We've had a lot of our friends tell us they'd like to go to Alaska but they can't afford it, the fuel alone would be too expensive for us. We I have to admit that fuel in Canada and Alaska was not as inexpensive as it is in some of the "lower 48" states but when you convert liters to gallons and change Canadian to U.S. Dollars, it's not quite as bad as we thought.
We first rolled out from Tarpley, Texas in mid February and didn't return to the "lower 48" until mid August, that's about six months on the road in a diesel motor home pulling a Honda CRV. The motor home has a 100 gallon tank and we never let it get much below a half of a tank before we fill up again.
A good bit of our trip in the "lower 48" we drove not over 55 miles per hour because a couple traveling with us had a car that could not be towed over 55. Once we got into Canada we lowered our speed to about 45 miles per hour due to the road condition in spots and also so that if we saw animals on the road we could stop in time and take pictures. It's not a good idea to be driving 50 or 60 and come around a curve and see a herd of Moose, Elk or maybe Bears standing in the road. They don't move too quickly and can be dangerous if they get spooked.
Here is a recap of our fuel expenses on our trip. We drove a total of 11,349 miles and used a total of 1131.25 gallons of diesel fuel. That figures out to be 10.03 miles per gallon, that's what happens when you drive at 45 to 55 miles per hour for the entire trip. The cost of the fuel was $3,411.74 which was better than we figured it would be. As far as we're concerned the trip was worth twice the price. With the cost of food, RV parks, gifts, etc. we figured the total cost of the trip to be a little over $5,000
Now that our "Trip Of A Life Time" is over and we're now back in the "Lower 48", I guess all we can do is look at the Blog and think back about the great time we had on the trip and begin to make plans to return to Canada and Alaska in 2011.
THE END
Monday, August 31, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
We Crossed The Alcan Highway And Survived
A few months ago we arrived at Dawson Creek, British Columbia with no real idea of what lay ahead of us. We've read some stories about the Alaska Highway and all we really knew was that from Dawson Creek to Delta Junction, Alaska was about 1500 miles of some of the worse highways man can believe.
Construction of the "Alcan" Highway, Alcan was the military acronym for the Alaska-Canada Highway, officially began on March 9, 1942. It ended 8 months and 12 days later on October 25, 1942.
All of the Alaska Highway is paved although highway improvement projects often mean motorist have to drive a few miles of gravel road. That's what they tell you but don't believe it. There are sections where the gravel road covers 30 to 35 miles and the dust from the gravel is unbelievably high. You can only safely drive 10 to 15 miles per hour. If there has been rain then the gravel roads turns soupy and you have to slow down even more.
Some of our friends that have been here before recommended that we carry extra tires, hoses, engine belts and maybe even some extra fuel. They told us that services were few and far between, but that turned out not to be true. We found that about every 50 to 60 miles we could get fuel and even repairs if needed.
We drove the Alaska Highway at about 40 to 45 miles per hour so that if we happened to come upon animals in the road we could safely stop and take pictures. Also because the roads have a lot of "frost heaves" which are like going over Large Speed Bumps and if you're going too fast you can become "airborne" in a hurry. Fortunately they are well marked with red flags before you get to them but you still need to drive over them very slow and carefully.
This may sound like the trip was a "bummer", but not indeed, we had a wonderful time and saw some of the most beautiful wild country you can imagine. We enjoyed the trip so much we're thinking very seriously about make the trip again in a couple of years. We've traveled all over the great State of Alaska and have seen some beautiful country and met some really nice people. It impossible to see all this great State in just a few months, even the people who live here will tell you they haven't seen all the wonderful sites of this State.
We've driven the Alaska Highway from east to west and now we're driving back across from west to east. Since we've been over it once, I'm quite sure we'll have no problems getting back to Dawson Creek. We'll just take our own sweet time since we're in no hurry.
We can't wait to get back up here sometime soon and see what we missed on this trip.
Construction of the "Alcan" Highway, Alcan was the military acronym for the Alaska-Canada Highway, officially began on March 9, 1942. It ended 8 months and 12 days later on October 25, 1942.
All of the Alaska Highway is paved although highway improvement projects often mean motorist have to drive a few miles of gravel road. That's what they tell you but don't believe it. There are sections where the gravel road covers 30 to 35 miles and the dust from the gravel is unbelievably high. You can only safely drive 10 to 15 miles per hour. If there has been rain then the gravel roads turns soupy and you have to slow down even more.
Some of our friends that have been here before recommended that we carry extra tires, hoses, engine belts and maybe even some extra fuel. They told us that services were few and far between, but that turned out not to be true. We found that about every 50 to 60 miles we could get fuel and even repairs if needed.
We drove the Alaska Highway at about 40 to 45 miles per hour so that if we happened to come upon animals in the road we could safely stop and take pictures. Also because the roads have a lot of "frost heaves" which are like going over Large Speed Bumps and if you're going too fast you can become "airborne" in a hurry. Fortunately they are well marked with red flags before you get to them but you still need to drive over them very slow and carefully.
This may sound like the trip was a "bummer", but not indeed, we had a wonderful time and saw some of the most beautiful wild country you can imagine. We enjoyed the trip so much we're thinking very seriously about make the trip again in a couple of years. We've traveled all over the great State of Alaska and have seen some beautiful country and met some really nice people. It impossible to see all this great State in just a few months, even the people who live here will tell you they haven't seen all the wonderful sites of this State.
We've driven the Alaska Highway from east to west and now we're driving back across from west to east. Since we've been over it once, I'm quite sure we'll have no problems getting back to Dawson Creek. We'll just take our own sweet time since we're in no hurry.
We can't wait to get back up here sometime soon and see what we missed on this trip.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Sight Seeing With No Place Special In Mind
Alaska is such a large state that it takes a lot of time to see everything. I wish we had started our venture at an earlier age. We have been camping in places where WiFi has not been heard of yet and the satellite system doesn't work this far up north. We're sorry we haven't been able to keep up with our journals but we'll try to do better.
We'll begin leaving Alaska tomorrow if the weather permits heading to the Canadian border. It is about 600 miles to it and since the roads are not the best in the world it might take a week or so to make it. As before, when we cross the Canadian border, we'll power down the phones. T-Mobile charges 95 cents per minute for calls from Canada to the U.S.
We expect it might take about three weeks or more to drive from the Alaska border to the U.S. border in Montana, again some of the roads are not the best in the world. When we reach the U.S. border in Montana, we'll power up the phones once again, please bear with us.
We have a few pictures which we hope you enjoy.
We'll begin leaving Alaska tomorrow if the weather permits heading to the Canadian border. It is about 600 miles to it and since the roads are not the best in the world it might take a week or so to make it. As before, when we cross the Canadian border, we'll power down the phones. T-Mobile charges 95 cents per minute for calls from Canada to the U.S.
We expect it might take about three weeks or more to drive from the Alaska border to the U.S. border in Montana, again some of the roads are not the best in the world. When we reach the U.S. border in Montana, we'll power up the phones once again, please bear with us.
We have a few pictures which we hope you enjoy.
Friday, August 7, 2009
It's Time For A Little History Lesson, Page Four
Denali National Park and Preserve was established in 1917 as Mount McKinley National Park-- and renamed Denali in 1980.
At approximately 6 million acres, most visitors will see only a fraction of the park from the 92 mile Park Road. The crown jewel of the park is Mount McKinley, North America's highest mountain at 20,320 feet. The Natives still call the Mountain "Denali" and that is what most everyone calls it.
The mountain is only visible about 35 percent of the time and when it is visible they refer to it a "Denali is out ".
Denali is so high that it creates it's own weather and it's always winter at the summit. It would be a crime to visit Alaska and not see Denali. It is unbelievably beautiful and you could spend hours photographing it.
There are many more town and cities I could talk about but some have ask why I am spending so much time telling about the towns and cities. I guess I'll give up on this and if someone wants to know more about some of the historic and interesting town and cities they can contact me via email.
The End
At approximately 6 million acres, most visitors will see only a fraction of the park from the 92 mile Park Road. The crown jewel of the park is Mount McKinley, North America's highest mountain at 20,320 feet. The Natives still call the Mountain "Denali" and that is what most everyone calls it.
The mountain is only visible about 35 percent of the time and when it is visible they refer to it a "Denali is out ".
Denali is so high that it creates it's own weather and it's always winter at the summit. It would be a crime to visit Alaska and not see Denali. It is unbelievably beautiful and you could spend hours photographing it.
There are many more town and cities I could talk about but some have ask why I am spending so much time telling about the towns and cities. I guess I'll give up on this and if someone wants to know more about some of the historic and interesting town and cities they can contact me via email.
The End
Thursday, August 6, 2009
It's Time For A Little History Lesson, Page Three
Alaska is the largest state in the union in area, twice the size of Texas, but ranks 47Th in population. It's so large it has it's own time zone. With that in mind you should know that it's going to take more than one journal to cover all this great state has to offer, so please bear with me, and make sure you have a lot of pop corn.
The population is 670,053 and the Capital is Juneau, the largest city Anchorage with a population of 283,938
Juneau, the Capital of Alaska
In 1880, nearly 20 years before the great gold rushes to the Klondike and Nome, two prospectors named Joe Juneau and Dick Harris found "color" in what is now called Gold Creek, a small clear stream that runs through the center of present-day Juneau. Local history states that it was a Tlingit Chief, Kowee, who showed Joe Juneau where to find gold in Gold Creek. What the prospectors found led to the discovery of one of the largest lodes of gold quartz in the world. Juneau, then called Harrisburg, boomed into a gold rush town as claims and mines sprang up in the area.
Congress first provided civil government for Alaska in 1884. Alaska was governed by a succession of presidential appointments, first as the District of Alaska, then as the Territory of Alaska. Between 1867, when the United States purchased Alaska from Russia, and 1884, the military had jurisdiction over Alaska, except for a three year period , 1877-1879, when Alaska was put under control of the U.S. Treasury Dept. and governed by U.S. Collectors of Customs.
In 1974, Alaskans voted to move the capital from Juneau to a site closer to Anchorage. In 1976, Alaska voters selected a new capital site near Willow, but finding for the new capital move, about 2.8 billion, was defeated in November 1982.
Anchorage the State's largest city is located on the upper shores of Cook Inlet. More than 42 percent of Alaska's population live in Anchorage Within the city limits of Anchorage there are an estimated 1,000 moose, nearly 250 black bears and almost 65 brown bears. Unfortunately we were unable to visit Anchorage but it's high up on our return visit list. There is so much to see in this wonderful, beautiful state that one really needs to be able to spend about two or three months in order to see it all.
