The Trip Conclusion

This final entry is long overdue. I always find it difficult to bring an adventure to conclusion and this year is even more so since it is completed by loading my motorcycle and tent trailer into the back of a U-Haul truck. The folks at Gaudin's Honda in Beaverlodge, Alberta were terrific, they just couldn't find the parts to get me back on the road. They took their Bobcat and lifted my bike into the truck, then followed me back to the motel 2 blocks away and lifted the trailer in. I strapped things down and Tue 7/26 we began the journey.

Deb and I were on the road at 6 am. The first few hours were pretty nice , but it is Tue so there must be rain. We traveled east on Hwy 43, South on Hwy 40 to Hwy 16 and the west to Jasper. This area of Alberta is also good for wildlife sightings and we were not disappointed. The counts were not as large but several deer and a few bear made the time go by. Then as we were approaching Jasper we had the pleasure of this guy (shown on the right) just 50 ft off the highway grazing in the grass. As is common in this area when wildlife is spotted, people were stopping their cars in the middle of the road to take photos. Good thing he wasn't bothered by their antics. We continued into Jasper where we stopped for a late breakfast.

Had we been on the bike at this point we would have turned south on Hwy 93 and gone down the Icefields Parkway. Since we were in the truck and just wanting to get to the days destination, Vernon, We continued on 16 west and turned south on the Yellowhead highway 5. We were warmly greeted by our friends, the same ones we stayed with on the way up when we arrived about 5pm. A full day and 600+ miles covered. We are now just over 1000 miles from home and our friends have convinced us an extra days stay would be fun, so we don't continue south until Thur AM. Thur we intend to make Portland, Or just over 500 miles away and spend some time with my daughter that has just recently moved there from San Jose. The arrangement with U-Haul is we have 1 week and are allowed 1850 miles for the flat rate paid. We arrive in TIGARD, the suburb of Portland where my daughter Courtney lives just as she is getting off work for the day. She has Fri off and we spend that day sight seeing in the area, something I had not done before. I learn this is a very pretty area, but traffic is horrible.

Sat morning we are up early and down the road for the final leg home. Just over 560 miles later we back the truck into the driveway. It is late enough I have no interest in trying to unload the truck this evening and we have until Mon afternoon to return the truck. We are under time and mileage so there will be no additional charges.

Sunday morning using the ramp that comes with the truck and some long steel pieces we had, Deb and I unloaded the trailer and bike. We then pushed the bike up onto my table lift in the garage. I disassembled the bike to allow for the repairs when I could get the parts. This being Sunday I would have to wait until Tue to talk with my favorite mechanic. A call placed Tue morning 8/2 and he had parts available so I drove down to see him. $50.00 later I had everything I needed to complete the repairs and I was headed home. I took this opportunity to clean the bike washing out incredible amounts of dirt and stones from the miles of dirt and gravel roads we had driven up north. By Thur the bike, Froggy II, was back on the road and ready to begin the next adventure, date and destination to be determined.

To those of you that have taken this journey with us, Thank You for coming along. I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. Until next time.................................

The adventure ends prematurely

As I noted yesterday I thought I had lost the final drive unit as I was crossing between BC and Alberta. Not in the mood then to elaborate, I will do that now as it really is as good as it could be.

We were sitting at a weight station and a truck driver stopped to check his load. He was a biker - we chatted and when he discovered what was going on he told us to NOT go back to Dawson Creek but go on to Beaverlodge. They had "the best motorcycle shop" within hundreds of kilometers. A call to CAA, same as AAA, to change the tow destination and we learned we could not get a tow truck for 7 hours. However a couple from Grande Prairie had also stopped and they were pulling a toy hauler. They loaded my bike and hauled me to Beaverlodge. They waited until we arranged a room and then unloaded my bike. I used my friends trike to return for my trailer and by 4 pm we were safely placed in a motel with all our belongings.

Monday am. I walked to the Honda dealer, two blocks away, and explained my problem. They brought a bobcat over, lifted the bike and took it to the shop. Immediately placed it on the rack and torn it down. In 30 minutes I knew the splines of the drive shaft had stripped. IF they could find a part I could be back on the road within a day. No such luck. Worse than that Honda Canada has the part on backorder. A search of other dealers and trike dealers finds nothing so I decide the best solution is to take it home.

Now I am in a town of 1000 people. The whole town is 5 blocks long. I find a 17 foot U-Haul truck one block the other side of my motel to load my bike and trailer and take it home. By 3 pm the bike and trailer are loaded. We will start out first thing tomorrow. Considering where I am, things absolutely could not have worked out better with the exception of a drive shaft and the receiving sleeve being available. Now we will see how well AAA takes care of us when we submit the claim for disabled travel interruption.

