Wayward Wonderers

Day 29 June 18, 2009 drove 286 miles forget it--it was not a good day. The road from Tok to Haines Junction was the worst road I have ever traveled on the road was a roller coaster, bumps, dips, gravel, and rocks. Oh I forgot the washboard effect it had. Believe it or not the Top of the World Highway was better than this part. Also after just having my windshield fixed in Tok, I got 3 new holes now on the driver's side windshield and numerous chips in the paint when a log truck flew by on the other side of the construction area. They say they try to fix it every year but it does no good. Funny thing it is in Canada and once you get to Destruction Bay which is a popular attraction on the road the road is quite nice to travel on. All of a sudden the perma frost ends.?????

Day 30, 31 I stayed in Haines Junction, I needed a rest from driving. I had been on a cruise and I already had done that area--but most of all I wanted to rest. The gang went to Haines, Juneau, and then came back from Skagway. I stayed at the campground that we all stayed at on Day 29. I walked to town, about 1 mile. I was warned to stay on the highway because they have a lot of grizzly bears around, and to take a bell with me. I got to watch a little TV. I had a dream about my mother walking in the woods with me trying to find her. Then I took a bus to 54th and Villard. Too much junk food before I went to bed.

Day 32 June 21 (father's day) Sunday--Found a church in Haines Junction.. Quonset Hut was now a church. Only 15 small pews. The Bishop was there to give First Communion to 2 children. 12 kids were in church and 15 adults. I was the only foreigner. They knew it. The bishop was there with his miter and staff. I then drove only 100 miles to Whitehorse. Did some grocery shopping and relaxed again. I thought the gang would be back soon and meet me in Whitehorse. They got stuck in Juneau.

Day 33 June 22 Whitehorse, YT Started to clean and wax the camper. Hi Country RV a very nice place. I did have some internet and got to talking with a lot of nice people. Met a nice couple from Switzerland.. Roy and Corinne. We even played cards that night. They were on their honeymoon. I saw a light in a camper that the eyes of the wolf would follow you. The wife gave me a e-mail address. Talked with some friends on the magic jack line.

Day 34 Still at Hi Country. Roy brought over some leftovers bottles of oil and papers because they were flying back to Vancover in the morning.
Watched a movie and waxed again. It takes a long time--it is a big camper. Saw Roy and Corinne again tonight. We laughed and told stories.

Day 35 Johnson's Crossing, YT I drove only 83 miles today. Before I left I went back into Whitehorse because there was to be a canoe race to Dawson City. I missed the start by 3 minutes.
Finally met back up with the gang. Good to see them again. They had some strange stories to tell.I made supper for the group. We then had an uninvited guest. A fox. It just stood at the window looking up. It could smell the garlic. I also drained the noodles onto the ground and it found a few noodles. It would keep coming back to the camper. Got some great pictures. It also took a shoe from in front of another camper.
We then got back into our routine and played cards,

I'm looking over a four leafed clover......

My dad used to always find 4 leaf clovers. I never could. I used to fake it and add one but I always got caught. Yesterday Karen, one of my companions was finding them and giving them to me. Here story is that as a little girl her mother would send her out to play. She and her friend would sit for hours looking for 4-leaf clovers. She has a keen eye for them now.

This morning I wanted to find one. I didn't. She said she would find one tell me the area and then I could find it. I did it--three times with the help of Gary pushing my head down on one of them. Now those of you who really know me--know that I would have to find one on my own. As the others waited to leave Boya Lake this morning--I wasn't giving up! I DID IT--I FOUND MY FIRST 4-LEAF CLOVER

As I got into the camper I then put on my Dad's song to me. FUNNY FACE BY DONNA FARGO

It brought back many memories for me of my father. As I'm typing this it has brought tears to my eyes--but I had to share this special moment of my trip.

Serenading Nature

Day 25
Drove from Homer to Palmer just east of Anchorage. 257 miles
Stopped to help some people whose camper the ignition wouldn't work--called for help for them once we got into a telephone area. They didn't get help for 8 hours. We saw some more moose along the road, but we have stopped counting. I guess we now think of them as almost rabbits.
Palmer campground not too clean but a place to sleep. Lots of bugs. good night

Day 26
Drove 259 miles to Valdez. What a view all the way. The most beautiful drive so far. Thompson Pass, and Keystone Canyon great. On the drive we had to stop for 20 minutes for road construction and we all stood on the highway. Met a lady that was heading up to Chicken. She was an author of a supplement book to "Tisha" about a Chicken teacher. Tisha was her husband's grandmother. I bought the book on the highway.

We also spelled out my name on the hillside with rocks. They do that up here. Karen started it--she started mine instead of her's because Gary didn't want her to do it. With my name it was harder for him to stop her. Passed beautiful falls and glaciers going down to Valdez. Settled into the campground right on the bay across from the pipeline terminal. What a view. In town we saw many eagles flying trying to get food from some people. Got some great photos. It is illegal to feed them. But, I'm glad they did it until someone called them on it. Found a great fish shop and had wonderful cod.

