(The beds are packed so we had 2 nights "camping" indoors.)
I continued to have problems posting and moving photos. I'll try to add them, again, at our next stop.
It's been an eight-month roller coaster ride...sometimes exhilarating and sometimes stomach-dropping. There have been ups and downs and unexpected turns, but never a day of regret. We saw some beautiful sights and met some beautiful people! We began packing Wednesday evening, and our last day(s) at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital was Friday.
We would be remiss not to thank those who came out to help--Stella, Phillip, Freddy and Samantha, Tanya & Ben, Ken, Shanny and Liam. Plus, the two soldiers from Ft Wainwright. If it hadn't been for their consideration and generosity, it's likely Ray & I would STILL be packing! So, to all of them--we give our deepest THANKS!
Our first goal was to get to Whitehorse, Canada (Yukon Territory) to pick up a car towing trailer. 600 miles from Fairbanks. After not having driven much in 8 months, I guess this was to be my penance. For those of you that don't know...I'm a great driver. I just don't do long distances very well. I am one of those who can get in a car and sleep the 18 miles (one-way) to visit my mom. Gratefully, I am married to one who LOVES to drive...and drive...and drive...
At the AK/Canadian border we were asked if we were carrying any firearms or weapons, to which Ray replied, "No." The next question was, "What did you do with them?" ...Ray and I chuckled as he relayed the exchange to me...I guess saying we were from Texas comes with the preconceived notion that all Texans have firearms?
We made it to Whitehorse Friday evening and found the well hidden U-Haul store (doubling as a gas station/convenience store). After a few minutes of deep concern, being told incorrectly U-Haul didn't authorize an Explorer to be towed and an 800 call to corporate, [Praise God!!] Ray got us hooked up and we made our way to The Yukon Inn. We stayed here on the way to AK and knew Wendell was welcomed here and decided not to waste time looking for another place.
Amusingly along the way we saw caution signs posted for: Bison, Caribou and Elk. HA! We didn't see a one. We did, however, see 2 dogs, 2 bald eagles, 2 coyotes (separate sightings) and a moose swimming.
The second time thru Kluane Ice Fields was just as picturesque, with the lakes being frozen this time around and mountain tops that were dusted with snow. Literally, they look like God just shook out some powdered sugar.
We don't know yet what our exact route will be in the next day or two, but we do know that our goal is Glacier National Park. From there we'll head east to North Dakota. Neither of us have been there and we both want to check out one of the coldest states (of the Lower 48). We plan to drive through Minot and then south to Bismarck.
Wendell is once again an ideal traveling partner. Sleeping most of the time and enjoying the sights when he is awake. By the way--we have no cell phone coverage. Only a message displaying, "Emergency calls only." Never had that before...
I continued to have problems posting and moving photos. I'll try to add them, again, at our next stop.
We continue to covet your prayers for traveling mercies! Stay tuned...
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