August 26
After waking up and moving a bit slowly, we finally got on the road. The drive to Whitehorse was spectacular, with the sun shining brightly and the scenery unfolding beautifully around us.
Arriving and settling in at Pioneer RV Park, we made our way to Fireweed RV Service. To our delight, they had the tow bar and accessories we needed for our car and motorhome. They were incredibly kind and helpful, and we left feeling truly grateful for their outstanding service.
August 27
It's a beautiful, crisp morning, and we decided to embrace the day with an invigorating hike along the Whitehorse Millennium Trail. The 5 ml (3 mile) loop around the magnificent Yukon River which offered us breathtaking views and serene moments in to embrace the energy of Nature. It was truly a perfect way to spend our morning – a wonderfully revitalizing and stunning adventure!
We returned to Fireweed RV Service to get help removing a stubborn part from our motorhome. They went above and beyond by also installing our new tow and safety bar at no extra cost! Plus gave us a refund for a part we did not need!
If you are ever in Whitehorse and need help with your RV, Fireweed RV Service is highly recommended!
Fun Facts:
The trail loops alongside the Yukon River and has a bridge near the power plant and fish ladder at the north side. It is generally maintained in the winter time. It is flat and paved, and there are numerous off the road dirt trails. It is well-marked with km indicators, and there are interpretative signs, overviews, and benches along the way.
July 28
We enjoyed the Yukon Bering Interpretive Center which takes you back more than ten thousand years to the last ice age, when woolly mammoths, scimitar-toothed cats and other megafauna roamed the Yukon landscapes.
Before heading back to the RV for lunch, we stopped to admire the World's Largest Weather Vane. It was awesome to see it move with the wind.
Fun Facts:
The World’s Largest Weathervane, A Douglas DC-3 airplane sits on a pedestal in front of the Yukon Transportation Museum, where it was moved in the summer of 2009.
The title of “The World’s Largest Weathervane” isn’t just a joke. Placed on a specially engineered pedestal in 1981, the plane slowly and silently pivots and move with the breeze, so that her nose is always pointing into the wind as if in a perpetual, never-ending flight. It only takes a five-knot wind to turn her.
Bought in April 1946 by Canadian Pacific Airlines, the plane served as a military cargo plane, a civilian plane, and later as a “bush plane.” In truly Canadian style the plane was outfitted with skis so that it might land on remote snowy plains to deliver supplies. After logging 31,851 hours, the DC-3 flew her last flight in November 1970 and was donated to the Yukon Flying Club in 1977. Though the DC-3 has been downgraded to the status of weathervane, as far as the fate of retired planes go, flying forever into the oncoming wind is a pretty good last gig.
After lunch we took off for the Whitehorse Dam and Fish Ladder. This was truly a fascinating science lesson and adventure.
Fun Facts:
The Yukon River was dammed in 1954 to provide hydro-electric power for Whitehorse, and to provide flood control. The following year, the worlds, longest wooden fish ladder was built to allow Chinook salmon (King Salmon) to reach the creeks where they were born. Located at the edge of the Riverdale residential area, the fish ladder has an excellent interpretive center that includes underwater viewing windows.
Later, Mike & Katy drove into Pioneer RV. It's always great to sit around, catch up, and share our adventures with each other.
August 29
Spent some quality time with Katy and Mike before they headed off to Boya Lake. Later in the afternoon we meandered through the Farmer's Market enjoying the cold brisk weather and visiting with some of the vendors.
August 24
Stopping along the way in Delta Junction at the highly recommended Buffalo Center Drive-in for a bison burger. It was paired with a side of delicious crispy onion rings which were a tad too greasy. :-)
It was nice to meander through a quaint farmer's market giving us the opportunity to digest lunch.
Our adventure continued as we explored the historic Sullivan Roadhouse soaking in a bit of Alaskan history
Fun Facts:
Refurbishing the Sullivan Roadhouse: Today the Sullivan Roadhouse appears much as it did during the early 1900's. The Roadhouse was carefully marked before it was dismantled and relocated to Delta Junction in the summer of 1996.
During the reassembly, the bottom three tiers of logs had to be replaced due to severe deterioration. Now unpeeled white spruce logs were used as replacements. The corrugated stall roof was also replaced to provide greater protection from the elements.
Great effort was mad to retain the historical qualities of the building while preserving for future generations.
