V4xzL6DxrxI/AAAAAAAAL68/VYoyAi4h2QogBG6B3Auj7ho68j-A5trAgCLcB/s1600/20160715_Bear1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDW-F4e41s8/V4xzL6DxrxI/AAAAAAAAL68/VYoyAi4h2QogBG6B3Auj7ho68j-A5trAgCLcB/s320/20160715_Bear1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our First Grizzly Bear Sighting</td></tr>
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<br />
We saw several more caribou. Poor things. It was hot (probably around 80 degrees) that day and the 'bou don't care for the heat nor for the mosquitos and flies that are extremely attracted to them. A caribou will seek out the gravel bars in the rivers away from the bushes and bugs, hoping for a breeze and some relief. A caribou can lose up to a half-pint of blood per day to those pesky mosquitos. Note: if someone offers you a new perfume or cologne called Me and My 'Bou, do not, I repeat, DO NOT accept it. Unless you wish to be a daily blood donor yourself. Surprisingly, the moose are not bothered by the mosquitos and flies to the extent the caribou are.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--m4ai1nnhWE/V4xzsYOyFMI/AAAAAAAAL7E/pFhRWD5-8QABbUDIRSG9DuxTrDmCmf4AQCLcB/s1600/20160715_Caribou2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--m4ai1nnhWE/V4xzsYOyFMI/AAAAAAAAL7E/pFhRWD5-8QABbUDIRSG9DuxTrDmCmf4AQCLcB/s320/20160715_Caribou2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Caribou Escaping the Skeeters & Flies</td></tr>
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<br />
Driving along, a mama bear with two cubs were spotted just off of the road in a drainage area. Not only did the bus driver stop, she shut off the engine, too. We could listen to the sow and her cubs interacting. At one point, the mama bear moved out of sight of her cubs. One cub quickly followed mom while the other was off in la-la land doing something else. Then he (or she) realized the other two bears were gone and he stood up on his hind legs and called for mom. After hearing Mom respond, he scampered off towards her. Oh, so cute to watch and listen!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utpnMpbrPPg/V4x0BrzcbnI/AAAAAAAAL7M/xHxxYhM_6BoTe5kLm8l3wmNdLdY34TG6gCLcB/s1600/20160715_Bears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utpnMpbrPPg/V4x0BrzcbnI/AAAAAAAAL7M/xHxxYhM_6BoTe5kLm8l3wmNdLdY34TG6gCLcB/s320/20160715_Bears.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grizzly Sow & Her Two Cubs</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VF7Lc3zdm14/V4x0WusZhCI/AAAAAAAAL7Y/kpjMc4KGgugqkmh8o9Dd9hsf0AAnuNR6wCLcB/s1600/20160715_BearBaby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VF7Lc3zdm14/V4x0WusZhCI/AAAAAAAAL7Y/kpjMc4KGgugqkmh8o9Dd9hsf0AAnuNR6wCLcB/s320/20160715_BearBaby.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Bear Cubs</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-98j_KSYXeAE/V4x0WAMOh9I/AAAAAAAAL7U/K5wf__5fiP0kR6Wgrj7HYGNRCsk7TioAQCLcB/s1600/20160715_BearMama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-98j_KSYXeAE/V4x0WAMOh9I/AAAAAAAAL7U/K5wf__5fiP0kR6Wgrj7HYGNRCsk7TioAQCLcB/s320/20160715_BearMama.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of Mama Bear</td></tr>
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<br />
The buses do stop for a couple of potty breaks and photo ops before reaching the Eielson Visitor Center. These are shuttle buses and are on a schedule, somewhat. If the driver tells you it is a planned ten-minute stop, then you had better be back on the bus by then if you want to continue riding it. Otherwise, you will be left standing in the dust as it pulls away as a couple of the passengers found out the hard way. We stopped at the Polychrome Overlook for the aforementioned ten-minute stop. The two seats directly across the aisle from us remained empty except for a backpack when the doors closed and the bus departed. Next stop - Toklat. The driver said the missing riders would eventually catch up with us and their stuff. Buses run frequently along the park road. Sure enough, at our next stop eight miles away, the couple re-boarded after catching another bus. Lesson learned. Do not be late unless you do plan on riding another bus. It is a shuttle bus system and you can easily change buses if you want, space permitting. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6tvdK2LdFs/V4x1Dn0O3JI/AAAAAAAAL7k/VMXbIOtFvfURSyFSJ-Ha4HerFCC34f9IQCLcB/s1600/20160715_Teklanika.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6tvdK2LdFs/V4x1Dn0O3JI/AAAAAAAAL7k/VMXbIOtFvfURSyFSJ-Ha4HerFCC34f9IQCLcB/s320/20160715_Teklanika.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teklanika River</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kj9goSCsrhk/V4x1Wk3XE2I/AAAAAAAAL7s/amhGqOFr1RYAI19nRAVPN5g-OfbrBVFrwCLcB/s1600/20160715_Polychrome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="54" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kj9goSCsrhk/V4x1Wk3XE2I/AAAAAAAAL7s/amhGqOFr1RYAI19nRAVPN5g-OfbrBVFrwCLcB/s320/20160715_Polychrome.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panorama from Polychrome (click to enlarge)</td></tr>
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<br />
Earlier on our ride out to Eielson, we were able to see the two peaks, the taller South one and the North one, plus the base of the mountain. The middle of the mountain was hidden behind clouds. By the time we reached the visitor center about three hours later, the mountain was completely obscured. Good thing we saw it on previous days. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZxdY1OqQ8w/V4x1l_CLxNI/AAAAAAAAL70/WLRkxO3c1lQVtSA_5j4kT79VlpskC2acACLcB/s1600/20160715_Denali1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZxdY1OqQ8w/V4x1l_CLxNI/AAAAAAAAL70/WLRkxO3c1lQVtSA_5j4kT79VlpskC2acACLcB/s320/20160715_Denali1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South & North Peaks of Denali Above the Clouds</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FL4rHgB53CA/V4x1lXvn9zI/AAAAAAAAL7w/PEZLIG9ZUJAcVkc04JUAE_dE8K5v6MbVQCLcB/s1600/20160715_Denali2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FL4rHgB53CA/V4x1lXvn9zI/AAAAAAAAL7w/PEZLIG9ZUJAcVkc04JUAE_dE8K5v6MbVQCLcB/s320/20160715_Denali2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Peek of the Peaks</td></tr>
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<br />
The bus had a planned 30-minute stop before returning back to our starting point. We ate lunch on the bus at the request of the driver. It is preferred that you eat on the bus so food is not inadvertently left for bears and other critters to find. You are also asked to pack your own trash out, although there was a large trash bag on the bus available for use. We wanted to be on the same bus in the same seats on the return trip so you can bet your sweet bippee we were on board at the designated departure time. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IV3Sw4RuLz8/V4x2EwEPfPI/AAAAAAAAL78/AYTeXdz4IMUucYp5OdY30kR-RFczNXPyQCLcB/s1600/20160715_Eielson-Pano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="57" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IV3Sw4RuLz8/V4x2EwEPfPI/AAAAAAAAL78/AYTeXdz4IMUucYp5OdY30kR-RFczNXPyQCLcB/s320/20160715_Eielson-Pano.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panorama from Eielson Visitor Center (click to enlarge)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-19KH8Itqb-E/V4x2Mi8AtSI/AAAAAAAAL8E/nTQidWI6NQ0J6FogN-mGvNELYLHPwnZkgCLcB/s1600/20160715_Quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-19KH8Itqb-E/V4x2Mi8AtSI/AAAAAAAAL8E/nTQidWI6NQ0J6FogN-mGvNELYLHPwnZkgCLcB/s320/20160715_Quilt.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Seasons of Denali" - Quilt @ Eielson Visitor Center</td></tr>
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<br />
We saw Mama Bear and her cubs again quite a distance from the earlier sighting. We were amazed how far they had traveled in a short period of time. Once again the engine was turned off so we could watch and listen. We spotted another caribou running down a gravel bar towards our bus, trying to escape the bugs, no doubt. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VIPa0nacXa8/V4x2k9hy46I/AAAAAAAAL8M/g4Rn3IJv09kZzVxwhcILcUXaF5rjmB5wgCLcB/s1600/20160715_Caribou3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VIPa0nacXa8/V4x2k9hy46I/AAAAAAAAL8M/g4Rn3IJv09kZzVxwhcILcUXaF5rjmB5wgCLcB/s320/20160715_Caribou3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running from the Devil(s)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The rains finally came as we approached Polychrome but did not last long. They did get things wet and muddy enough to mucker up the windows of the bus and reduce our visibility and wildlife spotting abilities. I must say the road near Polychrome is not for the faint hearted. Don't look down if you are afraid of a narrow road along a ledge way up high. For those who are familiar with Dead Horse Point on the road to Hart's Pass near Mazama, Washington, it is very similar, only a longer stretch of road.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wAQlbsGRgl8/V4x2yMZ06ZI/AAAAAAAAL8U/MmixHm14XrYmu_Ha4CeMrfkDab9AKdn0gCLcB/s1600/20160715_Road1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wAQlbsGRgl8/V4x2yMZ06ZI/AAAAAAAAL8U/MmixHm14XrYmu_Ha4CeMrfkDab9AKdn0gCLcB/s320/20160715_Road1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road Near Polychrome Overlook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0aDmu9W64Go/V4x2zy0lHYI/AAAAAAAAL8Y/C2N6H-MaHNYEDlrgSi-Iz6jT0K7QuDGwQCLcB/s1600/20160715_Road2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0aDmu9W64Go/V4x2zy0lHYI/AAAAAAAAL8Y/C2N6H-MaHNYEDlrgSi-Iz6jT0K7QuDGwQCLcB/s320/20160715_Road2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do. Not. Look. Down!</td></tr>
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<br />
We picked up a few hikers along the road on our way back to the Wilderness Access Center where our journey began. We were tired after a long but very rewarding day. Not only did we spot bear and caribou, we also saw Arctic ground squirrels, ptarmigans, and some kind of grouse that I forgot the name. The shuttle buses are a great way to see Denali National Park and I think taking the 13-hour round trip out to Wonder Lake and Kantishna would be a blast. Next time, perhaps.<br />
<br />
I have yet to see a male moose or Dall sheep though. I must keep looking and hope the opportunities present themselves in the coming days.<br />
<br />
On Saturday after laundry and other minor chores were completed, the ladies went of search of trinkets at the many gift shops outside of Denali National Park. We needed cough syrup, too. George had been battling a cold and now Mom and I were starting to develop symptoms. Mission accomplished with a bottle each of NyQuil and DayQuil in the shopping bag. <br />
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Sunday was departure day for all of us. Jim and Karen would be flying to Anchorage for a few additional days of exploring, and we would be heading north to Fairbanks. We said our goodbyes in the morning with thoughts of doing a similar get-together in the future. It was a fun few days. Visiting Denali was a great experience. Sally in WAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986783811683407554noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258405058132683615.post-78822686442406457452016-07-13T00:27:00.003-07:002016-07-13T00:27:33.316-07:00Alaska Adventures Part Eight - Whittier Whistle StopAfter leaving Homer, the plan was to stop in the Portage area for one night, check out Whittier that afternoon, and then spend the following night at Cabela's in Anchorage again. Ahhh...plans...only to be changed at the last minute. It is making the trip more fun any way.<br />
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A quick stop at a pullover near Ninilchik gave us a grand view of the mountains/volcanos across the bay. We had to make a stop in Soldotna at yet another hardware store. I think this trip is turning into a tour of Alaska hardware stores. This one was okay, more fishing stuff than hardware it seemed. George was able to get a knife sharpener King had recommended so all was good. We also got fuel before leaving town.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IuOHhnWPnhc/V4XcQh6vzVI/AAAAAAAAL3Q/-HKzry0LEX4s8C-qlyNdrN72_XDER5JTACLcB/s1600/NinilchikPano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="58" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IuOHhnWPnhc/V4XcQh6vzVI/AAAAAAAAL3Q/-HKzry0LEX4s8C-qlyNdrN72_XDER5JTACLcB/s320/NinilchikPano.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic View @ Ninilchik (click to enlarge)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zc9FnIJVvok/V4XZxjNz8wI/AAAAAAAAL3A/zkiWhmCJo1kcc91WLg3DiML7zqs_dkESACLcB/s1600/20160710_KenaiSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zc9FnIJVvok/V4XZxjNz8wI/AAAAAAAAL3A/zkiWhmCJo1kcc91WLg3DiML7zqs_dkESACLcB/s320/20160710_KenaiSign.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bye-Bye, Kenai! (I missed it on the way in)</td></tr>
