2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (23)

06/03/2019 Travel Day – Hi Country R.V. Park, Whitehorse

Start Location:

• Downtown RV Park
• Box 300, Watson Lake, Yukon
• 867.536.2646
• Start Time: 7:30 a.m.
• Mileage: 52,692.2

End Location: 

• Hi Country RV Park
• 91374 Alaska Highway, Whitehorse, Yukon YIA 6E4
• 1.877.458.3806
• End Time: 1:45 p.m.
• Mileage:  52,958.6 (266.4 Miles)

Cost Per Night: $39.53 USD
Weather: 48 - 60 F Raining

Route:

• 1 West (Alaska Highway)

A light rain dropped on us for most of today’s travel. The Alaska Highway turned into a gravel road for parts of the trip; causing our progress to slow.

Of course, after about a mile or so on the gravel, a huge truck flew by us, kicking up rocks and dinging our windshield.

Beautiful baby Christmas Trees everywhere and contrasting majestic Aspens. Really didn’t do much today – just drove and then did laundry. Fun day tomorrow.

No internet here, so we have been binge watching the Sopranos! We made a nice meal of quesadillas and salt & pepper corn on the cob – so much better than eating out. The Beast in Spot 21 – Downtown RV

Wildlife Spotted: Not much: Paul did notice a Coyote crossing the Highway; I missed it as I was doing mileage stats; Paul also saw a Doe – I was again on the computer and missed that also. ☹

See the ding in the windshield (lower left)

The Beast in Spot 21 – Downtown RV

Rained all day / We are at a rest stop here for lunch

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Travel Day – Downtown RV Park, Watson Lake (22)
2. Travel Day - Bell 2 Lodge, Meziadin Lake, BC (21)
3. Travel Day - Shady Rest RV Park, Houston, BC (20)
4. Historical Barkerville, BC (19)
5. Travel Day – Robert’s Roost, Quesnel, BC (18)
6. Hell’s Gate Airtram / Boston Bar (17)
7. Travel Day - Canyon Alpine RV Park and Campground (16)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (22)

06/02/2019 Travel Day – Downtown RV Park, Watson Lake, Yukon

Start Location:

• Bell 2 Lodge
• Km 248, Hwy 37 North, Meziadin Lake, BC V0J 350
• 250.275.4770
• Start Time: 5:00 a.m.
• Mileage: 52,370.6

End Location: 

• Downtown RV Park
• Box 300, Watson Lake, Yukon
• 867.536.2646
• End Time: 1:00 p.m.
• Mileage:  52,692.2 (321.6 Miles)

Cost Per Night: $55.50 CAD
Weather:53 - 68 F Sunny

Route:

• 37 North
• 1 West (Alaska Highway)

Awoke at 4:30 this morning; Paul was nice enough to jump out of bed to warm the chill off the air. We thought of resting in. However, as soon as it got toasty, we were attacked by mosquitoes. After a half an hour of trying to kill them all, we decided to pack up and go! No cell service nor internet. Luckily, we did not need GPS for this jaunt – just stay on the 37 North.

At 7:00 a.m., we stopped at the Tatogga Lake Resort for Gas and Breakfast. The owner John did everything. He pumped the fuel; cooked our yummy breakfast and served the food. Paul fell in love with the automatic orange juice machine. The log lodge was very comfy and filled with stuffed wildlife.

We talked to an Air Force man and his mom, who were traveling home to Fresno. John chuckled as we discussed the politics back in California. John educated that mosquitos were attracted to carbon so turn your engine off helps to keep them away. After breakfast, the road became rougher.

Of course we had to stop at Jade City – I bought a beautiful brooch. We placed our sign at the World Famous Sign Post Forest. (Lat 60 3’ 47” N / Long 128 42’ 50”W) The forest was started in 1942 by a homesick U.S. Army GI.

Wildlife Spotted: Ask and ya shall receive – Four Moose just ten miles from our camp – Beautiful’ Big Brown Grizzly Bear; a rabbit running for his life across the road and away from the ‘Beast’; a Black Bear (Paul saw in the rear view mirror); and a skittish lone Black Bear.

The Mosquito Bit Travelers at the Tatogga Lake Resort

Tatogga Lake Resort’s Fresh Orange Juice Machine – I want one!

Bought a Brooch at the Jade Store in Jade City

Beautiful Pristine Canada

Paul put up our sign at the World Famous Sign Post Forest

We Paid $3.99 CAD for One Avocado!!!

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Travel Day - Bell 2 Lodge, Meziadin Lake, BC (21)
2. Travel Day - Shady Rest RV Park, Houston, BC (20)
3. Historical Barkerville, BC (19)
4. Travel Day – Robert’s Roost, Quesnel, BC (18)
5. Hell’s Gate Airtram / Boston Bar (17)
6. Travel Day - Canyon Alpine RV Park and Campground (16)
7. Chores Milton, Washington (15)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (21)

06/01/2019 Travel Day - Bell 2 Lodge, Meziadin Lake, BC

Start Location:

• Shady Rest RV Park
• 3960 Drive in Road, Houston, BC
• 800-343.3777
• Start Time: 8:17 a.m.
• Mileage: 52,104

End Location: 

• Bell 2 Lodge
• Km 248, Hwy 37 North, Meziadin Lake, BC V0J 350
• 250.275.4770
• End Time: 2:15 p.m.
• Mileage:  52,370.6 (267 Miles)

Cost Per Night: $37.99
Weather: 53 - 68 F SunnyTravel Day - Shady Rest RV Park, Houston, BC

Route:

• 16 West
• 37 North

Poor Paul had to do all the chores this morning as I was fearful of venturing outside. The ‘skeeters’ were inside the motor coach as well. Paul had to DAP the tub edge because we caught them sneaking across that border. We left a bit late because we were waiting for the Canadian Tire store to open in Smither’s. We are going to stock up on mosquito repellant – I am sure that will be worthwhile in Alaska as well.

Paul and I are gypsy’ing it today – no reservations for tonight. We were going to stay at the Bell 2 Lodge – but they wanted $47 per night for 15 amp; no water; no wifi; no cable . . . we just could not justify that expenses. Push comes to shove we can dry camp! UPDATE: Bell 2 Lodge was the only thing around!!!

About 10:30, Paul pointed out a Black Bear running across the 16 West right in front of us. Mr. Bear was quick though so no photographic proof. The ‘Beast’ drove through several construction zones – on a Saturday! We noticed that the workers/flag people were far more friendly and polite then their American counterparts.

Wildlife Spotted: Ten Bears (one was a cute brown baby) – Still waiting to see my first Moose!

Face Full of Mosquito Bites

Off to Canadian Tire to Buy Mosquito Repellant

Rainbow over the 37 West

Construction on the Bridge

Lunch at a Rest Stop

Lakes and Rivers Everywhere

Love this Landscape – So Green and Lush

Our Campsite (#8) at the Bell 2 Lodge

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Travel Day - Shady Rest RV Park, Houston, BC (20)
2. Historical Barkerville, BC (19)
3. Travel Day – Robert’s Roost, Quesnel, BC (18)
4. Hell’s Gate Airtram / Boston Bar (17)
5. Travel Day - Canyon Alpine RV Park and Campground (16)
6. Chores Milton, Washington (15)
7. Westport Winery Garden Resort (14)

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)