" -Unknown
Part One - May 7 thru 13th
Part Two - May 14 thru the 28th
Part Three - May 29th thru June 19th
Part Four - June 20th thru July 14th
Part One - Monday - May 7th
Went thru Canadian Customs at 3 PM in Sumas, WA. No problems whatsoever, they didn't even ask about animals - and after all the trouble we went to so we'd have up-to-date medical records! Oh well!! Stopped at the Tourism Center and got an official British Columbia map that listed all the rest areas. There's beautiful rolling farms and cattle ranches with super snow-capped mountains and dense forests surrounding them - spectacular! Got a good glimpse of the Bridal Falls - in fact, we saw lots of falls along Highway #1 on way to Hope. Rode in the Fraser Canyon, north of Yale, going thru several tunnels before reaching the Alexandria Rest Area where we decided to spend the night. Made a tasty meal of B-B- Q chicken! We hadn't eaten anything all day but a couple of crackers with peanut butter and jelly so we were really hungry! Drove 248 miles in 6 1/4 hours. Got 7.5 MPG - truck pinging a lot on the up-grade.Tuesday - May 8th
Woke up at 6:30 AM to the pitter pat of rain on the roof. Lounged around drinking coffee before starting out at 8:30. Lots of low clouds and rain for an hour or so. Ran into a couple of road construction sites where we had to stop and wait. The ride thru the Fraser Canyon was so pretty - never saw one like it before! We went from below 1000 ft. to over 4000 ft. today, lots of ups and downs which is bad on the gas mileage. On the lower levels the trees were all in full foliage and there were lots of spring flowers in evidence. But what a contrast on the higher altitude levels - bare trees, no flowers - a real winter look.
There's not many houses except near the towns. The ones that we did see were quite rustic - mostly log cabins. We got gas at Cache Creek and this was our first experience with liters and Canadian money. It cost.48 (Canadian) per liter - with 3.785 liters equivalent to American gallon. It averaged out to about S 1. 42 per gallon. A little high compared to U. S. A. but we understand that it could very well be as high as $2.00 per gallon. We had several hours of sunshine and occasional rain showers. North of Cache Creek was a lot like Colorado and sometimes like the Black Hills of South Dakota. We stopped again for gas at McLeese Lake and then puffed into the rest area around the corner - hopefully for the night! I put a ham and potatoes in the oven and then took an hour's nap before dinner. The trailer is sure getting dirty and the poor motorcycle looks pitiful! We have to keep reminding each other to put on our seat belts - it's illegal not to wear them in Canada. After dinner we took a stroll around the rest area and looked at the lake. I baked some Snickerdoodle cookies and washed dishes while Pudd changed the oil and oil filter in the truck. Went to bed early. 250 miles 7 1/2 hours
Wednesday - May 9th
Woke up at 7 AM, had coffee - I washed my hair and got the trailer packed so we were on our way at 8 AM. Mostly rain and cloud cover so far today. Stopped in Ten Mile Lake Provincial Park to use their dump station. In Prince George we stopped in a Woolco to buy oil -seems we've sprung a leak in the new engine!! Stopped for gas and filled up water in trailer. Decided to go into the GMC dealer and have the oil leak checked out. That's where we are now - waiting for the folks in Tacoma to contact these people! Might as well heat up some soup and be comfortable - it may take a while! Well - two hours later Bob from Rohn Automotives in Tacoma finally got Ash Pontiac to call here and make the arrangements to have the truck fixed. So we're busy setting up the trailer to live in for the night! Brrr - is it cold!! Had to turn on the heater! Just plugged in the TV and presto - am now watching one of my shows! Things are looking up! We decided to save the hot dogs until tomorrow night and treat ourselves to a dinner out. So we walked over to "Esther's" and had a great pork chop dinner for under $15.00!! The "server" there remembered all her orders without writing them down- astounding!! Came back and watched TV with the heater on - nice and cozy! 130 miles 4 1/2 hours
Thursday - May 10th
What a bright sunny day after all the rain the past two days! Made a pancake breakfast and then checked on condition of repair on our tuck. I finished reading "Winds of War" by the time the truck was done at 11:00 AM. But they held us up waiting for a purchase order # from the motor company in the states. Walked down to a shopping center and bought a new purse. By noon we were tired of sitting around so made enough noise until they gave us the truck keys and let us go!!
Within two hours we had run into rain then snow, back to rain and then clear spots. On top of Pine Pass we stopped and Pudd checked the oil - darn if it doesn't look like we're dripping oil still! I took some pictures of frozen Azouzetta Lake and tried to get some of the Rocky Mountains. Boy, they are spectacular!! A range going south to north with no visible break. It's so bright with the sun shining on the snow that it hurts your eyes! We saw a coyote!! There's quite a lot of road work being done - guess they're building a new Hwy. 97 in some spots. It's a good thing too because north of Pine Pass is terrible. We got a good taste of what the Alaska Highway will be like. At 4 PM we pulled into the West Pine Rest Area right along side of Pine River and set up for the night. Made hot dogs with beans, potatoes and waldorf salad for dinner. Also baked some bread. Took a walk where we saw big prints of moose or elk- and then read a book before going to bed. 140 miles 4 hours
Friday - May 11th
On our way at 8:30 and only drove about 45 miles to Chetwynd when we phoned Bob of Rolin Automotives in Tacoma about the oil leak. He advised us to go back to Schultz GMC in Prince George and he would phone to advise them that we were on our way. So - Pudd set the trailer up in a campground. After eating sausage, eggs, potatoes, toast and coffee, he took off at 11: 15 leaving me behind with the animals. What a bummer! Sure hope they fix it right this time! I started a new Barbara Taylor Bradford book called "Voice of the Heart" - real good so far. Watched some TV and walked Butch a couple of times. About 5 PM, I sat down to eat some spaghetti with garlic bread until the motel lady came after me for a phone call from Pudd. They put in a new distributor and I had to deposit $214.00 in the Nova Scotia Bank for Schultz Pontiac. So I went over quickly and got that squared away as well as exchanging more American dollars for Canadian. Pudd drove in around 9:30 PM - made excellent time! He told me about his trip down and back - he saw a big moose in one of the streams 4W just west of here!! 429 miles
Saturday - May 12th
What a beautiful sunny day! I bathed and washed my hair before we left around 9:00. Got gas at Dawson City and went to K-Mart, Safeway and a bakery. Took a picture of sign "Milepost #0 Alaska Highway". Not much to see for 100 miles or so - then the Rockies came on the western horizon. 53.3 miles of gravel road so far. The gravel road is much easier to ride on than the bumpy blacktop. It would be nice if everyone drove slowly when approaching another vehicle! The first car going southbound was barreling along and slung a stone right in our widshield - the bugger! The truck is riding just great - no pinging and no oil leak! We saw a fat old porcupine in the road going around in circles! Not too much traffic on the highway this time of year. Pulled into Prophet River Wayside Area for the night - is posted "closed" but there's no chain and we're not the only ones here! Made Swedish meatballs, noodles and broccoli for dinner. Took a walk and read for awhile before turning in for the night. 284 miles 8 hours
Sunday - May l3th Happy Mother's Day!
