Bill and Gretchen's Alaska Trip

The Horse is IN the Barn!

2006-09-24T10:30:00.000-07:00

Well, dear friends and blog followers, after exactly 5 months and 18,000 miles "Imagine" is home in sunny, steamy SW Florida. What a marvelous, fun, enthralling, interesting, awe-inspiring, truly special journey we had! From one of our favorite places, Soldatna, Alaska--on the Kenai Peninsula--where it curreltly is 48 degrees and rainy, to Punta Gorda, Florida, where we are "enjoying" 94 degrees of tropical charm; this trip has truly been a TRIP !!!!

Tomorrow "Imagine" moves to an rv storage facility right here in town for a well-deserved hiatus until her next really big adventure--hopefully departing next spring for the Southwest and all the way up the Pacific Coast to Vancouver.

Thank you for riding along! We loved having you with us. Hopefully we have inspired and motivated you-all to get out any way you can and, in the words of Nike, "just DO it!".

Until we meet again....be well and happy,

Gretchen & Bill

The Horse is Starting to Head for the Barn!

2006-09-05T12:17:00.000-07:00

Our daughter Kristen Louise Steingrandt from Alexandria, VA., and her fiance Leo Seferlis drove like mad to spend two all-too-short-days visiting Gretchen's mom on her 100th Birthday on September 2nd. Due to the dedicated care given by Gretchen's brother Peter, Edna Louise Rusch is able to happily remain in her own home. The doggie with Kristen is her one-year-old Pug, Franklin. He was a big hit with both Edna and Edna's sweet doggie, Penny--a malamute mix.

Gretchen spent over a week by herself in Rochester, MN., while Bill flew to FL. to help move his mom Dorothy to the Arbor, an Assisted Living Facility at Shell Point Lifecare Community in Fort Myers. Bill & Gretchen lived in Rochester from 1969 to 1979. This is our home at the end of a cul-de-sac on Telemark Lane high on a hill overlooking the NW part of town. Oh, how we loved seeing the "twinklies" at night! The week was spent getting re-acquainted with the marvelous city of Rochester; as well as dear, priceless friends Carolyn & Tony Stanson and Judith & Bill Taylor, Jan & Eric Skuldt, and Jan & Larry Tarnow. What a blessing they are, and what FUN we had!!!!

We are currently in Bedford, PA, on our way to the DC area to visit daughter Kristen for a few days. This is the first time since we left the mountains that we've had internet. We really are on our way home to Punta Gorda, but are reluctant to give this trip up!!! We hope to spend a few days on the ocean at Hunting Island State Park near Beaufort, SC,--weather permitting! If you don't hear from us for a while, hang in there--hopefully there wil be a few more entries before Imagine is put to bed until our next Great Adventure! Thank you all for riding along with us on our first RV experience!!

Where the Buffalo Roam

2006-08-08T17:03:00.000-07:00

Well.......... tomorrow we leave the mountains and head east into the prairies over the Montana "High-Line" which is US-2 going east/west just south of the Canadian border. We'll be sad to see the Rockies in our rearview mirror, but we'll find a way to get back soon. Flathead lake was majestic!

Mystical Montana Mountain Farewell

2006-08-05T10:51:00.000-07:00

Our cozy campsite at Big Sky RV Park, Rollins, MT. We are ensconced on a rise across and above Flathead Lake--the largest freshwater lake (28 miles long, 15 miles wide in places) west of the Mississippi. This glorious lake also boasts some of the most pristine water of any lake anywhere! It is clear as a bell. Alas, our week here (ending on Wednesday, August 9th) will probably be our last experience with lake and mountain scenery. We have been blessed to have been part of so many unbelievably breathtaking places.
An "official" record of William J. Steingrandt falling off the fat-free wagon train. The marvelous cafe here at Big Sky RV Park serves THE most decadent comfort food (Gretchen really likes the Buffalo Burger with The Works), among which is the dreaded Huckleberry Milkshake. The pictured shake was Bill's third in about as many days!!! What next, you ask! Keep tuned.
Chillin' at the little marina which is part of Big Sky RV Park. The vessels pictured belong to the summer residents of the park--avid fisherpeople all! There are a myriad of marinas on the lake--most of which contain only sailboats. Makes us really boatsick for our beloved "Imagine." Would that the air here could be bottled!
Our "perch" at Logan Pass on the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier Park. If you aren't at the parking lot here by 10 AM you ain't gonna get a spot! We sat here and read and enjoyed a picnic while soaking up all the glorious scenery. That very afternoon massive forest fires at the eastern end of Glacier closed the road for days. Next week we are off to Rochester, MN, to visit dear friends.

