Bob and Barb's Alaska Adventure

Alaska 41-Day Adventure June 5 - July 15, 2009

Dawson Creek, 80, June 3: Everyone is so excited about going to Alaska. Most have arrived early at the Mile "O" RV Campground. After a beautiful 80 degree day today, we had a "Get Acquainted" Wagon Master meeting around the campfire. Everyone introduced themselves and told why they wanted to go to Alaska.

Dawson Creek, BC, June 4: At Thursday evenings Wagon Master meeting it was pretty chilly and windy so we met in a covered area where we were cozy and warmer. We swore in the Sheriff and Deputy 5heriff for our tour. And our Wagon Master, Chuck introduced the "Tweety A ward." We also talked about the fire that was north of us and some of the options we had. Would we stay at Mile "O", change our route, delay a day or two, or go on as scheduled as far as we could. We had some thunder during the meeting so we were hoping for rain to help the Firefighters.

Dawson Creek, BC, June 5: Rally Day! Everyone is here and is doing last minute shopping, sightseeing, and getting ready to move out - hoping that the fire will not change our itinerary. At 1:00 p.m.

Everyone gathered outside the Wagon Master's rig for the Wagon Master's briefing. Hooray! The road is open and we can leave tomorrow. After the briefing we car pooled to the Mile "O" cairn Historical Marker in town for a group picture. In the evening we gathered at the George Dawson inn for a great welcoming buffet dinner. After dinner, the Dawson Creek Tourism office provided a great talk and pictures about Dawson Creek and the Alaskan Highway.

Dawson Creek, BC to Ft. Nelson, BC, June 6: We are finally on the road. The sun is shining and it is a great day for traveling. Most of our group stopped at the Shepherd's inn, about 70 miles out of Dawson Creek, for breakfast. The food was really good. Lots of animals were seen today, moose, bear, deer and a fox or wolf After getting settled into Westend RV Park m Ft. Nelsen, most everyone walked to the Heritage Museum next door.

Ft. Nelson, BC to Laird Hot Springs, BC, June 7: We were up and on the road again this morning. Many of us saw animals throughout the day - bear, moose, and stone sheep. Some of the sheep had good sized horns on then. Our WM Chuck suggested a stop at the Tetsa River Outfitters. They just happen to have fresh homemade cinnamon rolls. Great place to take a break! We dry camped in the Laird River Hot Springs Provincial Park and those that wanted to, walked a quarter mile on the board walk through the marsh for a nice hot swim.

Laird Hot Springs, BC to Watson Lake, YT, June 8: today we traveled through some of the fire area.

There was lots of smoke and we passed a lot of the firefighters and their equipment. At one point we were stopped and a pilot car escorted us for several miles. Buffalo and bear were seen today. Also some free range horses were on the road. They had a leather strap with a bell on it around their necks.

Those who want to fish stopped at Contact Creek for their Yukon fishing license. After getting settled at

the park in Watson Lake, we carpooled to the Sign Post Forest to put up our sign with all our signatures.

First fish of the trip was caught in Watson Lake, a 16" gray ling.

Watson Lake, YT to Testin, YT, June 9: Today was one of our shorter driving days. The fishermen and ladies in the group checked out several fishing holes that WM Chuck pointed cut along the way. The rivers are running very fast and high. So fishing was not good. We stopped to see the Rancheria Falls. It was a 5 minute walk from the highway. Beautiful scenery and the falls were well worth seeing. No cinnamon rolls today - the bakery ran out. At Teslin, everyone had time to see the Wildlife Museum, relax, fish in the lake, wash rigs, etc.

Teslin, YT, to Whitehorse, YT, June 10: Not many miles to go today, Some stopped at George Dawson Museum on way out of Teslin. Johnson's Crossing was a good break stop - cinnamon rolls and pastries!

Several places to fish along the way. There was time to see some of Whitehorse and pick up parking passes after setting up. In the evening the park management put on a dinner for us. It was very good.

