Looking back west on the Glenn Highway
After the State Fair in Palmer, AK we headed back to the border without much delay, staying 4 days for one last mail forwarding. We did have to repair some damage as a result of 12 miles of terrible road construction of frost heaves. The ride was rough and you couldn't always see the ruts and holes. I am surprised we didn't shred a tire. We did, however suffer a broken refrigerator latch (you can imagine that mess) and the bottom came out several storage cabinets on one wall. Wood screws fixed that one while VELCRO will work on the fridge door for now. Additionally we hit up 4 more geocaches while in Tok.
Leaving Alaska this time was hard. As fun as our first visit was 5 years ago, this one was better. We immersed ourselves in the culture, countryside, and keeping touristy stuff to a minimum. We still have a cruise planned to explore the SE Alaska Archipelago, but I'm pretty sure the RV will be visiting here one more time. August 30th we crossed the border into the Yukon Territory heading south towards the USA and Salem, OR to visit my mom. It remains still a very long trip. We worked hard to make time, still stopping for the occasional rest day enroute. We are planning on traveling the Cassiar Highway on our return route. 130 miles shorter and a bit narrower, but beautiful, I'm told. We have been keeping an eye on the weather for the past week to 10 days. The interior is getting colder with temps in the 20s and 30s at night with some of the 'white shroud', but it's still too early to stick. Diesel fuel was $3.08 as we left Tok.
We also were able to witness some of the first evidence of fall throughout our journey. The colors ranged from just beginning to turn to full out spectacular.
Tetlin NWR
When we stopped for an overnight we didn't even unhitch the truck from RV. We just level out, put down stabilizer feet, slides out, and set up power, etc. About 1 out of every 3 stops we stayed over an extra day to relax. Happy wife, happy life. Apparently no furbaby likes to be confined to the truck watching me drive and mama entombed in her Kindle nonstop as the only forms of entertainment either.
Night #1: Pioneer RV Park, Whitehorse, YT 400 miles 12.8 mpg, $3.88 diesel RV Park $34
Night #2: Junction 37 Services YT 260 miles. Another fuel stop & boondock here. $5.66 diesel.
Night #3-4: Kinaskan Lake Provincial Park, B.C. 230 miles. Water up and layover day here. $15 plus free firewood.
Cassiar Mtns. from Good Hope Lake
Jade City
Hand carved salmon from a single boulder of jade
Kanaskan Provincial Park Camp
Night #5: Kitwanga, B.C 235 miles. RV Park overnight $29 Diesel $5.40 12.3 mpg
Night #6: Prince George, B.C. 302 miles. Fuel & RV Park overnight $29 Diesel $4.66.
Night #7-8: Cache Creek, B.C. 274 miles RV Park $31 Diesel $4.66 2 overnights laundry stop 274 miles and 4 sections of construction with all the bells and whistles.
Night #9: Emory Creek Provincial Park 112 miles. Fuel stop and overnight $12
Night #9: Emory Creek Provincial Park 112 miles. Fuel stop and overnight $12
The Cassiar Highway was a beautiful diversion, I highly recommend it. We timed our gas stops at Dease Lake and Meziadin Junction, working out just fine for us. Sometimes Road Meals can be hurried, but if I remember to take the evening's main course out of the freezer to thaw before departure each morning it's all good in the end. We dined on Breakfast for Dinner, Randy Wells' Ginger Ale Rockfish, Lamb, Tacos, and SPAM Ramen Noodle bowl to name a few. Menu was chosen based on 'road timing', overnight stays and ease of prep.
Ginger Ale Rockfish
After 10 days and over 1800 miles we finally crossed the US border at Sumas, WA. Good to be back home again. From here it's on to Olympia for a few days and then on to Salem, OR to visit Mom. It's been a good summer for us with this trip. We did meet some new relatives and mourned the loss of old friends. Thanks to Sunni and Rod Hilts of Seldovia, AK for their hospitality. Farewells (for now) to Molly Tatarka and her family as well as Randy Cler and his till we meet again. All our prayers to the family of high school friend Bonnie Stelling, who passed away suddenly. Also, prayers for USAF brother in arms, Mike Rose, who passed away due to complications from leukemia. God bless you all. You will be missed.
"Having a love-hate relationship with road trips is inevitable"
Julie Foudy
WiFi courtesy of Verizon MiFi
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