Going to Alaska and other Cool Places

My friends are actively retired (80 years young) … 
                                           This is their story written by them.

IOWA
     On June10th we found ourselves traveling in luxury with Harold, my brother,
as the driver of an RV we had rented.  He seemed to be in his glory as he navigated from rural Ocala back to I-75 and proceeded towards Hannibal, MO.
Crawling through Mark Twain’s Cave ca with an informative guide is a worthwhile experience.  Later, we rode on the streetcar that provided a
guided tour of the city and surrounding countryside, history and folklore.

     The next stop was Fairfield, Iowa to visit Joyce (Judy’s sister) and Marvin.  On Sunday we attended our first church service conducted in a town square.  Rather informal, but well done, and very comfortable.  Regretfully, our time was limited, but we managed to squeeze in a trip with them to the major shopping mall –   forgot the name – like a huge Menards, Harbor Freight, Tractor Supply
and Detwiler Farm Market all rolled into one.  It contained a lot of unusual merchandise to us, but highly useful stuff to the ranchers and farmers.  Prices seemed to be competitive and we enjoyed ourselves.

     On the way to Des Moines, I had to introduce Harold to the “Canteen,” a local diner situated under a parking lot in Ottumwa, Ia.- remember Radar O’Reilly of “Mash” fame?  He claimed Ottumwa to be his birthplace.  Anyway, Harold agreed that the Canteen Burger is one of the best he has ever had.  I informed him that it is a tradition that we stop at the Canteen on every trip to Ottumwa. 
Furthermore, Ottumwa is where Orval rescued Judy to become his wife.

     Next stop was Des Moines, Iowa, the home of Jennifer (Judy’s sister) and Rob.  Unfortunately, we were short on time so we had to cut our visit short, but we did see them the next day.  We spent the night at a KOA east of town.  The weather had cooled considerably, and storm clouds were a bit threatening, but the night passed without incident.  Next day we met up with Jen and Rob at a huge shopping mall.  Seems like we patronize out-of-state malls seeking stores or variation of merchandise we do not have in Florida.

     On the way home, we stopped at Kentucky Lakes, Prizer Point KOA, Lake Barkley, Ky.  It really appeared to be a super place with a playground and huge pool.  There is a Mexican restaurant on site.  Our camp site was gorgeous, right on the beach and still projected outward onto a small peninsula; rather isolated.  Of course, it came at a premium price but I considered it worthwhile. 
     As nice as it was, we decided not to stay because of the restroom/bathhouse accommodation.  During the night we received notification of shots fired police responding with cruisers and a helicopter and to please remain inside.
We received notice apparently because record keeping had not caught up with our departure.   It seemed we were lucky we moved on.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA AND ALASKA
     On July 13, Judy and I flew to Vancouver, British Columbia, to meet up with Willand Robin.  Robin had initiated all of the details for an excursion to Butchart Gardens, the city of Vancouver and the subsequent cruise to Alaska and British Columbia after the cruise.  Butchart Gardens is a must see for anyone who is contemplating an Alaskan cruise.  Only photos can describe its beauty adequately.

Our first port is Juneau, the Alaska state capital.  We visited the state house.  Even though it was not in session, the legislative chamber and many of the offices were open to tourists.  Juneau is a mountainous area that is so full of glaciers that building roads or railroads is not feasible so it is isolated.  One local told us that there are only two ways to leave Junea, but three ways to get there:  by sea, by air and by the birth canal.  At the Tongass National Forest we saw our first glacier.  The Mendenhall Glacier is a magnificent body of icethat exhibits pastel shades of vibrant blues and browns.  It looks like a field of molten glass.
     Later, at Nugget Falls, we got separated from Will and Robin at the ranger station and viewing platform.  They had proceeded on the difficult trail expecting us to take the other trail designed for old folks.  Deciding that we were not going to be pansies, we followed them on their trail.  It was much longer, a mile in length, rather steep in many areas, but well worth the effort.  When we emerged from the woods, the shock on Will’s face upon seeing us was not only evident but rewarding.  We were awed by the quantity force of thefalls’ water.

          Overnight we cruised to Skagway, arriving on July 18^th.  Of course, I have to mention the “Red Onion Saloon,” a vintage bar and former brothel.  The upstairs is reserved for guided tours of the working girls’ quarters.  Downstairs, the décor surrounding the worn bar with its stock of liquors, including the tables and chairs, wooden floor, light fixtures and even many local patrons appearances, and that of the staff, quickly convinces visitors that this place had been a mecca vital to the old west and to its’ minors.  Now, we are practically part of it – the easy part that is.  A couple of cool ones and we were off.

     The next tour provided a combination bus ride with travel on the “White Pass” railroad.  It is a safe and convenient way to view the snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, streams, waterfalls, lakes and forests with a variety of trees, bushes and plants-including some weeds-providing such grand vista that one does not know where to concentrate his gaze.  Absolutely gorgeous, but also a reminder of the hardships faced by prospectors during the gold rush trying to navigate this rugged and unforgiving terrain, especially during winter.

      On July 19^th our cruise ship approached the Glacier Bay National Park,
Alaska, for are long -anticipated view of the Margerie Glacier – the focal point of this cruise.  It is impossible not to marvel  at how blue the water appears.  The glacier showed streaks of brown shades and with some almost pure white clumps in its overall bluish hue.  Sea otters, many of whom were snoozing with bellies full of fish, floated on their backs, drifting with the current and breaching whales provided momentary distractions.  Our cruise ship provided adequate time for photos of the glacier and other views of the bay which also featured the scarred and colorful erosion of rocky bluffs caused by receding ice.

