The Lady in the Van - A roadtrip

Before the roadtrip.

Even though we touched down in LA on 17th May, it has taken me a few weeks to settle down, visit with family and get the van organised to hit the road. Not much has gone smoothly up to now, but hopefully from now on things will stay on-track.

After a most wonderful flight from MEL to LAX - not a bump, no seatbelt sign - just a smooth glide 30 - 40000' up in the sky. LAX to BOS with Virgin was another story. I was tired and waiting in the departure lounge, when I must have fallen asleep. When I awoke the lady from Virgin told me my flight had left 40 minutes ago. Nobody bothered to wake me. They knew where I was going, they had asked.

Supervisor was called, and I was put on a flight to SFO (an airport I had never been to). With my scooter and now wide awake, I made the most of it, and spent the four hours just looking around the shops, getting something to eat, and speaking with other travellers.

The flight SFO - BOS was now scheduled to arrive in at 6am, not exactly a convenient time for a family with 3 school age children. I took a cab.

My week in Newton was great. There were three concerts to attend in which the children took park. One dance recital, one Newton combined choir concert and a school concert. Things I normally miss. I made the most of my new mobility, and took a full day to check out all the shops at Newton Center, and went for a ride all the way round the lake near son's home - places I had not seen.

All too soon it was time to check-in for my flight to Raleigh NC, to go pick up my van. Once again the gremlins were at work. Flight was more than an hour late leaving, and even later arriving in Raleigh. The brightest thing that morning was seeing Foy at the airport. By now, it was too late to get the van all ready and get to the Ford dealership in time for them to start work on it same day. The appointment was changed to the following day, and I spent the night in quite a nice motel (with coupon).

Foy had ensured that the van was fine for me to drive the next morning, to the dealership where they were going to check it out and make sure it is roadworthy. When Rick and John came with the list of jobs to be done, I figured all my holiday funds would be gone. In the end the new radiator, two new tires, two lots of brakes, shock absorbers all around, as well as the normal service - fluids, hoses and belts, etc. came in at just under two grand. She certainly drove lots better back to Raleigh.

Turned out that they could not get all the parts and complete all the work that Thursday. Another night in a motel was in order, in one of only two motels in Eden NC - only a couple miles from the dealership. The tiny town of Eden looked interesting. I hopped on my scooter and checked out all the stores. Sadly most were empty and starting to look neglected. One did not need to be told that a new Walmart had popped up not far away.

Next morning Robert came to pick me up from the motel at 11an. I had told Rick not to send anyone before checkout time. I wanted to sleep in.

It is at this point that I noticed my phone missing. Having charged it in the motel, it was in my pocket on my tour of the town. Assuming it had fallen out of my pocket somewhere in town I gave up searching, and headed for Raleigh, and my night's destination. [Arriving at daughter's place two days later, I gave her my laundry. "There is something in these jean's pockets." Three days of needless worrying!]


That first night (Fri) I spent at FlyingJ, exit 106 on I-95, It may sound strange to some, but instantly I felt at home. It was as if I was back home. There were several other similar vans there, as well as three large RVs. FJ now have free Wifi, albeit only inside the building.

Following evening was at another FJ at exit 29 in southern Georgia.

The run down I-95 Raleigh to Ft Lauderdale was a dream run, considering I was expecting lots of holiday traffic, traffic which I had hoped to avoid. Arrived at daughter's place in time for dinner on Sunday. Two easy days of (co-incidentally) 377 miles each.

It has been a wonderful week in FL, especially been able to get around with my daughter. Here I have had the the last couple of things attended to in the van. A new windscreen and getting the electronics for the fridge fixed. Has taken days to find a good auto electrician, but I expect a call any minute to say that it is all fixed.

OOoops! I forgot to mention that Foy put on a free fireworks show.... with lots of smoke and smell.... when he tried to reconnect the house battery the way (he thought) it went.

Lifey

Sounds like an eventful [and costly] start to your trip, but so much better to be prepared. How many miles are on the van now ? It must have clocked up a few now ! Shame you didn't think to ring your mobile number to see if you could locate it but at least it turned up.

Looking forward to more updates from the road.

Dave.

Dave, I think it has about 140000. And we did ring my phone many times, but in my jeans, in the laundry bag inside my suitcase, no one could hear it.