Day 27
Stayed put for another day. Gary took us out on a rough road to a falls. Talk about holes in the road--but again beautiful. Drove to pipeline but it is closed to people. Gary thought he saw a huge eagle, but it truned out to be a worker with a white hardhat on. We had a great laugh. Gary didn't laugh as hard as we did. The Valdez mountains almost look like green velvet. They get over 300" of snow a year. Like a rain forest.

In the afternoon we went to 2 museums and saw 3 films about the area. Long busy days. Went back for more fish. Valdez is my favorite place so far. I should say one of 2 because I fell in love with Denali.

Day 28
Drove 251 miles from Valdez to Tok--basically on the way home now but with stops to make. At the 5000 mile mark. Before we left Valdez we went to old city Valdez that was destroyed from the 64' earthquake. As we are at the water's edge Gary saw a black bear. It was between us and the vehicle. With Shirley being by the truck. We got some pictures. Then I sang to scare it off. It ran very fast. Gary wasn't happy because he wanted to get a closer shot, but his camera was in the truck.

Just outside of Valdez in Worthington Glacier. We stopped and got some shots and rocks. We arrived in Tok at 5 pm. Got my window fixed. Damage from a flying rock on the way up. Went to a singing program at the campground and finally got some rain.

Swim Fishies Swim!!

Day 23 Hanging around Homer. Started fishing in the bay.. Caught some pollock fish. 3 that were about 36" long. Gary caught a cod. We cleaned them and ate some. OK but they are not Halibut which Homer is famous for. Played cards at night. Of course during the day there was shopping to be done. Mostly by Karen and Shirley.

Day 24 Went to fish but tide was in=--can't cast that far. I said I think we better go out for a half-day trip. Each person is allowed 2 halibut. I was worried about the seas and motion sickness. Take a pill Seibert, this is what you came here for. I'm not suppose to end a sentence that way. I think it is a preposition. I don't care.

THEN THE BOAT LEFT AT 1 AND I WAS ON IT.
We went out 20 miles. After we got to a spot just in view of St Augustine Volcano, within an hour I had caught 5 halibuts. I threw the first 3 back, then I caught a 15#, and then a20# halibut. By that time I was so tired and sore that I was glad to be done. Believe it or not the weight as a sinker weighs 2#--you try to keep reeling that up from 160 ft. The day was fantastic. Another memory.

MT MCKINLEY

Dawson CIty here we come!

Day 9 was a cold day. Lucky to hit 40. Stayed at a campground that the lake was still frozen. No fishing yet. I wonder why. Left Teslin and drove to Whitehorse. It snowed on the way. Yes, I missed the snow all winter--but I got to see it first hand. Had my picture taken sitting on a snowbank. Arrived Whitehorse and went downtown, made a sirloin roast and then took in the Frantic Follies. It was the highlight of the day. Good jokes.

Day 10 was a rough ride to Dawson City. Up and down, and bumpy. Not too much to see--a lot of the land was hit by forest fires. 329 miles this day. Stopped at the Yukon River. In Dawson City we are now right on the Yukon. The road ends here.. So we have to take the ferry across to start the Road to the Top of the World Road.

Day 11 was a day of rest. We all needed it. I was waiting for church, but the bell didn't ring. That meant the priest wasn't in town. They did have a rosary and readings, so I went to that. That is their church service if the priest doesn't show. It has been along time since I did the rosary. My mom would be proud, let alone Aunt Angie. We then went to town which is 5 blocks by 5 blocks. Then we took a trip to pan for gold. I liked finding neat rocks better. We drove to the top of the dome road. Great view. Tomorrow we cross on the ferry and start our full day treck to Tok, AK. We will finally be in Alaska.

In all this has been a great trip and we never know what is around the bend in the road.
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HEARD OF THE EXPRESSION....HANGING ON BY A THREAD...............WELL
Day 12 I will never experience again in my life. My life hung from an edge of a mountain top for 7 hours. Yes it took 7 hours for us to go 180 miles from Dawson City to Tok. The problem the "Top of the World Highway"-- NOT GOOD!!!!!!! AT ALL!!!
BUT MY DAY STARTED OFF BADLY TO BEGIN WITH----LET ME TELL YOU!!!!!!
THE DAY STARTED OUT BADLY BY ME GOING UP A SERVICE ROAD TO GET TO THE DOCK TO TAKE THE BOAT ACROSS THE YUKON. AFTER DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD FOR ALMOST 1/2 MILE OR SO I COULDN'T GET OFF AT THE OTHER END BECAUSE A BOAT WAS PARKED THERE. I HAD TO BACK THE WHOLE WAY WITH JUST ENOUGH ROOM FOR MY TIRES TO FIT ON THE ROAD THAT DIDN'T HAVE ANY SHOULDER, BUT DID HAVE A HIGH DROPOFF ON EACH SIDE. NEEDLESS TO SAY-------IT WAS NOT GOOD. IT WAS NOT GOOD TO BE THERE WITH A CAMPER. VERY STUPID ON MY PART, IT TOOK ABOUT A SLOW 15 MINUTES FOR ME TO GET BACK FROM WHERE I STARTED. THEN I DROVE ALONG ON THE LOWER EDGE WHICH WAS THE STREET THAT I WAS SUPPOSE TO BE ON TO GET TO THE FERRY.

