The trip is over

July 27, 2010

Since the 23rd we have visited another day with Jill and then went to Cincinnati to see our friends, the Carls. Spent two delightful days there. Saw both of their daughters and grandson.

Lara, the youngest daughter, is enrolled in a Pastry School. She makes the greatest desserts as well as being a great cook. Her goal is to become a Pastry Chef at a high class eatery. I think she has a great chance of succeeding.

Becky is still managing a Hallmark store and really likes what she is doing. She used to be Joyce's head nurse but when they moved from Charlottesville she changed careers and has never regretted it.

Rick is still working for GE in their IT department. He is also recovering from a severely broken leg which resulted from a fall.

Monday we left and ended up near Beckley WV in a small campground we had camped in on our way back from Alaska in 2006.

Left early this morning and arrived home this afternoon. While we have enjoyed ourselves we are very glad to be home. We have missed our friends and family.

This finished David and Joyce's Fine Trip. Ya'll come see us or call.

Looking for Ancestors

The Pierce School

July 21, 2010

We got the tires replaced on the camper and started south toward Manchester around 11:30. We skipped Washtenaw and decided to come to Maumee and camp for 3 nights instead of two and I would go back to Michigan to search for the ancestors. Called Jill and as it worked out she is off this week. She came over and we had a good visit. It was decided that Joyce would spend the day with her and I would go hunting by myself.

July 23, 2010

Today was a really good day. Jill came and picked Joyce up and I went to Manchester where my great grandfather had died. After talking to some people, by telephone and in person, I went to what was known as the Old Pierce Farm on Parr Road. Talked to the present owner and found out that he had purchased it in 1952 and the previous owner was a William Pierce. Took some pictures and went back to Manchester for lunch. Stopped at the Whistle Stop Cafe for lunch. As I was eating an elderly gentleman approached the cash register and I asked if he knew a community called Sharon in the area. He wanted to know if it was I that had called him earlier. It was. His name is Harold Parr, age 90, and active in their Historical Society. We went to the Blacksmith which was now the historical society's office to look at an 1880 atlas that was published with items about each township within the county.

He was unable to locate it there but said he had one at home and invited me to come look at it. The Atlas was of no help, but he pulled out a 1915 map of
Sharon Township that show all the parcels of land and the owners. I found my grandfather, Edward M. Pierce, on the map. There was also a school on the property called the Pierce School. It seems Henry Ford bought out all the landowners in that area, tore down all the buildings and converted it to a huge Mega Farm. Mr. Ford took a liking to the school and left it standing. It is in disrepair but made of Manchester Brick and still stands. So I was able to find his farm. On the way back to town we stopped at the Gillet Cemetery to look at the headstones. We were amazed but I was able to find my Great Grandfather Mowry Pierce, both of his deceased wives. Also found his brother's (Myron Pierce) with wife and 4 children. Myron outlive all his children and died at the age of 112.

Like I said, it was a good day and I actually succeeded my expectations. Tomorrow I may go back up toward Ann Arbor and try to find my Great-Great Grandfather Nathan Pierce. Joyce will spend the day with Jill helping her prepare food for her son's birthday party that evening.

For the last several days I have been extremely tired even tho I have been sleeping well. Getting off the road early yesterday seems have done wonders for me. Even felt like I had a little spring in my step.

Today has been an easy day. We are at Pinny Park Campground in Pinconning, Michigan. On the edge of Lake Huron. Today we have seen Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.

Tomorrow I have to see about getting tires for the camper. Was sitting outside this evening and the tires are in terrible shape. Flat spots, no tread. Its a wonder I have not had a problem with them. But I must say, those tires have been thru Hell. Over 14,000 miles and some of the roughest roads you can imagine. Plus mileage I have put on them in the last two years. So I don't think I can complain too much. Just hope I can find what I need and get down to Washtenaw at a reasonable time. It is 145 miles from here.

I have given up on locating my half-brother, as I think he may be deceased. What I would like to do now is to see if I can find out where my Great Grandparents are buried. I have found some info that goes back to the 1600's.

