Days 84,85,86 Sat., Sun., Mon., Aug. 27, 28,29 At Page, AZ.

Days 84,85,86  Sat., Sun., Mon., Aug. 27, 28,29 At PAge AZ.

Saturday.--These days were filled with activities  around the town of Page AZ, except for the trip to Flagstaff to see Ruth’s niece, Karrie,  and her family. That meeting never came to pass, and although both of us made the trip, (They live in Phoenix)  some place along the line we missed communicating the meeting place as we were both there but at two different places , which both thought the other had agreed upon. That was tough, as we had to find a way to consume the birthday cake we bought  for her husband , Beau. Both going and coming it was a beautiful drive through the cliffs and changing desert until the mountains of the San Francisco Peaks of Flagstaff.There were many Native shops selling jewelry and pottery on that US 89 route.

The following day (Sun) we were scheduled to take a boat ride with the Waweap tours on Lake Powell to Rainbow Bridge. When we went to the Lodge to meet the group on the tour there was no one there that was going. We got our barding passes and sat for more than an hour as WE had still been on Mountain daylight time and Page was on Pacific Daylight time. We started that day an hour early. That boat trip the 60 miles to Rainbow Bridge was eye eye opener.  Cap’n Jim and 1st Mate Laura did a fine job looking after the 1/2 capacity full, vessel that took us there in about 2 hours. Slowing for boat traffic was one safety procedure I thought was excellent. The views of the rock formations and the colors was fantastic.  Accenting the red sandstone that is so prevalent on this area were whites, grays and pinks thrown in. We arrived and Ruth stayed on the boat and I took the camera and the pictures. It was not a long walk but discretion is the better part of valor when the knee is  giving problems. Hence , Ruth stayed on board.  The walk was on a gravel path  and the temp was in the 90‘s with lots of sun, so I went slow and arrived just behind the main group. The heat was in the low 90’s, with less wind as we neared the Bridge. 

It is phenomenal to be sure. As tall as the Empire State building  and a bit wider than that.  It is truly a remarkable site that the Navajos have kept sacred all these dozens of generations. There are no commercial entites of any kind there but a huge boat dock.  We kept hydrated in the sun and on the boat and I think I consumed 10-12 cups of lemonade on the boat alone. We were greeted warmly by the captain on return with an apple and a granola bar if we chose. Ruth was happy with my pictures so I guess I “done good”. The ride back was similar with more chances to get pictures of the rocks and mesas and table tops in a brighter light. It was a fine trip that I would recommend to any who can do it.

That evening the wind came up and we had a very typical desert storm that skimmed by us, even though we were on the edge. It did bring , however , a wonderful set of rainbows and a beautiful sunset. All the campers in the area were getting everyone out to see the rainbow that filled the sky from one end to the other.

Then on Tuesday Ruth was looking forward to the Antelope  Canyon tour since April when she made the reservations from Michigan. It was truly both an adventure and a marvelous witness to God’s handiwork here on earth. The Natives revere this place as it is an ancient meeting place with some of the guides telling of how they used to play here as a child. Today the Nation (Navajo) makes money on the tours they have .The day we went there were more than 20 tours of 10-12 people each just in the 3 hours that we were going and coming. Our tour was a photographers tour so we had more time and privilege to take pictures with no interference of time schedules. Other groups were “walk throughs” and had limited time to finish (less than an hour).

 The "flame"

              It was an adventure as we boarded a 12 passenger, covered truck with 2 padded bench seats and handrails for holding. The first 1/2 of the ride was on blacktop surface (smooth) but the second 1/2 was through the deep sand roads that lead to the Canyon and that was very bumpy and rugged. Al, the driver and guide kept it in low gear all the way. When we arrived just about noon (the sun is high) there were about 9 trucks there with passengers. It is a thriving business for the Navajos.

Note the open trucks and the hand rails!

                 The tour begins with a short intro and then we were the canyon. Picture not an “Open” canyon, but picture more  a tall cave with light coming through at the top in places.  Also visualize scoured rock some 30-50 feet high above you as you walk through the canyon. See the twists and turns it makes at each footstep, each one being different keeps you always looking up to see how the light hits the walls in this big opening above you. Our guide, Al has been doing this for 11 years and knew each place to get a good picture, intimately. He assisted Ruth immensely, especially at the last 1/2 of the walk.  I believe he sensed that Ruth was  good photographer and he wanted her to have the best possible pictures. I had told him that Ruth has a good eye for photos, and he commented later after looking at her pictures...by saying “you were right, she does”. The canyon by the way is only about 1/3 of a mile long, but worth every step of the way. Hard to describe the canyon in writing , but a few pictures will give you an idea. The guides have a good sense of humor and make the walk enjoyable as well as pictorially perfect.The ride back to town was windier and hotter, but we made it in the 90+F heat. We celebrated that evening with rib eye steaks on the grill.  Ruth at the grill while Jim made the salad. Tomorrow will be Vermillion Cliffs and Marble Canyon and perhaps some Condors as they inhabit that area just north of the Grand Canyon North Rim.

Tuesday Aug. 30

This day we were to go to the Vermillion Cliffs and Marble canyon , both on 89 A heading for the road to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. We did not intend to go to the Canyon, but as it was only 42 miles from the road we were on (89 A), we did get there in time for lunch.

Both the Vermillion Cliffs  and Marble Canyon can be seen easily from the road, and the picture taking possibilities are endless. Seeing the scoured and slick rock portion of the Vermilion Cliffs takes some hiking time into the “back country”. We did not do that.

At Marble canyon (bridge over the Colorado River) there is a  Visitor Center and a gift shop, and the walk across the pedestrian bridge is well worth the walk. Talking to Lucille at the gift store we found that seeing the Condors is not rare but they are not always around either. That day we concentrated on the bridge as they frequent there. We did not see them there nor any other place that day. Twenty five miles further on a sie  road is a Condor Release site (which will be on Sept. 10). I started to take that side road (only two miles long ) but it was so rough and pitted (washboard) that wI turned the truck around and came back.  (I needed that Tundra to pull a trailer some 2,000 miles yet.)  As we were quite close (42 miles) from The North Rim of the Grand Canyon we decided to end our viewing for the day there .Well, it actually was lunch time, but we did go. The road south from US 89 A  is AZ 67 and goes up hill definitely as we begin the climb onto the KAIBAB PLATEAU which get s up to 8,000 feet. Here again  the juniper is replaced at 7,200 feet (exactly and that is not  kidding), by the Ponderosa’s. Remember the ride to Flagstaff where same thing happened? It is beautiful with what appears to be a “parklike” appearance to the forests as the undergrowth is absolutely missing. On the road in,  the results of the last big fire in 2008 were seen for many miles. Quaking aspen is replacing it very quickly. Fires in the PLateau (National Forest) have burned 196,000 acres since 1996. The changing moisture conditions in the SW (much drier) has contributed to that as lightning is the largest cause of fires there (60%) and untended or “not doused” campfires are the largest cause (37%) of human caused fires.