Incredible Icefields Parkway and Glacier Park

2006-07-29T14:15:00.000-07:00

Bill and Gretchen on out "Bataan Death March" to the headwall up from Lake Louise("another fine mess you've gotten us into"). That's the lake way in the background. Actually it was a great hike, and we had lemonade at a tea house at the top.
The Lake Louise Hotel from part way up the lake toward the glacier headwall.
View of Lake Louise from the hotel site. Bill's opinion is that this is the most beautiful spot on earth(at least of the ones he's seen). That head wall is about 4 miles from here and we walked up to it. We were pretty tired when we got back.
On the "Going to the Sun Road" in Glacier Park. This road goes about 50 miles through the heart of the park with about 15 miles on the edge of a cliff with spectacular views. The crowds were pretty big. It must be about peak right now.
Bill resting after 2.5 mile hike around Swiftwater Lake in Glacier Park, Montana. A beautiful lake with lots of bears spotted on the trail, but we didn't see any.

Back On-Line

2006-07-28T13:03:00.000-07:00

Gretchen at the Banff Springs Hotel. This place and the Lake Louise Hotel are really high-end! We had a simple $60 lunch at the Lake Louise Hotel. Worth it though.
Bill at the Salmon Glacier up a steep gravel road out of Hyder, AK. The perspective of the picture makes the glacier look muck smaller than it really is. Its miles across as you are looking at the glacier.
Gretchen at the Bear Glacier on the road to Stewart, BC
Fireweed on road from Meziadin Lake to Stewart, BC. Fireweed likes to grow on virgin ground such as along roads or after a forest fire has burned underbrush - thus the name. The weed is really beautiful in Alaska and BC.
The trip down the Cassiar Highway was an experience! Potholes, construction, frost heaves, etc, but at the southern end it was worth it. We stayed at this campground(Meziadin Lake) that was beautiful. Took day trip to Stewart/Hyder that was great.
We have been in the wilds of BC Canada for the last two weeks and off the net. We are in Whitefish, MT till August 2, then down to Flathead Lake for another week. I can only update a limited amount per day on the blog so I'll describe through Banff, then more tomorrow.

Heavenly Haines

2006-07-14T17:14:00.000-07:00

Along Portage Cove at charming little Haines, Alaska. Beyond this view lies the longest fjord in North America. Down this water runs the Alaska Marine Highway--a state-of-the-art vehicle and passenger ferry that stops at Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, and all the major communities along the SE Alaska Peninsula--accessible by only plane and water. You can travel in an outside cabin with full facilities all the way to the end-of-the-line at Bellingham, WA. It'll cost ya'!!
The Small Boat Harbor at Haines, Alaska. We just did a 150-mile (one way) drive from Haines Jct., Yukon, so we could both see Haines and call from our cell, which doesn't work in Canada. You should inhale the sea air here--it sure is good for what ails you! Tomorrow we are headed to Teslin, Yukon. The next day we'll get on the Cassiar Highway and travel deep into the wilds of British Columbia. We'll be wifiless for about ten days; so be patient--more exciting adventures to follow!