The sun was up so bright it woke us up at 6 AM!! Puffed out of the campground at 7:30 and up the road a bit we saw the ugliest moose ever!! But I took it's picture anyway cause it's the first one I've seen here! Got some gas at Fort Nelson and then Pudd took me to the Coachouse Inn for a great omelet breakfast for Mother's Day. The road is getting progressively worse!! It wouldn't be so bad for just a vehicle but it's shaking the daylights out of this heavy rig. We broke a strap holding the motorcycle - so fixed that and went on. There was about 60 miles of oil and stone road that would be wicked riding a motorcycle. Passed a truck camper pulling a utility trailer that had hit a pothole and blew a tirel Had great weather until noori then it started with light showers the rest of the afternoon. Passed another pickup and trailer that was broke down - something about the transmission. Then we saw four animals that looked hkc moosc but were very light in color, so maybe they were caribou. I got two pictures of them. Bought gas at Muncho Lake that cost S2.00 per gallon!! Pudd noticed that the back porch had broken more welds, so we took it pretty easy for about 40 miles until we could find someone to fix it, and we did! We averaged between 28 and 32 miles per hour all day!! Pulled into Liard River Provincial Park for the night - real pretty!! After straightening the mess in the trailer and helping Pudd retie the cycle, I put on Spam, cabbage and potatoes for dinner. Took our usual walk after dinner and read for awhile before going to bed.
263 miles 9 1/2 hours
Part One - May 7 thru 13th
Part Two - May 14 thru the 28th
Part Three - May 29th thru June 19th
Part Four - June 20th thru July 14th
Part Two - Monday - May 14thThey have hot springs here that people swim in - I was expecting spouts of steam like at Yellowstone - STRANGE!! Got an early start because we were told that the road is very rough. Yesterday we went up and down from 2000 ft. to 4000 ft. going thru the mountains. We didn’t have that today but those guys weren’t lying about the conditon of the road!! It is terrible! It took us 4 hours to go 75 miles - crawling between 10 and 20 MPH! And a good 50 to 60 miles of that was thru a forest fire area - found out that lightning had caused it back in 1982. It was a very depressing ride! We had breakfast of oatmeal and toast at “Fireside” - good name! Then just before Lower Post, B.C., we got a flat tire on the dolly. So Pudd got out the spare and changed it. The partner tire doesn’t look very good but we couldn’t find any new ones in Watson Lake. So I sure do hope it holds out until we find new ones! Stopped at the Visitor’s Center in Watson Lake and got a map for Yukon Territory and lots of other literature. You should see the bunch of signs there - it’s crazy!
Click on Picture to see it enlarged.
Rode for about another hour when we spied two motorhomes from Oregon off the road so we pulled in for the night too.
Sun’s shining so nice and bright - it’s been a beautiful day weatherwise. Now I’m frying some chicken for dinner, along with mashed potatoes, corn and gravy. Sounds good!! One of the men from the motorhomes told us that the Cassiar Road (#37) was much better than the Alaska Highway - so we’ll probably take that one back in September. What a relief! I sure wasn’t looking forward to going back the same way.
170 miles 9 hours
Tuesday - May 15th
Had some rain during the night and it looks cloudy this morning. Started west around 8:30 and got about 60 miles when the second dolly tire blew!! We took the motorcycle off for Pudd to ride and then I drove the truck and trailer back to Watson Lake to try to find new tires. Talk about “The Perils of Pauline”!! Dropped the truck and trailer off in the parking lot of the Information Center and then rode the cycle out to the airport. A nice guy named John, is calling around trying to find us the tires. In the meantime, Pudd took the 2 flat tubes down to be patched and calling John to find out if he’s come up with anything. At 5:30 he told us he had no luck but that Jimmy could have 2 tires flown in from Fort Nelson tomorrow. We’re to call him at 8 AM. So far, so good! Made a pineapple upside-down cake - it sure helped to heat up the place! Pudd watched the Islanders-Edmonton Hockey game and we had baked ham with macaroni and cheese for dinner. I finished reading “Voice of the Heart” by Barbara Taylor Bradford - good book! Also washed my hair.
Wednesday - May 16th
Pudd tried calling Jimmy but he was busy so we rode the cycle to the airport. Set up the deal for the two tires to come in tonight at 5:30. Then we rode up to Highway 37 to see Ike Freson at the Shell station. Sat and drank coffee and talked with him for a couple of hours - nice man. Then we went to the bank and Ike gave us $215.00 that he in turn charged on our Shell card to pay for the tires. Now we have enough money to pay for gas the rest of way thru the Yukon. I baked bread to help warm up the trailer while Pudd changed the dolly wheels around. We had spaghetti for dinner then took a walk up the highway and found a dump station at Gulf - we sure need it! Watched TV before going to bed.
Thursday - May 17th
We got to the Gulf station before 7 AM but by the time we dumped, filled up with gas, air and water it was 8:00 before we were on our way. We stopped around 10:30 for a pancake breakfast. Between 12 noon and 7 PM we had pulled off to see how the dolly wheels were doing and discovered two flat tires on the trailer - one old tire and one new one! What a mess! A young couple from Colorado moving to Palmer, Alaska stopped and gave us a plug for the tubeless old tire. It seemed to hold pretty good. We also plugged the new one and then put a can of gunk in the tube. But it didn’t work so we put on the spare. Went about 15 to 20 miles when we discovered the old tire’s plug didn’t hold and we had ripped the tire beyond repair. Had just passed a Shell station so we turned around and tried to limp back but decided to unhook the trailer and take just the truck. So - $17.00 later we had the tube repaired on one and our extra spare mounted. Back on the road again at 7 PM. Ran into construction and what a bloody mess that that was!! Pudd made me take a picture of it. Finally hit the most beautiful section of the highway with lots of snow-capped mountains and lakes. Now we’re looking for March Lake Campground. We ate a tuna fish and cheese sandwich for dinner while driving. Had some split pea soup later.
267 miles 14 1/2 hoursFriday - May 18th
Woke up to a chilly sunny day! Drove out at 9:30 - slept late. Nice road into Whitehorse where we took a picture of the SS Klondike then walked thru the Qwanlin Mall and got some barrettes for the granddaughters, some cards and ate breakfast at Woolworth’s. Gassed up and on the road again at noon. Only hit a little bit of bad road today - most of it was passable! Saw lots of beautiful scenery because we were in the Kluane Mountain region and it was a real joy to see! Stopped at a viewpoint where I took a couple of pictures and then made some peanut butter and crackers for us to munch on. Decided to stop in at Congdon Creek Campground for the night - it’s right on the edge of the Kluane Lake and is a beautiful setting. Pudd built a rip-roaring campfire and I made tuna fish casserole and broccoli for dinner. Then we walked down to the beach to take a picture. Sat around the fire before Pudd decided to rotate the dolly tires. I came in to do the dishes, watched “Dallas” on TV and took a great shower. Pudd took one too! I’m writing this at 11:05 PM and it’s still light enough outside to read!! Weird!
