July 21
As you know we arrived at Tolsona Wilderness Campground last night. We left the overflow and pulled into our spot about 11:00 am. Great spot on the river & we were excited to meet up with Mike and Katy again.
Stacey & Gary who put the RVing to Alaska group together started this Rally 4 years ago. This year they had 55 sites reserved with 112 attendees from all over the USA.
All the activities were held in the Tolsona Pavilion where we gathered for a delicious barbecue dinner provided by Patriot BBQ. Afterwards live music with the band Tripwire, very good blues & rock, ZZ Top, Tom Petty, etc.
We enjoyed listening to the music outside our motorhome, (we were close to the Pavilion) sitting by the river and playing Pegs and Jokers with Mike and Katy.
July 22
This morning was a breakfast pot luck with lots of amazing food. We made a delicious oatmeal bake that was well received. It was a lot of fun and we enjoyed great conversations with other people.
After lunch we went on a 2 hour hike to Mud Volcano, the description informed us that it was easy to moderate hike, it was anything but that! The trail winded up a hillside and through the forest. About a half mile into the hike, the trail crosses a boggy area. This part of the trail becomes somewhat unclear. ha! It really did! To continue we went across another bog until we reached Mud Volcano.
We were glad to get our steps in! .
Facts:
Hazards: please use caution around mud volcanoes. Some of these pits can be more than 4 feet deep. Bug spray is recommended. We were thankful for our mosquito hats and YL's Insect Repellent!!
Fun Facts:
Some products I love after a long hike or any activity where you exert yourself.
- Arnica pellets
- Young Living's CBD Muscle Rub, PanAway and AgilEase (supplement infused with EO's), Cool Azul Pain Cream
- Magnesium Oil
It was a rainy night and we enjoyed having a nice dinner, doing yoga and going to bed.
July 23
Today we met up with 2 other couples for a fishing rafting trip on the Klutina River that is rated a class 3 river. The 7th fastest river in Alaska. It was quite the adventure! I did catch a beautiful Copper Red Salmon 8lbs, my first fish ever to catch!
We left the campground at 1:30, arriving at the Copper River Guides a little after 2:00. Next we hopped in a van that took us down the mountain. What a ride! It took 1 1/2 hours to go 14 miles. It was slow going, narrow, lots of dips, turns and water on the road. Finally, arriving where we got into the raft with our guide. Douglas and I had the pleasure of getting to know our guide, Teague, 20 years old, he grew up in Wisconsin hunting and fishing. When graduated high school he bought a plane ticket to Alaska. His education is living in the moment and in the wild. His new job starts August 1, being a bear guide for 2 months, living in a tent off grid. He will hunt & fish for his food & drink fresh glacier water. Earlier this summer he kayaked Prince William Sound from Valdez to Whittier with 7 friends. It took 2 weeks camping on the islands. We are taking the ferry and that takes 6 hours. He knows what he likes and is doing it. He's a hard worker through the summer and snowboards all winter. He is very confident and knowledgeable at what he does. He's living the dream and so are we in a different way. :-)
We didn’t get back to our motorhome until 10:00 PM! It was a long day!
July 18 & 19
Leaving Sourdough CG in Tok, AK we arrived at Chitina
Again, the drive was beautiful, wild flowers, mountains, glaciers, lakes and rivers……stunning!
Arriving in (Chit-Na),AK, we stopped to ask some questions about where to camp for the night. The lady in Spirit Mountain Art Gallery was very helpful. We were directed to a campground that was over the Copper River about 2 miles. It was a terrific spot.
The people we meet are so fascinating and that includes Apache Mike. He is a native to Chitna and does everything you can imagine from building log cabins, he has a fish wheel and has to check it 3 or 4 times a day, he can weld, makes jewelry, he loves traveling and the list goes on. We bought Copper River Red Salmon that he just processed, delicious!
Fun Facts:
Little did we know that the Copper River is world renowned for “Copper River Red Salmon”. This is the peak season. All Alaskans are allowed 25 fish for the head of household and then 10 fish per each dependent in the family. This is to get them thru the brutal winters they have here, down to -50 degrees.
We hiked down a rocky steep path to the river where we saw people catching hundreds of fish, most of them 8-10 lbs. Beautiful healthy fish with vibrant red meat.
We were told it is the most expensive salmon on the market. They come to spawn this time every year, after a 5 year cycle. They spend those years 90 miles away in the Gulf of Alaska feeding on plankton.