Kulane Park - Rock Glaciers and Lakes

2006-07-13T16:06:00.000-07:00

Gretchen at a "rock glacier" which is a river of rock coming down from an ice field instead of a river of ice. The rock is from the mountain(due to freezing/thawing) and is pushed down the mountain by a core of ice fed by the snow field. We had planned to go to Haines for the day, but found a split rim on one of the trailer wheels. It showed up by a slow leak and took me 1/2 an hour to find it. Fortunately there was a service station in Haines Junction that had a new rim for a reasonable price. We will go to Haines tomorrow.
A beautiful vista with rain over Kulane Lake on our way to Haines Junction yesterday. This shot was taken while we were waiting for a pilot car on one of the many road repairs being done. The road from Glennallen, AK to Haines Junction, YT is the worst we have ever been on - the Top of the World Highway included. Pot holes, huge and steep frost heaves, gravel breaks, etc. That was the cause of our cracked rim.

Verdant Valdez - Salmon and Glaciers

2006-07-12T15:05:00.000-07:00

Bill in seventh heaven - he caught two of these 6-8 pound pink salmon off Allison Point in Valdez harbor. Used "Pixie" lure. KRISTEN - EAT YOUR HEART OUT.
A nice picture of Matanuska Glacier on the way from Anchorage to Glennallen(100 mi N of Valdez).
We never saw so many ice bergs as we did on day cruise to Columbia Glacier in Prince William Sound out of Valdez. We saw no evidence of the oil spill, although they say you can dig down a couple of feet on some beaches and find oil.
Gretchen at Bridal Veil Falls on road from Glennallen to Valdez. Spectacular!

Fantastic Kenai

2006-07-07T17:06:00.000-07:00

An example of the majestic scenery along the Seward Highway from Anchorage down to Seward.
The Portage Glacier on the road to Whittier. There's surely NO mistaking that we're in awesome Alaska!
During a non-publicized Bluegrass Fest in tiny Hope, AK (they rightfully don't want their little mountain town clogged with diesel-pushers). Shades of John Denver!
Exit Glacier in the Kenai Fjords National Park located in the only section of the vast park navigable by motor vehicle. We had a wonderful, educational hike with a Park Ranger who looked and behaved as though he should be in Jellystone Park with Yogi Bear!

More Fantastic Kenai

2006-07-06T15:52:00.000-07:00

Salmon fishing on the Russian River. This is known here as "combat Fishing".
Glacier calving on Seward cruise. We went right up to the face. The sounds of the glacier were awesome.
This is the Russian River Falls where we watched the salmon jump the falls and saw this grizzley catch a salmon just as I was taking this picture. He was about 70 feet away! Tried to get a picture of the salmon jumping but the camera has a built in delay so that by the time it took a picture the fish had hit the water.
Not much to see, but this is a humpback whale diving right off our boat on a sight seeing cruise out of Seward.
The Russian influence is obvious in this Orthodox church in Ninilchik on the Kenai Peninsula. It was built in about 1902 on a bluff overlooking the Cook Inlet.
We spent probably the best week camped right on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Cook Inlet. Thats our camper right center the closest to the water! What views!
This is taken out our window at 11:30PM. Yes, that's PM!

The Peachy Keen Kenai

2006-06-29T13:58:00.000-07:00

We have been out of range of WiFi for a week, and still don't have access so there won't be any pictures on this. Since Anchorage we have been working our way down the Kenai Peninsula and having great experiences. I'll let Gretchen expand on this later but quickly: We camped in the Portage Valley near Whittier and went to Seward to take a 6 hr cruise to see galciers. It was fantastic - we saw humpback whales, went right up to the face of a calving glacier, saw sea lions, and had a great smoked salmon lunch on board.

We then went to camp at a place called Cooper Landing. We had a very nice raft trip down the Kenai River and saw "combat fishing" for salmon, lots of wild life. We drove to Homer at the southern end of the Peninsula - the Homer Spit is wild - but too many people for us. Took a 6 mile round trip hike up the Russian River to the falls and saw salmon jumping the falls and a grizzley bear catching them. You see these kind of things on TV your whole life, and then when you see them for real its a moving experience. One we'll never forget!

We are currently in a campground right on the Cook inlet about 50 miles north of Homer. We will stay here for a week and then start heading in the general direction of home stopping in Valdez, Haines, etc.

Pictures to fowwol as soon as we get WiFi.

Anchorage be da' Bomb!