The rest of the 180 miles 160 of them being gravel, rocks and potholes. It was so narrow at times around the mountains that only one vehicle could fit. When we finally got to Chicken- at 106 of the miles-I had to sit still for a moment to get back my sanity. Then we still had 74 miles to go. After we crossed the border to Alaska the road got worse. We finally made it to a fantastic Alaskan State Park on the Tok River. FINALLY IN ALASKA!!

Day 13 What a great day today. Great weather. FLAT ROAD, EVEN ROAD, NO HOLES, Traveling from Tok to Fairbanks. Only about 200 miles. Good road Alaska 2. Had some great stops along the road. Just before Fairbanks was the North Pole. Had my picture taken with Santa. Then there was a convention of 25 Santas that appeared. Great picture. Fun stop. Nice campground on the Chena River now for 2 days.

We will go to Denali on Thursday. It is good to alive!!!

Day 14 kept us in Fairbanks--no driving. Called for a prescription--still sore throat kept me up at night. Made a baked chicken for my traveling family. In the afternoon we went on a paddle-wheeled boat for a 3.5 hour ride. It was a nice change to have someone else driving even if it was a boat. When we got back we talked with some new neighbors traveling from Germany. We then played some cards. Karen and I won!!!!

Day 15 traveled only 119 miles south to Denali. Staying outside of the park at Healy. We left by noon to drive through the 15 miles that a car can travel on within the park. A great sunny day which allowed us to see Mt. McKinley. Lucky us on the first visit. We also saw a moose and then some grizzly bears. They are huge. This truly is a vacation of a lifetime. The park is mesmerizing. To stand and look at the Mt just reconnects me to the land and how wonderful life is that grants me the opportunity to fulfill my dream vacation .. The park is the highlight of the trip. We then made reservations for an 8 hour bus trip.

Day 16 bus left at 8 a.m. Most of the road is gravel that is (62 of 66) miles. Back to the gravel and winding turns and narrow roads. It took 3.5 hours to go 66 miles--about 20 mph if we were lucky. Then of course he had to get back on that winding road--this time my seat was on the outside, cliff side. At higher elevations one lane with very steep cliffs. FUN? It was a great day. The park is fantastic and more beautiful than one can imagine. We saw 14 grizzly bears, some caribou, many sheep on the cliffs, 2 female moose, and then the highlight when a bull moose walked right in front of our bus. We had stopped to watch it. Of course, I got a picture. I'll send it soon. We also saw many hare. They are snowshoe hares--I finally got a picture of a flat one thanks to the driver.

Tomorrow we move inside the park to camp. Lots of warning about the bears but it is a new challenge. I have never seen it dark here so it will be easy to hopefully stay away from the bears.

A trip that is only getting better each day.

Camping Family doing fine.

Day 17 Camping in Denali Park
Drove the roads again, picked up hitchhikers, saw a dogsled demonstration, had homemade pizza, and went to a Northern Lights film.

Day 18 Left Denali but only drive 27 miles to be able to drive another gravel road--The Denali Highway
Best thing happened only a few minutes after leaving Denali. I wanted a picture of the Riley Creek that we stayed at from the road. Good! But then a female moose crossed right in front of the camper. I stopped and let her cross the road. She climbed over the guard rail, stood there, looked across the road, and there was baby moose on the other side, she then climbed back over the left guard raid and the right guard rail, talked to the baby and then they both climbed over the right and left guardrails and walked into the woods. Yes, I sat with my camper stopped on the highway while they took their time. It was awsome!!! The day even got better. We kept seeing Mt. McKinley all the way down the highway for about 50 miles. It was as clear as a postcard. I must be living right.


Day 19 Drove just outside of Anchorge found a great state park--it ended up right next to a prison for sex ofenders. BUT IT WAS A GREAT PARK RIGHT ON EAGLE RIVER. GOT SOME MOOSE MEAT FROM VANCE.

DAY 20 Hit 4000 miles today. Going to Seward. Beautiful spot right at city park on Resurrection Bay. What a view. On the way a guy was netting Holligans (a fish like smelt) gave us a bag. Cleaned them, tried to eat them--too soft when fried. I think they should have been bait. Toured Seward..

