Alaska Bound Day 25

Day 25 Miles 8 I had a good night sleep except for around midnight when the ferry was docking in Bella Bella. I had left the curtain for the porthole drawn and looked out to see the spotlight searching the shoreline for a mark. I guess the engine slowdown caused me to wake. Shortly after, a loudspeaker announced our arrival. I was asleep before departure. Next thing it was shortly before 6 a.m. and bright daylight. We were in the area that was said to be the most scenic so I decided to get dressed and go out and see the full view. The passage is narrow but deep and the land is steep on both sides with snow capped peaks. Many waterfalls were cascading down. It was really a nice brisk morning. The cafeteria opened and I was hungry so ordered the Northern Exposure named for the ferry. It was waffle, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage! Since few were about, I set the chair at the table to get the best view.
While later having a cup of seafood chowder, the captain announced we would arrive Prince Rupert an hour early at 1:15 p.m, I was the first vehicle off the boat and headed for the visitor center. I walked the area looking for the many totem poles. The sunken garden was on my list but it was in need of some tending. Some ladies arrived who appeared to be ready to correct that. I really enjoyed the Museum of North British Columbia. It’s a great timber building which may be built with the design of the native “long house.” This area has had inhabitants for over 5000 years and has a strong native history and present day influence. It is also one of Canada’s major seaports and several freighters were waiting in the harbor.
I considered going out to the Lester Center for the Performing Arts, tonight’s venue for a concert by the local hosts of the music contest. The persistent rain discouraged me. I drove back to the ferry terminal but enroute spoiled what had been a pretty good day. I went in for gas to avoid having to find it soon after arrival in Juneau Tuesday. It was a smaller station than I like to use. Unfortunately I turned too tight and a curb around the pumps caught my right side compartment in front of the rear wheel. The compartment popped open but the worst of the damage is along the bottom where it was scrapped. I was able to secure the compartment and I think the fix can wait but I’ve been beating myself up ever since.
Judy and I planned to rendezvous at the Alaska Ferry terminal when her ferry arrives later this evening. However there were no parking signs so I ended up proceeding to a nearby campground. We had been told we could camp over night at the terminal, but the signs say no. I tried to text her but it wouldn’t go through so left a telephone message. When I checked in here, the campground owner told me the next Alaska ferry was Thursday! My reservation says Monday. Apparently there are others in the campground who plan to take it as well. We have to be at the terminal at 4:15 a.m. which was part of the reason not to go to a campground. The neighbor’s dog keeps barking and my mood is getting darker so I think I’ll stop.

Alaska Bound Day 24

Day 24Miles 159 plus ferry This day began about 3a.m. when I sensed the engines of a vessel. Sure enough it was a cruise ship passing in front of our camping area. I shot a photo through the dirty front windshield but it gives the idea with all its lights illuminated. Turns out Judy tried to shoot one about midnight but wasn’t able to get it. We were both up before 7 a.m. and she came to get hot water for coffee. We agreed to depart at 8:30 but both of us did some computer work which delayed a bit. Our aim was breakfast at the Cable House Café. We were told it was 15 minutes away. Turned out to be more like 45 but the cinnamon bun was worth waiting for. The eggs were excellent (eggcellent??) too.. An interesting structure with a building wrapped with loggers cable, fiberglassed to prevent rust. They claim it’s the only one in the world. Lots of logging memorabilia around as well. Took lots of photos and will add one later. This was in the town of Sayward which is touted as being a big salmon fishing area.
Our next stop was a rest area, said to be the best along the route and with a walking trail nearby. We needed both facilities after that “loggers” breakfast. Returning from the walk we met a gentleman who was enroute to the Prince Rupert ferry in Port Hardy. He was taking his 14 old son, an accomplished violinist to a musical contest. The had emigrated from Korea about 8 years ago and he apologized for his broken English. His son has been playing since age 4 and also excels in school and basketball according to the proud father.
We next went off the main road #19 to visit Telegraph Cove said to have a population of 20 and be the only “boardwalk” town and a summer tourist destination. It was a winding hilly trip past logging areas and a sawmill. Finally we came to the quaint town know also for the first telegraph line for security purposes in the 40’s. We had an excellent halibut lunch at the restaurant on the water. Two great and generous sized meals in one day. Uh-oh.
I was getting nervous about my ferry appointment so I wanted to head on to Port Hardy. We arrived there at 3:40 which didn’t allow me time to see Port Hardy. Judy headed off to the campground for the night. Her ferry leave at 7 a.m. in the morning. I’m not sorry I chose this one. I booked a cabin and when I reached it, the Korean man and his violinist son were my neighbors and I was treated to beautiful music! My cabin is really nice, especially the bathroom. This ferry was purchased from Spain and has European electricity. I only had an apple, cup of tea and the rest of that cinnamon bun for dinner. (Be sure to see Day 23 for a photo of Judy and me. You can click on it to enlarge.)