The electronics' repair have taken longer than expected. I dropped the car off on Fri morn, and I suspect he did not start work on it till Monday. Now I am told I should have it early afternoon tomorrow (Wed). It apparently took him quite a bit longer than expected to find where the short was which enabled Foy to put on his fireworks display. Still I can't complain, I would hate there to be a short with the electronics which could start a fire.

His expertise is not in question, as others speak quite highly of him, he has been in business at the same spot for three decades and his appointment book is full.

The only issue here with daughter, (one we'd all like to have) she has to accompany her husband to Italy, leaving early Thursday morning. So I need to be gone on Wed, as the children's carer will need the bed.

My first plan was to head to Joplin last week, and that was going to be a straight run, the way I have done it several times. Then, to fit in with everyone's schedule, it appeared I may have four or five days, so looked at all the scenic routes I have been longing to travel, and *designed* a route to incorporate those routes. As the completion of the van date moved later and later, that plan was ditched, and I am back to a straight three day's drive.

I sometimes wonder why I bother even thinking of planning, let alone go through the motions.

Lifey

Finally got the van all fixed, at around 8.pm on Wed night. We packed all my things into the van that night, ready for an early start.

Hit the road at around 7am on 9th June. Planning to head to Dothan AL, via I-95, FL-40, US-27 and US-231. At Ormond Beach exit on I-95 I heard a loud bang under the van. I did not know what had happened,other than the van now sounded like a large diesel truck. Figured that maybe my exhaust had fallen off. AAA towed me to 'Honest 1' repair centre, where they were terribly busy. My nagging eventually got them to look at it, and at least tell me if it was safe to drive to Joplin.

The conclusion was that it was safe to drive, but would be noisy. To ensure that no fumes would enter the vehicle, they did a quick temporary repair (solder), and I was on my way again........ 3 hours later.

Any thoughts now of FL-40 and US-27 were again ditched. I headed straight up I-95 and via the bypass to I-10 and its endless hold ups with construction. By now it was also rush hour.

Stopped the night at Flying J near Quincy FL. (Regular $1.929 - the cheapest so far.)

Lifey

This morning US- 231 took me to Dothan, where I stopped only briefly, before continuing on to Montgomery, by which time I was ready to find another route. US-231 which I have driven on this route at keast a half dozen times, has become so busy and clogged up with truck traffic, that it is no longer the pleasant drive I remember of only a few years ago. As well I was not keen on going through Memphis again.

Looking at the maps I chose US-82 from Montgomery, west. Since I did not yet have the Truckstop Directory, was not sure where to stop. When I got to I-55 it was time to think about it. Headed down the interstate till I found a Flying J. Don't know at which exit, and didn't care at the time (nor now). Next morning figured I wanted to get back to my original rout US-82, since it was a most pleasant drive through country scenery and farms.

At breakfast there were three guys at the table next to me, at times deep in conversation. They were most helpful, telling me about the different ways I could get back to my route, and the benefits of each In the end I chose US-49. It was a lovely route, very scenic and some beautiful old farm homes and barns. At Yazoo I had a look around, before continuing to Indiapola. Points of interest along the way, which I noted, but either did not or could not stop was the Big Tee-pee, an art gallery and two historic markers, neither of which had a facility to pull off the road - so disappointing.

In AR US-82 becomes US-65 which at times is designated the Great River Road. By the time I got to Pine Bluff I needed a long break, got out my scooter and had a look around, as well as doing some shopping. My plan was to spend the night at Hot Springs NP, which was still more than an hour away.

For all the instructions I had, including my maps and gps, there was no way I could find either the NP or the campground. By now the visitor centres were closed. Not that I saw them either. But I ended up having a good drive through all the streets of Hot Springs, including all the ones which come to a dead end. For the night I headed back to the Hot Springs Valero place where I had filled up along the way. I had had a long discussion with the lovely lass and she had shown me how to get there on her phone and all that, ending with 'if you can't find it, you are welcome to come back here and spend the night.'

And a good night it was too.

Lifey

Hot Springs National Park.

An early start this Sunday morning, with a clear head helped find what I was looking for. Parked at the visitor centre, and went inside, but was told it was the city visitor centre not the NP visitor centre..... that was a couple of hundred feet up the road. Since it was a Sunday, and the parking meters did not need to be fed, left my car where it was and headed up the street on my little scooter.

