2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (20)

05/31/2019 / Travel Day - Shady Rest RV Park, Houston, BC

Start Location:

• Robert's Roost RV Park Resort
• 3121 Gook Road, Quesnel, British Columbia V2J 4K7
• Start Time: 7:44 a.m.
• Mileage: 51,834

End Location: 

• Shady Rest RV Park
• 3960 Drive In Road, Houston, BC
• 800-343.3777
• End Time:N/A
• Mileage:  52,104 (270 Miles)

Cost Per Night: $29.10
Weather: 86 F Muggy and Sunny

A mosquito hit me right on the cheek as I slept! I must invest in a Thermal Cell (Mosquito Repeller). Of course, Paul suffered no itchy bites. I guess he is just not sweet like me.

After about an hour on the road, we passed the camper of the older couple we had met at the Canyon Alpine RV Park – John and Abigail. I wondered if they were driving to the same RV Park. I waved as we passed but I believe they did not recognize me.

We witnessed a plethora of trucks hauling huge logs. That was a site to observe. Further, the smell of fresh cut lumber permeated the air pleasantly.

Paul and I decided to stretch our legs – woefully we picked the only rest stop without an ‘easy out.’ We had to unhook the tow vehicle!

We needed gas before retiring at the Shady Rest RV Park. We had to pass the park and drive into town about 3 km (1.86 miles) to the Petro Canada 7-11 station. All in all; an uneventful day.

Wildlife: One buck leisurely crossing the highway in front of us; about a thousand black ravens walking . . . reminiscent of a Steven King movie.

The Duck Family at Robert’s Roost

John and Abigail from Arizona

Canadian Lumber Towns

Paul at the Helm

Beautiful Rest Stop but No Easy Out.

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Historical Barkerville, BC (19)
2. Travel Day – Robert’s Roost, Quesnel, BC (18)
3. Hell’s Gate Airtram / Boston Bar (17)
4. Travel Day - Canyon Alpine RV Park and Campground (16)
5. Chores Milton, Washington (15)
6. Westport Winery Garden Resort (14)
7. Sightseeing around Milton Washington (13)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (19)

05/30/2019 / No Travel Day – Historical Barkerville, BC

Start Location:

• Robert's Roost RV Park Resort
• 3121 Gook Road, Quesnel, British Columbia V2J 4K7
• Start Time: N/A

End Location: N/A

• End Time:N/A

Cost Per Night: $44.10
Weather: 83 F Hot and Sunny

We are really getting into retirement; woke up late and did not leave for the day’s escapade until a bit after 9:00 a.m.

We drove to Barkerville. It was the main town of the Cariboo Gold Rush in British Columbia, Canada, and is preserved as a historic town. Not too much to see. However, it was well worth the $10.00 USD for the two of us – May is half-price day.

Even more noteworthy, was our drive to Barkerville. We spotted three does and five black bears. Momma Bear and her three cubs were eating dandelions very close to the highway and did not scare off as I clicked my photos. In fact, the family walked towards the car to reach more of those tasty flowers.

After much debate, we opted out of buying a fishing license due to cost, time limits and pesky mosquitoes. Shame because the fish were biting. I received three good mosquito wheals (bites). Time to mix up some baking soda paste.

This Family of Geese are Camped Right Next to Us.

Family of Four Fearless Black Bears

Doe a Deer . . . . . . One of Three We Spotted

First Bear We Found on the BC-26 East

Horses at Barkerville

Picturesque Little School

Authentic Wooden Cornish Waterwheel

William’s Creek - Barkerville

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Travel Day – Robert’s Roost, Quesnel, BC (18)
2. Hell’s Gate Airtram / Boston Bar (17)
3. Travel Day - Canyon Alpine RV Park and Campground (16)
4. Chores Milton, Washington (15)
5. Westport Winery Garden Resort (14)
6. Sightseeing around Milton Washington (13)
7. Milton Washington – Supplies [Costco & Home Depot] (12)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (18)