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We were going to try to get a campsite at Williwaw Campground about four miles south on the Portage Glacier Highway. All indications led us to believe Williwaw was a popular campground so we made sure to have a backup plan in place. We kept our fingers crossed that the weekenders had left a spot available for us. Arriving at the campground, we found a nice campsite. Really nice. No hookups, but private feeling and a very large fire ring. Plus there were waterfalls from Middle Glacier cascading down the hillside behind our campsite. Woo hoo! We quickly changed our plans to stay two nights at Williwaw and skip Cabela's. We really didn't need anything at Cabela's any way. We would visit Whittier the next day and relax around the firepit at night. The flies were horrid here but nothing that a shot of DEET wouldn't handle. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AH37xFIbCH8/V4XhnTsE0dI/AAAAAAAAL4Q/IA6KP1x2LPEaGOJNdZ5OdDRs8wSfPjy8QCLcB/s1600/20160711_Williwaw1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AH37xFIbCH8/V4XhnTsE0dI/AAAAAAAAL4Q/IA6KP1x2LPEaGOJNdZ5OdDRs8wSfPjy8QCLcB/s320/20160711_Williwaw1.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Campsite @ Williwaw</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CV-SXczEN_0/V4XZyMa5myI/AAAAAAAAL3E/NX9KFlNJOt4ds2FCD5UvD2wT_xtu3bjcQCLcB/s1600/20160710_WilliwawSite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CV-SXczEN_0/V4XZyMa5myI/AAAAAAAAL3E/NX9KFlNJOt4ds2FCD5UvD2wT_xtu3bjcQCLcB/s320/20160710_WilliwawSite.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our campsite</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-atkKofFETJg/V4XdMOt9DFI/AAAAAAAAL3Y/sNdD13frf9EfDj6GCP_kRGffCYrjzyClACLcB/s1600/20160711_GlacierWilliwaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-atkKofFETJg/V4XdMOt9DFI/AAAAAAAAL3Y/sNdD13frf9EfDj6GCP_kRGffCYrjzyClACLcB/s320/20160711_GlacierWilliwaw.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle Glacier</td></tr>
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<br />
We slept in the next morning and then headed towards Whittier, about 7 miles away. But...there is a two and a half mile Anton Anderson vehicle/rail tunnel that you have to drive through! Yep, you share the tunnel with trains, luckily not at the same time. Since George and I are fans of the Railroad Alaska TV show, this tunnel has been on our bucket list for Alaska. Traffic heading from Whittier passes through on the top of the hour, and going to Whittier is on the half-hour. It does have a toll going to Whittier but not on the flip side. We easily made the 10:30 a.m. crossing. I was surprised by the number of glaciers in the area. There are several tour boat rides out of Whittier taking passengers to see up to 26 glaciers (we abstained).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CK9HgMd6Q8A/V4XhXBjo2GI/AAAAAAAAL4M/8tandG8ls8g8Mphsf4Ff__sGxWuOcr8IQCLcB/s1600/20160711_WhittierTunnel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CK9HgMd6Q8A/V4XhXBjo2GI/AAAAAAAAL4M/8tandG8ls8g8Mphsf4Ff__sGxWuOcr8IQCLcB/s320/20160711_WhittierTunnel.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tunnel Entrance - Whittier side</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rA8V4jj9Vlk/V4XhWjG2qUI/AAAAAAAAL4I/M_KhPMdPYBMWsYyczsaeXWby2WDXSmk7gCLcB/s1600/20160711_WhittierTunnel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rA8V4jj9Vlk/V4XhWjG2qUI/AAAAAAAAL4I/M_KhPMdPYBMWsYyczsaeXWby2WDXSmk7gCLcB/s320/20160711_WhittierTunnel2.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving the Tunnel (note the train tracks)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PRlWQ45CaAQ/V4XdY-1bpsI/AAAAAAAAL3c/eIF5B0xRDA4zDoCUhWVGUyX6KIZS-ZHqgCLcB/s1600/20160711_Glacier1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PRlWQ45CaAQ/V4XdY-1bpsI/AAAAAAAAL3c/eIF5B0xRDA4zDoCUhWVGUyX6KIZS-ZHqgCLcB/s320/20160711_Glacier1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Possibly Seth Glacier</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8sf-iwaWJio/V4XdZGmKBBI/AAAAAAAAL3g/JxTtRPuh3AI2mtClhLKfNgfb__65BdYaQCLcB/s1600/20160711_Glacier2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8sf-iwaWJio/V4XdZGmKBBI/AAAAAAAAL3g/JxTtRPuh3AI2mtClhLKfNgfb__65BdYaQCLcB/s320/20160711_Glacier2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learnard Glacier</td></tr>
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The town of Whittier itself felt depressing. I am not sure if it was the gray overcast skies, the large abandoned building looming over the harbor, or what, but it just did not feel like a happy place. We needed to wash mom's Travasak (no thanks to one of our cats, Baby Girl). We were able to glean a little history of the town in the halls of the building housing the museum. Whittier was a vital port and railhead facility and need a strong defense. Several of the buildings were built during the Cold War to house military personnel. The Buckner Building was built to house over 1,000 troops under one roof. The Hodge Building could house over 700 people in its 1, 2, or 3 bedroom apartments. Both were able to withstand the 9.2 magnitude earthquake in 1964. Today the Hodge Building is the main residence for a majority of people who live in Whittier. (FYI - $1,000/month for the 3-bedroom.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fuhErBU6B2o/V4XgH_Ybm5I/AAAAAAAAL30/fMC4woxHjjownPflzt6pcyKuZNUdLS4igCLcB/s1600/buckner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fuhErBU6B2o/V4XgH_Ybm5I/AAAAAAAAL30/fMC4woxHjjownPflzt6pcyKuZNUdLS4igCLcB/s320/buckner.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buckner Building Then</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k945CBJkTUs/V4XfvBaJ_xI/AAAAAAAAL3s/T3XaOmmJAvYgfjhdY4KPbQ0iutCrmVS9wCLcB/s1600/20160711_BucknerBldg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k945CBJkTUs/V4XfvBaJ_xI/AAAAAAAAL3s/T3XaOmmJAvYgfjhdY4KPbQ0iutCrmVS9wCLcB/s320/20160711_BucknerBldg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buckner Building Now</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J1T730YaAng/V4XgRgScFEI/AAAAAAAAL34/8KMMskMGGGACj8UeQvUbrsE3bSdXNThywCLcB/s1600/Hodge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J1T730YaAng/V4XgRgScFEI/AAAAAAAAL34/8KMMskMGGGACj8UeQvUbrsE3bSdXNThywCLcB/s1600/Hodge.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hodge Building Then</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-aB92hqHJQ/V4Xfv0TcWSI/AAAAAAAAL3w/BMFJzF9PgXkf64BcSZUL9HR1g3u9xmkpwCLcB/s1600/20160711_HodgeBldg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-aB92hqHJQ/V4Xfv0TcWSI/AAAAAAAAL3w/BMFJzF9PgXkf64BcSZUL9HR1g3u9xmkpwCLcB/s320/20160711_HodgeBldg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hodge Building Now (known as Begich Towers)</td></tr>
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After our laundry was completed, we took a short ride around town. The Alaska Railroad yard takes up most of the town
space followed by a couple of boatyards. There doesn't seem to be much
more comprising the town other than the docks for tour boats so we didn't stick around too long. We were
kind of disappointed in it all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T-DS-90ueqA/V4Xo-RyXwbI/AAAAAAAAL5A/TF5zFlq9Z-0BRHHzREJyRaQkjgz8yD1WACLcB/s1600/20160711_Whittier1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T-DS-90ueqA/V4Xo-RyXwbI/AAAAAAAAL5A/TF5zFlq9Z-0BRHHzREJyRaQkjgz8yD1WACLcB/s320/20160711_Whittier1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Multipurpose Building Today</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0mv8Nuq7440/V4Xo-pJC2yI/AAAAAAAAL5E/4jeXDq2ZMh0x1Agq_Nx7vpmbmcrAmCWMACLcB/s1600/20160711_Whittier2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0mv8Nuq7440/V4Xo-pJC2yI/AAAAAAAAL5E/4jeXDq2ZMh0x1Agq_Nx7vpmbmcrAmCWMACLcB/s320/20160711_Whittier2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laundry was in the basement</td></tr>
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Heading back to the campground, we lucked out waiting to traverse the tunnel. The train!! We saw the Glacier Express leaving Whittier and using the tunnel. The engine is at the back of the train for the return trip. No "summit shuffle" here which we found surprising. Does the engine push the train all the way back to Anchorage? After the train cleared the tunnel, it was our turn to go. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OpwyCjRbk-M/V4XikP424qI/AAAAAAAAL4c/7CGa9lKtDekjITzE1TrcZU_SO6dQJkWCQCLcB/s1600/20160711_AlaskaRail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OpwyCjRbk-M/V4XikP424qI/AAAAAAAAL4c/7CGa9lKtDekjITzE1TrcZU_SO6dQJkWCQCLcB/s320/20160711_AlaskaRail.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Train Engine Entering the Tunnel</td></tr>
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On Tuesday morning we departed Williwaw and started our journey north towards Denali. George had read several reviews for a restaurant in Anchorage he wanted to visit, so we did. The food portions at Gwennie's Old Alaska Restaurant were good size leaving Mom and George with enough leftovers for the next day. The inside of the building was interesting with their rock walls and decor (no pictures though). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xwYtBKEev34/V4Xi5Q4BYnI/AAAAAAAAL4k/uLy3_Ahd5_kZodnW-owHVjn0ShRapG8IQCLcB/s1600/20160712_Gwennies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xwYtBKEev34/V4Xi5Q4BYnI/AAAAAAAAL4k/uLy3_Ahd5_kZodnW-owHVjn0ShRapG8IQCLcB/s320/20160712_Gwennies.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast Stop</td></tr>
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<br />
Putting Anchorage in our rear view mirror, we started up the Parks Highway. Our plans were sort of loose once again on where to stop for the night. One option was a spot called Denali View South - another campground with no hookups. Reading our Alaskan campground book also gave us a place in Trapper Creek, due west of Talkeetna (tal-KEET-nuh). Prices looked decent so we made a last minute decision to stay here. We got the last pull through spot! What a difference in temperatures at Trapper Creek though. We went from using our heater last night in Williwaw to our air conditioner in the afternoon. At 82 degrees, this is the warmest day we have had so far. <br />
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Coming up the Parks Highway before arriving in Trapper Creek, we were able to see Denali for the first time. Wow! It was a fairly clear day and the views of the mountain were spectacular! It's huge! I am not sure if we will get another opportunity in the coming days to see the mountain. It all depends on the weather. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XN9yh_fm1A8/V4XjKkMO1sI/AAAAAAAAL4o/TUnCB8d6bE8bsPKyVYNxigBkSCw2c_Q6ACLcB/s1600/20160712_Denali1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XN9yh_fm1A8/V4XjKkMO1sI/AAAAAAAAL4o/TUnCB8d6bE8bsPKyVYNxigBkSCw2c_Q6ACLcB/s320/20160712_Denali1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our First Sighting of Denali!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yHPdohBb1yo/V4XjK8Py62I/AAAAAAAAL4s/j2X-nIS0PxcMg0HKka0tjPVdLPPxW4A2ACLcB/s1600/20160712_Denali2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yHPdohBb1yo/V4XjK8Py62I/AAAAAAAAL4s/j2X-nIS0PxcMg0HKka0tjPVdLPPxW4A2ACLcB/s320/20160712_Denali2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting Closer to The Mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
My sister and brother-in-law are flying up from Western Washington and we will rendezvous with them tomorrow for several days. There will be more tales to tell for sure!<br />
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<br />Sally in WAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986783811683407554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258405058132683615.post-14824908400198412622016-07-12T19:42:00.000-07:002016-07-12T20:09:11.435-07:00Alaska Adventure Part Seven - Home Sweet HomerAfter leaving our base camp at Kenny Lake, we headed to the Kenai Peninsula. The trip would require a night's stop in Glacier View, west of Anchorage, at Sheep Mountain Lodge. There at the lodge were six RV sites with water and power hookups and an awesome view of the mountains. No sheep though. The lodge also had a restaurant so we decided to have dinner there. Oh, yummmmm. At least Mom and my dinner of fresh Alaskan Salmon. George had Chicken Satay and it was just meh according to him. (Geo: Portion size for price. three half-inch x 4” pieces of chicken breast -- McNuggets would be a better deal) At least dessert was delicious. Warm homemade blueberry pie with fresh blueberries topped off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. There was a significant amount of traffic on the highway heading back towards Anchorage after the holiday weekend. Lots of ATV-toting rigs done playing for the weekend zipping down the road.<br>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-egBx-C3ylzY/V4WaaLhja7I/AAAAAAAAL0I/OKoFrQbeitUPgBDWm8OVKyzQP6fyUG8JwCLcB/s1600/20160704_GlacierView.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-egBx-C3ylzY/V4WaaLhja7I/AAAAAAAAL0I/OKoFrQbeitUPgBDWm8OVKyzQP6fyUG8JwCLcB/s320/20160704_GlacierView.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheep Mountain Lodge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