Day 21 Went on a 8.5 hour cruise on a boat. It was suppose to be warm and sunny. It was the opposite. Cold and foggy. It turned out to be a great trip in the Kenai Fjords and glaciers. Had a great meal on Fox Island. When we were by the Aialik glacier the water was full of icebergs hitting the boat. It just appeared out of the fog when we got into the bay. A mile wide and 400 feet high. What a sight. It was rough waters and hard to hold on to the rails at time. I was sore and rather worn out when we got in. Yes, I took medicine.

Day 22 traveled to Homer. Stopped to see Exit Glacier in the Kenai park before we traveled south to Homer. Now here we will go out to catch Halibut. I think I'm going to be sick on this boat. They go out 20 miles in the ocean. No land to see--oh my!

Mile 2638 and how many more to go??

What a trip--right now I'm looking out the resort window at Dawson Peak. A mountian top in the Yukon. I'm at Teslin, YT.

Day 6 we traveled from Dawson Creek to Fort Nelson, BC 278 Miles,

Day 7 Fort Nelson to Laird Hot Springs Park another 187 Miles all in BC. Day 7 miles were very hard miles. 187 miles of twists and turns going probably 15-25 mph. BUT MOST IMPORTANT VERY BEAUTIFUL AND A FANTASTIC TRIP. That section was along Muncho Lake. It was still frozen solid. So you know what that means--it was cold outside. I think it is the most beautiful lake I have ever seen. That section is considered the roughest part of the AK highway. We then went to Laird Hot Springs and stayed at the park without electric or water. It was cold at night but the springs were fantastic.

Day 8 today we left Laird Hot Springs and went through Watson Lake. All the signs that people leave are at Watson Lake, really cool. 278 miles today with additional stops at Rancheria Falls, just a 10 minute walk with the Caribou poop all over the trial but it was fantastic--I kept hitting the railings too keep the bears away. We then crossed the Continental Divide and we are now at TeslinYT.

We have now done 2683 miles. The construction work makes campers pure mud. It has never been so dirty.

I still haven't killed my new family--but there is always potential for strange things to happen up in these woods.

If you're checking your map--the only road that goes where we are going is 97 to Watson Lake and then they call it highway 1.

Another update in a few days. TO NIGHT WE FREEZE IT IS GOING DOWN TO 32 OR LOWER

I am sending money via pony express. Well Maybe.......

Some of you didn't get my humor about my companions. I DON'T WANT TO KILL THEM--IT WAS A JOKE. WE ARE DOING FINE EVEN IF KAREN BEATS ME AT EUCHRE--USING HER OWN METHODS.

Continued on through Saskatchewan for 316 miles stayed at Langham just west of Saskatoon Trans 16 highway. This was a beautiful campground. Then day 4 traveled to Edmonton Alberta--306 miles for a total of 1275 through 4 days. Today traveled to Dawson Creek the start of the Alaskan Highway. Total for 5 days 1940 miles.

Once in Alberta we enjoyed the drive better. Saskatchewan was very windy and flat as can be, with no one to be seen. Alberta is a much pretty providence.

On day three I saw my first wildlife--little bunny fufu. Today I actually saw a female moose.

Highways on these three days followed Trans 16 to 43 in Alberta and then starting on 2 in British Columbia.

ONLY 1500 MILES YET TO FAIRBANKS.

CAMPGROUNDS ARE NOT REALLY NICE AS ADVERTISED

GAS IN CANADA IS NOW $3.82 A GALLON YES I ALREADY CONVERTED IT

TOM SEND MONEY--YES YOU SON--I RAISED YOU ALL THOSE YEARS--REMEMBER ALL THAT I HAVE DONE FOR YOU--OR ELSE I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE HOME--NO MORE BABYSITTING--

LOVE TO ALL

CAN YOU TELL IF I'M HAVING FUN OR HAVE I LOST IT?

AND WE ARE OFF

Can't stand the people I'm with. Wish me luck, day 2 ready to kill! Now to be serious. Many miles under the belt. 2 days 950 miles. I'm tired--only 9,999 to go. What a way to go. WE REALLY ARE HAVING A BALL AND WE ARE LIKE FAMILY ALREADY--READY TO KILL--NO NO--I LOVE IT AND THEY LOVE IT--WE ARE ALL CRAZY!

First day out hit a bird. Today bad winds and very flat empty land. Went MN to Fargo, ND, up to Winnipeg, Manitoba, and now going through Saskatchewan.
Freeze warning tonight.
Stayed in Fargo last night, we are now in Moosomin, Saskatchewan. JUST EAST OF REGINA. IT IS COLD BUT I HAVE MY ELECTRIC BLANKET. WhERE DID I EVER GET THIS AS A DREAM THAT I WANTED TO COME TRUE.