05/29/2019 / Travel Day – Robert’s Roost, Quesnel, BC

Start Location:

• Canyon Alpine RV Park and Campground
• 50490 Trans Canada Hwy, Boston Bar, BC, V0K 1C0
• Start Time: 8:30 a.m.
• Mileage: 51,561

End Location:

• Robert's Roost RV Park Resort
• 3121 Gook Road, Quesnel, British Columbia V2J 4K7
• 888-227-8877 (toll-free)
• (273 Miles)
• End Time: 2:47 p.m.
• Mileage: 51,834

Cost Per Night: $44.10
Weather: 82 F Sunny

Route:

• 1 East
• 97 North

Sprinkles and mosquitoes as we broke camp this morning. Nevertheless, we were on the road forty-five minutes later (8:30 a.m.) The older couple we met the night before, John and Abigail Daily were on the road already. Funny coincidence, they left for their trip to Alaska on Mother’s Day (May 12th); same as us. Hopefully we will meet up again.

Morning was slowed a tad (20 minutes) by construction. They were pinning catch netting to the tall cliffs off the 1 East. We were the first stopped in the line and spent the time talking to Canadian Flagman, Eric. He told us some funny jokes I had better not write down here!

As we continued our travels East, the landscape morphed from a deep green of heavy pines to the bright lime green of a grassy valley. We had a quick lunch stop at the South Cariboo Rest Stop.

There sure are lot of lakes and rivers in Canada. Our campsite was no exception. We were in spot 41, right beside Dragon Lake. We attempted to walk a bit after we setup camp and finished dinner. Miserably, the dragonflies and mosquitoes were on the rampage. Paul and I retreated into the safety of the Beast. Since the free internet at the Roost was so fast, I took the opportunity to pay next month’s bills. 

Cariboo Rest Area

Dragon Lake - Robert's Roost RV Park

Our Peaceful Spot - Robert's Roost #41

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Hell’s Gate Airtram / Boston Bar (17)
2. Travel Day - Canyon Alpine RV Park and Campground (16)
3. Chores Milton, Washington (15)
4. Westport Winery Garden Resort (14)
5. Sightseeing around Milton Washington (13)
6. Milton Washington – Supplies [Costco & Home Depot] (12)
7. Travel Day - Milton, Washington (11)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (17)

05/28/2019 / No Travel Day - Hell’s Gate Airtram / Boston Bar

Start Location:

• Canyon Alpine RV Park and Campground
• 50490 Trans Canada Hwy, Boston Bar, BC, V0K 1C0
• Start Time: N/A

End Location: N/A 

• End Time: N/A

Cost per Night: $36.37
Weather:  84 F Hot and Sunny

We spent a nice and calm leisurely day at the Hell’s Gate Airtram. The place was almost empty. Just the way we like it. Hell's Gate is an abrupt narrowing of British Columbia's Fraser River, located immediately downstream of Boston Bar in the southern Fraser Canyon.

The towering rock walls of the Fraser River plunge toward each other forcing the waters through a passage only 35 metres wide. The Airtram runs every ten minutes. The natural landscape in this park is breathtaking.

Then we had to travel 48 Kilometers (thirty miles) to find a halfway decent grocery story. Not an organic store in sight. We ended up in the Lytton AG Market. (We were able to find the fixings for Taco Tuesday.) After leaving the checking out, we did a quick tour of the city of Lytton – took about three minutes . . . . a quaint small town.

I was hoping to catch-up on my blogging; unfortunately, I was never able to get the internet package I bought to work correctly. (lookieloo.net) I wrote George an email expressing my displeasure to no response.