2006-06-21T17:28:00.000-07:00

After buying two mountain bikes for $59.00 apiece at Walmart in Anchorage, we set out to experience the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Break time! The Alaska Range is in the background. This is arguably THE most beautiful bike trail (it's really multi-purpose--even used in winter for cross-country skiing) in the USA. It hugs the Cook Inlet, running for 11 miles south of Anchorage. Anchorage is a nifty city--the biggest in AK. Its combination of rustic charm, modern services and businesses, and indescribable natural beauty make it a winner.
A female moose chomping in the woods along the trail.
The Anchorage skyline from along the trail. Tomorrow we depart for Whittier and Seward. More when we have another wifi opportunity! Enjoy your summer!

From Minin' to Mushin'

2006-06-18T16:13:00.000-07:00

Gretchen with Martin Buser - four time Ididarod Champ. We spent 2 hours with him on a personal tour of his kennel and dog sled demo. This ranks with Denali as a highlight of our trip. If you look closely they are both holding 12 day-old puppies. A real treat.
Gretchen on the dog sled right after the demo by Mr. Buser.
Independence mine where gold was actively mined until the fifties(1950's that is). A beautiful drive up there on the way to Hatcher pass which was still closed due to snow!

There's No Denyin' Denali!

2006-06-16T15:13:00.000-07:00

That's right--there IS no denying that Denali National Park's 6 million-plus acres of vast, silent, mystical, untamed, breathtaking back country is one of the USA's greatest treasures. Our four nights "dry camping" here flew by. The National Park Service has wisely limited road travel in the Back Country to their own shuttle buses. We only hope we are privileged to return someday. Denali National Park has been the best experience so far. The immense grandeur and wildlife were beyond description. This is the best picture we got of Mt. McKinley (Denali), and it didn't happen until we were leaving the park (some folks come here and never see "The Mountain"). It never showed itself to us while camped in the park for four nights in the back country. Suffice it to say that we saw a huge wolf up close, grizzlies, Dall Sheep, caribou, and moose; as well as numerous ground squirrels--the "fast food" of the park.
A grizzly that came right up to the bus. After he romped across the tundra, he came onto the road right in front of our bus and nonchalantly flipped over a traffic cone and continued on down the road. Wonder what he was trying to tell us!
Dall sheep ( basically Big Horn sheep) from the bus that takes you into the back country. They are very aloof-looking. I say anything that can hang out where they do deserves to look aloof!
Moose that was part of high wilderness drama: we witnessed a mama bear and her cubs eating the moose's calf and she looking for it. When she found the bears and dead calf she circled for several minutes and then came right up to our bus as if to ask for help. She then finally wandered off. A number of people were upset, but that's nature in action, I guess. Shows us how very strong the Life Force is!

Denali Highway Care of Ahtna Indians

2006-06-10T15:57:00.000-07:00

We stayed at this beautiful alpine lake on the Denali Highway(a ROUGH road) in Ahtna indian territory. Had to pay them a fee, but it was well worth it. We were the only ones here for the two nights that we stayed here. A float plane service uses this lake sometimes for their customers. Tomorrow we are checking into Denali Park for four nights.
Another view of the lake. Its called Gas or Joe Lake depending on who you talk to.

Bataan Death March; aka Another Fine Mess....

2006-06-06T17:13:00.000-07:00

This is a "nice" one mile hike up through dense woods from the valley below ("nice" = "easy" according to Bill). Gretchen had other opinions, although she made it up like a champ! The trail is off the Chena Hot Springs Highway about 60 miles east of Fairbanks.

This will most likely be the last posting for a few days because we are pulling up stakes from Fairbanks and heading toward Denali and will probably "dry camp" at a BLM campground on the Denali Highway(which is in the boondocks).

