Ahmet Erkun | FindPenguins

North to Alaska By RV 2021
On Board
May 12, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F
Looks like DL2471 is ready for an on time departure. And the middle seat remains empty. Anchorage here we come.
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North to Alaska By RV 2021
A Good Day to Start Phase II
May 12, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F
A good night’s rest ... quiet despite being in a hotel across the road from the airport. A good breakfast this morning ... huge portions ... tasty.

Now, we’re ready to check out from the Crowne Plaza and take the hotel shuttle to SeaTac for our flight to Anchorage.

No rain here ... no rain in Anchorage. A beautiful view of Mount Rainier to see us off. A good day to fly.Read more
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North to Alaska By RV 2021
Wrapping Up COS to TAC
May 11, 2021 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 61 °F
The Uber that picked us up from the Tote Maritime office at the Port of Tacoma dropped us off at the Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport. It wasn’t even 11:00a when we walked into the lobby ... well before the 3:00p check-in time. No worries ... I’d already received a notification that our room had been assigned and was ready for us!

We’re in a room overlooking the Park n’ Fly, but that’s not a bad thing as beyond the lot is Mount Rainier ... out in its full majesty ... if a little hazy! The room is categorized as a studio suite. Plenty spacious, with all the amenities one might need for an overnight stay.

We thought about taking the light rail into Seattle for lunch, but decided the 50 minutes each way was more time than we wanted to spend riding public transportation.

So, we dined at the Reflections Bar & Grill on the premises. Tables properly social-distanced ... not that it really mattered since we were the only ones there except for one other diner at the other end of the room. Excellent food ... halibut fish & chips for Mui; avocado caprese sandwich for me; triple chocolate mousse cake to share. All very yummy.

(Mui said that the Asian chicken salad he had for dinner was also good ... and so was the Margherita pizza he brought back to the room for me.)

We spent the afternoon relaxing ... and working on the return trip back home. That’s not until August, so why work on the logistics now? Well, I doubt I’ll have time to do so in Alaska ... we’ll be too busy exploring and having fun. Also, we decided to jiggle our plans a bit and take a different route back. This new route will allow us to see friends both here in Washington before we leave the area as well as in Colorado before the final leg home ... that’s a good thing.

Our flight tomorrow is not until 11:45a ... so no early wake up call for us!Read more
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North to Alaska By RV 2021
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Delivery Day!
May 11, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 52 °F
Today was the big day … an important milestone in our Alaska RV trip … the day we were going to deliver the Cruiser and the CR-V to Tote Maritime for tomorrow’s departure of the North Star.

My plan was to leave JBLM around 10:00a for the 14-mile drive to the Port of Tacoma. As it turns out, we had so little to do this morning that we were on the road by 8:45a … the sky blue … the sun shining ... a light breeze adding a chill to the morning temperature of 52F. Even the infamous I-5 traffic cooperated by flowing smoothly for a change.

Having done our recon drive a few days ago, we knew exactly where we were going. When we pulled up to the North Gate at the Port of Tacoma, the guard at the door took down Mui’s name, gave us directions, and verified that the Uber we were planning to call for the ride to the hotel would be directed to the Tote offices.

Once we arrived at the “Vehicle Department” — a small shed situated next to a scale — we were directed to unhook the toad and get each vehicle weighed individually. Next, they measured the length and width of each vehicle. Though they did not include the tow bar in the length measurement of the RV, it was suggested that we remove it if possible … so it would not be accidentally damaged. We had practiced removing it, so it was easy peasy to do so.

The paperwork took just a few minutes. And then I paid the shipping charges. While I was doing that, Mui ordered an Uber … which took about 15 minutes to arrive. No matter, the weather was nice and hummingbirds were visiting the feeders … nice entertainment.

