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Day 30 Alaska Trip - Pink Mountain
Before we left Dawson Creek I went to the Bottle Depository and got $2 of our can deposit—10¢ for each can. So far we’ve gotten $4.20 for returning cans.
It was a beautiful 139 mile drive today from Dawson Creek to Pink Mountain.
The red and white pillars are supporting a pipeline bridge. The bridge we crossed is the blue structure behind it.
I enjoy having my computer desk in front of me when Tom is driving.
After traveling across flat land all the way through Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Albert and the bottom of British Columbia, we are now seeing some hills.
Our campsite at Pink Mountain turned out to be nice because no-one showed up to take the two spots on the right of us.
Trip Statistics
- Distance driven in the RV - 139,
- Distance driven in car today - 5
- Total Trip distance driven so far 4,159
- We stayed at Mile 0 Park & Campground $36,35
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Day 29 Alaska Trip - Dawson Creek Day 2
This morning we toured the Dawson Creek Visitor’s Center and watched two videos about the construction of the Alaska Highway.
This grain elevator is now an art gallery. The art is displayed on the walls is a spiral slope all the way to the top of the building. In a room at the very top is a large classroom where a variety of classes are offered.
While we were touring the Walter Wright Pioneer Village at our campground I got a phone call from Susan Lowry (Tom’s first cousin from Norco, LA). She and husband Johnny were also in Dawson Creek and were driving over to the Pioneer Village to meet us.
After touring the village together, we drove over the visitor’s center to get a picture by the iconic Alaska Highway sign together
Tom & me with Johnny & Susan Lowry
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Day 28 Alaska Trip - Dawson Creek, BC
Today we entered British Columbia after driving through Ontario, Winnipeg, Saskatchewan, Manitoba
Recycling and deposits in Canada
Recycling is strongly encouraged in Canada. They must pay a 10¢ deposit on every can, water bottle, milk carton, juice box, etc. that is purchased. There are NO plastic bags at the checkouts in the stores. Either you bring your own or pay 25¢ for a paper bag.
Alaska Highway
We took this picture today at the famous marker at the beginning of the Alaska Highway.
This is a picture of us in 2018 when we drove this trip then.
Alaska Highway
Officially started on March 9, 1942, Army engineers were ordered to construct a road that would proceed in a northwesterly direction from the railhead at Dawson Creek, BC, and connect with the existing Richardson Highway at Delta Junction, AK. A pioneer road was constructed through 1,525 miles of wilderness in 8 months and 12 days. The men worked 16 hours a day in the summer months and survived black flies, gnats and mosquitos and in the winter worked in temperatures as cold as -70. In the winter the heavy equipment took a beating. Harsh temperatures of -70F, froze lubricants, seized transmissions, and snapped axles. Equipment had to be kept running 24 house a day.
Quick Facts
- 11,000 troops
- 16,000 American and Canadian civilians
- 133 bridges constructed
- 7,000 pieces of heavy equipment
- 8,000+ culverts installed
Trip Statistics
- Distance driven in the RV - 142 ,
- Distance driven in car today - 5
- Total Trip distance driven so far 4,012
- Gas today was $4.26 per gallon and we spent $169.44. Total so far is $1,808.55
- We stayed at Mile 0 Park & Campground $34.30
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Day 27 Alaska Trip - Valleyview, Alberta
We drove 228 miles today from Glowing Embers RV Park in Acheson, AB (outside of Edmonton) to Young’s Point Provincial Park in Valleyview, AB
The campsite is big and private but we could not level the motorhome so we spent the night with all the slides still in. Definitely not our favorite way to spend the night, but were still able to cook, shower, and use the AC without a problem.
Trip Statistics
- We stayed at the Young’s Provincial Park Campground for $29.20
- We have driven a total of 3,848 miles in the car and RV
- Groceries and Eating Out have cost us $672.55 for an average of $25.87 per day
- Total spent on gas $1,639 for an average of $63.04 per day
- Gas cost $5.17 a gallon today
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Day 26 Alaskan Trip - Edmonton again
We drove to the Old Strathcona part of town to catch the historical Edmonton streetcars that took us across the historical High Level Bridge and back.
Our morning ride
The trolley driver and Tom
High Level Bridge - built in 1912 to accommodate trains, streetcars, bicycles and automobiles
Edmonton Legislature Building
Centennial Eternal Flame
Inside of the Legislature Building—”It’s been an interesting life. I’ve seen the most interesting times in Alberta’s history: the Depression, the war years, the oil years and the boom.” -Muriel Manning
We went to the Legislature Museum and saw a very interesting movie and then had a quick photo shoot in the royal garb.