The North Rim a has a very different “feel” from the South Rim. It seems more intimate, close, and has fewer lookout points that the South Rim. It also is quieter, less people, and seems cooler  at 8600 feet. (It is higher than the South Rim by some 2,000 feet) . We took some picture, had lunch over looking the canyon, saw a few birds, and returned to Page by way of Kanab  (89 A to 89 at Kanab) about 25 miles further than the way we came. It was a good day and we looked forward to more scenery on the way to Moab going through  Monument Valley AZ  and crossing the Colorado River at Moab once again.

Days 84,85,86 Sat., Sun., Mon., Aug. 27, 28,29 At PAge AZ.

Days 84,85,86  Sat., Sun., Mon., Aug. 27, 28,29 At PAge AZ.

Saturday.--These days were filled with activities  around the town of Page AZ, except for the trip to Flagstaff to see Ruth’s niece, Karrie,  and her family. That meeting never came to pass, and although both of us made the trip, (They live in Phoenix)  some place along the line we missed communicating the meeting place as we were both there but at two different places , which both thought the other had agreed upon. That was tough, as we had to find a way to consume the birthday cake we bought  for her husband , Beau. Both going and coming it was a beautiful drive through the cliffs and changing desert until the mountains of the San Francisco Peaks of Flagstaff.There were many Native shops selling jewelry and pottery on that US 89 route.

The following day (Sun) we were scheduled to take a boat ride with the Waweap tours on Lake Powell to Rainbow Bridge. When we went to the Lodge to meet the group on the tour there was no one there that was going. We got our barding passes and sat for more than an hour as WE had still been on Mountain daylight time and Page was on Pacific Daylight time. We started that day an hour early. That boat trip the 60 miles to Rainbow Bridge was eye eye opener.  Cap’n Jim and 1st Mate Laura did a fine job looking after the 1/2 capacity full, vessel that took us there in about 2 hours. Slowing for boat traffic was one safety procedure I thought was excellent. The views of the rock formations and the colors was fantastic.  Accenting the red sandstone that is so prevalent on this area were whites, grays and pinks thrown in. We arrived and Ruth stayed on the boat and I took the camera and the pictures. It was not a long walk but discretion is the better part of valor when the knee is  giving problems. Hence , Ruth stayed on board.  The walk was on a gravel path  and the temp was in the 90‘s with lots of sun, so I went slow and arrived just behind the main group. The heat was in the low 90’s, with less wind as we neared the Bridge.

 It is phenomenal to be sure. As tall as the Empire State building  and a bit wider than that.  It is truly a remarkable site that the Navajos have kept sacred all these dozens of generations. There are no commercial entites of any kind there but a huge boat dock.  We kept hydrated in the sun and on the boat and I think I consumed 10-12 cups of lemonade on the boat alone. We were greeted warmly by the captain on return with an apple and a granola bar if we chose. Ruth was happy with my pictures so I guess I “done good”. The ride back was similar with more chances to get pictures of the rocks and mesas and table tops in a brighter light. It was a fine trip that I would recommend to any who can do it.

That evening the wind came up and we had a very typical desert storm that skimmed by us, even though we were on the edge. It did bring , however , a wonderful set of rainbows and a beautiful sunset. All the campers in the area were getting everyone out to see the rainbow that filled the sky from one end to the other.

Then on Tuesday Ruth was looking forward to the Antelope  Canyon tour since April when she made the reservations from Michigan. It was truly both an adventure and a marvelous witness to God’s handiwork here on earth. The Natives revere this place as it is an ancient meeting place with some of the guides telling of how they used to play here as a child. Today the Nation (Navajo) makes money on the tours they have .The day we went there were more than 20 tours of 10-12 people each just in the 3 hours that we were going and coming. Our tour was a photographers tour so we had more time and privilege to take pictures with no interference of time schedules. Other groups were “walk throughs” and had limited time to finish (less than an hour).

It was an adventure as we boarded a 12 passenger, covered truck with 2 padded bench seats and handrails for holding. The first 1/2 of the ride was on blacktop surface (smooth) but the second 1/2 was through the deep sand roads that lead to the Canyon and that was very bumpy and rugged. Al, the driver and guide kept it in low gear all the way. When we arrived just about noon (the sun is high) there were about 9 trucks there with passengers. It is a thriving business for the Navajos.

The tour begins with a short intro and then we were the canyon. Picture not an “Open” canyon, but picture more  a tall cave with light coming through at the top in places.  Also visualize scoured rock some 30-50 feet high above you as you walk through the canyon. See the twists and turns it makes at each footstep, each one being different keeps you always looking up to see how the light hits the walls in this big opening above you. Our guide, Al has been doing this for 11 years and knew each place to get a good picture, intimately. He assisted Ruth immensely, especially at the last 1/2 of the walk.  I believe he sensed that Ruth was  good photographer and he wanted her to have the best possible pictures. I had told him that Ruth has a good eye for photos, and he commented later after looking at her pictures...by saying “you were right, she does”. 

The canyon by the way is only about 1/3 of a mile long, but worth every step of the way. Hard to describe the canyon in writing , but a few pictures will give you an idea. The guides have a good sense of humor and make the walk enjoyable as well as pictorially perfect.The ride back to town was windier and hotter, but we made it in the 90+F heat. We celebrated that evening with rib eye steaks on the grill.  Ruth at the grill while Jim made the salad. Tomorrow will be Vermillion Cliffs and Marble Canyon and perhaps some Condors as they inhabit that area just north of the Grand Canyon North Rim.

Tuesday Aug. 30

This day we were to go to the Vermillion Cliffs and Marble canyon , both on 89 A heading for the road to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. We did not intend to go to the Canyon, but as it was only 42 miles from the road we were on (89 A), we did get there in time for lunch.

Both the Vermillion Cliffs  and Marble Canyon can be seen easily from the road, and the picture taking possibilities are endless. Seeing the scoured and slick rock portion of the Vermilion Cliffs takes some hiking time into the “back country”. We did not do that. At Marble canyon (bridge over the Colorado River) there is a  Visitor Center and a gift shop, and the walk across the pedestrian bridge is well worth the walk. Talking to Lucille at the gift store we found that seeing the Condors is not rare but they are not always around either. That day we concentrated on the bridge as they frequent there. We did not see them there nor any other place that day. Twenty five miles further on a sie  road is a Condor Release site (which will be on Sept. 10). I started to take that side road (only two miles long ) but it was so rough and pitted (washboard) that wI turned the truck around and came back.  (I needed that Tundra to pull a trailer some 2,000 miles yet.)  As we were quite close (42 miles) from The North Rim of the Grand Canyon we decided to end our viewing for the day there .Well, it actually was lunch time, but we did go. The road south from US 89 A  is AZ 67 and goes up hill definitely as we begin the climb onto the KAIBAB PLATEAU which get s up to 8,000 feet. Here again  the juniper is replaced at 7,200 feet (exactly and that is not  kidding), by the Ponderosa’s. Remember the ride to Flagstaff where same thing happened? It is beautiful with what appears to be a “parklike” appearance to the forests as the undergrowth is absolutely missing. On the road in,  the results of the last big fire in 2008 were seen for many miles. Quaking aspen is replacing it very quickly. Fires in the PLateau (National Forest) have burned 196,000 acres since 1996. The changing moisture conditions in the SW (much drier) has contributed to that as lightning is the largest cause of fires there (60%) and untended or “not doused” campfires are the largest cause (37%) of human caused fires.