We decided once again to change plans and skip our trip to Seward. We would stop in Anchorage at Costco to look for replacement chairs and if they didn't have any, then go to Cabela's on the south end of the city. Cabela's offers FREE overnight parking, too.<br>
<br>
In the little burg of Chickaloon, a cow moose ran right in front of us. George had to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting her. Off she went across the road to the woods on the other side.<br>
<br>
We did not find chairs at Costco but we did pay for our stay at Cabela's. Found three new chairs, two new rain jackets, and a few other little items. Next to Cabela's was a Target store where we could procure a few other sundry items. It was another night of eating out at Xalo's (pronounced more like "hollows"). Had delicious burritos for supper.<br>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KQGpPsfPySk/V4WbH6NA5EI/AAAAAAAAL0Q/R0TZgFuMl2kwD5f6LoStOGesoBgA7AK-QCLcB/s1600/20160705_Cabelas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KQGpPsfPySk/V4WbH6NA5EI/AAAAAAAAL0Q/R0TZgFuMl2kwD5f6LoStOGesoBgA7AK-QCLcB/s320/20160705_Cabelas.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our "campsite" @ Cabela's in Anchorage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
Our next day's journey would finally land us in Homer out on the Kenai. This was our first day of driving in really rainy conditions. We arrived at our beachfront campsite at Heritage RV Park out on Homer's famed spit. The site was not cheap, but the view was worth it. The only odd thing is the beachfront sites are set up for motorhomes to pull in to so all of the hookups were on the opposite side of the site. With our fifth wheel, we had to back in and run our water hose and electric cord under the trailer. Our friends, King and Bernie, came down later that evening so we could coordinate our next few days together.<br>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TRkdiF5jvIA/V4WbnqvSn9I/AAAAAAAAL0Y/_Q4wuOpkWW8UBGPmgz7EaNzE13emii0xgCLcB/s1600/20160706_TurnagainArm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TRkdiF5jvIA/V4WbnqvSn9I/AAAAAAAAL0Y/_Q4wuOpkWW8UBGPmgz7EaNzE13emii0xgCLcB/s320/20160706_TurnagainArm.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turnagain Arm (south of Anchorage leading to the Kenai Peninsula)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
The next morning, King and Bernie picked us up and we started off with our sightseeing of Homer. We drove out to Land's End which is the end of the spit. We learned more about Jean, the Eagle Lady, who became famous for caring for the eagles. She has since passed away and it is now illegal to feed the birds. From there we visited the Mariners Memorial and then made a stop at the Salty Dawg Saloon. We signed a dollar bill and pinned it to the wall along with thousands of others.<br>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cOWEdNFpXno/V4WhSaM_jFI/AAAAAAAAL1E/itEDSwgvsHc0C8wJAI8sgPjiOkJGUnHawCLcB/s1600/20160707_Sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cOWEdNFpXno/V4WhSaM_jFI/AAAAAAAAL1E/itEDSwgvsHc0C8wJAI8sgPjiOkJGUnHawCLcB/s320/20160707_Sunrise.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gray Sunrise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PfwsfQ_j2Qg/V4WcipIhXTI/AAAAAAAAL0o/JAfmVZBb3iQ6xvMi0UkhWnK-zxCvzucDACLcB/s1600/20160707_LandsEnd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PfwsfQ_j2Qg/V4WcipIhXTI/AAAAAAAAL0o/JAfmVZBb3iQ6xvMi0UkhWnK-zxCvzucDACLcB/s320/20160707_LandsEnd.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us @ Land's End - Homer Spit</td></tr>
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<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xUZIojyT5nw/V4WcE7o-4JI/AAAAAAAAL0g/VpIvnvmxPqUV-nknqW25mCsgQK2CfS9zgCLcB/s1600/20160707_Memorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xUZIojyT5nw/V4WcE7o-4JI/AAAAAAAAL0g/VpIvnvmxPqUV-nknqW25mCsgQK2CfS9zgCLcB/s320/20160707_Memorial.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Memorial</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br>
<i>The sea tells a story.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>It tells of the life it brings,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And the lives it claims.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Its deep dark waters are home to some,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A final resting place for others.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The sea tells a story.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>It tells of the cycle of life</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Running through its waters.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Fish, spawning, dying, sinking to the ocean floor,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Returning to the circle that engulfs all life.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The sea tells a story.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>It tells of prosperity,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Yet how that prosperity can be unforgiving.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Nearly everyone will experience its vastness.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>But some will remain there forever.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>~Ryan Bundy, 1996 </i></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EUILYya-T8E/V4WcjN8dPVI/AAAAAAAAL0s/YMjyD6xDWug0v4Say4QN3twLgYlEBybVACLcB/s1600/20160707_SaltyDawg1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EUILYya-T8E/V4WcjN8dPVI/AAAAAAAAL0s/YMjyD6xDWug0v4Say4QN3twLgYlEBybVACLcB/s320/20160707_SaltyDawg1.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9EbPdK9cXR4/V4Wga0LhQXI/AAAAAAAAL08/6peWfnfiNsobRvLccmWleqxKiM_N3sl-gCLcB/s1600/20160707_SaltyDawg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9EbPdK9cXR4/V4Wga0LhQXI/AAAAAAAAL08/6peWfnfiNsobRvLccmWleqxKiM_N3sl-gCLcB/s320/20160707_SaltyDawg2.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Dollar Bill @ Salty Dawg's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
Lunch was at Captain Patty's where we all enjoyed a delicious meal. At lunch, we asked Bernie if she knew of a place in town to get haircuts. Unbeknownst to us, she was a beautician before she retired and she offered to cut my mom's and my hair. King was having the prop on his boat re-pitched and he needed to take the boat out for a quick spin including a trip to Gull Island which is a bird sanctuary. Unfortunately, Mom was not able to navigate the ramp out of to the docks because of the steep pitch so she went back to the camper while the rest of us took a ride. That is how we wrapped up our day.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZw7f2m3ClA/V4WhtAZANRI/AAAAAAAAL1Q/-pJ4rvuw2S0Sm1Aa6CSDzGkNd33V3-LiQCLcB/s1600/20160707_GullIsland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZw7f2m3ClA/V4WhtAZANRI/AAAAAAAAL1Q/-pJ4rvuw2S0Sm1Aa6CSDzGkNd33V3-LiQCLcB/s320/20160707_GullIsland.jpg" width="212"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gull Island</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZMo2tJbUug/V4WhpSLDi6I/AAAAAAAAL1I/FPKl36NyrWMyVByj5NSGDtjC3RSnbV19ACLcB/s1600/20160707_SeaOtter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZMo2tJbUug/V4WhpSLDi6I/AAAAAAAAL1I/FPKl36NyrWMyVByj5NSGDtjC3RSnbV19ACLcB/s320/20160707_SeaOtter1.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea Otters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8s4olbJphZc/V4WhsXqdcfI/AAAAAAAAL1M/7fyJlM5bu24gcTBqnOh2_YFrMEFR71RbQCLcB/s1600/20160707_SeaOtter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8s4olbJphZc/V4WhsXqdcfI/AAAAAAAAL1M/7fyJlM5bu24gcTBqnOh2_YFrMEFR71RbQCLcB/s320/20160707_SeaOtter2.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea Otter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQwSdEjgnDU/V4Wieiu_39I/AAAAAAAAL1c/GD0wwTj4AOIH2Hm6tIJaudbTLuykDSe-QCLcB/s1600/20160707_Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQwSdEjgnDU/V4Wieiu_39I/AAAAAAAAL1c/GD0wwTj4AOIH2Hm6tIJaudbTLuykDSe-QCLcB/s320/20160707_Sunset.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset Across the Spit and Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
Friday saw us doing more sightseeing of Homer. We started with breakfast at Duncan's Cafe and then walked across the street to Nomar's which manufactures fleece clothing along with boat upholstery and tops. We were able to get a personalized tour from the store owner. From there we went to my new favorite hardware store. Why is it my new favorite? Because it also has a quilt shop section! Next on the list was a tour of Bay Weld Boats where King and Bernie's boat was built. It was fascinating seeing the aluminum boats being built in various stages of completion. One of the Alaska State Troopers boats, the 42' Churchill, was in to be re-powered from three to four new 300 hp outboard engines. Four!<br>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v9jTEZ6Fx2w/V4WlpYAJwMI/AAAAAAAAL1s/dTBxy8TmZlUmdDCxTHdnOJBO_DFxoEW8QCLcB/s1600/20160708_HomerPano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="62" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v9jTEZ6Fx2w/V4WlpYAJwMI/AAAAAAAAL1s/dTBxy8TmZlUmdDCxTHdnOJBO_DFxoEW8QCLcB/s320/20160708_HomerPano.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic View of the Homer Spit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WbwvxAELnQ8/V4Wl38d9LbI/AAAAAAAAL1w/VLYnX88CNE0NjlZ3OhN6P_XVmGu0S4czACLcB/s1600/20160708_Gang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WbwvxAELnQ8/V4Wl38d9LbI/AAAAAAAAL1w/VLYnX88CNE0NjlZ3OhN6P_XVmGu0S4czACLcB/s320/20160708_Gang.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bernie, King, Susan, Sally & George</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
All of the tours made us thirsty so we went to the Bear Creek Winery just a short distance from Bay Weld. All of their wines were blended with other fruits like blueberries, peaches, apples or black raspberries. Very interesting flavors! Then we went to Grace Ridge Brewing and got six tasters of beers. Nothing was a favorite of ours. We ended up at Homer Brewing that we liked much better.<br>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uxAqWoUGgkc/V4WmJjdP-AI/AAAAAAAAL14/9pqiFvyLUgAAhVgH4DXuQ4Fb9ydK0SMWgCLcB/s1600/20160708_WineryFlower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uxAqWoUGgkc/V4WmJjdP-AI/AAAAAAAAL14/9pqiFvyLUgAAhVgH4DXuQ4Fb9ydK0SMWgCLcB/s320/20160708_WineryFlower.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese Pagoda Primrose @ the Winery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yg-nNHmdGMo/V4WmJbqIkbI/AAAAAAAAL10/kO1lylBl7PYGusIJhBwc-lnoflUS1-7QACLcB/s1600/20160708_WineryTurtle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yg-nNHmdGMo/V4WmJbqIkbI/AAAAAAAAL10/kO1lylBl7PYGusIJhBwc-lnoflUS1-7QACLcB/s320/20160708_WineryTurtle.jpg" width="212"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunbathing Turtle @ the Winery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