August 25
Our journey from Tok through Destruction Bay was quite an adventure, despite the drizzling weather and treacherous road conditions we had previously encountered on our way up to Alaska. The unexpected potholes did a number on our tow bar. Suddenly, we heard a loud noise, and Douglas noticed through the camera that the car was swaying. We immediately pulled over to assess the situation. To our dismay, the tow and safety bar had broken. We were very fortunate that the protective screen was still intact and prevented the car from detaching.
Douglas promptly took care of the necessary adjustments, and following Douglas, I drove the car to Congdon Creek Campground. Once there, we decided to take a much-needed walk around the campground to unwind. The setting was breathtakingly beautiful, with sunlight filtering through the trees, a crisp breeze in the air, and the serenity of nature all around us. It was the perfect remedy after such a harrowing experience.
August 21
Arriving in Fairbanks after lunch, we decided to make a stop at the Farmer's Market before heading to the KOA to set up our "camp." Strolling through the market was a delightful break; while there wasn’t a vast selection of produce, the crafts, yarns, and local art caught our eye. One particular highlight was a stunning photograph of Denali (Mt. McKinley) framed by vibrant fireweed. The image captivated our heart, leading to a pleasant conversation with the photographer who shared her passion for Alaska. It was interesting chatting with a young man who grows mushrooms.
Heading to the co-op store, very nice and organized. Lots of organic produce but we were shocked by the prices! Can you believe a dozen eggs was $15.00!?! Understandably, our purchases were quite minimal. Despite the drizzle and the chilly air, we finally made it to our check-in at the KOA. We settled in for the evening, eager to unwind and relax.
August 22
It rained all night and part of the morning. We’re off on another adventure to the Chena Hot Springs and Ice Museum. Drizzle, surrounded by lots of trees. Drove along the Chena River. Mostly evergreens but here and there are deciduous trees with a hint of fall
We arrived at the resort 10:55 and barely made the 11:00 AM Ice Museum tour. Very unique that it stays frozen all year round. The ice sculptures were great and our tour guide very personable.
Fun Facts:
The museum was completed in January 2005 and stays a cool 25 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius) inside. Keeping the museum icy cold in the heat of summer comes from the patented absorption chiller, the first of its kind in the world used for this purpose
4 rooms are setup with ice beds where you can actually spend the night in side the ice museum! $600.00 a night. They supply you with blankets, heating element of some sort and if you can't make it through the night, they have a room for you in their lodge.
At the start of our tour, our guide captivated us by skillfully sculpting a martini glass from a block of ice. The folks that purchased an Apple Martini kept their exquisitely carved ice glass and later, in a fun twist, smash it outside while making a wish. Although we didn't buy the drink, our sweet guide gifted me the magnificent martini glass he had crafted. Afterwards I threw it up in the air and made a wish! It was thrilling!
Off to the hot springs which were fabulous and left me like jelly.
August 23
Raining and cold....not enthusiastic to get out this morning. After lunch we met up with Katy and Mike at Costco - they have a membership :-) Next the 4 of us took off to The Pump House for dinner. This may be the last time we are able to hook up with Katy and Mike. We enjoyed the waitress telling us the history of the restaurant, great food and lots of laughter!
After a delightful dinner, Katy and I enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the campground, our senses heightened by the embrace of nature and each other’s company. We discovered the serene beauty of the river which added a touch of whimsy to our exploration. It was the perfect setting to cherish the deep bond of friendship we've nurtured since June 25. Every moment spent together has filled our hearts with joy, laughter and unforgettable memories, making this journey so much more special.
August 18
We enjoyed the morning as we packed up to head to Riley Campground.
Our drive from Teklanika to Riley was peaceful and stunning. There was a hint of fall with trees turning golden yellow, white flowers scattered in between the fireweed, mountains and the terrain changed to a forest of evergreens. We passed Sanctuary River.
Along the way nature surprised us with incredible sightings: a magnificent grizzly bear and an awe-inspiring caribou. Although I couldn't capture the caribou on camera before it gracefully settled down, the vivid memory will forever be etched in my mind and heart. Although, I was thrilled that one of our fellow RV2 Alaska friends Shad Sollars got him while standing!!
We also saw families of The Willow Ptarmigan, which is Alaska's State Bird. It became the official state bird when Alaska was made the 49th state in 1960. The Willow Ptarmigan (P is silent) is distinguished by its use of camouflage as protection .
