Wednesday, July 31, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (81)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (81)

07/31/2019 Travel Day – White Court, AB


Start Location:
  • Rotary RV Park
  • 13016 Lakeshore Dr, Charlie Lake, BC V0C 1H0, Canada
  • 250.785.1700
Start Time: 7:35 a.m.
Mileage:  55,850

End Location:
End Time: 2:48 p.m. (Lost an Hour)
Mileage: 56,389
Cost Per Night: $36.70 CAD
Weather: 50-65 F Heavy Intermittent Rain Showers
Route:
  • 97 South
  • 2 South
  • 43 East
  • 43x East
Breaking down camp went quickly and easily. We have a long drive to White Court. The switch from 97 South to 2 South was rather tricky. You had to drive through the small towns of Dawson Creek and Pounce Coupe. I used both GPS devices and it went off without a hitch.

As our routine, we stopped at a rest stop for lunch. I had a salmon salad sandwich – yummy much better than any restaurant.

We arrived at the RV Park just in the niche of time. Right after we got everything hooked up, we were hit with a thunderous shower storm which included hail! We fixed our tacos since I did not feel like making them yesterday.

Wow, the mosquitoes here were plentiful. Poor Paul spent a restless night protecting me from the critters.

Wildlife Spotted: Beautiful Magpies; Ducks; Domesticated: horses, cows and a herd of caribou (by museum)

Sweet Office Building - Sagitawah RV Park & Campground
Sweet Office Building

Our Overnight in Spot 11 - Sagitawah RV Park & Campground
Our Overnight in Spot 11

Fort St. John to Whitecourt, AB
Fort St. John to Whitecourt, AB

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (80)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (80)

07/30/2019 Travel Day – Charlie Lake


Start Location:
Start Time: 7:55 a.m.
Mileage:  55,850

End Location:
  • Rotary RV Park
  • 13016 Lakeshore Dr, Charlie Lake, BC V0C 1H0, Canada
  • 250.785.1700
End Time: 1:00 p.m.
Mileage:  56,087
Cost Per Night: $39.90 CAD
Weather: 51-68 F Clear
Route:
  • 97 South
Since we only have a four-and-a-half-hour drive, we started our travels a tad later this morning. This gave me some time to pay monthly bills. I cannot believe that August is just around the corner – as is our 45th wedding anniversary (August 3rd)

This morning, the path we drove was lined with lush green grass decorated by the purple of fireweed and dotted by yellow wildflowers. With the mesas in the background, the panoramas were spectacular.

The road was smooth enough for me to get some journaling done. It is so easy to get behind. Due to the faulty internet service, I have not been able to post in a while. As long as I keep the journal updated, the posting will be easy.

Ross H. Maclean Rotary RV Park is basic . . . lots of road noise, but okay for an overnight rest. They were not too full when we arrived. They only had a back-in available though; so we had to unhook the tow vehicle. There were only ten spots with full-hookups.

The staff was super friendly and allowed us to borrow two DVDs. Why don’t more RV Facilities do that!?! We wanted to take the short walk to Lake Charles. Unfortunately, I was not feeling a hundred percent, so I suppered on a can of Chicken Noodle Soup. Paul made us popcorn and we watched the two movies.

Wildlife Spotted: What a difference a day makes, today only a Hawk taking flight from a fence post; two dead black bears, one just a baby; a dead fawn; (mayhaps the lack of animals was due to the increase of traffic on the road.)


Looks Like the Park is Full; However, there are  Only 10 Full Service-All Lining the Fence.
Looks Like the Park is Full; However, there are
Only 10 Full Service-All Lining the Fence.