183 miles 8 hoursSaturday - May 19th
No one is going to believe the day we put in! Started off great at 8:30 from the campground. Roads were not too good but we plugged along - stopped a couple of times for picture taking or make coffee and eat cereal for breakfast. After about 60 miles we ran into bad road conditions again. Then about 5 miles south of the Alaska border we heard a load POP - sure enough - another flat tire on the right front of the trailer. We also discovered one of the new dolly tires flat. So Pudd changed them both while I directed traffic. He also discovered that the front axle was bent!!! Limped up to the border and thru Customs. About 4 miles on we broke the axle. Pudd took off the tire and hooked up the come-along to the axle and we went another 2 or 3 miles going under 5 MPH until we came to a parking pull off. Set the trailer up for who knows how long and I started dinner. Had Manwiches on biscuits, mixed vegetables and pear sauce. Elderly couple next door came up from Washington and had starter problems. They decided to spend the night too. I made some chocolate peanuts for a snack.
Sunday - May 20th
Pudd had pulled off the axle so we were loaded up and ready to go find some help around 8:30. Rode over the roughest 35 miles and stopped at the 1260 Inn and Garage where we filled up with gas, water and propane. Ate some breakfast while Jim welded our axle for which he only charges us $50 - that was great!! We got the small tire repaired, but the big tire needs a tube which they didn’t have. Passed the old couple on our way back at 12:30. The whole west and southwest horizon is full of snow-capped mountains - it’s really beautiful! A lot of lakes and forests, too! It took Pudd about three hours to reinstall the axle and two tires, then we packed up and took off at 4 PM. Took us 2 hrs. 15 min. to go the 32 miles back to 1260 Inn where I cooked scrapple, noodles and brussel sprouts for dinner. Jim looked at our dolly and advised us to get a new shock absorber for it in Tok. Left there at 7:15 and drove to Tok River Wayside for the night. Went right to bed at 9 PM
151 miles (repair trip included - 81 actual miles) (5 hours)Monday - May 21st
Woke up to two more flat tires!! One on the trailer and one on the dolly with only the dolly spare left! Pudd changed the dolly tire and then put in a can of gunk in the trailer tire. We made it to Tok. Tried the Northern Energy Corp. but they weren’t any help in fixing the jammed dolly. Then we went to the Chevron station and had two tubes patched and had to buy a new trailer tire. That took all our money but $27.00. Didn’t get 25 miles before another dolly tire blew - think that made 9 flats. (I’ve lost track!). So Pudd changed it and then we unloaded the cycle and he drove the cycle and I drove the truck to North Pole. The second dolly tire blew and I drove on just one tire for about 25 miles before we got to Santa Claus House for the night. I made meat loaf, baked potatoes and corn for dinner. We’re hoping to make it into Fairbanks (14 miles) tomorrow and hopefully find some way to solve our problem. If the last dolly tire blows before we do then Pudd says we’ll have to ditch the whole trailer extension and sell the motorcycle. I baked up four of the frozen danish pastry.
199 miles 12-1/2 hoursTuesday - May 22nd
Woke up at 3 AM and started into Fairbanks. It was only 14 miles but Pudd wanted me to be able to drive into the city without a lot of traffic. We rode thru downtown looking for a lot big enough for the rig to sit while we hunted for help. Nothing there - so we went to Alaskaland - dumped the holding tank and decided to go to the State Troopers to see if they knew of anyone with the knowledge to help. They sent us to U & I which in turn sent us to Tony Thacker of the Front End Shop next door - he did everything he could for us - for no charge! He checked out the dolly assembly and gave us new spacers for it. Pudd and I rode all over the place including in the airport looking for another dolly - one with 8” wheels - no luck. Ended up at 6 PM very discouraged! Just two more alternatives for tomorrow, pay $100 for another 6” airplane tire that could blow anytime or devise an 8” wheel to fit our dolly. Guess we’ll sleep on it! In the meantime we ate some hot dogs and beans for dinner and made an appointment for Pudd to have his last tooth pulled tomorrow morning. We worked hard getting the dolly reinstalled - both were grease from head to toe!! We washed our heads and watched a little TV before going to bed for much needed sleep!!
Wednesday - May 23rd
Pudd had his tooth pulled - cost $96.00!!! Went to the bank machine and drew out more money then went out looking for 8” wheels. Got one and took it and one of our 6” wheels with hub to Tony so he could get a machinist to work on on them. If it works and we can get a tire on it that will serve the dolly then we’ll go back to buy two more wheels and have the machinist fix them up too. Went ahead and bought an 8” tire and tube so we can see if we’ll have enough clearance. Also stopped in the Information Center downtown and got some brochures. I cleaned up the trailer some and read some magazines. Some guy stopped by to look at the truck and trailer - seems there was an ad on the radio this morning about a truck and trailer unit for sale for $12,500.00 at the Safeway parking lot. Gads!! That’s all we need - a bunch of people coming here to look us over!! Made soup and sandwiches for dinner. Pudd’s mouth is doing great but the lower plate is HUGE!! Tony told us that the wheel won’t be done until tomorrow morning. We walked thru the shopping center and left two films to be developed and printed. Watched TV and went to bed at 10 PM - sun’s still shining!
Thursday - May 24th
Tony brought over the wheel and we put on the tire (after having bought $68 worth of tire repair equipment) and it fit perfect. So we bought two more wheels and took them over to the machine shop - supposed to pick them up at 5 o’clock. Then drove downtown for two more 8” tires and tubes and some Slick 50 bearing grease. I drew out more money and picked up the photos while Pudd got air in a tire. At 5 o’clock we picked up the other two wheels at Pete’s Machine Shop ($98) and we fought the tires trying to mount them (pinched one of the new tubes already!) and got air in them at Tony’s. Said good-bye to all the guys and gave Tony a thank you note with $20.00. While Pudd installed the tires on the dolly and repaired the spare tube, I made a new recipe for dinner - Impossible Broccoli, Ham and Cheese Pie. Boy, it was good!!! We watched TV and then I readied the trailer for moving before going to bed.