One we got settled in our site, we ventured off the the Visitor's Center which is actually a complex.
The center offers visitors a chance to learn more about the park by speaking with park rangers, viewing the park film, "Heartbeats of Denali," and exploring an exhibit area. The film was fantastic and the photography was magnificent!
The film is about 20 minutes long. It is a non-narrated film that shares with you the various seasons, landscapes and wildlife of this beautiful place.
The film is about 20 minutes long. It is a non-narrated film that shares with you the various seasons, landscapes and wildlife of this beautiful place.
Many ranger-led activities occur in or begin from the Denali Visitor Center. Most of the trails in Denali can be accessed from the center. There is ample parking at the facility for day-use, with a small car lot and a separate RV lot on the northwest side of the visitor center.
The train station that takes you to Anchorage or Fairbanks is located in this complex.
Dall sheep are a symbol of Denali National Park. WHY? In part because over hunting of the sheep inspired Charles Sheldon, then others, to lobby Congress to establish a park and game refuge to protect the sheep. Their lobbying resulted in the establishment of Mount McKinley National Park. The Dall sheep you see in the park today may appear as small dots on a ridge but they play a large role in the creation of this park.
Have you ever thought about why we should embrace mosquitos? Not me! But........
Fun Facts:
It was enjoyable walking around for a few hours. Back to the motorhome to enjoy a quiet evening.
August 19
It's a cold drizzly day! High 45!
We started the morning off at the Dog Sled demonstration. Rangers and dogs work together to demonstrate a traditional Alaskan mode of travel. It was an interesting program one of the Rangers gave which included an opportunity to tour the park kennels and visit Denali Alaskan huskies.
At 2:00 we were at the Visitor's Center to meet up with a Park Ranger that was leading a group of us on a 2 hour hike. It was very informative learning more about the red squirrels, the beetles that are infesting the birch trees, controlled and uncontrolled fires in the park. We learned more about train trustles and we saw the original bridge built in the early 1900's, still in use today.
Walking over a bridge and Riley Creek we headed for the suspension bridge. This was fun and spooky walking over it, lots of movement as we crossed over it. We were all on our own after the thrilling adventure of the suspension bridge.
We always meet the nicest people, having a lovely conversation with a mom and daughter.
As we were leaving the visitor’s center Mike and Katy were driving up. It’s always a treat catching up with them!
Fun Facts:
The Alaska Railway Act of 1914 authorized the federal government to construct a railroad to connect vast mineral resources of Interior Alaska with an ice-free port. In April 1915, President Woodrow Wilson selected a route that spanned from Seward to Fairbanks. The impact of his decision brought the railroad here and, in turn, contributed to the establishment of a national park in 1917 to conserve wildlife.
The Riley Creek Bridge, manufactured in Pennsylvania and shipped north on 24 rail cars loaded with 600 tons of steel via the Panama Canal, consisted of seven steel towers decked with 30-foot and 60-foot steel plate girders. When finished, the creek crossing would measure 900 feet in length.
August 20
Well yesterday's cold and dampness caught up with me. Today is a beautiful sunny day and I woke up not feeling well. We did go on a short hike this morning and walked around the Canyon Creek Chalet to look at shops and an art gallery. After that I slept most of the afternoon while, Douglas, Mike and Katy enjoyed an afternoon hike around Horseshoe Lake. In the evening the 3 of them went to dinner. I slept some more.
August 21
I'm feeling a lot better today. We enjoyed a visit from Katy. It was so heartwarming to receive a lovely note and a skein of yarn from her. We're heading to Fairbanks this morning and will meet up with Katy and Mike when they arrive on Friday.
August 15
Arriving at Delani National Park and checked in for our 3 nights at Teklanika Campground. It took about 1 1/2 hours to drive there.
Fun Facts:
Magnifient wildlife, vast tundra and the towering Denali are the highlights of this world famous national park. The grand peaks and snowy summits of Denali National Park and Preserve cover 160 miles of the Alaska Range and are so tall they are often lost in the clouds.
Telkanika CG is open in summer only (May 20 to mid-September). Though nearly all private vehicles must turn around at mile 15, Savage River, Tek campers are an exception to that rule. If you wish, you may drive your vehicle / RV to Tek. The trade-off is that you must make, at minimum, a three-night stay, and your vehicle must stay in your campsite for the duration of your stay, while you use transit buses to sight see. Tent campers using the park bus system to reach Tek are not subject to the 3-night minimum stay.