Paul at the Campsite

Exploring the RV Park

Fraser River Yellow Flower

Beautiful Fraser Canyon

Fraser Canyon Railroad Tracks

Paul and z. at Hell’s Gate Airtram

Railroad Tunnel

Traditional Taco Tuesday

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Travel Day - Canyon Alpine RV Park and Campground (16)
2. Chores Milton, Washington (15)
3. Westport Winery Garden Resort (14)
4. Sightseeing around Milton Washington (13)
5. Milton Washington – Supplies [Costco & Home Depot] (12)
6. Travel Day - Milton, Washington (11)
7. Starvation Creek Trailhead, Hood River County, Oregon(10)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (16)

05/27/2019 / Travel Day – Boston Bar, BC, V0K 1C0

Start Location:

• Barbara’s Cousin’s Home
• Milton, WA 98354
• Start Time: 7:44 a.m.
• Mileage: 51,326

End Location:

• Canyon Alpine RV Park and Campground
• 50490 Trans Canada Hwy, Boston Bar, BC, V0K 1C0
• (235 Miles)
• End Time: 1:00 p.m.
• Mileage: 51,561

Cost Per Night: $36.37
Weather: 82 F Sunny

Route:

• 5 North
• 542 East
• Around and about Everson (GPS Mistake)
• 9 North
• Across the Canadian Border
• 1 East 

On our way to the Canadian Border. The traffic through Seattle was light and calm. Unfortunately, there were homeless encampments all along the freeway. Further, the roads are bumpy as heck.

GPS took us a round about way to the Canadian Border. We were able to get gas on the USA side at a Super Duper for $3.39 per gallon. We hit the Border at 11:00 a.m. There were only ten vehicles a head of us!

The border crossing was simple – showed our passports and answered some questions about plants and fruit. We arrived at the Canyon Alpine RV Park around 1:00 p.m.

The campground is nice but not as advertised. Their free internet does not work. I bought their 48-hour package and that did not work either. Called for help at 2:20 p.m. They said they would respond in five minutes because they were not in the office. They never did call back – however, when I checked again at 2:47 p.m., we were connected. 

Driving Through Seattle

Easy Crossing at the Canadian Border

Welcome to British Columbia

The 'Beast' at a Canadian Rest Stop

Beautiful Drive up the 1 East

Canyon Alpine Restaurant - Okay Food / Horrible Service

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Chores Milton, Washington (15)
2. Westport Winery Garden Resort (14)
3. Sightseeing around Milton Washington (13)
4. Milton Washington – Supplies [Costco & Home Depot] (12)
5. Travel Day - Milton, Washington (11)
6. Starvation Creek Trailhead, Hood River County, Oregon(10)
7. Travel Day - Dalles, Oregon (9)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (15)

05/26/2019 / No Travel Day - Milton, Washington

Start Location:

• Delores’ House
• Milton, WA 98354
• Start Time: N/A

End Location: N/A 

• End Time: N/A

Cost per Night: $0.00 per night
Weather:  54 to 72 F Overcast & Cold

Spend the day getting ready for the next leg of our jaunt. Paul set up the inverter (12 volts to 120 AC); so I could work on the computer while we are driving. In the process, he cut open his left arm after bumping open his forehead!

I did the laundry . . . . washed about everything in the motorhome – five loads. There were lots of interesting folks to talk to in the Milton Laundromat.

Met Delores’ grandson Chris and shared a hamburger dinner with him. He had just made an unsuccessful attempt to secure a berth on the PGA tournament. Paul and I didn’t socialize much. We hit the hay early in anticipation of an early start in the a.m. 

Got to Add Stickers for Oregon and Washington

Paul Manned the Barbeque

Celebrating National Wine Day with a Glass of Smoky Nor’Wester

My favorite part of this stay was spending time with Delores!

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Westport Winery Garden Resort (14)
2. Sightseeing around Milton Washington (13)
3. Milton Washington – Supplies [Costco & Home Depot] (12)
4. Travel Day - Milton, Washington (11)
5. Starvation Creek Trailhead, Hood River County, Oregon(10)
6. Travel Day - Dalles, Oregon (9)
7. Crater Lake, Klamath County, Oregon (8)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (14)

05/25/2019 / No Travel Day - Westport Winery Garden Resort

Start Location:

• Delores’ House
• Milton, WA 98354
• Start Time: N/A

End Location: N/A 

• End Time: N/A

Cost per Night: $0.00 per night
Weather:  53 to 72 F Overcast & Cold

Paul and I spend the day with our cousins Joe and Karen. After a homemade, they drove us to the Westport Winery Garden Resort where they are members. Westport Winery Garden Resort and the Sea Glass Grill are located halfway between Aberdeen and Westport (just about an hour and a half from our camp).