Poutine - very popular in Canada consists of French fries with gravy and cheese curds
It was hot and humid today but the smog was so bad that all ball games were cancelled. Fort Edmonton, which we had hoped to visit, was closed for the day was also closed. The smog was caused by all the forest in Alberta.
Trip Statistics
- We stayed at the Glowing Embers RV Campground for three nights $42.26 a night
- We have driven a total of 3,640 miles in the car and RV
- Groceries and Eating Out have cost us $672.55 for an average of $25.87 per day
- Total spent on gas $1,574.11 for an average of $60.54 per day
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Day 24 Alaska Trip -West Edmonton Mall
Royal Alberta Museum
A beautifully painted wall next to where we parked the car to tour the museum. Incidentally, the parking was $15 while the museum entrance fee was $14 per senior.
Royal Alberta Museum
The Royal Alberta Museum had four fascinating sections: the Human History Hall, Natural History Hall, Bug Gallery and a Feature Gallery that showcased artifacts and history from Angkor Wat temple Complex in Cambodia (where I’ve been).
The Angkor Wat Gallery
My picture of Angkor Wat from my visit in 2017. It is considered the world’s largest religious structure in the world. Construction began in in 1129 and completed around 1150. It was dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, but was gradually converted to a Buddhist Temple as it remains today.
These artifacts were from recovered and date back to the 1100s.
Hall of Natural History
Hall of Human History
The history of the indigenous people was very interesting. We watched a short video of how they wore a bison costume and lured a herd of bison into corals as pictured below where they could easily kill a huge number.
Beads and sicknesses went hand in hand. European traders benefited from immunity to many diseases, but indigenous people had no protection. Recurring epidemics devastated entire nations. Mortality rates sometimes reached 90%. These beads illustrate the virus or bacterium associated with different diseases. Measles, influenza, whooping cough, bubonic plague, cholera, diphtheria , typhoid fever, smallpox, scarlet fever and chickenpox.
The iron lung from the polio epidemic of the 50’s. The person’s whole body laid inside the machine with only the head propped up on the end.
Madagascar hissing cockroach
Mexican redone tarantula
West Edmonton Mall
This is the largest mall in North America. It contains an amusement park, a water park, over 800 stores and restaurants, ice skating/hockey rink, marine life exhibit, bowling alley, escape room and more!
Galaxyland Amusement Park, located in West Edmonton Mall, is the world’s largest indoor amusement park and offers space-themed rides for all ages
There were several huge candy stores
These motorized stuffed animals can be rented and ridden in the mall.
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Day 23 Alaska Trip -Ukranian Heritage Museum to Edmonton, B
Shortly after leaving Suffern Lake Regional Park Campground and getting back on the highway, we crossed the border into Alberta.
For almost the entire time we’ve been driving we’ve been listening to Greg Iles newest book Southern Man. The book was 45 hours and 44 minutes long and could have easily been half that length. I checked on maps to see how many hours it would take to drive straight home from the point we finished the book and the answer was 34 hours (of course we didn’t come here straight from home, but I was curious. We had driven over 56 hours at that point). Listening to books over Apple Play is always a good way to pass the time. Some are better than others.
Uranian Cultural Heritage Village
The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village Society purchased the present site and began relocating buildings from farms and towns of east central Alberta. Since the beginning more than 40 buildings have been moved to UCHV where they have been researched, restored and furnished to their early 20th century appearance. The village used a technique known as first-person interpretation which requires that the costumed performers remain in character al all times. Actors answer all questions as iff it is the year their building portrays.
The outside and inside of the St. Vladimir’s Greek Orthodox Church, built in 1934
The old school house on left, girls and boys outhouses in back, the barn for the horses some students rode to school and the Teacher Shack. This was built in 1910.
The inside of the one-room schoolhouse
The “Teacher’s Shack” complete with a bedroom and a kitchen. Built in 1927.
Railway Station
After spending around two hours at the Village we drove our final 51 miles to the Glowing Ember Campground west of Edmonton, Alberta, Site 319.. The first evening in Edmonton was the hottest weather they’d had in 40 years. It was 92 and felt like 96. I looked at the weather at home in Lake Charles and it was actually warmer here.
Sunset is 10:15PM and sunrise is 5:34AM
Trip Statistics:
- Miles driven in motorhome today -213
- Miles driven in car 0
- Total driven in RV and car - 3,525
- Camping at Glowing Embers Campground in Acheson (west of Edmonton) - $42.26 (Trip average of $36.25 per night)
- Groceries, Earring Out and Snack have averaged $26.90 per day
- Gas has cost $1,583.62 for both vehicles or and average of 63.34 per day —.45 per mile
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Day 22 Alaska Trip-Saskatoon to Suffern Lake
We spent the day driving 174 miles across Saskatchewan from Saskatoon to a stop in the middle of nowhere. The only highlight of the day was briefly being behind a truck moving a two-story house down the road, but we were able to pass fairly quickly.
