Robert and I have been on our first holiday since retirement. We spent a month in the Mediterranean and Black Seas on a cruise. It was the busiest cruise ever...21 days on the boat and only 4 sea days. A port record for us!
Our trip began in Rome spending 4 days touring,recovering from jet lag and eating too much (a theme for the trip). We managed to hit high tourist season AND one of the worst heat waves in a few years.
Our itinerary went as follows: Naples, Crete, Rhodes, Kusadasi, Santorini, Athens, Volos, Khios, Contanta, Burgas, Istanbul, Mykonos, Valletta and Messina which means we were in 7 different countries over the course of the month (Italy, Greece, Malta, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and the Vatican). (OK - we didn't go to the Vatican off of the cruise ship...but we did while in Rome.)
Now that we have returned, it is time to catch up on bills and label pictures. Check back for the next few days as I plan to post something for each day we did something awesome.
Tuesday, September 08, 2015
Friday, June 26, 2015
Juvenile Delinquent Bear...
Returning from a bbq the other night, as we pulled into the drive, we noticed something had moved the archery target.
OK...they hadn't just moved it...they ripped it to shreds.
Immediately we headed for the camera footage to see what wandered down the driveway.
Sure enough,we captured footage of a brown bear, strolling along when for no apparent reason he pounced on the archery target and proceeded to rip the stuffing out of it.
Similar to a dog with a squeak toy trying to get the squeaker out.
You have to ask...what did the target ever do to the brown bear that required such destruction???
Needless to say, we are significantly more aware of things walking along the hill now while we are outside working!!!
OK...they hadn't just moved it...they ripped it to shreds.
Immediately we headed for the camera footage to see what wandered down the driveway.
Sure enough,we captured footage of a brown bear, strolling along when for no apparent reason he pounced on the archery target and proceeded to rip the stuffing out of it.
Similar to a dog with a squeak toy trying to get the squeaker out.
You have to ask...what did the target ever do to the brown bear that required such destruction???
Needless to say, we are significantly more aware of things walking along the hill now while we are outside working!!!
Friday, May 15, 2015
Whack a Mole?
As mentioned previously, we saw a lot of bears and ground squirrels on our recent trip. Ground squirrels apparently have dens very similar to prairie dogs. If you have seen prairie dogs, they continually pop up and down, in and out of their dens just daring you to try and catch them.
This got me to thinking...
Can't you just picture it? A hungry bear bouncing up and down after a ground squirrel? Basically playing a real life version of the old carnival whack a mole game?
My guess is that creates very angry bears. :)
This got me to thinking...
Can't you just picture it? A hungry bear bouncing up and down after a ground squirrel? Basically playing a real life version of the old carnival whack a mole game?
My guess is that creates very angry bears. :)
Monday, May 11, 2015
Another Alcan drive under our belt!
Yes! We just finished another drive from Houston to Anchorage. This time in Robert's truck. He is SO very happy to have his baby with him again. :)
The drive is definitely getting familiar as well as the places to stay. We barely did any planning this time but we do have the luxury of winging it because neither of us have to be somewhere for a job.
I do love the drive from Dawson Creek to Whitehorse - especially during off season (but before/after the snows have started / melted). Very little traffic or people and the last two times there has been an abundance of wildlife! We actually saw 5 black bears in one day. My favorite was the one sitting in the top of a tree eating berries. I would have loved to stop for a picture but it was along a somewhat narrow road, on a curve with no turn out. I will just have to remember it. We had one bear cross right in front of our truck. He moseyed along, in no rush, barely giving us a second look. (However, during that look, I thought he might attack the trailer...)
We had caribou, mountain goats, moose and wild buffalo share the road with us. Spotted wild sheep along the way and who knew the antelope in Wyoming and Montana were so plentiful. As a bonus, somewhere in Wyoming we spotted camels. Pretty sure they were introduced and not native. :P
We also saw a lot of ground squirrels and snowshoe hare along the roads. It must have been the season as I have never seen that many in the fall.
As always though, by the last couple of days, I just want to get home and this time was no different. It was a great drive and we made it safely but it is always good to sleep in your own bed!
