Day Two: Travelin' the ALCAN

Not too much to report on the second day traveling on the Alaskan Highway.  Dad saw a fox that everyone else missed.  We all saw two deer but....as Steve says, no picture, so it doesn't count. 

Dang, those creatures are camouflaged so well that there isn't much 'power up the camera' time.  And I can assure you, Momma has been practicing for those shots by snapping away at the signs that promise possible sightings up a head.  Internet is pretty poor here so I won't bore you with those sign shots.

We did stop at Sasquatch Crossing for a coffee break and there we discovered what everyone has told us.  Those HUGE cinnamon buns are awesome.  You are fortunate the internet is poor or I'd be sending you one of those mouth drooling pics.

We also stopped at our first self attendee fuel stops.  You go into the end of the building (gives you an overgrown phone booth feeling); put in your card; choose your fuel type; wait for authorization and then run out and pump your fuel.  Upon completion, you go back in and use your card to receive your receipt.   

We are up to 1.289 a liter for diesel fuel.  It has been steadily climbing as we have traveled north.  If I converted it correctly, that's $3.62 in US dollars per gallon.  Still under $4 which is good.  I am really enjoying this conversion from Canadian to US dollars.  The campground charges $45 but....in US dollars that's $33.48.  It puts a smile on Dad's face every time Momma opens the conversion app and gives him the adjusted price. 


We have arrived in Fort Nelson, BC and we are now on Pacific Time.  Now I say, feed me when I'm hungry.  Who cares what the clock says but.....I haven't quite mastered opening the cupboard door and then opening the food canister so I am at M & D's mercy.  And on top of that, they have become pretty good at arranging things so there is nothing edible within reach.  Go figure.  Guess I'll just have to roll over and look faint....or wait an extra hour or two for grub. Pooh!!

When we arrived, Momma decided there would be just enough time left in the afternoon to hit Ye Old Quilt Shop.  Dad said, 'Have at it...I'll pass...take your sister."  Well, as it turns out, the shop was closed on Mondays so everyone wound up with a pass.  When they popped into the Visitor's Center, the gal said she was a quilter and "you should have just knocked on her door.  She would probably have answered.  How long are you here for?  Too bad you won't be around to join us for a 'Wilt'."  Want to take a guess on what a Wilt is?  If you think about it, it makes sense.  You show up at the shop on Friday and you don't depart until late on Saturday....you quilt until you wilt.  And of course gab a bit with the other attendees. And the shop owner provides the food.  The quilt owner had to add on to the building as it has turned out to be such a popular activity. 

Hope the next stop has better wi-fi but from what I have been reading, wi-fi is quite expensive the further north you go so if the campground has decided to provide it, there is usually a limit such as two hours a day.  At least the campgrounds are trying to accommodate their clientele without going broke.

Hickory
.....on the road again

Day One on the ALCAN

Oh joy, what an exciting day!!  Momma had read about the old wooden trestle bridge known as Kisktatinaw Bridge that was about 20 miles from Dawson Creek.  When they stopped into the Visitor's Center, the gal said, "Why not just depart with your rig and drive over it.  It's only about 10 miles out of your way."  So the day trip was changed to a 'reroute of trip' experience.  

As we were gearing up for departure, we began talking with some guys who had driven out to the view the bridge the day before...a day trip.   "You plan to drive over the bridge with your rig?", they exclaimed.  "Sure!  It was suggested by the gal at the Visitor's Center."  His parting words were, "I wouldn't do it and they can say anything but....to each his own."

Now part of his concern may have been because we veered off the current Alaskan Highway to the Old Alaskan Highway.  We had been zipping along at 100 k/m or 62 mph and then.....we turned onto the OLD Alaskan Highway.  The sign said 30 k/m but just look at our speedometer.  We were driving at a third that speed.

Yep, this road lived up to all the 'horror' stories we had heard about the highway....complete with bumps and dips and slow down or be killed.  We didn't have far to travel until we approached our goal....the famous bridge that took as long to build as it did to construct the whole Alaskan Highway....just over 8 months.  And when you think that all that creosote coated wood was joined together by back breaking labor.  Amazing!!  Impressive!!  