We stayed at the Suffern Lake Regional Campground which was an unfortunate choice because it was 10 miles off the highway, five of that was on gravel. The campground itself had a nice playground, a lake with a small sandy beach and a small golf course-like area, but the spot assigned to us was very hilly and would have been impossible to level. We requested a different site and were given our choice at a slightly different location where we were the ONLY ones camping! The mosquitos were horrible.
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Days 20 & 21 Alaska Trip - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
We are now 21 days into our journey to Alaska and have been enjoying magnificent weather. After driving only 51 miles from our previous campground, we arrived in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Our water pump stopped working a few days ago so we contacted a mobile repairman to fix it. We waited all afternoon at our campsite, but he never arrived. The water in our motorhome works fine as long as we are connected to the campsite’s water supply. We finally gave up on the repairman and decided to tour Saskatoon today.
Saskatoon Forestry Farm
We started the day by touring the Saskatoon Forestry Farm that houses a wide variety of animals from bears and mountain goats to tiny bald rats and poisonous green and blue frogs.
Prairie Dogs
White wolf
Bald Eagle
Western Development Museum
This museum was a very interesting step into history. Here’s a few of the displays.
The pump truck used by the fire department
From the sign by the exhibit: (replica of a house built in 1904)
On the treeless prairie, thousands of homesteaders built their first homes from the ground beneath their feet - prairie sod.
Sod slab by sod slab, grass side down, walls grew out of the prairie. Once the walls were up, roof rafters were fashioned from poplar or willow poles, then covered with a layer of hay or tar paper and topped off with sod.
Doors and windows were often the only purchased materials in the entire construction.
Inside, bare walls were sometimes wallpapered with newspaper and dirt floors were covered with throw rugs. Packing cases might serve as chairs, linen-closets and china cupboards.
On Sunday night the wash broiler was filled with water and placed on the kitchen stove so that it would heat up first thing Monday morning when the fire was started. Bars of home-made lye soap like these were shaved into the boiler to melt into the water as it was heated on the stove. The soap was made from animal fat and lye, a strong alkali made from wood ash and bones.. A paddle or a stick, often the cut-off handle of an old broom, was used to stir the washing in the boiling-hot water.
Washing usually required a variety of tubs–3 basins and pans such as these. In summer, tubs and basins were set on benches or kitchen chairs in the farm yard. Clothes were scrubbed clean in tubs of warm, sudsy water.
Wet laundry, from fine linens to heavy overalls, was wrung out by hand.
“No Severe Exertion Required.” 1920s advertising for this hand plunger, called a vacuum washer, claimed it could wash anything from horse blankets to the finest laces “without injury in three minutes. Suction forced soapy water through the fabrics.
An earlier version of today’s campers pulled behind cars. This one was used in 1931.
In Canada and the northern United States, mechanics converted Model Ts into snowmobiles for winter travel. Rural delivery services and doctors, in particular, fitted their Model Ts with skis to cover their large territories.
Doctors had to travel far and wide no matter the weather. In 1927, Dr. Johns asked the mechanic at Block’s Garage in Viscount to convert this Model T for winter travel. On his way to deliver a baby near Plunkett, Dr. Johns’s snowmobile ran out of engine oil so he topped it up with water. He got there in time but his snowmobile was ruined.
Straw gas powered car
Now that electric cars are increasing in popularity, here’s one that was developed in 1982. The ElecTrek was marketed as an environmentally friendly option because of its ability to recharge almost anywhere and to run without petroleum fuels. However, the cost of batteries and the electricity to charge them came to 10.79 cents per km at a time when the average gas car cost 5.2 cents per km to operate.
A nice painting on the side of a building in downtown Saskatoon
Here is the map of our trip to this point
Site 46 at the Gordie Howe Campground
TRIP STATISTICS:
- Miles driven in the RV yesterday :51
- Miles driven in the car 36
- Total miles driven in car and RV: 3,135
- Gordie Howe Campground $37.50 per night. The average cost has been 36.22 per night
- Groceries and food: $522.03 for an average of $24.86 per day
- Last gas cost $3.978 a gallon . Our total is now $1,198.48 which has averaged $57.07 per day
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Day 19 - Middle of Nowhere Manitoba
We are heading towards Saskatoon, but spent the night in the middle of nowhere ( actually Colnsay No. 342) at the Painted Rocks Campground
Once again, our views included miles and miles of beautiful fields of canola flowers, a few trains and some silos for storage.
