Wednesday, April 1st saw us visiting our daughter Joanne, son-in-law Charlie and grandson Ben who live in Dartmouth. Ben will be 2 years old on May 30th and the rambunctious little fellow was putting on quite a show for his grandparents! The Tortola family also dropped by to welcome us home. Faye’s mother Ruby and sisters Connie, Beatrice and Ella were happy to see us on Thursday in Windsor where they were regaled with tales of our journey.
On Friday morning we hitched onto the RV which we had left parked behind the Irving Big Stop in Aulac, N.B. then headed across the Confederation Bridge, arriving home in Souris West in mid afternoon.
Since leaving on November 15/2008 we traveled 28,342 kilometers through 6 provinces, 2 territories, and 26 states. We left Calgary on January 25th towing the 24 ft. Fun Finder travel trailer heading straight south crossing the border into Montana. We were pleased that the trusty V-6 Dakota with tow haul transmission with cooler was equal to the task.
For security reasons and other comforts such as electricity, water, wireless, cable, and sewer, etc. we chose to stay in RV parks rather than dry camp in farmer’s fields, side roads or places such as Wal-Mart. We became members of KOA, Passport America, Good Sam, and Reserve America and were able to recover most of the fees through the discount. We found the State Parks excellent with KOA a close second. The RV parks gave us the opportunity to meet people and make acquaintances from many parts of North America. It was amazing how many of these people knew about PEI and Anne of Green Gables and wished they could visit. We became personal friends with a number of them with promises to visit here on PEI. In addition we always passed on The Communities of Eastern Kings website www.ekpei.ca (note the link to Souris Wildlife) run by Waldron Lead from Kingsboro, so these people could witness firsthand the beauty of our part of the Island.
This “once in a lifetime trip” was a truly worthwhile experience. We saw awesome landscapes, attended events local to whatever community we were in, met wonderful people, and learned a great deal about the history, culture, and lifestyles along the way.
End of road……. Thanks for keeping up with us.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Shenandoah Valley and Heading Home
After leaving the KOA near Lexington, Virginia we headed up the valley on I-81 to do some sightseeing. Our first stop was the Frontier Culture Museum. The concept behind this place is to show the lives of the early pioneers from Europe & Africa before and after their arrival in America. Farm homes, their furnishings and buildings in England [dated 1690], Ireland [early1700s], and Germany [early1700s] were taken apart, shipped to the museum site and reassembled. People in period costume were cooking and doing their chores in the manner back before life overseas before immigration to America. The last stop demonstrated an example of early American pioneer homesteading in Northern Virginia starting about 1780 to 1840 and the changes during that period. Three pioneer homes show the homes, furnishings and buildings.
We then booked into an RV site called Cosy Acres close to the Luray Caverns in the middle of the Shenandoah Valley. Next morning we toured the Luray Caverns, an amazing experience walking 1.25 miles underground through stalactites and stalagmite pillars which took millions of years to develop. Next door to the caverns was an old car and carriage museum, numerous extremely well preserved vehicles starting in 1903.
We managed to finish this tour before heading north towards home making our way to the I-95 bypassing Boston and sleeping two nights at rest stops in New Hampshire and Maine.
We stopped in Fredericton for a Monday night stay with Paul’s brother Joe. Some time during the night Julie returned from her trip to Las Vegas and gave us a good breakfast. Tuesday night we stayed with friends George and Donna in Onslow Mt. outside Truro. We were happy to also see their son, Robbie, his wife Janet, and their baby daughter Georgia. We had a great evening looking at their western trip photos, DVDs on Janet & Robbie’s hike, and ended with cowboy/retired farmer George singing & playing guitar.
After a delicious breakfast, Wednesday took us to Dartmouth to see Joanne & Charlie and our handsome dark haired grandson, Ben who loves to roughhouse with Grampie Paul. He’ll be two on May 30th and a real joy. Our redheaded grandson in Whitehorse just turned three and we just received the birthday pictures. He loves guitar music and his cake looked like a guitar. We look forward to the summer when all our family will be together on PEI.
Later…..
We then booked into an RV site called Cosy Acres close to the Luray Caverns in the middle of the Shenandoah Valley. Next morning we toured the Luray Caverns, an amazing experience walking 1.25 miles underground through stalactites and stalagmite pillars which took millions of years to develop. Next door to the caverns was an old car and carriage museum, numerous extremely well preserved vehicles starting in 1903.
We managed to finish this tour before heading north towards home making our way to the I-95 bypassing Boston and sleeping two nights at rest stops in New Hampshire and Maine.
We stopped in Fredericton for a Monday night stay with Paul’s brother Joe. Some time during the night Julie returned from her trip to Las Vegas and gave us a good breakfast. Tuesday night we stayed with friends George and Donna in Onslow Mt. outside Truro. We were happy to also see their son, Robbie, his wife Janet, and their baby daughter Georgia. We had a great evening looking at their western trip photos, DVDs on Janet & Robbie’s hike, and ended with cowboy/retired farmer George singing & playing guitar.
After a delicious breakfast, Wednesday took us to Dartmouth to see Joanne & Charlie and our handsome dark haired grandson, Ben who loves to roughhouse with Grampie Paul. He’ll be two on May 30th and a real joy. Our redheaded grandson in Whitehorse just turned three and we just received the birthday pictures. He loves guitar music and his cake looked like a guitar. We look forward to the summer when all our family will be together on PEI.
Later…..
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Savannah, Georgia, March 23, 24.
We stayed for two nights at a KOA near Savannah. We had read about the area in many books and wanted to see it.
Paul has just finished reading The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant and was keen on visiting Fort McAllister, an earthen fort built during the Civil War to protect Savannah. It defended the area well for two years against shelling by several warships until Dec.13, 1864 when General Sherman attacked from the land side. All the defences were pointed out across the Ogeechee River. Still, the Confederate soldiers put up a gallant defence before being overwhelmed by General Sherman's army. The fort lay in ruins until Henry Ford bought the land it stood on and began restoration. It is also the site where, on Feb.28,1863, the iron clad Montauk destroyed the Privateer Nashville {renamed The Rattlesnake during the Civil War} Americans do a wonderful job at keeping their history alive and present.
Our next stop was Savannah. After finding a parking spot along Bay St. we stepped down a stone stairwell to River Street paved with ballast stones from the days of sailing ships. These stones were also used to build homes and fences. The land side of the street is lined with buildings that had once served as the Cotton Exchange. Savannah was an important cotton port. These have been converted into restaurants, taverns, and numerous kinds of shops. The walk along the river is lined with benches and a saxophone player fills the air with sweet music. It is a lovely, relaxing place. We took an hour sail up and down the Savannah River on the Georgia Queen, a paddle wheeler, which is a replica, before going to see Market Square. Although we didn’t see all the sites we had picked out in the tourist brochure, we were tired and were happy to get back to our trailer. While Paul cooked, Faye did the laundry and then we prepared for our next stretch to Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Paul has just finished reading The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant and was keen on visiting Fort McAllister, an earthen fort built during the Civil War to protect Savannah. It defended the area well for two years against shelling by several warships until Dec.13, 1864 when General Sherman attacked from the land side. All the defences were pointed out across the Ogeechee River. Still, the Confederate soldiers put up a gallant defence before being overwhelmed by General Sherman's army. The fort lay in ruins until Henry Ford bought the land it stood on and began restoration. It is also the site where, on Feb.28,1863, the iron clad Montauk destroyed the Privateer Nashville {renamed The Rattlesnake during the Civil War} Americans do a wonderful job at keeping their history alive and present.
Our next stop was Savannah. After finding a parking spot along Bay St. we stepped down a stone stairwell to River Street paved with ballast stones from the days of sailing ships. These stones were also used to build homes and fences. The land side of the street is lined with buildings that had once served as the Cotton Exchange. Savannah was an important cotton port. These have been converted into restaurants, taverns, and numerous kinds of shops. The walk along the river is lined with benches and a saxophone player fills the air with sweet music. It is a lovely, relaxing place. We took an hour sail up and down the Savannah River on the Georgia Queen, a paddle wheeler, which is a replica, before going to see Market Square. Although we didn’t see all the sites we had picked out in the tourist brochure, we were tired and were happy to get back to our trailer. While Paul cooked, Faye did the laundry and then we prepared for our next stretch to Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
St. Augustine Historic Village
After arriving at Pacetti RV and Marina on March 19th, we set up the RV, relaxed a bit and caught up on laundry.
Many people we have met along the way told us that St. Augustine is a lovely and interesting place to visit. So it is.
At 9:30 next morning we parked in the city and boarded a tour tram with an entertaining bus driver/tour guide named Charlie. As we passed through the streets from site to site, he gave colourful accounts of the history and significance of each place. As it was founded in 1565 by the Spanish, many places have Spanish architecture and names. The fort of Castillo de San Marcos took 23 years to build, 1672 – 1695. It is a massive structure built with coquina rock, which consists of shellfish which died long ago and the shells bonded together to form the stone. Guides are dressed in the style of the original guards – very colourful. St. George Street is a historic walking mall filled with many small shops and restaurants. Paul lost Faye only once. The Milltop Tavern has a working overshot water wheel originally powered by an artesian well, a replica of the original used to grind wheat. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is beautiful as are the magnificent mansions, hotels, and churches built by railroad tycoon, Henry Flagler. The Bridge of Lions to Anastasia Island is being rebuilt. For some reason, they had to use at least 60 per cent of the original bridge in order to keep the same name, so construction is slower than normal as the original materials are cleaned, repaired, and updated. We saw the Lighthouse, the oldest house, a cannonball lodged in the side of a house, the oldest wooden school in the US, and the Old Drug Store which actually sold old time remedies made mostly from dried plants. We have yet to visit the Fountain of Youth and the old Jail. There was simply too much to see and do in one day but our tram pass is good for three days. .
On Saturday we drove to Venice to visit Bill and Carol Trenholme. After dinner we visited Jerry and Karen Sutherland who live in the same park. Sunday was a fun day. Before church we toured Venice Beach and parts of the city. After church we went to a flea market and garage sale, then drove around with Bill acting as tour guide.
Many people we have met along the way told us that St. Augustine is a lovely and interesting place to visit. So it is.
At 9:30 next morning we parked in the city and boarded a tour tram with an entertaining bus driver/tour guide named Charlie. As we passed through the streets from site to site, he gave colourful accounts of the history and significance of each place. As it was founded in 1565 by the Spanish, many places have Spanish architecture and names. The fort of Castillo de San Marcos took 23 years to build, 1672 – 1695. It is a massive structure built with coquina rock, which consists of shellfish which died long ago and the shells bonded together to form the stone. Guides are dressed in the style of the original guards – very colourful. St. George Street is a historic walking mall filled with many small shops and restaurants. Paul lost Faye only once. The Milltop Tavern has a working overshot water wheel originally powered by an artesian well, a replica of the original used to grind wheat. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is beautiful as are the magnificent mansions, hotels, and churches built by railroad tycoon, Henry Flagler. The Bridge of Lions to Anastasia Island is being rebuilt. For some reason, they had to use at least 60 per cent of the original bridge in order to keep the same name, so construction is slower than normal as the original materials are cleaned, repaired, and updated. We saw the Lighthouse, the oldest house, a cannonball lodged in the side of a house, the oldest wooden school in the US, and the Old Drug Store which actually sold old time remedies made mostly from dried plants. We have yet to visit the Fountain of Youth and the old Jail. There was simply too much to see and do in one day but our tram pass is good for three days. .