It feels odd to be on an RV trip with no RV and toad. We’ll just have to be patient until the vehicles finish their cruise and meet us in Anchorage on 17 May.Read more
Traveler beautiful skies in your world on this day. "The Mountain is out".
5/12/21Reply
Traveler what was your weight?
5/12/21Reply
Two to TravelYou know, didn’t think to ask since it doesn’t make a difference to the shipping charges. I’ll have to try and remember to ask on the way south.
5/12/21Reply
Travelerit's a good thing to know. we have stopped at weigh stations that aren't open but the scales still work. of course I can't remember our weight right niw.
5/12/21Reply
Two to TravelYeah, we’ve done that too and have the weight noted down somewhere. We’re under the max ... that much I do know.
5/12/21Reply
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North to Alaska By RV 2021
Prep Day
May 10, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F
Today was set aside as prep day ... prepping the “cold weather” gear we will need in Alaska while we await the arrival of the Cruiser and CR-V ... prepping the vehicles for delivery to Tote Maritime.

The latter means making sure we have no more than ¼ tank of gas in each vehicle ✔︎; securing and stowing any loose items in the vehicles ✔︎; removing anything we want to take with us when we fly out on Wednesday ✔︎.

Chores done, it was time for a bit of R&R. Although I’m still wearing “the boot” while my Achilles tendon heals, I am supposed to walk around a bit. So we took a short walk over to American Lake. We’re on the far side of the Shoreside Beach Park, with nice views of the lake. The brilliant yellow bushes of Scotch Broom added a pop of color. We were entertained by a couple of mallards that flew in to see if we had any handouts. We didn’t, so they quickly turned their backs on us.

Except for a tiny bit of rain last night, today was a dry day. With the sun peeking out from behind patchy clouds, it was pleasant enough to sit on the patio for a while. I did not expect that we’d be able to do that at all during our short stay, so it was a pleasant change of pace ... and nice to just chill for a bit before we head up to the 49th State.Read more
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North to Alaska By RV 2021
Red-Breasted Sap Suckers @ JBLM
May 10, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 55 °F
It was a rhythmic, metallic noise that sounded like a travel trailer cranking up its stabilizer legs that first caught my attention. Mui, who was coming back from the laundromat, said that the metallic tapping was actually a woodpecker pecking at a road sign.

Turns out, it was a red-breasted sap sucker ... a type of woodpecker. The bird was perfectly OK with me approaching it to take a photo or two. Every once in a while it would peck at the sign again. A minute or so later, another sap sucker flew in and perched on a nearby tree. Then, the two of them flew off to their nest, in the tree across the road.

What a neat experience to watch them.Read more
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North to Alaska By RV 2021
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Fun in Port Townsend
May 9, 2021 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 52 °F
Since we made good time getting from Colorado Springs to Tacoma, we didn’t have to delve into the two “what-if” days we had added to our trip. So, we headed to Port Townsend for lunch today ... going up via the Olympic Peninsula and returning via the Kitsap Peninsula.

Why make a 205-mile round-trip drive for food? Well, we like Port Townsend ... have fond memories of our very first camping trip there. Plus, the forecast called for the sun to put in an appearance up that way. And perhaps most importantly, we needed to near-deplete the CR-V’s fuel tank as we are only allowed a ¼ tank or less gas in each vehicle when we deliver them to Tote Maritime on Tuesday.

We arrived in Port Townsend about ½-hour before our lunch reservation @ Doc’s Marina Grill. That gave us a bit of time to wander around and enjoy the blue skies and sunshine. We were glad we had our thick jackets with us since it was quite cold with a light breeze adding a chill factor. So glad we resisted the temptation to request a table outdoors for once.

After lunch, we headed over to Fort Worden State Park. This is where, in June 1982, we had our very first camping experience ... in our car. We were penniless youngsters, newly emigrated to the US, and could afford little else. It’s a memory that we still talk about fondly. (Here’s a link to the story from 1982: https://2totravelblast.blogspot.com/1982/06/ric….)