These plastic shelters are also known as bee condos or bee houses that provide nesting spaces for alfalfa leaf-cutter bees and are seen in Saskatchewan. These bees act as tiny farmhands-pollinating crops such as alfalfa or hybrid canola.
Canola Fields
Saskatchewan is renowned for its vast canola fields. Canola is one of the primary crops grown in Saskatchewan and is used to manufacture canola oil. Canola is a major export commodity . The province exports large quantities of canola oil and see to international markets, including the USA, China, Japan and the European Union. Canola is also used in the production of biodiesel.
The remains of an old Ukrainian Church
We stayed at the Painted Rocks RV Campground in site #5
TRIP STATISTICS:
- Miles driven in the RV today :247
- Total miles driven in car and RV: 3.048
- Painted Rock RV Campground $27.78. The average cost has been 36.08 per night
- Groceries and food: $433.78 for an average of $22.83 per day
- Last gas cost $3.978 a gallon . Our total is now $1,198.48 which has averaged $63.08 per day. Today’s average is .393 a mile
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Day 18 Alaska Trip - Binscarth Park and Pool Campground, Manitoba
Binscarth, Manitoba
The whole day was spent driving across the prairie lands in a very rural section of Manitoba. We saw many beautiful canola fields which helped break the monotony, but other than those and an occasional passing train, there wasn’t much to see.
The weather is beautiful up here!
We stayed at the Binscarth Pool and Campground and our space looked very promising until I backed into the site. No matter which position I put the motorhome, it was still going downhill in the back. We tried placing blocks under the levelers to no avail. Finally gave us and just kept all the slides pulled in. Wasn’t bad though—our first motorhome was only this wide to start with and had no slides.
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Day 17 Alaska Trip - Riding Mountain National Park
Today’s destination was Riding Mountain National Park in western Manitoba. The wildlife of Riding Mountain National Park is supposed to be unparalleled according to the brochures. Parks Canada estimates there are 800-1,000 black bears, 3,000 moose and 40 plains bison in the park.
The first and only moose we saw in the park
We walked on this floating boardwalk around the lake and were surprised to see a family of swans.
After dinner we drove to another lake to try to see some other wildlife. Tom spotted a bear right outside of our campground area and then we spotted another a few mile up the road.
Notice that this bear gave himself a little blonde streak on his nose1
It’s not unusual to see a deer, but this one was just eating grass on the side of the road rather than trying to dart across the road.
The Canadian National Parks places a set of these red Adirondack chairs in several locations in each of their parks to encouraging taking and sharing your picture at that location. We sat in these as we enjoyed the beautiful sunset over Lake Clear.
Our ride today across Manitoba was 150 miles.
TRIP STATISTICS:
- Miles driven in RV from last stop: 151
- Miles driven car today: 42
- Total miles driven in car and RV: 2,716
- Wasagaming Campground in Riding Mountain NP 31.23
- Groceries and food: $423.43 for an average of $24.97 per day
- Last gas was $3.956 a gallon and we filled up the car and RV for 187.94, and average of $62.63 per day
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Day 16 Alaska Trip - Manitoba
We had a lazy morning at the camper waiting for two loads of laundry to wash and dry which cost $11.00.
In the afternoon we drove to the ROYAL AVIATION MUSEUM OF WESTERN CANADA where we learned about the people and planes of western Canada’s aviation’s history.
Signs of the Times
These children were forced to attend school away from their parents. Can you imagine what their life was like?
It was a very interesting visit to not only see the various aircraft, but to read all the signs that told about the history of such a rural population.
Fort Wythe Alive
Our next stop was at Fort Wythe Alive. It is a HUGE nature area with walking trails, bison and lakes. We walked the trail to the bison trail and back, but the entire area is flat and not the most interesting for hiking.
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Day 15 Alaska Trip - Mannitoba's Mint and Legislature Building
Royal Canadian Mint
Our day started with a fascinating tour of the Royal Canadian Mint. There are only two mints in Canada and only the one in Winnipeg produces the coins that are in circulation. In 1968 the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa couldn’t keep up with the demand for circulated coins. The Winnipeg Mint was opened in 1976 and has produced coins in circulation for 77 countries. They also produce some the blanks for the mints in the USA, but never actually prioduce US coins. The mints in the USA, on the other hand, only print coins and currency for the United States.
In 1908 - the first Canadian coin minted was the 50 cent piece
1984 - the last circulated coins were minted in Ottawa
1987 - the last $1.00 note is printed and replaced by the $1.00 coin named the “loonie.”
1996 - the $2.00 note was replaced by the $2.00 coin called the “tooie” - a coin made from two different metals.