The North Rim a has a very different “feel” from the South Rim. It seems more intimate, close, and has fewer lookout points that the South Rim. It also is quieter, less people, and seems cooler  at 8600 feet. (It is higher than the South Rim by some 2,000 feet) . We took some picture, had lunch over looking the canyon, saw a few birds, and returned to Page by way of Kanab  (89 A to 89 at Kanab) about 25 miles further than the way we came. It was a good day and we looked forward to more scenery on the way to Moab going through  Monument Valley AZ  and crossing the Colorado River at Moab once again.

Day 82-83m Th and Fri August 24 and 25, 2011 Salt L. City to Page

Thursday August 25, 2011

It was mostly down US 89 that we went and on some other roads as well.

Leaving Brigham City  and driving the 120 miles (that’s right) through the Freeway construction until we reached the “countryside” near Provo was a “white knuckle” bit of driving. This is not your average 2 lane freeway but at times is five lanes wide and a DOV lane to boot.  One stop allowed us some time to breathe and that was at a
“Flying J” truck wash and that was a miracle. We were in and out in 15 minutes. Just $40.00  and it was a great wash and any attention we needed they provided . The trailer looked great after that.

So we finally emerged from the construction and started to look for the “back road” and found it in order to have a quieter ride to Panguitch (Pron. Pang-’Gwitch). Mainly it is a ride through the canyon country and ranches of the Sevier River which is wide in most paces (the valley) and then we entered the headlands  of the river where it gets narrow and beautiful.  At this elevation therr are only Junipertrees. No pines or spruce (latitude and moisture).  During all of this we ran through “hit and miss” rain showers, that seemed to linger in the air as the air was so hot and dry.  Then between the Nebo, the San Pitch Mtns. and the Pahvant Mountains  where the highest peak is at 11,000’ it created a long ridge of some 30-40 miles on the passenger side. The road continues to gain altitude and hits 6200 feet at one point.   At one time in the day we hit 91 F and about 15 minutes later after it rained it was 63 F.  Talk about a cooling effect!

This road crosses the Old Spanish National HIstorical Trail some 3-4 times. That trail runs through five states from Los Angeles and branches into three parts as it winds through Utah and Colorado on its way to Santa Fe, NM.

We arrived a bit early at “Hitch N Post” RV in Panguitch and were able to do a laundry before supper, That was a treat as some things were running low. 

The campground is small but adequate. Panguitch (pop. 1,623) is a tourist town supply stop  (ATV’s and many off road activities) with some residual agriculture, cattle ranching and logging although the big logging mill is just a shadow of its former self.. Plus the closeness of both Bryce and Zion N.P. adds to the activity.

Friday August 26, 2011

Moving on from Panguitch still on US 89 was generally a very good blacktopped road. This opened up the canyons and sandstone and colored rocks that this part of the country is known for. By the time we passed Kanab (gassed up here) the country was filled with beautiful cliffs, rocks, canyons and even some road cuts that were significant. We stopped in Kanab (pop. 3,564) where the store is called Honey’s Market to shop some (rib eyes on sale for $5.99/lb) and is just across from a beautiful red sandstone bluff.  The store was adding $.15 a gallon rebate on gasoline at their gas station.  Quite a boost for the community. Many films were put together on a set near here . Some of you you might remember ...”Daniel Boone”, “Gunsmoke”, “Windrunner: A Spirited Journey”, “Planet of the Apes”, “The Lone Ranger”, and “Stagecoach”. Then it was downhill all the way into Lake Powell and Page AZ. Lots of picture taking as we made a couple of stops to get it right. The elevation was 6,500 at Mt. Carmel and dropped considerably until Lake Powell.  We stopped for lunch at Pah-raea (today called Paria ) a ghost town that was attacked by Indians in the 1840‘s and later flooded out in spite of the fact that there was community there. It is now a tourist attraction and movies have been made there as... “The Outlaw Josey Wales” and “Sergeants 3”.   Don’t go there is there is water in the area. We missed the turn for the Waweap Campground and Lodge so went through Page (called on the phone) and were able to cross the Glen Canyon Dam two times.  The canyon under the bridge is fantastic! (Not Ruth’s favorite activity!) It was an awesome view. We did get back to the entrance of the Park three miles back , registered and parked our rig. “Plug in the electricity right away, Jim” was the call  for it  was 99 degrees at that point. We settled in, cooled off and made plans for the four night stay. I registered us for the Lake Powell Boat trip to Rainbow Bridge on Sunday and Monday we will see the Corkscrew canyon up close. On Tuesday we plan to drive to Vermillion Cliffs and Marble Canyon and possibly see our first Condor. Tomorrow (Sat.) we will drive to Flagstaff to spend some time with Ruth’s niece, Kerrie, and family. I'll st pictures in the AM when the iternet is better. (Wi-Fi)

ay 82-83, Thur. - Fri. Aug 25, 26, 2011 Salt Lake City to Panguitch UT to Page AZ

Day 82-83, Thur. - Fri. Aug 25, 26, 2011 Salt Lake City to Panguitch UT to  Page AZ.

Thursday August 25, 2011

It was mostly down US 89 that we went and on some other roads as well.

Leaving Brigham City  and driving the 120 miles (that’s right) through the Freeway construction until we reached the “countryside” near Provo was a “white knuckle” bit of driving. This is not your average 2 lane freeway but at times is five lanes wide and a DOV lane to boot.  One stop allowed us some time to breathe and that was at a
“Flying J” truck wash and that was a miracle. We were in and out in 15 minutes. Just $40.00  and it was a great wash and any attention we needed they provided . The trailer looked great after that.

So we finally emerged from the construction and started to look for the “back road” and found it in order to have a quieter ride to Panguitch (Pron. Pang-’Gwitch). Mainly it is a ride through the canyon country and ranches of the Sevier River which is wide in most paces (the valley) and then we entered the headlands  of the river where it gets narrow and beautiful.  At this elevation therr are only Junipertrees. No pines or spruce (latitude and moisture).  During all of this we ran through “hit and miss” rain showers, that seemed to linger in the air as the air was so hot and dry.  Then between the Nebo, the San Pitch Mtns. and the Pahvant Mountains  where the highest peak is at 11,000’ it created a long ridge of some 30-40 miles on the passenger side. The road continues to gain altitude and hits 6200 feet at one point.   At one time in the day we hit 91 F and about 15 minutes later after it rained it was 63 F.  Talk about a cooling effect!

This road crosses the Old Spanish National HIstorical Trail some 3-4 times. That trail runs through five states from Los Angeles and branches into three parts as it winds through Utah and Colorado on its way to Santa Fe, NM.

We arrived a bit early at “Hitch N Post” RV in Panguitch and were able to do a laundry before supper, That was a treat as some things were running low. 

The campground is small but adequate. Panguitch (pop. 1,623) is a tourist town supply stop  (ATV’s and many off road activities) with some residual agriculture, cattle ranching and logging although the big logging mill is just a shadow of its former self.. Plus the closeness of both Bryce and Zion N.P. adds to the activity.