     Our last port is Ketchikan, Salmon Capital of the World.  It also has bragging rights to 12.5 feet of rain per year.  The city seems primarily a tourist trap with a multitude of shops, many of which probably carry quality merchandise but at high prices.  Many homes dot the steep elevations of the shoreline necessitating very steep, like almost vertical, stairs and  many steps to the top.
One figures that once the furniture is in, that is it!   

Back to British Columbia
     Over the next several days, we visited places such as Hell’s Gate, Cache Creek, Kamloops, Bienvenue, and Radium Hot Springs (where Judy and I encountered our mountain goats while Will and Robin hit the hot springs).
We also visited Spiral Tunnels (trains running through the mountains), Jasper, Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto Lake, Athabasca Glacier, Sunwapta, Moraine Lake and much more.  We hiked through some rough terrain  at some of these sites, walked on a glacier, and observed canvasses that only God could create.  If you are intrigued by all these names, then I suggest you go there and view all of this yourself.  Canada’s best kept secret is British Columbia.  Lake Louise is located barely outside British Columbia in Alberta.  The lake is well known for its turquoise color and we were not disappointed.  I wish we had time for touring Alberta Province as well.  Will and Robin rented a canoe.  Knowing that my paddling inability surely would capsize us, we passed on doing that but still managed a good time.

     Robin longed to see a black bear.  On the last full day, a black bear fulfilled her wish by crawling out of the woods and crossing in front of our vehicle.  After Will stopped the car, Robin ran back for another shot.  Next, she voiced regret for not having seen an elk.  Shortly afterwords, she got that wish and her photo.
I did not get my photo of a Big Horn sheep.  I did, however, snap a photo of an animal that was mostly camouflaged in foliage near the road.  I knew something was in there but could not detect it.  I cautioned Robin who was standing nearby.  She thought I was kidding.  Just for kicks, I took a photo, which  later when blown up, revealed the presence of a bob cat.  He appears to be crouched, probably in a defensive position, and not wanting to attack.

     a big thanks to Robin.  Had it not been for her research and planning, we wold not have seen and participated  in many, many of our activities nor known of the existence of a lot of the sights.  If looking for a tour guid, we have one and she is relatively inexpensive.  Robin is so adventuresome, she even braved the frigid waters of a lake to retrieve glacial deposits for safe-keeping and souvenirs. 

Arizona
     During late November, we visited Dan and Andrea in Arizona.  They have added an outdoor kitchen and a pool since our last visit.  Truly, beautiful projects.   Judy and I walked the nature trail behind their home.  It has really
change since our last visit with a maturing landscape, more walkers and runners, bike riders and horseback riders.  I wish I could have brought this trail back to our neighborhood.

     Andrea took us to Lake Havasu, Az.  For Thanksgiving with Christine B.  Christine surprised us  when her brother-in-law  Don, his daughters Cassie and Meghan, and others also showed.  Our gracious hosts Robin and George, Don’s friends, invited the whole crew to their home for a Thanksgiving meal.  We had a wonderful time, we made some new friends, and enjoyed Robin and George and their family. 

     We travelled to Oatman, Az. The next day.  The donkeys are famous for running wild in this old mining town located  on historic Route 66.  It is said they outnumber the population.  As we approached the town, several groups of motorists had pulled off the road to feed the donkeys.  They appeared tame and well behaved.  After a brief walk through a portion of the town, we did what we do best – we ate -an excellent BBQ ribs lunch.  The price was reasonable considering how remote the town is and that it survives on tourism.  Later the peace was interrupted by a donkey galloping down the street, his body hunched down and his neck and head elongated.   He brayed continuously as he charged.
Evan though it was funny, I did have some concern for any pedestrians, especially children who might be in its way.  It grew quiet and could no longer see through the crowd.  Then more commotion, so I pushed through the crowd.
Unfortunately, my phone had been turned off to conserve  the battery- This angry donkey and another were brawling in the middle of the street.  I mean a knock down, rolling on the pavement, dust flying, legs gyrating and feet kicking battle.  Finally, one was forced to retreat.  I, i.e.  his paramour.  This could not have been rehearsed any better for the tourists.  By this time, it became apparent an offending donkey had run off with the charging donkey’s jenny,
i.e. paramour.  Struggling to its feet, the loser  parted ways apparently physically uninjured, but suffering a wounded ego, the losss of a good time, and he must have felt like an a_ _.

     Several venders sell feed portions to tourists for the donkeys.  Later, I witnessed a donkey who had spotted a bag of caramel popcorn that a lady  had laid carelessly beside her on a bench.  From the street, a donkey swiftly between stuck his head between the top railing and the floor of the raised veranda and grabbed the cellophane bag of popcorn off the bench.  Initially, the surprised lady had not fully comprehended the situation, but then did her best to dissuade the donkey, to no avail.  The donkey had the bag chewed open rather quickly.  I have to ask you, “Who was the dumb a_ _?”

     We took a ferry from our time-share to Lake Havasu Casino.  Because I am a veteran and a first-tiimer at the casino, the clerk gave me a $30 stipend with which to gamble.  ON my first play, I hit a bit more than a mediocre jackpot on the penny slots.  Andrea, relying on past experience, made me quit.  The winnings of $74+ offset my loses and I left with more $$ than I walked in with.
     This is the end of our summer travels.  Hope you enjoyed them as much as we did.   O & J