On Saturday we drove to Venice to visit Bill and Carol Trenholme. After dinner we visited Jerry and Karen Sutherland who live in the same park. Sunday was a fun day. Before church we toured Venice Beach and parts of the city. After church we went to a flea market and garage sale, then drove around with Bill acting as tour guide.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Day Trips from Perry, Florida
We drove to Perry KOA RV Park on Monday, March 16th. On Tuesday we toured to Keaton Beach which is a small seaport resort on the Gulf Coast. The highway to Keaton from Perry is through pine forest wilderness, huge plantations. Their program appears to be very successful as clear cut logging on 20-30 year old plantations was being carried out.
In Keaton Beach there are very unique bayous bisecting inland with numerous private boat moorings attached to residences. We were told that the houses have to be 20-22 feet in the air on posts before the insurance companies will provide protection from occasional tidal surges. We noted some fishing vessels set up for lobster and some shrimpers. Keaton Beach is a haven for bird watchers; we saw a small flock on the sandy beach which nobody we spoke to was able to identify.
After Keaton Beach we came upon Steinhatchee Falls, a picnic site set up by the State. There were footpaths along the river and nature trails through the surrounding forest.
We returned to the RV Park in time to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day dinner of corned ham and cabbage with other park residents. Faye’s crossword expertise won her first prize in a timed contest!
Today, Wednesday we drove to Wakulla Springs Lodge and State Park which is a 6,000 acre wildlife sanctuary. The heart of the park is the world famous Wakulla Springs which flows at 400,000 gallons a minute from the majestic springs to create the Wakulla River, one of the last pristine rivers in Florida. The bowl of the springs is one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs, a haven for local youths who love the exhilarating rush of a leap from the dive tower into the 125 ft bowl. Check it out online at www.floridastateparks.org. The Wakulla Springs Lodge was built in 1937 by Edward Ball, a well to do Florida businessman, and is an excellent example of Mediterranean Revival architecture.
We took the forty minute boat tour and saw alligators, turtles, white egrets, wood ducks, ospreys, hawks, white ibis, water snakes, and other wildlife. The pristine clear water revealed numerous mullets jumping all over the place with catfish feeding on the bottom.
We then drove to Tallahassee, the state capitol before heading home to our RV in Perry.
Later…..
In Keaton Beach there are very unique bayous bisecting inland with numerous private boat moorings attached to residences. We were told that the houses have to be 20-22 feet in the air on posts before the insurance companies will provide protection from occasional tidal surges. We noted some fishing vessels set up for lobster and some shrimpers. Keaton Beach is a haven for bird watchers; we saw a small flock on the sandy beach which nobody we spoke to was able to identify.
After Keaton Beach we came upon Steinhatchee Falls, a picnic site set up by the State. There were footpaths along the river and nature trails through the surrounding forest.
We returned to the RV Park in time to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day dinner of corned ham and cabbage with other park residents. Faye’s crossword expertise won her first prize in a timed contest!
Today, Wednesday we drove to Wakulla Springs Lodge and State Park which is a 6,000 acre wildlife sanctuary. The heart of the park is the world famous Wakulla Springs which flows at 400,000 gallons a minute from the majestic springs to create the Wakulla River, one of the last pristine rivers in Florida. The bowl of the springs is one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs, a haven for local youths who love the exhilarating rush of a leap from the dive tower into the 125 ft bowl. Check it out online at www.floridastateparks.org. The Wakulla Springs Lodge was built in 1937 by Edward Ball, a well to do Florida businessman, and is an excellent example of Mediterranean Revival architecture.
We took the forty minute boat tour and saw alligators, turtles, white egrets, wood ducks, ospreys, hawks, white ibis, water snakes, and other wildlife. The pristine clear water revealed numerous mullets jumping all over the place with catfish feeding on the bottom.
We then drove to Tallahassee, the state capitol before heading home to our RV in Perry.
Later…..
Monday, March 16, 2009
Top Sails and On To Perry KOA in Perry, Florida
Wednesday (11th) was a great day. We visited Cliff & Carole Hardin who live on a horse farm near Dothan, Alabama about 190 km. from Topsail State Park. They are friends of Robbie & Janet McNeil, son & daughter-in-law to our friends George & Donna McNeil, all from Onslow, Nova Scotia. Janet & Robbie and Cliff are all hikers. Cliff and Carole were very welcoming and showed us around their lovely property. We were introduced to their champion Palamino horses, and then toured the farm before having a delicious lunch. Carol has started her garden with carrots, lettuce, radish, potatoes and we observed fresh asparagus sprouting. Her Iris, Viola and Sweet William flowers are in full bloom. These are very accomplished people. They both train and show horses and have both won numerous prizes including world championships. Besides that, Carole is a nursing instructor and Cliff has hiked major trails in the US, New Zealand, and other places in the world. He has earned the Triple Crown of hiking.
Paul has just returned from Miss Lucille’s Gossip Cafe where he goes most mornings to check e-mails along with The Guardian, a PEI newspaper.
The rain was coming down hard early this morning but has now stopped. The air is clear and sweet with the scent of pine trees. Birds are singing and Paul is rearranging the trailer on its new site so we can step out on to the cement pad and put down the awning. We are more secluded here with bushes and trees all around the site. We had to move to another site in this park as we decided to stay another three days.
Yesterday we went to the beach. The sun was hot and the waves a beautiful clear bottle green color crashing into white foam at the shore. Most people simply sat and watched as wave after wave rolled in – a hypnotizing effect. We splashed in the water and then, to dry off, walked up the shore to a sandbar where we found some pretty seashells. We’re going to check out that spot again. Everyone along the beach smiles and says hello – accents from all over the northern states and Canada. They all ask where we come from. Obviously, they think we also have an accent!!!
Sharon and Leo Walsh, a couple from Ontario, stopped by shortly after we got back from the beach and we all decided to go out for dinner to Enzo’s, an Italian restaurant. Faye was given a half hour to get ready and, believe it or not, she did!
On Sunday afternoon it was raining so decided to say hello to Wendell & Joan Deagle from Souris West who are vacationing in Fort Walton Beach. We called ahead and daughter-in-law Louise informed us that, very unfortunately, Joan’s brother had passed away in Ontario. We then toured Henderson State Park just down the road from Top Sails with impulsive thoughts to staying there another time as this location fronts the same beach as Top Sail.
Leo and Sharon dropped over. After a great visit, we said our good byes with promises that they would visit PEI sometime in the near future.
We have discovered that a unique feature of RV camping is that it affords the opportunity to meet great folks, most who have retired. We have been very fortunate with this. Faye says the laundry room is a great place to meet like minded ladies while Paul talks it up with surf fishermen or anyone else he should happen to meet. Couples with 40 ft. Class A rigs are just as down to earth as couples towing 24 ft. trailers.
Today, March 16th we drove to Perry KOA RV Park in Perry, Florida arriving here in mid-afternoon. We thoroughly enjoyed camping at the Gregory E. Moore RV Park in Top Sails State Park having stayed for fourteen nights. It has been the best RV park experience so far on our journey.
Later…..
Paul has just returned from Miss Lucille’s Gossip Cafe where he goes most mornings to check e-mails along with The Guardian, a PEI newspaper.
The rain was coming down hard early this morning but has now stopped. The air is clear and sweet with the scent of pine trees. Birds are singing and Paul is rearranging the trailer on its new site so we can step out on to the cement pad and put down the awning. We are more secluded here with bushes and trees all around the site. We had to move to another site in this park as we decided to stay another three days.
Yesterday we went to the beach. The sun was hot and the waves a beautiful clear bottle green color crashing into white foam at the shore. Most people simply sat and watched as wave after wave rolled in – a hypnotizing effect. We splashed in the water and then, to dry off, walked up the shore to a sandbar where we found some pretty seashells. We’re going to check out that spot again. Everyone along the beach smiles and says hello – accents from all over the northern states and Canada. They all ask where we come from. Obviously, they think we also have an accent!!!
Sharon and Leo Walsh, a couple from Ontario, stopped by shortly after we got back from the beach and we all decided to go out for dinner to Enzo’s, an Italian restaurant. Faye was given a half hour to get ready and, believe it or not, she did!
On Sunday afternoon it was raining so decided to say hello to Wendell & Joan Deagle from Souris West who are vacationing in Fort Walton Beach. We called ahead and daughter-in-law Louise informed us that, very unfortunately, Joan’s brother had passed away in Ontario. We then toured Henderson State Park just down the road from Top Sails with impulsive thoughts to staying there another time as this location fronts the same beach as Top Sail.
Leo and Sharon dropped over. After a great visit, we said our good byes with promises that they would visit PEI sometime in the near future.
We have discovered that a unique feature of RV camping is that it affords the opportunity to meet great folks, most who have retired. We have been very fortunate with this. Faye says the laundry room is a great place to meet like minded ladies while Paul talks it up with surf fishermen or anyone else he should happen to meet. Couples with 40 ft. Class A rigs are just as down to earth as couples towing 24 ft. trailers.
Today, March 16th we drove to Perry KOA RV Park in Perry, Florida arriving here in mid-afternoon. We thoroughly enjoyed camping at the Gregory E. Moore RV Park in Top Sails State Park having stayed for fourteen nights. It has been the best RV park experience so far on our journey.
Later…..
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Top Sails Preserve State Park
We booked in on March 3rd for ten nights at The Gregory E. Moore RV Resort in Top Sails Hill Preserve State Park located just east of Destin, Florida. Gerry and Sherri arrived in on the same date. We enjoyed each other’s company for six days alternating hosting dinner in the evening, celebrating Gerry’s 59th birthday, playing Sequence (a board card game) and doing some touring in Destin and Santa Rosa where Miss Lucille’s Gossip Café is located. We were able to do our internet and email business there as this resort does not supply that service.
After a busy six days, Gerry/Sherri left Monday morning proceeding on their escapade towards Alabama and Louisiana.
This state park is located on the Gulf of Mexico with a beautiful white sand beach where we managed to spend a couple afternoons. This beach does not have life guards; however warning flags about rip tides are posted daily when necessary.
We managed to book another three nights here, now checking out on March 16 and then heading towards The Old Pavilion RV Park in Keaton Beach which is about four hours drive east and south of Destin but still on the Gulf of Mexico.
March Spring Break is about to hit the Florida beaches causing some concern about park availability. We were on the phone and internet today booking RV Parks until our trek home up the eastern seaboard commencing at St. Augustine on the Atlantic side on or about March 23.
This park has two ponds with one having one or more resident alligators. There are also a great number of dogs residing here with their RV owners. Alligators love dogs!! There are stories about an alligator suddenly emerging to make its successful dog snatch!!
The frog peepers have come out in full force within the last few days. The steady cacophony throughout the night is calming and a sure sign of Florida spring. Another unique happening is the steady patter of dew falling on the roof each morning caused by heavy condensation forming on the huge pine tree branches immediately above the RV.
We have enjoyed the company of a number of friendly RVers at this park. Many are from the northern states and everyone is interested in knowing about the Maritimes. We encourage them to visit – in the summer. We’re very impressed with the politeness and graciousness of the service people in the stores and restaurants. They can’t seem to do enough for you. All in all, this is a great place to stay.
Later…..
After a busy six days, Gerry/Sherri left Monday morning proceeding on their escapade towards Alabama and Louisiana.