Friday August 26, 2011

Moving on from Panguitch still on US 89 was generally a very good blacktopped road. This opened up the canyons and sandstone and colored rocks that this part of the country is known for. By the time we passed Kanab (gassed up here) the country was filled with beautiful cliffs, rocks, canyons and even some road cuts that were significant. We stopped in Kanab (pop. 3,564) where the store is called Honey’s Market to shop some (rib eyes on sale for $5.99/lb) and is just across from a beautiful red sandstone bluff.  The store was adding $.15 a gallon rebate on gasoline at their gas station.  Quite a boost for the community. Many films were put together on a set near here . Some of you you might remember ...”Daniel Boone”, “Gunsmoke”, “Windrunner: A Spirited Journey”, “Planet of the Apes”, “The Lone Ranger”, and “Stagecoach”. Then it was downhill all the way into Lake Powell and Page AZ. Lots of picture taking as we made a couple of stops to get it right. The elevation was 6,500 at Mt. Carmel and dropped considerably until Lake Powell.  We stopped for lunch at Pah-raea (today called Paria ) a ghost town that was attacked by Indians in the 1840‘s and later flooded out in spite of the fact that there was community there. It is now a tourist attraction and movies have been made there as... “The Outlaw Josey Wales” and “Sergeants 3”.   Don’t go there is there is water in the area. We missed the turn for the Waweap Campground and Lodge so went through Page (called on the phone) and were able to cross the Glen Canyon Dam two times.  The canyon under the bridge is fantastic! (Not Ruth’s favorite activity!) It was an awesome view. We did get back to the entrance of the Park three miles back , registered and parked our rig. “Plug in the electricity right away, Jim” was the call  for it  was 99 degrees at that point. We settled in, cooled off and made plans for the four night stay. I registered us for the Lake Powell Boat trip to Rainbow Bridge on Sunday and Monday we will see the Corkscrew canyon up close. On Tuesday we plan to drive to Vermillion Cliffs and Marble Canyon and possibly see our first Condor. Tomorrow (Sat.) we will drive to Flagstaff to spend some time with Ruth’s niece, Kerrie, and family.

Day 79-81 Mon, Tues, & Wed Aug. 22-24 At Brigham City UT

Day 79-81  Mon, Tues, & Wed Aug. 22-24 At Brigham City UT

Female Black Chinned at our trailer feeder

Sunflower at roadside.

Bear River NWR At Brigham City IT

Some of the many White Faced Ibis we saw (see other picture)

THis field had 700 White Faced Ibis feeding on new cut hay.

JIm got lucky on this WhiteFaced Ibis flying

A Swainson's Hawk at Bear River NWR

Perhaps it might be best to summarize these three days in little bits. First I should tell you that where we are staying is an HISTORIC KOA PARK. That’s right . It is the longest continuous running park in the KOA system. When we drove in I said to Ruth, “this looks like a very old park, tall trees, wide sites,  and the old traditional office that was built in the 1960’s”. True it was. I\t was built in 1964 and will celebrate its’ 50 year in 2014. 

They have a pool and I did get onto that two times. That was a treat as I had not been on the water since MN I believe.  We set up our hummingbird feeder right away as we would be here four nights and what did you think? HUMMERS CAME  in the first hour we were there, and by Tuesday evening there were three of them fighting for drinking rights. We have one of the new multi facet ones that The Birdwatcher’s Marketplace sold us.

Monday we had some chores to do , (not the laundry), so I set up a week ago an appointment in Riverdale some 20 miles toward S L City, to get a new tire, and move the others around some. Also to check the brakes (some noise ) and see if we could get a new seat belt for Ruth’s the]at kept “tightening up” on her at the slightest bump.  They would have expedited one from San Francisco, but no guarantee it would get here by Wed., so we said no.  Later I “tied” the seat belt in position and that seemed to work. The first two (tire and brakes) went fine as there was no brake problem. I asked for a lube and oil change and we did receive a free car wash as well.  I felt better about the tire repair as that one we had the flat tire on was wearing. Tires and trailers need to have accurate air pressure. I do not know who is the authority on that? While the guys were putting the sealed air pressure in, they broke a seal so another 1 hour went by. That gave us time to get Ruth to the Chiropractor late in the afternoon so we did that in Brigham City. She was able to get on to a PAlmer Sch of Chiro. . DC.

While she was there I scoped out the Bear River NWR HQ and got ready for  Tuesday.

              Tuesday we did head for the Refuge and spent all day there , taking a lunch. While seeing  some 25 bird species  we did play “leap frog” in the cars with a family from the Netherlands. We talked to them a lot and they were very knowledgeable about birds and had been doing that for some time. We saw Swainson’s Hawk, White Pelican, Forester’s Tern, and more than 1,000 White Faced Ibis (see pics). Grebes, Gulls, no ducks), some sparrows,, pheasant (young ones too) swallows (3 types), kingbird (2 types) , killdeer and some others. After we were finished on the roads (the bridge was being repaired so the Auto tour was closed). This meant only 10 miles of road was available to drive on, but we did see much. The Refuge has dealt with flooding from the Great Salt Lake into which it empties. The visitor Center was awesome!

In the afternoon I got a long needed haircut in Brigham City at Wyatt’s Barber shop. Three generations work there.  Hey, and it was still just ten dollars (USA). We did buy fresh green beans (just picked), watched a neighbor cut hay and bale it, and got ready for Wed  and a trip into SLC (Salt Lake City). That evening the Netherlands family camped in our campground so we invited them to come and see the Hummers.(There are no Hummers in Europe!). They were delighted and took pictures as the hummers came. We will keep track of them to assist Ruth in finding relatives in the Netherlands.

                 Wednesday--Lots of construction in SLC so I think things here are going pretty well economically.  We had three objectives there . First, stop at an Apple store to get a gift card. That was right in the heart of town so that’s a “dDop Ruth off and pick her up ...HERE, later”. It worked. Then a visit to my cousin Shirley the genealogist in the family . That was a lunch date at their senior residence near the south end of town. We shared some good things as I had not seen her in about 10 years. Another short visit was with a teacher with two sets of twins that I toured Korea with on a Fulbright Fellowship in 1986. She was VERY busy with two of her twins getting ready to depart for a mission in Chili next month. The younger set of twins are sophomores in HS there.  Her husband died right after the second twins were born.

It was all good stiff and after gassing up at $3. 41/g (We beat Grand Rapids today!), we stopped at a I-Hop for some breakfast as Ruth needed some “comfort food”. She loves eggs in the evening.

So tomorrow e head south to Panguitch and then 5 days at Page AZ to see some canyons. We will send some heat your way...NO?

Pictures from Omak WA to Rich;and WA

Scenes along the way from Omak to Richland WA.

Sunset at Omak RV Park

And you thought you had seen apple crates? -- Local melons going to market

This is "Dry Falls" after the ice age melting created this waterfall. World's biggest?

Hops up close

Young apple trees staked.

Irrigation ditches that return water to the Columbia R.

A general view that is repeated over many times near Yakima.

Days 75, 76, Th. August 18th; Fri. the 19th; 2011 Omak to Richland (2 days

Days 75, 76, Th. August 18th; Fri. the 19th; 2011 Omak to Richland (2 days)

There is a very weak signal here so I will post pictures in a day or so . (Patience)

Day 75 , Thursday August 18, 2011---The Columbia River. I’ll bet you cannot draw, anywhere near the route that it takes on it’s journey to the Pacific Ocean? I thought I knew some of it, as a geographer of sorts, but while passing over it four times, and driving along side of it on both sides. I was totally confused as to which direction it travels. Well, don’t be baffled , it travels south (out of Canada) west (into Washington) , north (in Washington again) and then east as it tries to make it’s way to the southern boundary of Washington on the north side of Oregon. It makes a sharp northerly turn at Grand Coulee Dam (where the Dry Falls are located. It is as if it used to go there to the south (probably did if you see “Dry Falls” ) and then turns north again to get up steam, pick up a few rivers and then head south. Here at Richland it picks up the Yakima River (which runs west to east) and on the southern border it picks up the Umatilla River (which runs south to north) and many others. It is almost as if it picks up everything that is remotely close, absorbs it, and moves on. It runs through the desert country, the mountains, the great farmland (thanks to its water source for irrigation and it provides power, (we saw three of many dams for power) and provides fish for the table as well as water for general use. Without the Columbia River Eastern Washington would be a vast desert. It is mostly, but its abundance in fruit and wheat is due to the Columbia.

From Omak to The Dry Falls, we do see many fruit orchards and fruit stands that accompany them. This is along the lower reaches of the Okanagon River as when it reaches the Columbia the road keeps going along the Columbia. (N to S) There are many wheat fields (dry farmed) and three other lakes that have resorts and fishing activity. Then we move a bit SW and lo and behold there is the Columbia River again.It begins to move east again. We lose it as we continue south and get into the completely dry and arid grass land that make up the area of the Hanford Reach National Monument (Signed by President Clinton on 2000) and skirt the vast dry grasses of that 135,000 s.m. area until we reach the outskirts of Richland where the RV Park is located.

That evening we tried to cash traveler’s checks. Hey, no one told us that in the time we were gone that the policy of banks and credit unions would practically ban them from being cashed in. We tried three institutions before a Bank of America Officer kindly did that for us after checking his regulations. (I think he went over his boundaries.) Even the US Post Office would not cash them unless we purchased 50% of it from them. ($200.00 - $100.00 = $100.00) Are you kidding me? There is a problem that needs to be solved for future trips. (We do not use ATM’s if you think that would work). Any suggestions?

We aborted our haircut possibilities, (we were low on cash) but finally a shopping trip to stock up on foods since up in Canada, The Safeway took our Discover card (Canada and much of Washington would not. Advice is to carry two types of major credit cards). It was very frustrating for Ruth especially. We finally arrived back in the trailer and at 90 F we turned on the AC for the first time on the trip. It was a quiet night . a clear sunset, and great stars after 10:00 The sun sets here now at 7 :30 or so.

Friday the 19th (daughter Therese’s 49th birthday). Ruth put the crock pot on with pork chops and rice to cook, while we were gone. We were determined to see some part oa\f the Hanford Reach NWR. We ran into too many dead ends, as noone seemed to “really” know how to access it , and advised that we shouldn’t try as it was not ready for public use. Even the Kennewick Visitor Center with Sue who ran off some directions to one road, was not able to come up with more. We decided to go on two suggestions to look for N. Road 68 across the river out of Pasco. We did that and found a road that was about 2 miles long that accessed the Columbia River adjacent to many orchards and fruit farms. We did see some birds there and enjoyed the personal sight of the Columbia with some fisherman in boats trying their luck and the fish jumping near shore. An Osprey favored us with a rest on a nearby tree over the water, and some songbirds were seen. The workings of the orchards with irrigation was intriguing with the ditches returning water to the Columbia River and how they use their props for the trees. (see) . Ruth then wanted to see the Yakima fruit farms and stands. We drove west on I-82 until we came to Yakima Valley Road thinking the fruit stands would be on the “side” roads. All the way to Yakima (68 miles) and we did not see one fruit stand. An inquiry at a small store brought some help from Phong (Vietnamese woman) who directed us to a small town about 10 miles back the way we had come bit on a different road. So we dd that and found the fruit stands , many of them , made some purchases and returned by 4:15. Time for a rest and some log and blog before husking the fresh corn for supper. It was good and sweet and the pork chops were a change of pace for us. I did get the internet to work after some help from one of the staff. (Eldon) He taught me more in 10 minutes than I had ever heard before about Wi-Fi. There are ways to get better reception than depending on your computer . There are antennas , and power units that will help.

The evening was beautiful again and at 9:41 it is 73 F outside and cooling The moon has set and the stars start to shine. Tomorrow we head through Oregon and end up just over the border in Fruitland ID. The temp today was 90F , of course that is DRY heat!

Day 73 and 74 ,Aug 16,17 2011 Cache Creek to Hope,B.C. to Omak, WA USA

Day 73 and 74 ,Aug 16,17 2011 Cache Creek to Hope,B.C. to Omak, WA US

A.The Boston Bar Tunnel south of Lytton BC. One of 7 tunnels on this road

1. Wooden carvings (One of many) seen throughout the town of Hope B.C. Long time project there.

2. The Simikameen River we followed out of Hope for 50 miles.

3. One of many rapids on the Fraser River .

4. These are California Mountain Sheep (ice age creature introduced into the area)

Tuesday Aug 16th, 2011---One thing I can say for the ride through these areas in Southern B.C.is that the scenery , and the climate really changes. From Cache Creek to Hope and a bit past that , there were many mountains close to the road, and the road mostly follows the edge of the mountains. Then when we left the Simikameen River south of Hope the climate changed abruptly. Instead of the lush , tall ,green evergreens especially the cedar, there begins a sparse ponderosa forest, and then desert sage all the way to Omak, WA.

But let’s take a trip down the Thompson/ Fraser rivers where the famous Hell’s Gate has spilled many a raft in the rapids there. The Thompson R. is on the east side of the road (BC#1) going south and picks up the NICOLA River (no kidding!) Then after we crossed to the east side, the Thompson joins the Fraser and the two great rivers are one magnificent waterway. There are many rafting spots along the way and one entrepreneurial person has placed a tramway that takes you down to the river some 2,000 feet. Ruth wasn’t interested. (!). The mountains reach up 5-7000 feet. The ubiquitous logging trucks fly by sometimes and I even passed one on an up hill as the road winds around the mountains for some 50 miles all the way to Lytton. After Lytton there are 7 tunnels (see pic) that go through the mountains for the vehicles and many for the trains on the track that parallels the road, (The train historically came first) (** That is a great trip from Vancouver to Cache Creek by train along this route). The trains (we saw 6 of them go by in less than an hour) carry mostly container boxes, coal, fuel (tankers) and some cartage. The trains are long , with well over 100-150 cars each. One train had a diesel engine at front in the middle and and the back end. I haven’t figured that one out yet.

Hope is a beautiful town set in the middle of the mountains, with a very good civic pride. The town has a park the likes of which I have never seen with huge 150 foot Red cedars that tower above the town. For a long while there have been wood carving on many of the street corners and they add new ones each year. (see pic), This was our night to dine out and we found a place called “Joe’s Restaurant”. Didn't sound like much but what’s in a name? Excellent decor, a patio, both booths and chairs (Ruth likes the softer booths), and a menu that had a wide selection. I tried a local “Berry” beer, and Ruth ordered the spare ribs (fall of the bone they did). It had a sauce that we found out had 10 ingredients in t. We narrowed down the apples, cinnamon, and the subtle tomato, but others were elusive. Not a salty Bar B Que sauce that we are used to (and accept). On Fri. and Sat. they serve Prime Rib cut to taste, with local mushrooms and all the trimmings. (Would that it were Friday!) The dessert we chose was a creme’ broule that was delicious. I told my friend Ian, my Australian friend who called that night, about that and he indicated that it was his favorite dessert. (He was visiting his daughter and two grandchildren in CA and called me for a pleasant surprise.)

Then on Wed August 17th 2011, we moved from Hope to Omak, Wa. and on the way experienced a tremendous change in scenery. We moved gradually down the Simikameen River and it’s great twists and turns (we were also doing the same thing) , until we found Princeton where the Okanagon River and Valley begins. This is an area of great irrigation and is filled with fruit from orchards and trees of all kinds.Right now the peaches, apricots and some apples are coming in. Here also is what is advertised as the ONLY Native owned vineyard in North America. Hmmm. Great idea. We did not stop to buy although we were tempted as the border crossing was just down the road and all fresh fruits and veggies would be confiscated. Now the terrain is rolling and dry, filled with sage, and dried grass where there is some. We saw again (2nd time) the sign that said “BADGER CROSSING”. I kid you not! Only in Canada. We never saw a Badger, but did see a tightly knit group of Mountain Sheep, probably members of the Okanagon heritage. (I will look that up when can.) The road didn’t twist as much nor did it have the ups and downs as before, but it was severely dry. The town of Osoyoos is almost on the border and that led to the BORDER CROSSING.It uneventful except for the giving up of a few tomatoes (she left the lettuce!). Then it was a short distance to Omak and that is where at 2:15PM we made a choice. Pick up a Pizza at Pizza Hut (first since Anchorage) or..what’s this? a Laundromat right next door. So we decided to do the laundry as we had lots of time to get to the campground. Carried it in, got it going and when the dryers got started I went over and ordered the Pizza to “Go”. It was a good plan and we got the laundry finished for another 10 days or so, (let’s see we last did it in Hyder (a small load some 7 days ago.) That laundry (Omak) is up for sale. Any takers?

We found the campground in a municipal park called the “Stampede Grounds” where they hold the rodeos and such. Very fine facilities . Honor system and full hook ups (WSE) under some trees .Trees were helpful as the temperature by 4:30 had reached 90 F .That was severe change for us as in Hope it was 77F and we though that was hot! So we had our pizza, rested, and watched the sun go down along with the temperature. By 8:20 PM it had cooled to 75 F and I believe by morning it will be well into the low 50’s in this desert country.The smell is singular as all the desert smells hit the nostrils. I remember my first impression of the desert in Bisbee AZ, in 1955 when at 2:00 AM I got off the train to await a truck to take me to the military post at Fort. Huachuca. It is still a vivid memory. Such sweet smells in the middle of a darknight. Tomorrow we head down the Okanagon Valley a ways and cross the Columbia River at least two times on the way to Richland,WA for a two nighter. Catch you then.

Days 70,71,72 Aug 13-15,

1. The scenes begin to get pastoral in Central B.C. Lots of hay and only hay!

2. An avalanche along the Hyder/Stewart road is still there in August!

3.That quick storm that came through when we were setting up in Houston.

4. On the lee side of the mountains it is very dry through the valleys in Lower British Columbia.

Days 70,71,72 Aug 13-15, Houston, Quesnel to Cache Creek British Columbia.

Saturday- Moving from the tall timber to the dry lee side of the mountains. What a severe change of habitat in those 800 miles . We couldn’t have moved from Hyder without a few more time to stop an admire the scenery. Mostly it was mountains but one huge avalanche near Bear River on the road out. (Hyder access is a side road from the main highway). I found tht on this first stretch of road south, 4 things stood out os we drove.

1. We began to run out pf the tall trees (Sitka Spruce for one) as much logging had been done n the 1980’s and since.
2. Evergreen trees along the way were now interspersed with deciduous and especially quaking aspen. (All second growth)
3. We saw cattle and hay for the first time since the Matanuska Valley AK. (None in the Yukon Northern .BC.)
4. There were a few milk cows.

All that being said we are still in mountainous land that stretches for miles, has multiple mountain ranges that shall for the most part be nameless, and HEY! we saw more bear as we moved through the morning. KItwanga village was a stop that proved to be most informative. This is one of the centers of the PIne Matsutake mushroom picking industry, That species produces $35-45 milloin for the BC Provincial income each year. The Matsutake is a similar mushroom to the same one on Japan and is shipped there as well as to the USA. AKitwanga is a small town (300 pop) but important to the Provincial economy. PIckers follow the mushroom growth from California to BC. Three buyers were in town to buy the mushrooms and ship them.

A stop in Smithers for gas and a look at the World’s Largest Fly Rod (fully 80 feet high) and we were on our way to Quesnel for the night. The Shady Rest RV had the largest floral gardens of any we had seen on the trio,The owner , Val , had a greenhouse on the premises that housed tomatoes and her dahlias are magnificent. There were seven “formal” English style gardens there, We had a great time there watching the hummingbirds at the hibiscus. She had more than 20 hanging baskets as well.

Sunday- it was off to Houston (BC , not TX) and into the “Hay “ country. There was hay everywhere, rolled bales,and stacked bales, Some of the stacks were a pyramidical stye made of crossed bales about 8 feet high. Other ones were square stacks about 15 feet high> I had never seen them stacked like that. , There were more cattle and of course the ubiquitous logging mills for logs, lumber, chips, . One train was parked along side the road that had about 20 open cars full of wood chips ..heading for some processing plant. (16 years ago we used to burn all that waste.) but we saw no smokestacks these days. Ruth settled for an A and W root beer in Prince George (pop 50,000) where the forest industry really is king. Tourism is big as well, as it is a hub for a number of through highways. Here at Prince George the Fraser and Nechaco Rivers merge, the Fraser we will pick up again near Cache Creek along with the Thompson River. Ranching and mining also are important. A 72 mile canoe circuit tale sone around lakes to the beginning . Great fishing area as well . Often it is called the “Lakes District”. The town of Vandenhoof means ”of the farm” and it is well named. We arrived at Robert’s Roost RV off the main street and on a small lake there at Houston. We began to see more birds and Bald Eagle, Red Necked grebes were amoung them. We arrived just as a frontal rain poured down. We wisely waited in the car until it subsided in about 10 minutes.

Monday- We are doing about 200-220 miles per day and this allows us some “down time” after we arrive . Maybe an hour or 1 1/2 hours before supper. We still eat most all meals in the trailer. This morning I was in the shower and the inevitable happened. No water. Ruth had finished but I was just turning the water on.. I put on my clothes and checked all the lines and faucet. By the time I finished the water was working fine. Seems the Park is on a private water system and a “glitch “ happens every once in a while, so I shrugged off the shower and went on with the day. Our computer was not sending or receiving e mail so we had contacted the Apple guys, and he called in the AM and we “fixed” it. Only it didn’t allow our mail to go out now, We stopped at a McDonald’s to send a request for more help and the second time we stopped to do that we DID get our mail to work. It s working now quite well. The first Mcdonald’s we stopped at had Wi Fi , but no food (they were remodeling the store) , so we went our way to a visitor center in 100 Mile. That’s the name of the town. Now we are in the fishing, lodges, businesses and tourism area. This section has many lakes and the outdoor activities are all very busy at this time.