Fairbanks
Located in the heart of Alaska's Interior, Fairbanks is approximately 1,488 driving miles from Dawson Creek, BC, the start of the Alaska Highway. Fairbanks has a population of 96,888 in what they call "Fairbanks-North Star Borough". Fairbanks is a most unusual city weather wise, it can be 90 degrees in the summer and then 60 degrees BELOW zero in the winter. When visiting Fairbanks in the summer be prepared that "the sun never really sets". You can watch the sun dip a little below the western sky and then turn around and see it pop up in the eastern sky. We had an average of 21.5 hours of sunlight during our stay in Fairbanks.
In 1901, Captain E.T. Barnette set out from St. Michael on the stern-wheeler "Lavelle Young" traveling up the Yukon River with supplies for his trading post which he proposed to set up on the Tanana Crossing, the halfway point on the Valdez-Eagle trail. But the stern-wheeler could not navigate the fast-moving shallow Chena River. The stern-wheeler's captain dropped off Barnette on the Chena River near the present site of First Avenue. A year later, Felix Pedro, an Italian prospector discovered gold about 16 miles north of Barnette's temporary trading post, and alert to possibilities, Barnette abandonded his original plan to continue on to Tanana Crossing. In September 1902, Barnette convinced the 25 or so miners in the area to use the name "Fairbanks" for the town that he expected would grow up around his trading post.
Not far from Fairbanks is the city of North Pole, Alaska. Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus and he lives and works here. We drove there and were met by the jolly ole elf himself. He and his elves were in the process of making toys and goodies for all the good boys and girls. We saw some of his rain deer but some of them were elsewhere being grommed for their winter jobs.
There is a lot to see in and around Fairbanks and one needs to spend several weeks here so as to not miss anything.
The population is 670,053 and the Capital is Juneau, the largest city Anchorage with a population of 283,938
Juneau, the Capital of Alaska
In 1880, nearly 20 years before the great gold rushes to the Klondike and Nome, two prospectors named Joe Juneau and Dick Harris found "color" in what is now called Gold Creek, a small clear stream that runs through the center of present-day Juneau. Local history states that it was a Tlingit Chief, Kowee, who showed Joe Juneau where to find gold in Gold Creek. What the prospectors found led to the discovery of one of the largest lodes of gold quartz in the world. Juneau, then called Harrisburg, boomed into a gold rush town as claims and mines sprang up in the area.
Congress first provided civil government for Alaska in 1884. Alaska was governed by a succession of presidential appointments, first as the District of Alaska, then as the Territory of Alaska. Between 1867, when the United States purchased Alaska from Russia, and 1884, the military had jurisdiction over Alaska, except for a three year period , 1877-1879, when Alaska was put under control of the U.S. Treasury Dept. and governed by U.S. Collectors of Customs.
In 1974, Alaskans voted to move the capital from Juneau to a site closer to Anchorage. In 1976, Alaska voters selected a new capital site near Willow, but finding for the new capital move, about 2.8 billion, was defeated in November 1982.
Anchorage the State's largest city is located on the upper shores of Cook Inlet. More than 42 percent of Alaska's population live in Anchorage Within the city limits of Anchorage there are an estimated 1,000 moose, nearly 250 black bears and almost 65 brown bears. Unfortunately we were unable to visit Anchorage but it's high up on our return visit list. There is so much to see in this wonderful, beautiful state that one really needs to be able to spend about two or three months in order to see it all.
Fairbanks
Located in the heart of Alaska's Interior, Fairbanks is approximately 1,488 driving miles from Dawson Creek, BC, the start of the Alaska Highway. Fairbanks has a population of 96,888 in what they call "Fairbanks-North Star Borough". Fairbanks is a most unusual city weather wise, it can be 90 degrees in the summer and then 60 degrees BELOW zero in the winter. When visiting Fairbanks in the summer be prepared that "the sun never really sets". You can watch the sun dip a little below the western sky and then turn around and see it pop up in the eastern sky. We had an average of 21.5 hours of sunlight during our stay in Fairbanks.
In 1901, Captain E.T. Barnette set out from St. Michael on the stern-wheeler "Lavelle Young" traveling up the Yukon River with supplies for his trading post which he proposed to set up on the Tanana Crossing, the halfway point on the Valdez-Eagle trail. But the stern-wheeler could not navigate the fast-moving shallow Chena River. The stern-wheeler's captain dropped off Barnette on the Chena River near the present site of First Avenue. A year later, Felix Pedro, an Italian prospector discovered gold about 16 miles north of Barnette's temporary trading post, and alert to possibilities, Barnette abandonded his original plan to continue on to Tanana Crossing. In September 1902, Barnette convinced the 25 or so miners in the area to use the name "Fairbanks" for the town that he expected would grow up around his trading post.
Not far from Fairbanks is the city of North Pole, Alaska. Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus and he lives and works here. We drove there and were met by the jolly ole elf himself. He and his elves were in the process of making toys and goodies for all the good boys and girls. We saw some of his rain deer but some of them were elsewhere being grommed for their winter jobs.
There is a lot to see in and around Fairbanks and one needs to spend several weeks here so as to not miss anything.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
It's Time For A Little History Lesson, Page Two
Yukon Territory
The population is 31.608. The Yukon Territory covers about 186,272 square miles or about the size of California. The Capital is Whitehorse with a population of 24,041. As you can see there aren't very many people in the other parts of the Territory. You can dive for hours and hours and never see a house, power poles or any sign of civilization. You do of course see quite a few animals.
The Yukon is bordered on the west by Alaska, on the north by the Beaufort Sea/Arctic Ocean, on the south by British Columbia and on the east by the Northwest Territories.
The indigenous peoples of the Yukon are referred to as First Nations. These aboriginal groups are Gwich'in, Han, Northern Tutchone, Southern Tutchone, Kaska, Tagish, Tingit and Upper Tanana. Their habitation is believed to date back about 50,000 years.
The Yukon was made a district of the Northwest Territories is 1895, and became a separate territory in June of 1898.
Some of you may remember years ago a radio program called "Sgt. Preston of the Yukon and his wonder dog King". This territory was where it was all about. The North West Mounted Police, now called Royal Canadian Mounted Police are still here and they are the main law enforcement body in the Territory.
Whitehorse is the Capital of the Yukon and is a hub of a network of about 2,664 miles of all-weather roads serving the Yukon Territory. About two-thirds of the population of the Yukon live in Whitehorse. It's the only large or even big city in the entire Territory.
Whitehorse sits on the banks of the Yukon River and is right next to the Whitehorse rapids. The city got it's name from the first miners in the Territory that believed foaming rapids resembled white horses' manes and so named the river rapids.
If you're traveling across Canada into Alaska, then the City of Whitehorse is indeed a stop to be made and not just over night but for several days in order to see all the old famous sites here.
The population is 31.608. The Yukon Territory covers about 186,272 square miles or about the size of California. The Capital is Whitehorse with a population of 24,041. As you can see there aren't very many people in the other parts of the Territory. You can dive for hours and hours and never see a house, power poles or any sign of civilization. You do of course see quite a few animals.
The Yukon is bordered on the west by Alaska, on the north by the Beaufort Sea/Arctic Ocean, on the south by British Columbia and on the east by the Northwest Territories.
The indigenous peoples of the Yukon are referred to as First Nations. These aboriginal groups are Gwich'in, Han, Northern Tutchone, Southern Tutchone, Kaska, Tagish, Tingit and Upper Tanana. Their habitation is believed to date back about 50,000 years.
The Yukon was made a district of the Northwest Territories is 1895, and became a separate territory in June of 1898.
Some of you may remember years ago a radio program called "Sgt. Preston of the Yukon and his wonder dog King". This territory was where it was all about. The North West Mounted Police, now called Royal Canadian Mounted Police are still here and they are the main law enforcement body in the Territory.
Whitehorse is the Capital of the Yukon and is a hub of a network of about 2,664 miles of all-weather roads serving the Yukon Territory. About two-thirds of the population of the Yukon live in Whitehorse. It's the only large or even big city in the entire Territory.
Whitehorse sits on the banks of the Yukon River and is right next to the Whitehorse rapids. The city got it's name from the first miners in the Territory that believed foaming rapids resembled white horses' manes and so named the river rapids.
If you're traveling across Canada into Alaska, then the City of Whitehorse is indeed a stop to be made and not just over night but for several days in order to see all the old famous sites here.
Monday, August 3, 2009
It's Time For A Little History Lesson
You've been able to see pictures and read a little about some of the places Jerry and I have visited on our trip across Canada into Alaska. I now thought it might be a good time to let you know a little more about the various Providences we've visited.
ALBERTA
Population, 3,375,800, the Capital is Edmonton and the largest city is Calgary with a population of 1,197,700. The Providence covers an area of 255,303 square miles.
The Providence of Alberta is bordered to the west by British Columbia, to the south by Montana, to the east by Saskatchewan and to the north by the Northwest Territories. Among the dramatic features of this geographically fascinating area are a stretch of the Canadian Rocky Mountains and the Columbia Ice field along the British Columbia border.
Calgary is the home of the annual Calgary Stampede held on July 3 to 12. It's known as "The Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth". The 10 day celebration of Calgary's western heritage includes a parade, daily rodeo, chuck wagon races and an evening grandstand extravaganza.
Edmonton, in addition to being the Capital of the Providence, is home to the West Edmonton Mall. It's the world's largest shopping mall and entertainment center. It covers 38 square blocks and is four stories high. It features 800 stores and 100 restaurants,2 hotels, and 9 theme park attractions. There is an enormous indoor water park, an ice skating rink, 2 18 hole miniature golf courses, the Sea Lion stage and Sea Life Caverns.
There are of course many more cities and towns in Alberta but that would make this journal too long.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Population, 4,113, 487, the Capital is Victoria and the largest city is Vancouver. The size is 364,764 square miles.
Canada's most westerly, and 3rd largest Province, British Columbia stretches 813 miles from its southern border with the United States to the northern border with Yukon Territory. It is bounded on the east by Alberta and on the west by the Pacific Ocean
British Columbia entered the Dominion of Canada on July 20, 1871 as the 6Th Province.
Mile Zero of the Alaska Highway is located in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, not to be confused with Dawson City, Yukon Territory in the north-eastern part of the Province.