Travel derailed

Leaving Dawson Creek heading south towards Grand Prairie just as we crossed the border between British Columbia and Alberta The bike made a few clanking sounds and it appears I have stripped the splines from the drive shaft. So here we sit in a nice Motel in Beaverlodge, Alberta next door to what we have been told is the best motorcycle shop within 500 kilometers.
What would be unheard of is they are also open on Monday so we will find out how bad the problem is and we can make a decision on a course of action.

Here's hoping for the best news possible.

One step ahead of the rain

The weather has finally caused the number 1 priority to be find nice weather. We left the White River RV park under the cloud of rain. We managed to get ahead of it by mid day and stay in front of it the rest of the way to Whitehorse. We stayed at the same place, Hi Country RV park as it is certainly one of the top places we have found, possibly second to White River.
We awoke to SUNSHINE in Whitehorse and our spirits lifted. The goal was Watson Lake which we knew was an easy run and we took our time getting on the road. We rode most of the day under nice skies and saw 5 bear and a porcupine along the way. Our arrival in Watson Lake was greeted with sprinkles. We made camp, and THEN the rains came. It rained almost all night long. It was nice enough to stop for us to pack up and hit the road.

We made a short stop and the renown SIGN POST FOREST, and then on the road few steps ahead of the weather. The ride today will take us to Fort Nelson.



This was a special day even under gray skies. We saw 9 bear, 9 individual bison, 3 herds of bison right next to the road, caribou, moose and a coyote. Then on top of that the scenery was spectacular. Muncho Lake was among the many highlights.



This however will have to be the final photo today as they are taking almost 5 minutes each to load. Fort Nelson is a decent sized town with about 5000 people. We stay at Triple G, a reasonable place with restaurant attached. The facilities showed their age and were quite tight for a big fella. The cities seem to have fewer options for campers but plenty on RV sites.

Back on the road Sat morning for Dawson Creek. It is dry all day, but generally threatening. Arriving in Dawson we learn it has been raining all day and actually for the past 3 days almost nonstop. We look at 2 campgrounds and they are flooded in sections so opt for a motel room. We stay at Peace Villa motel and find the rate to be very reasonable at only $89.+tax. A short walk to Boston Pizza for dinner and things are good.
Tomorrow we head for Jasper, Alberta at the top of the Icefields Parkway in the Rockie Mountains. A range I just learned is 1850 miles long stretching from New Mexico to Canada.

Desire to escape the weather

Another Tue and this is the most miserable weather day of the trip. Steady rain all day and the coldest temps we have encountered. Our riding partners have expressed a desire for warmer temps, so we are working our way toward Dawson Creek. The first stop from Fairbanks is the FABULOUS White River Resort. This time instead of camping we opt for their cabins. These are not your usual cabins, but finely appointed rooms complete with private bath and shower, fridge and microwave. Amanda says by next year full kitchens. The beds are far and away the most comfortable we have slept on in any hotel room.
Adding to the attraction we observed a Moose cow and 2 calves walking across the grassy runway, soon to be followed by 2 black bears. This place has offered the most wildlife sightings in all of the Yukon or Alaska.

Wed comes and we pack up for the road. 20 minutes prior to departure and the rain begins. Generally out of it most of the day but gray skies and cool temps are with us all the way to Whitehorse. The next 2 days are about riding to seek out better weather with just one stop on the sights list. The sign post forest.

Based on current weather forecasts, we have 2 more days of questionable weather and then things improve. The goal is Jasper at the top of the Icefields Parkway by Sun.

Not the most cooperative weatherman

Make no mistake, internet connectivity has been a challenge in Alaska. While I am connected in Fairbanks there in no possibility of adding photos.

We left the Portage Valley under the guise of sunshine in Homer. We rode for several hours under gray skies and occasional rain. When we got to where we were riding along the inlet, the skies weren't as bad but the winds were significantly stronger. The views along the route made the journey very much worthwhile but it was decided we would not stay in Homer primarily due to the weather. Homer being one way in, one way out we began the return ride. We found a rec site area with camping and set up for the evening. This area became very busy as it was Friday night.