Saturday was halibut fishing day! The conditions were not as great as Friday but we went any way. All I know is that we were in Kachemak (CATCH-a-mack) Bay. Waaaay out there! Shortly after we anchored in four-five foot seas, Bernie had the first (and what turned out to be the largest) halibut on the hook. It was approximately 20 pounds. Small, they said, compared to years ago when fish that size were released. Today they were keepers. There is a limit of two fish per person and in less than two hours it was reached. After fishing was done, we headed for the port of Seldovia. What a cute little place it turned out to be. Reachable via boat or airplane, it has about 280 residents. The tide was out so the slough was empty when we walked along their boardwalk. Several cute houses on piers front the slough. We watched several eagles and seagulls before heading to the boat for our ride back to Homer. We took the scenic route behind the islands so King could clean our fish in calmer conditions. Along the way we saw several kayakers and sea otters. Mom had dinner of chicken and noodles waiting for us when we got back to shore. We finished our tiring day off with a bowl of ice cream.<br>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U-1-P_HKIhU/V4Wm0tnfnpI/AAAAAAAAL2E/44Xv4W89axkjvqnwHyoaxmJC56SoN-fLwCLcB/s1600/20160709_GeorgeFishing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U-1-P_HKIhU/V4Wm0tnfnpI/AAAAAAAAL2E/44Xv4W89axkjvqnwHyoaxmJC56SoN-fLwCLcB/s320/20160709_GeorgeFishing.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish on!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tpVZlptQCGQ/V4Wm7-xgiqI/AAAAAAAAL2I/KAXU_anTj3o6tIcDbgsD46iLaKiS64SbwCLcB/s1600/20160709_Fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tpVZlptQCGQ/V4Wm7-xgiqI/AAAAAAAAL2I/KAXU_anTj3o6tIcDbgsD46iLaKiS64SbwCLcB/s320/20160709_Fish.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of our catch with King</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xtt1LMYXb8g/V4WnEuwxd3I/AAAAAAAAL2M/-6crHwx2YBk6casKKc_WpP1MiHtI5W6wQCLcB/s1600/20160709_SeldoviaSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xtt1LMYXb8g/V4WnEuwxd3I/AAAAAAAAL2M/-6crHwx2YBk6casKKc_WpP1MiHtI5W6wQCLcB/s320/20160709_SeldoviaSign.jpg" width="212"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign in Seldovia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-69Wkj0L9VP0/V4WnPfxzzzI/AAAAAAAAL2U/DPIkSZHjHqodHjiCHI0Z4FH0o1UPXgRoACLcB/s1600/20160709_Seldovia1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-69Wkj0L9VP0/V4WnPfxzzzI/AAAAAAAAL2U/DPIkSZHjHqodHjiCHI0Z4FH0o1UPXgRoACLcB/s320/20160709_Seldovia1.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seldovia Cottages</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O1CMeGbtzUc/V4WnPG-fCjI/AAAAAAAAL2Q/6ZtMWZiy5cAlum0VEnWotXdsK7CNlI_eQCLcB/s1600/20160709_Seldovia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O1CMeGbtzUc/V4WnPG-fCjI/AAAAAAAAL2Q/6ZtMWZiy5cAlum0VEnWotXdsK7CNlI_eQCLcB/s320/20160709_Seldovia2.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Cottages Along the Empty Slough (tide's out)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7RVmQp7Bto/V4Wna1xXvYI/AAAAAAAAL2c/tcCy9wYJzcEMBCAHCDRX7GKWpMQO5fKpQCLcB/s1600/20160709_Eagles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7RVmQp7Bto/V4Wna1xXvYI/AAAAAAAAL2c/tcCy9wYJzcEMBCAHCDRX7GKWpMQO5fKpQCLcB/s320/20160709_Eagles.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eagles at Seldovia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2HZwMTe6mJI/V4WnfLXx5BI/AAAAAAAAL2g/LD0c5AYbo2gGb-aHKZGrYr5jtDsELVjWACLcB/s1600/20160709_boating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2HZwMTe6mJI/V4WnfLXx5BI/AAAAAAAAL2g/LD0c5AYbo2gGb-aHKZGrYr5jtDsELVjWACLcB/s320/20160709_boating.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading back - such beautiful scenery</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bum-BPDT5iQ/V4Wnfl2Rk1I/AAAAAAAAL2k/BfZ6PkkdgGEnNDqnZSkU4PDGsZuSpH_yACLcB/s1600/20160709_SeaOtter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bum-BPDT5iQ/V4Wnfl2Rk1I/AAAAAAAAL2k/BfZ6PkkdgGEnNDqnZSkU4PDGsZuSpH_yACLcB/s320/20160709_SeaOtter.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello from a Sea Otter!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1AV2GdyTWOM/V4Wnw83pNII/AAAAAAAAL2s/XcdgxFXIqRgNoxul_3y9vvNjyobSwzCMwCLcB/s1600/20160709_King%2526Bernie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1AV2GdyTWOM/V4Wnw83pNII/AAAAAAAAL2s/XcdgxFXIqRgNoxul_3y9vvNjyobSwzCMwCLcB/s320/20160709_King%2526Bernie.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our friends, Bernie & King</td></tr>
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<br>
We said our goodbyes to King and Bernie on Sunday morning and pulled out of Homer, heading for Portage and Whittier. It was a great few days there. My favorite place so far. <br>
<br>Sally in WAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986783811683407554noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258405058132683615.post-41880672958389527712016-07-04T09:59:00.000-07:002016-07-05T08:16:45.730-07:00Alaska Adventure Part Six - Base CampingWe used our campsite at Kenny Lake RV Park as our base camp for local adventures. On Saturday, we went to Valdez, Alaska. It was about a 90 minute drive. Well, add about 15 minutes. I forgot it is road construction season here. <br>
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To get to Valdez by the Richardson Highway, one must cross Thompson Pass. At 2,678 feet high in the Chugach (CHOO-gach) Mountains, it is the snowiest place in Alaska. It averages 551 inches of snow annually! I wouldn't want to be a snowplow driver for it! Although, in the winter you do have job security.<br>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sazu-T2-EB0/V3qLxgTLuNI/AAAAAAAALxM/7KDqVnqWEkM8LEBICgpxK2RkPt2JKKcwACLcB/s1600/20160702_ThompsonPass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sazu-T2-EB0/V3qLxgTLuNI/AAAAAAAALxM/7KDqVnqWEkM8LEBICgpxK2RkPt2JKKcwACLcB/s320/20160702_ThompsonPass.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic View from Thompson Pass</td></tr>
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Just before reaching the summit of Thompson Pass is the Worthington Glacier. It almost comes down to the road and is easily accessible for visitors. The Chugach Mountains sure are majestic!<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99qqK2-KV7U/V3qO1jli3OI/AAAAAAAALxg/tgU5b5AzyGoITKgAS_vLbbnOwSfhpQQcACLcB/s1600/20160702_Worthington1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99qqK2-KV7U/V3qO1jli3OI/AAAAAAAALxg/tgU5b5AzyGoITKgAS_vLbbnOwSfhpQQcACLcB/s320/20160702_Worthington1.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worthington Glacier From a Distance</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Ice at the Glacier</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another View of the Glacier Up Closer</td></tr>
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Coming down off of Thompson Pass, you pass through Keystone Canyon. There are several waterfalls cascading down the canyon walls. <br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PBN05MiNbZI/V3qPZhl3-zI/AAAAAAAALxw/Z9jR6wzpZ_8pIWRlAhrGcJ_I2I-pSG0AQCLcB/s1600/20160702_BridalVeilFalls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PBN05MiNbZI/V3qPZhl3-zI/AAAAAAAALxw/Z9jR6wzpZ_8pIWRlAhrGcJ_I2I-pSG0AQCLcB/s320/20160702_BridalVeilFalls.jpg" width="212"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridal Veil Falls</td></tr>
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Then it was on to Valdez. The "new" one. On March 27, 1964, a 9.2 magnitude earthquake struck 40 miles west of Valdez and the resulting underwater landslide killed 30 people and did major damage to the town. It was deemed the ground under the townsite was too unstable to rebuild so Valdez was moved to a new site about four miles away. We visited two local museums about Valdez and enjoyed them both. <br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uwyenEpdNGs/V3qP0032iEI/AAAAAAAALyA/RTjWqH__jj8vcMea5wDHB6k1KidyfaN8QCLcB/s1600/20160702_SewingRoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uwyenEpdNGs/V3qP0032iEI/AAAAAAAALyA/RTjWqH__jj8vcMea5wDHB6k1KidyfaN8QCLcB/s320/20160702_SewingRoom.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sewing Room Exhibit at the Museum</td></tr>
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We also visited the Valdez Eagle Aerie while there. It was one of the buildings moved from the original location. It's not what I would call an attractive building, but the fact they moved one of this size is impressive.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qumDn9JnGwI/V3qPimQ2hgI/AAAAAAAALx0/zLu8LbM1Ep4sLUyGLmz6beBgzmd1eWovgCLcB/s1600/20160702_Eagles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qumDn9JnGwI/V3qPimQ2hgI/AAAAAAAALx0/zLu8LbM1Ep4sLUyGLmz6beBgzmd1eWovgCLcB/s320/20160702_Eagles.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valdez Eagles Aerie 1971</td></tr>
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Valdez is also the terminus of the Trans Alaska Pipeline. One of the museums had a large display about the Exxon Valdez. What a mess that made. Did you know that ship (since sold and renamed) is not allowed by law to return to Valdez? The marine terminal used to give tours, but since 9/11, it is off limits. You can only view it from a distance.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3w9KLQ-7Y7Y/V3qPujqtJdI/AAAAAAAALx8/kyGx9oxEPDgbHCzgnJBi7HuvpmGDlLWBQCLcB/s1600/20160702_MarineTerminal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3w9KLQ-7Y7Y/V3qPujqtJdI/AAAAAAAALx8/kyGx9oxEPDgbHCzgnJBi7HuvpmGDlLWBQCLcB/s320/20160702_MarineTerminal.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marine Terminal with Ship</td></tr>
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On Sunday, we made the journey out to the end of the road at McCarthy. Whew! What an experience! McCarthy is about 90 miles from the campground, but it took 2.5 hours to reach. Once you reach the McCarthy Road in Chitina, it is 59 miles of mostly gravel road. Max speed of 35 mph. You start by going through a narrow cut through the rock and then over the famous Copper River. It is dipnetting season and people were camped everywhere along the road. Plus there were several fish wheels in the river near the shoreline.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0kraA0PePac/V3qT1FY9PYI/AAAAAAAALzs/6jwKLFsvIJc6j86-msxeUR7yXUeliry-QCLcB/s1600/20160703_McCarthyRoad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0kraA0PePac/V3qT1FY9PYI/AAAAAAAALzs/6jwKLFsvIJc6j86-msxeUR7yXUeliry-QCLcB/s320/20160703_McCarthyRoad.jpg" width="212"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of the McCarthy Road</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xDNw17qKb6I/V3qQOqnWU9I/AAAAAAAALyI/Ag3MWA2eyzUqErqYD7F_skYDacrtND0GwCLcB/s1600/20160703_dipnetting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xDNw17qKb6I/V3qQOqnWU9I/AAAAAAAALyI/Ag3MWA2eyzUqErqYD7F_skYDacrtND0GwCLcB/s320/20160703_dipnetting.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dipnetters</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dwXa49DWj_g/V3qQO_yRKSI/AAAAAAAALyM/V8hNEFb89M4bltj4BY5SHbjflpRBMdMIwCLcB/s1600/20160703_fishwheels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dwXa49DWj_g/V3qQO_yRKSI/AAAAAAAALyM/V8hNEFb89M4bltj4BY5SHbjflpRBMdMIwCLcB/s320/20160703_fishwheels.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish Wheels</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XXMm5vqkzn0/V3qQdYMthQI/AAAAAAAALyU/bcL4JUwexhYoLikg3dS_OUg1Tds7MBdFQCLcB/s1600/20160703_bridge1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XXMm5vqkzn0/V3qQdYMthQI/AAAAAAAALyU/bcL4JUwexhYoLikg3dS_OUg1Tds7MBdFQCLcB/s320/20160703_bridge1.jpg" width="212"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge Along the McCarthy Road</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DBVtS9DZlWo/V3qQcuSB-9I/AAAAAAAALyQ/OuSW3d3LPRAXRrZdvdO1yKceTvwOkq-zgCLcB/s1600/20160703_bridge2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DBVtS9DZlWo/V3qQcuSB-9I/AAAAAAAALyQ/OuSW3d3LPRAXRrZdvdO1yKceTvwOkq-zgCLcB/s320/20160703_bridge2.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving Across Said Bridge</td></tr>
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When you get to the end of the road, you park your car and either walk or ride your bicycle across the footbridge over the Kennecott River. From there it is about a 15 minute walk to McCarthy itself, but we caught a shuttle ride to Kennecott. <br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ioX6QlXDytE/V3qQvy_VZMI/AAAAAAAALyc/SYOw3xhWd78Ve_cjXdE8lcH-6BBT7a5cQCLcB/s1600/20160703_Footbridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ioX6QlXDytE/V3qQvy_VZMI/AAAAAAAALyc/SYOw3xhWd78Ve_cjXdE8lcH-6BBT7a5cQCLcB/s320/20160703_Footbridge.jpg" width="212"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Footbridge at the End of the Road
</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GzPvrIrFuwQ/V3qTJkl3vOI/AAAAAAAALzc/r1GtbaxSByQElYokUWChLbW-akU30BoVACLcB/s1600/20160703_RigorMortis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GzPvrIrFuwQ/V3qTJkl3vOI/AAAAAAAALzc/r1GtbaxSByQElYokUWChLbW-akU30BoVACLcB/s320/20160703_RigorMortis.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Rigor Mortis"<br><br></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6-bkf_nQyWk/V3qTWbaPVrI/AAAAAAAALzk/SD5oGq1SYnoz56yJxhGsvee9SZY_5xK4ACLcB/s1600/20160703_McCarthy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6-bkf_nQyWk/V3qTWbaPVrI/AAAAAAAALzk/SD5oGq1SYnoz56yJxhGsvee9SZY_5xK4ACLcB/s320/20160703_McCarthy.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McCarthy</td></tr>
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The abandoned Kennecott Mill Town now is mostly part of the Wrangell-St.