Day 2 at Whitehorse, YT, June 11: We had an early morning bus tour of city of Whitehorse, the S.S.

Klondike, and fish ladder. Then the whole afternoon was free to shop, fish, explore, or relax. In the evening after dinner, we went to see the Frantic Follies. The show was great! Unfortunately, the power went out just before intermission. The cast was quick to improvise and get flashlights to finish the first half. Outage was due to a fire on 3rd street and power was not to be restored for quite a while. Was too bad, everyone was enjoying the show.

Whitehorse, YT to Kluane Lake (Destruction Bay) YT, June 12: Road had a lot of frost heaves today. But the scenery was great. Especially the snow capped mountain peaks of the Kluane ice field Range. In the evening, the manager of the Destruction Bay Lodge RV Park, Loren, presented a great talk about the area. He also put on a great BBQ for us - hamburgers with all the trimmings, and several salads. It really tasted good. Rig #8 broke down this morning just leaving Whitehorse and had to stay for repairs.

Kluane Lake (Destruction Bay) YT, to Tok, Alaska, June 13: Today was our worst driving day. Lots of frost heaves and gravel areas to drive through. But we are finally in Alaska. As we entered the Tok RV Village RV Park, we lined up to get our rigs washed Everyone chipped in help wash everyone's rigs - well mostly the men did the washing and the women did the "driving". Mosquitoes were also making their presence known. The park offered entertainment at 7 p.m. It was a local fellow and gal He played the guitar, she played violin. He shared history of the area, what having in cold weather is like and a few songs. Afterward we had a Dessert Social/Potluck. The desserts were fantastic. It was a very enjoyable evening.

Tok, AK to Fairbanks, AK, June 14: One of our stops today was the Delta Meat & Sausage Co. They had all kinds of sausage for us to taste and buy. The sausage was made from reindeer, buffalo, and yak. We all had a good time grazing and bought some to take with us for later. Everyone stopped at Delta Junction for a picture at the end of the Alaska Highway Milepost at the Visitor Center. Lunch for some of us was at Rika's Roadhouse. In the evening, we went to Pioneer Park for an A askan Salmon Bake dinner and a show at the Palace Theater. Food was great, so was the show.

Day 2 at Fairbanks, AK, June15: Today we were on the Riverboat Discovery, a big paddle wheel boat.

We saw Susan Butcher's kennels and heard an explanation on the care and raising of sled dogs. We stopped at a Native American village and saw Native American fur garments and bead work, reindeer, animal pelts, and learned how they smoked chum salmon for their sled dogs. The homes and the scenery along the river were very pretty and the weather was exceptional After the boat ride and some shopping in the gift store, we went to lunch at the Pump House Restaurant located on the Chena River.

From there we went to see the pipeline and then the Eldorado's Gold Mine. Everyone got a chance to pan for gold - and took gold home!

Day 3 at Fairbanks, AK, June 16: The morning started with a trip to the ice Museum where we learned about the ice Carving contest they have every March. We saw some of the ice carvings that they keep there in a freezer at -40 degrees. We all had fun going into the freezer to take pictures. Then we went on to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Museum the museum was very interesting. We also saw two films, one on the Aurora and one on Winter in Fairbanks. While in Fairbanks, Rig #3 was able to replace 2 broken rims on their 5 wheel, rig #8 was able to catch back up with us after their repairs in Whitehorse, rig #4 was able to have electronic work done on their coach, and rig #2 was able to repair their slide.

Day 4 at Fairbanks, AK, June 17: This morning our WM and TG planned a pancake breakfast potluck.

They provided pancakes, sausages and coffee, everyone else brought juice or fruit or eggs, etc. to go with the pancakes. Several pitched in with the cooking and clean up. Good food and a good time were had by alt The rest of the day was a free day to do whatever we wanted to do Fairbanks, AK to Denali National Park (Healy, AK), June 18: Denali was our destination today - a relatively short drive from Fairbanks. Rig #4 broke a radiator hose outside of Fairbanks but caught up and everyone arrived safely. After the WM meeting;, we celebrated all the June birthdays and one June anniversary with cake made by our WM and TG. The rest of the evening was free to roam around the area.