The NP in downtown Hot Springs consists of quite some land area, where the campground also is, and three or four of the historic Hot Bath Buildings. The most spectacular of which has tours through it by the rangers. As it was, there was no one else on the tour I took, so had the undivided attention of the ranger.

First he took me into the section of the building which was the treatment baths and stalls for medical conditions. All were marble. Looking at all this, hydro therapy is not such a new concept. There were showers which would aim at the specific parts of the body to be treated, and fire hose type canon sprays which gave the same treatment. Sitz baths, I was told, for those suffering from syphilis and women after childbirth. (These were still in use when I had my family.)

The Women's section which was plain with stalls, baths and showers and like the rest, all of marble.The whole place reminded me so much of the bath houses we used to go to immediately after the war. When I saw the gym, it was an exact replica of the gym I attended about the same time, when I was first in school. It really was a step back in time, even though I believe the house dates back to well before the war.

The men only bath chamber is a large room with pillars and marble benches, with stained glass picture windows of exotic women on the ceiling, and a bronze statue in the centre of the room-sized bath. The whole place is magnificent and very well preserved.

Outside there were the pools large and small of hot spring water. A short walk takes one to the spot where the hot water comes out of the mountain at 143F, with a small pool at its base, which some idiots tried to get into.... and very quickly got out of. There are other bath houses open, which I did not visit. When down that way, this little known, down town, free NP is well worth visiting, as is the small town of Hot Springs.

By lunch time I headed off to my next destination via scenic US-270 and US-71 through the Quachita National Forest to Fort Smith.

Arkansas is a bit like PA, there is hardly a road/route you choose which is not scenic. A wonderful State to enjoy a roadtrip.

Lifey

[p.s. I delayed posting this post, and the rest of the trip so far, as I have some lovely photos which I wanted to include. Unfortunately I have been unsuccessful with uploading them to the site, so have decided to continue posting without pictures. Maybe I will be able to put them up later.]

This is the day I did what we often tell folk not to do. I was looking for a State Park, and used my GPS to find it. With faith and (misplaced) trust, I followed the instructions..... which led me up a secluded mountain road, by the same name as the State Park.

Lesson re-enforced!

A late start saw me heading north up I-49. At Bella Vista a stop at the AR visitor centre was on the plan. Imagine my surprise when the lovely lass remembered me (and my van) from when I called in there a few years ago. Spent a while out of the van and used their microwave to make a drink.

The rest of this run, which I have done several times, was straightforward, into Joplin, arriving at my destination in the early afternoon.

Glc had already booked the van into the muffler shop, where the 'muffler man' keeps sentry outside. (I got some good photos here too, alas, am unable to share them.)

It was during my last trip, I had wanted to surprise glc and go out to dinner to one of the best eateries in Joplin. One of his family members had helped me choose it. Unfortunately, circumstances beyond our control prevented us from enjoying that meal. Now I was shown that he had been given a gift card for the said restaurant - albeit not sufficient for a meal.

I then asked him to accompany me to dinner, to celebrate my birthday, my treat!

Crabby's is a lovely place to eat. Great food, good service, and unlike most places I have eaten, you are not served enough food for two meals. The portions were a nice size. When all this is with interesting company, it's the perfect place to celebrate a birthday.

Yeah, I can recommend Crabby's in Joplin.

Lifey

Quote:

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How many miles are on the van now ? It must have clocked up a few!

---

Dave, when I told you it was about 140000, it was a guess. The 13th June was the day it actually ticked over to 140000 miles.

Joplin

When I had driven into Joplin on that Monday, it struck me that it looked so much more like my first visit - pre tornado. A program I heard on the radio as part of the fifth anniversary remembrance mentioned that in the five years, the rebuilding has completed more than one building per day. Only the lack of mature trees still shows the scar.

The van was now in perfect condition to take on any challenge. My shopping spree on Tuesday added just one more luxury to the van. Up until now I have used mainly solar garden lights to illuminate the van at night, supplemented with an LED torch. I had been asking for a while in various shops for LED lights which could be plugged into a 12V outlet, without success. Now, here in Joplin I found exactly what I was looking for, but needed another opinion.

I never got all my shopping done, getting lost multiple times, despite the detailed map prepared for me. The fact that Missouri was experiencing a heat wave did not help. So when it got a little cooler, we went out together to look at the lights and finish my shopping.