We crossed first and Momma hopped out to quick snap a shot of  Uncle Robin and Aunt Janice just coming off the bridge.  It really isn't obvious in the photos, but not only is the bridge curved, but it has a slope to it as well.  What a marvel of craftmanship!!

A few more km down the road and we were back to the current Alaskan Highway zipping along once again.

And then.......another fantastic experience....our first moose sighting of the trip.  Momma wanted Dad to brake so we could savor the moment but with an 18 wheeled tanker nipping at our tail, Dad opted for the safe plan and kept motoring with promises of future sighting to come.

Luckily Momma had quick reflexes and caught the moose as we flew by.  Just a little guy enjoying his breakfast meal along the roadway.

We were heading for Fort St. John.  Just a short 80 mile pull today.  We decided the haul to Fort Nelson was a bit too far for one day. So we broke it up.

When we arrived at the Rotary RV Park, we were greeted by the campground staff/hosts who informed us that they still had some flooding going on so our pull thru sights were now back-in sites.  The RV park is located on Charlie Lake and the water level had climbed so high it put the club house underwater earlier in the month, but the water was receding and everything looked well maintained. Our sites were dry but the road behind us was still covered in water.  The ducks loved it...  

Looking forward to Day Two on the ALCAN....

Hickory
.....on the road again

And so it begins....

We have arrived....let the party begin.  If you look close, you can see me sitting by Dad.

We are at Mile O.....the beginning of the Alaskan Highway..ALCAN.... in Dawson Creek, British Columbia.  And this is the 75th anniversary of the highway constructed in just over 8 months in 1942. 1,523 miles/2,450 km from Dawson Creek to Fairbanks; 11,000 US troops; 16,00 American and Canadian civilians; 7,000 pieces of equipment; 133 bridges constructed; 8,000+ culverts installed.  Of course it was a road constructed for all-terrain vehicles and not paved as it is today.  But it would get the supplies to Alaska overland.  The highway didn't open to the public until 1948.

We watched a video of the construction of the highway while we were at the visitor's center.  Hard to believe the conditions the men worked in.  From sweltering heat, mosquitoes galore to temperatures reaching 60 degrees BELOW zero.  Living in makeshift tents and working 7 days a week for long hours every day.  The push was on to get the job done!

Our ride here was uneventful.  The only animals we saw were on the flags adorning the light posts.

Yes, that's a McDonald's in the background.  Dawson City has many fast food restaurants as well as quaint restaurants, choices for groceries and even a Walmart.  I thought it would be a much less developed area.  Boy was I surprised.  No problems with services in this area!!

The visitor's museum also had an abundance of animals....stuffed of course.  

I guess we are ready for some actual sightings in the wild now.  Maybe it'll happen in a less developed area.

The other unusual sight we saw today as we were motoring up the road was a lady sitting on her riding lawn mower in 64 degree weather....in what appeared to be swim suit attire.   Now granted, the sun was shining ....but....this sure isn't Florida beach weather!

But the daffodils and tulips are lovin' this weather.

It wasn't a long drive from Grand Prairie, Alberta to Dawson Creek, British Columbia.  Under 90 miles and then with the time change we didn't want to depart too early and not be able to get into our site.  Our plan was to visit the Grand Prairie Visitor Center Museum before we departed.  Well....that was the plan....but the museum wasn't open until late morning even though the visitor center was ready for business.  The gal offered us the opportunity to climb the stairs for the 'awesome' view.  Did you know that Momma REALLY doesn't like open stairs where you can look all the way down as you are climbing?

I told her to just keep looking up and not down as the stairs wound up and around and around.  She said it reminded her of climbing the light house stairs, only there weren't any narrow walls closing in on you.

The view was ....Hmmm....what's a good descriptive word to say it wasn't all that impressive?  Just a view of the walking trail and the people who had entered an event that morning....getting their heart rate up as they traversed the winding trail.  And a peek at a few of the RV's in our campground next door at Rotary Park.

So we hit the road and our excitement grew as we kept getting closer

 

And closer....

until we finally arrived  

It gives you that feeling that you have finally arrived....as this is where the summer's adventures will really begin.  All the miles behind us were just prep to get us to this point.  Bring on the wildlife and the awesome terrain.....