Alaska Bound Day 23

Day 23 Miles 94 miles In a way this day is the beginning of the Alaska Adventure. My travel mate (TM) Judy and I left cousin Wilfrid and Judy’s house at 9 a.m. after a photo session of our two Roadtreks. The walkie talkies worked great and we experimented with the connection along the way. The drive was postcard scenic with snow capped mountains as a backdrop to the fir trees. Our first destination was Campbell River , BC and the museum. The parking was good and we enjoyed the exhibits of First Nation history, artifacts and early days in the area with logging industry featured. We also watched a film produced by DuPont in the 50’s detailing the explosion which cleared the Seymour Narrows Channel to give it a depth of 40-70 feet allowing traffic through this area including the many cruise ships that make their way from Vancouver to Alaska. It was an engineering feat, the largest non nuclear explosion of the time. Tonight we are camped at Ripple Rock RV park, not far from where that explosion occurred , and are facing the passage where freighters, fishing trawlers and cruise ships (though haven’t seen any yet) pass.
We had a fair lunch at Lookout Café in Campbell River whose view made up for the poor service. I found a Scotia bank and added to my Canadian funds. As we continued north we pulled off for hiking trails leading to the area of the explosion. The map of the trail indicated a 3 hour hike which was more than we anticipated but we did walk about a mile in and out through majestic conifers, across a suspension bridge, and onto shoreline of a bay.
The road into the campground is one of many logging roads that allow access into remote areas. They are usually gravel and the dust stirred up made me happy I didn’t try to wash Big Mama. They have washing facilities here but it will be back up the dusty road in the morning.
We enjoyed a cheese and cracker and wine dinner overlooking the channel while we continued to catch up on each others lives. Like me, Judy has traveling in her veins and has taken a number of trips in various parts of the world. She’s adventuresome and not afraid to try to new things. I think we will travel well together.
Tomorrow we’ll head for Port Hardy where I’ll board a ferry for Prince Rupert, BC. She’ll stay in campground and her ferry will leave the following morning. Later that night we’ll meet at the ferry terminal in Prince Rupert as we queue up for the Juneau ferry. Yes the goal of Alaska is getting closer and it is exciting.

Alaska Bound Day22

Photo: Whistler's Daughter ready to go.

Day 22 After breakfast Wilfrid and I headed out to one of his projects, a multi use sports facility which is part of a farmers co-op facility in the town of Coombs. A donor was presenting a check for the project. As it turned out it was a media event complete with TV video cameras and reporters. After the hoopla I had a private tour of the impressive facility. We then headed for the French Creek Marina where his boat WHISTLER”S DAUGHTER if moored. We put on the main sail and jib (hanked on). We then toured the nearby French Creek Boat Yard of which he is a part owner. Back to the boat, the weather seemed perfect for a shake down first of the season sail. He did a remarkable job of working out way out of the slep with me on the wheel! It was a wonderful sail. WD is so well balanced that the steering was easy and I had no difficulty holding it into the wind while Wilfrid raised the sails. We lunched on apples and energy bars from Big Mama’s larder while enjoying the gentle winds, snow capped mountains, and perfect blue skies.
A remarkable docking and a quote from as Wilfrid put it “an old friend” and equal number of landings as departures. He said he thinks of Les each time he returns from a sail. That was special too.
We headed back to the house and managed to still each lunch. Alaska travel mate Judy arrived about an hour later and we compared each other’s Roadtreks and got acquainted. Judy and Wilfrid treated us to a great dinner and afterwards a round of dominoes ended a very satisfying day. Tomorrow Judy and I head north in tandem and will try out the walkie talkies I brought along.

