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!

My Home Away from Home

My little home

my traveling companion

I own a 1988 13-foot Scamp trailer (and a traveling pom-chi named Templeton who owns me!). This is the third year I've owned this little baby. I had never towed anything before. I have found towing to be pretty easy as long as I pay attention to packing and hooking up. It helps that of I have lists for my lists reminding me the steps for departure and arrival. In addition, I have lists of what I need to pack. I have found the important part is to look at the lists and things go much smoother!

My little trailer is pretty self-sufficient. It even includes a "bathroom". I am excited because I just upgraded my sanipottie to a Thetford porta pottie. I will be practicing with it July 4th weekend. It should be easier to use and empty. My little "bathroom" also has a shower nozzle. I have yet to use it mostly because I haven't figured out how to get my gas hot water heater going. Not to worry; I will figure it out.

The Scamp is loaded with a fresh water tank, gray water tank, furnace, fridge, stove top, and sink. I recently bought a 200w solar panel and  2000i Honda generator to keep the battery charged up, and recharged and to avoid draining it. I have used both and they are great! It's nice to know that I can run everything safely and for as long as I need to. I plan to upgrade my tiny little TV/DVD at some point for those rainy days so it's good to know I will have power. I also have an electric heater and will be taking my laptop on this trip.

I bought a Coleman mosquito pop up tent for the mosquito-infested sites. It purportedly can be put up by one person so I'll be practicing in the backyard.

I recently purchased 3 new tires and wheels, and had the hubs replaced. The wheel bearings were packed and the axle inspected for any issues. These are extremely important items for a trip like I'm taking. Also, a very expensive upgrade.

My son used to build boats so he has done a number of upgrades both big and small to the trailer which makes it fun. Replacing all of the rusty screws and other hardware with stainless steel, fixing electrical cords, adding a quick disconnect for the solar, building a small removable table top, and so, so many more upgrades.

Like so many others, my trailer has a theme- wildlife tracks. I am just now getting track decals put on it and plan to add some other track items as time goes on. I made animal track curtains and pillows. I'll be adding animal track cabinet knobs later. 

The trailer came with a name-Ova- but I'd like to change her name, I just haven't come up with anything yet. Maybe it will come to me while out in the wilderness of the road trip.

Templeton loves the trailer bed