Sat we start heading for Denali NP. I don't expect to get there as we are 300+ miles away and we are traveling slow. The weather is as it has been, gray and rainy. It has been so bad the animals have stayed hidden as well. We swing through Anchorage easily enough and reach the Parks Hwy. The weather provides enough of a break for a picnic lunch and then back on the road. We have a weather system threatening when we see the turn off for Talkeetna and not realizing it is 14 miles off the hwy we head that direction. Talkeetna is a small village with a HUGE party happening and there are no accommodations. On the way back to the Hwy a campgrounds( very loose description) is found and while we decide not to stay we learn of a nice place 15 miles up the road at Trapper Creek. Very nice place and on arrival we get a clean clear view on Mt McKinnley, the only one we will get this trip. One note of interest, showers cost $4.00 but last a long time. So shower with a friend and SAVE. No day would be complete without a rain shower, or thunder storm, so as we are setting up a 10 minute DOWNPOUR The nice thing is in the center of the campground in a covered pavilion with several tables so we can setup under cover for dinner without having to provide it ourselves.

Sun morning we are on the road and only have 100 miles so a good day at the park. Unfortunately the weatherman is again not cooperating and the mountain is covered at every vista along the way. They have an excellent visitors center and the grill there also has very reasonable food prices. A terrific visit, drive through the park as far as we are allowed, and because of the weather and future forecast we head for Fairbanks. We have a need to get our companions an oil change and some other things to deal with so we decide a 2 day stay in Fairbanks would be what the Dr ordered. A very nice park, Rivers Edge, but as we have come to expect poor internet. Deb and I take a Riverboat Cruise early Mon morning which was SPECTACULAR. We got to watch a bush pilot take off and land in the river next to us, watch sled dogs train, visit an ancient village and learn of how the Indians lived 100's of years ago.
In the afternoon we finished up with the bike maintenance items and we are ready for the road again tomorrow. The only things that could improve this adventure are bluer skies and better internet access.

Whittier and Seward Alaska

The weather made us continue on past the planned stop and we continued south past Anchorage. Grey, overcast and on and off rain plus poor showers the past couple days and we chose to stop in Bird at the Bird Cage. The beds were poor, the pillows worse, but the shower was to die for. Fabulous water pressure and piping hot with no limit. That alone was worth the cost of the room. Tomorrow we will go into Whittier. To get there we must travel through the longest single lane tunnel shared with train tracks in North America. Since it is a one way tunnel they run one direction each 1/2 hour for a period of 15 minutes and then the train goes. The tunnel is just over 2.6 miles long and motorcycles are forced to go last because we must run between the railroad tracks on metal decking for the entire length. They don't want to have a bike go down and block the tunnel with other traffic inside. Pictures were not allowed.

We have planned a boat cruise tomorrow out of Whittier into Prince William Sound. The one we thought we would take said they would take us to 26 Glaciers in the 5 hour cruise. We decide to establish camp on the outside of the tunnel prior to going through. We setup at the Portage Valley RV Park. Decent price but lacking amenities.



Once through the tunnel, we started looking for the cruise ticket office. We found the wrong one and didn't have time to catch the boat we had planned for, so we took a different cruise. This one was a Major Tours cruise to Blackstone Glacier. Included in the price paid was a Prime Rib and Salmon buffet. That alone was worth the price and the cruise was fantastic. We saw Orca whales, Humpback whales, a seal and many species of birds besides the Glaciers. We also managed to pull aboard some glacier ice used to fix cold drinks. The only downer about the whole day was a passenger suffered a fatal heart attack after we docked.

We returned to our campsite in heavy overcast. The night produced only small amounts of precip, but it was enough to have us decide to change to another location, so onward we went traveling to Seward in search of BLUE skies. It took most of the ride but we finally achieved success and spent a nice afternoon in sunshine in downtown Seward. Tomorrow we will head to the other side of the Kenai Peninsula and Homer.

Finally, Sunshine and blue skies

Sat 7/9 was supposed to be shopping and sight seeing. Well we did get the shopping done. Then spent most of the day in camp reading as the rain didn't let up until time to go out to dinner. It was a FABULOUS halibut fish and chips special at Robbyn's on the highway.

7/10 we left Whitehorse and it changed from watching for wildlife to watching for frost heaves and gravel. We had been warned of bad roads ahead and frankly they didn't come close to living up to the warnings. None the less there were several sections of gravel road and some frost heaves that if you didn't see them would rattle your teeth. The first half of the day started as many others in overcast and rain. Nothing heavy, just enough to be a nuisance. About 1 pm however the skies broke. We got sunshine and plenty of it. Knowing that we had many more miles of road construction and gravel to pass we decided we would stop within range of Tok but still short of crossing into ALASKA. We stopped at White River RV Park and found one of the top places we have camped at the entire trip. Trees, grass site, excellent washrooms and a very gracious hostess.
So much so that within the first hour we had a good size Black Bear stroll through the campgrounds. This created quite the stir of excitement. It was then decided this particular Bear was an unwelcome visitor. It seems they have a local group of 8 bear that never cause a problem. This one however had been in camp and gone scavenging under someones trailer. (photo of bear to come later). The game warden was summoned and before nightfall this bear was taken out. Another smaller black bear also captured by the wardens trap was to be released.