The drive is definitely getting familiar as well as the places to stay. We barely did any planning this time but we do have the luxury of winging it because neither of us have to be somewhere for a job.
I do love the drive from Dawson Creek to Whitehorse - especially during off season (but before/after the snows have started / melted). Very little traffic or people and the last two times there has been an abundance of wildlife! We actually saw 5 black bears in one day. My favorite was the one sitting in the top of a tree eating berries. I would have loved to stop for a picture but it was along a somewhat narrow road, on a curve with no turn out. I will just have to remember it. We had one bear cross right in front of our truck. He moseyed along, in no rush, barely giving us a second look. (However, during that look, I thought he might attack the trailer...)
We had caribou, mountain goats, moose and wild buffalo share the road with us. Spotted wild sheep along the way and who knew the antelope in Wyoming and Montana were so plentiful. As a bonus, somewhere in Wyoming we spotted camels. Pretty sure they were introduced and not native. :P
We also saw a lot of ground squirrels and snowshoe hare along the roads. It must have been the season as I have never seen that many in the fall.
As always though, by the last couple of days, I just want to get home and this time was no different. It was a great drive and we made it safely but it is always good to sleep in your own bed!
Thursday, April 09, 2015
And the demolition begins...
Since we are now in our retirement home, we have started on the top 20 projects to make it perfect.
So far we have added a pantry, remodeled the laundry room, new garage door openers, upgraded the water heater and replaced the carpet.
Today we are adding some ceiling fans (more to come) and starting demolition on the deck in preparation for the rebuild and expansion.
Soon we will have our generator and the outside of the house will be painted.
Still on the list is an additional garage, greenhouse, landscaping, remodeling all of the bathrooms and the front entryway, painting all of the inside rooms and change out the kitchen stove.
We should be able to get this finished in the next 5 years or so... :P
Well...we don't want to be bored...
So far we have added a pantry, remodeled the laundry room, new garage door openers, upgraded the water heater and replaced the carpet.
Today we are adding some ceiling fans (more to come) and starting demolition on the deck in preparation for the rebuild and expansion.
Soon we will have our generator and the outside of the house will be painted.
Still on the list is an additional garage, greenhouse, landscaping, remodeling all of the bathrooms and the front entryway, painting all of the inside rooms and change out the kitchen stove.
We should be able to get this finished in the next 5 years or so... :P
Well...we don't want to be bored...
Saturday, April 04, 2015
My Friend Ajax
You may or may not realize we are without a fur baby (i.e. dog) right now. I have been looking but Bichon's are just not a popular dog in Alaska. I really don't understand why not...
Enter the fun loving, adorable Ajax. Ajax is a 2-3 year old yellow lab who belongs to some dear friends of ours. He is trained to be a service dog but unfortunately for the service program, he did not pass one of the final exams dealing with noisy crowds. (I can't blame him - I don't pass muster in noisy crowds.) Therefore, his trainers had the option to keep him as a pet and they did. I am so happy about they did! He is extraordinarily well trained and just a big, huggable bear.
Ajax absolutely understands I will always have a dog biscuit or two for him in my pocket. He also knows where we keep the biscuits in the pantry and quietly disappears to sit in front of them until he gets one. He also knows I will toss his Kong whenever he brings it to me. When we are together he is constantly at my side or my feet waiting for an ear scratch or a belly rub.
It is so nice to have a furry friend. I can't wait to get one of our own.
Enter the fun loving, adorable Ajax. Ajax is a 2-3 year old yellow lab who belongs to some dear friends of ours. He is trained to be a service dog but unfortunately for the service program, he did not pass one of the final exams dealing with noisy crowds. (I can't blame him - I don't pass muster in noisy crowds.) Therefore, his trainers had the option to keep him as a pet and they did. I am so happy about they did! He is extraordinarily well trained and just a big, huggable bear.
Ajax absolutely understands I will always have a dog biscuit or two for him in my pocket. He also knows where we keep the biscuits in the pantry and quietly disappears to sit in front of them until he gets one. He also knows I will toss his Kong whenever he brings it to me. When we are together he is constantly at my side or my feet waiting for an ear scratch or a belly rub.