Now my van has two strips of 9 LEDs each, lighting up the van like daylight. The torches have become redundant, and the garden lights only had a limited life anyway. I can leave the LEDs on all night (and often do), without it affecting the battery. It has made such a difference. Now I am able to prepare something to eat after dark, do dishes and spend half the night reading, knitting or embroidering..

(Odo - 140090)

Lifey

You have certainly covered some serious miles in that van and I know there is many more to come from this trip alone !

The Hot Springs sound quite something. Enjoying your report !

Dave.

It was before lunch on the Wednesday that I left Joplin, headed for Dubuque.... in a sorta roundabout way. Wanted to include some of the Great River Road, as well as other places I had found on the maps.

Started out on US-60. Not long into my trip a roadside sign informed me that 359 people had died on MO roads so far this year - 8% up on 2015. But what was even more staggering is that 59% of the fatalities were unrestrained.

US-60 passes through several sections of the Mark Twain National Forest, and is a most pleasant road to drive. In particular I was looking for the place where I had stopped in 2009. I thought I would recognise it, but alas! a lot can happen in seven years. Took my time, stopping in several of the lovely towns through which this road passes. It was getting late when I stopped at the Leerjak Truck Stop in Elsinore.

(Odo - 140334)

Lifey

Thursday saw me heading further east, to The River, at Charleston MO. Just a short drive, and did not feel like going any further so spent some time looking around the area and town. I really wanted to see The River, but was unsuccessful. I had been advised that it probably would not be a good idea to go over the bridge. An uneventful day.

I should mention here as well, that with pumps being so far away from the buildings, I normally park at the pump and then request help. The thought of walking all that way to pay inside, and then walk all that way back to the pump is too much. So someone usually comes out and takes my money and the Pilot FJ card, then when I have filled the tank they bring out my receipt and change. It has always worked well, until this day in Charleston - though I did not discover the missing card till I got to my next stop to fill up.

Some time ago there was a report from two lasses who did a road trip, and mentioned that truckers had paid for their showers. It was at an FJ where I asked to purchase a shower. a week ago or so, when the trucker at the cashier next to me must have heard, and told my cashier I could have one of the 'free' showers he had earned.

FJ Charleston for the night.

(Odo - 140420)

Lifey

Truckers get a bad rap sometimes, but overall, I think they're a good bunch. One time, a trucker handed us a gallon of diesel oil when we were having trouble with our (old) truck - it was low on oil in the middle of nowhere. Just today, I saw a trucker go up and hand a bill to a woman who was outside a FJ with a small, older motorhome, a gas can, and a sign that said "Need gas".

We used to be able to count on FJ to have reasonably priced diesel fuel, or at least equal to whatever was being charged elsewhere in the area. This trip, though, I think we've only used an FJ or Pilot once. They've been higher than everybody else in the area.

Reading your travels -- figure you're long past Missouri now, but you must have been leaving MO about the time we got there -- safe travels! I'm enjoying the reading, especially now as my own trip is coming to an end!


Donna

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DonnaR57

... but overall, I think they're a good bunch. One time, a trucker handed us a gallon of diesel oil when we were having trouble with our (old) truck - it was low on oil in the middle of nowhere. Just today, I saw a trucker go up and hand a bill to a woman who was outside a FJ with a small, older motorhome, a gas can, and a sign that said "Need gas".

---

Donna I heartily agree. I enjoy their company. A week ago or so I got to chatting with a guy in the truckers' lounge, and he suggested to me a little town I should visit, which is very nice. Imagine his surprise when I told him I went there on my last trip, and was able to tell him all about it, and show him photos (I was on the computer at the time). He had never met anyone who had been there.

A week, or maybe two, ago, I was not getting any response from the cashier where I was. A young man at a nearby pump had asked me for money for gas, and I asked him to go inside and tell the cashier I needed help. When I gave the cashier my money, I asked her to put $5 on his pump and the balance on mine.

I make a point of never giving anyone who asks for it, money. I will pay for the gas, buy them a coffee or lunch, a piece of fruit, whatever. But I never give money, which could be spent on alcohol or drugs.

Lifey

Wanted to see The River, and had read that route N led to the levy. After asking four or five times, one lady said to me, I have no idea about route N, but if you continue along this road, it leads to the levy. The tiny settlement in which I was does not even rate a mention on the map. Just past the houses, there was a sign indicating route N north. I took this all the way to where it ends.