From Seney, Michigan

July 19, 2010

Well, we did slow down when we got to Michigan. Yesterday, in Wisconsin, we turned off Rt. 2 and took a scenic loop up the shores of Lake Superior. We were headed toward the Apostle Islands but the road was closed so we had to detour around them.

Crossed into Michigan in the afternoon. Decided we would take a scenic route that went along the lake shore. Ended up in a Township Park in Ontonagon, Michigan. They had electricity and pit toilets. What I really wanted was a good shower and hair washing. But it was OK for the night.

During the day, at one of our stops, I found that the pin that locks the hitch to the ball(as well as holding the electrical cable off the ground) was missing. Either I had forgotten to put it in or it had pulled loose. The cable had been dragging on the ground and some of the wires were showing. Wrapped it with electrical tape, found a way to keep the cable off the ground, and kept going.

One thing that I have learned on this trip. Try to have as many spare items as you can. Already I have had to buy fuses and bulbs for the brake light on the camper.

Today I stopped at an RV store and bought two pins. One to use and one for a spare. Hope I won't have to use the spare.

It has been a rather slow day today. We have continued taking the scenic route and are now in Seney, Michigan. Had dinner and then went and drove around the Seney National Wildlife Refuge. Saw lots of trumpeter swans, a few beaver and ducks. Lots of insect life.

We have now been in the UP of Michigan for two days. Tomorrow we cross down into the Mitten.

From Saginaw, Mn

July 17, 2010

Last night we stayed at the Larimore Dam Recreation area in one of the nicest campgrounds we have been in. For $20 we got electric and water and a huge grassy area to put the camper on. Larimore is west of Grand Rapids, ND.

On the way to Larimore we went through an area with lots of Oil wells. At several we could see flames where we think they were burning off the gas from the wells. I wonder why they can't capture that?

Today we are a few miles west of Duluth, MN. The morning started off with an approaching thunderstorm. We packed everything away and lowered the camper in record time. Did not want a wet mattress again.

Drove thru rain for most of the day. No heavy downpours but roads were wet. We crossed the Red River, the St. Louis River and the Mississippi River. We actually crossed it twice. And both times it was about half the width of the Rivanna River that runs thru Albemarle County. We were in the headwaters near Lake Itsaca.

The broken window in the car is holding together. Since we are already in Duluth I will cancel my 2:30 appointment on Tuesday. There is no way we will stay here 3 days. Will probably slow down when we get to Michigan. I also want to go to Sharon, which was my mother's birthplace. After that we plan to go to Toledo and Cincinnati to see friends.

From Williston, ND

July 14, 2010

It's been a few days since I updated this so here goes. Arrived in the 'Land of purple mountains and amber waves of grain' on the 14th. Went as far as Havre, MT and stayed at the Emporium RV park. Opened up the camper and found out the bed was wet. I won't bore you with the details, but we got everything dried out.

This campground was right on the highway and behind it was a railroad switching yard. It was not quiet but I slept better than I did in the motel in Nanton.

July 15, 2010

We are now in Williston, ND and the Central Time Zone. While we have been moving east, and not doing in stopping except for bathrooms, food and gas, we have noted that the 'Amber waves of grain' are becoming amber. Lots of grain fields and hay fields. They are in the middle of 'hay season' and the fields and roadsidhes are littered with hay bales. They even mow and bale the shoulders and medians of the highways here.

We are traveling RT 2 east and while it is a two lane road, with speed limits of 65-70 mph we are making good time. Our only problem yesterday is a shattered window on the car. Evidently as we were passing a bush hog, a rock was thrown against the window. Can't get it fixed until Tuesday in Duluth, MN and we are afraid it will drop out and get glass all over the car. We have taped both the inside and outside of the window. While it may drop out, it will not put glass over everything. Moving on today.

From Jasper in the snow

July 11, 2010

Joyce and I have been playing this dumb “Punch Dub” game. It is unfair because you are not allowed to punch the driver. And I am the driver. As we were coming thru Burns Lake I called a “Flowerdy One”. It was an old Beetle that had live flowers planted all over it. Unfortunately Joyce could not get a picture.