Fort Nelson to Fort St. John (Charlie Lake)
Fort Nelson to Fort St. John (Charlie Lake)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Monday, July 29, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (79)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (79)

07/29/2019 Travel Day – Fort Nelson


Start Location:
Start Time: 6:41 a.m.
Mileage:  55,529.9

End Location:
End Time: 2:00 p.m.
Mileage:  55,850
Cost Per Night: $47.25  CAD
Weather: 48-66 F Off & On Rain / Sunny
Route:
  • Alaskan Highway (1 East)
  • 97 South

We were the first ones out of the campground this morning. Our early start was rewarded by a plethora of bison sightings. Luckily, I was prepared and had the camera at the ready. There was no traffic behind us, and Paul was able to slow the ‘Beast’ to a crawl! It was super exciting.

For most of the trip, there was no one in front nor behind us. It was an unbelievably tranquil atmosphere to travel in . . . almost like a private tour.

At 10:15 a.m., we had to stop for a male caribou on the 97 South. His mate was across the road. We inched the RV past him and then the female crossed behind us. After that, there were a ton of animals near the road to spot. The drive to Fort Nelson did become an animal adventure.

We arrived before 2:00 p.m. The nice reception lady upgrade us to a beautiful pull through site with easy access to the main road - perfect for an early start in the a.m.

Paul and I took a small walk to the Fort Nelson Heritage Museum. Their motto is “Preserving the Past for the Future.” Fort Nelson, named after Admiral Nelson, was established as a fur trading post in 1805. Housed in over eight buildings, the museum offers displays and artifacts. Paul loved the car shed, which housed a large number of vintage cars and motorcycles.

We ate dinner at the RV park’s restaurant. The food was very good, and the service was excellent. We enjoyed quite a busy day.

Wildlife Spotted: A herd of about twenty bison; three separate sightings of bison including a huge male about to cross the highway and a big male kicking up a cloud of dirt; ducks in a pond; a murder of raven standing on a grassy hill; two swans sitting on an island in the middle of a pond; another herd of twenty bison around 9:00 a.m.; then another lone male buffalo in the tree line; three bison in front of Hot Springs eating on the side of the road; single male bison walking; single male bison sitting in dirt cubby; bunny running like hell; male and female caribou, young caribou; another caribou; herd of six female sheep; red fox with rabbit in mouth, Paul had to dodge a deer crossing the road (three in the group two bucks and a doe).

Summary: 50 Bison; 6 Thinhorn Sheep; 4 Caribou; 3 Deer; 2 Swans; 2 Bunnies; Red Fox; Ducks; Ton of Raven.

This is Part of the First Bison Herd We Found
This is Part of the First Bison Herd We Found

The Bison Use Their Horns to Dig Down to the Dirt For Comfort
The Bison Use Their Horns to Dig Down to the Dirt For Comfort

This Big Bison Placed Himself Between Us and the Baby
This Big Bison Placed Himself Between Us and the Baby

Bison are Grazers; Eating Grasses and Sedges
Bison are Grazers; Eating Grasses and Sedges

The Water Off the 97 South was a Deep Blue – Beautiful
The Water Off the 97 South was a Deep Blue – Beautiful

This is the Second Bison Herd We Encountered
This is the Second Bison Herd We Encountered

This Male Caribou Waited for the Female Who Crossed Behind Us
This Male Caribou Waited for the Female Who Crossed Behind Us

Picture Postcard Spectacular
Picture Postcard Spectacular

We had to Slow for these Four Female Sheep to Cross the Road
We had to Slow for these Four Female Sheep to Cross the Road

Very Difficult to See – Fox with Lunch in it’s Mouth (Center)
Very Difficult to See – Fox with Lunch in it’s Mouth (Center)

Fort Nelson Heritage Museum - $5 for Seniors
Fort Nelson Heritage Museum - $5 for Seniors

Paul Standing In Front of the Blacksmith Shop
Paul Standing In Front of the Blacksmith Shop

I bought some Bannock (Fry Bread) & Paul Got Organic Jam
I bought some Bannock (Fry Bread) & Paul Got Organic Jam

Spot 24 – The Park was Pretty Empty
Spot 24 – The Park was Pretty Empty

Map - Watson Lake to Fort Nelson, Canada
Watson Lake to Fort Nelson, Canada


2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Sunday, July 28, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (78)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (78)

07/28/2019 Travel Day – Watson Lake


Start Location:
Start Time: N/A
Mileage:  55,258.8

End Location:
End Time: 12:40 p.m.
Mileage:  55,529.9
Cost Per Night: $52.50 CAD
Weather: 45-63 F Off & On Rain / Sunny
Route:
  • Alaskan Highway (1 East)
Our neighbor left at 6:00 a.m. (as he informed us the night before). That was helpful to us – we were on the road by 6:47 a.m. We only stopped once for a quick snack break and to stretch our legs, so we made good time.

