Category Archives: Alaska

Prince George, BC – End of our Alaska Adventure Tour

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We hit the road early, leaving Stewart/Hyder behind as we set off for Smithers, British Columbia. Known for its stunning scenery and rich history, Smithers, British Columbia is a town located in the Bulkley Valley region of the province. The town was named after Alfred Smithers, a director of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, which was responsible for building the railway through the area in 1914. We stayed at the Riverside Municipal RV Park and spent the evening exploring the town with our friends Gail and Snorre. Later we indulged in a lovely dinner at a local favorite restaurant.

The next day, we continued on to Prince George, our final stop on the tour. We checked into the Mamma Yeh RV Park and enjoyed a wonderful group dinner in town, a fitting end to our 52-day journey together. It was bittersweet saying goodbye to our traveling family, as one by one, their RVs pulled out, each heading for different destinations on different schedules.

Despite the sadness of departing, our trip was nothing short of amazing. From the breathtaking sights we saw to the new and interesting people we met, this journey will forever hold a special place in our hearts. We will treasure the memories and friendships we made on this trip for a lifetime.

5,007 Miles

52 Days

878 gal Diesel

47.4 avg MPH

Stewart, BC / Hyder, AK

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The next day of our journey was a 3-day drive to Hyder, Alaska, under clear skies. After a long delay at the Canadian border, we finally hit the road, traveling through spectacular scenery on our way to our first stop in Whitehorse, Yukon. The following morning, we left for Nugget City, YT, and the start of the scenic Cassiar Highway.

The Cassiar Highway is a remote and rugged road that runs through the northern part of British Columbia. It is known for its beautiful landscapes and the opportunity to see wildlife such as bears and moose.

We stayed at the Pioneer RV campground, spending the afternoon relaxing with Snorre, Gail, and Tim from Texas around a campfire, drinking and eating. The next day, we got an early start on the Cassiar Highway, and the scenic beauty did not disappoint. We drove as far as Dease Lake, BC, a small community located on the shores of Dease Lake. The area has a rich history of gold mining and is a popular spot for fishing and hunting. Continue reading →

Haines, Alaska – Gateway to Skagway and Juneau

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After leaving Valdez, we embarked on the long journey to Haines, Alaska. Along the way, we made overnight stops in Tok and Destruction Bay. The drive through the Wrangell Mountains was beautiful, but we encountered a delay at the Canadian border before entering the Yukon. Despite this, we still managed to enjoy the scenic drive.

In Tok, we had a group dinner and a potluck meal in Destruction Bay. Despite the bad section of the Alaska Highway we had to drive through, we were much more experienced this time around. After crossing back into Alaska and navigating a short section of major road construction, we finally arrived at the Haines Hitch-up RV Park. We were relieved to have made it to our destination and excited to explore the area.

After getting settled in at the RV park, we freshened up and set out to explore the area. Our first stop was Chilkoot Lake, where we were on the lookout for eagles and bears fishing in the river. Unfortunately, we didn’t have any luck with sightings, but we didn’t let that dampen our spirits. Continue reading →

Valdez, Alaska

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From Homer, we retraced our route back to Anchorage and stayed overnight in Palmer, Alaska. Palmer is a small city located in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, and it has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. The city was founded by the Matanuska Colony Project, a New Deal project that aimed to establish a farming community in the area. Today, Palmer is known for its agriculture, particularly the cultivation of vegetables and flowers.

The next morning, we headed to Valdez, passing the massive Matanuska Glacier. The Matanuska Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska and it is a popular destination for visitors. The glacier is over 27 miles long and 4 miles wide and it’s one of the largest glaciers in the United States. It’s also known for its unique blue ice and the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
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Homer Alaska

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Leaving Soldotna, we embarked on the journey south down the Kenai Peninsula, taking in the breathtaking views of the Cook Inlet and the Alaska Range. The weather was a bit unpredictable, but we were determined to make the most of our trip.

As we approached Homer, we were greeted with an awe-inspiring view of the Homer Spit and Kachemak Bay. Homer is a picturesque town located on the southern shore of the Kenai Peninsula, known for its rich history and culture. The city was originally settled by the Dena’ina people, who have lived in the area for thousands of years. In the early 1900s, Homer became a popular destination for commercial fishing and canning. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, excellent seafood, and unique art scene.