Alaska Bound Days 20 & 21

Inside the ferry and Horseshoe Bay harbor

Day 20 Miles 59 plus by ferry from Horseshoe Bay, BC to Departure Bay,BC Rain had ended by morning but still threatening. I pumped out again and added water to the rear tank. I also tried to remove the bugs from the hood and clean other parts. I’ve decided to wait to do the complete job. It was just too cold. I left the campground around 10 a.m. and followed directions to a gas station to fill the tank. I also tried to stop by a bank but parking was impossible and I can find one on the island. Fortunately I was able to figure out my way the Highway #1 west which takes you to the ferry terminal. Ian and I had discussed the route yesterday and he also provided me with instructions to get to his Dad’s house from the Nanaimo ferry terminal. I was early and the ferry was late but that’s better than the opposite. I get to park with the trucks, buses, and other RV’s on the lower deck. It really is easier to load than with a car. I bought a cup of tea to have with my energy bar and apple, did some crosswords, read a magazine and looked out the window and the time passed quickly. I had observed our departure on the top deck but it was cold and windy. Unloading was easy but a bit of a shock to drive off into heavy rain. That continued off and on as I headed north. With Ian’s directions, I didn’t even put the address into Greta and the trip went smoothly arriving at Judy and Wilfrid’s at 3:30 p.m. Here the sun was shining and we soaked it up outside until the evening chill set in. They prepared a wonderful dinner and again rhubarb pie! I am really doing well traveling at rhubarb time! Activities are planned for the next couple of days plus hopefully a little maintenance work.
Day 21 After breakfast Wilfrid assisted me with a clean up of the house battery and a check of the water level which was fine. He removed the battery for this and use some sandpaper to clean the connections. He also cut down the size of one of the rods that holds down the battery which made it easier to secure. We sprayed the connections and then used white grease on the battery tray slides. I had some problems with the propane valve at Vancouver, and Wilfrid was able to loosen it. I tried the stove and refrigerator and both worked with the propane. Yeah! It’s so cold though that I’m not worrying about running the refrig. I have very little in it. This probably sounds pretty mundane but it is important to my travels. The tires also were checked and are holding the pressure just fine. Several have responded to my “shimmy” problem and I really appreciate the suggestions. I think the down shifting and watching my “coasting” speed are the solutions.
Afterwards we had a good walk but short of their “geo cash” site which is up a logging road off Chatsworth, their street (for all you geo cashers I’ll try to get more info.) Toby, short for Toberlone, their dog, was unwilling to go the whole distance and kept having sitdown strikes.
After lunch we headed into Qualicum Beach, a nifty town. There’s a wonderful garden, Milner, where Wilfrid volunteers his architectural skills. The garden was full of spring blossoms in addition to wonderful tall trees. After a driving tour of some of the waterfront houses, we went to the wonderful grocery store and then home to work on various projects. I thought I had somehow deleted my family history files. I won’t bore you with the details but what was lost, not seems to be found.
Tonight I introduced them to dominoes. After a slow start Wilfrid emerged the winner. We also contacted my Alaska “mate” Judy who is still working her way to the ferry in Anacortes and invited her to make her destination, Wilfrid and Judy’s house for tomorrow night. So tomorrow will be the big “get acquainted” day and then we’ll head north together on Friday.

Alaska Bound Day 19

Day 19 Vancouver BC Yesterday was quite warm and sunny. Today began very cloudy and tonight is steady rain. I had difficulty again with the credit card on check in yesterday so tried again today after a call to the company last night. Yes, they had a record I’d be traveling but they were just making sure it was me. This time it authorized. I pumped out the tanks and it worked ok without the “donut.” But as my Roadtrek friend Susan advised, it’s a lot smellier. I also filled the forward water tank. I made use of the lounge internet connection but it wouldn’t upload photos. Ian and his 2 year daughter Ginger, picked me up around noon to head for their house in the university area. They have really done a lot to enhance the 1930’s vintage house. We caught up on each other’s lives and watched the activities of the kids. Ian grilled great burgers and we all participated in the care and feeding of their various fish inside and out. Son Oscar performed on the recorder and daughter Dixie on the piano and sang an original song. All three are bright, inquisitive and active children. The rain had begun again as we headed back to the RV park. Somehow the driver’s side door had leaked because I had left up the “Skreez” over the window. Dumb. Anyway I removed them from both front doors; no need for ventilation tonight. I dried them with the hairdryer. Tonight I have been preparing for my ferry ride at 12:30 tomorrow by loading some food and reading, crossword materials as well as binoculars into the backpack. The ride is about an hour and a half so I doubt you stay in your vehicle or would I want to.