The Canadian National RR moved everyone out (burned some places) when they put the line through here to the north. Many of the towns have those “mile” names like 100 Mile, 106 mile, 70 mile, etc. The numbering started at Cache Creek as best as I can ascertain. We pulled into the Brookside RV Park at about 3:30 and got set up in site 66. It is a park that is surrounded by a cliff on one side and a small “brook” on the other. Very picturesque. We settled in and got caught up on some e mail and took a walk around the Park and up on the cliff on the north edge.

A note about driving, Some had wondered how we could drive that 10,000 miles (we passed that yesterday,) with all those hills and mountains to climb. On the Toyota Tundra there is a “Super” gear. It is labeled “S” and it has 6 (six) gears in it’s box. Usually I place it in “Tow Haul” on the shift lever and then drop the gear shift (hand shift) to “DS”. This allows me to use only the end of the handle of the gearshift to thumb up or down to the gear I want from 1-6. I can use the cruise control at the same time, but on hills the cruise will force it into a very high regular gear, so I take the cruise off just as I hit the upgrade. Got IT?

Three days to the USA border at Washington. HOpe and the Fraser River canyons tomorrow and Princeton on Wed

Day 6-7-8 Wed. Th.F. Aug. 10-11, 2011 Hyder AK

Day 6-7-8 Wed.,Th.,F., Aug. 10-1112 2011 Hyder AK (Day 1-2)

1. A scene at Portland Arm (Stewart BC/Hyder AK This is the end of a 100 mile arm of the Inland Passage

2. Main Street , Hyder. It is not much.

3. An Arm of the Salmon Glacier , main part was fogged in. A 20 mile uphill, side of mountain, ride to get this far.

4. Bear Glacier on the road into Hyder/Stewart

5. A Sow teaching her cub to "fight"and defend on Fish Creek Hyder. Saw this 5 different times. Ruth will have a "bear video".

The morning was very cool at 36 F although there was a bright blue sky. The day warmed soon also closing the trailer went easily. The first portion of the road toward Hyder was newly poured gravel and very dusty. Fortunately it was only a few miles and then two road stoppages for road work (one was wet road and added mud to the vehicles) That didn’t last long as we got onto a good tar/pitch road for 100 miles or so. They make the tires rumble but are quite smooth. Two large switchbacks coming out of river bottom after bridges were the most difficult but after Telegraph Creek road thois was “duck soup”. (Where did that expression come from?) Two stops along the way for a stretch and four stops along the way to photograph the bears. They seemed to be out this morning. The road winds its way , (nothing like the Telegraph Creek road) but was smooth driving, and by the time we reached a half way point (140 miles) the road became a very tight surfaced blacktop road. So the driving was much easier. This road here winds through a number of mountain ranges in western British Columbia. In the early miles we caught sight of Mt Edziza that we saw on the way to Telegraph creek yesterday. It soon was hidden behind other nearer mountain ranges. There were many “hanging glaciers” and a few larger ones. The bears we saw were a large adult Grizzly (brown) and two, month old cubs (our guess), and two less than a year old cubs all seemingly alone, but with a Sow in the wings I am sure. One just looked up at me from the side of the road while he ate fresh clover in its prime. and headed back to eating not 20 feet away.

We ate lunch pretty much “on the fly” as we do sometimes , stopping just long enough to get some food from the trailer and get right back on the road again. Usually Ruth likes to cut up an apple and some yogurt. (Don’t tell the Canadian authorities we brought those across the border.) I settled for a sandwich and a carton of grape “Juicy Juice” (lots of vitamin C.) We gassed up at a place called Bells Crossing at 1.44/L (no effect of the drop in oil per barrel here, although I saw $80/bbl yesterday.) The “turn” to go to Stewart/Hyder is really not a turn at all as 37 is the road that turns and 37b heads straight for the coast. I told Ruth that I thought that the temperature near the coast would be warmer than the 36 F we experienced in the morning. It did get warmer and as we passed the Bear Glacier on 37b it was already 70 F . THis is a glacier that comes to its own lake with the ubiquitous river coming from under the glacier. We stopped for pictures there and the stopping lot to view the glaciers, was now on the other side of the road from where it was in 1996 , which takes it away form the huge “falling rocks” that we often see on the roads up here. The glacier seemed to have moved back (retreated) some 1/4 of mile since 1996.

We arrived in Stewart and slowly made our way through the main street (looks a lot like the “old west”), and past the border into USA and Hyder. Stewart has a few thousand people and Hyder has a few hundred. (A sign over one store says “Hyder--Home to 100 friendly people and a few ____ heads”. Many stores are boarded as it is not a prosperous townsite. They are both at the head of the Portland Canal (Arm) which is a 100 mile long fjord that starts on the inland passage (Pacific Ocean) and ends here. As you drive the mile out of Stewart to Hyder, you pass the huge port facilities which are mainly concerned with logging and at this time a huge dike building program to prevent the Bear river from overflowing each year into the port area. PIles of sandbags were seen at one facilty. Thousands of logs are laying there ready for shipment to overseas. We will visit the causeway to the dike on Friday. Should see some sea otters and eagles there.

This night after a simple supper, we visited the nearby bear viewing deck some 5 miles from the campsite .(The RV Park is named “Camp Run- A-Muck”. ) We drove the very dusty road (I was blinded ( a white out) by a logging truck driving at full speed ) and the dust was lingering as there was no wind. I came to a full stop as I could not see for a few seconds.We did observe the bears on the boardwalk there along with 200 other folks on a very long and wide board walk overlooking Fish Creek , where the bears fish for Chum and Pink Salmon. It was roomy and the people were very quiet and respectful of the bears.There were a few bears while we were there and some just right under the walk. I was a good close view for all. A large ‘griz’ chased two bears away just by his presence.

Tomorrow’s another day! ...of Bears and glaciers.

Thursday the 11th

The morning was very foggy and with low lying clouds on the mountains the chances of seeing the glacier up on the high mountains , wa slim, but we felt that we had a chance that the sky would open later in the morning. So, after breakfast wee packed a lunch and headed up the long and winding road to see the mines and the Salmon Glacier. THis is the glacier that feeds the mighty Salmon River right next to Hyder AK. Having lots of experience on the telegraph Creek road this could not be worse. It wasn’t but with the morning rain and the road getting muddier as we drove, I could see that it was just a shade under the difficulty of the Telegraph Creek road. Of course the saving grace was that ti was only 20 miles long as opposed to 65. This is an old ‘Mine road” so has had a lot of heavy duty travels over the 100 years it has been here . There are three mines on the road , only one of them recently resurrected in an attempt to cash in on the rising price of minerals in the world. IT was windy, but more it was the uphill constantly that was a “knuckle burner”. LOts of switchback, and edges to the steep valley of the Salmon River below,. Ruth was quiet most f the way and we stopped finally about 3 miles from the Summit, to tae a picture of the “toe” of the Salmon Glacier. IT was a good thing we did as we drove another 2 miles it became so foggy that I had to stop , turn around and return down the mountain. I could not see the road for the clouds . BUt we did get to see the least part of the glacier and Ruth got some “intriguing “ pictures of clouds, water and glacier. gain it is best to keep focus and on the downhill I used the “super gears” again and was in 2 and 3 most of the way. We saw no bears, Moose or any wildlife.