After arriving at the Heritage RV Park on the Homer Spit, we ventured into the village at the end of the spit for a delicious seafood dinner. The night was filled with the sound of rain, and unfortunately, it continued to pour all the next day. We had planned to fly to Brooks Falls to see the famous brown bears, but all flights were cancelled due to the weather. We rebooked our flight with Adventure Airways for the following day and crossed our fingers for better weather. Click on thumbnail to view image
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Soldotna on the Kenai Peninsula

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After leaving the charming coastal town of Seward and the beautiful Derby Cove, we set out on a journey across the Kenai Peninsula. Known for its stunning scenery and rich history and fantastic fishing, the Kenai Peninsula is a must-see destination for any travelers visiting Alaska.

As we made our way across the peninsula, we were struck by the natural beauty of the area. From the snow-capped Kenai Mountain Range to the sparkling waters of the Kenai River, the landscape was truly breathtaking. We also learned a little about the area’s history, including the Dena’ina Athabascans, a Native Alaskan people who have called the Kenai Peninsula home for thousands of years. Continue reading →

Seward Alaska

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On the next phase of our Alaska adventure, we left Anchorage and embarked on the beautiful Seward Scenic Byway from Anchorage, 127-mile route meandering south from sea to mountains to sea across the Kenai Peninsula, ending in the harbor town of Seward. The scenery on the way was absolutely spectacular, with towering mountains and lush green forests lining the road. We were able to take in all of the natural beauty that Alaska has to offer and couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the majesty of it all.

Upon arriving in Seward, we were greeted with the excitement of the Independence Day weekend. The town was bustling with activity and we were able to take part in the many celebrations and festivities that were happening all around.

One of the highlights of the weekend was the famous Mount Marathon Race. This grueling event sees runners ascend the steep and rocky mountain, reaching heights of over 3,000 feet, before racing back down to the finish line. It’s a true test of strength and endurance and it was incredible to watch the runners push themselves to their limits. Continue reading →

Around Anchorage, Alaska

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We left Denali early the next day and headed towards the coast to Anchorage. Along the way, we made a stop in Talkeetna, a small town known for its stunning views of Mount Denali and its rich history as a base for mountaineers attempting to climb the mountain. We grabbed a delicious street lunch and browsed the charming little shops before continuing our journey. Once we arrived in Anchorage, we checked into the Golden Nugget RV Park and headed for the 49th State Brewery…YUM!!!

Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, was founded in 1915 as a construction camp for the Alaska Railroad. The city quickly grew as the railroad brought more people and resources to the area. During World War II, the US military established a presence in Anchorage, leading to further growth and development.

After the war, the city continued to grow and develop as a transportation hub and center of commerce for the state. In 1964, a massive earthquake struck Anchorage, causing significant damage and destruction to the city. However, the city quickly rebuilt and has since become a thriving metropolis with a diverse population and a variety of industries.

Today, Anchorage is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and Alaskan culture and history.

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Denali NP

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The next phase of our adventure began as we left Fairbanks for the short drive to the quaint town of Denali entrance to Denali National Park. Our first stop was the 49th State Brewery where we introduced our new friends Gail and Snore’ to the delicious “Yak Burger”. After trying this local delicacy, we headed to the RV park for some rest before embarking in our jeep to explore Denali National Park.

Denali National Park is a place of incredible natural beauty and is home to a diverse array of wildlife. The park was established in 1917 to protect the six million acres of wild land, including the iconic Denali Mountain, “the great one”, the highest peak in North America, at 20,310 feet. Denali is the third-highest of the Seven Summits (the tallest peaks on all seven continents). Continue reading →

Fantasy RV Tour-Fairbanks Alaska

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After arriving at the Riverview RV Park, our group was excited to explore the local area and experience all that Fairbanks has to offer. Our first stop was the Pioneer Village Alaska Salmon Bake, which was a unique and delicious way to experience the local culture and cuisine.

The Pioneer Village is a living history museum that recreates the life of early Alaskan settlers and gold miners. The Salmon Bake is a traditional Alaskan meal where visitors can enjoy fresh salmon cooked over an open fire. The smell of the salmon cooking on the grill was mouthwatering and it was great to enjoy the meal with our group and chat about the day’s journey.

After the Salmon Bake, we headed to the Palace Theater, to watch its famous vaudeville show which didn’t disappoint. The Palace Theater is an historic theater in Fairbanks that has been entertaining audiences since 1907. The show was an amazing showcase of Alaskan culture and history, featuring local performers and traditional music and dance. The theater was beautifully decorated, and the atmosphere was electric with excitement. Click on thumbnail to view image Continue reading →