Riding the Alaska Ferry

Island hopping doesn't sound like Alaska, does it. But that is what we do when we catch the Alaska Ferry in Prince Rupert, BC. The RV fits down below and we travel through the islands stopping to spend the day on each one. There are places to park overnight and things to see. On Wrangle we met some very nice local people who invited us to fish with them on their boat. No one can pass up an offer like that. So off we went to fish for the day and sure enough I caught more than anyone. I had two halibut (not big monsters) small enough for me to handle by myself. What fun!! That evening we said our good-byes and dined on fresh fish. Next day back on the ferry and on to the next island. Traveling this way we saw humpback whales, orca whales, sea otters, dolphins, and a great variety of birds. There were over 14 different whales that we saw before the trip ended. When we stopped at Ketchikan there was a rare treat in store for us. In the morning while I was making breakfast we heard a loud "boom" and could not imagine what was happening. Going outside we saw people going to the water's edge and when we looked out there was a humpback whale doing acrobatics out in the bay. It was like we had seen on tv with the whale putting on an amazing display. The show continued for about 45 minutes and we were hypnotized. Can you imagine seeing something like that in person? At one point Bob counted over 30 eagles sitting in the trees and on the utility lines. They would knock each other off the perch to take their place. Hated to see the show end but it was time to board the ferry again and head to the next island. We highly recommend a rv trip to Alaska, you won't be disappointed.

Our Denali Trip

We have taken two trips to Alaska in RV's and both times it was a memorable experience. On the last trip we traveled the Denali National Park and were able to get some great pictures. This picture is my favorite. People cannot take private vehicles through the park but must ride the guided buses. There are four hour trips and eight hour trips and you never know what you will see. This is a great way to meet people, too. Nice people make great memories. This trip on the bus we stopped many times to look at the wildlife on the hillsides. This momma bear and her cub were having a great time and we stayed several minutes to watch their activities. Nothing seemed to bother them even people snapping pictures and "ooooo"ing and "aaaaahhh"ing over them. Can you imagine looking out the bus window to see this grizzly and cub? What an experience.

At one point there was a rare hawk in her nest and we stopped for that. The name of the hawk escapes me now but it was quite a sight. Moose, elk, ptarmigan, marmots, trout in a stream and lots of eagles are seen everywhere. The bald eagles are spectacular. Texans simply don't see eagles in that quantity in Texas. Many, many birds occupied our days, too. With bird book and binoculars in hand everyday we traveled about and saw a very large variety. The long-tailed Jaeger, red-necked phalarope, sandpiper and sandhill crane. That is just a small sample of what a person can see when you park your rv and get out looking.

I was looking through my pictures of past trips and saw this of Creede, Colorado in May. That was so much fun. Imagine driving in to the campground, setting up and having the sky darken and snow start. We hurried to finish and went inside to watch. What a sight! It snowed all afternoon and night and when we got up the next morning it was really beautiful. By noon it was melted off and we grabbed the fishing gear and headed out. When we left camp we headed to Wolf Creek Pass and Big Meadows Lake. That was another beautiful sight. In looking for a fishing spot we were quickly distracted by the scenery and ended up just looking and taking pictures. That is our life on the road and it is a great life.

This has certainly been an unusual summer. First I fell and broke my neck and of course that delayed our take off time for summer travel. Then I found the break was not healing so I am still wearing a brace and taking it "easy" until the next scan and medical update. That means getting in some planning and checking out new places to go. It has been a long time since we were in Show Low Arizona so we are looking at the area for a scenic trip to get some cooler weather and nice surroundings. Don't know too much about the area but that is the fun of rving, we get to explore. Among our plans is a lengthy trip to Washington DC. For me that sounds fascinating. Park the motor home and tour the Capitol for several weeks and soak up the history. We hear there are a number of nice rv campgrounds in the area and the transportation is easily accessed. Welcome any suggestions about touring the area. This is the first year we have not been on the road for at least part of the year.....it does seem strange. Hopefully this is the last summer for a long time we are grounded, so to speak.