epilogue

……..…epilogue                                                              Friday,  August 6, 2010


Well, it’s over…… we had our farewell dinner at J & S Restaurant in Vanderhoof, British Columbia then breakfast and farewell hugs in the morning. We will all go our separate ways, but will never forget this time we spent together.

Where did the time go? Went faster than you expected, didn’t it? We hope you had a wonderful time.

When it started we were strangers. But we all shared the adventure, and gained many friends along the way. At the beginning of this trip we were hoping to see the “wonder in your eyes” as you experienced the beauty and splendor of this land, Alaska. We certainly did see that wonder as you showed us your pictures, shared your stories, realized your dreams. We, as your tailgunners, enjoyed all of it  -  well…..maybe all but the travel by water :( .......madi

We hope you take pleasure in reading the blog. Our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to this narrative.

Spence and I would like to thank everyone for being so ready to lend a hand to the staff and to your fellow travelers, whenever and wherever you saw a need. We could not have asked for a better group of individuals with which to travel.

And when you leave the next campground, think of us, and be sure to turn your lights on, set your odometer to zero, and travel safe…………..

We will miss you,

Madi and Spence

Day 58 - Vanderhoof, British Columbia

Well, here we are at Day 58 of our Alaska Caravan. It seems like just last week that we met and started to get to know each other, and now it’s already time to say “so-long for now”. After almost two months of traveling, we are still really getting acquainted and having a great time learning, sharing and playing together. This tour has truly been blessed in many ways.

Good fortune has brought us the sunshine. Who can forget the spectacular day in Denali National Park…and the beauty driving through the Chugach Mountains on the Kenai Peninsula...smooth waters on all the cruises through the Kenai Fjords, Prince William Sound, and the Lynn Canal to Juneau. ...and that bit of rain when we needed it most during the forest fires!

We have accomplished a lot:

We have crossed the “Top of the World” highway unscathed.

We have become experts at spotting frost heaves.

We have found ways to maneuver into the tightest of rustic campgrounds.

We have seen more wildlife than many will see in a lifetime.

We have learned lots about the different cultures throughout Canada and Alaska, and a bit about each others’ as well.

Our route has brought us closer to understanding the history of the region and what brought so many to seek their fortune, and why so many were willing to risk their lives to do so. The scenery has enriched our days with unsurpassed beauty. We’ve shared the adventure of a journey most will never take.

We hope you have enjoyed your tour as much as we have. Have safe travels, and we hope to see you again soon. Please keep in touch, and treasure the memories you have all taken part in making.

Memories, fun and friendships made along the way will last forever!

So long for now,

Ken and Carole Adams, Wagonmasters

Day 57 Stewart, BC to Smithers, BC

Ira & Beverly Miller Rig #8                                                      Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Today is day 57 and it is hard to believe that our tour is almost to an end. Where did the time go? Our adventure today was to drive 205 miles to Smithers, British Columbia to the Riverside Golf and RV Park. The drive was not as exciting as we thought it would be. We only seen 2 little chipmunks to start our day and then at mile 79 we seen a bear stick his head out of the woods and it disappeared as quickly as he could. We managed to see a little gray wolf running along the road; however, with good roads (for a change) it was hard to stop the RV to get a picture.

We wanted to stop at Gitanyowl for the Cultural Museum and totem poles however; it was noted to have a sharp right turn and narrow roads so we decided to pass. Fellow travelers said they went to this attraction and told us that it was closed, and that the only thing visible was the run down totem poles.

We proceeded on our journey to St. Pauls Anglican Church. This church has the original 1893 bell in the bell tower. We also saw the smoked filled mountains, which is being caused by the many forest fires that are burning at present.

 Ira and I visited the Hazelton Area Visitor Information Center and took some pictures while there. Cuddles decided that she did not like what we were stopping for so she decided to help find better places to stop. She was on the look out couch searching eagerly.

We then visited Historic Hazelton’s Ksan Historical Village & Museum but we really didn’t take the time to do the guided tour as it was very hot (I can’t believe I said the word hot) because of the Girly Girls being with us. I think today has been the hottest day of our trip. I walked the grounds briefly and was going to do a self-guided tour however; as all of the buildings were locked. I took some pictures of totem poles and buildings while there. In order to get to this attraction we had to cross the Hagwilget Suspension Bridge. I really could have passed going over this bridge.

Our last stop was in the town of Moricetown. We stopped to take pictures of the native anglers. It was really a beautiful little spot to stop.

We arrived at RV Park about 2:30 and it was very, very hot. Ira went with Jim to see about getting supplies to fix our air conditioner in the RV. Not only does the engine unit not work, but also the main house unit. Not very pleasant traveling without air conditioning. They managed to find someone who did fix air conditioners as a side job, so Nathan whose side business is Antler Creek Ventures came to the campground to do an air conditioning evacuation/recharge and put refrigerant into the RV. He said that there must have been a leak somewhere along the line at some time.

At around 5:30 we had our travel briefing for tomorrow’s travel to Vanderhoof, British Columbia for our final 58th day of the trip and our farewell dinner. We also had a drawing in which all caravan rig numbers were put in a bag and a prize was given to each rig number pulled. We also wished Dee Curb a happy birthday as well as Marvin whose birthday will be August 6th.

We would also like to wish Barry and Monique Zander safe travels as they leave us tomorrow morning for prior commitments. Sorry you could not be with us for the farewell dinner.