2004 - the Mint becomes the first in the world to produce a colored circulation coin with the popular red Poppy coin.
2012- the last Canadian one-cent circulation coin is stuck. Distribution of Canada’s penny ends February 4, 2013.
This parade of flags is in honor of the Royal Canadian Mint’s many international customers.
Canadian colored coins in circulation
In 2017 the first glow-in-the-dark coin was entered into circulation, The CA $2 “toonie” features a view of the blue-green aurora borealis above two canoeists paddling along a tree-lined lake. In the dark, the special ink used to produce the image illuminates the northern lights.
New coins minted in 2024 featuring King Charles.
The newest coin - the Tom Hatfield Canadian Loonie!
Manitoba Legislature Building
TRIP STATISTICS:
- Miles driven in the car today: 58
- Total miles driven in car and RV: 2,467
- Winnipeg West KOA Campground $43.91. The average cost has been 39.66 per night.
- Groceries and food: $339.37 for an average of $25.96 per day
- Last gas cost $3.14 a gallon . Our total is now $878.74 which has averaged $58.46 per day. Today’s average is .36 a mile
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Day 14 Alaska Trip - Manitoba Human Rights Museum and Manitoba Museum
We purchased a Winnipeg Attractions Pass and used it today to see some amazing attractions. The first was the Canadian Museum for Human Rights
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It was opened in 2014 and is the first museum in the world solely dedicated to human rights. The museum features exhibits on various human rights issues, historical events, the stories of individuals and communities who have fought for human rights.
Where in the world are Tom and Mary??? In the middle of Winnipeg!
Winnipeg Museum
Next, we went to the Winnipeg Museum which features the natural and human history of Manitoba and exhibits on the province’s environment, cultures, and history. The dioramas are very detailed and depict life-sized glimpses into life in earlier times
The buffalo are depicted in mid-motion, capturing the energy and movement of the herd.
Carved sunglasses crafted by the Intuit people. These sunglasses, made from materials such as bone, wood or antlers and were designed to protect the wearer’s eyes from the intense glare of sunlight reflecting off snow and ice.
Ice knife traditionally made from bone for cutting snow and a snow scoop designed for moving snow efficiently. These two tools were used to build igloos.
This Arctic diorama depicts an adult male polar bear with a half grown ringed seal that he has dragged onto the ice pack. He is about to enjoy his high energy-packed meal.
This diorama depicts the daily life of the Intuit people showing their tents (lupiqs) and other structures that illustrate the types of dwellings used by the Inuit in different seasons and tools used in daily life.
This is a full-size replica on the “Nonsuch,” a historic ship that played a pivotal role in the fur trade and the establishment of Hudson’t Bay Company in it’s 1868-69voyage.This replica was built in 1969 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the original voyage.
After touring the museum we watched a presentation at the Planetarium and then walked around the Children’s Museum..
Check out this giant version of a Lite Brite!
I ducked inside a huge kaleidoscope!
TRIP STATISTICS:
- Miles driven in the car today: 58
- Total miles driven in car and RV: 2,409
- Winnipeg West KOA Campground $43.91. The average cost has been 39.66 per night.
- Groceries and food: $339.37 for an average of $25.96 per day
- Last gas cost $3.14 a gallon . Our total is now $878.74 which has averaged $58.46 per day. Today’s average is .36 a mile
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Day 13 Alaska Trip -Steinbach, Manitoba
Today we drove from International Falls, MN and stopped in Steinbach, Manitoba to visit the Mennonite Heritage Village.
The village has both an indoor museum and an outdoor open-air museum which displays original buildings that are significant to Mennonite history. These included traditional Mennonite houses, barns, schools, and church buildings.
The house looks short on the outside but at least three feet of the base is underground. Once we walked down inside we saw that the inside ceilings were at least 8 feet tall.
One room classroom with all student assignments on the board.
There were props on a table by an old fashioned background screen. The rolling pin just jumped into my hand.
In was interesting to see that Mennonites originated in Amsterdam and Switzerland . The ones from Switzerland went directly to Pennsylvania in 1690 for religious freedom. The ones from the Netherlands went to Poland in 1530, to Ukraine in 1776 and then came to Manitoba in 1874, 1924, and 1948
The drive across the province
The ride from International Falls to Winnipeg was completely flat! We only went over one overpass the whole way. This road is straighter and flatter for a longer period of time that any other road I’ve ever traveled.
There were many large fields of canola flowers blooming all along the way.