Sadly, we saw no animals on this 266-mile segment. We did notice plenty of animal poop and hoof prints though. However, the road was relatively smooth and there were no gravel patches.

After checking into our overnight spot, we walked to Watson Lake Sign Forest and found the sign we had nailed up just two months ago. Then a quick walk to the grocery store (darn expensive!) and one load of laundry (remember to bring your loonies and toonies).

We researched the next few days of travel – they will be heavy travel days as we are trying to get through Canada in ten days.

Wildlife Spotted: Ravens; Seagulls flying over the campground

Dark Skies of Our Early Morning Departure
Dark Skies of Our Early Morning Departure

With All Those Beautiful Rivers Come These Awesome Bridges
With All Those Beautiful Rivers Come These Awesome Bridges

Really Needs No Word (On the Road Again)
Really Needs No Word (On the Road Again)

We Walked to the Signpost Forrest Right Before the Evening Rain
We Walked to the Signpost Forrest Right Before the Evening Rain

We Found Our Sign - Watson Lake Sign Forest
We Found Our Sign

The Beast Looks Dwarfed in Spot 28
The Beast Looks Dwarfed in Spot 28

Whitehorse to Watson Lake, Yukon, Canada
Whitehorse to Watson Lake, Yukon, Canada

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Saturday, July 27, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (77)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (77)

07/27/2019 No Travel Day – Yukon Wildlife Preserve


Start Location:
Start Time: N/A
Mileage:  55,258.8
Cost Per Night: $34.97 CAD
Weather: 48-66 F Sunny

We got up early enough to do our laundry before our 11:00 a.m. private tour of the Yukon Wildlife Preserve.

Danny and Uli Nowlan created the Yukon Game Farm in 1967. In 2004, the Yukon Government purchased the Farm, and renamed it the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. You can explore the 5km / 3mi (350 acre) loop on foot. However, we opted to take the private tour which included ‘behind the scenes’ access to the Research and Rehabilitation Center.

Our guide Julie brought us to the Rehab Center first. I fell in love with the baby quail. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to photograph in the building – but trust me they were too cute for words.

Then we rode our private bus through the preserve. Since only Paul and I were aboard, we were able to stop and get out whenever we wanted. We were also privy to ask all the questions on our mind. It was a wonderful experience and we both learned so much.

As an example, did you know that horns stay with an animal their entire life, while antlers fall off every year? What I loved most about this wildlife preserve is that the well-maintained paths were open to children and their bicycles. I know that my grandchildren would love it here!

Wildlife Spotted: At the Preserve, thinhorn sheep, mule deer, bison, elk, muskox, mountain goat, lynx, artic fox, caribou, artic squirrels, phoebe (bird)

Strawberry Blite is an Edible Annual Plant
Strawberry Blite is an Edible Annual Plant

Paul with Our Awesome Guide Julie
Paul with Our Awesome Guide Julie

The Artic Ground Squirrel is Often Refer as the"Parka" Squirrels
The Artic Ground Squirrel is Often Refer as the"Parka" Squirrels

I Called this Girl Marilyn Monroe – She loved to Pose.
I Called this Girl Marilyn Monroe – She loved to Pose.