FANTASTIC, FRIENDLY FAIRBANKS

2006-06-04T19:29:00.000-07:00

Bill at the Alaska Pipeline. We were on our way to the mountains surrounding Fairbanks to pan for gold. Gold didn't pan out!!! All those people in the background were off of cruise line tour busses--they are EVERYWHERE! Cannot blame 'em, as our 49th state IS special!
We're staying here - can you believe it? Since I collect Santas, this seems quite appropriate. Incidentallly, Santa Land RV Park in North Pole, AK, is one of the cleanest, nicest, well-run, and congenial places we've stayed in seven weeks. If you find yourself up here in an rv, check it out! Gretchen at the Chena River Boat tour - a real nice 3 1/2 hrs. Well worth the money (GIGANTIC praise from Bill, who can be a tad tight!). This was one of the highlights of our seven-day stay in Fairbanks. Gretchen googling the real Iditarod dogs. These guys are the sprinters of the mushing world-- boy, can they rip!! They are the Top Guns of the dog-sled racing community. Also, they are extremely sweet guys. What a special treat to see them up close and personal!

Top of the World - look'n down on creation

2006-05-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

The "Top of the World Highway" goes from Dawson City, Yukon Territory to Tok, Alaska. Its gravel for about 100 miles and steep, but a real experience to drive. It is partly above tree line and there is still alot of snow as is apparent above.
We crossed the border here on the Top of the World Highway - crossed about 10 AM and we were the 4th vehicle across into USA that morning. Border guard said they spend two weeks at the crossing - there is nothing there but the building you see here.
Starting out on Top of the World at Dawson City by crossing the Yukon on this free ferry, then a steep long climb up the west side of the river toward Alaska. We crossed here about 7:30AM.

There's STILL Gold in Them Thar' Hills!

2006-05-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

A view from Queen & Third Ave. in Dawson City, Yukon, founded Circa 1900. This hub of gold mining in Northern Canada is the Real Deal--a working "city" with Government and RCMP Headquarters, library, hardware store, banks, and even a Masonic Lodge (but are there any docs and dentists!!??). The streets are paved not with gold, but dirt--perhaps symbolizing what a challenging life gold miners of ALL generations have lived and continue to live today.
Bonanza Creek, at the actual site of the Discovery Claim in 1896--the largest gold strike in history. After the news spread, all claims were staked within two years. Just imagine the mayhem that prevailed! Gold mining operations both large and small still operate today, and stakes are still zealously protected. The more things change........

At 4000' on Bonanza Creek Road, a breathtaking 60-mile rutted dirt road loop in the High Country above Dawson City. During the height of the Klondike Gold Rush over 1000 men (and some women and children) lived in these mountains hoping to discover another Big One. There was even a large Road House thriving up here on the edge of the mountain. Shortly after this picture was taken we saw a mother black bear and two cubs (probably born in April) crossing the road--I had just finished saying that I was surprised we hadn't seen any bear yet!

Early tomorrow we begin our 100-mile trek on the Top-of-the-World Highway to Chicken, Alaska. More after that!

Spectacular Skagway!

2006-05-26T15:43:00.000-07:00

The end of the fjord leading to Skagway, AK, where a myriad of cruise ships disgorge humanity from all over the planet. As many as 15,000 per day roam the streets of tiny Skagway during the height of the short summer season, making the merchants quite elated!
Winter reluctantly relaxes her icy grip on the True North. How fun to see all this snow again after ten years in Coastal SW Florida! This was along the two-lane on the drive to Skagway from Whitehorse.

Part of Skagway's Main Street. Hour-for-hour, this was by far our best day yet. We drove, sans trailer, 100 miles one-way from Whitehorse, YK, over and through endless awe-inspiring scenery to reach this tiny city in coastal Alaska (our first foray into The Last Frontier). Upon arriving, the National Park Service did a bang-up job of taking us back into history. Even the spumoni ice cream cone was first-rate!

Now on to Dawson City, the very hub of the Klondike Gold Rush. We'll be there two nights before embarking on the rugged, unpaved Top of the World Highway, which connects Canada and the USA. Next time, be sure to check out how Imagine and the Family Truckster (not to mention us two old farts) survived the drive.

More Alaska Highway

2006-05-24T15:46:00.000-07:00

The Alaska Highway is hundreds of miles of this kind of scenery in BC and YT. Just a typical stretch in Yukon.
This is a "Smart Car" made by Daimler Chrysler they are selling in Canada. If I could buy one in the US it would be my next car. I can even fit in it with plenty of room. GM, move over!!
Muncho Lake in BC. Pretty aye?