August 16
This is an adventure for us. We thought there would be trails to hike - basically you just start hiking anywhere....no trails. Lots of bears, wolves and other wildlife. There have been a few people that got off the bus at random places to hike. You purchase bus pass before you make your reservation. Ours was for 7:10 AM this morning, final destination was where the Pretty Rocks Landslide happened and is still happening. It took an hour to drive there. We had 20 minutes to walk around unless you wanted to stay longer.
It took about 40 minutes to get back to the area we wanted to get off and hike back to our campground. Our intentions were to hike along the river..... as we started hiking down it became very steep and rocky and decided to walk along the road. We enjoyed the scenery and it was nice to be in the cold crisp fresh air. Although the winds have been 30-50 MPH!!! 
Facts:
The Pretty Rock Landslide has been active sine the 1960's and probably well before the Denali Park Road was built in 1930.
Before 2014 the landslide only caused small cracks in the road surface. But thawing permafrost driven by climate change accelerated the landslide's rate of movement from inches per year prior to 2014, to inches per month in 2017, inches per week in 2018, inches per day in 2019 and up to 0.65 inches per hour in 2021.
Pretty Rocks is just one of more than 140 unstable slopes identified along the Park Road. To restore and maintain access to the entire road through an ever evolving landscape, we must adapt to the effects of climate change. Today, contractors are working to construct a bridge over the landslide. It should be ready for bus traffic by 2027.
After taking a much-needed nap, we felt energized and ready to explore the beautiful surroundings of our campground. We set out on a hike down to the river, It didn't have much water although it offered a serene and tranquil setting. We continued walking in the rocky open space of the river bed and found a trail along the woods that took us to our campground.
Discovering a charming creek added an extra touch of magic to our adventure.
Leaving the creek I heard footsteps behind me. I quickly turned around thinking it was a bear! However, it turned out to be another couple.. We quickly struck up a conversation and learned that they were from Alaska, sharing stories with each other. .
Paula also shared some intriguing information about our campground..... we knew there was a grizzly but didn't know she had 3 cubs. She informed us that these cubs could often be found high up in the trees while their protective mama bear roamed the ground. She cautioned us to be aware, as any perceived threat to her cubs could provoke a defensive reactionfrom the mother.
August 17
August 17Life is full of surprises, isn't it? This morning we encountered an obstacle with our inverter, which is essential for charging our batteries. These batteries power our residential refrigerator and a few other things.
With no help available on a Saturday, we decided to forge ahead and hope our batteries would hold out until we returned from our Saturday adventure.
It was a great adventure! We caught the bus to Savage River Loop on the way we saw a golden eagle, a bear that was far away and a family of the state bird - The Willow Ptarmigan ( the "p" is silent) and embarked on a breathtaking hike. The river accompanied us for most of the journey, its serene flow adding to the experience. Once we crossed over the bridge the wind whipped around us at 30 MPH at times, and a light drizzle kept us on our toes. Despite the weather, the hike was invigorating!
One of the highlights was meeting a lovely woman visiting Alaska with her children and grandchildren who live the in lower 48. Her and her husband are visiting from India.
It was great having a hiking path. It was a little rocky here and there, narrow and it was nice passing other hikers here and there.
After our hike, we climbed the hill and boarded the bus back to our campground at Teklanika Campground (Tek).
Upon returning to our motorhome, we were relieved to find the batteries still functioning.
Tomorrow, we set off for Riley Campground, still within the magnificent Denali National Park.
Fun Facts:
Diffusing when our generator is on or when we have electricity.
Thieves & Orange
Eucalyptus & Lemon
Lemon & Lavender
Northern Black Spruce & Orange
Herbal Eye Wash
Nose Sprays:
Oregano
Colloidal Silver
XClear with Cayenne
RC mix with coconut oil - Swab
Love my DIY for tired legs and circulation
10 drops each & fill with V-6 Vegetable Complex or Fractionated Coconut Oil:
Lemongrass
Copaiba
Rosemary
Frankincense
Inside our motorhome
QiGong
Yoga
Our Entertainment:
Phase 10
Golf - Card Game
Sequence
Backgammon
Pegs & Jokers