We continued thru lots of beautiful farmland. They must raise hay as a cash crop because there was a lot of it being cut and baled. There did not seem to be enough livestock to feed it to.

We made an early day of it and stopped at Purdon Lake Provincial Park and camped for the night. By the time we arrived the temperature was about 80 degrees. Had supper then a campfire with toasted marshmallows.

July 12, 2010

Well the pleasant temperature came to an end. 46 degrees this morning and a light drizzle. Packed up and on the way. Stopped down the road a couple of miles with the intent of getting gas. Pulled up to the pump and across the front was a handwritten sign saying gas was $2.00 per liter. That works out to $7.60 per gallon. I had more than enough to get to McBride and got gas there for 1.09 per liter.

We continued on to Jasper National Park. On the way we noticed that some of the mountains had a new dusting of snow on them. We could see it on the trees near the top. We have been driving thru rain off and on most of the day. Shortly after we entered the park we changed time zones. We are now on MDT, only hours difference from home.

We arrived at Whistler Campground and got a site and set up. This campground has 781 sites and 177 of them have electricity. They were all taken so we are “Dry Camping” again.

We had forgotten to get milk and needed an onion also. So we went into Jasper itself and it is nothing but shops, restaurants and Adventure stores for the tourist. Must have been a least 50-75 RVs of one description or another parked there. Found a grocery, made out purchases and headed back to the car. Overheard someone saying that they had arrived 20 minutes before the snow. He said that heard that there was a half inch of snow on the highway.

I hope to get this posted in a couple of days. We are either going to Lake Louise or Yoho National Park tomorrow. I will decide sometime or the other.

July 13, 2010

Well, the weather decided for me. We awoke to a steady rain. And we could not believe we had slept until 7:45. I blame it on the time change. We were indecisive about what we wanted to do, but did not want to stay there another day. We packed as much as we could do without loading the car. To make the story shorter, we took the camper down in the snow. It was mixed with the rain and left a slushy mess on the canvas.

We left the campground at 11:00 and by that time it had turned to all snow and was beginning to cover the ground and the trees. We drove over 100 miles in a really good snow storm. They even had snow plows scraping the road and spreading sand.

As a consequence we did not stop at Lake Louise or YOHO National Park as I had wanted to. In fact, it has rained or snowed on us all day.

We are in Nanton, AB south of Calgary in a small roadside motel. We plan to be in the Lower 48 tomorrow.

Houston, BC

July 10, 2010

We are now in Houston, BC at the Shady Rest RV park. A nice park, quiet so far, well kept.

The only thing of real interest today was the Village of Gitanyow. A native village with authentic totem poles. There were 8-10 or more there and they were quite striking.

After that we continued to this location.

July 8, 2010

One thing I forgot to mention in yesterday's entry. While in Watson Lake we got gas at the Tag Market. They had a little cafe in the back corner. It was not quite time for lunch but we looked to see what we could get to take with us and eat later. We decided what we wanted and waited for it. There was one cook and he had about 4 orders going at once. You have never seen a man move so fast. It was worth what we paid for the food just to watch him. And on top of that the food was good.

Another place we stopped yesterday was in Jade City. This store has it's own Jade mine where they dig and then process the jade. In the store are some of the neatest jade pieces you will ever see. But be of stout heart when you pick them up and look at the prices. While I did not buy the expensive pieces I did get a lot of my Christmas shopping done. In talking with the owner she told me that she supplies 90% of the world's jade market.

We left at our usual leisurely time and proceeded down the highway. Enjoying the scenery which is about as good as we have seen. Mountains on either side of us with snow still on them. Beautiful lakes. We managed to get a few reflection shots of lakes and mountains.

We ate lunch at this lodge and campground by Tatooga Lake. The owner got to talking with us and said we should find a small place up here,buy it and move up there. I remarked that I did not think I could take all all the winter darkness. His reply was come up in April, leave in November. While going to dinner tonight we saw a sign advertising houses for $39,900 with 3 bedrooms, electric heat and 1 1/2 baths. I asked her if we should buy one. She thought about it and the only objection she came up with was that 'it is a lot of driving each year'.

