Tolsana Wilderness Campground

Mosquitos are at max strength today. They drove Phil and I out of Valdez this morning. We were trying to enjoy our coffee and NPR radio news and finally couldn't take the bugs anymore. We were on the road at 8 am. Another breathtaking drive north through Keystone Canyon. Apparently, there was to be a trainline to the big mine at Kennicott years ago. A squabble ensued among the 9 rail companies. A shootout ended the whole debate with one killed and 2 injured, and the rail line went to Cordova instead of Valdez. Stunning mountains views, a glacier or two, and lakes.

KOA was nice. It was very expensive at $63 per night, but it did have everything really. Tonight, we are campground for $27 per night. Water, showers, flush toilets. We opted not to get electricity as our batteries are charged up. We 'll be in Anchorage tomorrow at an expensive RV place with all that as well.

Speaking of electricity, my hero, Phil, fixed my electrical connector, so we have lights inside the camper and can charge our phones inside. It is a good development!

We arrived early at our campsite and have spent our time treating our clothes with permethrin for mosquitos. It is a spray that you apply and then allow the clothes to dry. It lasts about 6 washes. It kills mosquitos on contact. Hope it works as they are quite active here.

Phil's also getting his Tenkara fly rod out to fish in this small stream we are camped next to.

We'll have our steaks for supper and try to go to the commissisary at Joint Base Richardson in Anchorage to resupply in the next 2 days.Read more