It did lead to the levy not far out of town, but there was no access anywhere. I continued, hoping to see The River. When I got to the very end of the road - where the ashphalt finishes and the gravel starts - just short of Cape Girardeau, there was a large building on top of the levy. I drove up the driveway where it said 'no entry' and went inside. It looked like an upmarket Restaurant. More than an hour before lunch, the tables all set and the folk working there were very nice. From inside the restaurant The River was visible in all its magnificence. They showed me outside onto their large deck, and allowed me to spend some time taking photos. (It would be a lovely place to have a party on a hot summer's night.)

From there I made my way to I-55 and headed for St Louis a city through which I had often passed, but never spent any time. If only I had psychic powers I never would have entered that interstate. We had gone but some 30 miles on this heavily travelled road leading into St Louis, when it all came to a grinding halt. For the next hour (no idea how many miles) all this traffic moved slower than walking pace. In fact the needle of the speedo did not move from the zero. It was a case of put it in drive and brake when you got too close to the vehicle in front. There were of course, the impatient ones who had to change from lane to lane, and back again. None of which helped.

When we got to the Genevieve exit, the road was closed with flares right across it. There was some roadwork going on, but definitely no accident or other incident. Three, or was it four lanes of traffic were routed onto the exit, with resultant congestion, and sent through this little town and the next one. I was back on The Great River Road.

Finally we got to St Louis, quite a bit later than I had hoped to be there.I drove around for a while, not stopping anywhere significant, but just wanted to get a feel for the place. When I found my way back on the interstate, I made my way to that night's destination. It was then that I found my fuel discount card missing.

FJ at Warrenton, MO.

(Odo - 140660)

Lifey

[No idea why it posted the same one twice.]

Next day was going to be on minor roads the whole way. US-61 is a scenic route through lovely farm country with crops waving in the wind, old and new farm buildings, some most picturesque. Bonus is that much of this road is designated The Great River Road

Headed for Troy, Bowling Green and Hannibal on my way to the border. Other than for lunch, my only stops were short ones to get out of the van.

Once in Iowa US-218 took me north to Iowa City. I had driven the northern part of this road, which I really enjoyed, and this section was no less an enjoyable drive. I-80 then took me to Davenport.

I had been told about the biggest truck stop in the world, and aimed to check it out. However, gps not withstanding, when I saw the sign the exit was well and truly behind me. It will have to wait for another day.

FJ Davenport for the night.

(Odo - 140972)

Lifey

[p.s. I have had some issues trying to post to this thread. Seems it is now working, so while the going is good, I will copy and paste the posts I have prepared elsewhere on my computer.]

This was going to be a long day on the road, so an early start was in order. Fortunately I woke up early - about 7.30, about two hours earlier than most mornings - and headed straight for Dubuque on US-61, which in this stretch does not go anywhere near The River.

Was on time to meet up with my friend for lunch. Since this was father's day in the US, it was very busy everywhere. We enjoyed a nice smorgasbord lunch at a new cafe within Hy-Vee. It is great to catch up with friends one only sees every year or so. Actually, this lady was my twin's penpal since the late 1950's.

After lunch it was off to Chicago, where I wanted to be on the Monday, the day absentee voting opened in our election downunder. I let my gps take me right there, tolls and all. I was looking for a place to stay not too far from the train as I needed.to make my way into the consulate next day, Found quite a nice hotel in Oak Lawn, with a coupon for $62 per night, with microwave, fridge, and spotlessly clean.

The receptionist at the consulate had told me which train to get and how to find my way there.

I had long known who I'd vote for. The ballot paper for the house of Representatives had 5 candidates in the electorate where I live. However, the Senate is a different story. It is a paper to represent all of the State - Victoria. 12 members to be elected. That ballot paper had no fewer than 78 different political parties on it, as well as a dozen and a half or so of independent candidates. Each party is able to put up, up to 12 candidates - not all had. One had to fill in numbers 1 - 12 besides one's preferred candidates.

I am glad to say that the result turned out to be just what I had hoped for.... no one has an outright majority. They are just going to have to negotiate and actually talk to each other. A nice change. (The anti labour and anti social security bills to which so many of us objected will not be able to be bulldozed through.)