How do I describe the 32 mile drive from Meziadin Junction to Stewart, BC. It is a narrow valley with steep sided mountains on either side. Avalanche areas abound. Several glaciers are in sight. Bear Glacier comes right down to the road and you can see the terminus in a small lake. If lucky you can watch it calve. We did not see it calve in 2006 but maybe we will get lucky this time. From our campsite we can see a 'hanging glacier' above town.

We had meant to stay at the Bear River campground at the edge of town. When we turned in we found that we were not welcome. No soft-side tent trailers. I'm sure they would say it is because of the many bears in the area, but I think they do not want tents or tent trailers. Doesn't look good with the big RVs. Joyce had looked in the Milepost book we have and found there was a municipal campground. So that is where we are tonight and tomorrow night.

Tomorrow we will cross the border to Hyder, AK. The only road to it is thru Stewart and it basically dead-ends in Hyder. Hyder is the southern most part of Alaska. We plan to go back to Salmon Glacier.

July 9, 2010

Today we have been in Canada, crossed the State of Alaska to Canada and back again. How did we do this. Drive 2 miles from Stewart to Hyder, AK and then another 10 miles toward Salmon Glacier and back into Canada.

Hyder is one of the few places that does not have US Customs stationed at the border. Canada does, so on the way back we had to pass thru Canadian Customs. We know all the questions now. Been thru them so many times. Maybe one more time when we swing north to come down thru Michigan.

Today was a good day. Lots of beautiful scenery, wildflowers and a Grizzly. We were at the overlook for Salmon Glacier when someone told us of a bear down the road about 5 miles. Hustled Joyce into the car and off we went. Knowing how bears move around we did not have too many hopes, but there he was. We drove almost down to the meadow and stopped the car a couple hundred yards away. We were of no bother to the bear. He kept doing what he was doing, that is eating. We did what we came for. Got some good pictures.

Stopped by the Visitors Center to check on the availability of their WI-FI. They said it is on continuously and all I need do is come sit in the parking lot or on the bench by the door. Will do so later tonight.

Leaving tomorrow toward Prince George. We will not make it all the way so will camp somewhere a couple of hundred miles from here.

July 5, 2010

On the road again. Stopped at the car wash and power sprayed the camper to get the caked mud off it. What a waste of time. Back thru construction zones and the mud. Caked almost as bad as before I washed it off.

Today's trip was actually kind of boring. Long straights without a lot of scenery.
However, we did find something that is interesting to the geologist side of me. About 750 AD a layer of volcanic ash covered 125 million sq. miles of the Yukon. Archeologist use it determine the age of artifacts that they find. On top of the layer, after 750 AD, on top then before. We found a place where I could get a clump of it. It crumbles very easily between you fingers and feels like Talcum Powder.

They geologist do not know where this ash came from. There is no evidence that the area had seen volcano activity. They surmise that possibly a volcano under a glacier violently exploded and produce the ash. The volcano would now be buried under ice.

We are camped in a Yukon Provincial campground at Twin Lakes. No hookups, but only $12.00 CDN. Along with that is free firewood. A good deal by any stretch of the imagination.

Whitehorse is about 70 miles away and we will stop there tomorrow to re-supply. Need canned veggies, bread, and other essentials. After that we will move down the road and camp wherever we can find a campground when we get tired of driving.

July 6, 2010

We are near Teslin on the Alaska Highway about 60 miles from Watson Lake. The campground is named Continental Divide Lodge and RV Park. By that name you might think it is a real fancy place. NOT!!!. If Joyce had not seen the sign I would have missed it. The campground is OK. Quiet with free wood and a moderate price. And someone actually has a WI-FI connection that is really slow but usable some. Oops, it just went down.

We stopped in Whitehorse on the way through and stocked up on groceries. It is amazing how much Joyce can stuff in this camper and the small frig that we have.

We are now in places we have been before. It amazes us how much we remember about them. Looking forward to getting back down into the lower 48 where gas is more reasonable. Gas I have purchased in the last 2 days ranges from 5.03 to 4.23 CDN per gallon. Even with a favorable exchange rate that is hard on the wallet.