We awakened Mon 7/11 to the prettiest day we had seen in a week. Bright blue skies with barely a whisper of a cloud. The majority of the day was spent riding in that beautiful weather. The vistas of mountain absolutely incredible across the backdrop of blue. Colors so radiant you would have had to have a full box of 106 crayolas to match the hues visible. In spite of the roads which again had lots of construction zones and the fact we crossed the border back into the US, we got to TOK much earlier than imagined. A change in plans had us turn south toward Anchorage. We have stopped for the evening just north of Glennallen. Tomorrow we will make camp just south of Palmer, Alaska and just out side the city of Anchorage. The thought is we will make a day ride to Seward and back, but as we discussed this the weather started moving a front in our direction. We will just have to see what the weatherman and mountains have in store for us tomorrow.

What an Amazing 3 days

On Wed 7/6 we awakened to a gentle sprinkle. We were well setup from the night before with tarps over the picnic table, so managing breakfast was quite easy. Since the rain had been very much on and off we decided we did not need to be in any hurry to pack in the rain. We finally decided it was not going to let up, so we packed up and as soon as we got the trailers closed the rain stopped.




An hour down the road we reached the turn over for the Cassiar Hwy, rte 37 north. The weather broke for us and we had a wonderful ride. The road surface was pretty good with only a few spots of gravel where they were prepping for a fresh chip seal. The wildlife sightings count for the day was 9 bear with some being on the roadway or within 10 feet.










We finally stopped for the day in a Provincial park at Kinaskan Lake. This was a more primitive site with no running water, but we had a beautiful lake side site nestled among the trees.

How else would we start a day, but with a bit of rain. What we did not know was that the rain intensity would increase as the morning went on. We were climbing toward Dease Lake on a 7% grade straight into the storm clouds. As with most passes, once down the other side a ways the rain stopped. We stopped for coffee and fuel, a 30 minute break, during which there was no rain. As soon as we mounted to continue on the rain started. We were unaware that we needed to cross another pass, but of course as we did the rain was more intense. Once on the other side the skies cleared and we paused for a terrific lake side picnic lunch in the sun.

The next stop was Jade City where Deb wanted an opportunity to see their operation.



Since it was located in the middle of a long construction zone we did not stay very long. Deb made her donations to the local economy and we were moving on down the road, eating dust from the gravel dirt road. We finally reached the Alaskan Highway after nearly 50 km onthat gravel dirt road and decided we had had enough. We stopped at the Nugget City RV Park. They had clean facilities but only 3 sites for tents or tent trailers. The one fantastic benefit was the terrific restaurant.

Fri 7/8 we arise to what else, light rain. This of course does not deter us. We have decided we will make it to Whitehorse where we will set up camp for 2 nights. We would like a break and Whitehorse is a significant city to allow us to do some needed shopping. The first couple hours find us riding in light but steady rain. Over a couple passes and again the skies clear. A brief break at Teslin we have decided to continue on to Johnsons Crossing, supposedly the home of World famous cinnamon buns. This is also one of the original stop posts along the hwy.
We started lunch with meat pies which according to our traveling companions from Europe were "gobsmacking". That is the highest possible compliment. We topped it off with a cinnamon bun which was cut into 4 pieces. Very good,and very big. We took 2 more and a loaf of home made bread for the road. We arrived at the High Country RV Park in Whitehorse just past 3.



We got setup and since it was for 2 days decided to cover the table area. Good thing as about 4:30 we got hit with a tremendous thunder storm with the hardest rain we have encountered since we started this trip.






Fortunately it only lasted 45 minutes or so and the park drained exceptionally well. To give you an idea, the puddles shown on the botton of this photo were all caused by the storm, and completely dry within 30 minutes after the rain stopped.







Tomorrow is scheduled to be a shopping, sight seeing day before we continue on toward Tok and Fairbanks.

If it is raining, It must be Tue.

On and off since we finished dinner last night we have been experiencing rain. This is the same as the first Mon/Tue on our trip.

Today, Tue 7/5 we are just east of Smithers, BC in the Fort Telkwa Riverfront RV Campground. Since we set up camp it has been steady on and off raining. We have a pretty river 100 feet below our site. The restrooms and showers are terrific. In the distance we can see snow covered mountains rising up through the clouds. The campground host informs us this is the wettest spring in 29 years. They have a wifi connection with limited bandwidth so I can post this message, but no photos for now. Those will be posted later in a picasa web album for all to view.