By the time I got back it was far too late to set out for St Paul, so decided to stay another night. Friend in Chicago - Orland Park - had said to let him know if I was still in town on Monday night, we'd go out to dinner. It so happened that he grew up in Oak Lawn, and knew a great Italian restaurant - Palermo's - just around the corner from where I was staying. My little scooter took me right there. So good not to have to drive when things are really close.

Fantastic food was enjoyed in great company. It is always good to catch up with him - snowhawg on RTA. He is such a great story teller about all his travels.

Spent the rest of the night packing most of the things back into the van, ready for an early get-away next morning.

Midway Hotel, Oak Lawn.

(Odo - 141217 )

Lifey

Sounds like you were in or near some of my old stomping grounds -- northeast Missouri (Canton, right on Rt 61) - Orland Park and Oak Lawn right down the road from where I grew up. Glad you made it to the Consulate so that you could have your vote counted.

Following along with your travels, especially now that I'm back home myself....


Donna

The run into St Paul was my usual route, I-80 to I-39 to I-90 and I-94. Other than the endless road construction, especially into St Paul, the trip was uneventful. Despite an early start, I did not get there till almost 6pm.

Four days spent with my friend (son's in-laws), in St Paul MN doing the normal things families do. Here too my scooter came in handy going places we had previously not been able to go. The weather over the last two weeks or so had been hot to heatwave, which limited outdoor activities.

I always enjoy my time in St Paul, good shopping, thrift stores and second hand books.

Now for two more appointments, Missoula and Seattle, before I head north.

(Odo - 141705)

Lifey

It was of course, not early when I said goodbye in St Paul, and headed to Missoula - well actually only Fargo for that first day... straight up I-94. Was hoping to go on and visit Teddy 'Rooseveldt NP on the way.

In Fargo it was the FJ for the night.

(Odo - 141953)

Next day it was straight along the interstate again to exit 42, whence US-85 would take me to the northern end of the national park. If only it had all been as simple as it is to now write about it.

That day was a Sunday, and the last thing I would have expected is the heavy traffic on this road. It was clogged with oil industry vehicles large and small, with which the motor homes and other traffic had to contend. This two lane road only had three or four passing lanes, and then only for short distances.

On top of that I found the actual park section most disappointing. One road in and same road out. In the end it was not all that different from Badlands NP. Maybe if I had never seen Badlands I might have appreciated it more. Heading south on US-85, back to I-94 there were even fewer passing lanes. By the time I got to I-94, there was no time left to go visit the southern section, which I was told is much more scenic and interesting.

Headed to FJ in Beach at exit 1 for the night.

(Odo - 142453)

Lifey

Monday continued along I-94, which in this area should rank equal with I-70 through CO. For something like the next 100 miles it takes one through Badland scenery. Not a route to rush, but a highway to enjoy and take in all it has to offer. A most enjoyable drive.

By the time I got to Forsyth it was time for a change of scenery. I exited onto US-12 and took that all the way to Lewiston ID. Marked as a scenic route, it was that and a lot more. All along this route there are roadside boards telling of the history and of Lewis and Clark. A definite must for anyone interested in history. Unfortunately all too few of the signs had parking close to them, and on this fairly busy (which surprised me) two lane highway, it was not really safe to just pull over and stop. The official speed limit on this road was far too high to be able to enjoy all it had to offer.

I could not help but think that a drive along this route would teach anyone more thAn a year's worth of history lessons. It really makes history come to life.

A wonderful day on a very pleasant road in glorious weather, pulled into the Budget Inn in Helena ready for a good night's rest.

(Odo - 142906)

Lifey

Next morning I had to be in Missoula before noon, and knowing how I got lost there in 2012, I figured I best leave myself lots of time.

Arrived at the place with almost half an hour to spare, but despite having rung the day before, the person whom I had to see was not there. (Efficiency at it's best!) After a short wait, I was seen by "boss cocky', and owner of the firm. We managed to sort out the issues which had arisen, and spent some time chatting about roadtripping, and any other issues I had had along the way, such as the auto insurance. I should now no longer have any issues for as long as I have this vehicle.

I recalled Missoula being a nice little place, ever since, in 2012, I had a forced layover there. Spent the rest of my day in town, before heading to a TA truck stop just out of town. An early night, as next day I wanted to enjoy Idaho at my leisure.