Alaska Bound Days 17 & 18

Day 17 Miles 354 Hope Idaho to Pendicton BC An early start, I was up at 6:30 and on the road at 7:30. Drove to Sandpoint where lots of activity and street closures heralded their “Lost in the Fifties” celebration. Cars from my teenage years (aged better than I have) were all around town. Amazingly I found a parking spot and then by foot was able to find Bank of America to deposit my checks. In addition to the Fifties folks. the Farmers market was busy setting up shop. I found the van again, plugged my days destination into Greta Garmin and off we went. It was a different route than I’d planned. Mine took me by a Shell station. I found another brand and filled up. Driving away I noticed I was headed southeast. I was supposed to be going north to cross into Canada. I turned around and headed back to Sandpoint. By now there were even more cars and people and a detour. Finally I found the sign pointing to Canada. I crossed the border at 10 a.m. and the only inquiry was whether I had weapons (I don’t). She didn’t even ask to see my passport!
The day’s ride was through some spectacular countryside and up and down mountain passes. A couple of times I had a shimmy while braking on the descent. I am not sure if I have a problem or if it was the road condition. It shook me up though. There are lakes all around and a number of resort type communities. I also saw bicycle riders everywhere. I haven’t seen so many in an area since I was in the Netherlands and Belgium. The area where Pendiction is located is known for its wineries and fruit production. Vineyards line the hillsides and fruit stands are everywhere though most were not open. The area reminds me of parts of Germany and even Switzerland. I missed one turn on the way the Shirley and Sid’s but Greta redeemed herself and put me on their street. They have the same model and year Roadtrek as I do but with some differences. We bounced between the two vehicles comparing them. They had formerly driven a Prevost Coach, a much larger RV. However they spent 3 months this winter in the RT in California and Arizona.
My first request was for a shower. How’s that for introducing yourself? Every campground either had no heat in shower or no water. Sponge baths were just not doing it. I felt like a new person and then I was feted to a wonderful dinner capped off by delicious rhubarb pie. We talked well into the evening. I also talked by phone to Judy who is now in Oregon. We are going to try to connect on Vancouver Island.

Day 18 Miles 244 Pendicton BC to Vancouver BC I was treated to waffles topped with a wonderful rhubarb sauce for breakfast. We toured their incredible garden with raised beds which Sid had constructed. I took photos to send along to the gardeners in my life. I was on my way by 9:45. It was difficult to say goodbye since I don’t know if we’ll meet again. They were so kind and generous and we had fun comparing adventures.
I had difficulty yesterday getting my first gas fill up in Canada. My credit card wouldn’t work at the pump and I had difficulty figuring out the liters I needed for a fill up. Consequently I was already down to a half tank so stopped on my way out of town. The card wouldn’t work again but this time the woman was nice enough to let me fill and then charge another card. The problem card is one I use in foreign countries because they do not charge a conversion fee. I had notified them of my travel plans so I’m not sure what is wrong.
Sid and Shirley had advised me on the route to Vancouver which was #3. It was again a most scenic trip full of mountain streams and up and down the passes. I shifted down on the downhill grades of 6-8% and never experienced that shimmy. I did see an accident which I suspect was a motorcycle that went over the barricade at the edge of the road and down onto the rocks below. This is what I surmised based on all who had stopped and were looking down. I continued on my way but was passed by 4 emergency vehicles heading from Hope BC up the mountain. I can’t imagine how they will reach the victim.
I stopped at a rest area near Hope and had a light lunch and reviewed maps and plans. I called Ian, a second cousin, who lives in Vancouver and suggested that Monday might be a better day to get together. It is a holiday in Canada celebrating the birthday of Queen Victoria! I wanted to stop at Minter Gardens on my way into Vancouver and knew I would be pushing myself to stop by his house as well. The gardens are in a landslide area and were begun in the 70’s. I really enjoyed stretching my legs and seeing all the wonderful spring flowers. A garden wedding was in progress and a singer was entertaining in another area.
Greta found the campground without a problem though traffic coming into town was quite steady and building. The Burnaby Cariboo RV Park has a lot of nice features but the spaces are really tight. I had a challenge backing into my site. My neighbors are a Dutch family from near The Hague who rented an RV in Calgary. They are half way through their 3 week tour of the area and said they had snow in the Jasper Banff area.
There are lots of families here celebrating the 3 day weekend. I imagine tomorrow night will be much quieter. There is internet service in the “lounge”. They also have a fitness center and indoor pool and a vehicle washing facility which I hope I can use before leaving on Tuesday. Big Mama needs a shower as much as Sandy did! I guess that stands to reason after 4044 miles since leaving Stuart. In a way arriving here ends a phase of the trip. The next miles will partly be by ferry so it will be difficult to determine and of course will save both the driver and the vehicle some stress and strain.