Day 56 - Stewart, BC

Tuesday, August 3, 2010    Linda and Darrell Marshall        Adventure 7



Today was our last chance to be in Alaska. We're camped in Stewart, BC., but can cross the border into Hyder, AK.

Stewart is a small town on a fjord. Across the border in Hyder is definitely “crossing the tracks". It's a dumpy looking little place without a straight street. But it did get us out to the bear viewing area and on to the Salmon Glacier. We watched salmon going up stream and a Great Blue Heron, but no bear there today.

Then we went UP a gravel, curvy road to Salmon Glacier. The Glacier was well worth the dusty ride! There were so many pretty waterfalls and views of many glaciers. It was a beautiful drive with spectacular scenery!! On our way back down we saw a marmot sunning itself on a rock. We were almost back at the bear viewing when a black bear crossed the road in front of us, two days and two bear.

I spent the afternoon doing handwork on quilt blocks and Darrell checked out the back of his eyelids. Tonight we hope to go back to the bear viewing area to see if there are bear after the salmon. Some of the group did actually see a grizzly eating fish this morning.

Day 55 - Dease Lake, BC to Stewart, BC

Bill and Marilyn Kern #6 Monday, August 2, 2010


Today, the drive was smooth and scenic! With very few exceptions we drove over well-maintained roads. The surroundings were beautiful, starting with partly cloudy sky in the morning, and periods of sun and warm temperatures. At Gnat Pass Summit (4,072’) we were surrounded by mountains bathed in sunlight. There were large patches of vibrant pink fireweed all along our route – thicker, taller, and brighter than we have ever seen during both trips to this area.

We saw many “animal droppings” along the highway starting during the first 75 miles. But we never saw any wildlife today on our way to Stewart, B.C. There were many sightings by others in our caravan.

We ate lunch at Bell Crossing II Lodge, where we were joined by several of our group.

We pulled off the highway at Bear Glacier. WOW! It was spectacular! There was a beautiful waterfall to the left of the Glacier.

We arrived at Bear River RV Park, a nice park with all the utilities we needed to live in our “home.” We, along with the Tottens, explored Stewart, drove across the border (US/CAN) to Hyder, AK (pop. 64), stopped at “THE BUS” for dinner and proceeded to the Bear Observation Site in the Tongass National Forest. This site has a large viewing platform along a stream where grizzlies and Black Bears feed on spawning salmon, and berries. There was a large crows waiting to see/photo bears. After a long patient wait a black bear arrived, sauntered under the platform into heavy vegetation, and joined another black bear. We returned to Stewart via a manned border crossing.

Day 54 - Northern Beaver Post, Yukon to Dease Lake, BC

Dee and Marvin Curb #5                                                  Sunday, August 01, 2010


Yesterday was a long drive (308 miles). We were glad to see the Baby Nugget RV Park – looking forward to an evening at leisure and sleeping late this morning since today’s drive is short (147 miles). But, alas, - it was not to be. We were only 7 miles from a forest fire and the Cassiar Hwy was closed. We went to bed thinking we would convoy at 6:30 a.m. to get in line in case the highway opened.

This morning we go to plan B. We began our convoy about 7:00. At 7:15 we pulled out and proceeded to park in the gas station down the road to wait our turn. What a traffic jam! Traffic finally began to move at 9:00 a.m.

We hit smoke at about mile 13. The smoke lasted maybe six miles. At mile 33 we hit loose gravel and dust. At 68.7 on the right, in the middle of all the dust, there was a nice waterfall.

At mile 76.2 we were glad to take a break at the Jade Cassiar Mountain Store. Whew! After looking over all the merchandise, we decided this was a good in-coach lunch and nap spot. At one o’clock we were finally underway again.

At 2:30 we rolled into Dease Lake and fueled up at Petro Canada. While he fueled, Marvin talked to a Fire Management man. He said we just barely got through on the Cassiar Hwy. The wind changed and brought the fire and smoke back toward the road after we got out. Now the road is closed 15 km before the junction with Alaska 1. We were very lucky.

After our travel briefing, dinner was at Mama Z’s – delicious Hunter’s Schnitzel. Several other caravaners were there and “a good time was had by all.”

The evening ended around the campfire with s’mores and dough boys. Yum!

It was a good day – maybe a little more excitement than we bargained for at first but still it was a great day.

Day 53 - Skagway, Alaska to Northern Beaver Post, Yukon

Larry and Ada Beavers #4                                                  Saturday, July 31, 2010

• Left Skagway at 7:45 a.m. after filling with gas and a very good breakfast at the Corner Café.


• Up the mountain at 45 mph, looking for bear or anything else that moves.

• Water falls still falling.


• Back into Canada, set clock one hour ahead.

• Mile 60 – one ground squirrel – very fast moving.

• On the road to Tagish, fall colors showing up.

• Stopped at Johnson’s crossing. Ivan still looking for breakfast. Had to make do with very good pastry. They were between breakfast and lunch. The counters were being used for rolling out cinnamon buns.

• Actually saw Bob and Marvin going down the road, “not stopped.”

• Barry and Monique missed the turn to Tagish. Got real interested in a bear they saw crossing the road. Just might have been the only one seen today.

• Ira and Beverly, real proud of their rig and just might keep it. They were first into camp tonight. Way to go guys.

• The excitement was after we were in camp and found the Cassiar Hwy to be closed due to forest fire – where do we go now