ALBERTA
Population, 3,375,800, the Capital is Edmonton and the largest city is Calgary with a population of 1,197,700. The Providence covers an area of 255,303 square miles.
The Providence of Alberta is bordered to the west by British Columbia, to the south by Montana, to the east by Saskatchewan and to the north by the Northwest Territories. Among the dramatic features of this geographically fascinating area are a stretch of the Canadian Rocky Mountains and the Columbia Ice field along the British Columbia border.
Calgary is the home of the annual Calgary Stampede held on July 3 to 12. It's known as "The Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth". The 10 day celebration of Calgary's western heritage includes a parade, daily rodeo, chuck wagon races and an evening grandstand extravaganza.
Edmonton, in addition to being the Capital of the Providence, is home to the West Edmonton Mall. It's the world's largest shopping mall and entertainment center. It covers 38 square blocks and is four stories high. It features 800 stores and 100 restaurants,2 hotels, and 9 theme park attractions. There is an enormous indoor water park, an ice skating rink, 2 18 hole miniature golf courses, the Sea Lion stage and Sea Life Caverns.
There are of course many more cities and towns in Alberta but that would make this journal too long.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Population, 4,113, 487, the Capital is Victoria and the largest city is Vancouver. The size is 364,764 square miles.
Canada's most westerly, and 3rd largest Province, British Columbia stretches 813 miles from its southern border with the United States to the northern border with Yukon Territory. It is bounded on the east by Alberta and on the west by the Pacific Ocean
British Columbia entered the Dominion of Canada on July 20, 1871 as the 6Th Province.
Mile Zero of the Alaska Highway is located in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, not to be confused with Dawson City, Yukon Territory in the north-eastern part of the Province.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Grande Prairie Museum And Pioneer Village
Today, we went to visit the Pioneer Village again. Early this year it was closed for repairs. Yea it was open today.
You'll notice that most of the buildings have dates in the early 1900's. This is not unusual since this part of the country is not a century old yet. The first people in this area arrived in the early 1900's .As a matter of fact Grande Prairie was first incorporated as a village in 1911 and a town in 1919. They have come a long way since then and when you drive around the city it looks like it has been here for hundreds of years.
We hope you enjoy the pictures of the Pioneer Village.
You'll notice that most of the buildings have dates in the early 1900's. This is not unusual since this part of the country is not a century old yet. The first people in this area arrived in the early 1900's .As a matter of fact Grande Prairie was first incorporated as a village in 1911 and a town in 1919. They have come a long way since then and when you drive around the city it looks like it has been here for hundreds of years.
We hope you enjoy the pictures of the Pioneer Village.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Yukon Territory
We're going to Haines Junction, Yukon Territory to see what we might have missed on our trip to Alaska.
Haines Junction was established in 1942 during the construction of the Alaska Highway as an Army barracks for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The engineers were to build a new branch road connecting the Alaska Highway with the port of Haines on Lynn Canal. The branch road --today's Haines Highway was completed in 1943.
Haines Junction is on the eastern boundary of the Kluane (pronounced Kloo-Wa-Nee) National Park and Reserve. Kluane Lake is the largest lake in the Yukon Territory,covering approximately 154 square miles.
We've got a few pictures which we hope you like.
Haines Junction was established in 1942 during the construction of the Alaska Highway as an Army barracks for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The engineers were to build a new branch road connecting the Alaska Highway with the port of Haines on Lynn Canal. The branch road --today's Haines Highway was completed in 1943.
Haines Junction is on the eastern boundary of the Kluane (pronounced Kloo-Wa-Nee) National Park and Reserve. Kluane Lake is the largest lake in the Yukon Territory,covering approximately 154 square miles.
We've got a few pictures which we hope you like.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Canada Revisited
We've decided to go back into Canada and see some of the sights we missed on our way to Alaska. Canada is a very pretty country and has a lot to offer the tourist. There are beautiful lakes, high mountains covered in snow and above all lots of wild life.
We're hoping on this trip to be able to see some wild life we missed before. At any rate we took a couple of pictures of things we did see and hope you enjoy them.
We're hoping on this trip to be able to see some wild life we missed before. At any rate we took a couple of pictures of things we did see and hope you enjoy them.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
A Trip To Palmer, Alaska
Today we thought we'd go to Palmer, it's a farming town but it was established about 1916 as a railway station on the Matanuska branch of the Alaska Railroad..
In 1935 Palmer became the site of one of the most unusual experiments in American history. The Federal Emergency Relief Administration, on of the many New Deal relief agencies created during Roosevelt's first year in office, planned an agriculture potential trial in Alaska. They picked 203 families from the northern counties of Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota to join the colony.
The growing season in Alaska averages 100 to 118 days with long hours of sunlight, about 22+ hours per day and this helps them grow some prize vegetables. They have grown cabbage and lettuce about 50 to 60 pounds each.
As luck would have it, the rain came back and put a damper on most of our plans for today. However, we still got to take a few pictures which we hope you'll like.
In 1935 Palmer became the site of one of the most unusual experiments in American history. The Federal Emergency Relief Administration, on of the many New Deal relief agencies created during Roosevelt's first year in office, planned an agriculture potential trial in Alaska. They picked 203 families from the northern counties of Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota to join the colony.
The growing season in Alaska averages 100 to 118 days with long hours of sunlight, about 22+ hours per day and this helps them grow some prize vegetables. They have grown cabbage and lettuce about 50 to 60 pounds each.
As luck would have it, the rain came back and put a damper on most of our plans for today. However, we still got to take a few pictures which we hope you'll like.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Just Taking A Ride With No Special Place To Go
Since the rain had finally stopped we decided to take a ride around the area and see what we might bump into. There is a lot of nice small towns around us that we haven't seen yet.
As we wandered off the beaten path we found the roads were terrible, they were full of pot holes, frost heaves and just plain rough roads. Thanks goodness the scenery was nice and that made up for the road conditions.
We hope you like the pictures we took, Jerry took a lot of them but I also took some too.
As we wandered off the beaten path we found the roads were terrible, they were full of pot holes, frost heaves and just plain rough roads. Thanks goodness the scenery was nice and that made up for the road conditions.
We hope you like the pictures we took, Jerry took a lot of them but I also took some too.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Russian Orthodox Church, Kenai, Alaska
Jerry became so interested in this Church that she wanted me to do a Blog on it.
The Orthodox Church is Evangelical, but not Protestant. She is Orthodox, but not Jewish, She is Catholic but not Roman, She isn't inter-denominational, She is pre-denominational. She has believed, taught, preserved. defended and died for the Faith of The Apostles since the Day of Pentecost 2000 years ago.
The Three Bar Cross. This cross existed very early in Byzantium, but was adopted by the Russian Orthodox Church and especially in the Slavic countries. The upper bar represents the superscription, "Jesus Of Nazareth, The King Of The Jews" (John 19:19). The slanting bar represents His footrest, for those who do not believe in the humanity of our Lord, in his extreme pain twisted the footrest. Two thieves were crucified with Him . The upward slant represents the repentance of the Good Thief who said, "Lord remember me when you come into Your Kingdom" (Luke 23:42). The downward slant represents the thief on the left who mocked Him saying, "If you are the Christ, save yourself and us", Luke 23-39.
The Domes on the roof of the Orthodox Churches are usually onion-shaped. In the early history of the Russian Church, especially in Kiev, Ukraine the domes of the churches followed the typical Byzantine rounded style. Later, especially after the Mongol period Russian churches tended toward the onion domes which, in many places became quite stylized.
Where do people sit? In order to express to God our reverence before Him and our worship of Him, during prayer we stand and do not sit; only the sick and elderly are allowed to pray sitting down. Standing while at prayer is an ancient and God-ordained tradition. Therefore Christians, according to apostolic teachings, stand through the Divine Services, where it is often proclaimed, "Let us stand aright" or "Let us attend".
The present Church structure was built in 1895 to replace the first one which had fallen into disrepair. A $400 grant from the Holy Synod in St. Petersburg, Russia provided the funds for building materials. This Church has remained an active Church since then with Vesper services every Saturday night at 6:00 and Diving Liturgy (Mass) on Sunday mornings at 9:00. There are a couple of dozen who attend on average each Sunday.
Father Thomas Andrew, Resident Priest told us a lot about the Church and it's history. This is a place to visit if you come to Kenai, Alaska.
The Orthodox Church is Evangelical, but not Protestant. She is Orthodox, but not Jewish, She is Catholic but not Roman, She isn't inter-denominational, She is pre-denominational. She has believed, taught, preserved. defended and died for the Faith of The Apostles since the Day of Pentecost 2000 years ago.
The Three Bar Cross. This cross existed very early in Byzantium, but was adopted by the Russian Orthodox Church and especially in the Slavic countries. The upper bar represents the superscription, "Jesus Of Nazareth, The King Of The Jews" (John 19:19). The slanting bar represents His footrest, for those who do not believe in the humanity of our Lord, in his extreme pain twisted the footrest. Two thieves were crucified with Him . The upward slant represents the repentance of the Good Thief who said, "Lord remember me when you come into Your Kingdom" (Luke 23:42). The downward slant represents the thief on the left who mocked Him saying, "If you are the Christ, save yourself and us", Luke 23-39.
The Domes on the roof of the Orthodox Churches are usually onion-shaped. In the early history of the Russian Church, especially in Kiev, Ukraine the domes of the churches followed the typical Byzantine rounded style. Later, especially after the Mongol period Russian churches tended toward the onion domes which, in many places became quite stylized.
Where do people sit? In order to express to God our reverence before Him and our worship of Him, during prayer we stand and do not sit; only the sick and elderly are allowed to pray sitting down. Standing while at prayer is an ancient and God-ordained tradition. Therefore Christians, according to apostolic teachings, stand through the Divine Services, where it is often proclaimed, "Let us stand aright" or "Let us attend".
The present Church structure was built in 1895 to replace the first one which had fallen into disrepair. A $400 grant from the Holy Synod in St. Petersburg, Russia provided the funds for building materials. This Church has remained an active Church since then with Vesper services every Saturday night at 6:00 and Diving Liturgy (Mass) on Sunday mornings at 9:00. There are a couple of dozen who attend on average each Sunday.
Father Thomas Andrew, Resident Priest told us a lot about the Church and it's history. This is a place to visit if you come to Kenai, Alaska.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The City Of Kenai
Today, we took a pleasant drive to the City Of Kenai. The City of Kenai is located in the heart of the Kenai Peninsula and boasts wonderful views of the Kenai River, Cook Inlet, sandy beaches, two mountain ranges and four active volcanoes. Kenai is the largest and oldest city on the peninsula.
