Wink's Travels

Kenai Peninsula, Anchorage to Palmer August 23 - 31, 2009

2010-05-03T11:32:00.048-07:00

After leaving Seward we headed back to Anchorage. On the way we spent two nights at Williwaw Campground (USFS). From this campground we did day trips to Whittier, Alyeska and to Alyeska Wild Animal Conservation Center.

View of glacier from our campsite.

Trip to Whittier, AK

Here we are waiting to enter the Train/car tunnel to Whittier. This tunnel is the longest highway tunnel in North America as well as the longest train/car tunnel. We did not know until we entered the tunnel you actually strattle the railway tracks. This tunnel schedules when the train goes and when cars go...Hope that switch operator is at the job. LOL

Here we are waiting for our turn in line for the tunnel.

View from inside the tunnel

We had heard about the Raindeer Lady and wanted to see her raindeer, but alas due to the rainy weather she did not have him down at her store.

After sight seeing a bit we came upon Jolie's home.

View of Whittier harbor

I think this bird might be the Northern Gannet

Here we are at Portage Glacier. We visited the visitors center.

Next we were off to Alyeska to see the resort and take the tram ride.

The weather was a bit iffy, but we wanted to take the tram anyway. The fog kept rolling in and out. View of resort through the fog.

This is a big ski resort in the winter, but in the summer you can hike some of the trails. You can even take the tram one way and hike the other.

The tram coming through the fog

View of the ski lift

Morris and Sandy

Chuck and Jane

The resort had some beautiful flowers. I had not seen these before.

White Astible

Pink Astible

The Alyeska Wild Animal Conservation Center is a must!

Black Bear

Baby Moose

Moose

Plains Bison verses Wood Bison...the Plains Bison has a rounded hump, lighter in color, frizzy hair on foreleg, and large rounded beard. The Wood Bison has a square hump, darker in color hair down the forehead and small pointed beard.

Wood Bison with nursing young

Blacktailed Deer

Visiting Eagle, just coming in for a look around

Bald Eagle with injuried wing

Brown Bear

Porcupine

Musk Oxen

Elk

Here is a video of an Elk. Click on the arrow to view the video.

Video of the Dahl Sheep. Click on the arrow to view the video

Next we headed back to Anchorage to get our new refrigerator door...I have not talked about that much, but what a pain. It has been taking the two of us to open the refrigerator if we want anything. I will be so glad to get it fixed.

Moose on Elmendorf AFB...right next to the Famcamp where our rigs are parked.

When Chuck takes Tucker for a walk he has to hold real tight to the leash...Tucker would like to get one of those squirrels.

Morris and Sandy's rig parked at Elmendorf AFB Famcamp.

When in Anchorage you must visit the Farmer's Market. Here is Morris at the entrance to the market.

There even was entertainment at the market.

Beautiful display of vegetables....there were not a lot of vegetable for sale at the market, but you could just about find anything else.

They even had this baby Husky. He has the most beautiful blue eyes.

Along the street I saw these Artichokes growing

When in Anchorage you must visit the downtown and of course the Ulu Factory

Mall in downtown Anchorage

Here Chuck and I are enjoying the Turnagain Arm area.

To get out to the waters edge you have to cross the train tracks the go from Anchorage to Seward. Sandy, didn't your father ever tell you not to play on the tracks....let alone didn't you see the sign.

Since I caught Sandy on the tracks, I have to show you my picture of Morris and a set of tracks. I hear the train a comin' it's rollin' 'round the bend...LOL

Morris enjoying the moment as he looks out over the water

We visited Potter Marsh on the Turnagain Arm. Wanted to spend more time there. So much to see so little time. You need to click on picture to enlargen...BE SURE TO USE BACK BUTTON OR ELSE YOU WILL BE OUT OF THIS BLOG

Red-necked Grebe in center of picture

I guess it is "Bottoms Up"

Woodpecker

Sights and sounds from the Alaska State Fair, Palmer, AK. The fair reminded me of an old fashioned fair that I went to when I was a child. When I was 10 years old I won a parakeet at the Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa. I could have won a monkey, but I did not think my father would let me keep the monkey, but maybe I
I would get to keep the parakeet...Sure enough I did and I named him PERKY!

You could even pick up a Hula hoop and give it a try for free.

Maybe you wanted to take a tethred balloon ride

Lets hear it for the red, white and blue

Entertaiment on the Colony Stage at the Alaska State Fair, Palmer, AK.

Some of the local entertainment. Click on the arrow to view the video.

Yes, the Beach Boys were the main attraction.

We got to enjoy the music of Hobo Jim, the official Alaska state balladeer. We also enjoyed his music when we were at the Cannery, Kenai, AK. He was singing at the Sockeye restaurant. We also enjoyed a great meal.

Speaking of sockeye salmon...you would not find this ride down in the lower 48

There were many exhibits, including these:

There were a few animals, but not very many....and hardly any farm equipment.

Here is the Rat Race Game.

Guess which color hole the rat will go in and win....not very good odds.

What would a fair be without food. Chuck had the pork sandwich and I had the gluten-free Turkey leg.

We did visit the flowers and vegetable exhibits. This is the puff ball mushroom. I must say that this is the largest mushroom I ever saw.

Pretty good size cabbage too.

They had a pretty flower garden area. Here are some of the flowers. I do not know the names of these, but I will try to find out.

Daisies

Every child loves a pony ride

Look at me.....don't you think I am cute.

Do you need a moose in your yard? Gosh could I be in Minnisota? LOL

Kenai Peninsula - August 10-23, 2009

2010-03-11T16:30:00.003-07:00

On August 10th we left Anchorage....traveling down the Turnagain Arm. There are only a few places to turn off...so it would be best to take a tow vehicle to that area. We plan to do just that when we come back to Anchorage. Have I mentioned our broken refrigerator door??? That is correct..our refrigerator door broke and we ordered one before we got to Anchorage, but alas they received the wrong door, so it takes two to open the refrigerator door and get it back in place. At least the refrigerator works. Will be picking up the door when we travel back through Anchorage. On the night of the 10th we camped at Quartz Creek Campground, it is a part of the Chugach National Forest. It is on Kenai Lake and about 100 miles southwest of Anchorage.

This tinder fungi loosely called a mushroom can be used as a fire starter.

Do not know the name of this flower, but will continue to look

More Fly Agaric Mushrooms

Chuck and his beard

Monkshood

Prickly Button Mushrooms

Steller Jay

At Quartz Creek we did some hiking and berry picking..We also saw a Lynx from our dining table, but were unable to get his picture.

A great day for berry picking

Blueberries

freshly cleaned berries....ready for a pie. Yum! Yum! Sandy makes the best Gluten-free crust!!

We traveled to Soldotna, Alaska. The Fred Meyer's parking lot was our dry campsite for three days. They allow boondocking for 3 days in their lot. An attendant checks all license plates every evening and enforces that rule. While parked there we spent lots of money at Fred Meyers...I am sure that is their intention. We took our tow cars out for daily tours.

Flowers Flowers everywhere...we found these at Veronica's Coffee House in Kenai.

Right across the street from the coffee house was this Russian Orthodox Church...Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary

Artic Loon

Fireweed....I think it should be the state flower since you see it everywhere, while the Alpine For-get-me-not is so hard to find

Cranberries

Pumpkin Berry

We found this Gluten-free store. How exciting for me....needless to say we bought a few GF items.

When having our picnic lunch we saw this tiny baby bunny hidden in the tall grass....in fact we almost stepped on him.

Next we traveled to Homer. We stayed at the Homer City Campground. Nothing to shout about, but we were on the waters edge and close to the shops...out on the spit

Be sure to visit the shops.

Everyone must visit the Salty Dawg, that is if you can get in...standing room only!! Be sure to duck.

Glacier view from our RV while at Homer City CG.

Are you ready for a shrimp dinner...Yum!

Fish hanging on display.

By now you know I take lots of pictures of flowers

Homer's Harbor

We took a cruise to Seldovia

Morris and Sandy on board

Sights in Seldovia

We ate at the Mad Fish Restaurant

Alaska state flower...."For-Get-Me-Not"

Here they were cleaning fish and the Gulls were getting the leftovers

Pictures of Sea Otters

Puffin

Elephant Rock

Eagle along the shore

Gull Island

My Bald Eagle pictures

We visited the visitors center....Very enjoyable and you can take an outside walk as well.

It is getting time for sunset

Morris

Chuck

Sandy

Time for our campfire

Oh, No....Chuck did you see a bear?? LOL

Here we are ready for our float trip down the Kenai River. It took us some time to get into our gear. I'm sure it would have helped us much if we had overturned...I sure with all the weight we would have sunk and the water temps would not have helped us either.

Our guide

From our raft we spotted this Eagle

Chuck

Me, don't you just love the outfit.

Morris and Sandy

We are now in Seward, AK. We are staying at the Seward AF Base Famcamp.

Picture of the cruise ships in the harbor

The first thing we want to do is take a Glacier cruise. Lunch is on board so we found a ship that will have a Gluten-free option.

Here we are aboard the Alaskan Explorer

These birds are having quite a chat

Sea Lions

A whale from a distance....we saw several, but it is hard to get a picture...they move quickly and the boat is also moving forward,up and down.

The sea otters are so cute

Puffins

Pictures of the glaciers

This glacier is calving

While in Seward we visited the Alaska Sea Lion Center...very enjoyable. The wild life here has been taken in because of injuries...some may be able to return to their habitat.

Could not identify for sure maybe Blue wing Teal

Common Murre

Horned Puffin

Octopus

Puffin

Red-legged Kittiwake

Steller Sea Lion

Tufted Puffin

Anchorage - August 4 thru 9, 2009

2010-03-11T15:14:00.001-07:00

We are staying at the Famcamp at Elmendorf AFB, a privilege of being retired military. We have checked and we can sponsor on my brother, Morris and his wife, Sandy. On the base we got to see a moose up close and personal. Also we had the opportunity to view lots of mushrooms.....we are going to assume that all are poisonous!!

Skyline of Anchorage

Moose and her baby

We watch as fish were being caught. This is serious business. From this spot you can only catch two fish....that is your limit for the day. Many come down to the river just to catch their supper.

This man is on his way home....he has caught his limit.

We have been seeing lots of mushrooms. This is a shelf mushroom

This one is growing out of a tree.

I really know very little about mushrooms, so, unless I buy themin the store I consider all to be poisonous. LOL

Now these next mushrooms are Fly Agaric Mushrooms. Generally considered poisonous...they start out cone shaped and then flatten out as they age. They range in colors from red, yellow to orange. I had never seen one before, but they are common in Alaska.

Chuck and I took a drive out to Mirror Lake. The name is exactly right. I am not sure what makes it reflect so, but it sure does. We watched several planes take off and land. There are homes on the lake and alot of Alaskans use a plane just as we would use a second car.

We spotted lots of ducks and Canadian greese on the lake.

Denali National Park July 28 - August 3, 2009

2009-08-27T11:29:00.001-07:00

From the very first day we were very lucky to see Mt McKinley. We had made reservations only one week in advance for Teklanika River Campground. This campground is the farthest in you can drive a 35' rv. The campground is at the 29 mile marker. We also got the bus pass so we could travel further into the park. We had one confirmed trip and then the rest were on space available.......we never had any trouble using our pass on any day. The views were unbelievable and soooo many animals. We did have one smokey day, but even then it made for interesting pictures.

This ground squirrel was there to greet us

After checking in we headed to our campground.

The fireweed is everywhere. They say that when it stops blooming it is only 6 weeks until winter.

Morris and Sandy are traveling behind us and I took this when they were on a hairpin curve

Our campground

Caribou

Mother caribou and her young

Bear on the move

Grizzly and her young

Grizzly

The dahl sheep were hard to photograph....they are aways at the top of the mountain, very far away.

Moose

AK coyote

Arctic ground squirrel

Busy beaver

Caribou on the run

Dahl sheep

White-fronted Goose...this is a rare find for me. Had to do lots of internet searching.

First shot of moose

Our bus driver said that they call this "meals on wheels" at least where the bears are concerned

Trumpeter Swan

Wonder Lake

Denali sights..it is not possible to really describe the beauty.

Arctic Pasque

Arctic Ground Squirrel...he was really watching me

This artic ground squirrel is collecting grasses for his winter nest

Crow berries...these are etible, but we did not try them.

Eielson Visitors Center

Morris and Chuck enjoying popcorn popped over the fire. We even made s'mores. Thanks to Sandy for the Gluten free graham crackers.

We went to a dinner play...It was a great evening and lots of fun.

This dinner was all you could eat!!! The salmon was perfection...really the whole meal was terrific!!

For a little extra entertainment, Sandy and I ponied up a little money so our hubbies would get a little extra attention.

I think this is a yellow-rumped warbler

Watch out bunny or you will get run over

Boy are the raven a large bird

Ptarmegan

When at Denali we saw a dogsled demonstration. We got to see the dogs up close and even pet some of them.

My name is Muddy

Sandy petting one of the sled dogs

Relaxing sled dogs

Why is everyone looking at me?? I just want a little privacy

Alaska railroad stops at Denali...many visitors come to the National Park from Anchorage

After being in Denali area for 6 days we head south to Anchorage. We got to see Mt. McKinley on our way south. It is hard to say goodbye...It is a beautiful day and Mt. McKinley is in full view.

It is impossible to describe the beauty....

Is this wooly trying to tell us something? When we left Fairbanks the flowers were almost gone from the fireweed and the locals tell us that is only 6 weeks until the first snow.

These are watermelon berries. They are edible, but seedy.

Group photo....just to let everyone know we did travel to Alaska!

Fairbanks, AK . ..July 22 - July 27, 2009

2009-08-03T01:09:00.001-07:00

We are now in Fairbanks. Ak...There are many fires in the area and the air quailty is not good on some days. The sky is often brown and orange from the sun shining through the smoke..

Even with the smoke, we have a great time in Fairbanks. Here are some of our pictures.........you will notice that I take a lot of flower pictures, but the flowers are so beautiful and so large compared with the flowers grown in the lower 48 states.

Riverboat Discovery....We took a cruise on this boat.

Giant cabbage....I should say just an average size cabbage here.

Golden Queen flower

For-get-me-nots.....Alaska's state flower

Pioneer Park in Fairbanks

Squash blossom

Picking blueberries.........boy was the blueberry pie good

Pictures from the Golden Days Parade

Panning for gold

Chicken, AK to Tok, AK - July 21, 2009

2009-08-03T00:43:00.001-07:00

Today we are driving to Tok. I am thinking of my father today, it would have been his 91st birthday. He past away at the age of 74....he always wanted to travel, but never really got the chance. I hope that I am fulfilling some of his dreams. Today we get to the end of the Alcan Highway at Delta Junction. Enjoy our pictures....

End of the Alaskan Highway

Our first view of the Alaska Pipeline

We are getting our first mail since we left MN on June 19

Those pesky mosquitos

Now how many of you mow your sod roofs
.

July 18 - July 20, 2009

2009-08-03T00:14:00.001-07:00

Well it is now time that we leave Dawson City. We had a wonderful stay....but remember we are on our way to Alaska and we have been traveling now one month and we have only been in Canada. We will now go over the Top of the World Highway to get to Tok, Alaska and then back to the Alcan Highway. Enjoy some of the sights we had along the way.

In line for the ferry

Chuck is driving our rig onto the ferry

Morris is next in line. Sandy and I took our cars accross the ferry first.

The rigs are on the ferry

Sandy is waiting for Morris to cross the river

We are crossing the Top of the World Highway

When they say rough road....they mean rough road

WE MADE IT TO ALASKA!!!!

Here we are appoaching the town of Cicken, AK

Campground check-in

Chuck sitting outside the saloon

Morris and Chuck find the potties

The town consists of four stores: Cafe, Liquor Store, Saloon, and Mercantile. The winter residents count 6. No one in town has a flush toilet. This sure would be quite a way to live.

Dempster Highway ...July 14 - 16, 2009

2009-07-24T20:36:00.001-07:00

While in Dawson we decided to take a side trip over the Arctic Circle. We had wanted to go to Inuvik, but the weather did not co-operate. Here are pictures of our time..the road was gravel, but not too bad considering.

Beginning the Dempster Highway

Fields of Fireweed

Here come the large trucks

Dahl sheep

Two Moose Lake

Cotton Plant

Red Creek

Elephant Rock

Red Hillside

First the rains came

It was pouring rain and very cold...we did not tent camp, but stayed at the Eagle Plains Hotel. We were fortunate to get a room, some were turned away. We think they must have stayed in their cars overnight. There is no where else to stay for 370 kms.

Then the following morning we had snow on our way to the Arctic Circle

We made it to the Arctic Circle

Check out this temperature

Having a toast at the Arctic Circle

Our car really needs a bath

We tent camped at Tombstone River Territorial Park....that night the temps got down to 32 degrees and there was a little frost on the windshields

Dawson, Yukon, CA - July 12 - July 17, 2009

2009-07-20T13:09:00.001-07:00

We were in Dawson for about a week with a side trip to the Arctic Circle. Dawson is such a quaint community. Enjoy the pics.....

Welcome to Dawson

View of Dawson from high on bluff on other side of the Yukon River

Pictures of downtown Dawson

How about a horse and wagon ride?

The day after we arrived they started to tear up Main Street

Views from Midnight Dome

Gertie and her dancers

Morris getting a dancing lesson

Flowers

A Juniper beetle..........and he bites

We have it good in the lower 48 ........prices are high

I will never complain about the price of orange juice again ...$6.29 per half gallon

Taking a ferry ride

Power Parachute

Hang glider...notice the smoke in the back ground. We have a forest fire accross the river.

Enjoyed a Music festival

We bid fond farewell to Dawson City

Traveling to Dawson City ... July 10 and 11, 2009

2009-07-19T21:04:00.001-07:00

We are now on our way to Dawson City, YT. There is not a lot along this stretch but beautiful scenery. We plan for one night of dry camping along the way. We are a bit concerned about the smoke in the air….there have been many fires in this area. It is so dry here. Chuck has to be so careful he does not end up with one of his respiratory infections.

Went through Carmacks

Squirrel tail grass

Hard to see but a Red Neck Greebe

Wild Rose

On to Dawson

They cut back the trees along the roadway

Laying a whole new road

Rose Hips

Tundra Swans

Water Hemlock

Water Lily

Morris and Sandy's site

Our Site

These pictures are of a typical Provinicial Park or Territorial Park

Kitchen Shelters

Inside Kitchen shelter they have a stove for heat and you can cook on the surface. They were screened to keep out most of the bugs. I have not mentioned bugs on this trip so far, but they are out to get you. We use alot of bug spray. We sure smell good, but the bug spray does help.

Children's playground

Free firewood

Bear proof garbage container

You must pump your water and then you must boil it for 10 minutes....needless to say we did not use their water. We bought drinking water for $2.00 per gallon

Just a reminder that you are in bear country

Pay station....no one greets you and collects the money

Tucker with his Deet treated bandana

Monkshood

Horse Hair Plant

High Bush Cranberries

Whitehorse, YT - July 8-10

2009-07-12T11:51:00.000-07:00

On to Whitehorse…………first day we have had cable TV, since we left the states. LOL Our Direct TV barely worked after Edmonton, AB. Hard to get any news much less weather info. We enjoyed city life for three days. We had dinner out one night – what a treat not that we have not been eating well. Sandy and I trade off cooking the evening meal. We do our own breakfast and lunches. Enjoy the pics.

We went to visit the Yukon Brewing Company and took a tour.

Barley mash.....talk about alot of gluten

The company only cans two cans of beer at a time......hard to believe

They have daily entertainment in the park at noon

Look closely for the suspension bridge. We walked over the bridge the day before. The visibilty is so bad due to forest fires NE of Whitehorse. We will be traveling in that direction in a couple of days. We hope the air quality improves.

Rancheria Falls and Teslin - July 6-7

2009-07-12T11:07:00.000-07:00

July 6 - We took a short hike to Rancheria Falls. They have built a beautiful board walk and stairs. The beauty is everywhere….flowers, animals, mountains and lakes.

Chuck started to grow a beard after we entered Canada. Morris and Chuck are showing off their facial hair.

July 7 - We visited the village of Teslin. Enjoy the pictures we took.

You must cross this bridge to enter into Teslin

Sandy getting her feet wet....it was warm enough to go for a swim

Yellow Hawkweek

Muncho Lake revisited

2009-07-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

July 4 – Happy Independence Day!! We got back on the road July 3rd…..thanks to the wonderful people at Waterous Power Systems. This means that we have to retrace our steps back to Fort Nelson and then onto Muncho Lake. We will be meeting up with Morris and Sandy at Watson Lake. After Watson Lake we will travel on to Whitehorse.

Pitures of Muncho Lake

When you hit gravel patches there is extreme dust

Baby mountain goat

The Buffalo was not interested in us

Young Caribou

Chuck got this picture of a baby bear and mother bear in next picture

Jane's picture of a bear

Laird Hot Springs, BC

Wild rose

Mother with her baby

Young caribou

Fireweed, Yukon's providence flower

Four of us at Sign Forest in Watson Lake, BC

Morris and Sandy at Sign Forest

Our sign

Welcome to the Yukon and 60 degree north sign

Return trip to Fort St. John - July 1st Canada Day

2009-07-03T02:14:00.000-07:00

Well, I did get to see a Moose on the return trip. We caught up with the tow truck at one of the work areas, but decided that we did not want to watch our RV being towed so we stopped at Summit Lake Provincial Park for a few pictures. In Fort Nelson we got the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to pose for us.

Following RV

Moose

Summit Lake Provincial Park

Do you believe?

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Unloading our RV

We got a room at the Pomeroy Inn & Suites

Muncho Lake - June 29 and 30

2009-07-03T01:18:00.000-07:00

The drive to Muncho Lake was quite a trip with rain and misty conditions. The road is definitely not flat…However, when we got our first glimpse of the lake the beauty is hard to describe. The color is a milky Jade green. Chuck described the color as the green that old coke bottles were made of. Enjoy these pictures…..I must say that you can not really capture the color of the lake.

Strawberry Flats Campground

Music with our campfire

Morris

There is only beauty at the Provincial Parks, you must pump your water and when nature calls, there are clean pottys

We are not sure this little bird is going to make it

Gulls

The morning we were going to leave Muncho Lake we could not back out of our RV site. We knew we had a problem, but did not know what for sure. We called our roadside service and got help. They had to tow us 385 miles to the nearest repair station.....that happened to be back (I stress BACK) to Fort St John. It seems we had lost our transmission. Here are a few pictures of the tow job.

Putting RV on the flatbed

Chuck had to steer the rig to keep it straight as they pulled it onto the flatbed

Chuck watch that first step it could be a leg breaker

Chuck getting help down from the rig

Saying goodbye to our rig...we will drive to Fort St John to Waterous Power where they will work on fixing it.

Dawson Creek - June 26 - 28

2009-07-02T22:05:00.000-07:00

June 26, 27, and 28 - Well we finally made it to mile post “0” on the Alaska Highway!! Chuck and I have been on the road since 13 April and we have already traveled 5000 miles. The weather has been on the cool to cold side and we have had rain most days. The rain is really needed here. We did the usual tourist things, visit museum, buy sweatshirts from mile “0”, and take a tour of the area. We traveled to Chetwynd, BC to view some chain saw carvings. Following is some of my photos.

Dawson Creek

Next to the visitor center was this elevator - an art gallery

Visitor Center museum

Communications room

An old TV and even older TV

Dining room

Bedroom

Kitchen

Mile "0" on the Alaska Highway!!!

Chuck and Morris at the Farmers Market

Train mural

Here we are standing high above the Peace River

A cute little deer

Chain saw carvings

The Army Corps of Engineers built this timber bridge as part of the original Alaska Highway. It is the only one still in use. What makes this timber bridge so unusual is that it is curved.

Kiskatinaw Bridge

Looking over the edge of the bridge we saw this beaver below

Flowers in bloom

Aminal tracks

Along the road we spotted this 30ft. tall Lumberjack

Waterfalls

Today with the clouds and weather this area looks much like the Smoky Mountaing area

Traveling to Edmonton, June 21-26

2009-07-02T17:15:00.000-07:00

June 21 – Father’s Day! Chuck heard from all our children. We are sure glad we purchased Verizon’s Canadian cell phone plan. Today it RAINED all day!!! We stayed overnight in Lloydminster, SK. I did not take any pictures today, since I did not want to get my camera wet. Just 30 miles outside of town, we had an engine light come on. One reason for the light that was listed was excessive water……well, we did have that, but we will have our engine light checked out tomorrow. If all goes okay we should be in Edmonton, AB tomorrow night. Hopefully the rain will stop. We have been on the road 7 days and have had rain on 4 days.

June 22 and 23– Arrived Edmonton, Alberta and the evening is nice. Finally out of the rain. We plan to visit the Edmonton Mall, see the summer solstice and just relax.

Alberta Providence flower – Alberta Rose

Lake at Alberta Beach

Magpie

Family of skunks

Okay, Now to get down…

Summer solstice

Morris thinks we look like twins today

Chuck and Jane at Edmonton Mall

Morris and Sandy

Walking under water streams

Live seal show

Guess who??

We ate at Sherlock Homes…great food and service

The meal was good and so was the service

Money, money where does it go?

After a long day at the mall….time for a few zzzzzzzzzzz’s

June 25 and 26 – We are now on the road again. Headed to Dawson Creek. These are just a few sites along the road. We did not get to use the sun dial…you can see some sky, but the sun was not in view. The pictures of the train bridge is a series of pictures showing the length of the bridge….quite impressive.

Note the name of the gas station

Sun dial at Sangudo

Train bridge - start with picture one and continue onto picture 5. That is how long the train bridge is.

Finally got our Protect-a-tow on…..heard we will have gravel on the road today

I think we will go west to Alaska...note the rain

Pictures from Beaverlodge, AB

Chuck and this large Beaver

Cultural Center at Beaverlodge, BC

Stain glass window in the Cultural Center Tea Room

Sandy with Mort

After road delays we finally arrive at Dawson Creek

Entering into Canada - June 19 and 20

2009-07-02T16:49:00.000-07:00

June 19 and 20 – We finally entered into Canada and stayed our first night in Moose Jaw, SK. Morris discovered that he was having trouble with one tire. Stopped at gas station outside of Davidson, SK and called roadside service, they came and fixed the problem….bad stem valve. We stayed in Davidson at city park over night.

Entering into Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Visitor Center

Wheat metal works – Weyburn, SK

Moose Jaw, SK

Beautiful murals

Park in Davidson, SK

North Dakota - June 17 and 18

2009-07-02T15:24:00.000-07:00

June 17 - We headed out to Jamestown, ND. We stopped in Fargo at the visitor center. Then we unhitched the car and visited the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead, MN.

Visitor center in Fargo

Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead, MN

Here we are infront of the Hjemkomst

Sandy tying knots

Stave Church
>

Church portal

Inside church

June 18 - We traveled to Max, ND, and stayed overnight in the city park. On our way to Max we stopped to view the Lewis and Clark Interpretative Center at Washburn, ND, then on to Max, ND. Here we visited Rich and Sylvia, co-workers and friends of Chuck’s from the Fargo FSDO. Enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared by Sylvia. Of course, Rich got home in time to do the grilling.

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

Friends from Max, ND

Rich

Sylvia

Rich’s brother, Wayne and his wife, Bonnie

A camera lesson

June 16, Alexandria, MN

2009-06-26T23:16:00.000-07:00

Our second day out, June 16. Breakfast with Joe and Deb Todora a visit to a winery and out for 50 cent tacos.

(L to R) Deb, Sandy, Morris, Jane, Joe and Chuck

Visit to Carlos Creek Winery

The Moose is here to welcome you

Here we are in front of the Winery truck

Do you think we can get this bottle of wine into Canada?

Wine Cellar

Winery Lab

Just a little wine tasting

June 15, Onward Ho to Alaska

2009-06-26T23:02:00.000-07:00

We officially started our trip to Alaska on June 15. Of course, the very morning we left it was raining. We traveled to Alexander, MN to meet up with my brother, Morris and his wife, Sandy. We dry camped at a private resort where Sandy’s brother, Joe, and his wife Debbie own a park model. We had a great time!! Thanks Joe and Deb.

Rain, rain go away!!

We are already running into road work

Belgrade, MN – large crow

Belgrade, MN – display of flags

Lake Mary

Sandy Manning and Deb Todora

Sandy, this is going to be a fun trip

Chuck and Jane dry camping

Morris and Sandy dry camping

Class of '63 Reunion

2009-06-26T22:44:00.000-07:00

This set of pictures is from my high school class reunion. Class of ’63. Held June 12-14 at Spencer, IA.
This is the same weekend as Flagfest. At Flagfest they have a parade, classic car show, street dance and air show. It was a great reunion....looking forward to our 50th.

Working on our float

Class '63 Reunion at Moose Lodge

2009-06-26T22:13:00.000-07:00

Dinner and program at the Moose Lodge

Rich...some guys get all the girls. LOL

Class members

Class '63 Parade

2009-06-26T21:19:00.000-07:00

We arrived bright and early for the final touches to our float for the Flagfest Parade.

Waiting for the parade to start

The crowd

Shriners

Class '63 float

Peterson, IA float

Class of '89 float

Kerry Groth cheering for her husband, Galen Groth

Parade is over....thanks Dave Kaus for taking care of the float

Class '63 Picnic

2009-06-26T21:17:00.001-07:00

After the parade we had a picnic at the Fostoria city park. The Family Table catered the meal.

Picnic photos

Spencer Antique cars

2009-06-26T21:15:00.000-07:00

Many walked the Spencer streets viewing the antique cars on car cruise night.

Many beautiful cars!!

Chuck by car like he used to own

Chris Nielson's car

Gary Boyd's car

Sandy Nielson's car

Spencer Street Dance

2009-06-26T21:14:00.001-07:00

We enjoy the street dance.

"The Senders" Iowa's longest running classic rock n' roll band

Chuck Watkins dancing with Donna Dyrhrkoppe Clarke

Spencer Airshow

2009-06-26T21:11:00.001-07:00

The weather was perfect for the Air show…….we did have some rain earlier that morning at Cutty’s RV Resort.

Air Show Pictures

Kent Pietch an acrobatic pilot

Pietch brothers preforming

Chuck in a BE200 cockpit

Airshow crowd

Pitts special

Riverside Cemetery

2009-06-26T21:05:00.001-07:00

After the Spencer Air show, Chuck and I went to the Riverside Cemetery and put flowers on Dad’s grave and well as flowers on Ethel and Max’s grave.

Father’s grave site

Grandma and Grandpa Manning’s grave site

"The Rally" ABQ, NM

2009-06-11T09:41:00.001-07:00

We started our RV trip April 13. One reason for our early start was to attend “The Rally”. This RV rally is sponsored by…..Motor Home magazine, Good Sam and Camping World. It was our destiny to be there, because we WON camping world’s grand prize: a sleep number bed. Needless to say we have found our sleep numbers and sleep like babies. Besides the rally seminars and exhibits there was great entertainment. Not pictured, but they preformed; Papa Doo Run Run

"The Rally" Albuquerque, NM

Balloons at sunrise

Neil Sedaka

The Osmonds

Rita Coolidge

Kansas City

2009-06-11T09:24:00.000-07:00

We visited with friends from Kansas City. While in Kansas City, I enjoyed a gluten-free pizza at: Uno Chicago Grill. It is so great to be able to have pizza in a restaurant.

Jim and Judy with Chuck

Judy with Chuck and Jane

Whiteman AFB

2009-06-11T09:17:00.000-07:00

Our travels brought us to Whiteman, AFB; Knob Noster, MO. Chuck was stationed there in the late 60’s. Our first child, Russell, was born there. We visited the Missile site….Oscar 1. Chuck actually worked there when we were stationed in MO.

Oscar 1

Chuck visiting his old missile silo

Trapped like an animal.....a long board in the dumpster and he is free

Illinois

2009-06-11T09:07:00.001-07:00

Our visit to Illinois was a true breath of spring. The flowers were in bloom and the leaves were bursting out all over. Chuck visited with friends, saw old sights and enjoyed old memories.

Sycamore RV Park

Geese and their young

Chuck with his first cousin, Rachel

Dogwood Blossoms

Chuck and Roger

Chuck, Ethel, Jane and Paul....Paul was Chuck's high school coach

Tuplips in bloom

Mother's Day Weekend

2009-06-11T08:51:00.000-07:00

Morris, Sandy, Ralph, Carolyn, Chuck, Jane, and Jennifer were in Nevada for Mother’s Day weekend. We had a great time! We thank Ralph and Carolyn for all their hospitality.

Visiting Mother

Getting to business...opening Mother's Day gifts

Morris

Jennifer and Carolyn

Ralph....need I say more....

Our grandpuppy, Dayzee, out for a swim

Tucker

Sandy

Ralph out for a hike??

New York Mannings

2009-06-11T08:45:00.001-07:00

David and Trish with their children; Ben (8) and Kate (6) from NY were in Minneapolis while we were there. We enjoyed a visit with them. Ralph and Carolyn, we sure missed you. Chuck is looking forward to that chess game with Ben. Chuck says he had better start practicing now if he is going to have a chance at winning.

David and Trish

Ben and Kate

Sandy with Ben and Kate

Minneapolis

2009-06-11T08:38:00.001-07:00

When in Minneapolis we always enjoy going to the farmers market. One of the best parts is the food.
Yum! Yum! Gluten free french fries.

Morris and Sandy

Jennifer and Chuck

Chuck and Jane

Can't wait to get to the best part.....LOL

Morris and Sandy Retirement

2009-06-11T08:19:00.001-07:00

Just a few pictures from Morris and Sandy’s retirement, anniversary and birthday party. Como Park in St. Paul, MN is a great place to have a party…………even though it was rather chilly the party was a warm welcome for the 75 plus guests. There was plenty of food and great conversation.

Morris and Sandy Retirement, Anniversary and Birthday Party

Joyce

A lesson in kite flying

Sandy, did I say "Go fly a kite?"

It was a bit chilly :-O

Retirement party