Friday - May 25th
We were up and on our way before 5:30 AM. Took time to dump our holding tanks and gas up the truck. Stopped at a parking area to check the motorcycle and had to tie the porch onto the A-frame!! Had a good breakfast. Ran into about 5 miles of heavy road construction and rest of the way down to Healy was rough but we made it just fine going about 30 MPH. Finally got into pretty mountainous country just north of Denali National Park and really enjoyed the rest of the ride. Stopped at a couple of gas stations at Cantell but the price was $1.46 to $1.48. We decided to wait for the Igloo Service and we were glad - they gave us a 3 cent cash discount for buying 25 gal., so we ended up paying $1.43 - which was high but what can you do!! The old guy there was so nice and interesting to talk to. He let us fill up our water tank and jugs with his good water. We were tired of seeing muddy water we had gotten at 1260 Inn a few days back! Didn’t see any animals at all along the highway but we decided to spend the weekend at Byers Lake Campground in Denali State Park and there is supposed to be daily bears in the campground. So - maybe we’ll get lucky and see a big black or brown bear. It is so pretty in this area that we hope to come back here after fishing at Kenai Peninsula and spend several weeks - taking a day trip to Denali National Park! We took a walk around the whole camp - it’s rustic but very pretty! Made sweet and sour pork on rice with peas and carrots for dinner - then baked a spice cake for later. Read the new Louis Lamour book.
215 miles 9 1/2 hoursSaturday - May 26th
Slept for 13 straight hours - wasn’t tired or anything, were we?!! Ate some biscuits and sausage gravy, then took a walk up to get some firewood. Came up with possible solution for bolting the back porch to the A-frame - we’ll see! Took the Byers Lake Bridge hiking trail - 2 miles round-trip in an hour - not bad! Pudd chopped up the wood for a campfire and I made up some bean soup to simmer for dinner. I read a book while Pudd took a nap. Made real good apple/nut muffins to go with the bean soup. Did dishes and went to bed at 8 PM.
Sunday - May 27th
Slept for 12 hours!! Had oatmeal and toast for breakfast. Pudd filled water tank and tightened tail pipes on truck again! I put 2 sets of pictures in albums, washed my hair and wrote three letters while Pudd replaced the clothesline with bailing wire to hold the porch down onto the A-frame of the cycle extension. Took a walk around the campground - lots of people have left because of the rain this morning but it’s nice and sunny out right now. Pudd built a rip-roaring campfire that we sat around for about 2 hours drinking hot chocolate! Made canned luncheon meat, cabbage and potatoes for dinner then sat reading till bedtime at 9 PM.
Monday - May 28th Memorial Day!
Brrr - a chilly 34 degrees this morning!! Had the generator on for an hour or so for the electric heater. After an egg breakfast and a bit of reading we hiked up to the rest area above the campground with Butch (our dog). Had a ball tramping thru the woods finding our way back!! Baked a loaf of yummy bread and a “Country Apple” pie. Warmed up the leftover bean soup for dinner.
Then we toted two water jugs to the pump and had a dickens of a time carrying them back - they’re heavy!! Read for a spell - had a piece of pie - did the dishes and prepared for traveling tomorrow before turning in for the night. It was nice and sunny all day - great!!
Part One - May 7 thru 13th
Part Two - May 14 thru the 28th
Part Three - May 29th thru June 19th
Part Four - June 20th thru July 14th
Tuesday - May 29th Part Three
Darn that Pudd - he got up at 5 AM and had us on the road at 6!!! We had a cool clear day to ride - just enough clouds to hide Mount McKinley! Stopped in Willow to check out their Laundromat but they wanted $1.50 per washer and dryer! Fooey on that! Our speedometer cable or something broke so now we don't know how fast or how far we're going! Went to a laundromat in Wasilla ($1.35!) while Pudd tried fixing the speedometer (no luck), also went to the bank, post office and grocery store. Tried the GMC dealer in Anchorage but they were too busy so rode thru the busy city on to the Seward Highway. The Turnagain Arm drive is so pretty! At 2:30 PM we pulled into Bird Creek Campground in Chugach State Park - it's a bit dumpy but good enough for a few days. Made Pot roast, potatoes and carrots in my new roasting pan. Really good! Have had nothing but rain since we left Anchorage! Read some and took a walk on a bike trail - it was beautiful seeing the mountains and river. Ate some pie before going to bed. 175 miles 8 1/2 hours
Wednesday - May 30th
Got up around 9 AM - Pudd filled jugs and tank with water. Drove truck into Anchorage where we visited in Log Cabin Visitor's Center and got some maps and brochures. Did some gift shopping at Woolworths and ate delicious Steak-um sandwiches with French Fries and cole slaw for lunch - drew more money out of the bank and rode to Earthquake Park. Found House of Harley where we bought shirts for us and Dori & Glenn - the guy gave us a nice belt buckle too! Then we went to Alaska Sales and Service GMC to get our speedometer fixed. What we needed cost $143.00!! So we decided to bypass that by doing away with the Cruise Control and just bought a $13.00 cable - it works just great!! When we got back to the camper I started a spaghetti and garlic bread dinner while Pudd messed around with the tail pipe again! It rained most of the day and was quite cold but the sun's out now. Can't get used to it being light all the time! Haven't seen a star for a month now!!
Thursday - May 31st
Left at 9:30 and had a beautiful ride thru Turnagain Pass on Seward Highway. Then turned onto Sterling Highway towards Homer - we were headed for Anchor River Recreation Area. Took some pictures of Mt. Redoubt and Mt Iliamna across the Cook Inlet. The scenery all along the coast was beautiful. Stopped in Soldatna and drew some more money out of the bank - have enough now for tires before we leave. Also made sandwiches to eat along the way. Was so surprised to see Kip and Jean Adams' camper as soon as we pulled into the campground. We had been on the lookout for them but not really looking! We found a place to park and visited with them a spell. Also met two women from California - Fern and Anita. After we were all set up, I made Scrapple, fried potatoes, cabbage and broccoli for dinner. Then we took a long walk up the road towards the Inlet - cut across a new campground and then down along the Anchor River back to our camper. It was fun!! It was almost 10 o'clock by the time we got back. Read a for awhile - had hot chocolate with pie and was in bed about 11 to 11:30.
180 miles 6 hoursFriday - June 1st
Pudd and Kip walked up to the Bait Shop for his fishing license and lures. I cleaned up the bathroom and, when looking for a quart jar to give to Jean, I found a 5 lb. bag of sugar that had broken open. Took me forever to clean up that mess under the sink!! Anita and Art came over to our table and we exchanged tales of woe about our trip up here. Pudd took a nap while I read. Then I baked some chicken and potatoes for dinner as well as fresh homemade bread. Took Butch for a walk and ended up visiting with Kip and Jean for an hour or so. Kids next to them had two black Labrador puppies (13 wks) and we watched them put thru their paces. Came home and did dishes while Pudd fixed his lures and got ready for tomorrow's fishing. Had pie and hot chocolate - was in bed before 11 o'clock. Cars were already arriving to start fishing at midnight.
