2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (36)

06/16/2019 / No Travel Day – Willow Creek State Recreation Area

 Start Location:

• Willow Creek RV Resort
• 34076 W Parks Hwy, Willow, Alaska 99699
• 907.495.6343

Start Time: N/A

Mileage:  53,986.2

Cost Per Night: $50.00 USD
Weather: 51 - 60 F Overcast with Chance of Rain

Father’s Day on the road. Today was very relaxing. We drove the truck all over Willow looking for the perfect fishing spot.

We explored the Willow Creek State Recreation Area. The place was almost entirely deserted; just the way we like it. The broad Susitna River Valley, including what is now the recreation area, was scoured by massive glaciers, which once covered it. When the ice retreated some 9,000 years ago, it left a rolling landscape of elongated glacial deposits, called drumlins, dotted with hundreds of lakes and ponds. The recreation area an ideal habitat for many mammals and birds.

After we located a Park Ranger, we learned that the best and only fishing spot is just a walk away from our campsite. The fishing rules here are different for each different fishing spot; very confusing.

Hilariously, the bridge spot we fished at yesterday, was a ‘catch and release.’ However, on the other sided of the bridge, you can keep two rainbows per day!!! Of course, by the time we set up our fishing spot nothing was biting! To add insult to injury – Paul broke the tip off his new pole.

We returned to camp and did chores (Laundry, hook-up the tow vehicle, RV housekeeping, put up our Alaska Map Sticker) in anticipation of our trip to Anchorage tomorrow.

I believe we have about seventy miles to drive – Easy Day. Mayhap, we will try the river one more time before we go. This park has a 1:00 p.m. check out time. Willow Creek RV Resort was pretty packed last night – by noon today it was almost deserted.

This park has a great location. However, the utilities are lacking. Our site, #20 has a sewer connection that is higher than our RV. Also, you are parked on gravel. For the price they could have proved a bit more comfort.

Wildlife Spotted: B&B Bunnies and Birds only – definitely NO Fish.

Lush Landscape of Willow Creek State Recreation Area

Fishing Regulations are Different for Each Fishing Spot - Confusing

Paul Talks to the Friendly Park Ranger

Stunning Path to the Shore of Willow Creek

These Pretty White Spiraea Plants Are Hardy, Deciduous-Leaved Shrubs

Gorgeous View of Willow Creek, Willow Alaska

Lots of Moose Skat About

How Paul Celebrated Father’s Day

We Learned to Spray Our Hats with Repellent to Keep Skeeters Away

Added Alaska to Our RV Map

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Fishing Willow Creek (35)
2. Travel Day – Denali Rainbow Village RV Park (34)
3. Denali ATV Adventure (33)
4. Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour (32)
5. Travel Day – Denali Rainbow Village RV Park (31)
6. River Discovery Tour (30)
7. Travel Day – River’s Edge Campground (29)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (35)

06/15/2019 / No Travel Day – Fishing Willow Creek

 Start Location:

• Willow Creek RV Resort
• 34076 W Parks Hwy, Willow, Alaska 99699
• 907.495.6343

Start Time: N/A

Mileage:  53,986.2

Cost Per Night: $50.00 USD
Weather: 50 - 66 F Overcast with Chance of Rain

Today was all about starting the fishing part of our trip. Paul treated us to a yummy nutritious breakfast. Then we had to dig through the storage, in the bed of the truck, to retrieve our fishing gear.

We quizzed the resort office regarding the best fishing setup. They also informed us that Willow is a ‘catch and release’ creek.

Paul and I fished under the bridge, a short walk from our campsite. The mosquitoes were out in force – however, we learned from last time. This time we were covered with insect repellent.

Since we only had one pole, we took turns engaging the river. I snagged a fish, but after a brief struggle, that lucky duck was able to slip the lure. When I felt that next bite, I was determined not to let him get away. It was a fight bring this eighteen-inch Rainbow Trout to shore. My arms were actually sore from the tussle!

Paul was able to catch a trout as well; however, mine was the biggest. I also caught the last fish – a small grayling. The Arctic Grayling is a smaller member of the salmon family.

We cracked open a bottle of bubbly to celebrate successful day of fishing.

Tomorrow we will go to Willow Lake with two poles. You can ‘catch and keep’ five per day there. Hopefully, I will get to enjoy trout for dinner! 

Wildlife Spotted: Bunny Rabbits; Robins; Trout; Grayling.

Yummy Breakfast

Paul Prepping Our Fishing Gear

We Fished by the Bridge (Willow Creek)

Paul Took this Photo of Me Fighting the 18-Inch Trout

Paul Holding My Rainbow Trout Before Returning it to the River

Paul Caught a Trout as Well

Big Smile for the Grayling I Hooked

Our Campground is Full of Robins

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Travel Day – Denali Rainbow Village RV Park (34)
2. Denali ATV Adventure (33)
3. Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour (32)
4. Travel Day – Denali Rainbow Village RV Park (31)
5. River Discovery Tour (30)
6. Travel Day – River’s Edge Campground (29)
7. Travel Day – Sourdough Campground (28)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (34)

06/14/2019 / Travel Day – Denali Rainbow Village RV Park

Start Location:

• Denali Rainbow Village RV Park
• Mile 238.6 Park’s Hiway, Denali National Park Reserve, 99755
• 907.683.7777

Start Time: 9:35 a.m.