Day 2 at Denali National Park, June 19: It started to rain during the night and was stil raining hard when we boarded the bus at 6 a.m. for our tour into Denali National Park. Despite the rain and fog we saw many animals during the day. The first were 3 moose in the river. Later in the day we saw several grizzly bears, mamas and cubs, caribou, a red fox. a lot of hare or snow bunnies. a bald eagle, a golden eagle, a number of ground squirrels, Dahl sheep, and more moose. But, we were not able to see the mountain of Denali. The rain did stop as we returned and the sun was out by the time we got back to the RV Park about 3:30 p.m. It was a good day.

Denali National Park to Anchorage, AK, June 20: After a beautiful day and evening yesterday, we awoke to rain, wind, and cold. Eventually it did clear up and we had a little sunshine. Denali, however, continued to hide from us. Lunch break today was by the Kashwitna Lake. Some that stopped there were treated to a float plane landing and dropping off a passenger. In the evening, most of the group car pooled to the La Mex Restaurant for some good Mexican food.

Day 2 at Anchorage, AK, June 21: About 9 a.m. th s morning we carpooled to he Alaska Native Heritage Center. Everyone agreed that it was great. There native demonstrations of dancing, games, and crafts, exhibits and a gift shop. Outside around a large pond was a village with native guides to explain about their traditions and how they lived The rest of the day was free. Early evening, a bus took us to the Alaska Wild Berry Park for a show and dinner. Both were excellent. We even were treated to a second movie. Then it was off to the Chocolate Factory and gift store to see the huge chocolate "water' fall. It looked delicious!

Anchorage, AK to Seward, AK, June 22: Driving today was pretty wet. At our stop at Portage Glacier the wind was blowing hard and the rain pouring down. Everyone got soaked going in but found the visitor center very interesting. After arriving in Seward we car pooled into town to see the Alaska Sea life Center. The evening was on our own.

Day 2 at Seward, AK, June 23: in the morning, a bus picked us up for the Best of Seward four First we were shown around town. Whitey, our bus driver, gave a running commentary about the town. Then we went out to Exit Glacier where we hiked about of a mile to the face of the glacier beautiful photo views. We even spotted a black bear and her cubs On our way back, we stopped for coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies. His wife, Mikki, was there o greet us. They both told stories on how they arrived and survived in the Alaskan Wilderness and a pregnancy 80 miles from Anchorage in the middle of winter. They are great story tellers. The afternoon was free and some of the fellows went fishing close by. In the evening we had a Dessert Social that was scrumptious.

Day 3 at Seward, AK, June 24: Today was a totally tree day, Some of the optional activities were Kenai Fjords National Park tour, fishing, or shopping, Later in the evening, those that caught fish threw the remaining parts at the edge of the river for the eagles to eat. What fun to see the eagles fly over and around us and swoop down for the "goodies." There was even time for a campfire for those that stayed up.

Seward, AK to Homer, AK, June 25: Wow, we are by the bay, beach front camping on Homer Spit! What a view we have. We are here for three nights. Our fisherman/women just have to walk about 50 feet to throw their lines in. For dinner tonight we had a Saud Pot Luck here at the park There were some great salads and breads. Everyone enjoyed Day 2 and 3 at Homer, AK, June 26 & 27: Ten of our group, including two gals and our TG, went out on a full day halibut charter boat today. They all got their limit 2 halibut each. The largest one was 70 pounds, the smallest 35-40 pounds. Everyone said they had a great time. Other options for the day and tomorrow are shopping on the "spit", Skyline Dr Homer Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center, Alaska islands & Ocean Visitor Center, the Pratt Museum . Clam Gulch, or Anchor point for fishing. Our Sheriff and Deputy organized a breaded and deep fried halibut fish fry for our last night in Homer Other dishes were provided to complete the dinner. It was wonderful!! There's nothing better than fresh fish!