This state park is located on the Gulf of Mexico with a beautiful white sand beach where we managed to spend a couple afternoons. This beach does not have life guards; however warning flags about rip tides are posted daily when necessary.
We managed to book another three nights here, now checking out on March 16 and then heading towards The Old Pavilion RV Park in Keaton Beach which is about four hours drive east and south of Destin but still on the Gulf of Mexico.
March Spring Break is about to hit the Florida beaches causing some concern about park availability. We were on the phone and internet today booking RV Parks until our trek home up the eastern seaboard commencing at St. Augustine on the Atlantic side on or about March 23.
This park has two ponds with one having one or more resident alligators. There are also a great number of dogs residing here with their RV owners. Alligators love dogs!! There are stories about an alligator suddenly emerging to make its successful dog snatch!!
The frog peepers have come out in full force within the last few days. The steady cacophony throughout the night is calming and a sure sign of Florida spring. Another unique happening is the steady patter of dew falling on the roof each morning caused by heavy condensation forming on the huge pine tree branches immediately above the RV.
We have enjoyed the company of a number of friendly RVers at this park. Many are from the northern states and everyone is interested in knowing about the Maritimes. We encourage them to visit – in the summer. We’re very impressed with the politeness and graciousness of the service people in the stores and restaurants. They can’t seem to do enough for you. All in all, this is a great place to stay.
Later…..
Monday, March 2, 2009
Still at Gulf Shores, Alabama
The Gulf Shores, Alabama are reminiscent of South Lake and Basin Head if one could imagine South Lake/Basin Head with wall to wall condo and beach house developments. Similar to South Lake are the white pristine sandy beaches. There are few beach goers other than a couple hardy surf fishers and people going for a beach walk.
We had ample opportunity to check out the area and found many fresh seafood shops, restaurants, retail outlets, marinas, and all the other service industries one would expect in such a locale. Fort Morgan at the western end of Hwy 180 is an old civil war establishment in the Fort Morgan State Park situated about 18 miles from our rv park. We drove to the end of Fort Morgan Road and visited Tacky Jacks Restaurant and Marina. A stark contrast to PEI is instead of shoveling snow off driveways, people were shoveling drifting sand! We also took note of the snow fencing enhancement to build up the sand dunes......something to think about for Souris Causeway?
Lamberts Café towards Foley on Hwy 59 north is a must go place. They have wooden bench seats in a rustic setting… and a waiter going around offering hot rolls but you need to catch them as he throws them across the room! Check out "throwedrolls.com" on the internet. Waiters go around offering to ladle out helpings of black eyed beans, fried potatoes and onions, hot baked apple cinnamon, all while you are having your main dish!! Everyone we saw leaving was carrying doggy bags, including ourselves. This is an awesome restaurant concept with the place packed full of patrons all Sunday afternoon!
We are looking forward to spending a week plus a few days at Top Sails State Park in Destin, Florida with Gerry/Sherri. We’ll be heading out in the morning but are hoping to return to Gulf Shores sometime in the future.
Later....
We had ample opportunity to check out the area and found many fresh seafood shops, restaurants, retail outlets, marinas, and all the other service industries one would expect in such a locale. Fort Morgan at the western end of Hwy 180 is an old civil war establishment in the Fort Morgan State Park situated about 18 miles from our rv park. We drove to the end of Fort Morgan Road and visited Tacky Jacks Restaurant and Marina. A stark contrast to PEI is instead of shoveling snow off driveways, people were shoveling drifting sand! We also took note of the snow fencing enhancement to build up the sand dunes......something to think about for Souris Causeway?
Lamberts Café towards Foley on Hwy 59 north is a must go place. They have wooden bench seats in a rustic setting… and a waiter going around offering hot rolls but you need to catch them as he throws them across the room! Check out "throwedrolls.com" on the internet. Waiters go around offering to ladle out helpings of black eyed beans, fried potatoes and onions, hot baked apple cinnamon, all while you are having your main dish!! Everyone we saw leaving was carrying doggy bags, including ourselves. This is an awesome restaurant concept with the place packed full of patrons all Sunday afternoon!
We are looking forward to spending a week plus a few days at Top Sails State Park in Destin, Florida with Gerry/Sherri. We’ll be heading out in the morning but are hoping to return to Gulf Shores sometime in the future.
Later....
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Island Retreat RV Park
On Thursday we are settled in for six nights at Island Retreat RV Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Gulf Shores is on the Gulf of Mexico. This park has 171 sites and is full of RVers from everywhere. We were welcomed by our neighbours within an hour of us getting set up and informed about the weekly jam session to happen at 7 pm. We attended and were amazed at the quality of music and vocals by these retirees who seemed to have known each other for years. Apparently this park is home for these folks every winter who come down from various northern US points.
We decided to try out the Dutch Oven placing charcoal underneath and on the cover. It is truly amazing how this traditional pioneer method of campfire cooking works so well.
On Friday we took a drive to check out the local beaches. Paul talked to some local fellows surf fishing and was intrigued by the fishing tackle.
The area is well serviced with numerous seafood shops with shrimp of various sizes, and crawfish being the big sellers. Atlantic lobster, snow crab, king crab, salmon, catfish fillets, clams, scallops, etc are all available.
Later…..
We decided to try out the Dutch Oven placing charcoal underneath and on the cover. It is truly amazing how this traditional pioneer method of campfire cooking works so well.
On Friday we took a drive to check out the local beaches. Paul talked to some local fellows surf fishing and was intrigued by the fishing tackle.
The area is well serviced with numerous seafood shops with shrimp of various sizes, and crawfish being the big sellers. Atlantic lobster, snow crab, king crab, salmon, catfish fillets, clams, scallops, etc are all available.
Later…..
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
More Mardi Gras Parades!
Sunday we decided to go to Mass at St. Martin de Tours in St. Martinville. This church was built in 1765 by missionaries from France. It is still authentic with box seats for individual families. The choir sounded beautiful with guitar accompaniment, the psalms very similar to St. Alexis and St. Mary’s.
We enjoyed the “Newcomers Mardi Gras Parade” on Sunday afternoon in St. Martinville with all participants being African Americans.
We just sat around on Monday and Paul took advantage to go catfish fishing, taking home six for a total weight of twelve pounds. He discovered that catfish are hard to hook as they suck in the chicken liver bait and you think you have it set but not in all cases as he had fourteen strikes altogether. We now have catfish fillets in the freezer.
Tuesday was the big “Fat Tuesday” parade in Lafayette, two of them in fact with the second one totally African American! It’s really fascinating how people get caught up in the excitement of catching beads being thrown by the float participants. There were many beautiful floats commemorating Mardi Gras.
Paul was intrigued by a peanut roaster, on the side walk, being run by an 88 year old gent who explained that the roaster was 105 years old, and was originally a coffee bean roaster. He was buying big bushel bags of raw peanuts from New Mexico, then roasting and selling them for $2.00 per little paper bag. He had visions of his father.
We found a location to watch the parade where a young very friendly family was set up. They were very welcoming and accommodating, offering their lawn seats, etc. Faye, Heidi, and the two little girls managed to catch bushels of beads while Paul and Randy looked on amusedly!
Between the two parades, we walked to see St. John’s Cathedral but the doors were locked. We took pictures of a 500 year old huge live oak which was fenced off for its protection. This tree is massive!
Before leaving today, Paul drove up to Lafayette to check out this famous hardware store started in 1933 where he was told he would be able to purchase an original cast iron Dutch Oven. Lo and behold, they had a number of sizes so he picked out the 6 qt. model and is looking forward to try out some of the recipes in a Dutch Oven cook book purchased in Nevada!
Crawfish is very popular in these parts as evident by the few farms raising them throughout the area. We hope to purchase a few for a meal as we had tried one sometime ago to supplement a stir fry. Paul tested a few drops of “Debbie’s Hoo Ya XXX Cajun Heat” a Habanero Pepper which was extremely hot in this stir fry. We had to add a couple cups of rice to minimize the sizzle!
We drove to Covington, Louisiana today passing through a vast swamp area called Atchafalaya. The four lane highway through this swamp is built on stone piers.
Along the way Paul spotted a huge Outdoor World, Bass Pro Shop so had to stop and take a look while Faye caught up on some reading. Wow!! Everything for hunting or fishing could be found in this place! We finally got set up at Land O’ Pines RV Park outside Covington. Awesome pine trees here throughout the park.
Tomorrow we will drive to Gulf Shores in Alabama situated on the Gulf of Mexico hoping for some sun, beach and surf weather.
Later...
We enjoyed the “Newcomers Mardi Gras Parade” on Sunday afternoon in St. Martinville with all participants being African Americans.
We just sat around on Monday and Paul took advantage to go catfish fishing, taking home six for a total weight of twelve pounds. He discovered that catfish are hard to hook as they suck in the chicken liver bait and you think you have it set but not in all cases as he had fourteen strikes altogether. We now have catfish fillets in the freezer.
Tuesday was the big “Fat Tuesday” parade in Lafayette, two of them in fact with the second one totally African American! It’s really fascinating how people get caught up in the excitement of catching beads being thrown by the float participants. There were many beautiful floats commemorating Mardi Gras.
Paul was intrigued by a peanut roaster, on the side walk, being run by an 88 year old gent who explained that the roaster was 105 years old, and was originally a coffee bean roaster. He was buying big bushel bags of raw peanuts from New Mexico, then roasting and selling them for $2.00 per little paper bag. He had visions of his father.
We found a location to watch the parade where a young very friendly family was set up. They were very welcoming and accommodating, offering their lawn seats, etc. Faye, Heidi, and the two little girls managed to catch bushels of beads while Paul and Randy looked on amusedly!
Between the two parades, we walked to see St. John’s Cathedral but the doors were locked. We took pictures of a 500 year old huge live oak which was fenced off for its protection. This tree is massive!
Before leaving today, Paul drove up to Lafayette to check out this famous hardware store started in 1933 where he was told he would be able to purchase an original cast iron Dutch Oven. Lo and behold, they had a number of sizes so he picked out the 6 qt. model and is looking forward to try out some of the recipes in a Dutch Oven cook book purchased in Nevada!
Crawfish is very popular in these parts as evident by the few farms raising them throughout the area. We hope to purchase a few for a meal as we had tried one sometime ago to supplement a stir fry. Paul tested a few drops of “Debbie’s Hoo Ya XXX Cajun Heat” a Habanero Pepper which was extremely hot in this stir fry. We had to add a couple cups of rice to minimize the sizzle!
We drove to Covington, Louisiana today passing through a vast swamp area called Atchafalaya. The four lane highway through this swamp is built on stone piers.
Along the way Paul spotted a huge Outdoor World, Bass Pro Shop so had to stop and take a look while Faye caught up on some reading. Wow!! Everything for hunting or fishing could be found in this place! We finally got set up at Land O’ Pines RV Park outside Covington. Awesome pine trees here throughout the park.
Tomorrow we will drive to Gulf Shores in Alabama situated on the Gulf of Mexico hoping for some sun, beach and surf weather.
Later...
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Mardi Gras in Louisiana
The Mardi Gras Parade in Lafayette Friday evening included many marching bands, gaily costumed women and large floats. We were early to get a good parking spot and spent time walking about town. We dropped into an antique store, a warehouse with thousands of antique articles. Then we mixed in with the locals at a bar called “Artmosphere” overlooking the street with exciting anticipation. People, young and old, families with little children were all very friendly especially when they learned we were from Canada. The parade itself was not a disappointment. There is this tradition called bead throwing where the parade participants throw beads at the spectators! Faye is now the “Mardi Gras Bead Lady” as she really got caught up in the excitement and everyone very generously shared beads with her!