It is so nice to have a furry friend. I can't wait to get one of our own.
Wednesday, April 01, 2015
My Butterfly Effect
While the general understanding of the "Butterfly Effect" taken from chaos theory goes something like...a flap of a butterflies wings can cause a tornado two continents away...my definition is something a little different.
My butterflies are more in line with the following: I am on a mission to get something done and then I see a butterfly and it takes me down a different path.
Case in point: Last week I heard the washer buzz indicating the clothes were ready to transfer to the dryer. When passing through the kitchen I noticed the package of meat on the counter thawing (butterfly #1) and decided I should check it first. The meat was ready to go back in the fridge but I needed to check the pantry (across from the LAUNDRY room) to make sure I had all of the ingredients (butterfly #2) for dinner. I discovered I needed to run to the grocery store and I went back to the kitchen to make a list (butterfly #3). Upon passing the dishwasher I noticed the dishes were clean (butterfly #4) and needed to be put away (butterfly #5). While I was at the sink, I took time to wash the breakfast skillet (butterfly #6). Then, out of the blue unrelated to anything in the kitchen, I remembered an email I needed to send (butterfly #7) and went back to the office.
The result: Two hours later I remembered the clothes needed to be moved to the dryer...
This is also a part of my exercise regime when the stairs are involved. :P
My butterflies are more in line with the following: I am on a mission to get something done and then I see a butterfly and it takes me down a different path.
Case in point: Last week I heard the washer buzz indicating the clothes were ready to transfer to the dryer. When passing through the kitchen I noticed the package of meat on the counter thawing (butterfly #1) and decided I should check it first. The meat was ready to go back in the fridge but I needed to check the pantry (across from the LAUNDRY room) to make sure I had all of the ingredients (butterfly #2) for dinner. I discovered I needed to run to the grocery store and I went back to the kitchen to make a list (butterfly #3). Upon passing the dishwasher I noticed the dishes were clean (butterfly #4) and needed to be put away (butterfly #5). While I was at the sink, I took time to wash the breakfast skillet (butterfly #6). Then, out of the blue unrelated to anything in the kitchen, I remembered an email I needed to send (butterfly #7) and went back to the office.
The result: Two hours later I remembered the clothes needed to be moved to the dryer...
This is also a part of my exercise regime when the stairs are involved. :P
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
And the Ice Won
As I have mentioned, we have a very steep drive but with the warm weather the last couple of weeks, it is possible to drive down to the street with at least 2 tires on dry pavement the entire way.
Well...except for that last 8 or 10 feet.
That's where we slide right into oncoming traffic no matter how slow we are going.
Monday, as Robo (Aussie for Robert) was heading down on the tractor to pick up the trash can, I decided to ride along and toss out some gravel on the aforementioned area.
I hopped off with the intention of throwing gravel and letting it slide downhill then catching a ride back up on the return trip.
The plan was working great until I fell.
Now, because it is so steep, I couldn't get solid enough footing to stand up regardless of how much gravel I had under me or how hard Robo pulled on my arm. I ended up sliding the rest of the way down the drive and had to use the tractor as a brace to get back up.
Of course it didn't help that I was laughing so hard I was crying.
Luckily, no broken bones. Only an ouchie on my elbow!
Well...except for that last 8 or 10 feet.
That's where we slide right into oncoming traffic no matter how slow we are going.
Monday, as Robo (Aussie for Robert) was heading down on the tractor to pick up the trash can, I decided to ride along and toss out some gravel on the aforementioned area.
I hopped off with the intention of throwing gravel and letting it slide downhill then catching a ride back up on the return trip.
The plan was working great until I fell.
Now, because it is so steep, I couldn't get solid enough footing to stand up regardless of how much gravel I had under me or how hard Robo pulled on my arm. I ended up sliding the rest of the way down the drive and had to use the tractor as a brace to get back up.
Of course it didn't help that I was laughing so hard I was crying.
Luckily, no broken bones. Only an ouchie on my elbow!
Monday, March 09, 2015
And They're Off!
The Greatest Race Ever started this morning.
The dogs are running!
The 43rd running of the Iditarod.