The Canada Lynx Look Similar to Bobcats but with Longer Ear Tuffs
The Canada Lynx Look Similar to Bobcats but with Longer Ear Tuffs

This Fox Is Well Adapted to Living in Cold Environments
This Fox Is Well Adapted to Living in Cold Environments

Male Caribou Shed Their Antlers Yearly In November Or December
Male Caribou Shed Their Antlers Yearly In November Or December

The Caribou Females Also Grow Antlers
The Caribou Females Also Grow Antlers

These Guys Are Known as Thinhorn Sheep, Dall Sheep, or Fannin's Sheep
These Guys Are Known as Thinhorn Sheep, Dall Sheep, or Fannin's Sheep

The Thinhorn Sheep Blend in Well
The Thinhorn Sheep Blend in Well

The Sheep Predators are Wolves, Bears, Wolverine Golden Eagles & Us
The Sheep Predators are Wolves, Bears, Wolverine Golden Eagles & Us

Muskox Is Noted for Its Thick Coat and for The Strong Odor
Muskox Is Noted for Its Thick Coat and for The Strong Odor

Bison Are Large, Even-Toed Ungulates (Hoofed Mammal)
Bison Are Large, Even-Toed Ungulates (Hoofed Mammal)

This Cute Baby Elk Was Waiting for Momma to Finish Eating
This Cute Baby Elk Was Waiting for Momma to Finish Eating

This Cow Saw the Dinner Truck Pull Up
This Cow Saw the Dinner Truck Pull Up

The Elk Cow Gives Birth after a Six-Month Gestation Period
The Elk Cow Gives Birth after a Six-Month Gestation Period

The Yukon Wildlife Preserve Offer Acres of Beauty
The Yukon Wildlife Preserve Offer Acres of Beauty

A Peaceful and Serene Place to Explore by Foot or Tour Bus
A Peaceful and Serene Place to Explore by Foot or Tour Bus

You and the Kids Can Ride Your Bicycles on the Paths
You and the Kids Can Ride Your Bicycles on the Paths

Founders Danny and Uli Nowlan’s Home
Founders Danny and Uli Nowlan’s Home

Volunteer Species – a Say's Phoebe; Photo Taken at the Visitor’s Center
Volunteer Species – a Say's Phoebe; Photo Taken at the Visitor’s Center

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Friday, July 26, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (76)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (76)

07/26/2019 Travel Day – Whitehorse


Start Location:
Start Time:8.06 a.m.
Mileage:  54,863.1

End Location:
End Time: 11:40 p.m.
Mileage: 55,258.8
Cost Per Night: $34.97 CAD
Weather: 40-66 F Off & On Rain at Park
Route:
  • Alaskan Highway (2 South)

The road was again rough but manageable. We saw plenty of livestock: Horses and Cattle.

The spots here at Pioneer are very very cramp. We had to drive in forward, and we are looking at a dirt bank. Luckily, neither of our neighbors have pop-outs so we are snug but fit.

The Pioneer also sells gasoline at a $.03 per liter discount. Of course, right as Paul was hooking up the ‘Beast,’ a down pour occurred. Great for cleaning off the vehicles, but Paul got drenched.

We did some grocery shopping at the Sav-On Food and discovered that if you inform the clerk that you live out of state, they give you the club member price. They were reasonably stock and priced.

That left us with just enough time for making dinner, showers, and a bit of television before bed.

Wildlife Spotted: Wild Horse, Moose (side road), Hopping Raven, Artic Squirrels, Juncos

Snow Capped Mountains Off the Alaskan Highway (2 South)
Snow Capped Mountains Off the Alaskan Highway (2 South)

Whitehorse, Yukon Canada
Whitehorse, Yukon Canada

This Canadian Pacific Airlines DC3 is the World’s Largest Weather Vane
This Canadian Pacific Airlines DC3 is the World’s Largest Weather Vane

Juncos (a medium-sized sparrow) were Feeding Off the Park Grounds
Juncos (a medium-sized sparrow) were Feeding Off the Park Grounds

Our Spot #100 at the Pioneer RV Park
Our Spot #100 at the Pioneer RV Park

Destruction Bay to Whitehorse
Destruction Bay to Whitehorse

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal