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Published: August 17th 2008
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Alaskans have been referring to us as being from "down below." So we assume they think they're from "up above." How does that make you feel?? Yes, me too! So we're leaving and going "down below."
We left the bears in Hyder, AK to cross British Columbia on the Yellowstone Highway, heading toward Jasper National Park. We held up in Prince George longer than expected to avoid the crowds celebrating the BC summer holiday at Jasper. Actually there was not a campground to be found there.
We enjoyed having wi-fi provided by the park and looked forward to having amenities like phone and computer reception again. (Our last phone reception was in Tok, AK., over a week ago.) We enjoyed a hike with Harley in the “Forrest of the World,” assumedly named by ones who loved these woods! We did too. We met two couples from California traveling together at the RV park and made plans to meet up with them at the 700 plus national campground in Jasper. We had some doubts about actually finding them, but read on!
It was here in Prince George that we removed the rock guard we had purchased and installed to
protect the front of the car from rock damage since we were out of construction zones involving lots of rocks. It was a contraption (and I use that word literally) "custom made" for us by a young guy at the start of our trip in Dawson Creek, Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway. It was made from PVC pipe and metal screen, in white; our car is black. Did it stand out? I should say so and so would the thousands of people who looked and laughed as we passed. No exageration! People even appoached us to inquire what it was. Occasonally Terry would say that it was a "mosquito catcher" there to capture the state bird, the mosquito. And a few guys said they figured that was the purpose! Anyway, it was the kind of attention noone wants and a huge embarassment. We celebrated the demise of the "Mosquito Catcher."
Our trip to Jasper was our first exposure to the Canadian Rockies. And, while different, their striking beauty gives the Alaska ranges some stiff competition. We stopped at Mt. Robson to just stare at its 12,972 feet height and take a hike with Harley to experience other
views.
We convinced the park rangers at Jasper to give up our friends’ site number, but found them first at the Visitor's Center amongst the thousands of visitors there. What are the chances of that meeting? We enjoyed the evenings with this foursome and appreciated the elk family which grazes in the campground without fear of humans. Really neat. We plan on a visit to these friends in California on one of these trips.
We enjoyed a hike up the Whistler Mountain. Terry fought me for Harley’s leash and the pull she provided us up the hill. She is the best hiking dog! We also enjoyed a day kayaking on the beautiful Maligne Lake, just a few kayaks surrounded by water and mountains. Such peace.
At this point we changed our plan and chose to take our time driving the Icefields Highway to Lake Louise but to forego Banff and Glacier National Park for another trip. That may be next year! We just need to get home and get a big dose of our family and friends before the Habitat build in Alliance, OH the end of August.
The Icefields Highway is beathtaking. particuarly the Columbia
Icefields. There is a bus trip that takes you right to the glacer. We'll put that on our list for a trip to the northwest states, excluding Alaska.
On Route 1 in Alberta we saw a unique accommodation for animals. There were fences along the treeline to protect wildlife from traffic. Then for safe passge they built arched bridges over the road, fenced them and surfaced them with grass. Pretty cool. We saw rollerbladers and bikers along the highway shoulder. How much trust is that?
Over the border and south on Hwy 15 we went, arriving in Helena, MT where we started this trip. Time for regrouping, the usual routine stuff, before we continued the trip home. We are now outside of Chicago and will see Aaron and Shelly, Auston and Maddie tonight. We'll be in Wayland area for a week then on to John and Chris's on our way to Alliance, OH for a Habitat build. Then back home until it gets too cold for RV living. It will be great to see everyone!
Our thoughts on this Alaska trip:
1. It is a must see for those who love nature and wildlife, truely the
"Last Frontier." There are so few people except in Anchorage and Fairbanks, and so many mountains, rivers, and oceans. The immensity of it all is impressive.
2. Plan to do and see as much as possible on this trip of a lifetime. We will not likely return due to the distance and have no regrets about having spent on extras including fishing charters, kayak trips, ocean cruises, transporting the RV by ferry, and even the touristy things like Alaskan musical reviews on life in Alaska over the years. All new experiences to enjoy.
3. Don't hurry through it if you have the time. We spent a week here and there and spent time meeting the people who live there and those traveling through. You learn so much and make new friends. And you can limit living expenses by dry camping in turnouts or Fred Meyers, eating in, etc.
4. Find a way to keep in touch with family and friends at home. We felt so far away in distance compared to travel in the lower 48, and having access to email , phone and writing this blog kept us feeling connected.
5. Don't put off your
dreams. There is a tomorrow and it comes all too soon.
Thanks to you for your interest in our trip to Alaska and your encouraging comments.
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