Day 21 What to do today

random bear photo from day 17 because I didn't take any photos today.

Cartoon aficionados will get this:

Templeton: mom, what are we going to do today?

Me: the same thing we do every day, Temp, drive, stop for gas, and drive until I’m tired. LOL

253 miles today- Canyon Creek RV Park to Red Hill Rest Area. The first 90 were slow and challenging. Once again the rain was non-stop and the tire grooves full of water. So difficult! I can tell I’ve clutched the steering wheel a fair amount in the last 3 weeks by the calluses forming on my palms where my rings are! Good grief! LOL

Today’s drive was a repeat of last months drive up. My first stop was the Hixon gas station. I had a great chat with a young woman who grew up there. She said there’s a resurgence in the little community with dances and a parade and other activities. It was much more active when she was a kid (she’s in her early 20s, I’d say), then it became sedate. New people are moving in with new energy so that helps. They move in for the land and not to develop it- just to enjoy the space. As we were talking several guys came in buying beer- really at 9am? Hmmm…

I was stopped for yet more road construction. Most of it during the last couple of days has been paving. While sitting at this one I noticed they’re also widening the road. The sad part of that is it’s located right where a badger crossing sign is; the only badger sign on my entire trip. Bulldozers, backhoes, new side roads, the whole works. Probably can take that sign down.

The autumn colors are happening along this section of driving. They're once again a subtle gold of aspen and cottonwoods. The area has a lot of rangeland- basically parked out areas with large forested areas. Unfortunately, there were a fair number of cows, including some mucking around in several of the beautiful ponds. I also saw a small feedlot full of cows. I hadn’t noticed cows on the way up so I wonder if the cows were recently brought down from the high country? There were never more than 50 or so in a group that I could see.

I stopped at the 108 Mile Heritage House and rest area. There are several buildings from the 1800s that can be viewed into through wire mesh at the doors. It’s a great place to stop and stretch your legs. Templeton and I went into one of the little museum gift shops and I found some homemade apple-bacon dog treats. There were several other flavors but we chose that one. Yummy!

Tonight’s camp spot will be the Red Hill Rest Area- where I began this amazing journey. At least it won’t be 90+ degrees this time!

Every day is full of ravens. I’m going to miss them. We have them in Washington however, they aren’t found everywhere like British Columbia, Yukon Territory, and Alaska. It's a mystical place when you can find them.

Random selfie from Day 13- Denali Highway. One of only 2 I took on the trip. The Alaska Range is behind me.

Wildlife- osprey, red-tail hawks, quite a few kestrels, bald eagles,  magpie, peregrine falcon, western meadowlarks, crows, brewers blackbirds. 

Lesson #21 Journeys are one big wonderful circle!

Financing a Long Road Trip

follow the tracks to adventure!

So  how does one finance a long road trip? Save up for years or fly by the seat of your pants and just go?! Well, I haven't saved up so it's just go for it. I've spent quite a bit upfront over the last several months getting my trailer ready to go and making sure I'll be pretty self-sufficient.

I believe my primary costs will be:
showers and laundry
camping
gas
groceries
souvenirs
pet sitting while visiting Denali National Park
emergency- credit card

It appears that gas is around $1.15 a liter. 3.78  liters equals 1 US gallon. The trip is around 2,300 miles one way and my truck only gets around 15mpg with the trailer. I'd say gas will be my biggest ugliest cost! Camping fees will likely average around $20 (many are $12 plus I hope to find free spots), with an RV park a couple of times at $30 or $40 a night. Meals are groceries with very little eating out. With my new health issue I'll need to watch what I eat as much as possible. Showers and laundry should be pretty cheap- when I can find them. Lastly, souvenirs. I am a sucker for souvenirs! I love visitor centers and all of the wonderful items they carry. I plan on picking up some jewelry, t-shirts for family, books (after all I am a book addict), couple of coffee mugs, and other items that either bring me or another person  joy. And don't forget pet sitting is $30 or $40 a day and I plan on spending 2 full days on the bus in Denali National Park (an 8-10 hour ride!). No frills such as plane rides or boat tours since I have Templeton with me. That's for another day.

The other issue is how much money in Canadian vs US I should carry. I'll need to decide how much Canadian money I'll need and stop by a bank for the best exchange rate. I'll be looking for credit unions that reciprocate with other credit unions. I plan to use my debit card a lot because I'll get the exchange rate and avoid extra charges. Credit cards give the exchange rate but charge a fee however, I'll utilize them from time to time. I'll inform my bank and credit union plus phone carrier about my trip to avoid any surprises.

So many items to think about when you are towing a trailer, taking a dog, have a health issue that affects meal planning, haven't saved up for, and on the road for 3 weeks in near wilderness. I can't wait!!

The Beginning- Planning

Planning for a 3 week road trip where I will be towing a 13-foot fiberglass trailer seems like a crazy idea to many. I'm nearing 60 with a little pom-chi dog, Templeton, and a bucket list that needs fulfilling. I apparently have a great sense of adventure albeit within safe limits. There's trepidation in a solo trip of over 2,000 miles one way with Denali National Park as my destination.

I have a box of brochures, and tour books, and many maps for my planning and I still haven't figured out how long it will take me to get there, where to stop, or where to stay. How much money should I budget? Wait- should I have some Canadian cash? Can I use my debit card at campgrounds? Where are all those pull offs for a quick overnight stay?  Most importantly, where are the natural wonders and wildlife spots I shouldn't miss?

This is a trip I've wanted to do all of my life. I'm nervous and excited and ready for it. Three weeks of solitude is attractive. Time to reflect, time to listen- to my inner voice, to the wilderness, to the critters. Time to find the part of me that was lost in the last few years.

"The mountains are calling and I must go!" John Muir

Whistler pull off in North Cascades National Park