July 22 – We came across the border from the Yukon yesterday. Now at Tok, AK, where you turn and head for Anchorage, or continue on the Alcan towards Fairbanks. We haven’t decided yet. The cost of most things are less in Alaska compared to anywhere in Canada, gas especially. Saw more bear yesterday. We are having a lot more bear sightings this year than any past trip to Alaska, and, the scenery is just spectacular.
July 23 – Fairbanks RV sites were expensive. To add to the misery, upon arrival it was 85 degrees and a lot of smoke (from 100s of forest fires in the state – most started from lightening).
So, Everest needs to see a vet, we need to stock up at a Costco and Walmart, and we need some prescriptions refilled. After that we want to see the university’s wildlife area, their museum, and the dairy/creamery (used to be) where thousands of sand hill cranes and Canadian geese frequent on their migration. A wildlife refuge within the city limits of Fairbanks, that’s cool.
July 24 – Best thing yet for Everest – we found an off leash dog park and he loved it and the Golden Retriever that became his best buddy. So, shopping all done, tomorrow museum, wild animals, and other fun stuff.
We needed to replace both 12 volt batteries on the RV. I’m not sure if they were bad as it seems the trailer’s converter is not charging them – I’m using a regular charger. That might be a problem if we Boondock for more than a day.
This is the furthest north we’ve ever been – now twice. Official sunset time last night was 1133 PM. Even at 1-2 AM it’s still light. Our trip south to Anchorage will probably take 2-3 days and even though we go by Mt McKinley, actually it’s now officially Denali, we probably won’t see it due to clouds and/or smoke.
July 28 – We changed our mind and are spending 2 extra days in Fairbanks. Eating out a couple times, and, of course, the dog park every day. Our best eating out experience since leaving the US was at Miguel’s, a Mexican food restaurant here in Fairbanks. They had a halibut wrap Mexican style that was amazing.
A few words about our travels:
The most popular rig seems to be the Class C motorhome (many of those are rentals). Some of these Class A Diesel Pushers (engine in the back) are the most luxurious and cost upwards of $1 million. We are staying away from the expensive places from now on – full of the rich and snooty. Every park says they have internet and very very few actually do, only when 3 ft from their office. Roads are actually good except for the frost heaves, cracks and nature’s speed bumps due to very cold weather and the freezing of moisture under the road. The water, straight out of the faucet, in Fairbanks is extremely cold due to permafrost just a couple feet under the surface. Most travelers we meet are recently retired. Young people mostly have a car/suv and tents. Canadians seem to love camping more than most. Fairbanks has a high crime rate, second in Alaska. Anchorage is safer. Costco sells these wire hoop dip nets about 8ft in diameter used to catch salmon – legally. First Nation/natives have more liberal access to fish and wildlife.
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