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North to Alaska 2019
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  • Dave C
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North to Alaska 2019

June - August 2019 Read more
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  • North to Alaska 2019
    Dave and Russ's catch. Russ's fish is bigger. Maybe by an inch!
    1Russ's big king salmon.Dave's big salmon.The boat's daily catch. All six angler's caught their limits.Russ had achieved his limit by 11:15. Can't fish anymore.Painting by Russ, "Cody's Catch"The fishing boats on the Homer Spit

    Salmon Fishing with Cody & Wyatt, Homer

    July 17, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F

    Had a great day catching salmon with Cody and Wyatt on the boat Bear Force of the O' Fish'ial Charter fleet.

    We caught our limits by noon. Our bounty included 3 Kings, 2 Silvers, 6 Pinks and 1 rockfish. Russ caught the trophy fish of the day. Dave caught a big King as well.

    Be ready family, Dad is shipping a bunch of fish home! We will ship 45 lbs of Halibut and King Salmon and retain 30 lbs of Pinks and Rockfish in the trailer freezer.

    The weather was gorgeous.    Read more

  • North to Alaska 2019
    Dave fishing Resurrection Creek
    Filleting the bounty. Salmon 'fish & chips' tomorrow 😀"Dave's Fishing Clinic", instructional video. Resurrection Creek, Hope, AKPorcupine Campground, Part 2

    "Where There's Life, There's Hope, AK"

    July 18, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F

    We return back to Hope, Alaska, and Porcupine Campground. We hope to wade the mighty Resurrection Creek and hope to catch more Pinks. We know more this time around. We have more appropriate lures and have talked to many locals about the process.

    The results were unbelieveable. Nice salmon were on the line with every cast. Best fishing ever! We caught over 30 fish. It was exhausting 😁. We kept 5 "bright" ones.

    Check out "Dave's Fishing Clinic", instructional video. We filmed this in one take. Turn up the volume on your phone.

    The next morning we were on the creek 90 minutes before high tide and had another repeat performance. 🐟😁🐟😁🐟😁    Read more

  • North to Alaska 2019
    "Combat Fishing" on Bird Creek
    Bird Creek CampsiteBeer portrait at Girdwood BreweryNorthbound on Seward Highway

    Bird Creek, Alaska

    July 19, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F

    We are now leaving the Kenai Peninsula and heading up north to Denali National Park. We grabbed a campsite at Bird Creek Campground early since it's Friday night and everyone is bugging out of Anchorage.

    We are going to play tourist today. Portage Glacier, Whittier, and Alyeska.

    Planned on fishing Bird Creek tonight but got stuck at Girdwood Brewery on our side trip to Alyeska Resort. Got back to camp and made Salmon fish and chips for dinner and lost track of time. Will try the combat fishing in the morning.    Read more

  • North to Alaska 2019
    Dave and Russ at the Portal Glacier
    Portage Glacier. It used to go all the way to the lakeDave is very serious about GlaciersDave taking pics of Portage Glacier

    Portage Glacier

    July 19, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F

    The Portage Glacier was once used as a means of portage to Whittier, AK.

    Now there is a tunnel through the mountain under the Shakespeare Glacier

  • North to Alaska 2019
    Whittier harbor.
    Dave in Whittier, AKPrince William Sound, Whittier, AK

    Whittier, Alaska

    July 19, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F

    Whittier, AK was created by the US Army during WWII as a no-ice port and petroleum delivery center. To get to Whittier by car you must drive thru a one lane tunnel, carved through a mountain. The tunnel is about 3 miles long.

    Once in Whittier, not much to see. However there is a alot of fishing charters who harvest fish from the Prince William Sound. Might be a future trip 😊    Read more

  • North to Alaska 2019
    Dave and Russ porting their kayaks between lakes
    Dave on the canoe trailRuss and Dave on the second lakeCampsite at Rolly lake view pointDave on the canoe trail

    Tanaina Canoe Trail

    July 20, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    Took our kayaks on a portion of the Tanaina Canoe Trail in the Nancy Lake Recreation Area this afternoon. Got to 4 different lakes before we got tired of doing the portages.

    Camping at a view point above Rolly lake. Making our famous rock fish stew for dinner. Living like Kings!

    The Alaska campfire ban has finally been lifted. It has been 12 days since our last campfire.    Read more

  • North to Alaska 2019

    Russ Becomes A Grandpa

    July 20, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    At 6:43 pm (PST) Russ became a Grandpa! Hollie and Kevin gave birth to Zoie Madison Small. She was born 7 lbs 1 oz, 19 1/2" in length, and has lots of hair. Zoie is the cutest baby in the hospital.

    Baby, Hollie, and Kevin are doing well.    Read more

  • North to Alaska 2019
    Dave fishing under the bridge at Montana Creek
    Lunch and fishing on Montana CreekCombat Fishing on Montana CreekSpawning King Salmon. These fish are at least 30" long and bright red.King gets nervous and splashes away

    Montana Creek, Salmon Fishing & Lunch

    July 21, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    Stopped by Montana Creek for lunch and pink salmon fishing. Caught several and tossed them all back.

    Also stopped at Honolulu Creek hoping to catch some Arctic Grayling but only got one small Bull Trout and a look at some spawning King Salmon.Read more

  • North to Alaska 2019
    Dave at the entrance sign. Another sticker for Dave.
    The white thing in the middle is Denali. Looks like a cloud.DenaliMount McKinleyMoose on the road!Hard way to get a moose photo. This is a Denali transit bus.Disney actor in a moose suit2Denali wildlife sighting. Bunnies on the road!Cantwell RV Campsite. Picture taken at 1130 pm.

    Denali National Park

    July 21, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F

    We are staying at an RV park near Denali National Park for the next two nights.

    We went to the Denali NP for some late night sightseeing. Saw a moose and a bunny. The weather was nice and clear today.

    ....and Dave gets to add another sticker to his National Park map!

    Motorcycle riding and maybe golf tomorrow.    Read more

  • North to Alaska 2019
    Russ and Dave atop a Denali Hwy lookout.
    Dave on top of the worldRuss on top of the worldDave's dream day at the office. Motorcycling to a mountain fishing stream.Painting by Russ, "Blu and Ebony On Top of the World"Russ trail riding on the TundraDave with a small Arctic GraylingDave's dream house on the riverGlacier view from the HighwayMountain view from the Highway

    Play Day in the Denali Area

    July 22, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F

    Went on a 92 mile motorcycle ride on the Denali Highway, which is dirt, like many of the "highways" in Alaska. Found some cool side trails and fishing opportunities along the way.

    Went on 2nd ride after the camp host shared his secret Arctic Grayling fishing hole. The ride was over river rocks and stream beds. We got lost, but evenually found the fishing hole. Caught 2 Graylings. Mission accomplished.

    There now is no such thing as "Night" - this place is a 24-hour a day playground!    Read more

  • North to Alaska 2019

    North to the Artic Circle and Deadhorse

    July 23, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F

    We are making some changes to our travel plans. Instead of reaching the Arctic Circle and Arctic Ocean via the Dempster Highway (NW Territories, Canada), we will be driving the Dalton Highway in Alaska. This journey may take us off line for a couple days. Not to worry. Our new schedule is listed below.

    7/23 Tues, Five Mile Camp, Dalton Hwy, Mile Mark 60
    7/24 Weds, Wiseman, Marion Creek Campground, Mile Mark 180, Dalton Hwy
    7/24 Thurs, Marion Creek CG, Take the truck and motorcycles to Deadhorse and Arctic Ocean and Back
    7/25 Friday, Return to civilization and stay somewhere around Fairbanks (hopefully with a shower).    Read more

  • North to Alaska 2019
    Dave on the 6th Hole, Hitting into the forest. Green was there somewhere
    Russ and Dave at Black Diamond Golf, Healy, AK3rd hole at the golf courseAlaska road signGiant shipping container housing. Dream Home!Our first trailer flat.Beer portrait1Momma Moose having lunch. Disney actor in a moose suit??

    Mid Day Fun in Healy, AK

    July 23, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    Saw a momma moose and her baby on the road to Healy, AK. Very cooperative for the photo shoot.

    Stopped by for callenging round of golf at Black Diamond Golf Resort. The course was carved out of the mountains and tundra.

    After golf we happened to stumble upon a local Brewery. Funny how that keeps happening to us 😊. 49th State Brewing Company.

    Healy is the bedroom community for Denali National Park employees. Where their dreams of a wilderness adventure meet reality by living in stack of shipping containers.

    We had our first trailer tire flat in the Fairbanks Fred Meyer parking lot. We are thankful that this happened close to a tire repair shop instead the middle of nowhere.    Read more

  • North to Alaska 2019
    Arctic Circle crossing on the Dalton Highway
    Russ buying lots of $5.50/gal gas with his fish head friendsRuss catches Arctic Grayling out of Fish CreekDave's big GraylingCampsite at 5-mile CampgroundAlaska Pipeline"Get out of my way!"

    Arctic Circle, AK

    July 24, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F

    After a night in a parking lot campground and a hearty breakfast at Yukon River Camp we completed the long rough drive to the Arctic Circle today. Everything made it in good shape. The road is mostly a total disaster with trucks flying by at 60 mph. Not very tourist-friendly!

    The mountain scenery is probably incredible but we can't see it through the smoke. Great views of the Alaska pipeline though, so Dave is very happy. Even better than waterfalls and glaciers! We have driven next to the pipeline which is mostly above ground since we left Fairbanks about 250 miles back. For those who don't know, Dave spent several years working on pipelines for Conoco.

    Stopped by Fish Creek for some really great Grayling action. Best Grayling fishing so far.    Read more

  • North to Alaska 2019
    Campsite at Marion Creek Campground
    Mosquitos are thick in the ArcticPainting by Russ, "Exploring the North Slope"

    Camping 65 Miles N of the Arctic Circle

    July 24, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    Staying at Marion Creek Campground for the next two nights. Really nice place.

    There is a nice visitor center in Coldfoot that we visited today. Also picked up some more $5.50/gal fuel for the truck.

    Driving up to Deadhorse/Prudhoe Bay in the morning and dipping our toes in the Arctic Ocean. It will be nice to drive without towing the trailer.    Read more

  • North to Alaska 2019
    Russ and Dave in the Arctic Ocean
    Dave in the Arctic OceanArctic FoxRuss thinks he can outrun a Muskoxen!Alaska PipelineBluffs with some snow still on themAlaska Pipeline

    Arctic Ocean, Way Up North

    July 25, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F

    We drove 480 miles round trip, on a gravel road, to take a dip in the Arctic Ocean. Total drive time is about 13 hours.

    We discovered that you have to buy a ticket to gain access to the Arctic Ocean. This $69 ticket is only available though a tour company. We are now certified members of the Arctic Polar Bear Club!

    On the way up we saw a herd of wild Muskoxen. On our tour we saw Caribou, and Arctic Fox. The only wildlife still on our checklist are grizzly bear, dall sheep, and a polar bear floating on a piece of ice.    Read more

  • North to Alaska 2019
    Roadside radiator refilll on the way back to Fairbanks
    Damn radiator, made a mess again.Sheila's Radiator Pepper RemedyQuintessential moose photo opNear whiteout conditions on Dalton HwyDalton Highway, you did not beat us!Rivers Edge RV Resort, Fairbanks

    Car Trouble on the Dalton Highway

    July 26, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 54 °F

    At the end of our trek to the Arctic Ocean we discovered a leak in our radiator. We limped our way to Fairbanks (255 miles and 9 hrs), stopping every 20 miles to check/refill the radiator.

    Not cool man! 😕

    We stopped by the Arctic Circle Information Center and met Sheila, the host. She awarded us our Arctic Circle certificate and told us to put pepper in our radiator to stop the leak. So we did. To our surprise, it worked.! The leak stopped, enabling us to travel without stopping every 20 minutes.

    To add to the excitement, we had nearly whiteout conditions for the last 30 miles. It was a combination of smoke, fog, and a drenching rain storm.

    Goodbye Dalton Highway...you almost kicked our ass.

    To add more excitement, we had to drive uphill on the Elliott Hwy, in construction zone, in a downpour, in three inches of mud that stuck very well to truck and trailer. Dave was driving in four wheel drive, both hands on the wheel, and wondering if we were going to make it. We over came.

    Arrived safety in Fairbanks and staying in the Rivers Edge RV "Resort". We need a beer!    Read more

  • North to Alaska 2019

    Back On The Road to Chicken, AK

    July 27, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F

    After considering all our options regarding the radiator, we decided to buy an insurance policy. The policy included a bottle of Stop Leak, a new radiator that we are keeping in the box, and the tools needed to change it out on the road. If the radiator behaves, Russ will return the parts for a refund. So far, we are looking like two wise men.

    Got to our campsite at Westford Camp Ground, outside of Chicken, AK, overlooking a small lake.

    Chicken, AK is an old gold mining town. The original founders wanted to name the town Ptarmigan, but nobody knew how to spell it. They didn't have Google back then, and the nearest dictionary was in Fairbanks.
    Alaskans are very adaptable people.

    This is our last night in Alaska 🙁.    Read more

  • North to Alaska 2019
    The Chicken SaloonPaintings by Russ, "Chicken Post Office"

    Chicken, AK on Top of the World Highway

    July 28, 2019 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 55 °F

    Made it to the world famous town of Chicken, Alaska on the Top of the World Highway. It's an active mining town and a tourist trap 😊

    The RV's that had travelled the dirt road from Dawson City, YT are completely covered in mud. So that's what we have to look forward to!Read more

  • North to Alaska 2019
    Russ at the Yukon sign
    Dave and Russ at the dredge, Chicken, AKTop of the World Highway at the border crossingScenery along the Highway, Top of the WorldScenery along the Highway, Top of the WorldFerry to Dawson CityOur muddy truck and trailer in Dawson CityDowntown Dawson City

    Back in Canada

    July 28, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F

    We are back in Canada after a long afternoon driving the muddy Top of the World Highway. Truck and trailer are a mess but the scenery was worth it. We also have phone service again which makes it possible to do our posts!

    We decided it would be good to do some exercise so we did a hike down to an old dredge that has been stuck in the river since the 1920's.

    Our first stop after the border crossing was Dawson City which was only reachable by riding a very small, sketchy ferry across the Yukon River.

    Spent the night at Moose Creek Campground south of Dawson City. It was a typical Yukon public campground.    Read more

  • North to Alaska 2019
    Five Finger Rapids, Yukon River
    Panorama of Five Fingers Rapids, Yukon RiverFive Finger Rapids, Yukon RiverFive Finger Rapids, Yukon RiverBeer portrait at Winterlong BrewingTakhini Hot Springs Campsite

    Off the Klondike Highway

    July 29, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F

    We completed our journey on the Klondike Highway this evening. Staying at Takhini Hot Springs and going for another soak.

    Our major activity for today was hiking down to Five Fingers Rapids on the Yukon River. The hike consisted of 219 stairs down to the river. Coming back up was a good workout.

    Heading into Whitehorse to find Winterlong Brewing for a tasty treat.    Read more

  • North to Alaska 2019
    Russ and Dave's sign in the Sign Post Forest
    Sign Post Forest, Watson LakeBiggest Grayling yet, Smart Creek, BCTeslin Village Yukon law enforcement cutoutAlaska Highway, YukonAlaska Highway, YukonBicycle Peaks, YukonWatson Lake Campsite

    Watson Lake. Yukon

    July 30, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F

    We literally grabbed the last campsite in the campgroud. We arrived past the RV Shuffle window. If we arrived 3 minutes later we would have been staying in an RV "Resort".

    Beautiful scenery between here and Whitehorse. Stopped for lunch and fishing at Smart Creek. Dave caught a sizable Arctic Grayling.

    The town of Watson Lake has dedicated a entire city block to the Sign Post Forest. The forest consists of 1,000s of stolen street and handmade signs. To memorialize our trip we put our sign on a Nampa, ID street sign.    Read more

  • North to Alaska 2019
    Drone image of Smith River Falls
    Russ at Liard Hot SpringsDave at Liard Hot SpringsMotorcycle ride to West LakeDrone footage of Smith River Falls

    Play Day At Liard River Hot Springs, BC

    July 31, 2019 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 52 °F

    We are now in BC, Canada. On our way, we saw a herd of Wood Bison and several Black Bears.

    We hiked to two waterfalls. We hiked to Teeter Creek Falls and Smith River Falls. We fished for Arctic Graylings in both places. Dave is happy.

    Russ flew his drone over Smith River Falls. It was all fun and games until Russ nearly lost control of the drone due to loss of GPS in the canyon and swirling wind gusts. After several landing attempts, Russ finally landed her hard on the rocky beach. No need to worry, the drone is fine.

    After our falls hikes, we rode our motorcycles to Smith River Airstrip (62 miles round trip). This airport was established in WWII as a military airport to connect Canada and Russia.

    After our ride, we enjoyed a relaxing soak in the natural Liard Hot Springs. Life is good!    Read more

  • North to Alaska 2019
    Russ at Kinuseo Falls
    Dave at Kinuseo FallsKinuseo FallsCascades above Kinuseo FallsKinuseo FallsMonkman RV Park, Tumbler Ridge, BCPanoramic view of the Peace River Valley near Hudsons Hope BC

    Tumbler Ridge, Waterfall Capital of BC

    August 2, 2019 in Canada ⋅ 🌧 52 °F

    It is raining hard right now. We are sitting under our awning, at the Monkman RV Park, hoping the rain will stop so we can go exploring and see some more waterfalls.

    We just discovered that this weekend is a long weekend for Canadians. It is "Civic Day", which must mean 'everyone goes camping'. All campgrounds are full.

    With a break in the weather, we drove 60 miles round trip to Kinuseo Falls which is considered to be an icon of Northern British Columbia. The 225 ft waterfall was breathtaking.    Read more

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