With my left foot in a “boot”, we weren’t able to do much more than drive through the park and snap a few photos. Too bad since the skies were a beautiful blue … with what I call character-clouds adding interest. And the temp had warmed up nicely so that it would have been a delight to go for a stroll on the beach.

All in all, we had a lovely outing ... enjoyed reminiscing about old memories ... and making new ones to add to our memory banks.

———————————————-

For those interested in what’s pictured in the “food porn” photo ...

We started out by sharing a Crispy Fried Calamari, served with a pesto aioli. Then, we both ordered seafood dishes — for me … Salmon Aglio e Olio [a traditional Italian dish; grilled Northwest salmon on a bed of angel hair pasta, sautéed with garlic, chili flakes, and fresh herbs; topped with a baby arugula lemon salad]; for Mui ... the Saltwater Café Sauté [Manila clams, Penn Cove mussels, salmon, cod, and prawns; sautéed in white wine, butter, garlic, and herb broth ... with asparagus and Yukon gold smashed potatoes]. My beverage of choice was a pint of Manny’s Light Ale; Mui had a glass of the Montoya Vineyards Pinot Noir. We finished with the Legendary Big Fat Chocolate Cake …. which was moist, big, and rich … just like it was described on the menu. All in all a very satisfying meal.Read more
Travelerwhat did I miss here? left foot in a boot? thought I read everything...
5/10/21Reply
Two to TravelI did a quick blurb in departure day. Achilles tendinitis...since a few days before the trip. All that running around must have aggravated it. Getting better, but will continue to baby the foot until we get to Alaska at least.
5/10/21Reply
Yum!!🥰 [Linda B]
5/10/21Reply
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North to Alaska By RV 2021
End the Day @ JBLM in Lakewood, WA
May 8, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F
After our brief stop at Multnomah Falls, we didn’t dally much along the way. Just one stop for a quick bite to eat — ham & cheese sandwiches at the Touttle River Rest Area — and we kept going.

The skies throughout our drive were overcast ... the temps chilly. But the wind died down once we crossed the Columbia River into Washington. Something to be grateful for.

By 1:30p, we were settled into site 118 at JBLM [Joint Base Lewis-McChord] Travel Camp. Our 50A FHU site is at the end of a loop ... quite private, with trees and bushes on both sides. We have a nice grassy yard with a picnic table, grill, and fire ring. However, I don’t think the weather is going to allow us to use it during the few days we’re here. We’ll see.

Once we were settled into our site, we went off to do a bit of recon. Our goal? To figure out where we will be going on Tuesday when it’s time to deliver the vehicles to Tote Maritime for their cruise to Alaska. Afterwards, back home for a quiet evening at home.

We’ve got some sightseeing planned for tomorrow, but that’s a story for another footprint.Read more
Travelerwe were in 105. such a great campground with space a privacy. we ate at a great place in Gig Harbor. plenty to see and do around JBLM.
5/8/21Reply
Two to TravelWhen we came to the area in 2018 to check it out for “re-settlement,” we stayed in Gig Harbor. Agreed that there is plenty to see and do in the area.
5/8/21Reply
Traveler"Gray skies are gonna clear up!"
5/10/21Reply
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North to Alaska By RV 2021
Reminiscing: Multnomah Falls
May 8, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 45 °F
In March 1983, a little over a year after we made the permanent move to the USA, we relocated from Tacoma, Washington to Hill AFB (now Joint Base Hill) in Utah for Mui’s first USAF assignment.

The drive to Utah took us through the Columbia Gorge for the first time. One of our favorite stops on that occasion was Multnomah Falls, where we got up close and personal with the thundering water.

Today, we pulled into the parking area between the east- and westbound lanes of I-84 to see the falls. We were hoping to park the RV and walk through the underpass to visit the falls again. Unfortunately, there were no pull-through spots. Since we cannot back-up when the toad is hooked up, we had to make do with a distant photo op. At least I remembered to use the video feature.Read more
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North to Alaska By RV 2021
On the Road for One More Day
May 8, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 46 °F
Windy ... again. Patches of blue sky but no sunshine. And a light drizzle. Welcome to the Pacific Northwest 🤪.
TravelerGreat photo, nevertheless.
5/10/21Reply
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North to Alaska By RV 2021
AK Entry Requirements No More
May 8, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 46 °F
The language for pre-arrival testing and other entry requirements had already been softened to a suggestion.

Now, it is official. The Ted Stevens International Airport website says there are no special entry requirements, though testing is still mentioned as a “good idea” for the non-vaccinated. Since we’re fully vaccinated, we’re good! YAYRead more
TravelerHooray!
5/10/21Reply
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North to Alaska By RV 2021
End the Day in Mosier, Oregon
May 7, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 52 °F
The wind came along with us all the way to our destination for tonight ... Memaloose State Park, just off I-84 ... in Mosier. And boy did it blow. The windshield wipers were dancing in their prone position. The Columbia River was decorated with whitecaps and the windmills on the ridges were twirling like crazy.

Wanting to get off the road as quickly as possible, we didn’t dally after our lunch stop.

I’d originally planned for us to boondock along the Columbia Gorge. Now, I’m glad I made reservations at Memaloose for tonight. It would have been miserable camping with all that wind shimmying and shaking the Cruiser as it sat in the open along the river.

We’ve stayed here once before. Had a lovely, quiet site in the B loop then. This time I had to settle for an A-loop site — #04 ... one of only two sites available when I went online for a reservation. It’s a 30A FHU ... plenty of green grass between us and our neighbors. A lovely spot ... except for the noise from the highway. You see, we abut right up against the highway, which passes just above us. Oh well ... it’s for one night only. And perhaps the weekend traffic will eventually die down.

We arrived at the park to sunshine and slightly calmer winds. Moments later, as Mui was unhooking the toad so he could back the RV into the site, it started raining. Of course, it did! No sooner was he finished hooking up the utilities, the rain stopped. Of course, it did!

And that’s been the story since our arrival. On and off rain showers — true liquid sunshine — with the sun peeking out from behind the rain clouds to decorate the blue sky and give us some relief.

Our plans to meet up with friends for dinner tomorrow in Kirkland, Washington have fallen through. So, we have no reason to hurry-up and leave our site in the morning … a bit of rest before we begin our last day on the road is a good thing.Read more
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North to Alaska By RV 2021
Lunch Time!
May 7, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F
Despite the wind — which is still blowing hard — we enjoyed a nice drive this morning. With lovely scenery to keep us entertained along the way. Plenty of sunshine, blue skies, and texture clouds. Cold to cool — 43F to 53F.

We’re now stopped at the Stanfield Rest Area along I-84W in Oregon for a bite to eat. On the menu: salad with feta cheese and pears for dessert.Read more
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North to Alaska By RV 2021
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Windy Start
May 7, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 52 °F
The wind blew all night ... hard. It’s calmed down a bit this morning, but the trees were swaying when we left Farewell Bend State Park to continue west on I-84. Calmer conditions are forecasted for the Columbia Gorge, our destination today.Read more
Traveler You can just about be guaranteed to have windy travels when you see wind turbines!
5/10/21Reply
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North to Alaska By RV 2021
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End the Day in Huntington, Oregon
May 6, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F
A day that started out on a low note has come to an end on a high note.

We had an uneventful drive on I-84. The best kind of drive. The temperature gauge read 88F outside ... but thanks to thick clouds overhead, we had relief from the heat most of the way.

I had scoped out three boondocking sites for tonight.

The first was at the Oregon Welcome Center in Ontario ... this was the minimum 188-mile spot I was hoping we could get to despite the late start to our drive today. When we arrived, Mui said he was OK to drive further.

So, we moved on another 20 miles to a boondocking spot overlooking the Snake River. It sounded lovely on paper. But we arrived to find one rig permanently moved in. That would have been OK ... except for all the junk and debris around the ancient RV. The ambiance didn’t sit well with us.

So, we moved on ... planning to drive another 20 miles or so. We didn’t get that far. A stop to fill up at a station just off I-84 in Huntington led us to Farewell Bend State Rec Area. We took a chance and drove the 1 mile to the park and lucked into a pull-through W/E site for $26.

As it turns out, we would have been miserable boondocking without electricity as it was a bit too hot to do without the A/C and we don’t like running the generator for long. Looks like the heat wave is breaking, though, I can hear the light pitter-patter of rain on the roof ... and gusty winds are rustling the trees on either side of the Cruiser. We’re safely off the road, so we don’t mind one bit.

Tomorrow we continue our drive towards the Columbia Gorge.

——————————-

With a name like Farewell Bend, there had to be an interesting story to check out. We have 5G cell signal here with our T-Mobile plan, so I went surfing on the web. Apparently, and I quote from the park website, “After following the Snake River for 330 miles, Oregon Trail pioneers rested above the bend in the river here, then bid farewell to the Snake River and continued their trek.”Read more
TravelerNice landing spot. We camped there once. Congrats on getting so far in spite of the delayed start.
5/7/21Reply
Two to TravelYeah ... nice private site. A little buggy ... we’ve forgotten what it’s like to have them ;-). Good practice for AK.
5/7/21Reply
Traveler Love this! Looks like the clouds were painted with an artist’s paint brush. (And really I believe they were!)
5/7/21Reply
Two to TravelI love watching the clouds while we’re driving and am always delighted by the different formations.
5/7/21Reply
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North to Alaska By RV 2021
Spring Has Sprung
May 6, 2021 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 52 °F
Quick stop at an I-84 rest area in Idaho ... photos location-stamped by the iPhone as Boise.

(My friend Sue identified the tree as a crabapple.)
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North to Alaska By RV 2021
On the Road: Better Late than Never
May 6, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F
It’s 2:00p and we’re on the road ... crossing the Perrine Memorial Bridge over the Snake River Canyon to get to I-84 for the drive to Oregon.
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North to Alaska By RV 2021
The Culprit: VSA Solenoid
May 6, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F
Turns out the issue with the CR-V’s VSA light was the solenoid. An easy enough replacement ... especially since the part was in stock at the local Honda Service Shop and Addison Car Care was able to get their hands on it quickly.

So, what’s the VSA? It’s the vehicle stability assist system in the CR-V. It’s what helps keep the vehicle on the road when circumstances warrant its engagement ... something that happens automatically.

Glad that it’s fixed ... even if it did take all morning to run the diagnostic, determine the problem, and get the replacement part installed.

We’ll be getting on the road after we grab a quick bite to eat. We may not be able to drive the minimum 188-miles I had planned for today. But any miles we get under our tires will be that many fewer miles to drive tomorrow.

By the way, no extra charge from the Fairgrounds for the delayed departure. When I called to check on the check-out time, I was told we were good as long as we left before 5:00p. we’ll definitely be gone by then.Read more
TravelerGlad it wasn't more serious!
5/6/21Reply
Two to TravelSo are we!
5/6/21Reply
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North to Alaska By RV 2021
Rough Start to Day 4
May 6, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 55 °F
Off to a rough start this morning!

The VSA and check engine light on the CR-V came on last night. So the car is in the shop for a diagnostic. We’ve had this happen before and a simple reset solved the issue. Hope it is as simple this time.

Not too worried yet. We need just two days to get to Tacoma before the 12 May hard-deadline for the next phase of this trip. That’s when the vehicles will be loaded onto the Tote Maritime RoRo vessel. It’s also the day we fly out to Anchorage.

So glad we gave ourselves the extra time to make this trip.Read more
Travelergood planning!
5/6/21Reply
Two to TravelEspecially since it all worked out.
5/6/21Reply
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North to Alaska By RV 2021
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End the Day in Twin Falls, Idaho
May 5, 2021 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 59 °F
Actually, we’re in Filer ... on the outskirts of Twin Falls. We’re settled into a dry camping spot at the Twin Falls Fairgrounds.

This was a shorter driving day ... just under 200 miles. We could have gone further, but Larry — one of Mui’s buddies from his days in the US Air Force — lives here and we wanted to meet up for a short reunion.

The drive from Ogden to Filer was an easy one. Quite unremarkable. Wide open spaces ... lots of farmlands and ranches with cattle and sheep. Distant mountains ... some green-clad hills. The camera on the iPhone didn’t see much action.

We arrived at the fairgrounds around 1:30p. This was to have been the only FHU campground on the trip to Tacoma, but since the route jiggles the first two days landed us in campgrounds where we had utilities, we opted to dry camp here ... $10.60. And for that we have the entire dry camping field to ourselves ... and only 3-4 rigs in the FHU section across the dirt road from where we are parked up.

Taking it easy this afternoon, we set off around 4:00p to run some errands. And then, we stopped at the visitor center. Not because we needed any info, but because it made for a good parking spot for a short stroll between two overlooks on the rim of the Snake River Canyon.

Then it was time to meet Larry for dinner. We went to the only place Mui and I know in Twin Falls — Elevation 486 ... a restaurant perched on the rim of the canyon and so named due to its location 486 feet above the canyon floor. We managed to snag a table on the outdoor deck ... a delightful 72F ... but slightly cool in the shade.

It was great to see Larry again ... lots of reminiscing and catching up ... good food ... good camaraderie.

Tomorrow we continue our trek. If things go according to plan, we’ll be overnighting somewhere in Oregon.

——————————————

For those curious — dinner tonight consisted of a bruschetta appetizer with feta cheese and avocado; I ordered the butternut squash ravioli in a pistachio-basil sauce; Mui and Larry both had the Idaho ruby red trout. Dessert was a splurge ... cheesecake with caramel sauce and a dark chocolate ganache ... we split them three ways 🤪.Read more
Travelerlovely day. no jumpers from the bridge? last time we were there in 2012 I was thrilled at how beautiful the falls were. dinner sounds delicious 😋
5/6/21Reply
Two to TravelThey had already jumped and were packing up. We went to the falls in 2018, so skipped them this time ... I understand they just started lighting them up, but we decided resting up for tomorrow’s drive was a better use of our time. Mui, in fact, is sound asleep already. Dinner was delicious ... I just added the photo. We’ll be in your state tomorrow 🤞🏻
5/6/21Reply
Travelerwish I could have been in the part where you will be. but figured too long a drive for too short a visit.
5/6/21Reply
Two to TravelTotally understand. If not for the doc appointment that restricted our departure date, we would have swung through Oregon to see you guys ... maybe camp together somewhere. On another occasion, we will do that.
5/6/21Reply
Traveleroh yes. I'm looking forward to that time.
5/6/21Reply
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North to Alaska By RV 2021
Sunshine & Blue Skies
May 5, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 54 °F
We begin our third day on the road with sunshine, blue skies, and temps in the mid-50F range. More of the same is forecasted for the rest of the day.

Our drive today will take us out of Utah and into Idaho.Read more
TravelerWeather is as pretty as the picture!
5/6/21Reply
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North to Alaska By RV 2021
End the Day in Ogden, Utah
May 4, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F
Actually, once we jiggled our overnight stop from Evanston, Wyoming to somewhere in Utah, the plan was to dry camp at a campground in Henefer.

Turns out that was easier said than done. You see, where we were supposed to go left to take a bridge over I-84 ... well, there was no bridge. Since the Phoenix Cruiser does not have wings — and we didn’t feel like following the detour and backtracking along I-84 — we moved on.

No free camping along this stretch of the road, so we found another campground by searching RV Trip Wizard. Forty miles later — having enjoyed wonderful views of the Wasatch Mountains along the way — we were pulling into the Century Mobile Home & RV Park in Ogden ... or more accurately, in West Haven. We got one of the last few sites not spoken for already and quickly settled into our site ... #37 Carriage Lane ... 50A FHU ... pull through.

Since we’re paying a fairly hefty price for the site — $47 with military discount — Mui took advantage of the water hook-up to give the Cruiser a rinse ... much needed after yesterday’s “wet drive” in snowy weather.

Chores done, we enjoyed an al fresco dinner at the picnic table that comes with the site ... such a nice change from yesterday’s freezing cold temps.

We’ll be back on the road tomorrow. We will be meeting up with a friend at our destination, so no jiggling the route!Read more
Glad you made it this far without too much snow! Hope the snow is behind you. [Pam]
5/5/21Reply
Two to TravelThe weather forecast says that it is.
5/5/21Reply
Looks like a beautiful drive so fa! [Moyra]
5/5/21Reply
Two to TravelIt’s been great so fa! 😄
5/5/21Reply
Travelernice to have some good weather and sunshine
5/5/21Reply
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North to Alaska By RV 2021
On I-80 in Wyoming
May 4, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 50 °F
We had a pleasant drive on I-80W today. No wet stuff falling from the sky ... temps rising from 27F when we woke up to 55F by the time we stopped for lunch at the Lyman Rest Area. Except for steady winds, it was a perfect driving day. In fact, despite the high clouds dotting the sky, there were plenty of blue patches and sunshine.

Thanks to the extra 100 miles we drove yesterday, we managed to get further up the road today than originally planned. But that’s for another footprint. In this one, I am going to share the varied terrain that entertained us along I-80.

(Photos taken mostly through the windshield, so forgive the color-cast.)Read more
TravelerBeautiful scenery! Love those puffy white clouds against the blue sky and red rocks.
5/5/21Reply
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North to Alaska By RV 2021
Windy Day on I-80W
May 4, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F
When isn’t it windy on I-80? Never in our experience.

We’re just glad we’re no longer in a big rig, or we’d be off the road somewhere, waiting out the wind.
Traveleroh yes. I do remember that wind. glad you are making progress
5/4/21Reply
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North to Alaska By RV 2021
Lunch Time!
May 4, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 50 °F
Mui was too hungry to look for a place with a view. So, we stopped at the Lyman Rest Area for a quick bite. I do see distant, snow-covered mountains ... and horses grazing on a farm.

The menu today ... same as yesterday. Chicken salad sandwiches, baby carrots. But pears for dessert instead of melon.Read more
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North to Alaska By RV 2021
We Made It to Utah!
May 4, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 45 °F
This wasn’t the plan. No, we were going to overnight in Evanston, Wyoming. But we’ve been doing well, covering extra distance on the road, so it was too early to stop. So, we moved on. Yes, another jiggle to our plans.

We love the red rocks of Utah ... the state we lived in for about eight years back in the 1980s. So, when we saw that the Utah Welcome Center was located in scenic Echo Canyon ... well, it was a no brainer to stop for a bit. No idea why we didn’t stop here on previous drives through the area. So glad we didn’t skip it today.

Blue skies, bright sunshine, and temps that had now reached 66F encouraged us to take a short walk. Well, hike might be more appropriate since the paved path was all uphill. With my left foot in a “boot,” it took a bit doing to get up to the top ... but it was so worth it!Read more
TravelerI’m impressed with your hiking ability in the boot. Good for you! From experience in a boot a few years ago I remember that it acts as something of a scoop shovel when walking in sand or loose gravel. 😄 What a mess when you take it off afterwards!
5/5/21Reply
Two to TravelI’ll have to keep the “scooping” in mind. Luckily the paths at the Welcome Center were paved 😀
5/5/21Reply
TravelerNice! More gorgeous scenery. It's great that you're able to walk and even hike in your boot!
5/5/21Reply
Two to TravelJust short distances, but better than nothing.
5/6/21Reply
2 likes

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