Elias National Park and Preserve. Some buildings and land still remain
in private ownership. The town is located beside the Kennicott Glacier.
When the copper mines were finally depleted, the mines closed in 1939.
The town was abandoned, leaving everything, including dishes and hospital
records, where they were. Some buildings are undergoing restoration by the
National Park Service. The 14-story mill building looms over the town
and must be seen to fully appreciate the gigantic size. The Power Plant
is also quite impressive. It was able to produce enough steam-generated
electricity to power the mines up in the mountains as well as the
entire town.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-di_KiYAdQ44/V3qQ6dk6TyI/AAAAAAAALyk/wBoXoTyQEWAarr5CokjsB1vSoz7KlR2IACLcB/s1600/20160703_Kennecott1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-di_KiYAdQ44/V3qQ6dk6TyI/AAAAAAAALyk/wBoXoTyQEWAarr5CokjsB1vSoz7KlR2IACLcB/s320/20160703_Kennecott1.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Concentration Mill Building in the Background</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VP-4grG24is/V3qQ7I-muMI/AAAAAAAALyo/PE8iq-YqPPoW5sb3EVARHIy3w-O5fEOXwCLcB/s1600/20160703_Kennecott2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VP-4grG24is/V3qQ7I-muMI/AAAAAAAALyo/PE8iq-YqPPoW5sb3EVARHIy3w-O5fEOXwCLcB/s320/20160703_Kennecott2.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking Up At The Mill</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DDglzoKwtMQ/V3qQ6eC8pDI/AAAAAAAALyg/lThCAquahk4Mc1k8xiZ7yen-xZHoavSHgCLcB/s1600/20160703_Kennecott3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DDglzoKwtMQ/V3qQ6eC8pDI/AAAAAAAALyg/lThCAquahk4Mc1k8xiZ7yen-xZHoavSHgCLcB/s320/20160703_Kennecott3.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another View of the Mill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kKGNK46a4ys/V3qQ9renbgI/AAAAAAAALy0/Gyu_KxPTMqALsPHlRfpK4EkIV8xpQaI6ACLcB/s1600/20160703_Kennecott4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kKGNK46a4ys/V3qQ9renbgI/AAAAAAAALy0/Gyu_KxPTMqALsPHlRfpK4EkIV8xpQaI6ACLcB/s320/20160703_Kennecott4.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abandoned Buildings (whitewashed one was the hospital)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KwcCE3cr4XI/V3qQ8sxwMOI/AAAAAAAALys/oZA6RHvxYpQ6cy57GDYt7CfGxpkQTS-XwCLcB/s1600/20160703_Kennecott31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KwcCE3cr4XI/V3qQ8sxwMOI/AAAAAAAALys/oZA6RHvxYpQ6cy57GDYt7CfGxpkQTS-XwCLcB/s320/20160703_Kennecott31.jpg" width="212"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Train Station</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MrGHxi6p39s/V3qSIVx0spI/AAAAAAAALzE/EWuDO5-LTYExZSvzxAoElFlHwVxg_QQjwCLcB/s1600/20160703_KennecottPowerPlant1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MrGHxi6p39s/V3qSIVx0spI/AAAAAAAALzE/EWuDO5-LTYExZSvzxAoElFlHwVxg_QQjwCLcB/s320/20160703_KennecottPowerPlant1.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Power Plant Builiding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HIOc35nrf94/V3qSOTuj91I/AAAAAAAALzQ/085IqTHGgJs1U3EwV53zlNi2FYN_RouegCLcB/s1600/20160703_KennecottPowerPlant2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HIOc35nrf94/V3qSOTuj91I/AAAAAAAALzQ/085IqTHGgJs1U3EwV53zlNi2FYN_RouegCLcB/s320/20160703_KennecottPowerPlant2.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Power Plant<br><br></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3PGJ4awXl_8/V3qSLMcVKtI/AAAAAAAALzM/i033es_DsZU2jJjyb8kS7iLIhE5EYXaaQCLcB/s1600/20160703_Kennecott5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3PGJ4awXl_8/V3qSLMcVKtI/AAAAAAAALzM/i033es_DsZU2jJjyb8kS7iLIhE5EYXaaQCLcB/s320/20160703_Kennecott5.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abandoned</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ppTCwY1W6g4/V3qSKZ34ROI/AAAAAAAALzI/0CDbuFTyR0A92XTHExgLpLFc9AyNK0dmwCLcB/s1600/20160703_Kennecott6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ppTCwY1W6g4/V3qSKZ34ROI/AAAAAAAALzI/0CDbuFTyR0A92XTHExgLpLFc9AyNK0dmwCLcB/s320/20160703_Kennecott6.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Rusty Abandoned Equipment</td></tr>
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On the drive back to Kenny Lake, we spotted another cow moose. It is becoming a joke that if I have the wrong lens (the shorter telephoto) on my camera, we see animals. If I have my longer lens on, then the animals never appear.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1HnAXFJHj_Q/V3qS9_Iiy7I/AAAAAAAALzY/3dxfqjHaZ1MxM0z_f03OpHf659qHh7lDwCLcB/s1600/20160703_moose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1HnAXFJHj_Q/V3qS9_Iiy7I/AAAAAAAALzY/3dxfqjHaZ1MxM0z_f03OpHf659qHh7lDwCLcB/s320/20160703_moose.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cow Moose</td></tr>
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Who knows when we will have good internet service again so stay tuned!Sally in WAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986783811683407554noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258405058132683615.post-15988653917495400722016-07-02T20:47:00.000-07:002016-07-02T20:47:06.148-07:00Alaska Adventure Part Five - Beat Up in TokThe roads of the Yukon took their toll on us again. Somewhere between Haines Junction and Tok, Alaska, are three camp chairs in a nice navy Sunbrella cover on rack. Yep, something, I suspect the rack, malfunctioned over one of the atrocious bumps and we arrived in Tok (toke) sans chairs. Damn. We also suffered another busted shelf in the bunk area. The force of the bumps were sufficient enough to pull one of the wood screws through the 5/8" plywood. While we did countersink the screw, there was at least 3/8" thick wood where the screw pulled through. Our bathroom was a disaster zone. A rack on top of the medicine came off the wall and the contents landed on the floor. Also emptying out was a shoe bag style wall netting. We are starting to get better at packing the contents of the trailer to keep things more secure. Not only were the roads bumpy, they were very dusty in several places, too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vcIERWOJCn0/V3iH6PGN9BI/AAAAAAAALwY/99pSIB-keMgZTi-ooRJWfPHdd_kAMwU_wCLcB/s1600/20160629_RoadDust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vcIERWOJCn0/V3iH6PGN9BI/AAAAAAAALwY/99pSIB-keMgZTi-ooRJWfPHdd_kAMwU_wCLcB/s320/20160629_RoadDust.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dusty Alcan Highway</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-erPegvBkcWY/V3iH7DcQRfI/AAAAAAAALwc/jpqK3z-_MOckx6h-H0RImXw-FwgA6BRfQCLcB/s1600/20160629_RoadWorker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-erPegvBkcWY/V3iH7DcQRfI/AAAAAAAALwc/jpqK3z-_MOckx6h-H0RImXw-FwgA6BRfQCLcB/s320/20160629_RoadWorker.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch Break for Road Worker</td></tr>
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<br />
On a positive note, we stopped at a neat little museum in Burwash Landing along Kluane Lake (<span class="st">Kloo-wah-nee)</span>. It was worth the $5 admission. There were many exhibits with the animals and birds found in the area. Moose, bears, bison, goats, eagles, owls and more. Plus displays about the native people who lived in the area. If you are passing by, stop and go visit the museum.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6zskWiilCsU/V3iI0hF3S5I/AAAAAAAALwo/cqID8ABIfF0qPoFR805Y9y46i0u422MVwCLcB/s1600/20160629_KluaneLake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6zskWiilCsU/V3iI0hF3S5I/AAAAAAAALwo/cqID8ABIfF0qPoFR805Y9y46i0u422MVwCLcB/s320/20160629_KluaneLake.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kluane Lake from Destruction Bay</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ujRlFUDm90/V3iIzsAraOI/AAAAAAAALwk/TFN4GwnqOlwObezUn0pIQFDT5a_y8A7jACLcB/s1600/20160629_KluaneMuseum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ujRlFUDm90/V3iIzsAraOI/AAAAAAAALwk/TFN4GwnqOlwObezUn0pIQFDT5a_y8A7jACLcB/s320/20160629_KluaneMuseum.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Museum in Burwash Landing</td></tr>
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<br />
Soon after setting up camp at the Tok RV Village, the big rigs of a caravan started to roll in. You know, those 40 foot motorhomes that cost more than the average house. The sites were tight in the campground so it was a show watching them navigate the narrow roads and trees to get into their site. To top it all off, another caravan arrived. Between the two, there were at least 45 rigs. Whew! The people next to us, who were not part of a caravan, had a 45' Custom Coach motorhome. It was really nice and so were the people. They were from Louisiana and we enjoyed talking to them. <br />
<br />
One other nice thing about Tok was having 3G cell service again. And we had about 8 cable TV channels. Woo hoo! We spent two days here restocking the frig and getting some fresh veggies and fruits again. Funny thing...we were told in advance to not bring fresh fruits and vegetables across the borders. So we haven't. Yet only at the Canadian border back in Osoyoos, BC, did the border agent ask if we had any. Which we didn't. We have been very careful to respect the rules, but geez, it hasn't been a problem at all. Knock on wood.<br />
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George wanted to have breakfast at a cafe somewhere near Tok where he could get reindeer sausage. He had dined at the Sourdough Cafe on a previous trip. Luckily, the cafe was still in business and still serving reindeer sausage. I ordered bacon but was shamed into trying the sausage. So I did. And I am glad! It was delicious. It was served link style along with two pancakes and two scrambled eggs. We will be sure to stop there on our way back through Tok. Who knows, we might even stay at their campground instead of the crowded Tok RV Village. We spotted a mama moose and two calves not too long after leaving the cafe.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LrD4_55jHFM/V3iJbiu0zkI/AAAAAAAALww/ArMVuMN_jL0jm-yUmc-Jo4CeY38k-ZCIgCLcB/s1600/20160701_Moose1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LrD4_55jHFM/V3iJbiu0zkI/AAAAAAAALww/ArMVuMN_jL0jm-yUmc-Jo4CeY38k-ZCIgCLcB/s320/20160701_Moose1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama and Her Babies</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ranB93TcZY/V3iJbBkBjbI/AAAAAAAALws/gu5AKtWRq2AJtRJz8V-uN7Yf8eEFgqp1wCLcB/s1600/20160701_Moose2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ranB93TcZY/V3iJbBkBjbI/AAAAAAAALws/gu5AKtWRq2AJtRJz8V-uN7Yf8eEFgqp1wCLcB/s320/20160701_Moose2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
After breakfast, we continued on our journey towards McCarthy. We had decided on looking for a campground near Chitina (CHIT-na) and not tow the trailer out the 60 miles of unpaved road to McCarthy. After further discussion during our drive, we decided to check out Kenny Lake RV Park and make that our base camp for three nights. This would allow us to do day trips to McCarthy and Valdez, both about 90 miles away in different directions. <br />
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Our campsite is nothing spectacular, just a back-in site in a gravel parking lot. But we do have electric hookup. The owners are very nice and are loaning us a couple of camp chairs to use while we are here. The gal who checked us in knew where Twisp was because she was born in Omak and lived in Okanogan, about 45 miles from our house. Small world!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rk2DIPm1bCU/V3iJ_67ntPI/AAAAAAAALw4/PSuTXufTnNIKGfyZ7jaZ7ulCGDP3kCDDQCLcB/s1600/20160701_KennyLake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rk2DIPm1bCU/V3iJ_67ntPI/AAAAAAAALw4/PSuTXufTnNIKGfyZ7jaZ7ulCGDP3kCDDQCLcB/s320/20160701_KennyLake.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Campsite at Kenny Lake</td></tr>
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<br />Sally in WAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986783811683407554noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258405058132683615.post-64911553967901039192016-07-02T20:33:00.001-07:002016-07-02T20:33:45.501-07:00Alaska Adventure Part Four - Alaska Marine HighwayThis part of our journey in Alaska took us on the Alaska Marine Highway, aka a ferry ride! We caught the M/V Columbia, AMH's largest ferry, out of Skagway to Haines for a one-hour ferry ride. Short ride but the wait to load was much longer. It took three-plus hours for them to unload the vessel upon arriving in Skagway and then load all of the waiting vehicles, mostly RVs. For those familiar with the Washington State ferry system, or other ferries where you drive on and off from the bow and stern, this ferry required us to load from the side. We drove down a ramp onto a concrete dock and then on to another ramp up into the vehicle area where we were squeezed into line on the car deck. That wasn't too bad. Uh-huh. Eek!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_62_dsNy9bs/V3iBjPEbcjI/AAAAAAAALvI/Qd-TGuw1Hto9rafR0YS-QMRKur7fBFxxQCLcB/s1600/20160627_Waiting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_62_dsNy9bs/V3iBjPEbcjI/AAAAAAAALvI/Qd-TGuw1Hto9rafR0YS-QMRKur7fBFxxQCLcB/s320/20160627_Waiting.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the Ferry</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OrlW0FHptP4/V3iB0WYZJhI/AAAAAAAALvM/IYPF0ipK17MU8jw58vZzXqnlX54R90-SgCLcB/s1600/20160627_Loading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OrlW0FHptP4/V3iB0WYZJhI/AAAAAAAALvM/IYPF0ipK17MU8jw58vZzXqnlX54R90-SgCLcB/s320/20160627_Loading.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loading Dock for the M/V Columbia</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9LioAivcmmc/V3iC0-f25vI/AAAAAAAALvc/5nGc9j1sQZwqFQvSGuEvkeES0nsuAGK3QCLcB/s1600/20160627_Leaving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9LioAivcmmc/V3iC0-f25vI/AAAAAAAALvc/5nGc9j1sQZwqFQvSGuEvkeES0nsuAGK3QCLcB/s320/20160627_Leaving.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Skagway</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MyZKZmE4eU0/V3iC0dNGoBI/AAAAAAAALvY/J5uWUnbG-gQWyyQPepfhVmCOXHrAOvUkACLcB/s1600/20160627_Going.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MyZKZmE4eU0/V3iC0dNGoBI/AAAAAAAALvY/J5uWUnbG-gQWyyQPepfhVmCOXHrAOvUkACLcB/s320/20160627_Going.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading to Haines</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EuAov0iG3es/V3iC1ZED--I/AAAAAAAALvg/TNT8rf3okHYZ0Bs88pARpJsMOJPe8vDhQCLcB/s1600/20160627_Ship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EuAov0iG3es/V3iC1ZED--I/AAAAAAAALvg/TNT8rf3okHYZ0Bs88pARpJsMOJPe8vDhQCLcB/s320/20160627_Ship.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cruise Ship Leaving Skagway</td></tr>