Fun Facts:
There are two ways the locals catch salmon. The oldest way is “dip netting”. Most locals do it from the banks; it can be very dangerous. These nets are big and the poles are 30 feet long. They put the nets in the water and wait for the fish to get caught in the net. The water is very cloudy and the fish cannot see the nets. If several fish are caught at the same time it can pull you into the river and be dragged down stream.
The second way of catching these salmon is with a “fish wheel”. It’s better if you google it than for me to explain it.
We explored the area on our second day driving 17 miles on the McCarthy Road to Kuskaluna Bridge over the Kuskaluna River. A short hike down under the bridge was awesome!
Fun Fact:
This was built around 1910 for the railroad to bring the ore out of Kennicott Mine. It was built in 4 months in the middle of winter.
We got to visit with Apache Mike again this evening….what a treat!
July 20
Woke up to a brisk 49 degrees. Got ourselves ready for another adventure in Chitna.
First stop “Apache Mike’s” to pick up some more delicious, fresh copper river red salmon, he invited us to his cabin.
What a treat! He has lived in Chitna for 35 years and built his log home out of trees he harvested on his land. It’s like a museum inside. he has found numerous tools from the 1900s. His land is next to a landfill from back then, it’s a trove of treasures. The first floor is a living space where you can walk and enjoy viewing and listening to the creek. He plans on adding a deck that goes over the creek.
The second story is fantastic. Mike has the beautiful white spruce logs that support the ceiling. They have these huge knots that give them an earth character. Here is his full kitchen, full double door refrigerator His bed is crafted out of the same white spruce logs. He is a talented cook/chef.
He loves wine and great music. He played “The Medicine Man” soundtrack form a Sean Connery movie. Great sound system and so much fun to listen to!
The cabin is for sale if you have an interest in living in Chitna, AK. Mike cares for the land and animals. He processes all the salmon in a more loving & humane way. This was a highlight of our trip so far.
Off to Liberty Creek and Falls. Another hidden treasure we enjoyed exploring.
Back to the motorhome to get ready for our next adventure to Glennallen. Along the way we stopped at the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Visitors Center. This is the largest National Park in the US, it’s the size of Sweden. We enjoyed looking through a telescope at Mt. Wrangell and Mt. Drum.
Fun Facts:
Wrangell-St. Ellias National Park a Preserve is remote and expansive rugged mountains and massive glaciers which boasts the world's highest coastal mountain range, including Mt. St. Ellias at 18,008 feet. Mt. Wrongell a steaming volcano provides evidence of the earth's dynamic nature. Ancient glaciers advance and retreat, slowly grinding through rock, adding a powdery silt and milky color to the rivers' flow.
We arrived at Tolsona Wilderness Campground about 4:00 pm. on the river for the RVing to Alaska Rally. We’re in the overflow field since we’re a day early. We’re excited to slow down for awhile.
July 15
Another spectacular drive to Congdon Creek. We always enjoy stopping when we spy something interesting. Canyon Creek Bridge was it.
Fun Facts:
In 1903, a gold strike in the Alsek River drainage brought a stampede of miners to the area, some of whom stayed to mine in several creeks around Kluane Lake.
A Wagon road was built from Whitehorse in the next year and Sam McGee and Gilbert Shelly constructed a substantial bridge over Canyon Creek
The bridge survived heavy traffic and high spring floods until the 1920's when the government contracted the Jacquot brothers from Burnish Landing to rebuild it.
In 1942, during construction of the Alaska Highway the old bridge was dismantled and a new one built in 18 days.
This bridge does not meet current highway codes and is closed.
We arrived at Congdon Creek Campground. After we settled in we enjoyed a walk around the park and along the lake. It was so windy! It's a beautiful area and we enjoyed having a nice place to rest up for the drive tomorrow....
July 16
Along this journey we were in awe with the absolutely gorgeous Fireweed which covered the mountains, a bear and beautiful wildflowers.
Driving from Condon Creek to the USA Alaska border was treacherous! Frost heaves, pot holes, rocks/gravel which continued in Alaska.
Got to the border and had to take a few pictures!
Finally, we arrived in Tok! It was a very long day.
Arriving at Souradough Campground was a relief! We settled in & I enjoyed doing yoga while diffusing Thieves and Orange essential oils. Supporting my immune system and emotions.
July 17
We enjoyed a leisurely start to our day. Then off to Moon Lake via getting a fishing license and mailing some postcards. We meet so many fun people along our journey. At Moon Lake we enjoyed walking around and chatting with Pam and Val, twin sisters 75 years young!) that were traveling from British Columbia in their Dodge Van with their 18 year old cat! They have such an adventurous spirit as do all the international travelers we have met.