We went mainly to see Old Town Kenai which in some cases dates back to the early 1800's and although some of the buildings have been relocated, they are carefully moved to retain their original look.
The lobby of the visitor center is filled with hundreds of birds from the area and they look like they could fly.
Get the popcorn ready and enjoy the show. We hope you enjoy the pictures of the Moose.
We went mainly to see Old Town Kenai which in some cases dates back to the early 1800's and although some of the buildings have been relocated, they are carefully moved to retain their original look.
The lobby of the visitor center is filled with hundreds of birds from the area and they look like they could fly.
Get the popcorn ready and enjoy the show. We hope you enjoy the pictures of the Moose.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Homer, Alaska
Today, with the weather a little better, we drove to Homer, The Halibut Fishing Capital Of The World. They have really caught some "whoppers" there, they throw back the little ones, those of about 50 lbs.
Homer is nestled among rolling hills and overlooking Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains, the seaside community is really a fishing Mecca.
Of course we had to drive the Homer Spilt, a 4.5 mile narrow finger jutting into Kachemak Bay. It is lined on both sides with gift shops, sea food restaurants and of course tons of charter boat companies.
We took a couple of pictures which we hope you enjoy, we did.
Homer is nestled among rolling hills and overlooking Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains, the seaside community is really a fishing Mecca.
Of course we had to drive the Homer Spilt, a 4.5 mile narrow finger jutting into Kachemak Bay. It is lined on both sides with gift shops, sea food restaurants and of course tons of charter boat companies.
We took a couple of pictures which we hope you enjoy, we did.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Soldotna, Alaska
Today we took about a 40 miles drive into Soldotna, the nearest large town to us to do some shopping and maybe some sight seeing as well.
As luck would have it the weather did not want to cooperate, it rained most all the way over and back.
Soldotna, located just 140 miles from Anchorage is the central hub of the Kenai Peninsula, Soldotna borders the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and is home to Moose, Caribou, Brown and Black Bears, wolves, ducks, geese and many other types of wildlife. You can fish the world famous Kenai River, home of the world record 97 lb King Salmon. Whatever you choose, Soldotna has it all.
We did get a few pictures but not as many as I would have liked. Hopefully the weather will improve.
As luck would have it the weather did not want to cooperate, it rained most all the way over and back.
Soldotna, located just 140 miles from Anchorage is the central hub of the Kenai Peninsula, Soldotna borders the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and is home to Moose, Caribou, Brown and Black Bears, wolves, ducks, geese and many other types of wildlife. You can fish the world famous Kenai River, home of the world record 97 lb King Salmon. Whatever you choose, Soldotna has it all.
We did get a few pictures but not as many as I would have liked. Hopefully the weather will improve.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Ninilchik, AK
We left Seward this morning after having seen all the sights worth seeing. We saw Orca and Hump Back Whales, Sea Lions, Sea Otters, Moose and the best of all Grizzly Bear. We really had a good time and the owners of the RV Park were great and really made us feel at home.
We drove about 130 miles to our destination, The Alaskan Angler RV Park. It rained all the way down and Jerry was not able to take more than four pictures on this trip. Oh well we'll take more now that we're here.
Ninilchik is a Russian fishing village whose name means "peaceful settlement by the river". Founded in the mid 1800's. there are about 300 permanent residents here. Cook Inlet has the second highest tidal changes in the northern hemisphere, and is ringed by active volcanoes, Augustine, IIiamna, Redoubt, and Spurr. Deep Creek and Ninilchik River are famous for Salmon fishing and the local beach is excellent for razor clams. We're looking forward to doing a lot of sight seeing around here.
We drove about 130 miles to our destination, The Alaskan Angler RV Park. It rained all the way down and Jerry was not able to take more than four pictures on this trip. Oh well we'll take more now that we're here.
Ninilchik is a Russian fishing village whose name means "peaceful settlement by the river". Founded in the mid 1800's. there are about 300 permanent residents here. Cook Inlet has the second highest tidal changes in the northern hemisphere, and is ringed by active volcanoes, Augustine, IIiamna, Redoubt, and Spurr. Deep Creek and Ninilchik River are famous for Salmon fishing and the local beach is excellent for razor clams. We're looking forward to doing a lot of sight seeing around here.
Friday, July 17, 2009
A Little Side Trip
Today we took a little side trip on the roads around the park to see what might be there. One thing we were told about was a "Salmon trap" and we wanted to see how that worked.
As we were heading to it a man stopped us and said "there is a bear in the creek ahead". Well we had to see that, and sure enough there was a full grown Grizzly Bear in the creek catching Salmon. I slowly eased down to see him and he looked up at me as if to say, "don't bother my fish". I stood quietly and took several pictures of him since I hadn't been that close to a "Griz" yet.
At the Salmon Trap we took some pictures of a few Salmon they had caught and they were sure pretty. If we had a way to clean them we might have bought some, but we passed on it this time. We saw a pretty lake and a few of the Alaskan float planes there.
I stopped and took a picture of a sign advertising food and drink, it's funny.
Hope you continue to enjoy the pictures. We're leaving Monday heading to the Homer, Alaska area in hopes of seeing Bears feeding on Salmon and also some Bald Eagles.
As we were heading to it a man stopped us and said "there is a bear in the creek ahead". Well we had to see that, and sure enough there was a full grown Grizzly Bear in the creek catching Salmon. I slowly eased down to see him and he looked up at me as if to say, "don't bother my fish". I stood quietly and took several pictures of him since I hadn't been that close to a "Griz" yet.
At the Salmon Trap we took some pictures of a few Salmon they had caught and they were sure pretty. If we had a way to clean them we might have bought some, but we passed on it this time. We saw a pretty lake and a few of the Alaskan float planes there.
I stopped and took a picture of a sign advertising food and drink, it's funny.
Hope you continue to enjoy the pictures. We're leaving Monday heading to the Homer, Alaska area in hopes of seeing Bears feeding on Salmon and also some Bald Eagles.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Kenai Fjords National Park Boat Ride
Today, we embarked on a day long boat trip to the Kenai Fjords National Park to see some beautiful glaciers and hopefully lots of wild life. We departed Seward Harbor at 11:45 AM and were not expected to return until 7:14 PM. Today the weather was perfect.
The 600,000 acre park offers majestic views to visitors, lessons to scientist and inspiration to artist ,but what it offers to its animal residents is something far more tangible. Whales migrate thousands of miles to dine abundantly, sieving the cold food-rich currents that quicken around the headlands and islands.
Alaska is a magnificent state and it has over 10,000 glaciers of all sizes. The Harding Ice field is the largest ice field located entirely within the United States. It covers approximately 1,000 square miles. Estimates suggest the ice field receives about 400 to 600 inches of fresh snow each year. Most of the glaciers located within the ice field have a "face" of about 400 to 600 feet high.
Our trip not only offered us an opportunity to see some beautiful glaciers "up close and personal", but also provided us with a wonderful meal. We had "all you can eat" prime rib and baked Alaska Salmon with all the trimmings, boy what a feast.
We hope you enjoy the pictures of our trip, sorry I can't share the meal with you.
The 600,000 acre park offers majestic views to visitors, lessons to scientist and inspiration to artist ,but what it offers to its animal residents is something far more tangible. Whales migrate thousands of miles to dine abundantly, sieving the cold food-rich currents that quicken around the headlands and islands.
Alaska is a magnificent state and it has over 10,000 glaciers of all sizes. The Harding Ice field is the largest ice field located entirely within the United States. It covers approximately 1,000 square miles. Estimates suggest the ice field receives about 400 to 600 inches of fresh snow each year. Most of the glaciers located within the ice field have a "face" of about 400 to 600 feet high.
Our trip not only offered us an opportunity to see some beautiful glaciers "up close and personal", but also provided us with a wonderful meal. We had "all you can eat" prime rib and baked Alaska Salmon with all the trimmings, boy what a feast.
We hope you enjoy the pictures of our trip, sorry I can't share the meal with you.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Kenai Fjords Seward, Alaska
Today we took a short drive to the Kenai Fjords to see the Exit Glacier. This is one of the very few that you can almost drive right up to. From the parking lot, the trails to the Glacier are not long but boy are they tough, they go almost straight up and the trail has a lot of large rocks on them.
The Exit Glacier is about 30 miles long and in some places the ice ranges from 600 to 1000 feet thick. Each year the area gets about 600 to 700 feet of new snow so it continues to grow even in spite of "global warming". The blue ice is clear clean ice and the white ice is called "cover" ice.
While Jerry was waiting for me to return from a hike to the Glacier, she and some other people saw a baby Black Bear. She didn't get any pictures because she was afraid to move, after all where there is a baby, there is a mother bear near by.
The Exit Glacier is about 30 miles long and in some places the ice ranges from 600 to 1000 feet thick. Each year the area gets about 600 to 700 feet of new snow so it continues to grow even in spite of "global warming". The blue ice is clear clean ice and the white ice is called "cover" ice.
While Jerry was waiting for me to return from a hike to the Glacier, she and some other people saw a baby Black Bear. She didn't get any pictures because she was afraid to move, after all where there is a baby, there is a mother bear near by.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Going To Anchorage...Not
We had plans to spend three or four days at the Ft. Richardson FAMCAMP, they have full hook-ups with 30 amp service. I called them to make sure they had open sites and the park manager said all she could guarantee was "dry camping". That means no water, electricity or sewer and the price was $10.00 We had already checked with the Air Force Base and they had nothing open either. Oh well.
We decided to drive 169 miles to Seward since we could get a 30 amp site with full hookups and WiFi as well. Jerry has to have the WiFi for her bridge games.
The Seward Highway's outstanding scenic, historic and recreational resources have given it a triple designation; National Forest Scenic Byway, All-American Road and Alaska Scenic Byway. It really lived up to all three of these, hopefully the pictures Jerry took will prove this to be true.
We plan to be in Seward for a week and maybe two, rest assured, I'll take a lot of pictures so I'd recommend having lots of popcorn on hand.
We decided to drive 169 miles to Seward since we could get a 30 amp site with full hookups and WiFi as well. Jerry has to have the WiFi for her bridge games.