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We ate dinner in the snack bar area of the boat since we figured it would be after 8 p.m. before we would arrive at our next destination. We had cold sandwiches, chips and a piece of pie. Yup, main course and dessert along with a beverage. If the ride would have been longer, we would have opted to eat in the main dining room, complete with real plates and silverware. And tablecloths to boot!<br />
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Upon reaching Haines, the real experience of the ferry ride began. We would have to back up out of the lane we were parked in to get off of the boat! Yikes! Luckily the ferry workers know their stuff. There were about 5 lanes in our area and we were in lane 4 facing the stern. One by one, they emptied the five lanes behind us until it was our turn. Then the worker guided us backwards, telling George which way to turn the steering wheel and when to turn it hard to get the trailer to pivot. We were almost up against the outside wall of the boat with the back of the trailer. Then we were able to pull forward and out the side door of the ferry onto the ramp. Freedom!! It felt good to be out of there because I found the process very nerve wracking and I wasn't even the one driving. Good job, George!<br />
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We spent the night at Haines Hitch-up RV park. Very nicely kept, fairly wide grassy sites, and FREE hot showers. Oooh, that felt so good. I liked the town of Haines. It wasn't so tourist-y as Skagway and they had a much nicer grocery store. <br />
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The next morning we departed for Haines Junction back in the Yukon. The Haines highway is extremely scenic, especially once you cross back into Canada and are high up in the mountains. We saw one bear and I glimpsed my first cow moose in the trees up near Haines Junction. Mom and George say it doesn't count because they didn't see it. Well, I did so I'm counting it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y3MS1rzJieA/V3iDmywcFII/AAAAAAAALv0/x_WgU5OLcFQ-1MTqArh6OHy1I10KixivQCLcB/s1600/20160628_HainesHwy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y3MS1rzJieA/V3iDmywcFII/AAAAAAAALv0/x_WgU5OLcFQ-1MTqArh6OHy1I10KixivQCLcB/s320/20160628_HainesHwy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haines Highway View from the Back Seat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-co6tEZSGDcw/V3iDmU3YPGI/AAAAAAAALvw/f5szNwzjeNsIjjnzD7yCYdDo9E7QxH-SgCLcB/s1600/20160628_HainesHwyGlacier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-co6tEZSGDcw/V3iDmU3YPGI/AAAAAAAALvw/f5szNwzjeNsIjjnzD7yCYdDo9E7QxH-SgCLcB/s320/20160628_HainesHwyGlacier.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glacier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Plg8xm6e8oI/V3iDk2XfVXI/AAAAAAAALvs/U3NQ8p_uQbszjboASwQ1gttpod5pT7XqQCLcB/s1600/20160628_SeeMore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Plg8xm6e8oI/V3iDk2XfVXI/AAAAAAAALvs/U3NQ8p_uQbszjboASwQ1gttpod5pT7XqQCLcB/s320/20160628_SeeMore.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See-More on the Haines Highway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKQao4qGEBA/V3iDts7fOsI/AAAAAAAALv4/9e9MgkhEi1Y5BWQxfB7ASLir0TF5k8AegCLcB/s1600/HainesHwyPano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="50" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKQao4qGEBA/V3iDts7fOsI/AAAAAAAALv4/9e9MgkhEi1Y5BWQxfB7ASLir0TF5k8AegCLcB/s400/HainesHwyPano.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic View</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ir4Pwj02ruM/V3iHYa6-JOI/AAAAAAAALwU/DnoMlG1ZrPwD32gwz9mDEhdHCfXTOi90QCLcB/s1600/20160628_Bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ir4Pwj02ruM/V3iHYa6-JOI/AAAAAAAALwU/DnoMlG1ZrPwD32gwz9mDEhdHCfXTOi90QCLcB/s320/20160628_Bear.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blurry Bear Pic Proof</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We stayed at Pine Lake campground, a Yukon government park. Wow! That was camping. No hookups, but a huge wooded site with the biggest picnic table I have seen. It must have a been a 4' x 8' sheet of plywood with a fresh coat of green enamel paint. We were entertained by the squirrels chasing each other around the trees in our site. Trip sure enjoyed it. Yukon parks provide free firewood so we had a nice little campfire that night. It was a perfect ending to the day.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T4HHPo2frY0/V3iEVCmtvvI/AAAAAAAALwA/-0WB52UD7FkI3ph8236GVtieoj-Lpw7xwCLcB/s1600/20160628_Campsite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T4HHPo2frY0/V3iEVCmtvvI/AAAAAAAALwA/-0WB52UD7FkI3ph8236GVtieoj-Lpw7xwCLcB/s320/20160628_Campsite.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Giant Picnic Table</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KFLoXA7xA7M/V3iEUsm0RVI/AAAAAAAALv8/DtrE6zc2JOwvOp26OPsIRESKKNXJ-yECwCLcB/s1600/20160628_Campfire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KFLoXA7xA7M/V3iEUsm0RVI/AAAAAAAALv8/DtrE6zc2JOwvOp26OPsIRESKKNXJ-yECwCLcB/s320/20160628_Campfire.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice Campfire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ffoY81SjNFI/V3iEWiNxAaI/AAAAAAAALwI/Glc_y_efaJMF_HHfleGweOsQ3Rel4e2ewCLcB/s1600/20160628_Squirrels2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ffoY81SjNFI/V3iEWiNxAaI/AAAAAAAALwI/Glc_y_efaJMF_HHfleGweOsQ3Rel4e2ewCLcB/s320/20160628_Squirrels2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squirrel Entertainment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RaihWYnScVk/V3iEV7AN_aI/AAAAAAAALwE/_VUcR3eZ6NEXcx00WsTOO6OyxfG_kygeQCLcB/s1600/20160628_Squirrels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RaihWYnScVk/V3iEV7AN_aI/AAAAAAAALwE/_VUcR3eZ6NEXcx00WsTOO6OyxfG_kygeQCLcB/s320/20160628_Squirrels.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Entertainment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Another good thing of note is the revamped cat carrying area. We bought a piece of cut-to-size lumber in Skagway, and I covered it with non-skid shelf liner. It is working out great! The carriers are more stable and I think the kitties are happier.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MZyIL2Lc2Tc/V3iDXK68evI/AAAAAAAALvo/sB76c_R9lLgU_zEY_Q1rC1g24voJltHgQCLcB/s1600/201602627_CatBoard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MZyIL2Lc2Tc/V3iDXK68evI/AAAAAAAALvo/sB76c_R9lLgU_zEY_Q1rC1g24voJltHgQCLcB/s320/201602627_CatBoard.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Revised Cat Carrier Platform</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sally in WAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986783811683407554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258405058132683615.post-63180941685203193562016-07-01T16:34:00.000-07:002016-07-01T16:34:56.991-07:00Alaska Adventure Part Three - Finally, Alaska!Alaska Adventure Part Three - On To Skagway<br />
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We hit our first real gravel road surface in a construction zone as we pulled out of the campground in Watson Lake. Not sure if it was a good thing, but the water truck had gone up the road just in front of us. No dust, but mud to deal with. Poor See-More. It has had its first initiation of road grime on from the Alcan.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQA1lFcPGD0/V3b40FNImhI/AAAAAAAALs0/t6QWDpBwfcoh-VcGArvWA1tnQFKzuwjmwCLcB/s1600/20160623_Alcan1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQA1lFcPGD0/V3b40FNImhI/AAAAAAAALs0/t6QWDpBwfcoh-VcGArvWA1tnQFKzuwjmwCLcB/s320/20160623_Alcan1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road Construction on the Alcan Highway</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iEGVK9V5Rls/V3b4vxBxUoI/AAAAAAAALsw/dF6A6s5dZjUwP9pwnVtAFn3OILIDExi3ACLcB/s1600/20160623_Alcan2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iEGVK9V5Rls/V3b4vxBxUoI/AAAAAAAALsw/dF6A6s5dZjUwP9pwnVtAFn3OILIDExi3ACLcB/s320/20160623_Alcan2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See-More's New Livery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We stopped for coffee and sweet rolls at a cafe at Rancheria (ran-chur-REE-a) that George had visited on a previous trip. New owners and no sweet rolls either. So we had little fruit bread loaves in place of them. Meh, just okay.<br />
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It was a short drive day (less than 150 miles) to Teslin, YT where we stopped for the night. More tight sites and limited wi-fi at the cafe building. The mosquitos were out in force so I opted to not feed the blood-thirsty little buggers just to have internet.<br />
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Leaving Teslin for Skagway, Alaska the next morning, I saw one bear then farther up the road, another two on the way to Carcross, YT.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LJVzR7pk0GA/V3b5luFFKnI/AAAAAAAALs8/Zds6e4qIiCs_BlMIz3S3ZBLDBhlDG_ipgCLcB/s1600/20160624_Bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LJVzR7pk0GA/V3b5luFFKnI/AAAAAAAALs8/Zds6e4qIiCs_BlMIz3S3ZBLDBhlDG_ipgCLcB/s320/20160624_Bear.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's that up ahead?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I7TyZyVasOM/V3b5lywE8wI/AAAAAAAALtA/le8KWT4OPEsBewO0WtLldOT5_wHaNIiogCLcB/s1600/20160624_Bear2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I7TyZyVasOM/V3b5lywE8wI/AAAAAAAALtA/le8KWT4OPEsBewO0WtLldOT5_wHaNIiogCLcB/s320/20160624_Bear2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why, it's a black bear!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Finally, we made it to Alaska on June 24th! Crossing into the U.S. was a breeze. From Customs, it was a 13% road grade winding down into Skagway.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dGHGOfJDTi4/V3b6j3tkV9I/AAAAAAAALtI/lg0FgywGOgUGSOoCeUaaiQUh3DC7bTKMACLcB/s1600/20160624_Cloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dGHGOfJDTi4/V3b6j3tkV9I/AAAAAAAALtI/lg0FgywGOgUGSOoCeUaaiQUh3DC7bTKMACLcB/s320/20160624_Cloud.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool cloud formation</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oxPIAU-6D3Q/V3b6lv-DePI/AAAAAAAALtQ/hALlp-V7zy0HYq839eGUtOSenWsyevQlgCLcB/s1600/20160624_USA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oxPIAU-6D3Q/V3b6lv-DePI/AAAAAAAALtQ/hALlp-V7zy0HYq839eGUtOSenWsyevQlgCLcB/s320/20160624_USA.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're here!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m3Pn0VeiavQ/V3b6kcwwKNI/AAAAAAAALtM/VWLAP90TjEEbhLkLCGbcnVj3DXfXtCg5wCLcB/s1600/20160624_WaterfallsYukon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m3Pn0VeiavQ/V3b6kcwwKNI/AAAAAAAALtM/VWLAP90TjEEbhLkLCGbcnVj3DXfXtCg5wCLcB/s320/20160624_WaterfallsYukon.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfalls along the road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z4VX5aujfCs/V3b7AaosEHI/AAAAAAAALtU/aXj3xYYt4sE-vCl2zzo3Yt_iDAl_OGrVACLcB/s1600/20160625_SkagwaySign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z4VX5aujfCs/V3b7AaosEHI/AAAAAAAALtU/aXj3xYYt4sE-vCl2zzo3Yt_iDAl_OGrVACLcB/s320/20160625_SkagwaySign.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello, Skagway!</td></tr>
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We stayed at an older RV park near the edge of town in Skagway. No wi-fi, unless you want to pony up $$$, but we had cell service and a few TV channels. Skagway is a real tourist trap because of the cruise ships that come into the port daily during the cruise ship season. Tons of jewelry stores on the main drag.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XohvHgCSKCY/V3b7ZC-LDpI/AAAAAAAALtc/Fgu7U2HavsIeoT5FsCuyXr5yd8FsAgcTQCLcB/s1600/20160625_Skagway1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XohvHgCSKCY/V3b7ZC-LDpI/AAAAAAAALtc/Fgu7U2HavsIeoT5FsCuyXr5yd8FsAgcTQCLcB/s320/20160625_Skagway1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cruise ships in port</td></tr>