Whitehorse Yukon

2006-05-24T15:36:00.000-07:00

Well, we're in Whitehorse, YK. This is one fantastic town! Real sophisticated and beautiful. Sorry folks about the sparse pictures, the internet here at the campground is slow so downloaded only this picture. Tomorrow we drive down to Skagway just for the day - its about 100 mi one way - not too bad. Then on to Chicken, AK for the weekend(from there we go over "Top of the World Highway" to Dawson City, YK). Will try to download some more pictures now. More later.

Still in the Yukon

2006-05-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

Well... We're in Teslin,YK camped along a beautiful lake with snow capped mountains in the distance. We are currently out of touch on both phone and internet(we are sitting in an internet "cafe" right now). Still can't download any pictures but will do so as soon as possible. We've seen lots of wildlife - moose, caribou, bear, big horn(stone) sheep,and bison all right on the road. This is beautiful country along the Alaska highway.

We should be in Fairbanks before the end of May (a few days) and will have access to phone and internet on our computer so that we can download some pictures. G is feeling well and we are enjoying the country. Spent 2 days "dry camping" in the rain at Laird Hotsprings Provincial Park - never even went in the springs - cold and raw.

Sargeant Preston, I presume?

2006-05-19T13:24:00.000-07:00

Well, we have been out of touch in the wilds of northern British Columbia for the past few days. Gretchen came down with a wicked case of stomach flu or food poisoning, and we camped north of Dawson Creek, BC for three days. She's feeling slightly better and we are now in Ft. Nelson, BC. The drive along the Alaska Highway is awesome, and we haven't even hit the good stuff yet. If G's feeling up to it, we are going to Laird Hot Springs Provincial Park and bask in the natural hot springs at 108 deg!! We are about 900 mi from the Alaska border so it'll be about 5 more days out of touch. We've got pictures, but can't download there here in this internet cafe. More as soon as we can.

From the Sublime to the Ridiculous--or...Having a "Mall"

2006-05-13T10:15:00.000-07:00

Three nights outside of thriving Edmonton, the Capitol of Alberta. We actually spent the equivalent of a day and a half exploring the West Edmonton Mall--the largest in the world (sorry, Carolyn & Tony). What a trip for two old farts! We even saw a seal show and watched folks screaming around on the 'coaster. The gigantic water park must really come in handy in the winter here after a rousing game of miniature golf. Where else could one see a cute penguin walking down the main drag of the mall looking for bargains!

Now on Mother's Day (also celebrated here in Canada) we depart for 200 miles NW of Edmonton. In about ten days we'll cross back into the USA in Alaska. Then our 'phone should work and we can call some of you guys!

Happy trails until we meet again.

Au Canada!

2006-05-11T13:15:00.000-07:00

Since last we blogged on 5/4, we have driven from Billings, MT, to Bend, MT. As we were descending into tiny Bend from 7300 ', snow pelted our rig. Then the next morning we woke up to the first significant snow we've experienced in many a moon (like 1989). We drove to nearby Great Falls, MT., to the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center high on the bluffs of the Missouri River. This was the location where the Lewis & Clark party had to portage around the falls--no easy task in those days-or ANY day! They even dragged a huge Newfoundland dog along with them!

Next we drove to Shelby, MT, on the high plains and waited out a very windy day. From Shelby we easily cleared Canadian Customs (I guess we look as harmless and boring as we really are!) and drove to Calgary to spend one night. What an impressive city Calgary appears to be--it is experiencing an unbelievable building boom.

Now we are ensconced in Edmonton, AL, for about three days. Tomorrow we plan to explore the world's largest mall--West Edmonton Mall. I doubt I'll see the inside of one retail establishment, but I'll see amusement parks, bungee jumps, miiature golf, etc.

We have no Cingular service in Canada, but will again in about two weeks when we enter Alaska. The internet will also be iffy, so enjoy this bolg (KRISTEN), because there may not be another one for awhile.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms reading this!