TRIP STATISTICS:
- Miles driven in RV from last stop: 266
- Miles driven car today: 2
- Total miles driven in car and RV: 2,370
- Winnipeg West KOA Campground $43.91
- Groceries and food: $328.05 for an average of $25.23 per day
- Last was was $3.14 a gallon and we filled up the car and RV for $232.58, and average of $17.89 per day
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Day 12 Alaska Trip - TransCanada Hwy to International Falls
We drove the TransCanada Highway from Kakabeka Falls until 4 miles before we dipped back down into the USA at International Falls..
This was a very rural highway. We probably went 150 miles without seeing a gas station. There was even a warning sign stating limited services when we turned west near near the beginning.
This Smokey the Bear monument was erected in 1954, a little more than ten years after the original Bear was invented in World War II as a cartoon character -- to protect the nation's lumber resources from careless campfires.
We camped fort he night at Arnold’s Campground and RV Park at $36. It’s a good thing it was a short one night stop because our spot was like a giant mud puddle. -
Alaska Trip Day 11 - Isle of Royale National Park
Island of Royale National Park
This morning we boarded the Sea Hunter III for the 1.5 hour trip to Isle of Royal from Grand Portage. The weather was a sunny and clear and Lake Superior was nice and smooth. Sixty-five of us were loaded on the boat with half of us and having to sit on the outside with some of us able to sit on the inside.
Isle of Royale National Park
We just made it to our 58th National Park (there are 64)! We tried to go there in 2020, but the boat service to get there was not sailing because of covid. The park was open, but we had no way of getting there.The park is located in Lake Superior and can only be accessed by boat or small pantoon plane.
We spent the day hiking 4 miles on the the Overlook Point Trail which was gently uphill the first half.
Male 421 was a lone wolf that wore a radioactive collar trom 1988 to 1991. As a lone, living without companionship or pack support. his existence would likely have been difficult and perhaps lonely..
Throughout the summer of 1990, this wolf slowly declined in health and eventuallv died of malnutrition as his body was weak and his teeth were worn and damaged. As an active lone wolf, he traveled the entire island actually killing moose by himself. but his dinners were often stolen by packs of wolves.
He died just outside a den he frequently used, which was located along the Winding Nature Trail. Researchers found him a few days after hhis death when they arrived in January of 1991 for the annual winter study.
Moose 2129–This bull moose’s skull was found in 1989, just south of Lake Richie. He died when he was just six years old.
Moose 2828–The rest of this moose’s skeleton is made up from female 2828. She was found in 1996 after starving to deathbed less than a mile from Starvation Point. She was 12 years old when she died.
Each of these moose escaped several encounters with wolves through their lifetime.
After our hike and a visit to the Ranger’s Station and store, we boarded our boat for the 1.5 hour ride back to Grand Portage.
We passed the Rock of Ages Lighthouse on the trip back to Grand Portage
After our trip to Isle of Royale we drove back to the casino and retrieved our motorhome. We then drove across the border into Ontario, Canada and continued on to Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park where we spent the night.
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The beautiful Kakabeka Falls are located within the park and are Ontario’s second tallest waterfall.
We camped in site #46 and had 30amp electric but no water or sewer hookup. The great thing about this camper is that we can go many days without hookups for either.
TRIP STATISTICS:
- Miles driven in RV from last stop: 55
- Miles driven car today: 10
- Total miles driven in car and RV: 1893
- Kaakabeka Provincial Campground: 82.50 (that was for two nights but we camped for free at casino last night instead).
- Groceries and food: $177.46 for an average of $17.75 per day
- We’ve spend $644.26 on gas for car and RV
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Alaska Trip Day 10 - Grand Portage, MN
We are back in Minnesota today after spending the last two nights in Wisconsin. We drove along Lake Superior for most of today’s journey. The lake was on our right with beautiful wildflowers and hills on our left. We went through a few most towns, but most of this area is sparsely populated.
Grand Portage, Minnesota
Grand Portage received its name due to its historical significance as a portage or carrying place between the Pigeon River and the western end of Lake Superior. At Grand Portage, travelers and traders would navigate the Pigeon River to reach the shores of Lake Superior. Due to the geography of the area, a portage of approximately 8.5 miles was necessary to bypass the impassable rapids and waterfalls of the Pigeon River.
We arrived in Grand Portage around 3:00 and stopped at the National Monument Heritage Center before continuing on to Grand Portage State Park.
The traditional winter lodge of the Ojibwe, also known as a wigwam or wiigiwaam, was typically constructed using a framework of saplings covered with sheets of birch bark or other available materials like cattail mats or woven reeds. Birch bark was especially valued for its waterproof properties and insulation against cold temperatures. I can’t imagine this structure providing enough warmth for a southern girl like me!