Mileage:  53,818.8

End Location:

• Willow Creek RV Resort
• 34076 W Parks Hwy, Willow, Alaska 99699
• 907.495.6343

End Time: 1:00 p.m.

Mileage:  53,986.2

Cost Per Night: $50.00 USD
Weather: 52 - 71 F Sunny
Route:  3 South All the Way

We did not leave until late this morning. It was a lazy morning for sure. I got dressed and walked to the Black Bear Coffee House for our breakfast. They make wonderful Blueberry Muffins, and everything is made from scratch.

Our drive to Willow was a busy one; there was a surprising amount of traffic. We did not see one animal on the road. Lunch was conducted at a quietly peaceful rest area.

Since FedEx, refused to deliver my Medicare paperwork, I had to go to the Willow Library to have it printed out again. Remember, I paid $27.00 at the Whitehorse, Canada Staples on June 4th to have this paperwork delivered. However, after I inquired as to the package location . . . they told me they would not deliver to a P.O. Box. No refund nor help whatsoever! They instructed me that the only solution to obtain a refund is to go back to the Staples in Canada!!!

Begrudgingly, I took the newly printed proof of Medicare Coverage to the Willow Post Office and mailed it off again – this time both by normal service and certified mail. Hopefully CalPERS will receive it and I will no longer have to fret about losing my insurance!!!! I am not too happy with CalPERS Health Account Management Division. It would have been so much easier if they would just have accepted my email.

Wildlife Spotted: Rabbits on the Road and a Black one & Brown one on the lawn of the resort; Birds

Beautiful Snow-capped Mountain Along The 3 South

Map - Denali National Park Area to Willow, Alaska

Enjoyed this Bunching of Fireweed as We Lunched

These Two Bunnies Welcomed Us at Camp Registration

‘Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!’ is a National Campaign

Beautiful Willow Creek Runs Right Behind Our Campsite

Our Campground – Spot #20

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Denali ATV Adventure (33)
2. Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour (32)
3. Travel Day – Denali Rainbow Village RV Park (31)
4. River Discovery Tour (30)
5. Travel Day – River’s Edge Campground (29)
6. Travel Day – Sourdough Campground (28)
7. Biking, Cheechako’s, Diamond Tooth Gerties (27) 

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (33)

06/13/2019 / No Travel Day – Denali ATV Adventure

Start Location:

• Denali Rainbow Village RV Park
• Mile 238.6 Park’s Hiway, Denali National Park Reserve, 99755
• 907.683.7777

Start Time: N/A

Mileage:  53,818.8

Cost Per Night: $60.00 USD
Weather: 45 - 63 F Sunny

We started our day with an exciting Denali ATV Adventure. We were picked up right by our campground – so convenient. They bused us to their Healy Launch Site. There, they provided us with helmets and a Wolverine Side by Side. After a quick safety talk and a minute driving skill test (maneuvering your vehicle across a bumpy straight line), we were off into the Alaskan bush!

We experience a fun drive, splashing through rivers, driving over tree root-rutted trails, and four-wheeling up to some of the area’s most spectacular vistas. Our tour was full and our guides (Rachel, Sam, Marileigh) were fun, conversant and attentive.

Our three-hour trip went by way too quickly – we loved it. However, after the adventure we were starving. We decided to check out 49th State Brewing Company for lunch. Unfortunately, our truck needed a jump. Luckily, our neighbor was just leaving as well, and he help us.

The brewery was a tad expensive for food that was just okay. Their claim to fame is the “Into the Wild” bus (from the movie) parked in the garden. It was fun to explore.

Coincidentally, the couple who gave us the jump were also eating at the brewery and we were able to buy them a beer as thanks for their good Samaritanism.

After refreshing our groceries at the Three Bears Market, we drove back to camp; stopping at several vistas for photos. What an awesome day.

Wildlife Spotted: a couple of rabbits; seagull and other bird; a bald eagle flew right over my head as I was listening to the ATV safety instructions.

Getting Helmeted Up for Our ATV Adventure

Lots of Mud on the ATV Bush Trails

Side by Side Our Side by Side

Otto Lake – Named for Otto Maki, a Finnish Homesteader

Me, Wild Hair and All

The “Into the Wild” Bus at the 49th State Brewing Company

River Photo from Our Scenic Drive

Love this Photo of Paul Walking the Lush Path to Take Another River Photo

The Nenana River is a tributary of the Tanana River (140 Miles Long)

Denali Star Train Offers Daily Service mid-May to mid-September

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour (32)
2. Travel Day – Denali Rainbow Village RV Park (31)
3. River Discovery Tour (30)
4. Travel Day – River’s Edge Campground (29)
5. Travel Day – Sourdough Campground (28)
6. Biking, Cheechako’s, Diamond Tooth Gerties (27) 
7. Dredge No. 4, Claim 33, Alchemy Café , Dawson City (26)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (32)

06/12/2019 / No Travel Day – Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour

Start Location:

• Denali Rainbow Village RV Park
• Mile 238.6 Park’s Hiway, Denali National Park Reserve, 99755
• 907.683.7777

Start Time: N/A

Mileage:  53,818.8

Cost Per Night: $60.00 USD
Weather: 45 - 63 F Sunny

The majority of our day was spent doing the Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour. You travel, via bus, sixty-two (62) miles into Denali National Park to Stony Hill Overlook. The tour includes a snack box, water and a souvenir book, “Denali National Park & Preserve.” Our guide, Justin was very educated and knowledgeable. Nevertheless, out of a scale up to ten, I would have to give this tour a low four.