Under Wild Montana Skies

2006-05-04T14:51:00.000-07:00

After spending a chilly (31 degrees), yet cozy, night at the campground at the base of Devil's Tower, we had an uneventful 250-mile drive on I-90 to an rv park right in the middle of beautiful Billings, Montana. We stopped on the way at the Little Big Horn Battlefield and enhanced our scant knowledge of the last major armed conflict between the Northern Plains Indians and white soldiers. Obviously the battle was representative of the inevitible cultural clash between two totally disparate societies. Very, very moving and well worth the stop.

We'll be here (parked on our first paved spot) for three nights before we head up to Great Falls, Montana, on an extremely scenic, isolated road. We'll have been away from Punta Gorda for three weeks this Saturday--doesn't seem possible. Time do fly when you're having fun! More later!

Close Encounters of the Wyoming Kind

2006-05-03T13:19:00.000-07:00

Just returned to our campsite (with a gorgeous view of the mystical monolith) after taking a beautiful hour's hike all around the Tower through lovely, peaceful piney woods.

We're heading to Montana tomorrow. This is a great time to travel, as there are few folks, yet things are open for the Season--our kind of tourism experience!!

Blowing into the Black Hills

2006-05-02T16:11:00.000-07:00

It's a durn good thing that we paid close attention to the weather forecast last night. Very high winds were predicted for today. We opted to leave Imagine here at The Arrow Camp in Wall, SD, and just drive the Family Truckster the 70 miles to the Black Hills. Along I90 we viewed a pickup/trailer overturned. Bill stopped and discovered the driver trapped in the truck. Somehow he managed to extricate himself and suffered only minor abrasions. We figured the winds gusted at 60mph! I thought we left FL to avoid this stuff!

Mount Rushmore is awesome. We took the well-laid-out Presidential Trail (kudos to the National Park Service) and got as near as we could to the work of art that is Rushmore. Along the way we got pretty close to two fuzzy moutain goats! At the Visitors' Center we were even privileged to speak with one of the original workers. This treasure is truly a permanent monument to the visionary leaders who shaped our great country.

Tomorrow we leave for one night at the Devil's Tower in Wyoming.

Boogeying Through the Badlands

2006-05-01T15:12:00.000-07:00

Today we drove into the Badlands National Park free, due to our Old Farts' Golden Age Pass.

This photo is for YOU, John L. of Burnt Store Marina fame. John, think about the above image and you'll get it! Wings from the Anchor Bar, anyone??

We were privileged to view this buffalo (among others), prarie doggies, and experience a rare sighting of the elusive big-horned sheep. The Badlands are eerily awesome--great canyons and rock formations formed by erosion and topped by virtually treeless grasslands. Prehistoric Hunters, Native Americans, and White Men have all roamed these vast acres in search of sustenance and a livelihood under extremely harsh conditions.

Tomorrow we drive to the man-made wonder, Mount Rushmore. More later!

Across the Wide Missouri

2006-04-30T15:54:00.000-07:00

I NEVER thought we'd visit Wall Drug! Actually, this place is kinda cool, although the town of Wall isn't exactly a garden spot.!

We are coming out of three straight days of cold rain east of here, so clear weather is a treat! Tomorrow we look forward to exploring the Badlands National Park. Then on to Mount Rushmore. Stay well and keep checking this blog, as we aren't always in a campground where we have wireless internet.

Into the Great American West

2006-04-28T13:08:00.000-07:00

Chilling out at Cedar View Municipal Park in Nashua, Iowa, home of the Little Brown Church, built 1860-1864 and still used almost daily for weddings and services (Congo).

All is going well with both Imagine and the Family Truckster. We are now at a Camp America RV Park in lovely little Salem, SD. Gretchen has never seen SD before. Bill came through here thirty+ years ago on a motorcycle trip with a co-worker at IBM Rochester (MN). We are looking forward to seeing Mount Rushmore and the Badlands. Here you can sense the genesis of the pioneer spirit. The land is vast and lovely--rolling hills, grazing cattle, clumps of trees, meandering streams, and the Wide Missouri River Basin.