We enjoyed a liberal wine tasting and a very informative tour led by Dana. Dana’s family runs the resort and they are working hard to make this winery a tourist “destination.”

Karen generously gifted me with three bottles of Westport Wine. I chose Boom Runner (Sparkling Rose of Pinot Noir); Smoky Nor’Wester (Merlot) and Jetty Cat (a Petite Sirah/Syrah/Cab Sauv Mix).

This winery has acres of gardens to wander through. What a pleasant outing.

Returned just in time to spend a few moments with Delores, Clete and Barbara. We were pretty tuckered.

Paul, Z. Karen and Joseph

Dana led the Winery Tour

Beautiful Gardens at the Westport Winery.

End of the Wine Tour/End of the Day

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Sightseeing around Milton Washington (13)
2. No Travel Day - Milton Washington – Supplies [Costco & Home Depot] (12)
3. Travel Day - Milton, Washington (11)
4. Starvation Creek Trailhead, Hood River County, Oregon(10)
5. Travel Day - Dalles, Oregon (9)
6. Crater Lake, Klamath County, Oregon (8)
7. Travel Day - Klamath Falls, Oregon (7)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (13)

05/24/2019 / No Travel Day - Sightseeing around Milton Washington

Start Location:

• Delores’ House
• Milton, WA 98354
• Start Time: N/A

End Location: N/A 

• End Time: N/A

Cost per Night: $0.00 per night
Weather:  54 to 60 F Overcast & Cold

Slept in until a bit after seven. Then we enjoyed a feast at Delores’s house for breakfast (Cinnamon Rolls; Bacon; Cheesy Eggs; Strawberries (w/Whip Cream); Avocado; Banana).

We spent midmorning sightseeing with Barbara and Cletis (aka Chuck – aka Devon). We explored Barbara’s old neighborhood; caught a glimpse of where they (Clete & Barb) were married 59 years ago; and visited the family burial plot.

Mountain View Memorial Park was patriotically decorated with ‘Old Glory’ for Memorial Day. We also drove by the Admire Beaux Arts Architecture at Union Station, Tacoma Dome, and the Puget Sound.

We ended up the day with visits to the Emerald Queen Casino. Paul and I played for over two hours and lost $32.00 between us. However, since we earned two $25.00 Dining Vouchers, we were actually $18.00 in the black. 

Barbara and Clete Infront of Family Plot

Patriotically decorated with ‘Old Glory’ for Memorial Day.

Photo Barb took of me (mid-left) taking photos of the flags

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. No Travel Day - Milton Washington – Supplies [Costco & Home Depot] (12)
2. Travel Day - Milton, Washington (11)
3. Starvation Creek Trailhead, Hood River County, Oregon(10)
4. Travel Day - Dalles, Oregon (9)
5. Crater Lake, Klamath County, Oregon (8)
6. Travel Day - Klamath Falls, Oregon (7)
7. Lassen Volcanic National Park & Lake Shasta Caverns (6)
8. Travel Day - Redding, CA (5)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (12)

05/23/2019 / No Travel Day - Milton Washington – Supplies (Costco & Home Depot)

Start Location:

• Delores’ House
• Milton, WA 98354
• Start Time: N/A

End Location: N/A 

• End Time: N/A

Cost per Night: $0.00 per night
Weather:  54 to 64 F Sunny

Just ran errands today: Mailed a letter then shopping at Home Depot and Cost-Co. We were going to do laundry but ran out of time. We enjoyed very pleasant meals with Delores (Breakfast and Dinner).

