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

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