Today, Saturday we took in La Grande de Boucherie in St. Martinville. What an event! Hundreds of people were milling about in a carnival atmosphere, drinking beer and eating Cajun food, listening to a live band and dancing in front of the bandstand. Craft and Cajun food booths were everywhere in this park.
A novel to us was the Cajun microwave, a unique stainless steel cooker with the heat source being hard wood charcoal. The guy cooked a whole pig spiced with garlic salt and dished it out piece by piece. Awesome taste! Check it out at www.cajunmicrowaveS.com.
Paul watched and took pictures of the “boucherie”, a gruesome event whereby this live pig was slaughtered as a demonstration of the traditional festivities associated with Mardi Gras. However, the animal was not cooked on site due to local health inspection regulations so was quartered and iced up and packed in a cooler.
A huge quantity of pig cracklings and boudin balls were being cooked up all day to feed the hungry crowd. Boudin balls ingredients are ground pork with rice,spices and deep fried resulting with hot after burn which is easily remedied by cold beer! Lots of other Cajun food, all of it deep fried, was available in the many food booths.
We bought a couple of $2 raffle tickets on the Cajun microwave but were not lucky, not sure how we would get it home anyway. It is quite an appliance which would come in handy at any summer family reunion event!
Today, Saturday we took in La Grande de Boucherie in St. Martinville. What an event! Hundreds of people were milling about in a carnival atmosphere, drinking beer and eating Cajun food, listening to a live band and dancing in front of the bandstand. Craft and Cajun food booths were everywhere in this park.
A novel to us was the Cajun microwave, a unique stainless steel cooker with the heat source being hard wood charcoal. The guy cooked a whole pig spiced with garlic salt and dished it out piece by piece. Awesome taste! Check it out at www.cajunmicrowaveS.com.
Paul watched and took pictures of the “boucherie”, a gruesome event whereby this live pig was slaughtered as a demonstration of the traditional festivities associated with Mardi Gras. However, the animal was not cooked on site due to local health inspection regulations so was quartered and iced up and packed in a cooler.
A huge quantity of pig cracklings and boudin balls were being cooked up all day to feed the hungry crowd. Boudin balls ingredients are ground pork with rice,spices and deep fried resulting with hot after burn which is easily remedied by cold beer! Lots of other Cajun food, all of it deep fried, was available in the many food booths.
We bought a couple of $2 raffle tickets on the Cajun microwave but were not lucky, not sure how we would get it home anyway. It is quite an appliance which would come in handy at any summer family reunion event!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Mardi Gras in St. Martinville, LA
Today, Feb. 19th we had already booked into Catfish Haven RV Park located just outside St. Martinville, LA. Our goal was to check out the Acadian history here in Louisiana from after the deportation of the Acadians from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island in the middle 1700’s. We were impressed with the similarities between the historic interpretation of Grand Pre, N.S. and here in St.Martinville. There are several museums downtown and in the Evangeline State Park. The Acadian Memorial detailed the names of Acadians who settled here after surviving extreme hardship. They settled here with the largesse of the Spanish government who had title to Louisiana at that time.
The Acadians were given some land, tools, and livestock and rapidly became adapted to the Louisiana environment settling down and prospering.
We didn’t find any Gallants on the wall but did find a number of Hache names which as history tells us are the name of Michael Hache dit Gallant.
The Acadians became known as Cajuns or in the local dialect “Coonan”.
We are here until Feb. 25 to experience the Mardi Gras festivities in St. Martinville, Lafayette, Baton Rouge during the coming week until the grand parade on Tuesday. On Saturday will be La Grande De Boucherie, a long held local tradition where a large pig is butchered, disembowelled, quartered and roasted on the spot.
Later….
The Acadians were given some land, tools, and livestock and rapidly became adapted to the Louisiana environment settling down and prospering.
We didn’t find any Gallants on the wall but did find a number of Hache names which as history tells us are the name of Michael Hache dit Gallant.
The Acadians became known as Cajuns or in the local dialect “Coonan”.
We are here until Feb. 25 to experience the Mardi Gras festivities in St. Martinville, Lafayette, Baton Rouge during the coming week until the grand parade on Tuesday. On Saturday will be La Grande De Boucherie, a long held local tradition where a large pig is butchered, disembowelled, quartered and roasted on the spot.
Later….
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
NASA at Johnson Space Centre, Houston, Texas, Feb 17, 2009
Tuesday, February-17-09, we headed north on I-45 to the Johnson Space Center on NASA Road 1 just south of Houston, Texas. The tour explained everything about the space program since its beginning up to the present. The tram tour took us to the original Mission Control. The narrator explained that present day Mission Control was in the very next room and the orbiting space station control was one floor beneath us. We saw the mock up area housing a replica of the orbiting space station and the Canada Arm. This is where astronauts practice the skills they need for space travel. Then we moved on to a huge building holding a full size replica of the Saturn VII, including the rusted original nosecone. After returning to the main building, we toured the area and saw an IMAX movie highlighting the history of space travel from the beginning with the Russians to the present orbiting station. The next step was a tour of scenes and more mock ups, ending with a walk through a space ship. We actually got to touch an actual stone from the moon. Paul then tried his hand at landing a space shuttle, a simulator and was successful after crash landing a few times!
Later….
Later….
Monday, February 16, 2009
Lazy Days RV Park & Galveston, Texas - Hurricane Ike
On Sunday, we unwittingly thought getting into an RV Park somewhere south of Houston would be a cinch. Not so. Monday is President’s Day in the US which means a long holiday weekend. Also a large influx of workers and displaced home owners, as a result of the devastation of hurricane Ike last September, are occupying these parks. After stopping at five places and making a number of calls we found a site at Lazy Days RV Park in Hitchcock, Texas, about 40 miles south of Houston.
In these parts, the gas stations want their money before you can fuel. Paul was so focussed on finding an RV site he drove away from a gas station after paying $20.00 without pumping, only realizing his mistake a few miles down a very busy freeway………. Embarrassing and frustrating to say the least!! He’s not sure where this item will fit in his trip log spreadsheet, stupid or miscellaneous!
Today, Monday, we visited Galveston. We drove by amazing southern mansions, now museums which escaped the wrath of hurricane Ike. The downtown architecture is obviously southern, original and beautiful.
The destruction from Ike was obviously massive - huge downtown buildings standing empty with no windows, siding missing from houses, many smashed boats on the wharf, complete buildings in ruins, and piles of garbage from the cleanup. Landfills were being dug for all the debris.
But the rebuilding is in full swing. We drove through Tiki Island where many homes were already repaired and construction workers were everywhere working on others. This is obviously a well off area. All these well landscaped houses are on stilts of a sort. This bottom space is put to use as garages for cars and boats and storage. The homes all have frontage on the water, the shore or a canal. What a contrast to the wreckage!! Evident everywhere were billboards by law firms advertising to process insurance claims.
On the way back, Faye enjoyed a visit to Macy’s to get her shopping fix.
Later….
In these parts, the gas stations want their money before you can fuel. Paul was so focussed on finding an RV site he drove away from a gas station after paying $20.00 without pumping, only realizing his mistake a few miles down a very busy freeway………. Embarrassing and frustrating to say the least!! He’s not sure where this item will fit in his trip log spreadsheet, stupid or miscellaneous!
Today, Monday, we visited Galveston. We drove by amazing southern mansions, now museums which escaped the wrath of hurricane Ike. The downtown architecture is obviously southern, original and beautiful.
The destruction from Ike was obviously massive - huge downtown buildings standing empty with no windows, siding missing from houses, many smashed boats on the wharf, complete buildings in ruins, and piles of garbage from the cleanup. Landfills were being dug for all the debris.
But the rebuilding is in full swing. We drove through Tiki Island where many homes were already repaired and construction workers were everywhere working on others. This is obviously a well off area. All these well landscaped houses are on stilts of a sort. This bottom space is put to use as garages for cars and boats and storage. The homes all have frontage on the water, the shore or a canal. What a contrast to the wreckage!! Evident everywhere were billboards by law firms advertising to process insurance claims.
On the way back, Faye enjoyed a visit to Macy’s to get her shopping fix.
Later….
Sunday, February 15, 2009
USS Lexington and State of Texas Aquarium
A very interesting Valentine’s Day spent touring the USS Lexington Aircraft Carrier Museum and Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi. Wow! From the tours and artefacts one gets an actual sensory perception of what it must have been like doing battle at sea in the Pacific during WWII. Awesome portrayal of life aboard such a huge ship! Neither of us had the stomach to try the flight simulator of a fighter plane. The tribute to Pearl Harbour was sobering. We did enjoy watching two IMAX movies. Fighter Pilot followed a young pilot as he learned the ropes of training for war. Lewis and Clark re-enacted the epic voyage of these two heroes as they explored the Missouri River to its source in order to lay claim to the surrounding lands for the United States. Interesting to note, they hired French Canadians for their crew and used a female native to help with interpretation.
We had lunch at Black Beards, a restaurant on the quay… local deep fried seafood promoting a sense of déjà vu to Platter House and Ship Wreck Point memories.
The Texas State Aquarium was equally interesting… lots of hands on visuals and glassed in views depicting different indigenous fishes including a twelve ft shark, leatherback turtles, moray eels, etc.!
The landscape close to Corpus Christi on the Gulf shore is dotted with miles of industrial oil refineries, pipes, storage tanks and all the associated supply services. The homes near the water looked like they had seen better days, no doubt a result of hurricanes. Pockets of poverty were everywhere. Nicer homes were either well hidden or near the cities.
It was quite a day and we were tired by the time we got back to the KOA RV Park.
This evening was prep time for departure early in the morning heading towards the Houston Space Centre.
Later….
We had lunch at Black Beards, a restaurant on the quay… local deep fried seafood promoting a sense of déjà vu to Platter House and Ship Wreck Point memories.
The Texas State Aquarium was equally interesting… lots of hands on visuals and glassed in views depicting different indigenous fishes including a twelve ft shark, leatherback turtles, moray eels, etc.!
The landscape close to Corpus Christi on the Gulf shore is dotted with miles of industrial oil refineries, pipes, storage tanks and all the associated supply services. The homes near the water looked like they had seen better days, no doubt a result of hurricanes. Pockets of poverty were everywhere. Nicer homes were either well hidden or near the cities.
It was quite a day and we were tired by the time we got back to the KOA RV Park.
This evening was prep time for departure early in the morning heading towards the Houston Space Centre.
Later….
Friday, February 13, 2009
We took it easy today (Feb 12) driving only 300 km to Balmorhea State Park, still in Texas. The sun was shining and it was fairly warm. All 300 km. was desert landscape with brown mountains off to the sides. At one point we had to drive through them but there were no steep parts – just a gradual grade up and down. Balmorhea State Park has a huge walled swimming pool fed by the San Solomon Springs at the rate of 22-28 millions gallons daily with a temperature of 74 F. when we went swimming. This 77,000 sq. ft. pool is one of the largest natural pools in the US. In early days these springs were important watering places for buffalo, Indians and pioneers. Today this area remains the centre of irrigated farming supplied by this watercourse.