Fairbanks is awash with dogs and snow. (Lucky them!!!)
As you watch the teams take off, everyone of them have dogs with dog booties on each foot. That's typically 64 booties at a time.
Squirt had a bootie for each foot and getting him dressed was a challenge. Sixty-four dogs at one time - WOOF!
And then, just imagine how many get lost on the trail. If I remember right, each team goes through about 1600 booties during the Iditarod. They do wear out but dogs also tend to throw them off. (Not on purpose of course...just a hazard of running.) I'm pretty sure the mushers don't stop for bootie pick up if they even see one fly off of a foot. Too much time would be wasted.
After the end of the race, there must be a bright trail of pink, green, red, black, orange - mostly neon colors in the snow. If it doesn't already exist, this calls for a bootie patrol to follow after the race to pick them up.
I'm sure there would be LOTS of volunteers the first year!
(PS - I know the correct spelling of "booty". That tends to mean something else these days though so I specifically used "bootie".)
The dogs are running!
The 43rd running of the Iditarod.
Fairbanks is awash with dogs and snow. (Lucky them!!!)
As you watch the teams take off, everyone of them have dogs with dog booties on each foot. That's typically 64 booties at a time.
Squirt had a bootie for each foot and getting him dressed was a challenge. Sixty-four dogs at one time - WOOF!
And then, just imagine how many get lost on the trail. If I remember right, each team goes through about 1600 booties during the Iditarod. They do wear out but dogs also tend to throw them off. (Not on purpose of course...just a hazard of running.) I'm pretty sure the mushers don't stop for bootie pick up if they even see one fly off of a foot. Too much time would be wasted.
After the end of the race, there must be a bright trail of pink, green, red, black, orange - mostly neon colors in the snow. If it doesn't already exist, this calls for a bootie patrol to follow after the race to pick them up.
I'm sure there would be LOTS of volunteers the first year!
(PS - I know the correct spelling of "booty". That tends to mean something else these days though so I specifically used "bootie".)
Sunday, March 01, 2015
It is SO good to be back!
Fur Rondezvous is here!
Yesterday was the dog weight pull. Once again, we saw Trapper compete. He is an 8 time world champion and this was at least his ninth year for competing. Sadly he lost this time around. Had to pass on the torch...
Today was the horn and hide auction. We registered but didn't buy anything. Maybe next year.
Later this week we will check out the snow sculptures (assuming they don't melt).
All leading up to the ceremonial start of the Iditarod next Saturday!
I LOVE living here! This is the best part of winter.
Yesterday was the dog weight pull. Once again, we saw Trapper compete. He is an 8 time world champion and this was at least his ninth year for competing. Sadly he lost this time around. Had to pass on the torch...
Today was the horn and hide auction. We registered but didn't buy anything. Maybe next year.
Later this week we will check out the snow sculptures (assuming they don't melt).
All leading up to the ceremonial start of the Iditarod next Saturday!
I LOVE living here! This is the best part of winter.
Saturday, February 21, 2015
What a privilege
Working in the office yesterday, we noticed a momma moose and her calf wandering through the brush, snacking here and there. Of course, that ended all office work for me! I had to go upstairs and watch them.
And I watched them from the weight room.
Normally, I look at Denali and the Alaska range when working out but yesterday was extra special. I lifted weights while watching the 2 moose lounge around in our yard. They spent 2-3 hours here within sight. Eating, snoozing, etc.
It didn't even bother them when the FedEx man stopped by.
I hope we have another baby in the area this spring!
And I watched them from the weight room.
Normally, I look at Denali and the Alaska range when working out but yesterday was extra special. I lifted weights while watching the 2 moose lounge around in our yard. They spent 2-3 hours here within sight. Eating, snoozing, etc.
It didn't even bother them when the FedEx man stopped by.
I hope we have another baby in the area this spring!
Wednesday, February 04, 2015
That's a first!
Superbowl Sunday!
Beer
Wings
Pizza
Junk food galore - Right???
This year (and maybe previous years?), one of our favorite pizza places had a reservation list for take out times. As I understand, you had to call and reserve a time to be able to call in your order for pick up.
I think this pizza place needs to expand!!!