Paul got a haircut; his Asian barber scalped him . . . short but really nice. Of course, just as we were ready to relax for the evening, Paul discovered that the hot supply line to the bathroom sink was broken and leaking.

Poor Paul and Clete went back to the Home Depot to by parts and then spent the rest of the evening fixing it. . . . . . . awe the joys of motorhome living.

'The Beast' Home Sweet Home

Paul's Haircut

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Travel Day - Milton, Washington (11)
2. Starvation Creek Trailhead, Hood River County, Oregon(10)
3. Travel Day - Dalles, Oregon (9)
4. Crater Lake, Klamath County, Oregon (8)
5. Travel Day - Klamath Falls, Oregon (7)
6. Lassen Volcanic National Park & Lake Shasta Caverns (6)
7. Travel Day - Redding, CA (5)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (11)

05/22/2019 / Travel Day – Milton, Washington

Start Location:

• Memaloose State Park
• Mosier, OR 97040
• 800-551-6949
• Start Time: 8:50 a.m.

End Location:

• Barbara’s Cousin’s Home
• Milton, WA 98354
• End Time: 12:30 p.m.

Weather: 52 to 74 F Sunny

Route:

• 84 West
• 205 North
• 5 North
• 99 North

Woke up to the sound of Geese and the first sunny day of our road trip. It was super windy which made driving difficult. Of course, always the optimist, Paul commented that with such a head wind – gas mileage should be “killer.” We met up with good-buddies Clete and Barb. We are staying at Barb’s cousin’s house – Nice quiet neighborhood. Weather is warm and sunny.

We met up with relatives/friends of Barb at the local Poodle Dog Restaurant – lots of food, reasonably priced. My only complaint is that while trying to make reservations, we were assured that they would not be necessary – and that in fact they would set up our table now. However, when we arrived, not only was that table not ready for us . . . . we were told that we should have made reservations. While our wait was minor – it was the principle. Our historian, Delores informed that this restaurant is not as good as it use to be.

Small Welcome to Washington Sign

Olympia - the Capital of Washington

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Starvation Creek Trailhead, Hood River County, Oregon(10)
2. Travel Day - Dalles, Oregon (9)
3. Crater Lake, Klamath County, Oregon (8)
4. Travel Day - Klamath Falls, Oregon (7)
5. Lassen Volcanic National Park & Lake Shasta Caverns (6)
6. Travel Day - Redding, CA (5)
7. Bread & Chocolate, San Francisco - (4)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (10)

05/21/2019 / No Travel Day – Starvation Creek Trailhead, Hood River County, Oregon

Start Location:

• Memaloose State Park
• Mosier, OR 97040
• 800-551-6949
• Start Time: N/A

End Location: N/A 

• End Time: N/A

Cost per Night: $35.00 per night
Weather:  49/65 F Overcast

We went hiking at Starvation Creek State Park, which is located west of Cascade Locks, Oregon in the Columbia River Gorge. It is right alongside Interstate 84; by the Columbia River.

Selfie at Cabin Creek Falls

Thimbleberries are tart and red when ripe.

Hole in the Wall Falls

The trailhead was named Starvation Creek because a train was stopped there by snow drifts and passengers had to dig out the train. Luckily no one starved there.

However, after our hike, I was ravenous, so we eat at the Sedition Brewing Company in Dalles, Oregon. This Craft Brewery is in a historic icehouse. I had the Tri-Tip Sandwich with a tasting flight of beer. Dark Sky was my favorite. Paul enjoyed his Mac and Cheese. I would recommend this establishment highly.

Our Camp Spot in Memaloose State Park.

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Travel Day - Dalles, Oregon (9)
2. Crater Lake, Klamath County, Oregon (8)
3. Travel Day - Klamath Falls, Oregon (7)
4. Lassen Volcanic National Park & Lake Shasta Caverns (6)
5. Travel Day - Redding, CA (5)
6. Bread & Chocolate, San Francisco - (4)
7. Travel Day - Fremont Elks Lodge #2121 - (3)