(Odo - 143070)

Lifey

Back on US-12 the drive over Lolo pass was great. Just inside ID is their visitor centre. Actually, I don't know if it was the State visitor centre of the Ranger's visitor centre. But it was a great place, having a couple of loops through wetlands and the associated forests, complete with explanation boards telling those interested which plant was what and it's significance in the forest. The same with birds and small mammals. One of the paths was sealed and boardwalk, which made it easy for me to take with my little tricycle..... well, almost. It is after ll electric.

Spent quite some time at the centre, which was indicated along the road as a 'rest area'.This day started out on a high, and ended on a bit of a low.

US-12 Continued to be just as interesting through scenic Idaho. There was a brief stop in a couple of the many little towns along the way. Then, just as I was approaching Lewiston, and looking forward to the end of my drive for the day, There were several vehicles parked on the side of the road, one sticking out a little further than the rest. These were vehicles from some service (roads, electricity or ????), they were all big heavy work vehicles. On this two lane road, with traffic going both ways, I must have been a little too far over (or I simply was a poor judge of the width of my vehicle).

Bottom line is, my passenger mirror hit that vehicles driver's side mirror. I have no idea what happened to that mirror, but mine was completely smashed, with only about a quarter of the glass still in place. It was not possible to stop, as I was in a long line of traffic all going at speed.

Now, for some, that may not be a disaster. However, my rear windows in the van are covered, and I am not able to see out the back, so the side mirror is vital. In Lewiston no one could help me. The Ford dealer said it would take a minimum of 2 days to get a replacement - and then it may not be the correct one. Other places where I enquired, gave the same response.

Stayed the night at Stinker Shop, A Sinclair truck stop, in Lewiston.

(Odo - 143139)

Lifey

Destination - Seattle.

From Lewiston my route took me north on US-195 to Colifax, whence it went west on route 26 to I-90. At that intersection there is a large rest area, with a large roadhouse and fuel available. This is where I stopped to make a few phone calls, in the middle of what seemed to be 'nowhere'! Result was that my appointment in Seattle was postponed for some weeks.

I now changed my route, and headed for Spokane. Not long before I got to Sprague, there is a rest area, by the side of Sprague Lake, with a walking path along the cliff, high above the lake. It was paved most of the way, and I made the most of being able to get out of my van, and enjoy this short respite. Took quite a lot of photos, but alas, am still not able to upload them.

Drove straight through Spokane and on to Post Falls. The Ford Dealer here gave the same response to my question as others had, but suggested I go see the Auto Glass Specialists nearby. They were not able to replace the mirror, or make a replacement, but they were able to cut some ordinary mirror glss to size and put that on. Not quite the same as the convex mirror the passenger side had, but it helped, and with a small convex mirror stuck on I coped for a while. After a wander through the shops, and dinner, I called it a day.

FJ in Post Falls ID.

)Odo - 143566)

Lifey

On this, the first day of the second half of the year, I felt as if my roadtrip was just starting. No more appointments to arrange or attend. My time was now my own, so long as I get back to Boston before the last weekend of August.

Having been to Glacier NP before and never had the chance to drive the GTTSR, I thought this time might be my chance. The first time there I was knocked out cold in a gust of wind, which blew the boot lid of my Camry shut, hitting me on the head. The second time, I was too early, the road was not yet open.

From Coeur d'Alene I headed north to pick up scenic US-2. Stopped in Sandpoint, but, even though I found the largest covered bridge, there was no parking to be found for love nor money. Followed US-2 through to Columbia Falls. US-2 never disappoint, it is such a scenic route, and passes through interesting places. Stayed the night in Columbia Falls - where there aren't any falls.

Columbia Falls.

(Odo - 143813)

Lifey

Started out early and got to the gate before 9am, after having stopped at the ranger's station in Hungry Horse - where in 2007 I was given information for a great trip I did up a mountain, at the top of which one could see the glacial valleys of GNP. Unfortunately they were closed.

At the park visitor centre there was a ranger explaining lots of things to a husband who was wheeling his wife in a wheelchair. I joined them, saying that is what I needed.

In the end his advice was that the Cedar Trail was the only one which was accessible.... other than the visitor centres. The lines were already long and the visitor centre was already crowded. Only then did it dawn on me that I had fallen on a holiday weekend. The roads too were crowded, and turnouts were mostly full. When I saw a spot to park, it was usually too late to turn into it. Took my photos from the car when stopped on the crowded roads.