Beer
Wings
Pizza
Junk food galore - Right???
This year (and maybe previous years?), one of our favorite pizza places had a reservation list for take out times. As I understand, you had to call and reserve a time to be able to call in your order for pick up.
I think this pizza place needs to expand!!!
Monday, January 19, 2015
Stuff is coming together...
Literally.
For the last few years, we have had stuff stored across multiple states and countries.
Soon it will all be here and I can not wait! (Which is one of the reasons we had to buy a bigger house!)
I spent 20 minutes this morning tearing through the house looking for papers until Robert reminded me they are in the shipment coming from Houston. (Should arrive by Feb 10th. YEA!)
Then all that will be left to pick up is the truck and equipment trailer which of course we need for the next ATV!!! :D
Of course, one moral to this story may be we have too much stuff...but I'm not going there!
For the last few years, we have had stuff stored across multiple states and countries.
Soon it will all be here and I can not wait! (Which is one of the reasons we had to buy a bigger house!)
I spent 20 minutes this morning tearing through the house looking for papers until Robert reminded me they are in the shipment coming from Houston. (Should arrive by Feb 10th. YEA!)
Then all that will be left to pick up is the truck and equipment trailer which of course we need for the next ATV!!! :D
Of course, one moral to this story may be we have too much stuff...but I'm not going there!
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Heading off to run errands!
Let's see...
Back Lexi out of garage.
Turn around in drive.
Put car in neutral.
Engage 4 wheel drive low.
Put in drive in lowest gear possible.
Engage lock differential.
Start down drive and pray we don't slide across the road, roll down the hill and into the horse corral across the way.
At end of drive, undo everything.
Head off to town.
Luckily, going up the drive doesn't require quite as much prep!!!
Livin' the dream and wouldn't have it any other way!!! :D
Back Lexi out of garage.
Turn around in drive.
Put car in neutral.
Engage 4 wheel drive low.
Put in drive in lowest gear possible.
Engage lock differential.
Start down drive and pray we don't slide across the road, roll down the hill and into the horse corral across the way.
At end of drive, undo everything.
Head off to town.
Luckily, going up the drive doesn't require quite as much prep!!!
Livin' the dream and wouldn't have it any other way!!! :D
Wednesday, December 03, 2014
Crazy Drivers
As I grow older, multi-tasking becomes more difficult. I think it's because I now have the attention span of a GNAT and get too easily side tracked, but I could be wrong.
What does this have to do with driving? I recently witnessed a GREAT example of the problems caused by texting and driving which re-enforced once again, the combination is a really bad thing when concentration is required for staying alive. It is not something I can do!
I was on the Hardy Toll road (one of my favorite NASCAR time tracks in Houston). It generally doesn't have as many cars or traffic jams as I45. In fact, I had the highway to myself.
Except for one, 4-door Caddy sedan and a large panel van carrying fruit further down the road.
I was behind the car but slowly catching up to it. The Caddy had erratic speeds, slow down, floor it, repeat. As I was watching, it started to weave across lanes...all three of them. Including the shoulders. At one point, the driver almost crashed into the wall. Bloody lucky he didn't jerk it hard enough to flip the car.
Then came the tough decision: Speed up and try to go around without getting hit OR fade back and watch the crash with the fruit truck down the road.
I opted to pass. Amazingly enough, when I started to pass, I had a full lane between us and the idiot almost hit me.
I honestly figured he was drunk. He may have been, I don't know, but I do know he had his cell phone out and was using the keyboard.
I never did see a crash (thank goodness) but if traffic had been heavier, I have no doubt there would have been one!
What does this have to do with driving? I recently witnessed a GREAT example of the problems caused by texting and driving which re-enforced once again, the combination is a really bad thing when concentration is required for staying alive. It is not something I can do!
I was on the Hardy Toll road (one of my favorite NASCAR time tracks in Houston). It generally doesn't have as many cars or traffic jams as I45. In fact, I had the highway to myself.
Except for one, 4-door Caddy sedan and a large panel van carrying fruit further down the road.