Hickory

.....on the road again

What's with all these dandelions?

We left Whitecourt, Alberta and headed for Grande Prairie, Alberta where we set up our rig in a great little RV Park right in town.  The gal in the office was very friendly and helpful.  When Momma asked if they could wash off the road grime she said, "Have at it".  Yep, we sparkle once again...just in time for our arrival tomorrow at Mile Marker 0 of the Alaskan Highway in Dawson Creek, British Columbia....ready to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the ALCAN.

As we traveled today, we left the farmland/prairie landscape and traded it for the forest/logging landscape of northern Alberta.

We kept seeing signs to be aware of logging trucks but we had the road to ourselves.  We did spot 3 mule deer down off the side of the road early in the day....but we were hoping for the promised moose....and.....there it was.  Our first moose sighting....a big, bright, hulking moose right along the side of the road

You couldn't miss that bright school bus yellow.

As we left the forest area behind for the farmlands, we kept seeing field upon field of

Dandelions.  

What is with all these dandelions?  Are they harvesting them?  I know of one restaurant in NY that serves creamed dandelion greens.  Do you  think maybe Canada has developed a good purpose for dandelions.  Well, the answer is NO.  With all the winds in Alberta, the seeds just propagate so easily and it is difficult not to be overrun with dandelions.  I have to admit, the yellow is pretty against the green.  I guess we'll just enjoy the color and depart the area before they turn to seed.

Looks like tomorrow we will arrive sooner than we expect.  Dawson Creek is on MST so our clocks will change once again.  It's a short 90 mile ride that will take less than an hour if you look at the clock.  I hope I can have my picture taken at Mile Marker 0.  

Hickory

......on the road again

Wednesday's rock and roll entertainment

EGADS!!  I’ve heard of being rocked to sleep but this is too wild for me to nap in.  The weather has taken a 180 degree turn from sunshine and shorts weather to horrible, gusting winds, rain and temperatures that began in the low 50’s this morning and have reached the 30’s by late afternoon.  We are rockin’ and rollin’ this afternoon with the slide toppers whipping. It feels like we are traveling down a bumpy highway.   I keep asking Dad if we will roll over and he said,  ‘Time will tell!’  Now that’s reassuring. He considered bringing in the slide on the wind side but decided against it.  He wasn't sure what would happen with all the weight on one side with the wind pushing on the opposite side.

It sure is bouncy in here!!  I tried to crawl under Momma’s chair but it didn’t make the noise and wind subside any.  Dad said we don’t have to worry about the toppers holding any water.  They are whipping and flipping too hard. 

After 12 hours of violent whipping and several more hours of mild whipping, the topper on the wind side was showing some stress to the tune of a tear about 6 inches long where it attaches to the rig and some thin spots in the material. 

The good thing is, we stayed upright during the ordeal.

We packed up in the mild wind and chill this morning and drove the first 3 hours in drizzle.  Needless to say, we have road grime all over us once again...and to think we were boasting a shine just 3 nights ago.  I'm sure we will get dirtier as we head further north.

We arrived in Whitecourt, Alberta today, Thursday, and met back up with Aunt Janice and Uncle Robin.  They had decided to go to Drumheller instead of the Calgary area we toured.

Back in Wi-Fi tonight at this campground so it is catch up time.

Momma had a real giggle tonight.   She and Dad decided they should pick up some kitchen garbage bags as the roll was getting light.  Well, the choices were long or original so they looked at the sizes....in cm of course.  The brand name was familiar but......  Not even knowing what size the bags we are using are in inches didn't lend any insight into which ones to grab so.....time for measuring and research.  I'm glad they haven't reached the end of the roll of bags yet.

Then Dad wanted a couple of boxes of salt. He looked all over for those convenient round boxes with the pour spout so he could recharge the water softener.  Nope, table salt comes in rectangular boxes.  Oh well.  It may not pour as easily but it's salt.