The bus was old, and the seats were crammed tightly together. Both Paul and I were very uncomfortable for the six-hour bus journey. There is only one road in the park, so you drive the same way in and out. During our drive in, Justin narrated the entire time. However, on our drive out of the park, the microphone was mostly mute. Since we were experiencing the same things as on our drive in, this would have been a perfect time for more education from our guide. A word or two regarding the flora would have been greatly appreciated.

While we did see plenty of Caribou and Dall Sheep; the all the animals were so far away they looked like little moving dots on that stunning landscape. We observed a mother Grizzly chase off a male Grizzly, away from her cubs . . . . however, again they were so far up the hillside, the bears were only the size of your pinky finger. Paul and I enjoyed the wildlife we spotted from our own vehicle much more.

We were supposed to receive a thirty ($30) refund because we possessed a senior pass; Justin did not know anything about it and referred us to the bus depot . . . however the depot was closed! Can you say ripoff.

The best part of the tour is when a golden eagle soared over our bus. He came so close to my window, I instinctively moved back to get out of his way! Another highlight was getting the Denali Sticker for my National Park Passbook. If you wish to take a bus tour into Denali, I would recommend you do the Denali Natural History Tour / 4.5 - 5 Hours (30 miles one-way).

Wildlife Spotted: 3 Golden Eagles; lots of Artic Ground Squirrels & Snowshoe Hares; about 20 Caribou; 4 Grizzly Bears; 1 Moose; Seagulls; 1 Willow Ptarmigan (state bird)

Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour Bus (Not Very Comfy)

The Ranger Came Aboard to Explain the Park Rules

Unbelievably Awesome Landscape (Denali National Park)

Posing at a Planned Rest Stop

Caribou is a Wild Species of Deer Often Called Reindeer When Domesticated

Denali Park Road is the Only Road in the National Park

Pack of Dall sheep, a Species of Wild Sheep

Park Flowers in Full Bloom

You can Feel the Chill of the Snowcap Mountains

Our Home – Spot 54 at the Denali Rainbow Village RV Park

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Travel Day – Denali Rainbow Village RV Park (31)
2. River Discovery Tour (30)
3. Travel Day – River’s Edge Campground (29)
4. Travel Day – Sourdough Campground (28)
5. Biking, Cheechako’s, Diamond Tooth Gerties (27) 
6. Dredge No. 4, Claim 33, Alchemy Café , Dawson City (26)
7. Travel Day – Gold Rush Campground RV Park (25)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (31)

06/11/2019 / Travel Day – Denali Rainbow Village RV Park

Start Location:

• River’s Edge Campground
• 4140 Boat Street, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709
• 907.474.0286

Start Time: 10:07 a.m.

Mileage:  53,693

End Location:

• Denali Rainbow Village RV Park
• Mile 238.6 Park’s Hiway, Denali National Park Reserve, 99755
• 907.683.7777

End Time: 1:30 p.m.

Mileage:  53, 818.8

Cost Per Night: $60.00 USD
Weather: 43 - 63 F Sunny

The road to Denali was very smooth and quiet. Nothing much really happened.

We did pull into a majestic Scenic View area. Unfortunately, we were too close to the rig ahead of us. It appeared that the driver was sleeping and not about to move. I marveled at Paul’s skill as he maneuvered the ‘Beast’ and tow car around the ominous obstacle.

While Denali Rainbow Village Park is centrally located, the spaces are tight and on gravel. Additionally, this park is extremely difficult to locate. You can listen to your GPS this time. . . it is behind all the buildings on the boardwalk. (Take Sourdough Street.)

Wildlife Spotted: A bunch of caribou, but since they were in a fenced in pen they were probably domesticated as opposed to wild. Seagull walking. A pretty yellow butterfly.

Big Green Highway

Dandelions - Alaska

Stuck behind a Truck at Our Lunch Stop

Rest Area Vista

Yellow Butterfly

Road to Denali National Park

Map to Denali, Alaska

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. River Discovery Tour (30)
2. Travel Day – River’s Edge Campground (29)
3. Travel Day – Sourdough Campground (28)
4. Biking, Cheechako’s, Diamond Tooth Gerties (27) 
5. Dredge No. 4, Claim 33, Alchemy Café , Dawson City (26)
6. Travel Day – Gold Rush Campground RV Park (25)
7. Fish Ladder, Rotary Centennial Bridge & the S.S. Klondike (24)