I was behind the car but slowly catching up to it. The Caddy had erratic speeds, slow down, floor it, repeat. As I was watching, it started to weave across lanes...all three of them. Including the shoulders. At one point, the driver almost crashed into the wall. Bloody lucky he didn't jerk it hard enough to flip the car.
Then came the tough decision: Speed up and try to go around without getting hit OR fade back and watch the crash with the fruit truck down the road.
I opted to pass. Amazingly enough, when I started to pass, I had a full lane between us and the idiot almost hit me.
I honestly figured he was drunk. He may have been, I don't know, but I do know he had his cell phone out and was using the keyboard.
I never did see a crash (thank goodness) but if traffic had been heavier, I have no doubt there would have been one!
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Best Thanksgiving Ever!
I have so many things to be thankful for:
A loving husband...
Wonderful, caring family...
Spectacular friends around the world...
Warm home...
Food on our table we can share...
Too many things to list...
OH...And infrared moose detectors freshly installed yesterday. :)
They went off at 4:30am and we jumped up to check on it.
There she was - a beautiful little lady waltzing through our yard. We found out later she was near the front porch and in the raspberry patch.
I am so blessed...
thank you!
A loving husband...
Wonderful, caring family...
Spectacular friends around the world...
Warm home...
Food on our table we can share...
Too many things to list...
OH...And infrared moose detectors freshly installed yesterday. :)
They went off at 4:30am and we jumped up to check on it.
There she was - a beautiful little lady waltzing through our yard. We found out later she was near the front porch and in the raspberry patch.
I am so blessed...
thank you!
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Remodeling underway....
Our first of six remodeling projects is underway...we are starting small and working up to the master bathroom. New pantry, floor tile, paint and a heated floor.
Monday spent demolishing the old floor and removing old fixtures.
Tuesday putting concrete board down and updating the electrical and plumbing requirements. (It always makes you feel good to hear the plumber say, "I've been doing this 34 years and have never seen anything like that." I don't believe it was a compliment.)
Wednesday (today) mud the concrete board, put the heat pads down and start laying the tile. Maybe some wall board to patch all of the holes. This will be the longest wait as tile has to cure 24 hours before you can walk on it. I will have to block the door tonight so I don't forget.
Thursday put the rest of the tile down and maybe paint, texture or just finish the wall board and finish the wiring.
Friday maybe start on the shelves---which is the end goal!! Hopefully put the washer and dryer back into the laundry room.
And somewhere in here, I am having our pressure tank replaced. Our well person suggested it and I decided to go ahead and to a planned replacement vs an emergency replacement.
Of course my favorite part is playing with the dogs that come with the construction workers. They are big, spoiled babies (the dogs - not the workers!).
What are the other projects you ask??? Three more bathrooms, the front entrance and extending the deck. I may also want a new stove and oven/microwave. To be decided. The deck is a "Robert" project so I may remove it from my list of projects. He has his own list...deck, greenhouse,additional garage, whole house generator and electric gate across the driveway. In other words, we have enough to keep us busy for several years!!!
Monday spent demolishing the old floor and removing old fixtures.
Tuesday putting concrete board down and updating the electrical and plumbing requirements. (It always makes you feel good to hear the plumber say, "I've been doing this 34 years and have never seen anything like that." I don't believe it was a compliment.)
Wednesday (today) mud the concrete board, put the heat pads down and start laying the tile. Maybe some wall board to patch all of the holes. This will be the longest wait as tile has to cure 24 hours before you can walk on it. I will have to block the door tonight so I don't forget.
Thursday put the rest of the tile down and maybe paint, texture or just finish the wall board and finish the wiring.
Friday maybe start on the shelves---which is the end goal!! Hopefully put the washer and dryer back into the laundry room.
And somewhere in here, I am having our pressure tank replaced. Our well person suggested it and I decided to go ahead and to a planned replacement vs an emergency replacement.
Of course my favorite part is playing with the dogs that come with the construction workers. They are big, spoiled babies (the dogs - not the workers!).
What are the other projects you ask??? Three more bathrooms, the front entrance and extending the deck. I may also want a new stove and oven/microwave. To be decided. The deck is a "Robert" project so I may remove it from my list of projects. He has his own list...deck, greenhouse,additional garage, whole house generator and electric gate across the driveway. In other words, we have enough to keep us busy for several years!!!