When we crossed the border, all the speed zone signs changed to kilometers so Dad swapped his truck display over from miles to kilometers.  Then he had Momma swap the GPS units.  Well, that was a disaster.  The driver doesn't think in metric and the first thing we encountered was a detour.  Now the detour was stressful enough going thru a residential area and looking for signs.   And the GPS kept talking in metric language.....how far away is that turn??  Needless to say, the 'when in Rome....' scenario didn't last with the GPS.  We are back in our comfort zone with units we are used to.

Both Momma and Dad agree that the way they handle credit card payments here is much more secure than in the US.  They bring the hand held machine right to you...no running off with your card out of your sight.   They use the same hand held device in restaurants and other stores, although it may be mounted when at a checkout lane.

Dad and Momma did make it to PASU Farm Wednesday morning before the weather turned sour. 

It is a sheep farm with a shop

that Momma enjoyed and Dad endured along with a restaurant.  The restaurant wasn't open yet but they still let the restaurant provide their lunch.  They purchased some prepared soup to bring back and warm up in the rig.  Hey, did you get enough for me too?

Hickory

..... on the road again

The other side of the border

Crossing the border into Canada at Sweetgrass, Montana was a breeze.  Just two vehicles in front of us.  The man didn’t even care that I was in the back seat.  He just wanted to know how many firearms Dad was trying to bring into Canada.  DUH…..none….as they aren’t allowed!!  And why we wanted to cross the border.  So I could roll in Canadian grass of course!!  And boy does this RV park have NICE grass!! 

We landed NW of Calgary in a Passport America park.  The landscape has taken on more of a prairie/farming look.  Mostly flat land with some rolling hills and the Rocky Mountains way off in the distance. 

The farmers are really working hard on the fields with 16 hours of daylight.  Seems strange to have so much daylight at 9:30 at night.

On the trip today, we stopped at a Flying J for coffee break.  What a line of RV's ...all waiting for their turn at the dump station.  The line wrapped right around the building. Now there is a good reason for the long line on a Monday.  This was Canada's long holiday weekend....Victoria Weekend....celebration of the Queen's birthday.  The weather was warm, shorts weather and everyone seemed to have taken advantage of the delightful weekend that was drawing to a close.  Back to work on Tuesday.  I remember those days when Momma and Dad had to head back to work...but that was a LONG time ago.  I sure like having them retired and spending so much time with me...turning me into an excellent traveler.

What a friendly bunch of people at Beaver Dam Golf and RV Resort. Jean just LOVES me.  She and her husband are the hosts.  She even offered to ‘let me out’ if Momma and Dad got tied up too long away from our rig.  They have happy hour every afternoon and lots of great suggestions and ideas of things to do, places to go and routes to use to get there.  Actually, there is so much to do, I don’t think the 3 nights are going to be enough time for everything.  They will have to pick and choose.

If Helena is known as the ‘lilac city’,

this area must be known as the  ‘dandelion country’.  Not only are we passing fields of dandelions, but some of the yards of these rural houses have a carpet of dandelions for their lawn. 

At first I thought they must be yellow wildflowers, but they are yellow dandelions….wild weeds.  I can just picture all the dandelion blows when the yellow flowers turn to seed.  It’ll be snowing blows.

Fort Calgary not only has a lot to offer as far as history displays, but the gal at the ticket counter was extremely helpful.  She would make a good tourist center guide.  The Fort was an enjoyable tour and a good overview of the history of Alberta.  The early buildings quickly erected at the fort were drafty and cold.  Would you believe the commander actually had the wood stove moved to HIS quarters....of course he had a mutiny on his hands!  All the men didn't like the cold any better than the commander.

Dad is examining the handcuffs.  I think he wants to see if they would be easy to escape from.

Hair color advertisement.  Picture should enlarge if you click on it.

Flour sack dress. 

Momma said if they had realized there was so much to take in at the Glenbow Museum, they would have saved it for another day.  Four floors worth of displays.  The warrior room had lots of interesting displays of protective gear.

Protective suits made of rope……some made of metal for the knights and even the horse's head.