Saturday - June 2nd
Pudd went out to fish at 5 AM but it was too cold (38 degrees). Finally, after drinking a pot of coffee, he went out again - I was up by 8 o'clock. He tried his luck all morning while I made him a breakfast of pancakes. I was in and out - watching the fishermen, taking pictures, talking with Jean, Anita and Fern & coming in to read every now and then. It was a riot here seeing all the guys up and down the riverbank! I saw quite a few catch salmon - they are one big fish!! Most of them were between 25 and 30 lbs. each! Poor Pudd - all he got was lost lures and wet pants!! About 4 o'clock we ate some hot dogs, beans and potatoes - then Pudd went down to "Grassy Hole" with Kip - but still no luck. I baked a couple of danish for a late snack Went to bed around 10 PM. Pudd was sure tired!
Sunday - June 3rd
Up at 8 and didn't do anything different from yesterday. Pudd had a ball fishing up & down the river finding an old pan and more lost lures - got wet clean thru 3 times!! I cleaned up the trailer, sewed Pudd's jacket, read and talked with the gals. Saw a couple more fish being caught. Had beef stew for dinner - took a walk and did dishes before bed at 10:30. Pudd came to bed about 2 AM!!
Monday - June 4th
Didn't get up until 9 o'clock - felt so good in bed! Fishing was terrible again today but it was fun just talking with everyone. Anita and Fern came in to see my windchime collection and we exchanged recipes. I read some but mostly sat outside talking and watching the silly fishermen! Baked some bread and made a hamburg/green bean/potato casserole for dinner. Pudd and I went up the river to Grassy Hole where I took some pictures - saw a couple of eagles too! Anita and Art Dempsey (Bel Loma, Calif.) and Fern and George Genari came to say goodbye - they're leaving early in the morning. I went in to do the dishes and read before going to bed. Pudd & Art went out fishing again and Pudd landed one but it was hooked on the tail, so he had to release it. Then had another hit but it got off. He came in after 11 PM.
Tuesday - June 5th
Saw Art, Anita, Fern & George leave about 7 M. Then Kip & Jean Adams woke us up at 9:30 when they left for Russian River. Took a motorcycle ride to Homer and Homer Spit. What a beautiful day for a ride!! Took some pictures along Kachemak Bay and on Homer Spit. Had breakfast in Homer, did some souvenir shopping, got money from bank and Pudd washed motorcyle while I went to Wallace's Bakery!! Got back home at 3:30 and Pudd took truck in for some water in our jugs. Later he put up the big TV antenna and we were able to get 3 channels! I collected some wood and Pudd built a campfire after dinner. Had baked ham, potatoes and peas for dinner with pastry later for dessert. Watched Remington Steele and went to bed at 10 PM.
Wednesday - June 6th
I got up first before 8 AM and watched the 40th anniversary of D-Day on TV. Pudd took Butch for a long, dirty hike while I took a fantastic shower - then he took one too. Filled the water tank before going into Anchor Point for more water, propane and gas in the truck. Then I wrote out some postcards while watching "soaps" on TV. Both took a couple of hours snooze time before walking up to Curley's and on up to Anchor River Inn for dinner. Pudd had breaded veal cutlet and I had the Halibut Steak dinner. Walked the mile back when it started to drizzle rain. We watched "Every Which Way But Loose" with Clint Eastwood - it was a funny but senseless movie!! Went to bed after 11 PM - too much nap time, I guess.
Thursday - June 7th
It rained most of the night and was still drizzling when we got up at 10 AM!! Walked down to Silver King Bait Shop and exchanged some paperbacks with Curley. Tried to talk him into selling me a complete fly rod and reel for $50 - decided to wait. I would love to try fly fishing - it really looks like fun! Then we took a long walk with Butch up a steep road. Came home and watched one of my "soaps" before walking out to Grassy Hole to look for eagles. Worked on the postcards some more before making Swedish meat balls, noodles and cauliflower for dinner. Watched TV till bedtime at 10 PM.
Friday - June 8th
Finished the postcards then went to Post Office to mail. Also got new caps for our Igloo jugs and filled jugs with water and bought propane. Stopped at the locksmiths to find a spring to fit our door handle - they (Sharon and Jim) have an ongoing yard sale in their yard where I got a dozen books for 25 cents each. Had coffee and a good chat with her - they're both from Iowa and have been married 2 years - running this yard-sale business for their income. Nice people! Came home for a tuna fish sandwich for lunch - watched TV - baked a pecan pie and a loaf of bread. I vacuumed the trailer real good while Pudd fixed the lock. Had Spam, cabbage and potatoes for dinner.
Saturday - June 9th and Sunday - June 10th
Pudd fished both days with no luck - in fact, not too many were caught - poor fishing all around! I watched thru the binoculars and saw eagles flying high in the sky - it was beautiful!
Monday - June 11th
Decided to ride down to Homer again, going by way of the Old Sterling Highway. Took the West Hill Rd. - what a fantastic view of the Homer Spit, Kachemak Bay and Kenai Mountains seen from West Hill Road!!
Click on Picture to see it enlarged.
Went in a big circle and came back to the Highway - never hit the East Hill Rd. So - back we went and I took lots of pictures - found the East Hill Rd. and saw a moose. When we got into Homer the first place we went was a restroom! Then stopped at a gift shop where I found a great cookbook - Alaskan recipes for wild game, fish and sourdough bread. Want to try some of that! Got more "stake" money from the bank, then Pudd washed the truck while I walked down to the bakery for some goodies! Each ate an apple fritter on the way home - good!! Pudd tried fishing again while I washed my hair and finished a book I was reading. Got the antennas down getting ready to leave in the morning. Had meat loaf and baked potatoes for dinner, then Pudd and I took a walk. He went fishing again and helped two other guys bring in their fish. Watched TV.
Tuesday - June 12th
Pulled out of Steelhead Campground at 10 AM and rode up to Ninilchik Recreation Area where we dumped and looked over the campground there. Pudd thought it was too windy and crowded there. After taking a picture of the Russian Orthodox Church on the hill we rode on to Soldotna. I did some grocery shopping at the Safeway while Pudd tied the washing machine on the trailer roof and fixed the broken rear-light wires on the back of the trailer. Bought cheeseburgers and fries for lunch at McDonald's and rode on to the Cooper Creek Campground. Rode 5 1/2 hours. (3:30 PM) and 107 miles. Something is wrong with the transmission! Visited around a campfire with the Hosts, Hugh and Florene Hopkins from Georgia. Had breaded pork patties with macaroni/cheese and waldorf salad for dinner. Finished Pecan pie while watching TV.
Wednesday - June 13th
Left at 8:30 for Anchorage to get the transmission fixed. Found out that we need a new transmission!! So - made an appointment to have that done tomorrow morning at 8:30. Rode on down to Seward - saw a moose in the marshes and a beautiful eagle sitting along the Kenai Lake at milepost #23 on Seward's highway!
Click on picture to see it enlarged.
Got packet of mail and a card from Debbie and a note from Mom!! Had lunch of soup and sandwiches at Fairway Rest. in Seward. Couldn't eat it all so saved half sandwich for dinner later. Got more money from bank - at this rate, we'll be broke in no time! Pudd decided to see if we could get a Host position here someplace. Talked with people at Work Center and also with Hugh Hopkins - who knows, it might work out where we could afford to stay here the whole summer! After dinner we walked Butch through campgrounds on both sides of the highway. Both read awhile and watched one hour of TV before going to bed.
Thursday - June 14th
Pudd was up at 5:30 and we saw a Mama Moose with her baby on the other side of the river. Then he left to have the new transmission installed. I took a shower and cleaned up the trailer and tried my hand at fishing with Pudd's rod and reel (no luck!), in fact, I really loused up the line and Pudd had to fix it when he came home! Hugh and Florene invited me to drive to the Post Office and Russian River CG with them but I decided to stay and clean the trailer instead. Butch and I took a walk up the river and found a good place to fish. Pudd got back a little after 4 o'clock - I already had the chicken frying for dinner. After we ate, we went up to the Hopkins' and sat around the campfire talking. Florene was pressure cooking some jars of salmon for a friend. I loaned her my cooker so she could get done faster. Came home to do dishes and watched a bit of TV before going to bed.
Friday - June 15th
Boy, my back is really hurting - I had strained it on Monday when I was helping Pudd load the motorcycle onto the extension. Like a dummy - I tried lifting the back tire up to line it with the ramp. DUMB!! Yesterday morning it really felt good and then I hurt it again when putting the snowmobile boots away under the bed! I never learn!! Decided to take the truck and ride down to Kenai and look at the National Refuge campgrounds along the way. It was a nasty rainy day so a nice ride was in order! First stopped at "Gwin's Restaurant" for a good breakfast before we hardly got underway. Liked 3 or 4 of the campgrounds - Hidden Lake, Kelly and Patterson Lakes and Issac Walton State Park. So - if we don't get a Host job there are other places we can camp free anyway. Visited Kip and Jean Adams at Russian River CG and he's going to give me lessons on how to make fishing flys. They gave us four nice pieces of salmon that I fixed for dinner - GOOD!! Stopped down at the Shrew's Nest for the fly makings and my fishing license. After dinner, we went out so Pudd could teach me how to use the open reel. Hugh and Florene told us that a big-wig had been in today and wanted to talk with us about being Hosts - but, of course, we weren't home at the time. So we've been invited to the Volunteer's Pot-luck on Monday night. Should be fun and maybe we'll also get a Host job. I finished my book before doing the dishes and going to bed.
Saturday - June 16th
Slept until 9:30 - rainy and dreay day! I bent over the wrong way getting out of bed and thought I had broken my back for sure - boy, does it hurt!! Went down to store in Coopers Landing to buy a new rod and some more line. Then called Dori & Glenn - Debbie and Joe didn't answer - and Mom & Dad. It was great talking with them all. Pudd changed the oil in the truck and I read a book. Made apple dumplings for dinner.
Sunday - June 17th
Boy - my back is worse - couldn't even sleep most of the night. Pudd wouldn't let me go to church. The only relief I got was when I walked - couldn't sit, stand or lay down! Guess if this keeps up I'll have to go to a doctor here. Pudd made a nice campfire. I baked Pudd a chocolate cake and then baked a ham with sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables, biscuits and honey. It was a real good meal! Hugh told me to put an ice pack on my sore back and that seemed to help tremendously!
Monday - June 18th
Got a good night's sleep then made a big breakfast before going over to see Kip and Jean Adams. We tried fishing for awhile but no luck. Then Kip taught me how to make flies. Got home around 2:30 after getting a tank of propane and water in our jugs. Made pan of scalloped potatoes and went to Hosts' Pot-luck at Trail River CG. Lots of great food!!
Tuesday - June 19th
Got up at 4 AM to go fishing! Met Kip and went with him. Pudd caught 3 red salmon and I missed a bunch!! Kip caught his 3 and 1 for me. I had a leak in my waders and near froze to death!! Came home and started canning right away. Pudd took the new pole back to the store and exchanged for another one - the first one bent something terrible!! Also broke a new reel that Louise Gates had given us! Bob Walker (ranger) came to talk with us - but had no Host job open - he offered us a free space near Seward in exchange for some paint and carpentry work but we turned it down. Got 14 pints of red salmon canned today with some left over to can tomorrow plus enough tail ends to have fried for about 2 or 3 dinners - not bad for 4 fish!! Like to get 4 or 6 more - either salmon or trout! Had fried salmon for dinner and then went up to Hugh and Florene's for a campfire until about 8:30 - then to bed. Boy, were we tired after that long day!
Part One - May 7 thru 13th
Part Two - May 14 thru the 28th
Part Three - May 29th thru June 19th
Part Four - June 20th thru July 14th
Just a thought: Faith is not belief without truth, but trust without reservations.
Part Four
Wednesday - June 20th First day of Summer!Left Cooper Creek at 9:15 after promising to visit the Hopkins once in awhile. Rode the 18 miles to Kelly Lake
Click on Picture to see it enlarged.
- there are three other campers here (all so nice & friendly) and my favorite spot was taken! But we found a big enough spot to park. It is so nice, sunny, pretty and quiet here! Hope to stay here for several weeks! Pudd had to fix the emergency brake on the truck and the flusher on our toilet!! I canned the final 2 pints of salmon (16 total) and talked with Gale Mohrman. Also met a couple named Jim and Melodeen Griffin. Later met Gale's husband, Phil - they're from Nebraska but used to live in Colorado. Pudd, Butch and I took a walk part way around the lake - found the carcass of a moose and got some of it's hair to make lures. Had broccoli, ham and cheese pie for dinner.
Thursday - June 21st
Wrote some letters, reconciled my two checkbooks for the month and cleaned up the trailer a bit. Talked with the campers and mostly, just sat around (my back was hurting some). Pudd and Butch walked all the way around the lake - saw an otter, a moose and an odd looking bird. Had fried salmon, sweet and white potatoes and green beans for dinner. It was a gorgeous day - like yesterday. Went to bed early so we could go fishing in the morning. I got all the dirty clothes ready to launder.
Friday - June 22nd
Got up before 4 AM and was fishing in the Russian River by 5 o'clock. I caught two fish and Pudd caught one - we had a lot of fun. I cleaned all three of them! Went to the Laundromat in Coopers Landing but it was too busy. So - we visited Hugh and Florene Hopkins for about an hour before coming home. Oh, I forgot, after fishing we went to Swin's Rest. for a good breakfast. Mailed my letters and bought some stamps. I canned half the salmon - 7 pints and made some homemade bread for dinner. We both took showers - boy, did that feel good. Jim used our generator to cut out a picnic table for his son - gave us 2 pints of fresh clams in payment!! We talked with the campers before warming up leftover broccoli/cheese pie for dinner. Gale came over around 9 PM and I sold Phil and another guy what lures I had - made $5.50!!
Saturday - June 23rd
Had biscuits and gravy for breakfast before driving into Soldotna where we did the laundry - got expense money from the bank, bought a bag of groceries, walked through a gift shop and Pudd bought me a new filet knife so I can clean fish easier. Met Jean & Kip Adams at that store. Filled up gas tank on the way home. As soon as we got home and I had the groceries put away, I canned the remaining 5 pints of salmon. Pudd filled the water tank and refilled the jugs and made a bunch of lures. Talked with Gale, Phil, Jim and Melodeen before making hot dogs for dinner.
Sunday - June 24th
We got up at 3 AM to go fishing. Tried at the first hole with no luck - my waders leaked again! Walked about 2 miles to the second hole and still didn't have any luck. At about 7 AM, when I was trying to untangle my line, I lost my balance and fell into the river!! Boy - was I scared!! Pudd was right there to help me and a couple of other guys grabbed my legs before I got into the deep water. Needless to say, I was soaked from head to toe so we came home. I made oatmeal, toast and coffee for breakfast. Then I took two bufferin and went back to bed. Slept until noon! Sat around the rest of the day visiting with the other campers. Had fried fresh salmon with cabbage and noodles for dinner. Went to bed around 8 o'clock.
Monday - June 25th
Said "bye" to Jim and Melodeen Griffin. After cereal for breakfast, we went over to Gale and Phil Mohrman's for coffee and say "bye" to them. They might be back next week after doing some clamming at Ninilchik. Drove down to Seward to pick up the mail. Deb sent a packet of letters plus an album of her and Joe's wedding. Also Dori sent us each a Levi jacket - they fit great and we love them!! Rode around Seward some - bought 2 small bottles of orange-pineapple juice and a box of graham crackers to eat in the truck. Stopped at Post Office in Coopers Landing to call Deb about our truck tag. She's going to mail it tomorrow to Coopers Landing. Told her about my back problem and my dunk in the river! Stopped in to see Kip and Jean to let them know I was okay. Came back home and had spaghetti for dinner with garlic bread. A lady from Anchorage in a mini-home said she was not staying the night and offered to move so we could park in the spot next to the lake. So - off we moved!! It's so beautiful here - a really great view of the snow-capped mountains and the lake!! Didn't get to bed until 11 o'clock.
Tuesday - June 26th
It's a cloudy day and a bit cool. Pudd clipped Butch - what a job!! We waited too long! I baked a loaf of bread, gathered some wood for campfires and washed my hair. Pudd filled the water tank and emptied the holding tanks while I filled the water jugs. Then he washed the truck with lake water and set up the TV antenna. We can get all three networks pretty good! Made Manwiches on biscuits with fried cabbage and potatoes for dinner. Walked over to Peterson Lake to check it out for future use in case we have to move from here. Pudd built a small campfire and we sat out until after 8 o'clock. Then I washed dishes and we watched TV before going to bed.
Wednesday - June 27th
Drove into Soldotna and checked out the fishing at Kenai River - the red's are not running yet. Went on to Kenai where I bought a pair of hip waders at the Army-Navy store. Then went to Carr's Payless where we found the same thing for $10 cheaper so I took the other one back. Pudd bought me a new larger reel. Got some angle iron to weld on the motorcycle extension. Stopped into Pay & Save at Soldotna and got us each a vest and a T-shirt. Picked up a part at Chevrolet dealer for Kip. Dropped off a film to be developed. In Sterling, we got gas in the truck and browsed around Naptown Trading Post and bought 6 books. Watched a couple of "soaps" on TV when we got home. Pudd fixed up the new reel to be ready for fishing tomorrow. Made pot roast, potatoes and carrots in the pressure cooker. Mmmmm-good! Watched a little TV before bed.
Thursday - June 28th
Pudd filled the water tank again and after having cereal for breakfast, we went to Russian River Campground to deliver auto part to Kip and Jean. They were getting ready to move so we parked at Mac & Marty's so we could go fishing. Must have walked a good 2 or 4 miles upstream to the sanctuary that they just opened for fishing. It was a terrible path - had to be part mountain goat!! The fish were in there just resting but boy - were they ever fierce! We must have lost 15 or more! Lost all our flies and weights - but we did manage to pull in two of the devils! Left there about 5 o'clock and came home to collapse! Had beef stew with biscuits and honey for dinner. I did the dishes before getting the fish cut and refrigerated. We both ache from head to toe! Were in bed by 9 o'clock. The wind was so strong that we rolled up the awning.
Friday - June 29th
Baked some apple-nut muffins for breakfast. Pudd tried doing some trout fishing but it was too windy. I canned 6 pints of red salmon, reconciled the bank statements and wrote six letters. Watched my soaps again. Made Au Gratin Potatoes and fried fresh salmon for dinner. Watched some TV before going to bed.
Saturday - June 30th
Had pancakes with "Groves" real maple syrup before driving into Coopers Landing Post Office. Picked up new truck tag (DY-4147) that Deb sent us and was surprised with a great 5-page letter from her. She sounds real happy with her new life with Joe and we are happy for her! Stopped at the grocery store for new fishing weights and the Shrew's Nest for fly makings and trout lures. Had a short visit with Hugh and Florene Hopkins at Cooper Creek Campground where we got some campfire wood. Then went on to Russian River C.G. to see the Adams' and go fishing. My new waders and our new vests are just great - makes walking the distance to fishing holes a lot easier! I caught a rainbow trout and had to throw it back - also hit into a large red salmon that fought so hard that all I was left with on the hook was a piece of his mouth!! So - no luck today. Sampled Kip's smoked salmon - boy, is it ever good!! Baked a Ham and potatoes with peas on the side for dinner. Also baked a pineapple upside-down cake (good!!) for dessert. Read a good Fletcher Knebel book, "The Dark Horse", before going to bed.
Sunday - July 1st
Just had cereal for breakfast before dressing for church. Attended the Sterling Baptist Church - they had their patriotic 4th of July day. The vegetable soup and crackers we had for lunch really hit the spot for this cool, wet day. Pudd emptied the holding tanks again while I filled the water jugs. Then I talked with a couple of campers from Minnesota. Just laid around most of the day reading - Pudd tried fishing and caught but released a little guy! Made salmon puff loaf with spinach and hard-boiled eggs and homemade bread with strawberry jam for dinner. Watched a movie.
Monday - July 2nd
Was having egg, bacon, sausage, potatoes, toast and coffee when Hugh and Florene Hopkins came for a visit. After they left, I vacuumed and cleaned up the camper then wrote 6 letters. Pudd made a bunch of lures and tried fishing again - no luck! Watched my "soaps" and then sat at the campfire and read for a while. Had an early dinner of macaroni-cheese-ham casserole with waldorf salad. Saw a neat looking eagle on top a tree that all the small birds were really pestering. Looked at it through the binoculars first (think it was a female) then took a picture of it. If it turns out it should be really good. Watched TV and read.