Monday, September 08, 2014
Pictures from our trip
Just a few...
First time I had ever been to Rushmore at night. Worth the return trip.
.jpg)
Lake Louise
.jpg)
Berries by the side of the road...
.jpg)
Peek-a-boo stone sheep
.jpg)
Caribou
.jpg)
Straggler at the lodge. There was a herd moving north
.jpg)
How would you like to wake up to this in the window!
.jpg)
First time I had ever been to Rushmore at night. Worth the return trip.
Once More Across the Alcan
I left Houston on August 20th for my 5th journey across the Alcan highway. On the way, I picked up my copilot in Oklahoma and we set off for a nice relaxing trip.
We started our tour in Mitchell, SD and attended the Corn Palace Festival! I love stumbling into things like that. We had no idea it was going on. What a treat! Believe it or not, we almost didn't get a hotel room due to the crowds...yea for last minute cancellations!
From there we headed over to the Black Hills to visit Mt Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. Crazy Horse hasn't changed much since I was there in the mid-ninety's. I think seeing it again made me truly realize what a huge project the Memorial is and I am saddened to know I won't see it completed.
Next stop - Devil's tower. That place is just cool.
Wandered over to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. BEAUTIFUL! (I highly recommend the drive if you enjoy mountains. Take snacks though.)
After Jasper, the wildlife started coming out. We saw white tail deer, elk, moose, eagles, buffalo, black bear, swans, caribou, fox, dall sheep, stone sheep and amazingly enough a wolf. YEA - none were introduced to the car!
After Jasper, the drive really starts and by the time I get to Whitehorse, I just want to be in Anchorage. Yukon Territory after Haines Junction has some really bumpy roads. Sadly, we did come across a semi trailer that had overturned on the highway. The driver and passenger were airlifted out by helicopter but seeing the damage to the cab when we drove by, I would be surprised if they survived. We stopped at the wreck about 2:30 pm and didn't get going again until almost 4:00pm. The highway had been closed since about 10:30am. Makes you appreciate cell service (there is none there) and lots of communities (closest ambulance was 90 minutes away).
Our last night on the road was in Tok, AK. The inn keeper was a champ and let us watch the OSU vs Florida State game in the lobby of the hotel as my Sirius radio does not work here.
After 5502 miles and lots of paint destroying rocks, we safely arrived in Anchorage on August 31st.
We started our tour in Mitchell, SD and attended the Corn Palace Festival! I love stumbling into things like that. We had no idea it was going on. What a treat! Believe it or not, we almost didn't get a hotel room due to the crowds...yea for last minute cancellations!
From there we headed over to the Black Hills to visit Mt Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. Crazy Horse hasn't changed much since I was there in the mid-ninety's. I think seeing it again made me truly realize what a huge project the Memorial is and I am saddened to know I won't see it completed.
Next stop - Devil's tower. That place is just cool.
Wandered over to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. BEAUTIFUL! (I highly recommend the drive if you enjoy mountains. Take snacks though.)
After Jasper, the wildlife started coming out. We saw white tail deer, elk, moose, eagles, buffalo, black bear, swans, caribou, fox, dall sheep, stone sheep and amazingly enough a wolf. YEA - none were introduced to the car!
After Jasper, the drive really starts and by the time I get to Whitehorse, I just want to be in Anchorage. Yukon Territory after Haines Junction has some really bumpy roads. Sadly, we did come across a semi trailer that had overturned on the highway. The driver and passenger were airlifted out by helicopter but seeing the damage to the cab when we drove by, I would be surprised if they survived. We stopped at the wreck about 2:30 pm and didn't get going again until almost 4:00pm. The highway had been closed since about 10:30am. Makes you appreciate cell service (there is none there) and lots of communities (closest ambulance was 90 minutes away).
Our last night on the road was in Tok, AK. The inn keeper was a champ and let us watch the OSU vs Florida State game in the lobby of the hotel as my Sirius radio does not work here.
After 5502 miles and lots of paint destroying rocks, we safely arrived in Anchorage on August 31st.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)