Hermann is a quaint little German town that has many wineries, distilleries, restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities. It has been a favorite stop for years and a great way to kick off our Alaskan adventure.
While in Hermann we celebrated Melina's birthday.
We visited the Tin Mill Restaurant, Hermanhoff Winery, Concert Hall & Barrel Tavern, Hermann Wurst Haus, and Swiss Meat & Sausage Co.
Kitties are still traveling.
Winery time for Lisa & Greg.
Lakefront camping with a relaxed and peaceful one night stay before continuing our journey over to Colorado.
Sites 1 & 2 on Milford Lake.
Heaton Bay Campground is located on the shores of Lake Dillon between Frisco and Dillon. Lake Dillon is surrounded by mountains including the Tenmile Range, Gore Range and Continental Divide. It is situated at an elevation of 9,000 feet and centrally located for recreation and relaxation in the White River National Forest.
Moutain and lake views from many sites in the campground. Site #7 had mountain views in two directions.
We took the e-bikes for a ride on the Lake Dillon Scenic Rec Path to Frisco. There we enjoyed the Happy Hour at 5th Ave Grill.
The evening temperatures were crisp and just right for a fire. Night time low's were in the 30's with day time high's in the 70's.
View at the Frisco Bay Marina where we enjoyed a few beverages at the Island Grill.
From the Island Grill we went to 5th Ave Grill, The Lost Cajun (for fresh, hot beignet) and Moose Jaw to mix with some of the locals.
Red skies at night, sailors delight or for us a picturesque travel day tomorrow.
This campground has full hook up sites with newer facilities, nice views, and easy access to the riverside trails of Las Colonias Park.
Heading toward the Vail, CO pass ( 10, 662) on our way to Grand Junction, CO.
Canyon driving near Gypsum, CO along the Colorado River. We have traveled this section of Highway 70 many times and it is always breathtaking.
Next stop was Camp Eddy in Grand Junction. This campground has some nice amenities like great shower facilities, camp store, and community area with patio and happy hour.
From the patio you could sit and enjoy the Colorado River rushing by. Luckily these full hook up sites had 50amp service, because it was hot (near 100 degrees) everyday we were there.
Colorado National Monument is a National Park near Grand Junction, Colorado. Sheer-walled canyons cut deep into sandstone and granite formations. This is an area of desert land high on the Colorado Plateau and today we took the Rim Rock Drive, a beautiful drive in the red rock canyons, with crisp blue skies, and green juniper plants.
Fallen Rock Overlook
Lars hiking down a bit to get a better perspective of Artists Point.
A nice clear day to peer out toward Artists Point View.
Book Cliffs View, near Saddlehorn Campground
Independence Monument a 5,739-foot-elevation sandstone pillar that rock climbers are allowed to scale.
They don't make the National Park maps like they used to, this one disintegrated into several pieces.
Looking toward the Colorado River and the town of Fruita from the Rim Rock Drive.
We headed for the top of the Mesa to escape the 90 to 100 degree temperatures in Grand Junction.
While traveling on the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway we made a stop at Land O Lakes Overlook Trailhead.
Stretching our legs and having a little fun throwing snowballs at the Overlook.
Panoramic views and lunch at Grand Mesa Lodge were the highlight of the day. We enjoyed chili, pizza, and chicken strips at the Lodge, where the temperature was about 52 degrees.
Next stop Utah, where it was several hours of desert travel and then on to greener mountains.
Utah Lake is unique in that it is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the West and yet it lies in an arid area that receives only about 15 inches of rainfall a year. The mouth of the Provo River, where it empties into Utah Lake, was undoubtedly a very popular camping place for the early inhabitants of Utah Valley.
Just past sunset at Utah Lake State Park site #28.
Provo Bay at the campground. I always love the reflection of the mountains in the water.
Sites 28 & 30 - Water and electric (30amp)
We headed for the top of the Mesa to escape the 90 to 100 degree temperatures in Grand Junction.
Guardsmans Pass Overlook just past the alpine ski area.
Deer Creek Overlook near Cascade Springs.
Pine Hollow Trailhead just off the Alpine Loop Drive.
Today's scenery from the Back 40 Ranch House Grill patio where bacon mac & cheese, Ahi tuna poke bowl, wedge salad, and roast beef dip were served.
This campground is a stop on our way up to Glacier National Park. Along the way we visited the Golden Spike National Historic Site and Idaho Falls.