Because we were back soon, we ate lunch in the trailer a sort of “picnic” in the trailer. After a brief respite, it was time to go to Stewart to get a few groceries and pick up a better map of Northern BC, and maybe get a bite to eat. We did that , after a brief stop at the customs office (the Canadians want to insect every car that has already gone into Hyder unchecked, and check them on the way out. It doesn't make a lot of sense, but then government can be intriguing. e did stop to get a map from Tyler at the Visitor center and gleaned some info about the stores in town. He know the answers. Then a trip to the grocery, but the pick-ins were slim as it is difficult , (just like it is in the “bush”) , to get fresh veggies and fruits. We are so fortunate in the Lower 48 to be able to do this. Always count your blessings and thank the Lord for all the blessings we receive. Then I showed Ruth the Mobile restaurant LIke a 1940‘s diner on wheels) set up on a vacant lot . The man from Saskatchewan (Seam Ackerman) has cuisine dinners and homemade bread. I talked Ruth into looking at his menu and she ordered his homemade “pulled pork” sandwich (no BBQ sauce!) a loaf of his homemade bread while I had his vinaigrette salad with calmelized broule’ slice on top. It was delicious and Ruth loved it too. The carmelized Broule’ added a special taste.The bread (after tasting at our trailer) was excellent (white and no additives) . He makes his own hamburger buns as well. We hope he has a continued successful summer. We played with the computer at a Wi Fi hotspot, as the Comcast connection has failed to send our email in to us. We played with tat for an hour but never did get a connection. We crossed over the border back into USA again and settled in for the evening with a heart dinner made from scratch. (Sean (the chef) pulls his own pork for the pork sandwich. IF the rain lets up enough we will go up to see the bears again at 6:30 just about the time they start to feed in the evening. (6:30 it s still raining hard!)

Hyder...a town of some few hundred people in which there are no “lawmen” no town council and generally no rules at all. Most everyone totes a gun for bear protection, and as Wes says at the General Store , you don’t want to meet a Sow bear with two cubs standing in just your shorts and a T shirt. The entry to the townsite (that’s what they call it) it a very rutted 1/4 mile stretch that turns onto a 1/2 mile mud (with rain) road , that is dusty dry when it doesn’t/. There is no street maintenance , so the ruts stay there I assume year around. People either like it here, have some work, or move on. There are many boarded up businesses in the first block f town, and I would defy you to be able to pick out the two restaurants in town. They are there but unobtrusive as possible.

In the after noon Ruth and i took a drive to the “wharf” which is a wooden , one lane, raised pier that goes put into the bay about 1/3 of a mile. There at the end os a small “Island” that is both a boat launch and a turn around. It is a fascinating drive over the water (low tide ) some 15 feet below. This is an all wood ,laminated, wooden post 8 foot wide structure worth seeing. I’ll try to get a decent picture tomorrow when the sun comes out !!! We did see some eagles by the water, a Great Blue Heron, and a few Oregon Juncos. No sea otters, but lots of work on the dike project to protect the town from the waters of Bear River in the spring.

Day 69, Fri. Aug 12, 2011 Hyder AK “Crossing the border three times”

Today was unusual as I went across the border three times, once with Ruth and twice without her. But let’s start in the morning when we made an appointment in Stewart (remember we have to go through customs going INTO Canada only from Hyder) So with a appointment for an oil change , we decided to see the bears in the morning after I had the 8:00 oil change. After crossing the border , I stopped at the “all purpose” gas station,** (more later on that) , but the mechanic would be tied up all morning so we agreed on 2:00 PM time to come back. I crossed back into the USA again and picked up Ruth to do some bear watching in late AM. It was fortuitous as two bears (a Sow and large cub) were putting on a show as Ruth got there while I parked the car and had a walk from the overflow parking lot (This place really gets crowded ). That went on for more than an hour as the Mom was teaching the cub how to fight and played with it for long stretches. (good videos of that match) Then it was “learn to fish” time. It was probably lesson 25 or 30 as the little one finally did catch one on his own and Mom continued to eat and get her fill. Bears must increase by 2 X their weight by winter so they have enough fat stored up to make it through the long winter. The fish here as we said, are Chum and Pinks. That was a terrific “drama” put on by Mom and son.(?)

Then we went to pack a lunch to eat in Stewart waiting for the oil change, and on the road into Stewart/Hyder (37) there are two large waterfalls that Ruth wanted to get while the trailer was off. So, back across the border INTO Canada customs again, and right to the waterfalls (10 miles down the road ) which are about 2,000 feet in all. Ruth got a video and some sunny pictures. Then back into Stewart where we parked at the city park (next to the Visitor Center) and had one of our few picnic lunches at a picnic table. Today in Stewart is “Bear Festival Day” so they were setting up the band for the night on a bandstand there. After lunch we walked the long board walk immediately behind the bandstand into the tidal basin to look for whatever we could find. Usually we could find flowers or a bird or two and we were not disappointed . Two new flower pictures , arctic dock, and a potentilla type were there. There were also Barn Swallows that we hadn’t seen in a while, too. Earlier in the day we observed Richardson’s (Canadian) Geese , a bit smaller that the Canadians we are used to in the east. The same Kingfisher was seen as well. Birds are not as plentiful here as some places. Later in the day I spotted (no pun intended) a Spotted Sandpiper by the RR tracks at the end of town. But... back to town where we left Ruth. I took her back to the trailer as it was to be 2:00 for the oil change and we had 1 hour to go. After a bit I headed back across the border INTO Canada one more time. When I arrived at the Petro Station, they said that the mechanic was unable to do it at two o’clock, as he had three tires repairs and a set of brakes to finish, but he would be ready at 3:00. “OK”, I said, so I tooled around town for a bit looking at beautiful flower beds, (They get 150” of rain here) and catching up on my log. At 2:45 I arrived to have the truck serviced. and he was ready .I drove out at 3:45 after getting acquainted with the help and how that station works. It is a place that does “EXPEDITING” of services. Ambulances, helicopters (to the mines) , tools and equipment to all services, etc. Quite a lot of things to keep track of. Besides that they are the only parts store (auto /truck) within 100 miles+ and also operate as a hardware store. All types of fuel oil, Propane, car washes, and the mechanical work. Mary Jane runs a steady ship with great help.

So I headed the car back and returned to the trailer one more time. Ruth and I had supper and headed for the Bear watch after 6:30 PM. We waited a while, but in the bushes across a small creek I spotted the young black bear peek out from the bushes. It stayed out of cover until it hit the bank of the dike that the viewing boardwalk was on. Then it zoomed past everyone and into the bushes at the other end of the boardwalk. It finally emerged alter 25 minutes (probably eating berries) down the river a ways. Ruth had the large lens on so the close up didn’t come out. She got a few and I got to see a running bear up close. IT was another special treat of wildlife.

That was the today and the last one here in Hyder where everyone can be their own person. Tomorrow we head south toward Houston (BC that is!) and start a string of one nighters until we reach SL City.UT. Ride along with us!