10,022 miles
93 Days
Our journey to Alaska has been absolutely incredible! We've encountered awe-inspiring wildlife, including bears, moose, eagles, sheep, a fox, and bison. The majestic glaciers, towering mountains, flowing rivers, serene lakes, "The Ancient One" Denali, and breathtaking waterfalls have left us in constant wonder. Our rafting trip down the Klutina River where I caught 1 red salmon and our other fishing adventure taking home with us 20# of halibut. Great eating!
We had the pleasure of meeting so many incredible people and enjoyed making memories with our new travel buddies, Katy & Mike, as well as Jody & John.
Some of the highlights of our trip included marveling at Denali, embarking on unforgettable hikes, the hot springs, camping at Teklanika, hiking Savage River Loop and exploring the charming town of Homer. Wildlife refuges, museums, wildflowers, the local people and their stories as well as stopping if we saw something of interest. Actually, every place we visited had its own special qualities and unique charm that we'll always remember.
Although the roads were rough the trip was worth it!
We had the pleasure of meeting so many incredible people and enjoyed making memories with our new travel buddies, Katy & Mike, as well as Jody & John.
Some of the highlights of our trip included marveling at Denali, embarking on unforgettable hikes, the hot springs, camping at Teklanika, hiking Savage River Loop and exploring the charming town of Homer. Wildlife refuges, museums, wildflowers, the local people and their stories as well as stopping if we saw something of interest. Actually, every place we visited had its own special qualities and unique charm that we'll always remember.
Although the roads were rough the trip was worth it!
Would we do this again?
Yes, but we would fly into Anchorage and rent a Class C and travel for 6 weeks.
September 9
As we left our campground in Wyoming we experienced a beautiful sunrise. It was a great way to start our day!
Driving and driving, and we've finally arrived in Loveland, Colorado at the Loveland RV Resort. We got in around 5:00 PM, set up the motorhome, and headed out to McGraff's American Grill for dinner.
Eating out was just what we needed after a long day of driving! We had the best waitress, Mary, and our meal was absolutely delicious. We shared coconut shrimp, broccoli, and coleslaw. Douglas also enjoyed a cup of their hearty chicken tortilla soup, packed with lots of veggies.
The air has been hazy for days due to the fires, but that cleared up once we reached Loveland. Thankfully, I have my wellness cabinet with me. My go-to remedy right now is a nose swab: I mix coconut oil with RC and use Q-tips to swab each nostril. Before bed, I apply Peace & Calming to my wrists and a combination of Lavender and Melrose around my ears. It's all about taking care of ourselves, no matter where we are!
Enjoy life and stay well!
September 10
What a gorgeous morning in Loveland! We set out to the River Edge Natural Area for a refreshing walk around the serene lake. The brisk and peaceful energy rejuvenated our spirits, and we were thrilled to spot an Osprey's nest—a true marvel of nature. After our invigorating walk, we headed over to Sprouts to grab a few essentials for the rest of our adventure. And now, we're off on our next journey, feeling energized and inspired!
September 3
It's been the trip of a lifetime, savoring every moment! Slowing down in some ways although we are driving more.....not hiking and exploring. Getting some steps in and doing Qigong, yoga, and conscious breathing into our daily routine. Our Young Living essential oils—Peace & Calming, Grounding, Bergamot, Joy, BreathAgain and many other favorites—have been our constant companions, enhancing our experiences.
Returning to the lover 48 is bittersweet. We've fallen in love with Alaska - Canada has been pretty spectacular as well. If it wasn't such a distance from Texas, a return trip to Alaska would be on our horizon.
The drive from Stewart to Smithers was nothing short of breathtaking as we retraced our route. The scenic beauty surrounding us was truly inspiring. The journey unfolded with vast open land, rolling hills, mountains, rivers, lakes, and dense forests painting a picturesque landscape.
One of the most memorable moments was spotting a few bears. Although we couldn't stop to take pictures, the image of one bear gracefully was walking across a log and that is forever imprinted in my mind—a true testament to the raw and wild beauty of this region.