The Grand Hall is located within Grand Portage National Historical Park. It was historically part of a fur trading post operated by the North West Company during the late 1700s and early 1800s. The Grand Hall served as a vital center for fur trading activities between the Ojibwe people and European fur traders. It was here that furs collected from the interior of North America were traded for European goods such as tools, cloth, and metalware.
After leaving Grand Portage National Historic Site we drove to Grand Portage State Park where we walked to the High Falls, the tallest waterfall in Minnesota. High Falls is situated on the Pigeon River, which forms part of the border between Minnesota and Canada.
The temperature has been in the low 60s all day, but felt quite warm in the afternoon while we were hiking.
Boundary markers like this one were placed in 1908 and each has a specific number to identify a location. They can be found at intervals on both sides of the Pigeon river.
It was a wonderful day and we ended it by listening to an outdoor concert at the Grand Portage Lodge Casino.
Tomorrow morning we have to be at the Grand Portage Ferry Terminal by 8:00AM. The closest campground was 51 miles away, so we are staying tonight in the Grand Portage Casino Parking Lot for free. Price is right, but amenities are lacking.
TRIP STATISTICS:
- Miles driven in RV from last stop: 223
- Miles driven car today: 20
- Total miles driven in car and RV: 1,828
- No campground cost here.
- Groceries and food: $169.46 for an average of $16.46 per day
- Gas was $2.879 a gallon and we filled up the car and RV for $147.33
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Alaska Trip Days 8 & 9- Spooner, Wisconsin
We spent two relaxing days in Spooner, WI with our friends Dave and Emy Current who we met on our cruise from Singapore to Bali two years ago. They have a cabin on Island Lake near Spooner where we were able to enjoy a relaxing two days with temperatures in the mid 70s. Dave drove us around the lake on their pontoon boat both days and we peddled in the lake on the peddle pontoon this morning. While on the lake, we saw two loons and three bald eagles.
We paddled their pontoon boat on the lake in the morning.
Dave and Emy sitting on their dock
Who would have thought we could be sitting around a campfire in the middle of the afternoon on July 4!!! Perfect weather here.
Dave arranged for us to park our motorhome on their neighbor’s lakefront property which also had a 50 amp hookup. Couldn’t have asked for a better arrangement.
TRIP STATISTICS:
- Miles driven in RV from last stop: 143
- Total miles driven in car and RV: 1,585
- No campground cost here. Total campground cost $383 or 33.43 per night
- Groceries and food: $169.46 for an average of $18.83 per day
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Alaska Trip Day 7 - St. Paul, MN
Welcome to Minnesota! (Now if we only can learn how to use this crazy selfie stick)!
After parking our camper at the Lebanon Hills Regional Park Campground, we drove our car into St. Paul to tour the state capital. Our guide was very knowledgeable and interesting .
Minnesota State Capital Building
A view of the dome from the first floor
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The guide took us to see he quadriga on top of the dome. It is.a classical chariot drawn by four horses abreast, often symbolizing triumph or victory. In the case of the Minnesota Capitol dome, the Quadriga specifically represents the “Progress of the State.” The Quadriga is made of copper sheeting and was gilded with gold leaf, giving it a striking appearance against the blue-green dome. It stands as a symbol of the state’s aspirations and achievements, embodying the ideals of prosperity and growth that Minnesota strives for.
Cathedral of St. Paul
Summit Ave
Summit Avenue is one of the best-preserved Victorian-era residential boulevards in the United States. It was developed during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as St. Paul’s elite moved westward from the downtown area.The avenue is lined with grand mansions and homes that showcase a variety of architectural styles, including Queen Anne, Richardsonian Romanesque, Italianate, and Classical Revival. Many of these homes were designed by prominent architects of the time.
Summit Avenue is home to several cultural landmarks, including the James J. Hill House, a National Historic Landmark and former residence of the railroad magnate James J. Hill. Other notable buildings include the Governor’s Residence, the Cathedral of Saint Paul, and the University Club of Saint Paul.
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Completed in 1891, the 36,000 square foot residence immediately became the largest and most expensive house in Minnesota.
Trip Statistics
- Distance driven in motorhome from last stop - 227miles (total miles driven 1195)
- Miles driven in car today 39 (245 total)
- Campsite cost - $55.14 (total 300.83 or an average of $42.98 per night)
- Gas cost was $205.44 today.
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Alaska Trip - Days 5 & 6 - Des Moines, Iowa
We started the day by attending worship at The Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS where Adam Hamilton is the pastor. In a congregation with 1,000s of people in attendance we just happened to walk in and sit by someone we met 5 years ago when we went to Egypt with members of that congregation.
After church we drove from there to a beautiful park called Cherry Glen Campground in Polk City, Iowa, near Des Moines.
The campground is nicely wooded with large sites and located on a beautiful lake.