Tomorow is laundry day, as well as an exploration of Salem (that'll take about 5 minutes!!!). Not a palm tree in sight! More later.

Across the Mighty Missisip

2006-04-27T07:29:00.000-07:00

Well, we finally found another hot spot. The Iowa rest areas on I80 have wireless for free if you sign up. We've been in Berea, KY, and then on to Indianapolis where we spent a fun evening with Mary Lou and Tim at their beautiful, BIG, yet comfy and welcoming home. Stayed at the Indiana State Fair Grounds (this August will be the 150th IN State Fair)---verrrry interesting place, to say the least. Due to the recent severe storms in the area, there were a lot of State farm Ins. adjusters staying there with us.

Then on to a bucolic, pristine little campground in a cornfield near historic Knoxville (site of the 4th Lincoln-Douglas debate) and Galena (birthplace of Carl Sandburg), IL. We have just crossed the Mighty Mississip into Iowa. Hope all of you are thriving. Onward!

Deep into the Mountains (of NC)

2006-04-22T11:55:00.000-07:00

It was a dark and stormy night--whew! Glad we didn't slide down Mama Gertie's Campground's mountain! Check this place out--Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground near Asheville in Swannanoa, NC (www.mamagerties.com). The campsites are staggered up a mountain. The spring woods are teeming with dogwood, azalea, rhodendrum, and more--all in the tender beginning stages April rebirth. The entire facility is first-class and truly appeals to my anal-retentive traits!

Imagine, our 32' 5th wheel, is a very user-friendly rolling home. The Family Truckster is performing well, although filling her with diesel is quite a drain on the wallet! Oh, well, that's the way it has to be--we refuse to have the fuel situation ruin the Adventure.

Tomorrow AM we leave here for just south of Lexington for one night. Then on to Indianapolis, Moline, Minnesota, and Rapid City (shades of N By NW!). Hopefully James Mason and Martin Landau won't shoot us in the Visitors' Center (although I wouldn't mind running into Cary Grant!).

That's all until next time. Happy Trails!

2006-04-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

Our campsite at Mama Gerties near Asheville,NC. This is a real nice spot, we are going to stay another day. Gretchen will add some more about our trip up to here tomorrow. It has been raining but its still beautiful in the mountains. Pretty soon heading off to Illinois and the Mississippi bluffs.

2006-04-14T14:20:00.000-07:00

Well, clothes, food, personal items, recreational items, tools, etc., have been securely stowed.

Bill took her to a nearby truck stop scale to be sure the load was riding equally. After shifting the canned goods to the port side, things seem AOK. The guy there said in nine years no RVer had ever done that!!

Tomorrow (4/15) @ 8 AM we depart for the Stephen Foster State Park campground on the Suanee (sic) River. The maiden Land Voyage of Imagine thus commences!! Let the games begin!

2006-04-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

Our ducks are finally cooperating and lining up nicely, so we are beginning our Next Excellent Adventure on Saturday, April 15th! First stop is Stephen Foster State Park on the Suannee River near Lake City in N. Fl. Then on to Fort Clinch State Park on the east coast of FL. The neatest stop on this first little leg to Alaska promises to be Hunting Island State Park on the Atlantic near Beaufort, SC (Parris Island Marine Base is close by--I do love a man in a uniform!).

The city of Punta Gorda allows us seven days to keep our rig at the house, so we bring her home on April 8th to be provisioned . I am instructed that weight is a major issue (our 3/4 ton Family Truckster has to be able to nimbly pull her weight), so I'm trying to figure out how to bring tons of clothes and shoes and a minimal amount of that pesky food that adds too much weight (just joshing, Bill--in case you read this entry!)! More later!

2006-03-16T10:37:00.000-08:00

Our "Rig" at Home.

2006-03-16T09:18:00.000-08:00

2006-03-16T08:54:00.000-08:00

Still in the process of getting ready. Spare parts for truck, forward mail, etc. We have just about a month before we're scheduled to leave.