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Saturday we went to Dyea (Die-eeee) and saw our first brown, aka grizzly, bear. We had driven out on the tidal flats and there he was, off in the distance, safely away from us. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9T9j_g-wNM/V3b70v6l6cI/AAAAAAAALts/uci0qnvNhqAlx0ZjdDg4SoAk48F73JALgCLcB/s1600/20160625_DyeaBay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9T9j_g-wNM/V3b70v6l6cI/AAAAAAAALts/uci0qnvNhqAlx0ZjdDg4SoAk48F73JALgCLcB/s320/20160625_DyeaBay.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the bays on the way to Dyea</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yf_tfat8U3w/V3b7x-GTXFI/AAAAAAAALtk/zUwgpL6PEVcCZCPD_bH4qtgMva5acMyqQCLcB/s1600/20160625_DyeaBear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yf_tfat8U3w/V3b7x-GTXFI/AAAAAAAALtk/zUwgpL6PEVcCZCPD_bH4qtgMva5acMyqQCLcB/s320/20160625_DyeaBear.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Grizzly</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fw7Mq_dkkMI/V3b7yQtLOLI/AAAAAAAALto/oBE6Tv0Sw4YfjiEmCRZV65VWbLUQfO4iwCLcB/s1600/20160625_DyeaTidalFlats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fw7Mq_dkkMI/V3b7yQtLOLI/AAAAAAAALto/oBE6Tv0Sw4YfjiEmCRZV65VWbLUQfO4iwCLcB/s320/20160625_DyeaTidalFlats.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tidal Flats at Dyea</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zFQbCVSk29k/V3b73tNHLPI/AAAAAAAALtw/nogysOpR-5QjI1u7YOYfUdzxVmpGxARgQCLcB/s1600/20160625_DyeaWildIris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zFQbCVSk29k/V3b73tNHLPI/AAAAAAAALtw/nogysOpR-5QjI1u7YOYfUdzxVmpGxARgQCLcB/s320/20160625_DyeaWildIris.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Iris at Dyea</td></tr>
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The highlight of our visit to Skagway was riding the narrow-gauge White Pass and Yukon railroad. It was built to make it easier for men get to get to the goldfields in the Klondike during the Gold Rush of 1898. Started in May 1898, it took two years, two months, and two days to complete the 110 miles of railroad. By then, the gold rush was over. Today it gives visitors a glimpse back in time to the turn of the 20th century.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_AdQRqSFhxg/V3b8nh_4GkI/AAAAAAAALuA/vfdoMRwmsrEjFXpHC35bnSq9eYiTFK5tQCLcB/s1600/20160626_WPYR1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_AdQRqSFhxg/V3b8nh_4GkI/AAAAAAAALuA/vfdoMRwmsrEjFXpHC35bnSq9eYiTFK5tQCLcB/s320/20160626_WPYR1.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here she comes!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6dihqw2_HVE/V3b81IH622I/AAAAAAAALuc/_HIcQ1Z_XLEhaUJPWOgvEkqp9g4KqCipQCLcB/s1600/20160626_WPYR2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6dihqw2_HVE/V3b81IH622I/AAAAAAAALuc/_HIcQ1Z_XLEhaUJPWOgvEkqp9g4KqCipQCLcB/s320/20160626_WPYR2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking across to U. S. Customs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8AXiw4g2DD0/V3b80WEMjyI/AAAAAAAALuY/2GldrPOvXPMrKQhQt4onES_mWM6Cm9SGgCLcB/s1600/20160626_WPYR4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8AXiw4g2DD0/V3b80WEMjyI/AAAAAAAALuY/2GldrPOvXPMrKQhQt4onES_mWM6Cm9SGgCLcB/s320/20160626_WPYR4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of two tunnels</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back towards Skagway</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Car #216</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing the "Summit Shuffle"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c3g0Lrx0QAU/V3b8ovE2DsI/AAAAAAAALuE/KkP9DO6i7QwulKDsXgwXXY1V-ZsR4EypACLcB/s1600/20160626_WPYR10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c3g0Lrx0QAU/V3b8ovE2DsI/AAAAAAAALuE/KkP9DO6i7QwulKDsXgwXXY1V-ZsR4EypACLcB/s320/20160626_WPYR10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous gorge bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the summit</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading back down the mountain</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More downhill fun</td></tr>
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We finished up our train ride with a visit to the Red Onion Saloon in "downtown" Skagway where the waitstaff get into character.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Onion Saloon Hijinks</td></tr>
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Sally in WAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986783811683407554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258405058132683615.post-76721569195565775952016-06-22T16:32:00.001-07:002016-06-22T16:32:21.200-07:00Alaska Adventure Part TwoWe liked the RV park in Telkwa so much, we stayed two nights there. With the Alaska Highway closed, we were not going to be able to have our two night stay at Liard River Hotsprings Provincial Park, so Fort Telkwa became our Liard replacement. The town of Smithers was 10 km away from Telkwa and we were able to restock groceries and hit up the Canadian Tire store for goodies.<br />
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I was concerned about the cats riding in their carriers in the trailer and the roughness of the ride. Things were getting tossed around back there and it was stressing me out. The carriers are too big to go up front in the truck cab so I needed to come up with another option. Hooray for Canadian Tire. I purchased two soft sided carriers and put them side by side on the top of the seat. Still room for the dog and me in the backseat to boot, so it was a win-win situation. It took two days of traveling to get out the duct tape and using my best MacGyver skills, taped together wheel leveling blocks to make a platform on top of the seat to better support the carriers. Now mama is less stressed with the kitties up front which makes my fellow travelers happier, too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pets in Motion</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain by New Hazelton, BC</td></tr>
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The Cassiar highway is quite the road. Very bumpy, narrow and winding in many places. However, it is very scenic! Mom and George spotted their first bear in the brush along the roadside but I missed seeing it.<br />
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Our first night was spent at Meziadin Lake Provincial Park (Mezy-AD-in). Super nice park with friendly hosts and awesome views. We did not have a lakefront site, but still had a nice one. Met some fun people from Anchorage who were camped next to us.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meziadin Lake</td></tr>
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The next day we drove a few more hours north on the Cassiar to the town of Iskut, BC.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rest stop north of Bell 2 Lodge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More along the Cassiar</td></tr>
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We spent the night at Mountain Shadow RV Park. It was nicely kept and the view was spectacular! A bear was spotted close to the campsites, but I never saw it. In fact, I haven't seen much wildlife at all. :-(<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our window</td></tr>
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This morning we left Iskut and are parked for the night just west of Watson Lake, Yukon. Not much scenery but we have power, water and wi-fi again. Although last night's park had wi-fi, it was satellite based and we had a lot of trouble connecting. Couldn't upload or download pictures either.<br />
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The Cassiar up to the Alaska Highway was rough again and See-More, our fifth wheel, took another beating. This time the lower bunk window emergency escape latch was damaged and the window won't stay closed. Duct tape to the rescue. Also, the small pull-out pantry next to the kitchen sink had slid completely out. If it keeps up, I'll duct tape that sucker shut, too. For now, I hope the ottoman will keep it from coming off the tracks again.<br />
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Our generator basket hold down bracket also got bent over the course of travel up the highway. We've sent feedback to Torklift advising them of it, and have moved the generators back to the front of the truck where the forces of evil are less likely to affect the ride.<br />
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I also escaped from my holding cell in the truck today. The dog barrier folds down so I now have it in that position which allows me better views from the back seat. It will be fairly easy to put it back up should we need to contain Trip in the back seat. Nose prints on the windshield are not welcomed. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scenic Valley</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch for these signs!! It means bumpy road.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unmarked, but Paved Highway</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally! The Alaska Highway west of Watson Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who? Me? Not today!</td></tr>
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We will spend one night here near Watson Lake and tomorrow it is onto Teslin, Yukon and then into Skagway on Friday. Sally in WAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986783811683407554noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258405058132683615.post-36252789651603485442016-06-18T17:36:00.000-07:002016-06-18T22:05:47.961-07:00Alaska Adventure Part OneSummer's big adventure has started. George, Mom, Trip (the dog), Baby Girl (cat #1), CK (the Camping Kitty aka cat #2), and I are on our way to Alaska. We got a slightly late start on departure day because CK heard the cat crate door open and decided to hide under a bed and not come out. Bad kitty. Had to get the water spray bottle out to encourage him to come out.<br>
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Day 1 we made it Vernon, BC and Kekuli Bay Provincial Park. Very nice park with no facilities but a beautiful view of Kalamalka Lake. We were only in Canada for less than an hour and had two cars pull out in front of us. I don't know how you make a big fifth wheel disappear from other drivers' views, but apparently we have an invisible force field around us. We missed the second vehicle by inches and the trailer still smelled of burnt rubber from locking up the brakes an hour later. We had an enjoyable dinner with mom's friends in Vernon who spend the winters in Brownsville, TX.<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kekuli Bay Provincial Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Camping Friends</td></tr>
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Day 2 we got as far as Clinton, BC. The campground was mediocre at best. Tight sites but not too expensive. However, the owner was a piece of work. Everything was the best, including his BBQ, but mom's fried halibut was overcooked and so was George's ribs. And the mashed potatoes were instant. But hey, at $14 CDN, guess that was cheap, too. The real kicker was the free wi-fi internet. For all of two hours. Then the campground owner changed the password. <br>
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We got a whopping two TV channels, but luckily we were able to learn from one of them that 97 was closed up near Chetwynd due to flooding. During our two hour internet spree the night before, I was not able to get much more info. I feel like I got revenge the next morning before leaving because I
was able to guess the new password and log in to check road conditions
up north, and it was still closed with no estimate of reopening. Take that azzhat!<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging with The Donald in Clinton, BC</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom and Donald</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tight quarters and so scenic. Not.</td></tr>
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We decided to continue our northward trek towards Prince George the next morning. The people camped next to us the night before were also heading to PG. We called the campground to make a reservation and off we went.<br>
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We stayed at Mama Yeh's just south of Prince George. The owner, Edward, sounded delightful when we made the reservation. We were not disappointed. The campground is fairly new, and with the short construction season, he is not able to do much each year. We had a nice wide pull through site with full hookups for $18 CDN using Mom's Passport America membership. Score! The campground has no other amenities like showers and such and the free wi-fi was only available at the office. I never could get my computer to connect though. I did get a connection on my phone to verify 97 was still closed. The campground was full of wildflowers scattered among the sites. So pretty to see. We would definitely stay here again. Our fifth wheel suffered its first failure today. A rear shelf in the bunk area broke. We will see for sure how well built (or not) this trailer is on this trip. The roads may not be in the greatest of shape.<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our site at Mama Yeh's. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Office" at Mama Yeh's</td></tr>
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Since 97 was still closed, we made the final decision to alter course and drive up the Cassiar Highway which is shorter distance-wise than the Alaska Highway but less services, including campgrounds.<br>
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Today we headed west out of Prince George and are in Telkwa, BC at an awesome campground with terrific wi-fi. Hence the first post and pictures. It is gorgeous country up here. Kind of reminds me of the North Cascades. <br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bulkley River and Hudson Bay Mountain from Telkwa, BC</td></tr>