The Seward Highway's outstanding scenic, historic and recreational resources have given it a triple designation; National Forest Scenic Byway, All-American Road and Alaska Scenic Byway. It really lived up to all three of these, hopefully the pictures Jerry took will prove this to be true.
We plan to be in Seward for a week and maybe two, rest assured, I'll take a lot of pictures so I'd recommend having lots of popcorn on hand.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
On Our Way To Anchorage
After a couple of enjoyable days in Denali we hit the road heading to Anchorage for a few days before going to Seward, Alaska.
We drove about 160 miles through some pretty countryside and of course we had some rough roads too.
We stopped and spent the night in one of our "favorite campgrounds, Wally World" In Wasilla, Alaska. This is the home town of the soon to be ex-Governor, Sara Pallin. I'm not sure if she was home or not but we didn't even try to see her.
Jerry had some stale bread that she wanted to get rid of and she found a good way of doing it. Take a look at the pictures to see how she did it. Not a single crumb left either.
We drove about 160 miles through some pretty countryside and of course we had some rough roads too.
We stopped and spent the night in one of our "favorite campgrounds, Wally World" In Wasilla, Alaska. This is the home town of the soon to be ex-Governor, Sara Pallin. I'm not sure if she was home or not but we didn't even try to see her.
Jerry had some stale bread that she wanted to get rid of and she found a good way of doing it. Take a look at the pictures to see how she did it. Not a single crumb left either.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Denali National Park And Preserve
Today we got up early to take a 91 mile drive into the interior of Denali National Park. Yesterday we had rain and clouds all day long and even some rain last night. When we got up, the sky was clear and the sun was bright in the eastern sky. We had high hopes that we might be lucky and get to see "The Mountain". On average it's only visible about 35% of the time.
When an Alaskan says, "The Mountain is out", there is no doubt which mountain is filling the horizon, it's Mount McKinley or "Denali" s most Alaskans call it. The 20,320 foot massif is the tallest mountain in North America. It is often covered by clouds but when visible, it is a magnificent sight.
The mountain is not the reason Denali National Park and Preserve was created, however. In 1917 the park was created to protect the wildlife. Eventually expanded to six million acres, the park is home to moose, caribou, Dall sheep,wolves and bears.
More than 650 species of flowering plants eke out a living here, along with a variety of mosses and lichens. In addition, Denali is home to 39 species of mammals, 167 species of birds, 10 species of fish and one amphibian, the wood frog. There are no reptiles recorded in Denali National Park.
We saw some of the most beautiful scenery that I've seen in a long. long time. Denali was out and we were able to see it in all it's beauty. I know some of you will ask "why did Bob take so many pictures of Denali"? As I said before, the mountain is only visible about 35% of the time and I knew we probably would not be back again so I wanted to record as much of its beauty as I could.
When an Alaskan says, "The Mountain is out", there is no doubt which mountain is filling the horizon, it's Mount McKinley or "Denali" s most Alaskans call it. The 20,320 foot massif is the tallest mountain in North America. It is often covered by clouds but when visible, it is a magnificent sight.
The mountain is not the reason Denali National Park and Preserve was created, however. In 1917 the park was created to protect the wildlife. Eventually expanded to six million acres, the park is home to moose, caribou, Dall sheep,wolves and bears.
More than 650 species of flowering plants eke out a living here, along with a variety of mosses and lichens. In addition, Denali is home to 39 species of mammals, 167 species of birds, 10 species of fish and one amphibian, the wood frog. There are no reptiles recorded in Denali National Park.
We saw some of the most beautiful scenery that I've seen in a long. long time. Denali was out and we were able to see it in all it's beauty. I know some of you will ask "why did Bob take so many pictures of Denali"? As I said before, the mountain is only visible about 35% of the time and I knew we probably would not be back again so I wanted to record as much of its beauty as I could.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
On The Road To Denali
After being in Fairbanks, AK for two week and enjoying seeing all the great sites, we headed on a 112 miles trip to Denali, the home of the Alaska "Big Hill".
Normally Jerry takes a lot of pictures on our trips but today the weather was cloudy and it rained off and on the entire trip. Oh well she'll make up for it on the next drive.
After we got to the RV Park and got all hooked up, we drove to the Park headquarters to get our bus tickets for tomorrow. We have to be there at 8:15 AM and the bus will leave at 8:30 AM. The trip will cover 91 miles into the National Park and we really hope we can see a lot of different animals. I guarantee you, we'll take a lot of pictures and I hope the weather will cooperate.
At the visitor center I took some pictures you might enjoy and Jerry took some good pictures on the way back home.
Normally Jerry takes a lot of pictures on our trips but today the weather was cloudy and it rained off and on the entire trip. Oh well she'll make up for it on the next drive.
After we got to the RV Park and got all hooked up, we drove to the Park headquarters to get our bus tickets for tomorrow. We have to be there at 8:15 AM and the bus will leave at 8:30 AM. The trip will cover 91 miles into the National Park and we really hope we can see a lot of different animals. I guarantee you, we'll take a lot of pictures and I hope the weather will cooperate.
At the visitor center I took some pictures you might enjoy and Jerry took some good pictures on the way back home.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Pioneer Park, Fairbanks, Alaska
Today we went to see the Pioneer Park. It's a city park run by the Fairbanks Parks Service and the admission is free. The 44 acre historic park was created in 1967 as the Alaska Centennial Park to commemorate the 100Th anniversary of the U.S. Territorial status and to provide a taste of Alaska history.
Most of the pioneer buildings were relocated from their original locations. Pioneer Park is home of the renovated SS Nenana, a historic landmark. The nenana, know as the "Last Lady of the River" is the largest stern-wheeler ever built west of the Mississippi and the second largest wooden vessel in existence.
It was indeed a pleasure to visit the park and go back in time when Alaska was still just a frontier.
Most of the pioneer buildings were relocated from their original locations. Pioneer Park is home of the renovated SS Nenana, a historic landmark. The nenana, know as the "Last Lady of the River" is the largest stern-wheeler ever built west of the Mississippi and the second largest wooden vessel in existence.
It was indeed a pleasure to visit the park and go back in time when Alaska was still just a frontier.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Alaska, The Land Of The Midnight Sun
Alaska is called "The Last Frontier" and that is a proper name for it. However it's also called "The Land Of The Midnight Sun".
On June 21, the longest day of the year, Fairbanks, Alaska recorded 23 hours and 30 minutes of "daylight". The sun never really set, it just dropped below the western sky and then came right back up in the eastern sky.
Last night at 11:45 PM I took some pictures to help prove my point. I believe when you look at them you'll agree with me that it's rather hard to know when to go to bed cause there is still daylight until the early hours of morning. It takes some getting use to and for those of us fro the "Lower 48", it's difficult.
On June 21, the longest day of the year, Fairbanks, Alaska recorded 23 hours and 30 minutes of "daylight". The sun never really set, it just dropped below the western sky and then came right back up in the eastern sky.
Last night at 11:45 PM I took some pictures to help prove my point. I believe when you look at them you'll agree with me that it's rather hard to know when to go to bed cause there is still daylight until the early hours of morning. It takes some getting use to and for those of us fro the "Lower 48", it's difficult.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Chena Hot Springs And Aurora Ice Palace
Today we took a drive of about 60 miles north from here to the Chena Hot Springs and the Aurora Ice Palace. The trip seemed longer than we had planned but the scenery was beautiful with Spruce forests, rivers and streames and of all things, we saw seven Moose. We were able to take pictures of six of them because the seventh one was way up in front of crossing the road.
Chena Hot Springs is Alaska's only year round hot spring and has been operating for over 100 years. The water is crystal clear and nice and hot, I believe the temperature is about 110 degrees.
Also there is the world's only year round ice structure. Each winter they hold ice carving contests and the winner as their sculpture placed on display till the next season. They keep the temp at 20 degrees year round and they ice sculptures are perfectly intact. I took a few pictures but because of the lighting they have it's hard to get a flash picture to come out good but I did the best I could.
I hope you like the ice pictures but I know you'll really like the pictures of the moose. One of them is a baby.
Chena Hot Springs is Alaska's only year round hot spring and has been operating for over 100 years. The water is crystal clear and nice and hot, I believe the temperature is about 110 degrees.
Also there is the world's only year round ice structure. Each winter they hold ice carving contests and the winner as their sculpture placed on display till the next season. They keep the temp at 20 degrees year round and they ice sculptures are perfectly intact. I took a few pictures but because of the lighting they have it's hard to get a flash picture to come out good but I did the best I could.
I hope you like the ice pictures but I know you'll really like the pictures of the moose. One of them is a baby.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The Discovery III Stern-Wheeler
Today we took a cruise on the Discovery III Stern-Wheeler down the Chena River. Your three-and-a-half hour cruise will take you into the heart of Alaska and the heart of a family who has made the rivers of Alaska a way of life for five generations.
The Brinkley family's steam boating goes back over 100 years and five generations to the Klondike Gold Rush. In 1898, when Charles M. Brinkley hiked over the Chilkoot Pass with other stampeders, he was not so much in search of gold as he was the chance to chart and navigate the Yukon. He became a respected pilot and boat-builder in the north.
The cruise down the Chena River takes us to Susan Butcher's home and the site of her world famous Alaska Husky Dog Kennels. She and her lead dog, Granite, won four Iditarod championships. Sled dogs are some of the world's best cared for athletes. They receive the best food and medical attention and they get to do what they love most, run. Mushers treat their sled dogs like part of the family, and the bond between them is as strong as the bond between human members of a family.
They also have a demonstration of an Alaskan Float Plane taking off and landing close to the boat. Alaska has the largest number of licensed private pilots of any other state in the Union. During the long winter months this is about the only way to get around from place to place. They can be equipped with wheels, floats or skies.
One place of great interest was a replica of an Athabascan Indian Village. They have lived in the Alaska area for over 12,000 years and it was not until about the early 1800's that they were exposed to outside influences. We learned that about 2,000 years ago some of the Tribe migrated south to Arizona and New Mexico and became known as Apaches and Navajo Indians.
They say that a picture is worth a thousand words so here are a few pictures that will help you enjoy what we saw today.
The Brinkley family's steam boating goes back over 100 years and five generations to the Klondike Gold Rush. In 1898, when Charles M. Brinkley hiked over the Chilkoot Pass with other stampeders, he was not so much in search of gold as he was the chance to chart and navigate the Yukon. He became a respected pilot and boat-builder in the north.