More fishing was done after dinner, Our WM caught a 40 king salmon.

Homer, AK to Sterling, AK, June 28: Today was an easy drive to Sterling, AK. Several people stopped in the town of Kenai, in Soldotna at the Alaska Carousel Carvings, and Fred Meyers for groceries, fuel and lunch, it was really warm at the park so after getting parked and set up it was time to sit and relax or do a little fishing in nearby Moose River. Later we had a crab feed potluck. The park provided the crab, we provided the potiuck. It was delicious! There was BBQsteak for those who chose not to have crab.

Sterling, AK to Palmer, AK, June 29: This was another good day for driving and it was sunny and warm when we reached the RV Park. On the way some stopped at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

After arriving in Palmer several decided to go to Wasilla to visit the Iditarod Dogs, others chose to go the Musk Ox Farm. Everyone enjoyed their free afternoon and evening.

Palmer, AK to Valdez, AK, June 30: The drive to Valdez had frost heaves, winding roads and steep grades, but the scenery was beautiful and the sun was shining. Lots of pictures were taken of the Matanuska and Worthington Glaciers. A few even walked out to the Worthington Glacier, Other photo opportunities were the Bridal Veil and Horsetail Falla both are spectacular. The fishermen/women were disappointed though when we learned that the "pinks" were not running yet in Valdez. Our evening was free to explore.

Day 2 at Valdez, AK, July 1: We had a free day today People went to see Valdez Glacier, explore the original Old Valder town site, checked out the fishing hole, visited the Crooked Greek Salmon Spawning Viewing Area and of course did laundry. Several opted to go out for pizza in the evening, others chose to eat in. After dinner, our fishermen/women went to try their luck as it was reported that "pinks" were caught that morning. Only one silver salmon was be ought back though with stories about the "ones that got away.'

Day 3 at Valdez, AK, July 2: Today we went on a boat tour of Prince William Sound. The clouds were low and it was cool but the water was calm. We saw lots of wildlife: Steller Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Puffins, Orcas, Humpback Whales, Dall Porpoise, Eagles, even a black bear. We also stopped at Mears Glacier and got within 10 miles of Columbia Glacier There were lots of icebergs at Columbia Glacier Some of them were a beautiful blue color. Lunch on board was good and our late afternoon hot bowl of chowder or minestrone soup warmed us up. Everyone had fun, and no one got ,ea sick Valdez, AK to Tok, AK, July 3: We all arrived back m Tok in one piece after being bounced around most all day. There were lots of frost heaves and damaged road areas. The snow capped mountains and lush growth though was beautiful. Several moose were also seen along the way, Several rigs stopped at the

Wrangell St. Elias National Park and Preserve and enjoyed the 22 minute movie about the Park and Preserve. It is the largest National Park in the U 6 times larger than Yellowstone Tok, AK to Kluane Lake (Destruction Bay), YT, July 4: We went back to Destruction Bay today. It is warm and everyone is sitting out enjoying the sunshine. Everyone gathered for a cocktail party after the WM meeting. On the deck outside of the RV Park office, our WM and TG decorated the tables and eating area to celebrate the 4 of July. When the food was ready, the dinner bell called us to a wonderful dinner including home made dressing, and bumble berry crisp for dessert. All this was prepared by the manager of the park and a helper. After dinner, we were also treated to a brief demonstration on the making of burl bowls and diamond willow walking sticks. We were entertained later in the evening by a local fellow from the area who sang and played the guitar. Our park manager joined him for a few songs also.

Kluane Lake, YT to Skagway, AK, July 5: We were all up bright and early this morning We went through road construction area early on. Later there were lots of frost heaves Plus there was a 12 mile long steep downgrade into Skagway. It was hot when we arrived, 86 degrees, very unusual for the area.