Tuesday - July 3rd
Drove to Soldotna early and picked up the developed photos - turned out pretty good! Then we got a few groceries at Safeway and rode through Centennial Park Campground to see if the Red Salmon run had started yet and look for Phil & Gale Mohrman. No to each! In trying to find another campground that the Hopkins talked about, we ended up on a 23 mile dirt road that led NOWHERE!! Finally asked a lady where we wee and when I told her we were looking for "Sterling", she said, "I'm Sterling" - what a coincidence - we were looking for the town and her name was the same! Drove back the 23 miles to Soldotna and stopped in Swift Water Campground and found Jesse and Virginia from California. Stopped and talked with them for almost an hour - had camped with them at Anchor River. Finally got home around 2 PM - had a fried egg sandwich. Pudd made up lures on the rest of our hooks. Read a good book by Irving Wallace - "The R Document". Had fried salmon and rest of au gratin potatoes with broccoli. Went to bed late - had to finish the book!!
Wednesday - July 4th
Had quite a few campers overnight and lots more came in to boat, fish or hike. It was a beautiful day - perfect for the 4th of July. We ate breakfast outside and had a campfire going all day. It was so warm, I put on shorts and got a little sunburn! Stayed outside most of day working on a needlepoint owl and talking with all the people - curious about the motorcycle and the fact that we're all the way from Florida! I baked a chocolate cake and some homemade bread. Had pork patties, macaroni & cheese and French beans for dinner. Pudd tried a bit of fishing while I did dishes. Watched TV.
Thursday - July 5th
Slept late before having pancakes with real maple syrup. Drove into Cooper Landing to pick up a letter from Mother, bought some more fly making material and trout lure. stopped into see Hugh & Florene - Ernie & LaVerne from Russian River stopped in, too - got some wood and dumped our trash. Had a nice visit with them - they told us that Kip & Jean Adams were parked across the street abut had gone into Soldotna - so we passed by the Russian River and went on home. I worked on my owl some and read some. Made salmon salad, potato salad and mixed vegetables for dinner. Watched TV.
Friday - July 6th
Decided to take the motorcycle off after I saw the Wildlife Officer pass us by!! Rode down to Seward - stopped at Moose Pass for lunch - and picked up cards from Debbie. Left a forwarding address for Cooper Landing. What a gorgeous day for motorcycling!! Filled water tank and jugs when we got home. Had spaghetti with garlic bread for dinner. Talked with Bud and Lou Calvin from Grassey Valley, California. Had ten campers in tonight - most we've seen here! The wind kicked up pretty good, so we put up the awning.
Saturday - July 7th
Most of the campers left this morning, including Bud and Lou. Had a bowl of cereal then took off for Russian River to try some fishing. Absolutely nothing!! Kip had caught two Dolly Vardens in the Kenai River and gave them to us. I cleaned and froze one and fried the other for dinner along with noodles and brussel sprouts. Made a pineapple cheese pie while Pudd took a nap. Watched a bit of TV and Pudd watched football when I went to bed.
Sunday - July 8th
Didn't get up until 9:30!! Quickly got dressed for church. Had a big breakfast when we returned home. Then I baked some bread and made a pot of Chili while Pudd cleaned up the motorcycle.
Monday - July 9th
Drove truck into Soldotna to do the laundry and buy a few groceries. Saw Mary and Joe there and they told us that the second run of red salmon probably won't start down there before the weekend. I worked on the needlepoint owl some while watching TV. Had fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn and cranberry sauce for dinner. Finished up the pineapple-cheese pie later.
Tuesday - July 10th
Pudd suggested we go on up to Mt. McKinley since there's not much to do around here. So I wrote a card to Mom and Dad to mail today and we stopped in to see Kip and Jean. Left a note for Hugh & Florene and went to bank in Sterling for some funds. Had spam, cabbage and potatoes for dinner before watching TV and going to bed.
Wednesday - July 11th
Got started at 9:30 but didn't even make it to the highway before we discovered that one of the tires on the trailer was low on air!! So - out with the air-compressor! There was some road construction over Turnagain Pass that held things up. Also noticed that when transmission geared down automatically, the engine backfired - great - just what we need!! Stopped in at the transmission place - don't think it's anything to worry about . They welded the angle iron on to the extension so we're in business there! Only charged us $20! Well, now we're sitting in American Tire Warehouse getting four new steel-belted radials put on the trailer and it's almost 6 PM!! Had a fantastic Chinese dinner at Eagle River. Stopped for night at Susitna River Wayside at 10 PM and went right to bed. 234 miles - 12 1/2 hours
Thursday - July 12th
Left at 6:30 AM and got the most beautiful view of Mt. McKinley for about the next 30 or 40 miles.
Click on Picture to see it enlarged.
Stopped at Igloo Service Station for gas and arrived at Denali National Park at 10:30. We watched helicopters working on power lines for about 45 miles before getting to the park. Camped at #71 in Riley Creek Campground. Made a big breakfast after setting up. We both took showers and I made some homemade bread. Took a nap before having hot dogs for dinner. Walked around the campground and checked the Information Center for details on park activities. We went to the Fireside Circle Program about rocks but got rained out within 10 minutes. So we came back to camper and I finished a book before going to bed. 135 miles 4 hours
Friday - July 13th
Pudd got up at 4:30 and went down to Center for bus tokens and got us reserved for the 6:30 AM tour! When he got back, I got up and quickly made our lunch and got everything together so we could leave. What a marvelous day it was!! Saw and took pictures of a red fox, four grizzly bears, lots of caribou, far off mountain sheep, a moose and beautiful scenery. The tour took 11 hours!! Would you believe - the bus we were on had a flat tire!!! Had vegetable soup with grilled cheese sandwiches before going to evening fireside program about the Artic Ground Squirrel. We were in bed by 9 PM.
Saturday - July 14th
Slept until 9:30 AM and had pancakes for breakfast before going to the 11 o'clock dog sled demonstration. That was really neat! I got chosen to hug a dog because we had traveled the furthest to get here! Then we went to the hotel and bought some goodies at the gift shop. Stayed for the 12:30 slide program on the Dall Sheep - it was very good and given by Rick McIntyre who is a ranger here in the summer and then is down at the Death Valley National Park in the winter. We walked down to the creek where I took a picture and then called Doreen and Glenn. They've found a house to buy!! Should be moved in on August 2nd. I'm so happy for them - what a load off their minds! And Dori didn't get laid off this turn but might at the next go-around in October. Went home and made bread and then apple dumplings for dinner. It started to drizzle rain about 6:30 and didn't stop in time for the evening program. So - I curled up in the corner of the couch and read a book!