The cruise down the Chena River takes us to Susan Butcher's home and the site of her world famous Alaska Husky Dog Kennels. She and her lead dog, Granite, won four Iditarod championships. Sled dogs are some of the world's best cared for athletes. They receive the best food and medical attention and they get to do what they love most, run. Mushers treat their sled dogs like part of the family, and the bond between them is as strong as the bond between human members of a family.
They also have a demonstration of an Alaskan Float Plane taking off and landing close to the boat. Alaska has the largest number of licensed private pilots of any other state in the Union. During the long winter months this is about the only way to get around from place to place. They can be equipped with wheels, floats or skies.
One place of great interest was a replica of an Athabascan Indian Village. They have lived in the Alaska area for over 12,000 years and it was not until about the early 1800's that they were exposed to outside influences. We learned that about 2,000 years ago some of the Tribe migrated south to Arizona and New Mexico and became known as Apaches and Navajo Indians.
They say that a picture is worth a thousand words so here are a few pictures that will help you enjoy what we saw today.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Fairbanks, Alaska
Located in the heart of Alaska's Interior, Fairbanks the states 2nd largest city is approximately 1.488 driving miles north of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, the start of the Alaska Highway.
In 1901, Captain E.T. Barnette set out from St. Michael on the stern-wheeler "Lavelle Young" traveling up the Yukon River with supplies for his trading post which he proposed to set up at Tanana Crossing, the halfway point on the Valdez-Eagle trail. But the stern-wheeler could not navigate the fast-moving shallow Chena River.
In September 1902, Barnette convinced the 25 or so miners in the area to use the name "Fairbanks" for the town that he expected would grow up around his trading post.
On June 27, 2009, the State of Alaska celebrated it's 50th anniversary as a State of The United States.
Today, we went to see the Large Animal Research Center of the University of Alaska. This is where they are doing research on the Muskox, Caribou and Reindeer. The difference between Caribou and Reindeer is that Caribou are wild and Reindeer are tame. Both of these have antlers and the female keeps her antlers during the winter season which makes her "boss" then.
We also went to see the University Museum of the North. It was very interesting but the bad part of it is they would not permit the use of flash cameras in the museum. Thank goodness for my Canon DSLR camera and I was able to take some non-flash pictures I hope you like them.
In 1901, Captain E.T. Barnette set out from St. Michael on the stern-wheeler "Lavelle Young" traveling up the Yukon River with supplies for his trading post which he proposed to set up at Tanana Crossing, the halfway point on the Valdez-Eagle trail. But the stern-wheeler could not navigate the fast-moving shallow Chena River.
In September 1902, Barnette convinced the 25 or so miners in the area to use the name "Fairbanks" for the town that he expected would grow up around his trading post.
On June 27, 2009, the State of Alaska celebrated it's 50th anniversary as a State of The United States.
Today, we went to see the Large Animal Research Center of the University of Alaska. This is where they are doing research on the Muskox, Caribou and Reindeer. The difference between Caribou and Reindeer is that Caribou are wild and Reindeer are tame. Both of these have antlers and the female keeps her antlers during the winter season which makes her "boss" then.
We also went to see the University Museum of the North. It was very interesting but the bad part of it is they would not permit the use of flash cameras in the museum. Thank goodness for my Canon DSLR camera and I was able to take some non-flash pictures I hope you like them.
Friday, June 26, 2009
North Pole, Alaska
YES VIRGINIA THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS
Here Is Proof
On our way into Fairbanks, AK. we passed the town of North Pole. We assumed that there must be some connection with Santa Claus since there was a Santa Land on the side of the road.
Today we drove there to check it out. I'll let the pictures I took settle any doubt you may have about what we saw.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Yea !! We Finally Made It To Alaska
After driving through rough roads in the Yukon Territory, we finally arrived in Alaska and the scenery is beautiful. The roads are a little better but they still have frost heaves that you have to be careful about.
We're in a real nice small RV Park in North Pole, Alaska. There is a rumor that there is someone special that lives here and tomorrow we're going into town and see if we can find this person. Maybe we can get a picture of him if we're lucky.
Enjoy the pictures that Jerry took. The ones of the clouds reflected in the lake were taken by me.
We're in a real nice small RV Park in North Pole, Alaska. There is a rumor that there is someone special that lives here and tomorrow we're going into town and see if we can find this person. Maybe we can get a picture of him if we're lucky.
Enjoy the pictures that Jerry took. The ones of the clouds reflected in the lake were taken by me.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Haines Junction To Alaska
We thought we had left all the rough road behind us, Yea Right, we ran into about 30 more miles of this fun and games. Oh well they only have a few months during the year in which to repair the roads.
The worse part of the roads are the "frost heaves". Imagine taking about three speed bumps and stacking them one on top of another and then doing the same thing about four feet away, then drive the car over it. That will get your attention right quick. We drove through about 60 miles of that and you could not get over about 10 miles per hour safely.
Most of the pictures in this journal were taken by Jerry. For some reason she won't let me drive and take pictures too.
The worse part of the roads are the "frost heaves". Imagine taking about three speed bumps and stacking them one on top of another and then doing the same thing about four feet away, then drive the car over it. That will get your attention right quick. We drove through about 60 miles of that and you could not get over about 10 miles per hour safely.
Most of the pictures in this journal were taken by Jerry. For some reason she won't let me drive and take pictures too.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Heading To Alaska
We left Whitehorse, YT heading to Haines Junction en route to Alaska. The trip was only about 100 miles but it seemed like it took forever since the roads were terrible. They were doing a lot of road construction and most of it consisted of removing the blacktop and replacing it with sandy gravel. The dust was unbelievable and you could only see about 15 feet in front of you if you were lucky.
We did however drive a little further than Haines Junction and pulled into one of the convenient road side parking areas they have to spend the night and rest. We were tired and had enough of the ROUGH ROADS.
Jerry was able to get some good pictures of our trip and also of the rough roads. I hope you like them and feel sorry for us.
We did however drive a little further than Haines Junction and pulled into one of the convenient road side parking areas they have to spend the night and rest. We were tired and had enough of the ROUGH ROADS.
Jerry was able to get some good pictures of our trip and also of the rough roads. I hope you like them and feel sorry for us.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Whitehorse Sight Seeing
In addition to going to a grocery store and "Wally World", we decided to take a look at a couple of sights along the way.
The Woolly Mammoth and the World's Largest Weather Vane are something to see.
Tomorrow we'll be back "On The Road Again" heading to Haynes Junction for the night and then continue on to Alaska. If nothing happens, we should be in Fairbanks, Alaska on June 29Th.
The Woolly Mammoth and the World's Largest Weather Vane are something to see.
Tomorrow we'll be back "On The Road Again" heading to Haynes Junction for the night and then continue on to Alaska. If nothing happens, we should be in Fairbanks, Alaska on June 29Th.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Whitehorse, Yukon
Today, we arrived in Whitehorse, Yukon to spend three or four days seeing all the wonderful sites of this historic city.
Whitehorse is named after the historic rapids of the Yukon River which resembled the flowing manes of charging white horses. On the "Trail Of 98", the stampedes had to bypass the treacherous water of Miles Canyon and White Horse Rapids south of the present city.
Whitehorse is now the Capital of the Yukon and it has a population of about 24,041. This is surprising when you remember that the total population of the Yukon is only about 32,000.
We're going to take a bus/train trip from Whitehorse to Skagway, Alaska. Skagway was one of the famous booming gold towns during the gold rush of 1898. Skagway has seen tens of thousands of fortune-seeking prospectors during the great Klondike Gold Rush.
We plan to stay in Whitehorse for about three days to make sure we don't miss seeing anything worthwhile.
Whitehorse is named after the historic rapids of the Yukon River which resembled the flowing manes of charging white horses. On the "Trail Of 98", the stampedes had to bypass the treacherous water of Miles Canyon and White Horse Rapids south of the present city.
Whitehorse is now the Capital of the Yukon and it has a population of about 24,041. This is surprising when you remember that the total population of the Yukon is only about 32,000.
We're going to take a bus/train trip from Whitehorse to Skagway, Alaska. Skagway was one of the famous booming gold towns during the gold rush of 1898. Skagway has seen tens of thousands of fortune-seeking prospectors during the great Klondike Gold Rush.
We plan to stay in Whitehorse for about three days to make sure we don't miss seeing anything worthwhile.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Teslin, British Columbia
We left Watson Lake for a long 163 mile drive to White Horse, Yukon Territory. As we were heading North we came to The Rancheria Falls which we just had to see. The site is large enough for several motor homes to park at the same time. There is a wooden walkway that goes through boreal forest to the picturesque falls.
Situated at the confluence of the Nisultin River and Teslin Lake, Teslin began as a trading post in 1903. Teslin has one of the largest Native populations in Yukon Territory and much of the community livelihood revolves around the traditional hunting, trapping and fishing.
The First Nation People have Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre which we stopped to see. It was very interesting and the country around the lake is beautiful.
Situated at the confluence of the Nisultin River and Teslin Lake, Teslin began as a trading post in 1903. Teslin has one of the largest Native populations in Yukon Territory and much of the community livelihood revolves around the traditional hunting, trapping and fishing.
The First Nation People have Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre which we stopped to see. It was very interesting and the country around the lake is beautiful.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Watson Lake, Yukon Territory
After finally saying Goodbye to our morning visitor, we headed down the road about 116 miles to the quaint town of Watson Lake, Yukon Territory. The Yukon is about the size of California but it's population is only about 35,000 people and the majority of those live in Whitehorse, the Capital.
Construction began on the Alaska Highway in 1942, bringing over 11,000 army personnel, civilians and contractors to the Yukon to work on the project. Watson Lake's world famous "Sign Post Forest" was started in 1942 by Carl Lindley, a homesick U.S. Army soldier. Today, over 68,000 signs are hammered row upon row on the signposts. I added a sign to the Forest.
The name of a popular recreation site at the edge of town is also a reminder of those early days when an enterprising lady set up a tent at Lucky Lake to "entertain" servicemen. Today, Watson Lake is known as the Gateway to the Yukon and the highway is still a central fixture bringing thousands of visitors to the North each year.
Watson Lake is also home to the Yukon's only visitor facility dedicated to the science and folklore of the aurora borealis or "Northern Lights".
Construction began on the Alaska Highway in 1942, bringing over 11,000 army personnel, civilians and contractors to the Yukon to work on the project. Watson Lake's world famous "Sign Post Forest" was started in 1942 by Carl Lindley, a homesick U.S. Army soldier. Today, over 68,000 signs are hammered row upon row on the signposts. I added a sign to the Forest.