This evening we lit a camp fire with two bundles of wood previously purchased in Nevada. We then invited two neighbouring couples, Jim & Eileen Hansen from Kingston, Ontario and Kent & Sharon Hoover from Minnesota. The Hoovers are full time RVers having sold their home in Minnesota. Once again it was a very interesting conversation comparing life stories, families and ailments.
From Balmorhea we drove to Junction and just slept over, without unhitching, at an RV Park so we could leave early morning. We finally left the wide open spaces of desert behind us. Mile by mile the bushes and shrubs grew larger and trees appeared. The air is moister and quite warm. Grass is turning green and some deciduous trees have their leaves. Last night the furnace did not come on once and today we had to use the air conditioner to cool off the trailer.
We noted numerous windmill farms dotting the higher bluffs, hundreds of windmills all swinging their massive blades.
We made it all the way to Mathis (Friday the 13th) booking into Lake Corpus Christi KOA Park. This lake is just north of the Gulf Coast. Lots of RVer’s here with the majority staying for months at a time. People were fishing and on our walk by the lake we watched a woman casting a net for bait and a catfish filleting process on the shore. People sitting outside their trailers were all sure to say hello. Everyone is really friendly and talkative. The couple next door from Ontario grill their meals outside on mesquite wood giving meat a nice smoky flavour. They along with others here are camp workers paying for their park fees in this manner. We enjoyed hearing stories of "beep beep" road runners (remember wily coyote) eating rattle snakes!
Later…..
This evening we lit a camp fire with two bundles of wood previously purchased in Nevada. We then invited two neighbouring couples, Jim & Eileen Hansen from Kingston, Ontario and Kent & Sharon Hoover from Minnesota. The Hoovers are full time RVers having sold their home in Minnesota. Once again it was a very interesting conversation comparing life stories, families and ailments.
From Balmorhea we drove to Junction and just slept over, without unhitching, at an RV Park so we could leave early morning. We finally left the wide open spaces of desert behind us. Mile by mile the bushes and shrubs grew larger and trees appeared. The air is moister and quite warm. Grass is turning green and some deciduous trees have their leaves. Last night the furnace did not come on once and today we had to use the air conditioner to cool off the trailer.
We noted numerous windmill farms dotting the higher bluffs, hundreds of windmills all swinging their massive blades.
We made it all the way to Mathis (Friday the 13th) booking into Lake Corpus Christi KOA Park. This lake is just north of the Gulf Coast. Lots of RVer’s here with the majority staying for months at a time. People were fishing and on our walk by the lake we watched a woman casting a net for bait and a catfish filleting process on the shore. People sitting outside their trailers were all sure to say hello. Everyone is really friendly and talkative. The couple next door from Ontario grill their meals outside on mesquite wood giving meat a nice smoky flavour. They along with others here are camp workers paying for their park fees in this manner. We enjoyed hearing stories of "beep beep" road runners (remember wily coyote) eating rattle snakes!
Later…..
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
El Paso, Texas
A snowstorm in El Paso!!!! That’s what the local weatherman called it. We called it light flurries. They didn’t even make it to the ground. We did however experience very brisk winds with lots of blowing dust and that’s why we stayed put for another day and night at the Mission RV Park in El Paso.
By lunchtime we were bored and set out to go shopping in the Golden Loop. That’s what the local merchants call it because one end is the entrance to and exit from Mexico. Mexicans come across the bridge to shop here and vice versa. After walking most of the square, we realized prices were cheap but so were the goods. We didn’t buy a thing.
We set the GPS on ‘local’ to go back to the Mission RV Park and had an eye opening tour of the city. The US government is erecting an 18 foot high, double mesh wire fence to stop Mexicans coming in illegally.
Across the valley below, we could see huge dust storms and were really glad not to be in it. We saw the homes of the rich and poor but it is evident that America is a rich country.
Paul has been astounded with all the industrial sites, business parks, and huge box stores along every through fare in almost every town and city since leaving Canada along with large scale residential housing developments. One has to wonder where does the money come from to support this massive infrastructure?
Later…..
By lunchtime we were bored and set out to go shopping in the Golden Loop. That’s what the local merchants call it because one end is the entrance to and exit from Mexico. Mexicans come across the bridge to shop here and vice versa. After walking most of the square, we realized prices were cheap but so were the goods. We didn’t buy a thing.
We set the GPS on ‘local’ to go back to the Mission RV Park and had an eye opening tour of the city. The US government is erecting an 18 foot high, double mesh wire fence to stop Mexicans coming in illegally.
Across the valley below, we could see huge dust storms and were really glad not to be in it. We saw the homes of the rich and poor but it is evident that America is a rich country.
Paul has been astounded with all the industrial sites, business parks, and huge box stores along every through fare in almost every town and city since leaving Canada along with large scale residential housing developments. One has to wonder where does the money come from to support this massive infrastructure?
Later…..
Monday, February 9, 2009
Desert Museum in Saguaro National Park, Arizona
After leaving Williams and the Grand Canyon at over 7,000 feet we dropped down to 3,000 feet heading south on I-10 towards Phoenix. We eventually booked into Valley of The Sun RV Park in Marana, Arizona situated near Tucson. We stayed there two nights and visited the Desert Museum in Saguaro National Park on Sunday. This museum is very unique as 90% is outside depicting all facets of desert flora and fauna, very interesting.
Today we drove for five hours across mostly desert landscape, finally reaching Mission RV Park on the east side of El Paso.
While fuelling up Paul detected a sewerage smell and assumed the other RV at the gas was the culprit. Then just around the corner along the way there was a huge cattle feedlot, about 2 km in length with thousands of cattle. As they say in Texas…….
Noticeable since coming into US are very long freight trains, some of them double deckers. Tractor trailer traffic, bad as it is now, would be unbelievable if those trains were not in service.
We had to drive through horrendous El Paso four o’clock rush hour traffic but the necessary lane changes were easy due to plenty of notice on signs. This park has a heated swimming pool and hot tub jacuzzi so we were able to ease out the tension from driving.
The weather continues to be in our favor with sunshine every day and the occasional rain at night.
Today we drove for five hours across mostly desert landscape, finally reaching Mission RV Park on the east side of El Paso.
While fuelling up Paul detected a sewerage smell and assumed the other RV at the gas was the culprit. Then just around the corner along the way there was a huge cattle feedlot, about 2 km in length with thousands of cattle. As they say in Texas…….
Noticeable since coming into US are very long freight trains, some of them double deckers. Tractor trailer traffic, bad as it is now, would be unbelievable if those trains were not in service.
We had to drive through horrendous El Paso four o’clock rush hour traffic but the necessary lane changes were easy due to plenty of notice on signs. This park has a heated swimming pool and hot tub jacuzzi so we were able to ease out the tension from driving.
The weather continues to be in our favor with sunshine every day and the occasional rain at night.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Grand Canyon, Arizona.
Toot! Toot! We booked into the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park in Williams, Arizona yesterday evening after driving all day through the mountain passes from Laughlin, Nevada. The climb hauling the RV really put the Dakota to the test but we were careful and took our time. An alert gas attendant, somewhere along the way, strongly advised we install new shocks on the rear of Dakota as the right side was blown so we had heavier shocks installed which caused a 3 hour delay.
This morning around 8:30 we picked up our tickets for the Grand Canyon Railway train. Prior to the train leaving at 10:00, we were treated to a cowboy show , including a shootout., with guys that looked like real cowboys. They perform every day except Christmas, weather permitting. No wonder they seemed authentic.
We boarded at the Williams Depot and two hours later arrived at the Grand Canyon Station at 12 noon. What a magnificent sight! We walked along the south rim trail about two miles, stopping to take many pictures, to an observation deck and spent time at the interpretive centre, gazing out on the canyon. A bus took us back to the El Tovar Hotel where we had drinks and window shopped. We also visited Hopi House which sold Native American products, but we had already spent our allowance for this stop. While we waited for the train, Paul enjoyed sitting in the lobby of the hotel near the huge stone fireplace which was aflame with real logs. He even nodded off for a bit.
On the way back to Williams, the same cowboys from the morning held up the train demanding cash, rings, etc. They were given token $1.00 US bills. One even had the gall to refuse a loonie being offered by a fellow Canadian traveler……but it was all in fun. Because we were so tired from the day, we ate dinner at the “world famous” Rod’s Steak House, “on Route 66 since 1946’ - as old as Faye. The steaks were delicious.
Later….
This morning around 8:30 we picked up our tickets for the Grand Canyon Railway train. Prior to the train leaving at 10:00, we were treated to a cowboy show , including a shootout., with guys that looked like real cowboys. They perform every day except Christmas, weather permitting. No wonder they seemed authentic.
We boarded at the Williams Depot and two hours later arrived at the Grand Canyon Station at 12 noon. What a magnificent sight! We walked along the south rim trail about two miles, stopping to take many pictures, to an observation deck and spent time at the interpretive centre, gazing out on the canyon. A bus took us back to the El Tovar Hotel where we had drinks and window shopped. We also visited Hopi House which sold Native American products, but we had already spent our allowance for this stop. While we waited for the train, Paul enjoyed sitting in the lobby of the hotel near the huge stone fireplace which was aflame with real logs. He even nodded off for a bit.
On the way back to Williams, the same cowboys from the morning held up the train demanding cash, rings, etc. They were given token $1.00 US bills. One even had the gall to refuse a loonie being offered by a fellow Canadian traveler……but it was all in fun. Because we were so tired from the day, we ate dinner at the “world famous” Rod’s Steak House, “on Route 66 since 1946’ - as old as Faye. The steaks were delicious.
Later….
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Gambling, Cowboys and Donkeys
We decided to bypass Las Vegas. There was just too much traffic zooming by and everyone seemed to be impatient to get somewhere else. We did stop at the Lucky Strike for lunch and a few minutes at a slot machine. It took no time to lose $10. Paul had a quick nap and we headed east. After climbing over yet another mountain pass, we booked into a pretty nice RV Park called AVI Resort & Casino in Laughlin, Nevada. Tuesday night we went to the casino. Faye really enjoyed playing the $2 blackjack table while Paul spent time on the 25 cent slot machines….and both quit after losing our agreed max of $20. The casino restaurants were offering prime rib dinners at $4.99 to get people in the door so that was payback time!
Wednesday morning, Faye did the laundry and spent about two hours listening to and chatting with four other women. They and their husbands all had a litany of illnesses and they were comparing doctors and treatments. Laughlin is apparently a good place to be ill. Wednesday afternoon we drove about 50 km through open range to Oatman, a small original cowboy and mining town up in the mountains. This town has recreated the cowboy gunfights and have wild burros (donkeys) running about the streets freely. Board sidewalks with hitching posts are on both sides of the short main street. There are old time saloons, and numerous authentic local craft shops with unusual décor and names. The whole place looks like a dusty rundown old town. Originally, it was a gold mining town and today serves as a tourist destination and holly wood movie site. The shops had everything marked down. The store clerks were desperate to sell and cut even the sale prices. Yahoo Faye!!!
Back at the park, our neighbours, Dan and Linda Olsen from Minnesota, dropped in for a visit. Dan is a retired boiler maker and a Viet Nam vet while Linda was a cosmetologist. We had an interesting evening comparing notes about our families and careers. They have a lot of RV experience and were happy to share it.
Today we drove all day to reach the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park in the historic town of Williams, Arizona. Tomorrow we take the train tour up to the Grand Canyon.
Later…..