July 7, 2010

Made it to Watson Lake and got gas. Also stopped by the “Sign Forest” where there are hundreds of road signs, license plates and misc stuff showing where people have come from. We remembered seeing it on our way to Alaska in 2006 but did not stop to explore it. We found several license plates from Virginia. I considered taking the license off the car and leaving it there but did not.

Headed north up the Alaska Highway to the Junction with Highway 37, better known as the Cassiar Highway. It is a beautiful drive on a narrow 2 lane road that is rough in spots. I am enjoying driving it this time. In 2006, with the RV it was a “white knuckle drive”.

We are in Waters Edge campground on Dease Lake. I have never been in a campground that does not offer electric and water but has WI-FI. For 18.00 CDN I am not complaining. I can wait another night for a shower.

Joyce saw 2 moose and a Bald Eagle today. Not much else, but lots of signs telling us to look out for Moose and Caribou.

July 4th in Dawson City

Not being in the USA we quietly celebrated today. Joyce did Laundry, I power washed some of the mud off the car and vacuumed the front floor mats. I also found an ATM in town and got some Canadian money.

After chores, Joyce and I went back into Dawson to explore and walk around. We bought tickets at the Triple J Hotel for an evening cruise and dinner on the Yukon.

They use a side-wheel vessel. It was a very enjoyable and relaxing time. There was a lady on board who gave us historical facts about the river. Also showed us a man made cave that is lived in year round. Caveman Bill as he is known has electricity and all the comforts of home. He waved at us as we went up river. We went up river 45 minutes against the current and returned in 8 minutes. The Yukon has a fast current. In fact there was a canoe/kayak race starting in Whitehorse, over 700 Kilometers away that finished yesterday. I was told that the winner did it in 42 hours. Even current assisted that is fast. Hope there was big prize money.

From Dawson City

July 2, 2010

Left Palmer and headed toward Tok. The first part of the day the road was good but by the second half it became brutal. Got to within 12 miles of Tok and stayed at a SRA(State Recreation Area) campground. Fifteen dollars for the night. I thought it was a bit over priced since the others we had stayed in were 10. On top of that the water was rusty. Fortunately we had almost 2 gallons with us and we made do with that.

Got the camper set up and make my usual cup of coffee. Went outside to drink it. Sitting in my camp chair I was dozing off and waking up. Regained consciousness and to my great surprise there was a Brown(Grizzly) was standing between the car and the camper. Later I paced it off and it was 6 paces from where I was sitting.

I got up slowly and calmly said Bear a couple of times, spread my arms and it went away. I think it was a 3 year old just separated from its mother. It certainly did not display any aggressive tendencies. While Joyce and I were eating it came thru our section of the campground again. Joyce got the picture and I yelled and clapped my hands(we were both inside the camper) and it left. We did not see it again.

We went up to the next section to tell some folks about it and they were on the way to warn us. Evidently when it left the from our site the first time it went to theirs.

Joyce and I took a short nature walk to see some Northern Lady Slippers. Back to camp and I went to bed.

July 3, 2010

Left camp and drove a few miles til we got a phone signal. Pulled over to call our children and let them know our plans. Talked a few minutes with our son and left messages for our daughters. Went to start the car and nothing, zilch. Stopped no more than 10 minutes, headlight on, and killed the battery. Some kind Alaskans stopped by and gave us a jump and told me the best place to buy a battery. Went and found a battery and changed it out, which was no easy job. Fortunately I had packed a small tool kit and was able to get the job done.

While I was there working on the battery four different Alaskans stopped and asked if we needed help. These people look out for each other and us tourists too. Not sure that happens anymore at home. In fact I know it doesn't.

Back on the road heading for Chicken Ak. I will not go into the story of chicken but it was a gold mining town(??) and gold is still panned in the area. Had lunch at the Chicken Crossing Cafe. The only thing on the menu that was not chicken was a hotdog.