We settled at Riverside Municipal Campground in Smithers. It’s a charming spot along the river surrounded with beautiful flowers and trees.
We took a short drive downtown and stocked up on some fresh local produce and proteins at "Out Of Hands", which also had an abundance of local artists creations..
September 4
We're on a mission to get to the border. We drove to Prince George and took a nap, ate dinner and drove a couple of more hours to Quesnel, BC. Stopped at a Visitor Center for a break in Vanderhoof and then continued on to Quesnel. We stayed in a lovey RV Park. We're getting closer to the border. The sun is starting to set earlier....about 8:00 PM
September 5 & 6
Onward bound……drove to Kamloops and spent the night. Long day. We walked around the camp ground to get some steps in.
Next stop was Osoyoos where we crossed the border. Both days have been beautiful most of the way.. Mountains, rolling hills, sunrise, sunsets, horses, lots of massive lakes. Along the way there was a group of bikers riding for “kids”. They were escorted by a truck that was behind them with flashing lights and a motorcycle in front of them.
We went through many quaint towns…one in particular caught our eyes - a beach town along the Okanagan Lake.
Interesting Facts:
Lake Okanagan
Max depth: 761′
Area: 135.5 mi²
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Volume: 5.902 cubic miles
Fish: Sockeye salmon, Rainbow trout
Length: 83.89 mi
Many parks and beaches are found along the shores of the lake which makes boating and swimming a very popular activity. It is said by some to be home to their own lake monster - a giant serpent-like creature named Ogopogo.
We spent the night in Electric City, WA
September 7
We left Washington and stopped in Idaho at a lovely rest area. There was a hike & bike trail and we walked for about 25 minutes before heading on. The drive through Idaho was gorgeous, lots of construction and a long and steep mountain we went down. Eventually we started looking for a place to settle in for the afternoon/evening in Missoula, Montana with no luck. We tried calling Jim & Mary's RV Park and nobody answered the phone so we drove to it. They were full but so helpful with finding us a place to stay. They referred us to Turah RV Park in Clinton, MT about 20 minutes from Missoula.
It's perfect. Across the street was a beautiful river flowing nicely with cold water. It was a lovely walk through some woods and worth the effort.
Turah RV Park, Clinton, MT
August 31
The journey from Boya Lake (rest area) to Kinaskan Lake Provine Park was nothing short of spectacular! As we passed Mud Lake and Good Hope Lake, the scenery unfolded into a stunning tapestry of nature's beauty. Majestic mountains and serene rivers intertwined with dense forests, golden leaves, and vibrant patches of red dwarf fireweed.
After finding the perfect site and settling in, we decided to explore the campground. Our walk took us around the lush grounds and down to the boat dock. Along the way, we had the pleasure of meeting a delightful woman named Lucy from Smithers, who shared fascinating stories about where she lives and the campground. We also encountered a young bike rider who biked alongside me, engaging in a cheerful conversation. These spontaneous interactions added a special charm to our adventure. 🌲👫🚴♂️
After finding the perfect site and settling in, we decided to explore the campground. Our walk took us around the lush grounds and down to the boat dock. Along the way, we had the pleasure of meeting a delightful woman named Lucy from Smithers, who shared fascinating stories about where she lives and the campground. We also encountered a young bike rider who biked alongside me, engaging in a cheerful conversation. These spontaneous interactions added a special charm to our adventure. 🌲👫🚴♂️
If you're looking to elevate your outdoor experiences, consider daily shot of NingXia Red. This full-body tonic provides a natural boost of energy with no caffeine. Plus, I always bring along Breath Again, RC, Peppermint, or Raven to make the experience even more enjoyable.
Learn more about NingXia Red✨
September 1
Taking off this morning driving towards Seward, BC we decided to take a break at Jade City. We explored the store and the grounds.