Wednesday morning, Faye did the laundry and spent about two hours listening to and chatting with four other women. They and their husbands all had a litany of illnesses and they were comparing doctors and treatments. Laughlin is apparently a good place to be ill. Wednesday afternoon we drove about 50 km through open range to Oatman, a small original cowboy and mining town up in the mountains. This town has recreated the cowboy gunfights and have wild burros (donkeys) running about the streets freely. Board sidewalks with hitching posts are on both sides of the short main street. There are old time saloons, and numerous authentic local craft shops with unusual décor and names. The whole place looks like a dusty rundown old town. Originally, it was a gold mining town and today serves as a tourist destination and holly wood movie site. The shops had everything marked down. The store clerks were desperate to sell and cut even the sale prices. Yahoo Faye!!!
Back at the park, our neighbours, Dan and Linda Olsen from Minnesota, dropped in for a visit. Dan is a retired boiler maker and a Viet Nam vet while Linda was a cosmetologist. We had an interesting evening comparing notes about our families and careers. They have a lot of RV experience and were happy to share it.
Today we drove all day to reach the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park in the historic town of Williams, Arizona. Tomorrow we take the train tour up to the Grand Canyon.
Later…..
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Valley of Fire State Park is a very unique combination of desert and jagged rock formations rising to spectacular heights. There is plenty to see and study in the Visitor Information Centre situated in the park and in the museum in the neighbouring town of Overton.
We spent Sunday exploring the park by first visiting the Visitor Centre and then driving to see Mouse’s Tank which is the spot where a famous Paiute Indian outlaw hid out for six months from the law. He had killed two people in a conflict and ran into the desert. Six months later he was noticed in a local woman’s garden, reported to the authorities, chased down and killed. Then we drove to White Dome witnessing the awesome landscape along the way. Pictures may be worth a thousand words but cannot accurately capture the majestic splendour! We then drove into Overton to have a look at the museum and the guide told us about a wireless location at a very friendly café.
Monday Paul went into Overton to get the new tires (purchased in Calgary) installed and a slightly overdue oil change. Rear studded tires are rare here so created a little stir.
Our park is located adjacent to the top end of Lake Mead, the huge body of water backed up by the Hoover Dam. There are many side roads leading down into the lake with marinas and beaches. A side road into Callville revealed a huge marina with many house boats. On the way in Faye spotted a small herd of big horn sheep.
We then drove to Hoover Dam to spend the rest of the afternoon and evening, taking in the power plant tour. This mega project, completed in 1935, controls the flood plain of the upper Colorado River draining a land mass 1/12th the size of continental United States (Fred C. would love to be the watershed coordinator for that baby!) In addition to the Hoover there are five dams above and another five below, all controlling and distributing water into the fertile plains and valleys below. At present Lake Mead is only half full due to an extended drought. The lake was full in 1983 which is evident by the bleached water mark all around the lake.
We drove back to our RV site at Valley of Fire State Park via north Las Vegas through horrendous fast moving traffic and were pleased that the GPS unit was able to guide us safely back through some missed turnoffs!
Later….
We spent Sunday exploring the park by first visiting the Visitor Centre and then driving to see Mouse’s Tank which is the spot where a famous Paiute Indian outlaw hid out for six months from the law. He had killed two people in a conflict and ran into the desert. Six months later he was noticed in a local woman’s garden, reported to the authorities, chased down and killed. Then we drove to White Dome witnessing the awesome landscape along the way. Pictures may be worth a thousand words but cannot accurately capture the majestic splendour! We then drove into Overton to have a look at the museum and the guide told us about a wireless location at a very friendly café.
Monday Paul went into Overton to get the new tires (purchased in Calgary) installed and a slightly overdue oil change. Rear studded tires are rare here so created a little stir.
Our park is located adjacent to the top end of Lake Mead, the huge body of water backed up by the Hoover Dam. There are many side roads leading down into the lake with marinas and beaches. A side road into Callville revealed a huge marina with many house boats. On the way in Faye spotted a small herd of big horn sheep.
We then drove to Hoover Dam to spend the rest of the afternoon and evening, taking in the power plant tour. This mega project, completed in 1935, controls the flood plain of the upper Colorado River draining a land mass 1/12th the size of continental United States (Fred C. would love to be the watershed coordinator for that baby!) In addition to the Hoover there are five dams above and another five below, all controlling and distributing water into the fertile plains and valleys below. At present Lake Mead is only half full due to an extended drought. The lake was full in 1983 which is evident by the bleached water mark all around the lake.
We drove back to our RV site at Valley of Fire State Park via north Las Vegas through horrendous fast moving traffic and were pleased that the GPS unit was able to guide us safely back through some missed turnoffs!
Later….
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Mormon Tabernacle, Salt Lake City
Thursday, Jan. 29 while Paul and I were in Salt Lake City we went to Temple Square to see the Mormon Tabernacle. We entered through the North Gate and made our way to the North Visitors building where guides [two young female missionaries – one from Hong Kong and one from Washington State] took us on a quick tour outlining the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The story was told using large murals and statues as we walked from station to station. From there we went to the South Gate Visitor building which is dedicated to family and also has a display showing the history of the building of the tabernacle. Our last stop was the Tabernacle Choir building. We had to leave then to get to Clark’s Planetarium which has a domed IMAX screen. The 5:30 feature was World of The Universe, lots of flashing lights and loud surround sound. Pretty awesome!! We ate at The Gateway Mall Food Court before returning to the Tabernacle to listen to the practice session of the Mormon Choir Tabernacle. We were early and waited in the South Visitors building. We did a quick search for our ancestors on the computers. I printed out the info on Grammie and Grandad Wile. Paul found oodles of info on his family. Other groups were wandering around – among them was Martin Luther King Junior!!!!! At 8 o’clock we hurried over to the rehearsal.
His group came into the temple and down the aisle just as a guide was taking our picture. We had to step aside to let them through. He was introduced to the audience during the choir practice. That’s when we learned who this VIP was.
The choir was magnificent. I took a few videos so we will be able to hear and see the practice.
Today we left SLC @ 10:30 and drove to Red Ledge RV Park in Kanarraville, UT. The freeway was really crazy when we started but thinned out after we left the city behind. The highway follows a wide valley plain with mountains to the left and right all the way down. This area is very high above sea level[@7000 feet] and must be very dry in summer as both sides of the road were covered with sagebrush and scrubby little pine trees. The only other trees were near streams and creeks. The farmland had huge irrigation systems on wheels – some were unbelievably long, stretching in straight lines and sometimes gargantuan circles over the grain fields. Black Angus cattle dotted the grassland along with an occasional sheep herd. We saw a couple herds of deer near Cedar Rapids. Paul is really good at spotting them. I would miss them completely as their color blends right into the landscape.
His group came into the temple and down the aisle just as a guide was taking our picture. We had to step aside to let them through. He was introduced to the audience during the choir practice. That’s when we learned who this VIP was.
The choir was magnificent. I took a few videos so we will be able to hear and see the practice.
Today we left SLC @ 10:30 and drove to Red Ledge RV Park in Kanarraville, UT. The freeway was really crazy when we started but thinned out after we left the city behind. The highway follows a wide valley plain with mountains to the left and right all the way down. This area is very high above sea level[@7000 feet] and must be very dry in summer as both sides of the road were covered with sagebrush and scrubby little pine trees. The only other trees were near streams and creeks. The farmland had huge irrigation systems on wheels – some were unbelievably long, stretching in straight lines and sometimes gargantuan circles over the grain fields. Black Angus cattle dotted the grassland along with an occasional sheep herd. We saw a couple herds of deer near Cedar Rapids. Paul is really good at spotting them. I would miss them completely as their color blends right into the landscape.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
January 27, 2009-01-27
A wonderful four days and nights again with Stephen and Jaime in Calgary after making the full circle from Calgary – Ft. Liard – Whitehorse --Skagway – Vancouver – Surrey and back to Calgary! We had planned to head out from Calgary on Saturday with the Fun Finder RV, however some issues with the trailer plug, brake controller and wiring had to be resolved so our start was delayed until Sunday morning.
Beautiful weather and bare roads all the way to Great Falls, Montana where we found Rick’s RV Park for our first sleep in the RV! Paul is very pleased with the way the RV tows behind the Dakota. The confidence level increased as the day wore on with some very sensitive adjustment to the brake controller and Faye finally relaxed and enjoyed taking pictures of the Montana scenery!
The furnace didn’t quite keep up with the -21 C. but we survived. We need to get into non freezing temperatures before filling up with water, so electricity is the only luxury!
Paul forgot to unplug the trailer electrical plug from the truck causing a feedback into the truck computer from the park power. This caused the engine light to come on resulting in a four hour delay Monday morning getting the problem diagnosed at a Dodge dealer and fixed. UNPLUG THE TRAILER BEFORE HOOKING INTO OUTSIDE POWER!
Amazing country vistas in Montana through miles and miles of prairie with thousands of beef cattle winter grazing, all of them Black Angus.
On Monday we were determined to reach Pocatello, Idaho. This drive took us through the Blackfoot Mountains and the Chesterfield Range on a beautiful cold sunny day. Fantastic views with the occasional glimpse of elk, deer, eagles, hawks and huge ravens intermixed with numerous herds of Black Angus and sheep.
We finally settled into Sullivan’s RV Park in Pocatello, a very small setup but economical at $16.00. Our second night was more comfortable due to a more moderate outside temperature. We are looking forward to our next destination in Salt Lake City to have a look around the sights there.
Later…..
A wonderful four days and nights again with Stephen and Jaime in Calgary after making the full circle from Calgary – Ft. Liard – Whitehorse --Skagway – Vancouver – Surrey and back to Calgary! We had planned to head out from Calgary on Saturday with the Fun Finder RV, however some issues with the trailer plug, brake controller and wiring had to be resolved so our start was delayed until Sunday morning.
Beautiful weather and bare roads all the way to Great Falls, Montana where we found Rick’s RV Park for our first sleep in the RV! Paul is very pleased with the way the RV tows behind the Dakota. The confidence level increased as the day wore on with some very sensitive adjustment to the brake controller and Faye finally relaxed and enjoyed taking pictures of the Montana scenery!
The furnace didn’t quite keep up with the -21 C. but we survived. We need to get into non freezing temperatures before filling up with water, so electricity is the only luxury!
Paul forgot to unplug the trailer electrical plug from the truck causing a feedback into the truck computer from the park power. This caused the engine light to come on resulting in a four hour delay Monday morning getting the problem diagnosed at a Dodge dealer and fixed. UNPLUG THE TRAILER BEFORE HOOKING INTO OUTSIDE POWER!
Amazing country vistas in Montana through miles and miles of prairie with thousands of beef cattle winter grazing, all of them Black Angus.
On Monday we were determined to reach Pocatello, Idaho. This drive took us through the Blackfoot Mountains and the Chesterfield Range on a beautiful cold sunny day. Fantastic views with the occasional glimpse of elk, deer, eagles, hawks and huge ravens intermixed with numerous herds of Black Angus and sheep.
We finally settled into Sullivan’s RV Park in Pocatello, a very small setup but economical at $16.00. Our second night was more comfortable due to a more moderate outside temperature. We are looking forward to our next destination in Salt Lake City to have a look around the sights there.
Later…..
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Terrace-Nanaimo-Surrey-Calgary
In Terrace we had a great four day visit with Jeanine (niece), Greg, Nolan and Damian. Their large, lovely home is on the shores of the Kalum River. During our stay Greg did up a very tasty Skeena River salmon on the barbeque. Jeannine took time out of her busy schedule to guide us on a tour up the Nass River Valley to the lava fields and the Nisga nation village of New Alyansh. Faye was impressed with the totems and was brave enough to walk with Paul across the swinging bridge.
Paul managed to visit the local Legion and a couple tackle shops in Terrace where he picked up some local steelhead salmon flies to try out on Souris River next spring.
The drive thru the Skeena River Valley from Terrace to Prince Rupert on Friday morning was totally awe inspiring as the sun finally showed its face after a week’s absence! The scenery on the drive through the mountain ranges was “wow”!!
The ferry MV “Queen of Prince Rupert” departed from Prince Rupert at 4:30 taking the spectacular inside passage to Port Hardy arriving at 4 pm on Saturday so we caught some good mountain views while sailing through the Grenville channel which is about 1400 ft. wide and very deep. We had a berth and so had a good nights sleep and spent all day sitting at the bow windows looking out at the magnificent scenery. We met and talked to a number of people who have been to PEI and loved it. The father of one girl was from North Rustico and now practices law in Prince Rupert. Sharon and Peter were both in education and Faye enjoyed her conversations with them. Paul Toth is an outfitter. His business is called “Something Fishy Charters”. www.somethingfishycharters.ca
He is a great talker describing some of the fish he guarantees - king salmon, halibut, and steelheads! He also explained much of what we were seeing as we sailed along. Terrific to get the local knowledge!
Upon reaching Port Hardy we drove thru clear weather as far as the Rustic Motel in Campbell River where a thick fog had set in. On Sunday morning we had another spectacular drive down to Nanaimo to catch the ferry to the Vancouver mainland. The truck GPS steered us under sunny skies and past green fields to Carl & Kim’s place in Surrey where we enjoyed visiting with them, their son Justin and another visiting nephew, Craig. Carl treated everyone to terrific beef tenderloins from the barbeque for dinner. Blair Deveau dropped in too. We had a great evening with them in their beautiful home.
We headed out from Surrey towards Calgary on Monday through the beautiful Fraser River Valley and up through the mountain ranges passing Hope, Kamloops, Salmon Arm as far as Revelstoke where we had a delicious meal (maple glazed salmon for Faye and Buffalo burger for Paul) at the Great Northern Bean pub. There we discovered Revelstoke Ski Resort and Tuesday morning took the opportunity to take the Gondola up to the upper restaurant for breakfast and then up further above the fog into sunshine and +4 temp and a view from 4700 ft. This ski resort opened in 2008, a massive project still underway with costs reaching one billion which includes a buyout of a heli ski company! (Confederation Bridge was one billion!)
From Revelstoke we drove through Golden and Lake Louise and on to Calgary. Faye took pictures at every turn in the highway.
We were so happy and relieved to have had mostly clear highways the entire trip from the time we left Calgary to our return. The trip of a lifetime!!!
We arrived in time at 6:00 pm to go to a birthday dinner at the Flatiron Restaurant honouring Jaime’s brother Ryan. What a great way to end our day and this leg of our trip.
Later……
Paul managed to visit the local Legion and a couple tackle shops in Terrace where he picked up some local steelhead salmon flies to try out on Souris River next spring.
The drive thru the Skeena River Valley from Terrace to Prince Rupert on Friday morning was totally awe inspiring as the sun finally showed its face after a week’s absence! The scenery on the drive through the mountain ranges was “wow”!!
The ferry MV “Queen of Prince Rupert” departed from Prince Rupert at 4:30 taking the spectacular inside passage to Port Hardy arriving at 4 pm on Saturday so we caught some good mountain views while sailing through the Grenville channel which is about 1400 ft. wide and very deep. We had a berth and so had a good nights sleep and spent all day sitting at the bow windows looking out at the magnificent scenery. We met and talked to a number of people who have been to PEI and loved it. The father of one girl was from North Rustico and now practices law in Prince Rupert. Sharon and Peter were both in education and Faye enjoyed her conversations with them. Paul Toth is an outfitter. His business is called “Something Fishy Charters”. www.somethingfishycharters.ca
He is a great talker describing some of the fish he guarantees - king salmon, halibut, and steelheads! He also explained much of what we were seeing as we sailed along. Terrific to get the local knowledge!
Upon reaching Port Hardy we drove thru clear weather as far as the Rustic Motel in Campbell River where a thick fog had set in. On Sunday morning we had another spectacular drive down to Nanaimo to catch the ferry to the Vancouver mainland. The truck GPS steered us under sunny skies and past green fields to Carl & Kim’s place in Surrey where we enjoyed visiting with them, their son Justin and another visiting nephew, Craig. Carl treated everyone to terrific beef tenderloins from the barbeque for dinner. Blair Deveau dropped in too. We had a great evening with them in their beautiful home.
We headed out from Surrey towards Calgary on Monday through the beautiful Fraser River Valley and up through the mountain ranges passing Hope, Kamloops, Salmon Arm as far as Revelstoke where we had a delicious meal (maple glazed salmon for Faye and Buffalo burger for Paul) at the Great Northern Bean pub. There we discovered Revelstoke Ski Resort and Tuesday morning took the opportunity to take the Gondola up to the upper restaurant for breakfast and then up further above the fog into sunshine and +4 temp and a view from 4700 ft. This ski resort opened in 2008, a massive project still underway with costs reaching one billion which includes a buyout of a heli ski company! (Confederation Bridge was one billion!)
From Revelstoke we drove through Golden and Lake Louise and on to Calgary. Faye took pictures at every turn in the highway.
We were so happy and relieved to have had mostly clear highways the entire trip from the time we left Calgary to our return. The trip of a lifetime!!!
We arrived in time at 6:00 pm to go to a birthday dinner at the Flatiron Restaurant honouring Jaime’s brother Ryan. What a great way to end our day and this leg of our trip.
Later……
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Terrace, BC Legion Visit
Dropped into Terrace Legion today! Very well appointed Legion with all the amenities one would expect. Some very friendly opinionated locals and received good advice on fishing options for another time when we will definitely visit again.
Later.....
Later.....
New Aiyansh and Gingoix
Wednesday, January 14th, our friendly tour guide Jeannine Knox (niece) took us to two First Nations Villages, New Aiyansh capital of the Nisga;s Nation and Home of the Gitmidiik famous for their smoked salmon and to Gingoix, another village. These places are located approximately 100 km northwest of Terrace. We drove through miles of lava fields that resulted from an eruption about 200 years ago causing much loss of lives. Totems are in evidence depicting stories of myths and legends of native lore.
We glimpsed bits of mountain ranges, rivers and lakes through the fog and mist burnt through on occasion by the sun.
For a late evening snack we sampled Skeena River smoked salmon and some Alaskan King Crab. The salmon is packaged as a promotion and fund raiser by the Skeena Wild Conservation Trust. Check it out at www.skeenawild.org. Greg Knox (married to Jeannine) is the Executive Director of this trust which is primarily funded by the Moore family who are owners of Intel headquartered in the US. The Skeena River is the second largest salmon producing watershed in BC second only to the Fraser River. The watershed produces all pacific species of salmon, Coho, Chinook, King, and Sockeye along with various species of trout. The Skeena remains un dammed and open to public access. It yields large fish to those who angle. But there are constant challenges facing the various environmental organizations including First Nations Peoples who work diligently to keep the watershed pristine, the current one being an attempt by a large oil consortium to build a pipeline alongside the river to transport Alberta tar sands oil to the coast. There is a moratorium on this type of development locally but the consortium has earmarked 100 million in its campaign to convince the decision makers and public to approve the development.
Later....
We glimpsed bits of mountain ranges, rivers and lakes through the fog and mist burnt through on occasion by the sun.
For a late evening snack we sampled Skeena River smoked salmon and some Alaskan King Crab. The salmon is packaged as a promotion and fund raiser by the Skeena Wild Conservation Trust. Check it out at www.skeenawild.org. Greg Knox (married to Jeannine) is the Executive Director of this trust which is primarily funded by the Moore family who are owners of Intel headquartered in the US. The Skeena River is the second largest salmon producing watershed in BC second only to the Fraser River. The watershed produces all pacific species of salmon, Coho, Chinook, King, and Sockeye along with various species of trout. The Skeena remains un dammed and open to public access. It yields large fish to those who angle. But there are constant challenges facing the various environmental organizations including First Nations Peoples who work diligently to keep the watershed pristine, the current one being an attempt by a large oil consortium to build a pipeline alongside the river to transport Alberta tar sands oil to the coast. There is a moratorium on this type of development locally but the consortium has earmarked 100 million in its campaign to convince the decision makers and public to approve the development.
Later....
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Skagway to Prince Rupert - Inside Passage
Friday, January 9th, waiting all day in Skagway. We went for supper at the Skagway Brewing Co. restaurant. They make their own brand of beer and the friendly waiter/bar tender was happy to regale stories about Skagway..
The MV Ferry Taku departed from Sdagway at 0100 hrs Saturday, Jan.10th. We were assigned an outside berth with upper and lower bunks. The ship was built in 1963 in Seattle, Washington. It is well appointed with gift shops, observation lounge, cafeteria, and bar. We toured the ship before going to bed to get oriented with the layout.
The inside passage from Skagway to Haines loomed through a vague moonlit mountainous landscape as seen from the observation deck. The channel cutting between two low mountain ranges seemed to be only ¼ mile wide! It’s hard to imagine large cruise ships navigating through this narrow channel.
The odd foot passenger spread out sleeping mats on the floor of the observation deck which was kept in semi darkness.
The top bunk had Paul’s name on it and he had a sense of déjà vu bringing back childhood memories. We both slept through docking in Haines as we tied up in Juneau at 0600 hrs.with Haines situated between Skagway and Juneau.
The ferry passage from Juneau, capital of Alaska, to Kate took all day providing panoramic views all along the way. The crew were put through boat and fire drills when we were reading in the cafeteria lounge. We spent part of the afternoon in the bar lounge chatting. The lady bar tender sold Faye a book called Sourdough School wriiten by her grandmother, a chronicle of her teaching experience in Alaska.
After Kate the next port of call was Petersburg arriving sometime in middle of the night after which was the port of Wrangell. From Wrangell the sail was through the Wrangell channel, a long twisting passageway which eventually opens up to a body of water taking us to Ketchikan where we had to disembark ashore and wait twelve hours to board the M/V Kennicott to Prince Rupert arriving there at 0700 hrs on Monday morning.
Ketchikan, a port town, has an impressive amount of recreation and fishing boats located up and down the waterfront. There are lots of amenities throughout the town. We had time to explore driving both ways up and down the coast. The Cultural Centre is a museum depicting the Haida, Tlingat, and Tsimshian First Nations. It was very interesting. Faye thought Paul had an uncanny resemblance to a picture of an elder!
In Prince Rupert we dropped in to visit with nephew Gary McQuaid and his two girls, Hyla and Araya who took immediately to Faye. After showers and much needed laundry, we all had lunch at a wonderful dockside restaurant, then took the two hour drive, along the famous Skeena River, up to Terrace to visit with neice Jeannine, Greg and sons Nolan and Damian.
Later......
The MV Ferry Taku departed from Sdagway at 0100 hrs Saturday, Jan.10th. We were assigned an outside berth with upper and lower bunks. The ship was built in 1963 in Seattle, Washington. It is well appointed with gift shops, observation lounge, cafeteria, and bar. We toured the ship before going to bed to get oriented with the layout.