In the evening, dinner was on our own. Then we i met up at the Eagles Hall in town for Monte Carlo Night and the Soapy Smith Show. Gambling with funny money was a lot of fun The show was very entertaining. One of our own got to do the can-can on stage!

Day 2 at Skagway, AK, July 6: Today was an all day trip to Juneau, AK by boat and included a brief stop in Haines, AK for additional passengers. On our way to Juneau, we saw Steller sea lions, eagles, and humpback whales. We were let off the boat outside of town where a bus met us, Just after starting out on the bus, a black bear crossed the road in front of us The bus driver was verv informative as we covered the half hour drive into Juneau. After a brief trip around town, we were dropped off in front of the docking area for the cruise ships, We had 3 hours to shop, have lunch and explore. Next stop was the Mendenhall Glacier for an hour. Then it was back to the boat for the return trip. On the way back a couple of humpback whales put on quite a show Dur boat captain was a very good narrator, talking about the wildlife and the area. Another hot day, 94 degrees.

Day 3 at Skagway, AK, July 7: A free day today for shopping, relaxing or whatever until 4 p.m. And the weather couldn't be nicer. At 4 p.m. we all gathered at the railroad station for a ride on the Whitehorse and Yukon Route railway. The scenery was terrific Everywhere we go we say the same thing but there is just no other way to describe it. We were all in one passenger car and we had a good party, enjoyed the views, and took lots of pictures.

Skagway, AK to Teslin, YT, July 8: We were all up early today wanting to leave early and get up the steep grade before it got too warm. No one had trouble coming out of Skagway and it was pretty easy driving after that. A couple of stops along the way were at the Yukon Suspension Bridge, the town of Carcross, YT, and Johnson's Crossing for lunch or bakery goods. There was a lot of smoke in the air today. We learned later it was from a fire about 0 miles south of Whitehorse. Also, there is still a fire in the Liard Hot Springs. It was burning in that area on our way up.

Teslin, YT to Watson Lake, YT, July 9: Today was an easy, laid back drive of only 149 miles. Several black bears were sighted, one grizzly bear, a beaver, and a moose or two. We stayed at Nugget City, 14 miles north of Watson Lake. Several couples were in to Watson Lake for groceries, one for a new tire.

Our Sheriff and her Deputy, with a lot of help from everyone, organized a BBQ. bring-your-own dinner and let's eat together social. It was great. Our ho weather turned into a major rain down pour in the evening and overnight.

Watson Lake, YT of to Dease Lake, BC, July 10: Th s morning everyone was getting on the road when one of the rigs developed a slide problem. Our TGwith a lot of help, was able to get it in. We left the Alaska Highway for the Cassiar Highway early on. R was voted the worst road we've been on next to the road to Destruction Bay. We were all glad to get m the park at Dease Lake. Some chose to have dinner at Mama Z's, and they said it was very good. In the evening, we gathered around the fire pit.

Dease Lake, BC to Stewart, BC/Hyder, AK, July 11: The trip to Stewart/Hyder was a really nice drive after the first 100 miles. The mountains, canyons, and lakes provided great scenery. Even the animals came out to play. We saw moose, black bear, golden eagles and even some free range horses on the way. Before dinner, we all went to Fish Creek to see if the bears were there. We did see a few early salmon spawning, but no bears.

Day 2 at Stewart/Hyder, July 12: A free day and most everyone was out early to explore the area.

Eleven of our caravan got Hyderized - that is an experience one does only once! In the early evening we had a Chili Cook-off. Six of our ladies made chili All of them were delicious as were all the side dishes.

Some went back to Fish Creek and did see a bear. Later we had our ice Cream Social, generously provided by our "fines" ($97) collected during the course of our trip by the Sheriff and her Deputy. We surprised our WM, TG, and their wives with a poem and a song.