Fun Facts:
We mine it, we design it! Jade City Jade Store has an enormous selection of home decor, carvings, jewelry and raw stone manufactured in Jade City, Canada. As well as by the most talented carvers found all over the world to fulfill the needs and desires of collectors, artists and enthusiasts of all kinds.
As we drew closer to Stewart, the drive became even more breathtaking. Glaciers, an ethereal fog, cascading waterfalls and pristine rapid flowing rivers, along with the dense forest that surrounded us. It was a drive filled with awe-inspiring landscapes at every turn.
Arriving at Bear Creek RV Park, BC and settling in we took a drive to Fish Creek Wildlife Observatory in Hyder, AK just 10 minutes across the border into the Tongass National Forest to see the bears.
No bears, beautiful and lots of birds including one Sandhill Crane. We were told "Runner" the only bear left that's been coming around left.
Fun Fact:
Sandhill Cranes are large birds that live in open habitats, so they're fairly easy to spot if you go to the right places. In summer look for them in small bogs
Sandhill Crane - above
Fun Facts:
Truly a fascinating establishment with delicious food. The owner has the world’s largest collection of toasters! As well as many other amazing early appliances decorating the restaurant with these antiques. This restaurant also has a bakery, so you can take some goodies for the road.
September 2We enjoyed a leisurely morning, which included a heartwarming FaceTime chat with one of our daughters. Afterwards, we set off for Hyder, eagerly hoping to catch a glimpse of the bears. That didn't happen. We returned to the motorhome for lunch before embarking on our next adventure to the awe-inspiring Salmon Glacier.
What an adventure it was! Our 1-hour drive covered just 17 miles, but the journey on that gravel road filled with potholes, mines, and waterfalls was an experience in itself. The first 30 minutes were a bit eerie, with no one around. But then, a few cars started heading down from the glacier, breaking the solitude.
We eventually found ourselves behind a delightful couple, Robert and Nancy Jahn, and made a few stops at pullouts to take in the stunning views of the glacier. It's always fantastic to meet fellow RVing 2 AK friends.
Continuing the drive, we reached Salmon Glacier. The sight was nothing short of spectacular and breathtaking—words simply can't do it justice.
On our way back, we decided to stop by the bear viewing area once more. After two previous attempts with no luck, we were thrilled to finally catch "Runner" the bear active, catching salmon and enjoying the water! Watching him was an unforgettable experience.
And our binoculars? They made it even more amazing, allowing us to see Runner up close in all his glory.
August 30
Departed Whitehorse around 8:00 AM, en route to Boya Lake. The journey was beautiful, along Teslin Lake with meandering rivers, mountains, with hints of autumn's vibrant colors
Fun Facts:
Teslin Lake is a large lake spanning the border between British Columbia and Yukon, Canada. It is one of a group of large lakes in the region of far northwestern BC, east of the upper Alaska Panhandle, Wikipedia
We arrived in the late afternoon and it wasn't surprising that Boya Lake was fully booked, so we set up camp in a nearby rest area. We were thrilled we still managed to catch a glimpse of the lake—it's absolutely stunning!
We had high hopes of witnessing the northern lights, but, it wasn't in the cards this time.
We had high hopes of witnessing the northern lights, but, it wasn't in the cards this time.
Maintaining a clean and inviting motorhome & home is a vital part of our daily and weekly routines. That's why we absolutely love incorporating Thieves Cleaner into our cleaning regimen. It’s perfect alongside our homemade "toilet bombs" and the incredibly effective Thieves Laundry Soap. (Pro tip: I have an amazing recipe that allows you to triple the usage from just one bottle!)
For an added boost of freshness, we always recommend adding a few extra drops of Purification (or any other EO of your choice) essential oil to the Thieves Laundry Soap with each wash. This not only ensures our clothes come out smelling delightful, but it also keeps the washing machine itself smelling crisp and clean!
For an added boost of freshness, we always recommend adding a few extra drops of Purification (or any other EO of your choice) essential oil to the Thieves Laundry Soap with each wash. This not only ensures our clothes come out smelling delightful, but it also keeps the washing machine itself smelling crisp and clean!