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PS - we saw our first two moose today, and about a half dozen caribou yesterday. <br>
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<br>Sally in WAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986783811683407554noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258405058132683615.post-28178871010076642562015-07-04T21:06:00.000-07:002015-07-04T21:06:43.686-07:00Fire in the Sky - AgainFire season is upon us here in North Central Washington state. There are several fires burning including one near Lake Chelan. When I stepped outside this evening, not only could you see the smoke wafting down valley but you could smell it. Brings back memories of last year. Not good memories either.<br />
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I can only hope the idiots with fireworks are smarter than I give them credit for and they don't shoot them off tonight. We do not need a fire here in the Methow Valley. Conditions are ripe and the wind is blowing. It wouldn't take but a small spark to ignite a large fire.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoke as seen up valley</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vibrant Sunset</td></tr>
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Hope your Fourth of July was happy and safe!</div>
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Sally in WAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986783811683407554noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258405058132683615.post-44631194593731585892015-05-09T16:18:00.000-07:002015-05-09T16:18:09.363-07:00InSPIREd Sunday - St. Anne'sLinking to <a href="http://inspiredsundaymeme.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">InSPIREd Sunday</a> with this pretty church.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jnWAfILLqE8/VUV-G0YNUCI/AAAAAAAAK4w/1BboXBMWvwM/s1600/StAnnes-HamelMN2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jnWAfILLqE8/VUV-G0YNUCI/AAAAAAAAK4w/1BboXBMWvwM/s1600/StAnnes-HamelMN2.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Anne's Catholic Church - Hamel, MN</td></tr>
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<br />Sally in WAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986783811683407554noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258405058132683615.post-69641166946659133832015-05-04T16:58:00.001-07:002015-05-04T16:58:36.098-07:00How Low Can You Go?Pretty low if you are this daring crop duster pilot.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crop Dusting Near Mattawa, WA</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming In For Another Pass</td></tr>
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<br />Sally in WAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986783811683407554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258405058132683615.post-88825675789144923312015-05-02T17:16:00.001-07:002015-05-03T05:43:55.006-07:00InSPIREd Sunday - St. John the Baptist ChurchMy goodness! It has been ages since I have posted. I have taken a few photos but not many so it is time to restart. These were taken last month.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fwAREH5CCtQ/VUVoKVcSzBI/AAAAAAAAK4Y/2cEOI5DJzbk/s1600/StJohntheBaptist-DaytonMN2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fwAREH5CCtQ/VUVoKVcSzBI/AAAAAAAAK4Y/2cEOI5DJzbk/s1600/StJohntheBaptist-DaytonMN2.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. John the Baptist Catholic Church - Dayton, MN</td></tr>
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Linking to <span id="goog_1110548148"></span><a href="https://inspiredsundaymeme.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">InSPIREd Sunday<span id="goog_1110548149"></span></a>. Sally in WAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986783811683407554noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258405058132683615.post-47880229526612431692014-09-18T04:00:00.000-07:002014-09-18T04:00:09.462-07:00Vibrant, Bold and FieryHow else to describe this sunrise from last week while working in Minnesota?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perham, MN Sunrise</td></tr>
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<br />Sally in WAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986783811683407554noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258405058132683615.post-31529889347521289802014-09-16T20:09:00.000-07:002014-09-16T20:56:26.961-07:00Escape from the Great EscapeOver Labor Day weekend, we went to Fall Fest at <a href="http://www.schweitzer.com/" target="_blank">Schweitzer Mountain Resort</a> outside of Sandpoint, Idaho. It was a three day celebration with live music and over sixty "local" beers and ten ciders on tap. There was also wine tasting available.<br />
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On the last day of the festival, the music didn't start until noon so we decided to take the chair lift up to the top of Schweitzer mountain to take in the views.<br />
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We should have known better when the resort spent twenty minutes getting the lift to finally operate properly. But nooooo. Up we went!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Friends - Rich, Joanne and Cody</td></tr>
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We made it up safely and spent about a half an hour walking around and seeing the surrounding sights. Many people take the lift up in the summer to go hiking or mountain biking back down to the lodge. The views on a clear day are impressive!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CDuXD8mUiso/VBjyQz1YMEI/AAAAAAAAKG4/Ztr6FjgEHqw/s1600/SchweitzerSnowFence2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CDuXD8mUiso/VBjyQz1YMEI/AAAAAAAAKG4/Ztr6FjgEHqw/s1600/SchweitzerSnowFence2.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Pend Oreille (Pond O'Ray) and Sandpoint below the snow fence at the top</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7n3J2HTmKCM/VBjyS6ch06I/AAAAAAAAKHA/jMWwyOE0RoU/s1600/SchweitzerTrio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7n3J2HTmKCM/VBjyS6ch06I/AAAAAAAAKHA/jMWwyOE0RoU/s1600/SchweitzerTrio.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George, Joanne & Rich</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dexzqL9x77c/VBjzUeRrRSI/AAAAAAAAKHI/1dDsGRyKC-s/s1600/SchweitzerSings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dexzqL9x77c/VBjzUeRrRSI/AAAAAAAAKHI/1dDsGRyKC-s/s1600/SchweitzerSings.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What Ski Run Would You Like to Take?</td></tr>
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Soon it was time to head back down to the village in the resort. As we neared the lift, we heard the warning chime going off and on again. Not a good sound to hear.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xM_GEwjWc70/VBjz2O2hgkI/AAAAAAAAKHQ/g7b3ctklh4k/s1600/SchweitzerLift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xM_GEwjWc70/VBjz2O2hgkI/AAAAAAAAKHQ/g7b3ctklh4k/s1600/SchweitzerLift.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Great Escape (or is it?)</td></tr>
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We figured it wouldn't take them long to fix things and resume operations. Wrong!<br />
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As we sat at the picnic table next to the lift to wait things out, we could smell the brakes and heard cussing and grunting from the mechanical area (where the open window is in the picture above). The situation was not looking promising.<br />
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When we first walked over to the lift the nearby digital thermometer was showing 61 degrees. It was a bit breezy but the sun was out and made it bearable. After all, it was 61 degrees!<br />
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The grunting and cussing continued along with the warning chimes. Start. Stop. Start. Stop. A strong smell of hot brakes. Things were obviously not going well.<br />
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After a while, a mechanic showed up to help work on the lift. Apparently the lift was struck by lightning two nights before and the mechanic had new parts he needed to install once they got everyone off of the lift.<br />
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We quickly decided there was no way we were getting back on that chairlift! Our friend Rich called the resort and said they needed to get a shuttle vehicle up to the top of the mountain and start bringing people back down. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Re3taLmT9nw/VBj1ZtEL0pI/AAAAAAAAKHY/ZkJ-kyPtOdM/s1600/SchweitzerStuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Re3taLmT9nw/VBj1ZtEL0pI/AAAAAAAAKHY/ZkJ-kyPtOdM/s1600/SchweitzerStuck.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuck!</td></tr>
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Meanwhile, a cloud had settled over us blocking the sun and the thermometer started to drop.<br />
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The resort finally got the lift running again and gave us the option to ride it back down. The lift operators said it was safe. We agreed with that. But was it reliable? Sixty plus people had been stuck for forty-five minutes in the wind and cold. A few brave souls opted to go down via the chairlift rather than wait for alternate transportation but not us. We weren't willing to take a chance. <br />
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The temp was now was down to 51 degrees (before windchill) as we waited for our ride to show up. We were not dressed for this and couldn't wait to get back down the hill. About ten minutes later, we were cozy in the 4WD Tahoe vehicle and on our way. At the bottom, we were given coupons for $10 off a meal plus refunded the ticket price for the lift. Not a bad deal. We were impressed by how quickly the resort set out to do the right thing.<br />
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Since it was now close to noon, we decided to get some lunch - indoors, of course! And to refill our now empty beer mugs.<br />
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We'll go back next year for the festival but I think we'll pass on the chair ride to the top.<br />
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<br />Sally in WAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986783811683407554noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258405058132683615.post-61725938911686239752014-09-14T18:35:00.001-07:002014-09-14T18:35:57.449-07:00Mount HoodMy travels back and forth to Minnesota took me on a different route yesterday. I flew into Portland, Oregon instead of Seattle, Washington. It was a clear day and I was lucky to be on the Mount Hood side of the plane. Gorgeous!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-meD9IG7yZc0/VBZBW_VYpeI/AAAAAAAAKF4/DZb7FxmRSQc/s1600/MtHood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-meD9IG7yZc0/VBZBW_VYpeI/AAAAAAAAKF4/DZb7FxmRSQc/s1600/MtHood.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VXC0b1siGTQ/VBZBXNlLI1I/AAAAAAAAKF8/_72eeGV6-Ko/s1600/MtHood2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VXC0b1siGTQ/VBZBXNlLI1I/AAAAAAAAKF8/_72eeGV6-Ko/s1600/MtHood2.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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What was fascinating was the chain of volcanos beyond Mt. Hood.<br />
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<br />Sally in WAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986783811683407554noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258405058132683615.post-5310243242595481422014-08-14T06:42:00.000-07:002014-08-14T06:42:20.100-07:00Good Fences - Vinyl Meets FireNear the town of Methow, Washington, is a pretty little horse farm with white vinyl fencing for their pasture. The recent firestorm left their farm fairly intact except for where the fire burned close to one of their fence lines. As you can see, the fencing didn't fare very well against the heat and is not quite good fencing these days. The good news is that the horses were safe.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_yg6Lg7Bao/U-y7VONcNeI/AAAAAAAAJko/4rAwp-C1qTc/s1600/20140731_VinylFence1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_yg6Lg7Bao/U-y7VONcNeI/AAAAAAAAJko/4rAwp-C1qTc/s1600/20140731_VinylFence1.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nw8HzX4J0dE/U-y7U4OjOyI/AAAAAAAAJkk/wBgTP1Sqt6M/s1600/20140731_VinylFence2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nw8HzX4J0dE/U-y7U4OjOyI/AAAAAAAAJkk/wBgTP1Sqt6M/s1600/20140731_VinylFence2.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Linking to TexWisGirl and her <a href="http://run-a-roundranch.blogspot.com/2014/08/good-fences-21.html" target="_blank">Good Fences</a> meme.<br />
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<a href="http://run-a-roundranch.blogspot.com/"><img src=" http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7211/13317117563_c095d0b958_q.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />Sally in WAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986783811683407554noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258405058132683615.post-8794312791151934892014-08-11T04:00:00.000-07:002014-08-11T07:53:47.591-07:00Perigee MoonTaken last night from my viewpoint at our local airport (wide open spaces!). The moon is orange because of the smoke from our wildfires.<br />
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<br />Sally in WAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986783811683407554noreply@blogger.com5