Matanuska mishaps

Hi all,

We are on Vancouver Island now but we had an interesting time getting here.  We took the Tok cut off north from anchorage.  We stopped at Matanuska and walked on the glacier which is even more fun than it sounds! However, on the way to the glacier  we hit a pothole that really shook us up.

On the road afterwards we stopped and watched a moose feeding in a pond.  Then we hit some unmarked frost heaves that sent us flying! We later stopped to eat and found the generator would not start.  Eventually, we found the battery terminal connector had snapped at the generator post.   A short time later, we found the coach 12 volt system had gone out which also included the fridge and freezer!

We drove into Tok around 9 PM and learned the mechanic wouldo be in around 0830.  We drove to the shop, thinking we would boondocked in the lot.  We met another couple already there in their 2005 ford Winnie.   They had blown their transmission and the new one was still two days out. We saw a nice RV park just down the road and went there.  We were happy to find out that our shore power still worked.  I checked all the 12 out fuses and pulled and replaced the coach fuse.  In the morning, the 12 volt system came right on when we disconnected from the shore power.

We still went to the mechanic to see if the could fix the generator and give us some advice on the 12 volt system. However, they were replacing an RV radiator and working on another diesel pusher that lost power to all of it's dashboard gages.   We realized it was going to be a while so we were on our way. I eventually was able to put a new connector on the cable and the generator works again.

We drove for five days, 6 to 8 hours per day. We stopped at on park that had a swimming pool, what a treat!

Now we are in Tofino,  Vancouver Island. It has not rained here since March and fire restrictions and water rationing are in effect. So, of course, it rains the first day we get here and is supposed to rain for the next 3 days!

Still, it is beautiful  here with rain forest and ocean all around.  Will up-load some pictures soon...wifi is iffy.

Good travels all,

Gordon

Kenai Lake

Hi all,

Well, we spent a week at Kenai lake. The lower kenai night has rainbow trout hitting. Unfortunately, Kenai lake doesn't.  But the scenery here is beautiful.  We have mountains all around us.  We have watched bears walking on the mountain (with binoculars).


We all took a six hour cruise out of Seward.  We saw humpback whales, lots of birds, porpoises,and a Calving glacier.

Becky and Wayne met us after the cruise and treated us to pizza!  The next day, Lucy and I went on a four hour kayaking trip without the kids! It was great. Becky  and Wayne took the kids to the wild life center.

Tomorrow, begin our one week trip,  heading to Vancouver Island.  We to drive 2310 miles in 6 days.

Good travels all,
Gordon

Halibut & Mac n Cheese

Hi all,

We have been having a relaxing couple of days. With few things thrown in. Alex decided to make himself some mac and cheese in the microwave. Unfortunately, he forgot to add water. Burned macaroni smells really bad. The whole rv filled with smoke and we had to open the windows for quite a while.

On the other hand, the beach has been beautiful we have seen up to five bald eagles on the beach at one time. also we done some fishing for king salmon but have been unsuccessful.

Today, Alex and I went halibut fishing. the limit is 2, however, only one can be over 29 inches. Alex caught his first over fairly quickly. I caught my over at 43 inches. A short time later, I hooked a really large halibut that was over 50 pounds. however we did not bring him on the boat as it was too big. I caught my under a short time later and then Alex caught a large halibut that he had to release since he had his over also. Also caught several cod on the light tackle which the boat crew was happy to keep for bait.

In the end, after the three fish were cleaned we had 27 pounds of halibut meat.

Today, we will be heading to Lake Kenai  for some camping and trout fishing.

breakfast  at boardwalk bakery

looking back at Homer...there was supposed  to be storm, so we only went out 9 miles

Alex catching cod 2 at a time

The final count

Today, we are raiding Safeway in Homer and Lucy has a hair appointment.   Then it is off to Kenai  lake.

Good travels, 

Gordon

Homer,Alaska

Hi all,

Yesterday we drove to Portage Lake and after a brief hike we drove down to Homer. We are currently staying on the Homer Spit at the Heritage RV park. It is very beautiful here. Bald eagles have been landing on the beach in front of us. Leia chased a few eagles and seagulls.  We have seen sea otters and seals and people catching salmon. We are looking forward to having a great stay here.

View from Gulliver

Good travels,

Gordon

Alyeska ski resort

Hi all,

A few days ago, we drove with Beth and Mike to Alyeska resort.  It was a beautiful drive getting there.  The resort is about 45 minutes south of Anchorage.  Everyone but Lucy took the tram to the top. Lucy decided to walk with Leia to the top.

The view from the top was awesome. We hiked to a small glacier and the kids played in the snow.  Then we went down and had dinner at Chair 5.  That was great also.

Lucy and Leia had their own adventure, running into a couple of black bears!  They did not make it to the top of the mountain but she saw bears sitting on top of cars

Good travels,
Gordon

Gulliver spa day

Hi all,

We spent today relaxing.  We  washed Gulliver (thanks to Mike and his power washer) and I lubed her slide outs.  Jeremiah came by and said hello.

Tomorrow we are going to Alyeska resort and riding the tram to the top...At least that's plan a.

Good travels,

Gordon

Jeremiah and Lucy

Hatcher’s pass

Hi all,

Today, Beth, Jennifer and the family all hopped in Gulliver and we drove to Hatchers pass. It was a beautiful drive into the mountains with a mountain stream flowing just next to the highway.  At the end of the road was the independence mine. It was a gold mine and ran until 1951. It was shut down after that it was let go to ruin.  now there is a nice park there was some great hiking trails.

 At the end of the road is the Independence  Mine

Lucy, Beth and Jennifer in Gulliver

tomorrow, we are going to sit around all day and do nothing. it will be nice just to have a nice relaxing day without driving somewhere.

Good travels all,

Gordon