There are no utilities in Chicken. Each person is responsible for their own electricity and water. There is one Satellite telephone for emergencies. Think you could live that way? In the summer there are about 100 people there and in winter it drops to 8. When the snows come the roads are not maintained. Those 8 folks are truly on their own.

Left Chicken and left for Dawson City, YT on the “Top of the World Road”. And it basically seemed that way. Views of mountain ranges, rivers galore. Road was dirt most of the way but we have seen much worse. Rained, of course, so we picked up a load of mud. What's new.

Arrived Dawson City and took the ferry across the Yukon River. Found a campground, checked in and then went to the car wash. I washed a lot of the mud off the camper. Parked the camper and leveled it. Then went to find something to eat and left the camper to dry. Ate at Sourdough Joe's and came back and set up. Now trying to catch up on emails and my Journal.

June 28, 2010

Left Creek-side as soon as we could. Hit the road south. A pleasant drive. We stopped along the way to take pictures and enjoy the scenery. Stopped at Summit Lake for lunch. We had eaten there before and the food was still good. Continued on and arrived at Ninilchik and found the State Recreation Campground we were looking for. It has about 40 campsites and only 3 were occupied. After Creek-side this is absolute paradise. We are dry camping. Using headlamps to read by and the battery, that I had to take care of with the fuse, powers the fan for the propane furnace. No internet here. Lots of mosquitoes though. Had a simple supper, built a campfire, roasted marshmallows. How could life be better?

June 29, 2010

Had breakfast and left for Homer. Just outside the campground is an Russian Orthodox Church which is open to the public. We had never seen one before and did not want to pass it by. This is a small church that was established in the 1800's and was located down in the village. In 1907 a new church was built in it's present location and is still active. We learned that the churches are always facing the east. The parishioners, minister and deacons all stand. The church had lots of ornamentation and pictures of it's saints. The minister was there and let us take pictures of the inside of the church, himself and the outside of the church.

We arrived in Homer itself. Homer was named after the Con Man who founded it. He established Gold Mines (that were virtually worthless) and sold shares in them to wealthy Eastern Investors.

Most of the real action takes place on Homer Spit. We drove out to Lands End and saw all these people fishing. We had planned on sending Joyce out on a Halibut boat but when she saw this she wanted to bank fish. We decided to buy her a license for the next day. Home Spit is crowded with automobile, trucks and RVs. By the number I expected to see mobs of people. They must have been on boats fishing or something because the number of people around did not fit the number of vehicles.

Stopped at Safeway and got Joyce's one day fishing license which cost 20 dollars and a King Salmon stamp for another 10. Other than bait she was ready.

June 30, 2010

Up after a fine nights sleep. Headed to Homer and some fishing. Stopped and got bait, some proper sized hooks and a 3 ounce sinker(which she lost on the first cast). Joyce spent the morning catching fish with me sitting in my chair watching and just chilling out. The action was good. She lost track of how many she had caught, but we kept the first one for dinner. Went and had lunch and came back for more fishing. And that was what she did, all fishing and no catching. Even though she was frustrated for the afternoon it had been a good day. The pollock tasted good for supper tonight.

Another campfire and marshmallow roast. We have decided to now make the turn to come home. We have been on the road almost 9 weeks and while Joyce would be willing to stay out longer, I am ready. I figure it will take us 3 to 4 weeks to get back. We want to visit Joyce's college room mate in Toledo, and the Carls in Cincinnati. I plan to get down thru Canada as quickly as possible. I am tired of $3.69 gas in Alaska and $4.00+ in Canada. Plan to take a northern route over to near Duluth, swing in to Canada and come down thru Michigan, which was my mother's birthplace. We have almost 5,000 miles to cover to get home. We have driven 10,000 so far.

July 1, 2010

We are now in Palmer Alaska about 40 miles from Anchorage. An uneventful day traveling. In a commercial RV park tonight with electricity, water, showers and Laundromat. The temperature is pleasant, the sky is blue and the sun is shining. No idea when it will set, but it will be late.

Tomorrow we head toward Tok. We have decided to take somewhat of a side trip to Chicken Alaska. We always joke about it's name so we thought it appropriate that we go there. This will send us north and then back to the Alaska Highway.