The inside passage from Skagway to Haines loomed through a vague moonlit mountainous landscape as seen from the observation deck. The channel cutting between two low mountain ranges seemed to be only ¼ mile wide! It’s hard to imagine large cruise ships navigating through this narrow channel.
The odd foot passenger spread out sleeping mats on the floor of the observation deck which was kept in semi darkness.
The top bunk had Paul’s name on it and he had a sense of déjà vu bringing back childhood memories. We both slept through docking in Haines as we tied up in Juneau at 0600 hrs.with Haines situated between Skagway and Juneau.
The ferry passage from Juneau, capital of Alaska, to Kate took all day providing panoramic views all along the way. The crew were put through boat and fire drills when we were reading in the cafeteria lounge. We spent part of the afternoon in the bar lounge chatting. The lady bar tender sold Faye a book called Sourdough School wriiten by her grandmother, a chronicle of her teaching experience in Alaska.
After Kate the next port of call was Petersburg arriving sometime in middle of the night after which was the port of Wrangell. From Wrangell the sail was through the Wrangell channel, a long twisting passageway which eventually opens up to a body of water taking us to Ketchikan where we had to disembark ashore and wait twelve hours to board the M/V Kennicott to Prince Rupert arriving there at 0700 hrs on Monday morning.
Ketchikan, a port town, has an impressive amount of recreation and fishing boats located up and down the waterfront. There are lots of amenities throughout the town. We had time to explore driving both ways up and down the coast. The Cultural Centre is a museum depicting the Haida, Tlingat, and Tsimshian First Nations. It was very interesting. Faye thought Paul had an uncanny resemblance to a picture of an elder!
In Prince Rupert we dropped in to visit with nephew Gary McQuaid and his two girls, Hyla and Araya who took immediately to Faye. After showers and much needed laundry, we all had lunch at a wonderful dockside restaurant, then took the two hour drive, along the famous Skeena River, up to Terrace to visit with neice Jeannine, Greg and sons Nolan and Damian.
Later......
Friday, January 9, 2009
Skagway, Alaska
Good decision to leave Whitehorse a day early as the White Pass is closed today due to severe storm conditions and an avalanche somewhere on the Skagway side of Carcross. Apparently some truckers are stranded on the other side and running low on fuel!
Today we took a tour of Skagway which has a winter resident population of 700 souls. In summer the population soars to 2000 residents not including the huge numbers of tourists. The town buildings are still "old town" store fronts. Skagway is one of 16 top cruise ship destinations in the world so a large number of shops are gold jewelers and fur dealers. The liquor store had a very friendly lady clerk who was very informative and helpful. Faye wanted something for the ferry trip so Paul picked up a taste too!
The boat harbor includes a marina with boats still in the water but there were also a lot of boats hauled out. We definitely were the only tourists in town and looking forward to leaving on the ferry MV Taku due to depart at 12:45 am on Saturday. The host at our B&B are allowing us to check out just prior to leaving later tonight.
Time to go get a bite at the Skagway Brewing Co. restaurant downtown... hope we don't get lost along the way!
Later....
Today we took a tour of Skagway which has a winter resident population of 700 souls. In summer the population soars to 2000 residents not including the huge numbers of tourists. The town buildings are still "old town" store fronts. Skagway is one of 16 top cruise ship destinations in the world so a large number of shops are gold jewelers and fur dealers. The liquor store had a very friendly lady clerk who was very informative and helpful. Faye wanted something for the ferry trip so Paul picked up a taste too!
The boat harbor includes a marina with boats still in the water but there were also a lot of boats hauled out. We definitely were the only tourists in town and looking forward to leaving on the ferry MV Taku due to depart at 12:45 am on Saturday. The host at our B&B are allowing us to check out just prior to leaving later tonight.
Time to go get a bite at the Skagway Brewing Co. restaurant downtown... hope we don't get lost along the way!
Later....
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Through the White Pass
Sudden departure from Whitehorse today... quick decision to drive to Skagway this afternoon instead of Friday due to severe storm warning due to start 6 am Friday morning. We need to catch the ferry in Skagway at 12:45 am Saturday. It was hard to leave saying goodbye on the telephone as we had planned a goodbye dinner this evening with Jeanette, Jamie and Kaden.
The drive through the White Pass to Skagway was uneventful with Faye snapping pictures of the rugged mountain scenery. Weather was light flurries and really cold as the windshield would not completely clear.
We cleared through US customs ok even allowed to take a 6 pack Yukon beer Paul wants to deliver to Stephen in Calgary.
Skagway does not offer very much in way of lodging this time of year however we managed to get a B&B in a quaint old place called "The White House". They said we could stay tomorrow evening until check in time for the ferry at 11:45 pm. We then went for supper at the only place open called The Skayway Brewing Company, another landmark here.
Looking forward to boarding ferry and sailing down the inside passage towards Prince Rupert.
Later
The drive through the White Pass to Skagway was uneventful with Faye snapping pictures of the rugged mountain scenery. Weather was light flurries and really cold as the windshield would not completely clear.
We cleared through US customs ok even allowed to take a 6 pack Yukon beer Paul wants to deliver to Stephen in Calgary.
Skagway does not offer very much in way of lodging this time of year however we managed to get a B&B in a quaint old place called "The White House". They said we could stay tomorrow evening until check in time for the ferry at 11:45 pm. We then went for supper at the only place open called The Skayway Brewing Company, another landmark here.
Looking forward to boarding ferry and sailing down the inside passage towards Prince Rupert.
Later
Whitehorse Dinner with Brian & Nancy Pope
Paul spent a couple hours doing grunt work gathering fuel wood and burning brush while Faye was busy getting our stuff organized to pack for the next part of our journey.
Our friends from Tagish Lake, who Paul met when he was in Whitehorse to a CWF meeting back in the mid eighties, dropped in for a visit and treated us to dinner in Whitehorse. Brian was a former director of CWF with Paul at the time and they were meeting in Halifax and came over to Souris for a visit. Brian Brown took them out on his lobster boat out of Fortune. Brian Pope says the lobster fishing and eating on board Brian's boat was an experience he always fondly remembers and relishes to this day.
Brian is a retired sheriff for the Yukon and both he and Nancy are currently para medics for an ambulance service in Tagish.
Nancy's father, Willie May, was one of the RCMP Officers directly involved in the hunt for Albert Johnson, the Mad Trapper of Rat River. Lots of stories in the Yukon!
Later....
Our friends from Tagish Lake, who Paul met when he was in Whitehorse to a CWF meeting back in the mid eighties, dropped in for a visit and treated us to dinner in Whitehorse. Brian was a former director of CWF with Paul at the time and they were meeting in Halifax and came over to Souris for a visit. Brian Brown took them out on his lobster boat out of Fortune. Brian Pope says the lobster fishing and eating on board Brian's boat was an experience he always fondly remembers and relishes to this day.
Brian is a retired sheriff for the Yukon and both he and Nancy are currently para medics for an ambulance service in Tagish.
Nancy's father, Willie May, was one of the RCMP Officers directly involved in the hunt for Albert Johnson, the Mad Trapper of Rat River. Lots of stories in the Yukon!
Later....
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Keeping in Shape and Watching Hockey
Paul spent the past two days felling, blocking fuel wood and burning brush in a desperate attempt to keep in shape and help out Jamie with his wood supply!
Faye and Paul watched the last two games Canada played in the World Junior Hockey Championships over at neighbors Doug and Sheila. They have a HD 52" flat screen so it was awesome to watch Canada win both games..very exciting! Doug and Sheila shared their adventure photos of a two month sojourn to Africa, India, and Thailand. Wonderful people.
Later....
Faye and Paul watched the last two games Canada played in the World Junior Hockey Championships over at neighbors Doug and Sheila. They have a HD 52" flat screen so it was awesome to watch Canada win both games..very exciting! Doug and Sheila shared their adventure photos of a two month sojourn to Africa, India, and Thailand. Wonderful people.
Later....
Monday, January 5, 2009
Moose Tenderloin
Faye & I went to dinner at Grant's (close friend of Jamie) place in Carcross. We were joined by Lynn and a neighbor of Grant by name of Pete. Grant lives in a log home built himself 38 years ago. Really nice place overlooking a lake with mountains in full view when weather permits. Really neat place with all the comforts of home including outside privy!
The main dinner course was delicious moose tenderloin taken from a three year old bull shot last fall by Jamie when he and Grant went on their annual moose hunt. Unfortunately the bbq wouldn't work as the outside temperature was too cold at -38 C. so Grant cooked the loins on a cast iron railroad skillet over the wood range. We had a great meal and finished the evening with a game of cards.
We are rapidly approaching the end of our stay in Whitehorse before journeying to Haines, Alaska on Friday for the ferry down the inside passage to Prince Rupert.
Later.....
The main dinner course was delicious moose tenderloin taken from a three year old bull shot last fall by Jamie when he and Grant went on their annual moose hunt. Unfortunately the bbq wouldn't work as the outside temperature was too cold at -38 C. so Grant cooked the loins on a cast iron railroad skillet over the wood range. We had a great meal and finished the evening with a game of cards.
We are rapidly approaching the end of our stay in Whitehorse before journeying to Haines, Alaska on Friday for the ferry down the inside passage to Prince Rupert.
Later.....
Friday, January 2, 2009
Whitehorse New Year's
Whitehorse New Year's Eve house party at home Rick and Janet, friends of Jamie and Jeanette. This was a family event with children involved.. fireworks display and lots of great food fortified with whatever you brought for refreshements!
Paul found the menfolk conversation interesting as it involved discussion related to caribou surveys, bear studies and subsequent entanglements, moose habitat, biologists and the internal politics of Yukon Natural Resources employees.
Faye was delighted in meeting new people......there was a couple belonging to First Nations and she was interested in hearing about their life here in the Yukon.
Unfortunately we didn't have our camera when we saw 3 caribou walking out of the woods situated adjacent to Robert Service Road coming out of Whitehorse. These animals were within Whitehorse city limits!!
New Year's Day dinner put together by Paul & Faye as we felt Jamie should have a well earned respite from cooking. The whole gang was here including Jamie's dad, mother Lynn, Grant and neighbors down the road. Dinner consisted of glazed ham, baked beans, Lynn's perogies, scalloped potatoes, carrots, turnip, asparagus, and Faye's blueberry grunt with ice cream for desert.
Today, January 2nd is a balmy -41 degrees C.!! Paul was concerned about antifreeze in truck but it checked out ok.
Later.....
Paul found the menfolk conversation interesting as it involved discussion related to caribou surveys, bear studies and subsequent entanglements, moose habitat, biologists and the internal politics of Yukon Natural Resources employees.
Faye was delighted in meeting new people......there was a couple belonging to First Nations and she was interested in hearing about their life here in the Yukon.
Unfortunately we didn't have our camera when we saw 3 caribou walking out of the woods situated adjacent to Robert Service Road coming out of Whitehorse. These animals were within Whitehorse city limits!!
New Year's Day dinner put together by Paul & Faye as we felt Jamie should have a well earned respite from cooking. The whole gang was here including Jamie's dad, mother Lynn, Grant and neighbors down the road. Dinner consisted of glazed ham, baked beans, Lynn's perogies, scalloped potatoes, carrots, turnip, asparagus, and Faye's blueberry grunt with ice cream for desert.
Today, January 2nd is a balmy -41 degrees C.!! Paul was concerned about antifreeze in truck but it checked out ok.
Later.....
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