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)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (30)

06/10/2019 / No Travel Day – River Discovery Tour

Start Location:

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

Start Time: N/A

Mileage:  53,693

End Location: N/A

End Time:  N/A

Mileage:  N/A

Cost Per Night: $53.95 USD
Weather: 51 - 70 F Sunny

It was chores day. After a yummy bacon breakfast, we did laundry. This place has a super nice laundry room. Their internet is top notch too. Hopefully, I will be able to post some of this journey on my blog.

We made a trip to Fred Meyers – needed a few things including our fishing licenses. Then we spent the afternoon on the River Discovery Tour.

We cruised the Chena River in the Sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery 3. This river is a 100-mile tributary of the Tanana River in the Interior region of the U.S. state of Alaska. Paul and I really enjoyed this three-hour cruise. It took us into the heart of Alaska and educated us about the people who have made the rivers a way of life for five generations.

We saw a bush floatplane takeoff alongside the boat, visited the home and kennels of the late four-time Iditarod winner Susan Butcher and visited a Chena Indian Village.

We bought the book, “Granite” and had it signed by the Susan Butcher’s husband David Monson. Granite was Susan’s greatest lead dog, but he didn’t start that way. He was a shy, scraggly pup that the others pushed around, but Susan saw his potential. Together they worked until he became leader of her winning team. Can’t wait to read it to the grandsons.

Something you normally do not witness very often; this tour provided you with free blueberries donuts, coffee, and teas. Further, on the return trip, samples of salmon were served on a cracker – scrumptious.

Wildlife Spotted: Duck, Geese, Reindeer (actually Caribou), Squirrel, Salmon (Robin was holding it.)

Stuffed Wolf at the Alaska Fish & Game where we bought our Fishing License

Big Blue Binkley House on the Banks of the Chena River

Fish Smoke House Area

What is the difference between Cariboo and Reindeer / Reindeer Fly

Love the Moose Antlers above the Door

Bulls Fighting: Die Like This Because They Could Not Separate.

The Sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery 3

Chena River, Fairbanks, Alaska

Squirrel up a Tree at the Campground

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Travel Day – River’s Edge Campground (29)
2. Travel Day – Sourdough Campground (28)
3. Biking, Cheechako’s, Diamond Tooth Gerties (27) 
4. Dredge No. 4, Claim 33, Alchemy Café , Dawson City (26)
5. Travel Day – Gold Rush Campground RV Park (25)
6. Fish Ladder, Rotary Centennial Bridge & the S.S. Klondike (24)
7. Travel Day – Hi Country R.V. Park, Whitehouse (23)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (29)

06/09/2019 / Travel Day – River’s Edge Campground

Start Location:

• Sourdough Campground
• 1 Prospector Way, Tok, Alaska
• 907.883.5543

Start Time: 9:43 a.m.

Mileage:  53,484

End Location:

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

End Time:  2:30 p.m.

Mileage:  53,693

Cost Per Night: $53.95 USD
Weather: 39 - 71 F Sunny
Route:

• Tok Cutoff (1) 
• 2 East
• 2 West

We awoke leisurely. Since we had a light travel day, Paul cooked me a super breakfast (Sausage and Scrambled Eggs on Sourdough Toast). We took a quick walk around Sourdough Campground; then washed a ton of debris off both the Motorhome and Truck.

Stopped for a quick lunch at a rest stop. After parking our motorhome for the night, we drove to Cost-Co for supplies. Did not have internet to pay my SDCCU Visa – so we reached our limit – credit card denied. Good thing we have several (credit cards).

Sprinkled all night, so we were not able to take our walk along the river. That was pretty much it for uneventful day!

Wildlife Spotted: Moose and two babies; Butterflies (all brown and mostly white); red breasted medium size bird, and I spotted a big moose behind the trees off the highway.

Not much Traffic this Sunday

All Alone at the Rest Area for Lunch

Hard to See / Red Breasted Bird in Middle of Photo

Lots of Brown Butterfly Scurrying Around

Dinner by Cost-Co

Tok to Fairbanks, Alaska

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Travel Day – Sourdough Campground (28)
2. Biking, Cheechako’s, Diamond Tooth Gerties (27) 
3. Dredge No. 4, Claim 33, Alchemy Café , Dawson City (26)
4. Travel Day – Gold Rush Campground RV Park (25)
5. Fish Ladder, Rotary Centennial Bridge & the S.S. Klondike (24)
6. Travel Day – Hi Country R.V. Park, Whitehouse (23)
7. Travel Day – Downtown RV Park, Watson Lake (22)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (28)

06/08/2019 / Travel Day – Sourdough Campground

Start Location:

• Gold Rush Campground RV Park
• 5th Avenue and York Street, Dawson City, Yukon
• 1.867.993.5247

Start Time: 7:00 a.m.

Mileage:  53,294

End Location:

• Sourdough Campground
• 1 Prospector Way, Tok, Alaska
• 907.883.5543

End Time:  12:00 p.m.

Mileage:  53,484

Cost Per Night: $49.00 USD
Weather: 43 - 63 F Rainy then Sunny
Route:

• George Black Ferry to Top of the World Highway / 9 North 
• 5 North 
• 2 East 
• Tok Cutoff (1)

Despite our adventure at Diamond Tooth Gerties last night; we were able to pack up and be on the road by seven. We were the only one in line at the George Black Ferry and traversed the Yukon River by 7:13 a.m.

GPS tried to take us on a tight backroad to get on to the 9 North. However, we were able to turn around when we figured out our error. We proceed onward on the dirt highway 9 North at a blazing 40 MPH.

We hit the Canadian / Alaska border right after it opened (9:08 a.m.). There were just a vehicle and motorcycle ahead of us. After a few questions (re: firearms, $$$, fruit) we were back on the road (9:15 a.m.).

The Top of the World (9 North) was paved on the American side; but just for a few miles. It stayed a rough and muddy dirt thoroughfare until the town of Chicken. Our vehicles were trashed – dirty and dinged.

We arrived at our campground at Sourdough Campground about none (US time). It has been rainy (including a hail storm) most of the day, so our space (E5) was petty muddy. It was raining so hard we had to skip the campground’s famous pancake toss!!!

Dawson City to Tok, Alaska

Packing up Early to Line Up for the George Black Ferry

We were First in Line for the George Black Ferry across the Yukon River

Day of Long Rough Dirt Roads

We Only had Two Vehicles Ahead of Us at the Canadian / Alaskan Border

Beautiful Vistas from the Top of the World Highway

Lunch Break at a Rest Stop

Truck, Camper, and Bikes got Filthy an Covered in Rocks

Lush Greenery Everywhere

The River Ran All Down the Valley

Our Spot, E5 at the Sourdough Campground

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Biking, Cheechako’s, Diamond Tooth Gerties (27) 
2. Dredge No. 4, Claim 33, Alchemy Café , Dawson City (26)
3. Travel Day – Gold Rush Campground RV Park (25)
4. Fish Ladder, Rotary Centennial Bridge & the S.S. Klondike (24)
5. Travel Day – Hi Country R.V. Park, Whitehouse (23)
6. Travel Day – Downtown RV Park, Watson Lake (22)
7. Travel Day - Bell 2 Lodge, Meziadin Lake, BC (21)