7/4

We got a good start on the day being on the road at 8:30. We bypassed the city portion of Vernon and we were quickly on north bound 97. A bit more than an hour later we made a stop for tea in Kamloops. Decided it was a good place to do some shopping for food items for on the road, we also stopped at a Savon Foods and stocked up on the needed items.

Our tanks full of fuel we were back on 97 and enjoyed a very pleasant run through some wide open spaces while following several rivers including The Bonaparte, The San Jose, and The Fraser. Just south of Quesnel we spotted a private campground called Cariboo Place. A site with electricity and water for both bikes, the trailer and a tent was $20.00. Nice facilities, including Hot Showers and very clean restrooms.

HAPPY FOURTH, and on the road again

We have had a great 3 days to visit good friends in Vernon. The Canadian long weekend is finished and we will be on the road again. We will be headed for Prince George and the Cassiar Hwy. No time line, no rush. The next few weeks are all about seeing the sights and touring.

I will add more as internet access allows.

If it is Friday, it must be Canada

When I last checked in we were in a motel room in Klamath Falls, Or. Now we are sitting in the kitchen in our friends home in Vernon, BC. Friday July 1 is Canada Day and the traffic was heavy as everyone was heading to the celebrations for the long weekend. This is a good time for us to be off the road for a couple days before we continue our journey north.





On Wed we crossed the state of Oregon. It was a pleasant day. Just an easy ride as we traveled up Hwy 97. The weather was comfortable with no rain but partly cloudy skies which kept the temperatures very mild. The wind however was gusty which made things interesting. We managed to cross the Columbia River at Biggs and immediately stopped for the day on the Washington side next to the river at the Peach Grove RV park. This was a nice park with good amenities and lots of trees.

Thursday was another lazy day. We continued on northward on Hwy 97 through the state of Washington. Since we are not in a hurry we decide to detour off of 97 onto route 153 at Pateros.




Near Methow we find a cute RV park called Lightning Pine and decide to call it a day. Again we are lucky enough to get a site right next to the river, the Methow River. Camp is set up, we have dinner and go to sleep with the sound of the river rushing by.




Friday starts a little earlier as we know we are crossing the border. Since it is a holiday in Canada we don't know what we will find at the crossing at Osoyoos, but get there and find not a single car. We are able to drive straight to the booth, though that doesn't make the border guard very happy as we apparently were supposed to stop and wait for her to call us forward. The crossing is uneventful and we are north bound again. A quick stop in Osoyoos and we notice they are closing off streets for a parade. We arrive mid-afternoon at our destination for the weekend and begin to enjoy to company of our hostess.

The start was a little delayed as we had forgotten some critical stuff and had to backtrack to the house. Fortunately that was discovered while only 20 miles down the road.
Back on the road we made a nice day of it stopping for a picnic along the way. There is a terrific rest stop in Hwy 101 just south of Laytonville.

We had a simple goal for the day of Fortuna which was a short 200 miles from home. There is a great campground there called the Riverwalk, where we spent our first night on the road.

Timing was good as we got set up and had dinner just prior to the arrival of the rain that would be with us all night long. It was a steady rain that provided a constant tapping sound on the tent material and allowed me a restful sleep.

While the night was restful, the next day on the road would remain wet all day long. We had a nice run east on Hwy 36 through the Trinity National Forest, but pictures were not taken because of the wet. We made Klamath Falls, Or for the night foregoing a camp site for the dry of a room at the EconoLodge. A good Chinese restaurant across the street called the Dynasty made for a pleasant evening. The goal tomorrow is a simple one, get across the Columbia River and camp on the other side.

Packing in earnest

It is Sunday night and we are readying for departure. The bikes are clean and the trailers are being loaded for the road. Departure is scheduled for 8:30 am and we will be headed north on Hwy 101 headed for the northern portion of California. A midday stop at the Samoa Cookhouse for a lumber mill style lunch just might be in order.

A Bucket List Trip - ALASKA

CHECK LIST TO THE RIGHT FOR UPDATED ENTRIES.


Deb and I have talked for quite some time about traveling to Alaska. Now that she has the summers free we have the time to make that happen. Good fortune goes with us as this year we have the pleasure of our friends from Spain coming back to the US to make the journey with us. Departure date is June 27 and we are finalizing the plans. Some of that means getting this blog started so family and friends can follow along based on internet availability.