The name of a popular recreation site at the edge of town is also a reminder of those early days when an enterprising lady set up a tent at Lucky Lake to "entertain" servicemen. Today, Watson Lake is known as the Gateway to the Yukon and the highway is still a central fixture bringing thousands of visitors to the North each year.
Watson Lake is also home to the Yukon's only visitor facility dedicated to the science and folklore of the aurora borealis or "Northern Lights".
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Morning Visitor
We were getting the rig ready to roll down the road to new adventures when we spotted an early morning visitor.
Right in front of the RV came this rather large bull Buffalo slowly grazing. He was there for the better part of two hours and he didn't seem to be the least bit frightened when we went out to take his picture.
Here is what it looked like. You don't get to see this back home and this again is one reason we're "On The Road Again".
Right in front of the RV came this rather large bull Buffalo slowly grazing. He was there for the better part of two hours and he didn't seem to be the least bit frightened when we went out to take his picture.
Here is what it looked like. You don't get to see this back home and this again is one reason we're "On The Road Again".
Laird Hot Springs, British Columbia
This morning after the rain stopped we refueled and started a long 93 mile trip to Laird Hot Springs.
There is a boardwalk across the marsh lands that support more than 250 boreal forest plants, including 14 Orchid species and 14 plants that survive at this altitude due to the hot spring water.
There are two hot springs pools with temperature from 106 to 126 degrees. Since the weather was still a little rainy we decided not to go into the pools. Maybe we can go on our way back home, the water was nice and clear and it really looked inviting.
Maybe these pictures will give you some idea of what they looked like.
It has been brought to my attention that I did not include pictures of the hot springs. It seems that the WiFi I was using stopped before all the pictures were loaded. I'm very sorry about that and hopefully now all of the pictures will be there.
There is a boardwalk across the marsh lands that support more than 250 boreal forest plants, including 14 Orchid species and 14 plants that survive at this altitude due to the hot spring water.
There are two hot springs pools with temperature from 106 to 126 degrees. Since the weather was still a little rainy we decided not to go into the pools. Maybe we can go on our way back home, the water was nice and clear and it really looked inviting.
Maybe these pictures will give you some idea of what they looked like.
It has been brought to my attention that I did not include pictures of the hot springs. It seems that the WiFi I was using stopped before all the pictures were loaded. I'm very sorry about that and hopefully now all of the pictures will be there.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Toad River, British Columbia
Today, we left Fort Nelson heading west on the Alaska Highway to find different towns and new excitement. Our next stop is Toad River, British Columbia and it's only about 121 miles away.
We drove through some of the most beautiful and rugged country side I've seen in a long time. Also today we ran into something we haven't seen much of on our trip...Rain. Thanks goodness it wasn't a hard rain and the roads were not bothered by it. We had some more rain tonight but it was a welome site.
As always, Jerry was very busy with her trusty camera and here are some of the results. Sit back, have the pop corn ready and enjoy.
We drove through some of the most beautiful and rugged country side I've seen in a long time. Also today we ran into something we haven't seen much of on our trip...Rain. Thanks goodness it wasn't a hard rain and the roads were not bothered by it. We had some more rain tonight but it was a welome site.
As always, Jerry was very busy with her trusty camera and here are some of the results. Sit back, have the pop corn ready and enjoy.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Fort Nelson, British Columbia
Fort Nelson was originally established as a fur trading post in 1805. Fort Nelson flourished with the construction of the Alaska Highway, making it the bustling community it is today.
We went to the Fort Nelson Heritage Museum which was right next door to the campground where we're parked. It was an interesting museum.
Tomorrow, we'll be back "On The Road Again" heading further west toward Alaska. I believe I can promise more pictures.
We went to the Fort Nelson Heritage Museum which was right next door to the campground where we're parked. It was an interesting museum.
Tomorrow, we'll be back "On The Road Again" heading further west toward Alaska. I believe I can promise more pictures.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
The Alaska Highway
Today we began a 215 drive on the Alaska Highway. Although we're still technically in British Columbia, we're traveling on the Alaska Highway.
The Alaska Highway begins at Mile Zero in Dawson Creek, BC. The first 613 miles of the Alaska Highway are in British Columbia where it is designated as BC Highway 97 North. The highway travels in a northwesterly direction to the Yukon Territory border near Watson Lake.
The entire distance from Dawson Creek, BC to Fairbanks, Alaska is about 1,500 miles through some of the most unforgiving country in the world. Although it goes where "no man had gone before", it is a beautiful drive.
On our drive today, Jerry had her trusty camera ready and took some pictures to give you some idea of the beauty of this country. Get your pop corn ready and enjoy the pictures.
The Alaska Highway begins at Mile Zero in Dawson Creek, BC. The first 613 miles of the Alaska Highway are in British Columbia where it is designated as BC Highway 97 North. The highway travels in a northwesterly direction to the Yukon Territory border near Watson Lake.
The entire distance from Dawson Creek, BC to Fairbanks, Alaska is about 1,500 miles through some of the most unforgiving country in the world. Although it goes where "no man had gone before", it is a beautiful drive.
On our drive today, Jerry had her trusty camera ready and took some pictures to give you some idea of the beauty of this country. Get your pop corn ready and enjoy the pictures.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Kiskatonaw Bridge
Today we took a seventeen mile trip north of Dawson Creek to see the original bridge that was built on the Alaska Highway. This is the only original bridge still in use today. It is 531 feet long and about 200 hundred feet above the Kiskatonaw River. It was built from British Columbia Spruce timbers that were cut about 200 miles from the building site and brought in by truck. The bridge has a nine degree curve which makes it an engineering marvel. Remember it was built long before they had the bridge building equipment they now have.
We also went to the Walter Wright Pioneer Village which depicts Dawson Creek before the Alaska Highway construction period. It takes you back to the time when Dawson Creek was on the edge of the frontier. These houses and buildings were relocated from their original locations to the Pioneer Village. Great care was taken to move these building without damaging them.
We also went to the Walter Wright Pioneer Village which depicts Dawson Creek before the Alaska Highway construction period. It takes you back to the time when Dawson Creek was on the edge of the frontier. These houses and buildings were relocated from their original locations to the Pioneer Village. Great care was taken to move these building without damaging them.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Dawson Creek, British Columbia
On March 9, 1942, Dawson Creek, a small northern Canadian community with a population of 699 people, bustled and swelled with activity when the first train carrying American troops arrived. In a matter of weeks the town's population exploded to 10,000.
To build the Alaska Highway, seven regiments of American engineers, approximately 11,000 men (including three regiments of African American heritage), 16,000 civilians from Canada and the United States were thrown into action against some of the toughest and most unforgiving wilderness areas in the world.
After a little over eight months of intense construction, the Alaska Highway was complete. On November 20, 1942, Mile 1061 (known as Soldiers' Summit) saw the ribbon cutting ceremony that officially opened the "Alcan" Highway. The 1528 mile road included 133 major bridges and more than 3000 culverts. The cost of this construction was approximately $140 million U.S. wartime dollars.
Since completion in 1942, the Alaska Highway has held a fascination for visitors and residents. The building of the Alaska Highway is an epic tale that involves mystery, romance and intrigue. This is indeed a Town to see.
To build the Alaska Highway, seven regiments of American engineers, approximately 11,000 men (including three regiments of African American heritage), 16,000 civilians from Canada and the United States were thrown into action against some of the toughest and most unforgiving wilderness areas in the world.
After a little over eight months of intense construction, the Alaska Highway was complete. On November 20, 1942, Mile 1061 (known as Soldiers' Summit) saw the ribbon cutting ceremony that officially opened the "Alcan" Highway. The 1528 mile road included 133 major bridges and more than 3000 culverts. The cost of this construction was approximately $140 million U.S. wartime dollars.
Since completion in 1942, the Alaska Highway has held a fascination for visitors and residents. The building of the Alaska Highway is an epic tale that involves mystery, romance and intrigue. This is indeed a Town to see.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Grand Prairie, Alberta, Canada
The City of Grand Prairie is a thriving regional center located in Northwestern Alberta in the heart of Peace Country. The City began as a Hudson's Bay trading post in the late 1800's and is among the fastest growing municipalities in Canada. Grand Prairie has a population of 50,227 and serves a market area of more than 250,000 people within a two-hour drive.
Grand Prairie's history and culture is brought back to life within the Grand Prairie Pioneer Museum located in Muskoseepi Park. The museum includes an outdoor heritage village with a restored post office, school, church, fire hall and barns. We drove into town to see the museum and the directions on how to get there were not for "someone who ain't from here". We found it and guess what...it was closed they were repaving the streets.
Not to be outdone, we drove north to the town of Sexsmith. In the late 1940's the town was known as the Grain Capital of the British Empire, shipping more grain than any other port in the Empire. The main street has some of the original buildings that were built in the 1940's.
After that we drove south to the very small town of Wembley. It's named after Wembley England, Yes, the same town where they play tennis. Wembley is the "Gateway to the Dinosaurs" The Pipestone Creek area has received international attention due to the discovery of the world's largest pachyrhinosaurus ("thick nosed horned" dinosaur bone bed.
I must say that Canada is a very pretty country, the scenery is breathtaking and there is a lot to see. However, I must also say that this country is "not civilized". You can go into any grocery store you want and there is a most important item you WON'T FIND.....WHEATIES. Man cannot live by bread alone, he must have his WHEATIES. I'm glad this time we came prepared.
Grand Prairie's history and culture is brought back to life within the Grand Prairie Pioneer Museum located in Muskoseepi Park. The museum includes an outdoor heritage village with a restored post office, school, church, fire hall and barns. We drove into town to see the museum and the directions on how to get there were not for "someone who ain't from here". We found it and guess what...it was closed they were repaving the streets.
Not to be outdone, we drove north to the town of Sexsmith. In the late 1940's the town was known as the Grain Capital of the British Empire, shipping more grain than any other port in the Empire. The main street has some of the original buildings that were built in the 1940's.
After that we drove south to the very small town of Wembley. It's named after Wembley England, Yes, the same town where they play tennis. Wembley is the "Gateway to the Dinosaurs" The Pipestone Creek area has received international attention due to the discovery of the world's largest pachyrhinosaurus ("thick nosed horned" dinosaur bone bed.