Day 3 at Stewart/Hyder, July 13: Another free day or bear viewing at Fish Creek, going to see Salmon Glacier or shopping. Reports were that seeing Salmon Glacier was well worth the ride to get there (gravel road, lots of dust). In the evening we all went to on optional dinner at the Bitter Creek Café, Food was delicious.

,Stewart/Hyder to Smithers, BC July 14: Today was the last time Thumper came to wake us up. We traveled to Smithers, our final stop on the tour. Tonight had our farewell dinner at the Hudson Bay Lodge to say our goodbyes. Our forty-one day tour has gone by very quickly. It was a great trip!

Day 2 at Smithers, BC, July 15: One last meal together this morning at Hudson bay Lodge and last farewells given, our tour has come to an end.

Happy trails ahead. Good luck to all!

Dear Friends, Well, here we are at the end of our tour e an you believe 43 days going go by so quickly? People say that Alaska is big, but you need to see it to understand just how vast it really is. And we have seen it all the tundra, snow capped mountains, glaciers, raging rivers, and more. Plus all the wildlife, bears, moose, caribou, eagles, bares, foxes, a wolf or two, sea hons, whales, etc.

And what about those cinnamon robs that kept us rolling down me road. Our fishermen and women did great, especially on the halibut charter. We sure enjoyed the fish fry afterwards.

Trout, King Salmon, and Dolly Vardin were also caught along the way. Some right out our back doors.

You did have a few early mornings. Thumper usually started rounds about 6 a.m but even on our free days there some of you that were up an hour early to fish or just go exploring. We bet that for the next mornings you may even miss Thumper's early wake up call.

We had a forest fire that threatened to down us down before we even got started. There were several others after we came up near Valdez causing a lot of smoke in the air that we kept an eye on We also had a couple of earth quake A few minor problems came up on the road: flat tires, split rims, a rock in the exhaust brake, slides that would not work, engine lights that would go on and off, and a broken motorcycle rack we want to say that you were all great at helping each other out in any way you could.

Friendships have been formed, some that will last a life time. Hopefully you all will look back on this tour with fond memories. Terry and I are happy we've had the opportunity meet all of you. It has been great traveling with you. Have a safe journey home, or to where ever the road leads you.

We hope to see you again on another Fantasy tour, or maybe somewhere on the road.

Your Tail Gunners and Your Friends.

Terry & Pat Mayfield(Alias: Mr. & Mrs humper) Pat & Terry at Emerald Lake

July 2009 Dear Fantasy Friends, How quickly our time together has gone. Our 41 day Alaska Adventure probably seemed like it would be a long time to spend with people you had never even met before.

When I look at the pictures and see your happy, smiling faces - it makes me feel very happy. Alaska is a wonderful place. It is so difficult to express in words when someone asks why you want to go to Alaska again. Alaska is beautiful, peaceful, exciting, huge, unpredictable and so much more. Alaska has left an imprint on my soul that keeps calling me back. After watching your excitement, wonder and joy of Alaska I am sure she has made quite an imprint upon all of you as well.

Everyone has had so many exciting adventures with the fishing, seeing the bears, moose and other wild animals that I am sure you will have many stories to tell your family and friends when you get home.

Celebrating the 4th Of July at Destruction Bay, Yukon with the wonderful dinner we had, going on the boat trips to see the sea life was very exciting. All kinds of exciting adventures at every turn and bump in the road - we mustn't forget the road.

Thank you so much to Terry & Pat for being our tail gunners this year. We appreciate everything you did to help make the tour a success. Without you our job would have been so much more difficult. It was fun to have you with us.

Thank you to, you, our guests your enthusiasm for all the activities we did on the tour was wonderful. You began the tour with anticipation and excitement of what you would see and do on the tour, which was fun for us to watch you as you discovered something new. It has been so much fun traveling with all of you. Happy travels wherever you may wander!

Chuck & Sally Johnson Wagon masters Rig 1