We ended the evening eating dinner at the famous Fast Eddies Restaurant. We shared a piece of halibut with delicious salads from the salad bar. Their pizza's looked delicious and the crust is handmade.
July 12
It was an easy, scenic drive to Whitehorse where we stocked up on groceries before heading to our destination. Just 20 minutes outside of Whitehorse, we arrived at the Tranquil Hot Springs Campground. After settling in, we ventured to the breathtaking Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs & Spa. WOW! We enjoyed the "tour" Samantha gave us and are looking forward to Sunday when we will experience the pools.
Fun Facts:
- Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs are custom designed stone pools that are the only commercial Hot Springs of their kind in North America.
- Geological evidence suggests these hot springs have been running for hundreds if not thousands of years. It is an ancient, powerful source of artesian water full of restorative minerals.
- They go the extra mile……draining and cleaning their pools every single day!
- Every winter they have a "hair freezing" contest!
July 13
Exploring the Yukon Wildlife Preserve was an incredible adventure! We embarked on a 3-mile loop, navigating the preserve on our electric bikes. Enjoying numerous areas while admiring the diverse wildlife, took us about 2.5 hours. Every moment was an opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty around us.
Fun Fact:
In the 1970’s Danny Nowlan started accepting injured and orphaned wildlife at the Yukon Game Farm. Nearly fifty years later, the Yukon Wildlife Preserve continues to care for Yukon’s most vulnerable animals
.
Since it opened in 2012, hundreds of animals have passed through the doors of the Preserve’s Wildlife Research and Rehabilitation Centre.
After lunch, we headed into Whitehorse, making detour to Bean North's Cafe in the Woods, which is hidden and enchanting!. Beautiful flowers, live music, treats and of course Fair Trade Coffee that they roast twice a week. They supply a lot of the local stores in Whitehouse with their coffee.
My very old hiking boots were on their last legs, so we stopped by Coast Mountain Sports. There, Ash, the exceptionally knowledgeable sales associate, helped me find the perfect pair of hiking boots..
Our adventure continued with a quick stop to recycle the oil after Douglas changed it in our motorhome. Then, we made our way to the Yukon Visitor Information Centre, where Fern provided us with excellent information..
Our next destination was the spectacular Miles Canyon. We embarked on a breathtaking hike that included crossing the Yukon River via a suspension bridge. It was a fabulous way to cap off a busy and incredible day!
July 14
The highlight of the morning was our daughter Amy, FaceTiming us to say hi to my mom! She also shared photos of some loved ones. Mom's 97 spin around the sun! Very special and it made my heart sing.
We walked over to the Hot Springs and had an incredible experience in the different pools. So relaxing and rejuvenating. After lunch we did the same thing, finding another pool we didn't see this morning. We enjoyed the Steam Sauna, too. No pictures in the spa....the only ones I was able to take was in their cafe up above.
Eclipse Hot Springs is an exquisite destination, and if you ever find yourself in Whitehorse, I highly recommend treating yourself to a visit!
July 10
Lake Boya
We embarked on a scenic route along the Cassiar Highway that winds through majestic mountains and meanders alongside picturesque rivers and serene lakes.
Late in the morning, we arrived at the awe-inspiring Ta Ch’ila - Boya Lake Provincial Park, marking our return to the lush landscapes of British Columbia.
Many of the campgrounds we’ve been exploring operate on a “first come” basis. We were fortunate to secure a stunning site adorned with vibrant fireweed and offering a spectacular view of the lake.
After settling in, we hopped on our bikes and headed towards the kayak rental area. Suddenly, we were met with a strong wind, followed by the thunderous boom of a storm and a drizzle that became heavier upon returning to our motorhome. Whew!
We enjoyed visiting with Gwen & Jim before dinner.
The view when we walked out of our motorhome
July 11
Our original plan was to go kayaking before leaving the breathtaking Boya Lake, but a night of rain and waking up to a brisk 48 degrees changed that. However, we are eager to visit Boya Lake again on our return trip from Alaska.
It's been a month since we set out, spending our days exploring the wonders of Canada as we journey toward Alaska.
I have to mention....today is my sweet, amazing, inspirational mom's 97th birthday!
Departing Boya Lake, we traveled along the scenic Cassiar Highway to the Alaska Highway, eventually reaching Teslin Lake -back in the Yukon. Along the way, we had a fleeting encounter with a fox carrying what looked like a couple of small rabbits or rodents in its mouth - it was too quick for us to snap a picture!
Stopping at Rancheria Falls a trail 1/3 mile each way, uphill a lot of the way. The falls and the river were stunning…..so peaceful and spiritual.