I must say that Canada is a very pretty country, the scenery is breathtaking and there is a lot to see. However, I must also say that this country is "not civilized". You can go into any grocery store you want and there is a most important item you WON'T FIND.....WHEATIES. Man cannot live by bread alone, he must have his WHEATIES. I'm glad this time we came prepared.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
This morning we drove into the town of Morinville, AB to fuel up the car and see if there was anything of interest in town. As it turned out, the only thing there was an old Catholic Church which was built back in the 1800's. It was very impressive church. Alas, there was nothing else of note in this small town.
We began a short trip into Edmonton, which is the capital of Alberta Providence, to check out the "little mall" they have there. On the way in we spotted a rather large herd of elk on the roadside. There is an elk ranch there which we hope to go see tomorrow if it doesn't rain.
We got to the West Edmonton Mall and boy is it impressive. It is the world's largest entertainment and shopping center. The mall covers 38 square blocks and has more than 800 stores, more than 100 dining establishments and 13 movie theatres including a large IMAX theatre.
It has the following attractions "under the roof". Galaxyland Amusement Park complete with two roller coasters and everything you would find in an amusement park. It has the world's largest indoor wave pool with live Palm Trees on three sides of the pool. It has a Deep Sea Adventure and docked on one end of the world's largest indoor lake is an exact replica of Christopher Columbus's flag ship the Santa Maria.
There is also the Sea Life Caverns which is home to approximately 100 species of colorful fish, sharks, reptiles and penguins. They also have live Sea Lions in the lagoon.
And if all this is not enough they have an 18 hole mini-golf course, complete with sand traps and water hazards.
There is Bourbon Street where you can get a taste of New Orleans' vibrant nightlife. There is also China Town with exotic sights and sounds of a busy Far East market in China.
Lastly there is Europa Boulevard where art and architecture on this unique and beautiful street is fashioned after those found in various European cities.
Oh, did I tell you they also sell clothes and other things you might want from a mall?
Get the pop corn ready because I took a couple of pictures for you to enjoy.
We began a short trip into Edmonton, which is the capital of Alberta Providence, to check out the "little mall" they have there. On the way in we spotted a rather large herd of elk on the roadside. There is an elk ranch there which we hope to go see tomorrow if it doesn't rain.
We got to the West Edmonton Mall and boy is it impressive. It is the world's largest entertainment and shopping center. The mall covers 38 square blocks and has more than 800 stores, more than 100 dining establishments and 13 movie theatres including a large IMAX theatre.
It has the following attractions "under the roof". Galaxyland Amusement Park complete with two roller coasters and everything you would find in an amusement park. It has the world's largest indoor wave pool with live Palm Trees on three sides of the pool. It has a Deep Sea Adventure and docked on one end of the world's largest indoor lake is an exact replica of Christopher Columbus's flag ship the Santa Maria.
There is also the Sea Life Caverns which is home to approximately 100 species of colorful fish, sharks, reptiles and penguins. They also have live Sea Lions in the lagoon.
And if all this is not enough they have an 18 hole mini-golf course, complete with sand traps and water hazards.
There is Bourbon Street where you can get a taste of New Orleans' vibrant nightlife. There is also China Town with exotic sights and sounds of a busy Far East market in China.
Lastly there is Europa Boulevard where art and architecture on this unique and beautiful street is fashioned after those found in various European cities.
Oh, did I tell you they also sell clothes and other things you might want from a mall?
Get the pop corn ready because I took a couple of pictures for you to enjoy.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
An Update On Our Trip
We left Fort Macleod this morning heading north to Calgary. It's a long hard trip, 111 miles and since it's mainly through farming area there wasn't much to see. After we got a little further north we did see snow on the mountains on our left. They are part of the Canadian Rockies.
When I was getting ready to pull I noticed an long crack on the left side of the windshield on my side. I cleaned the windows before we left Leftbridge which is about 35 miles away and I didn't notice it. I also cleaned the windows again when we got here and nothing. We did have a small chip repaired in Great Falls and I guess it might have been from that chip, I don't know for sure. Oh well I'm going to leave it till we get back from Alaska in case I get some more windshield damage.
YEA !!! we're getting Internet and TV with our new satellite dish. This may not mean much to you but when you go north of the "lower 48" you usually loose all satellite signals. I don't know how much further we'll get satellite service but I hope it's a long way.
Sorry, no pictures today but I wanted everyone to know we're still alive and kicking. Don't give up it won't be long before the pictures start again. I'll bet that before we finish the trip some of you will say "Bob, enough, stop the pictures".
When I was getting ready to pull I noticed an long crack on the left side of the windshield on my side. I cleaned the windows before we left Leftbridge which is about 35 miles away and I didn't notice it. I also cleaned the windows again when we got here and nothing. We did have a small chip repaired in Great Falls and I guess it might have been from that chip, I don't know for sure. Oh well I'm going to leave it till we get back from Alaska in case I get some more windshield damage.
YEA !!! we're getting Internet and TV with our new satellite dish. This may not mean much to you but when you go north of the "lower 48" you usually loose all satellite signals. I don't know how much further we'll get satellite service but I hope it's a long way.
Sorry, no pictures today but I wanted everyone to know we're still alive and kicking. Don't give up it won't be long before the pictures start again. I'll bet that before we finish the trip some of you will say "Bob, enough, stop the pictures".
Monday, June 1, 2009
Fort MacLeod, Alberta, Canada
We arrived in Fort MacLeod on Sunday and that afternoon we went into town to take a tour. Guess what?? Everything was closed.
We drove a few miles over to Head Smashed-In Buffalo Jump to see where Blackfoot Indians used to drive herds of Buffalo over a cliff to their death. This was one way they "harvested" Buffalo to get their food and materials for clothes. It was open but it was not suited for older folks that have problems walking. You have to park and walk a long way up a big hill to the site and then walk a long way up a face of the cliff to view the site. We decided to pass on this.
Today we went into town to tour the Fort where the North-West Mounted Police were housed back in the late 1800's. The Mounted Police were created in 1873 when Canadian Prime Minister John A. McDonald proposed to the House of Commons that a police force be established to bring order to the Canadian West. His proposal was accepted and on May 23, 1873 the Mounted Police was formed. They are now known as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Mounted Police built their first post on an island on the Old Man River and named it after the man that led them, Colonel James MacLeod in 1884.
We really enjoyed the tour and of course Jerry and I took a couple of pictures. You might need more than one bowl of pop corn for this, relax and enjoy.
We drove a few miles over to Head Smashed-In Buffalo Jump to see where Blackfoot Indians used to drive herds of Buffalo over a cliff to their death. This was one way they "harvested" Buffalo to get their food and materials for clothes. It was open but it was not suited for older folks that have problems walking. You have to park and walk a long way up a big hill to the site and then walk a long way up a face of the cliff to view the site. We decided to pass on this.
Today we went into town to tour the Fort where the North-West Mounted Police were housed back in the late 1800's. The Mounted Police were created in 1873 when Canadian Prime Minister John A. McDonald proposed to the House of Commons that a police force be established to bring order to the Canadian West. His proposal was accepted and on May 23, 1873 the Mounted Police was formed. They are now known as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Mounted Police built their first post on an island on the Old Man River and named it after the man that led them, Colonel James MacLeod in 1884.
We really enjoyed the tour and of course Jerry and I took a couple of pictures. You might need more than one bowl of pop corn for this, relax and enjoy.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Today, we went sight seeing around this City, we've heard a lot about it and wanted to see for ourselves if they were right.
Lethbridge had its beginning with the notorious whiskey trade followed by the development of the coal mining industries. Fort Whoop-Up, as it became known, was the largest of the established posts and Forts. Because of the use of whiskey to "encourage" trade, the Fort soon developed an infamous reputation. This reputation and the fact that an American Flag was said to be flying over Canadian territory led to the formation of the North West Mounted Police in 1873. In 1874 the NWMP arrived at Fort Whoop-Up. Their task was to establish Canadian sovereignty in the North-West and control the alcohol trade.
Lethbridge is home to the longest and tallest trestle bridge in the world, known as High Level Bridge. This year marks the 100Th anniversary of the Bridge. It is 5,327 feet long and stands 314 feet above the Old Man River. The Bridge is still operational today.
Lethbridge is also the home of the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden. A meandering path joins five traditional Japanese Garden styles, combining trees, shrubs, rocks, waterfalls, ponds and bridges to create vista of unparalleled beauty.
Of course with so much to see, I took quite a few pictures. Settle back, relax and get two bowls of pop corn and enjoy.
Lethbridge had its beginning with the notorious whiskey trade followed by the development of the coal mining industries. Fort Whoop-Up, as it became known, was the largest of the established posts and Forts. Because of the use of whiskey to "encourage" trade, the Fort soon developed an infamous reputation. This reputation and the fact that an American Flag was said to be flying over Canadian territory led to the formation of the North West Mounted Police in 1873. In 1874 the NWMP arrived at Fort Whoop-Up. Their task was to establish Canadian sovereignty in the North-West and control the alcohol trade.
Lethbridge is home to the longest and tallest trestle bridge in the world, known as High Level Bridge. This year marks the 100Th anniversary of the Bridge. It is 5,327 feet long and stands 314 feet above the Old Man River. The Bridge is still operational today.
Lethbridge is also the home of the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden. A meandering path joins five traditional Japanese Garden styles, combining trees, shrubs, rocks, waterfalls, ponds and bridges to create vista of unparalleled beauty.
Of course with so much to see, I took quite a few pictures. Settle back, relax and get two bowls of pop corn and enjoy.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Crossing The Border Into Canada
Today, after two weeks in Great Falls, MT., we finally left for the Canadian Border with our friends Ken and Mary Dollar. The other couple, Michael and Terri left this morning heading back to Texas without so much as a bye your leave.
When we arrived at the Border Crossing, the Border Guard was very friendly and asked a very few questions and in about ten minutes we were on our way. We had heard all sorts of horror stories about the crossing but we had no problems.
We stopped at the Alberta Welcome Center and got several brochures about places to see on our way north to Edmonton.
Of course Jerry and I took some pictures of the area. These are just the beginning of pictures yet to come.
When we arrived at the Border Crossing, the Border Guard was very friendly and asked a very few questions and in about ten minutes we were on our way. We had heard all sorts of horror stories about the crossing but we had no problems.
We stopped at the Alberta Welcome Center and got several brochures about places to see on our way north to Edmonton.
Of course Jerry and I took some pictures of the area. These are just the beginning of pictures yet to come.
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