There is even a 'space needle' in Calgary, similar to the one in Seattle, Washington but on a smaller scale.  I guess at one time it was the tallest structure in the area but now it is surrounded by taller buildings and hi-rises.  I doubt there is a 360 degree view unobstructed by buildings any more.  Momma said they had been spoiled by the Seattle Space Needle so they passed on Calgary's version.

The day ended with a rush to the store for a new coffee maker.  Dad saw the signs that the coffee maker was on its way out.  Momma had ordered a new one to be delivered to Island Park for arrival while they were visiting Tom and Nancy but....it didn't arrive.  Come to find out, between the time it was ordered...we'll ship it right out....and the time it was ready to be pulled to ship....a backorder developed.  Poor Dad.  At that time,  the coffee maker was still working, but it didn't sound too healthy.

Now everyone knows how important coffee breaks are.  I score a handful of cookie bones.  They may be small, but that means I get more to enjoy while Dad sips his coffee.  I was in a panic when I found out the store they rushed off to didn't have any more of the model he wanted on the shelf but Momma found a nice young gentleman at Bed, Bath and Beyond who called Canadian Tire and found out they had two on the shelf.  Go figure....would you expect to purchase home goods at a store named Canadian Tire?   Actually, I don't care what the name of the store was.  I'm just delighted we are back in coffee for coffee breaks and cookie bones.  Life is good!!

Hickory
......on the road again

Ready for border crossing

Today was another gorgeous ride.  As soon as we arrived in Shelby, Montana at the campground located behind the Best Western Motel we worked on our sparkle and shine.  Okay, so that wasn't really the first thing we did.  First we had to locate a site with good electric.  The first site we pulled into only had the 30 amp working.  We checked the site next to us.....same thing. Momma suggested that maybe they only offer 30 amp.   Then Dad looked at the hooked up rig on the other side and they had 50 amp hooked up.  So Dad checked out another site...success...so we moved.  Then we checked out another site for Aunt Janice and Uncle Robin but another camper said he had already reserved that site for his daughter.  Well, long story short...they repaired the 50 amp so all of us now have 50 amp service.

I have to admit, I was a bit sad for a minute.  I thought I was second best instead of first until Momma explained that they were washing the rig before me so that I would have more sunshine for my tubby.  They really do love me best!!

We are now shiny and sparkling....ready to make a good first impression as we pull into the border crossing station tomorrow morning.  I did hear Dad and Uncle Robin talking about the AYCE breakfast buffet for $6.  They said something about a long day ahead and being fortified.  Hey Dad, don't forget the doggie bag.

Hickory

.....on the road again

Lovin' Montana

When we travel in Montana, Momma doesn't have her nose buried in a book.  Lot's of great animal sightings.....and not just the cattle grazing on the open ranges.  There are many pronghorn and elk to be seen.  And of course the hills, mountains and rock cuts are elegant and interesting.

Helena, Montana is the capital but it is also known as the city of lilacs.  They were everywhere...but about a week away from being in full bloom.  Momma said she still enjoyed them.

The state capital is elegant but closed to dogs so I just had to view the shots Momma took. She also said she was surprised at the low level of security...just a guard sitting behind a high desk.  No sign in.  No presentation of your license.  No metal detectors.  She has seen libraries with a higher level of security.  Maybe it was because no one was present except the tour guide and tourists.  Their legislative body only meets every other year for 90 days.  Of course the governor has an office in the building but he wasn't present that day either. 

Their timing was perfect.  They entered the building just as a tour was about to begin. 

 There are lots of paintings that help tell the story of Montana's history.

Did you know that the women of Montana received the right to vote 10 years before the Native American's were allowed to vote?

Across the street was a marvelous museum that was a walk through history.  Very well done!

It was interesting to learn of the Indian buffalo hunts.  They would drive the animals toward a cliff and the animals would fall off the cliff into the area below where the waiting men and women were ready to gather the meat and hides giving thanks to the buffalo for providing for them by giving their lives. 

Check out the mountain lion quiver.

The historical walk thru time ended with an early 1900's kitchen complete with indoor sink and wringer washing machine.

I think I'm lucky to be living in this time period, traveling the highways with my Momma and Dad, stretched out in the comfy back seat of the Dodge Ram and enjoying the USA. 

Hickory
....on the road again