Iowa State Capital Tour
This mosaic pictured above the railing depicts the various branches of government. Each mosaic is comprised of approximately 100,000 individual pieces of Italian glass.
The judicial mosaic
The capital library is famous for its grand, ornate design, including spiral staircases made of wrought iron, stained glass windows, and intricate woodwork. The design reflects the 19th-century architectural style, emphasizing elegance and detail.
High Trestle Bridge
The High Trestle Trail Bridge is a pedestrian and bicycle bridge located in central Iowa that spans the Des Moines River between the towns of Madrid and Woodward, Iowa.
The bridge was originally part of a railroad line built in the early 20th century.It was converted into a pedestrian and bicycle trail bridge and opened to the public in 2011. The High Trestle Trail Bridge is part of the High Trestle Trail, a 25-mile (40 km) multi-use trail that is popular with cyclists, hikers, and nature enthusiasts.
Since we don’t have our bikes with us, we decided to walk a section of this wonderful bicycle trail.
Trip Statistics
- Distance driven in motorhome from last stop - 230 miles (total miles driven 968)
- Miles driven in car today 68 (206 total)
- Campsite cost - $24 a night for the last two nights (total 245.69 or an average of $40.95 per night)
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Alaska Trip Day 4 - Peculiar, Missouri
Today’s journey was from Bentonville, AR area to Peculiar, MO. We are staying at the Peculiar RV Park.
After we arrived at the Peculiar RV Park I drove into Kansas City to see the Nelson-Adkins Art Museum. The museum was already closed when I arrived, but a temporary building had been erected in the back for a wedding!!! There were tents attached with air conditioning ducts to cool the building.
Temporary building from tent side
Other side of temporary building
The mission of my drive was to take a picture of the iconic shuttlecock on the front lawn. Mission accomplished.
Trip Statistics
- Distance driven in motorhome today - 178 miles (total miles driven 725)
- Miles driven in car today 61
- Campsite cost - $60
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Alaska Trip Day 3 - Bentonville and Belle Vista, Arkansas — someplace special!
Bentonville is a remarkable place, blending a rich history with modern amenities and a vibrant community spirit. It’s home to the headquarters of Walmart, which has brought significant economic growth and development to the area. The town boasts a thriving arts scene, highlighted by the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, which draws visitors from around the world.
Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the extensive network of trails, including the Razorback Greenway, and numerous parks that make the area ideal for hiking, biking, and other recreational activities. The community is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place to live, work, and visit.
We started the day with breakfast at the Buttered Biscuit which several people from home recommended to us.
After breakfast we took a bike ride from downtown Bentonville to our campground and them back around town which was over 20 miles. This area has the finest bicycle trails I’ve ever seen with a choice of paved or mountain dirt trails.
The Bentonville area is known for its extensive trail system, particularly for mountain biking. The are has over 140 miles of trails, including both paved and unpaved. This is the map of our ride from my Fitness App.
Some fun sculptures we saw along our bike ride.
Downtown Bentonville
The is the Walmart Spark Ice cream truck on the town square which was serving delicious homemade ice cream for $1.59 for a double scoop in a waffle cone. What a treat. When we were here last time, this was a little cafe in the outside corner of the Walmart Museum.
This wrapped building behind the ice cream truck and in the bottom picture is where the Walmart Museum was located and will be located again by spring.
Some glistening fish on the side of a building caught my eye.
I ended the day with a delicious dinner and a wonderful visit with my longtime friend Shauna who lives in Fayetteville but used to live in our neighborhood in LC. We met at Mirabella’s Table in Rogers.
Trip Statistics
- Distance driven in motorhome today - 0 miles (total miles driven 547)
- Miles driven in car today 45
- Campsite cost - $44.12
- Entertainment cost - $142
- Food and groceries - $76
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Roadtrip to Alaska Day 2- Texarkana to Bentonville
Texarkana, Texas to Bentonville, AR
We had nice weather for our drive today through Arkansas today and enjoyed seeing the beautiful hills and blue skies. The thrill of the day was driving through the town of Hatfield with a population of 345. It’s definitely a town that time has forgotten.
The gas price on these tanks was 49.9 a gallon when this station was last operational, I guess.
Blowing Springs RV Park
The campground is named after the natural springs within the park. One of the standout features of the Blowing Springs campground is its access to scenic trails, including the Blowing Springs Loop and connections to the extensive Razorback Regional Greenway. These trails are perfect for biking and walking.
We walked tonight along one of the trails from the campground and saw these beautiful crocheted works of art.
- Distance driven in motorhome today - 273 miles (total miles driven 547)
- Campsite cost - $44.12
- Gas 2.93 per gallon and we spent $175
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