The golden spike is the ceremonial 17.6-karat gold final spike driven by Leland Stanford to join the rails of the first transcontinental railroad across the United States connecting the Central Pacific .
Sunset at the City of Blackfoot RV Park.
This little campground was next to McCarley Air Field and Jenson Grove Park.
Nestled in a roundabout in Idaho Falls, Eagle Rock Fountain, symbolizes the city's rich history and heritage.
Idaho, gem of the mountains.
Idaho Falls River Walk, a spectacular way to see and explore the things that makes Idaho Falls unique. Covering 5 miles on both sides of the Snake River it is a joint project of the city and its residents.
When in Idaho, be sure to stop by the Potato Museum.
Other interesting facts about Idaho:
Idaho has more miles of rivers than any other state at 3,100 miles. Also, the Salmon River is the longest free-flowing river that heads and flows within a single state.
It's called the Gem State because of the 72 types of precious and semi-precious stones found here, including possibly the largest diamond ever found in the US!
Black Sandy State Park has 29 campsites with electricity and one tent site that can be reserved, and 5 tent sites without electricity that are first come-first served. Maximum trailer length is 35 ft. The park is 43 acres at an elevation of 3,835 feet.
Traveling north on Hwy 287 toward Ennis, MT. Just breathtaking views of the mountains and peaks.
This little cafe in Ennis had a 3-D store front. We definitely would like to stay and visit this cute little town we passed through.
In to the fog! Sleet nor snow will stop us from heading to Helena.
Quick stop for lunch.
Upon arrival we were gifted with a spectacular rainbow.
The campground did not disappoint, the landscape was gorgeous. We were in site #2 and Greg & Lisa were in site #4. The sites were tight but worth the view.
We found a local drinking establishment, Lakeside on Hauser, which the Missouri River runs through.
Lake Hauser in the background.
While the Last Chance Gulch was closed we stopped by The Gold Bar and Western Bar next door.
We also stopped by one of the last fire towers in Helena.
Stopped by the Blaze-N-Gems Rock and Jewelry Shop to find this guy adorning the grounds that this store was settled on.
As we headed out of Helena, we found another place we will need to come back and visit. Gates of the Mountains has a boat tour that shares the history, geology, wildlife, and Montana's grand beauty.
This Traditional Blackfeet Campground standing along the shores of lower St. Mary’s Lake is adjacent to Glacier National Park (East Entry). Chewing Black Bones provides 126 overnight sites, 8 picnic shelters, 22 full hookup 32 power only, some sites are lakeside.
Our sites were # C3 & 4, Full Hookups. It's nice to have comfortable spacing between sites.
Rent a TP
View from the campground and looking at St. Mary's Lake
Going-to-the-Sun Road is a scenic mountain road in the Rocky Mountains in Glacier National Park in Montana. The Sun Road, as it is sometimes abbreviated, is the only road that traverses the park, crossing the Continental Divide through Logan Pass at an elevation of 6,646 feet, which is the highest point on the road. Construction began in 1921 and was completed in 1932
Piegan Mountain
Wild Goose Island
Bird Woman Falls Overlook
Lake McDonald Lake
Crystal Point
Haystack Butte
Logan Pass
Soaking up the sun at Logan Pass.
St Mary Lake
Swiftcurrent Lake
Lunch at the Swiss Lounge in the Many Glacier Lodge. The lodge is located in the “Switzerland of North America,′′ in the northeastern area of Glacier National Park. It was built by the Great Northern Railway in 1914-15, and situated on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake.the lake lies at 4,878 feet above sea level.
The 1927 Prince of Wales Hotel is an iconic lodge that sits on a bluff overlooking Waterton Lake and the village.
Pinkies out, we are having drinks at the Windsor Lounge where we enjoyed cozy setting near the windows that overlook Upper Waterton Lake.
Haskap Berry Margarita with a habanero salt rim.
Having a little fun behind the Lakeside Chop House in Waterton - Glacier International Peace Park after dinner at the Thirsty Bear Kitchen.
Kootanai Brown viewpoint from Hwy 5 overlooking lower Waterton Lake.
Cruising along Alberta Hwy 5 along the Belly River. There is a primitive campground close to this location.
Heading back to the campground from our Canadian visit on Chief Mountain Road. While not the highest peak in Glacier, at 9080 feet, Chief Mountain stands ahead of the other mountains on the eastern edge of the Rockies.
Chief Mountain holds great power and ancient knowledge for the people of the Blackfeet Reservation.. Chief Mountain is considered the oldest spirit of any of the mountains and creation stories of the Blackfeet are linked to it.
This campground is located in the heart of the Kootenay Rockies in British Columbia. There is a magnificent view of Fisher Peak among other mountain views.
Headed into Alberta, Canada for a few weeks on our way to Alaska.
Beautiful scenery as we pass by Fernie, a small ski village on the way to Fort Steele.
The pull through sites had some great views of the mountains. These two sites were #79 & 80.
On the last evening we were gifted with a double rainbow.
Just a gorgeous view from the pull; through sites.
Entertaining ourselves at the Kootenay Trout Hatchery. From the Monashee and Selkirk mountains in the west to the Central Purcells and Rockies in the east, the Kootenay region is renowned for its stunning vistas. It is a combination of deep river valleys, large fjord-like lakes, lush forests, and lofty mountain peaks
Horseshoe Lake Recreational Sites has several first come, first serve primitive sites.
Next stop, Golden, BC but first the scenic drive up Hwy 95 by Columbia Lake near Thunder Hill Provenical Park.
This 20ft tall by 40ft Wide sculpture found in the round-about honors the heard of bighorn sheep that call Radium Hot Springs home.
Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge is a picturesque historical bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River in Golden, BC
Getting above the campers and trees to see the mountains at Whispering Spruce Campground.
Had lunch at The Golden Taps Pub (where the food, waitress, and patio were great), then walked to the Farmer's Market, and on to Island Restaurant for river views and new cocktails.
Kootenay Valley Viewpoint: 60 Banff-Windermere Hwy, Radium Hot Springs, BC
In the national park viewing the colors of the Kootenay River.
Castle Mountains along the Bow River on Hwy 93 in Banff National Park.
Between 1996 and 2016, 44 structures — six bridges and 38 underpasses — were built for wildlife to traverse the Trans-Canada Highway, the nation's longest road, which bisects the park.
Our first bear sighting along the Trans-Canadian Highway 1 (Hwy 93) near Protection Mountain campground, which we stayed at in 2018.
Lake Louise at Fairmont Château Hotel where we had lunch with a view. The amount of tourists is a bit overwhelming but the views more than make up for the amount of people.
The views between the national parks is endless. Just beautiful.
Emerald Lake was the last stop of the day. We were hoping for the hand-dipped ice cream that we indulged in several years ago but it was not to be. There was an incredible amount of tourists at this location as well.
Cilantro on the Lake Bistro...no longer an ice cream place on the lake.
Bow Lake Viewpoint, a panoramic of the lake with these 3 pictures.
The reflection is just breathtaking and to the left is part of the Crowfoot Glacier.
The drive between Banff and Jasper is a favorite. The mountains, lakes, streams, and animals are just stunning.
We nicknamed this mountain, volcano mountain because of the way the cloud appeared to be smoke. Howse Peak which is still in Banff National Park,
Today's travel took us on the Icefields Parkway.
This beautiful shot is just before the Saskatchewan River Crossing. It is located within Banff National Park at the junction of Highway 93 and Highway 11.
Here we are climbing up The Big Bend, near Panther Falls. It is quite the mountainscape.
Coming into the Columbia Icefields in Jasper National Park.
One of many lunches with a view. Here we parked, heated up lunch and enjoyed viewing the glaciers with skiers, hikers, and ice walkers.
Venture onto the glass-floored Columbia Icefield Skywalk near the Athabasca Glacier in Jasper, suspended 918-foot in the air. Soak in unobstructed views of the Sunwapta Valley.
The first captured photo of many more black bears to come.
Big beautiful buck showing his rack on the Yellowhead Highway!
Bears, elk, and stone sheep, oh my...Jasper National Park along the Athabasca River.
Emerald Pond norhern end of Jasper National Park
Jasper Lakes Sand Dunes - definitely worth a stop with amazing views in a very shallow aqua colored lake with sand bottom. Loved the experience and who knew there were dunes in Jasper National Park.
Sunday Brunch did not disappoint at Earls Kitchen + Bar where we shared a Seafood Tower with sushi, ahi tuna, prawn cocktail, and lobster.
Sunday Funday, brunch, window shopping, and bar hopping was on the agenda.
Two Brothers Totem Pole or also called Jasper's Raven Totem Pole (Gateway to the Pacific Northwest 1915-2009)
Jasper Gates Campground is a 17 acres of land nestled at the base of Folding Mountain in the Rocky Mountains. Greg & Lisa were in "River Site" #38 and it was one of the best sites in the park.
About two weeks before this devastation we enjoyed several days in the area.
We stayed at this campground as a respite from the heatwave going through northwestern Canada. Ahhh, 50 amp and running that AC for a couple days.
Early in the day we took out the eBikes and rode around the Bear Creek Reservoir and took a few pics along the way.
This park offers 17 vehicle-accessible campsites on a first come, first served basis. Campsite reservations are not accepted. The sites are able to accommodate large RVs.
Road to Buckinghorse we passed by Dawson Creek, BC where the Alaska Highway begins. The Alaska Highway begins at Mile 0 in Dawson Creek, BC. The first 613 miles/987 km of the Alaska Highway are in British Columbia, where it is designated BC Highway 97 North. The highway travels in a northwesterly direction to the Yukon border near Watson Lake, YT (Historical Mile 635). From there it continues as Yukon Highway 1, crossing 577 miles/929 km of Yukon to Port Alcan on the Alaska border. The Alaska Highway crosses into Alaska at Historical Mile 1221.8, where it becomes Alaska Route 2
Crossing the Taylor Bridge at the Peace River along the Alaska Highway. Construction on the highway took place in 1942 with more than 7,000 military supplies including 5000 struck, 904 tractors, 374 graders, 174 shovels and 11,000 service men that worked 12 to 16 hour days to complete the highway in just under 9 months.
Beaverlodge, Alberta, Canada: World's Largest Beaver:
Canada's mightiest tree-biter is 15 feet high, 18 feet long, and sits atop a 20-foot-long log. Built in 2004 for the town's 75th birthday. Officially named "Justin Beaver" in 2022.
This scenic campground is for those traveling the Alaska Highway. The stop has a lodge across the highway to grab a bite to eat. The rainbows were after the afternoon storms. We stayed in primitive sites 4 & 5.
While here we celebrated Lars birthday with strawberry rhubarb pie, pirogi casserole, and a campfire.
This was a great little find for staying a couple of takes with lakefront sites. We really enjoyed watching the moose, swans, and ducks on the lake from our sites. 14 & 15. Sites 13 to 17 have great views and full hookup with 30 amp service.
Loved these sites... looking left, center, and right of the common grassy area in front of the RVs.
Sunrise looking toward the Toad River Recreational area.
Same view as above, different time of day, and with cloud and mountain reflections.
On the road to Toad River Lodge going through Stone Mountain Park near Summit Lake Campground.
Heading toward Baba Canyon along side the McDonald Creek
Upon arrival at our site we were given the gift of watching this big bull moose with very mature antlers. Just stunning. Two females were also in the water eating while two storks passed by.
The next morning we were able to watch the female moose (cow) graze for quite a long time as well.
While sending up the drone to get a bird's eye view of camp and wildlife, it had a critical mechanical error that sent plummeting down to the water. No luck finding it with the kayak, metal detector, and strong magnets until the next morning where Greg happen to see it just off shore where he could reach it by stepping into the edge of the water.
Along the lakeside walk, a couple of toads can be located in front of the big beaver hut.
About a week after we stayed at Toad River the Alaska Highway was washed out from torrential rain.
Toad River wash out one week later.
This is our third time to this lakefront campground and it is always stunning. The lake’s cold, deep waters are tinted green by minerals and provide a home to lake trout, arctic grayling, and whitefish. Some of these primitive campsites can be reserved through the BC Parks reservations service though most campsites are first come, first served.
The view from the beach area at Campsite #5
A little kayaking and paddle boarding fun.
Trying out the paddle board for the first time, first you must sit, then kneel, and then hopefully standing up. Overall a fun experience, would definitely do it again. The board glides through the water fairly easily.
When your campsites are not next to each other and you have to bring all your supplies for afternoon shots. 🤣
The smokey conditions due to wildfires made for an interesting sunset behind the surrounding peaks, Terminal Range of the Muskwa Range, which reach altitudes of more than 6,600 ft, while the lake lies at an elevation of 2,690 ft.
Lars took a great photo at about midnight, just look and the colors and the reflection in the water.
On the way up to Dawson City we did a bunch of one night campground stays in order to miss the rain and not have a long drive up to Dawson City. We traveled about 872 miles on the Alaska Highway (Al-Can) to the Klondike Highway just after Whitehorse.
Don't pet the fluffy cows! As we rolled down the Alaska Highway through the Northern Rockies we came across this herd on the move.
This critter, a porcupine, scurried across our path too.
This little bear was found crossing the Alaska Highway going toward the Liard River.
Crossing at the Hyland River
The stop at Watson Lake included a little shopping, dinner, and a visit to the Signpost Forest. The "World Famous" Signpost Forest was started in 1942 with the building of the Alaska Highway. A serviceman, Carl K Lindley, was homesick so he created a sign here to point towards home in Illinois, others followed his lead. The Signpost Forest is considered an official Yukon Historic Site with more than 100,000 signs as of 2023.
The pieces of heavy equipment found in the Signpost Forest were used during the construction of the Alaska Highway.
Lars added his special sign to the forest, it was the Chinese fortune cookie message from dinner that evening.
The Watson Lake Signpost Forest is the oldest and most extensive site of its type. It represents the longstanding tradition of "leaving your mark" wherever that might be.
Sweden being represented by the Dala Horse. Horses were highly valued and became a symbol of strength and courage. They arrived in Sweden 4000 years ago and were tamed and domesticated around that time.
Today's travel took us through the Yukon and to Johnson's Crossing.
We crossed over the Teslin River just before reaching Johnson's Crossing Lodge.
From Johnson's Crossing Lodge we traveled up to Carmacks, YT where we stayed at a small campground behind Hotel Carmacks on the Yukon River.
Today we followed the Yukon River to Pelly Crossing where the campground was primitive but free.
This RV park offers full service 30 Amp sites which include electricity, water, sewer, cable TV and wifi. Laundromat, RV/car wash and showers. We stayed in sites #79 & 80 in the back of the park which was nice. We also got to know our gold prospector neighbor, Alex and Monique.
Crossing the bridge at Stewart Crossing along the Klondike Highway. The haze in the sky is the smoke from the many, many wildfires.
Just some of the devastation from the wildfires in Yukon as we traveled toward Dawson City.
Lars is happy to be back in Dawson City!
The Midnight Dome Lookout is a sightseeing destination high above the community of Dawson City, Yukon, Canada. It is called the Midnight Dome because for decades people have gathered on the top of the hill to watch the midnight sun and the changing colors of the night sky. The first recorded group to gather on the Midnight Dome to watch the midnight sun was in 1899.
We had the opportunity to visit a working gold mine. The gold mining in both Alaska and Yukon is carried out with the aid of modern and highly orchestrated mining techniques. Both regions are among the most productive gold producing regions in the world, and gold mining in Yukon and Alaska continues to draw thousands of workers every year.
Alex, a genuine gold miner and prospector, kindly showed us around an active mine and a vintage dredge. He and his family have been in the gold business for years and he had many great stories and lessons to share.
The gold mining business costs a fortune to run, large pieces of equipment, fuel, and more fuel, and labor. Open-pit mining, favored for its cost-effectiveness in shallow deposits, can cost between $500 and $1,000 per ounce of gold produced. In contrast, deeper deposits may necessitate more expensive underground mining, with costs ranging from $800 to $1,500 per ounce.
Upper Bonanza Creek Claim, looking like it has been retired for many years.
Maximizing the Glitter! Over 46 years, Dredge #4 recovered eight metric tons of gold. During top production times, 50 pounds of gold was recovered every three to four days. Twice a month the company would ship about 12 new gold bricks to the bank.
After seeing the active mine, hearing the stories, and viewing the old claims, gold fever struck at Free Gold Panning Claim #6. Lisa finds a fleck of gold with her bare hands.
On Friday we took a boat ride down the Yukon River to enjoy a cultural experience at a historical landmark area. We had the opportunity to attend the Moosehide Gathering, a coming together of people that celebrates and honors Hän traditions and culture.
The Gathering included food, raffles, workshops, heritage celebrations, and information booths.
We ended the day at Aurora Inn Restaurant with ribs. Actually we ate here the night before too, very good food and worth a visit.
Just another day in Dawson 🤣 Headed over to Bombay Peggy's as suggested by the bartender at the The Sluice Box Lounge in the Eldorado Hotel. Coffee drinks and espresso martinis were enjoyed on the back deck.
The green sign next to the building says: Don't Laugh at Me! I am over 125 years old. I'm rusty and crude looking but during the time of the Gold Rush the builders didn't have a world of choices to use for materials so they used flattened oil barrels for siding and here I am.
The Pit Tavern at the Westminster Hotel...a very local tavern, the quintessential dive bar.
This Hobo Hotel was just outside The Pit Tavern. It looks well used and includes a food menu for Curly's Claim and their world famous hamburgers.
Heading to the Dawson City Ferry.