The Cedar Trail did not disappoint. Fortunately, even though the parking area was marked full, I was shepherded in to the permit parking area, behind the main parking area. I went round the boardwalk twice, taking in all it had to offer, and fully aware that this was basically all I was going to see, away from the road.

Being a solo tripper has its ups and downs, and this day was to be one of the downs. By the time I got back to my car and on the road again, it was very crowded, turnouts were overflowing, people were parked on the road forcing others to cross the double lines to get through, which in turn gave the oncoming traffic very little room, especially by the sheer cliffs, close to the road. Unfortunately I did not have anyone to fold in my passenger side external mirror, and yes, you guessed it, for the second time my mirror was shattered. I was left with about a quarter of the big mirror and half of the little round convex mirror.

At the visitor centre at the top, there was an opportunity to ask a ranger about Hungry Horse, and she reminded me that they were possibly closed because one of their rangers had been taken by a grizzly on the previous Wednesday. I then recalled having read about it in the local paper. She told me that most of the rangers up there knew the lass who lost her life, and it cast a shadow over the whole holiday weekend.

There were no more stops, but I resolved that I would take a boat trip next day. Not sure on which lake, but whichever suited my timeline.

Headed down to East Glacier on what turned out to be an awful road - #49. I had stayed there before, and planned to again, until I came to a roadside sign which pointed to Cut Bank Ranger Station camp ground. I followed the road, and came to an unattended entry into Glacier National Park. A little further on was the campground.

Driving through I spoke with the family who had just occupied the last vacant spot. It was a self registration campground. The brochure with the rules and regulations stated among other things, no more than two vehicles per site. I drove around slowly, and saw two young man with a small vehicle and a tent way at the back of the site. I asked them if I could be the second vehicle on their site. I had everything I wanted in my van, and just wanted to park. They agreed, and I paid them the registration fee, so that they had a free night. (The first and only night I have stayed in a NP.)

I was asleep long before their fire was out.

Cut Bank Ranger Station camground - GNP.

(Odo - 143920)

Lifey

When I awoke in the morning, the boys were nowhere to be seen, though their car and tent were still there. I had not heard a thing. Heading out of the campground, I noticed a lot of vehicles which had camped/parked at the trailheads. The actual ranger station had a sign discouraging approaching it.

In East Glacier I filled my tank, and spent some time at the World's Largest Wooden Spoon Shop, as well as at the World's Largest Purple Wooden Spoon. Great tourist attractions. Hard to take a photo without other folk in it. (Thought this would be of interest to roadtrippers who are wanting to visit the largest this-and-that.)

I managed to get hold of the boat times for lake tours, for the lake I did not yet have. Not sure which lake it was, but I could get there in time. However, when I went there, no one was able to tell me where to go. There was not a single sign. I was sent to a hotel, to ask there. From there, it was a staircase down to the boat.... some two dozen (plus) steps. When it became clear to the teenager in charge that my scooter would not cope with the steps, I was told how to get there the long way round. By now it was only a few minutes to departure time. The path I had been told to take was loose gravel, which I cannot do on my scooter, so I went back to get my car. As I approached the corner where I had to turn to get to the ticket office, I saw the boat pull out. The teenager at the information counter said she was forbidden to call them to say I was on my way. I could have cried, but instead, in sheer frustration headed for the border.

Crossed the border on MT-17, where the only delay was that I joined the incorrect line, not realising my van was too tall. A mature gentleman went along the lines and asked the initial questions, so all we had to do was hand over the passport and get it stamped. Very efficient.

Headed straight for the visitor centre. Not sure how much it cost to enter Waterton NP, I handed over US$100 and received CA$123+ in change. Seems that the CA$ is almost on par with the AU$.

Waterton was a most delightful place to get around. With the car parked at the waterfall in town, I spent almost the whole day in town, along the lake and the boardwalks. It was a sunny day - as most of my time had been - with lots of folk in kayaks and canoes on the lake. It was idyllic until around 4pm, when the wind blew up. Now the waves on the lake were washing up on the stony beach. My little scooter was almost blown of the path.

After dinner I headed to the Crandell campground, just short of Crandell Mountain. It was a lovely campground, with ample room between sites. A first come best dressed campground, it was nowhere near full.

Crandwell campground - Waterton Lakes NP.

(Odo - 144077)

Lifey

Lake tours -- the ones I can think that would take you up MT-49 (yes, we agree, AWFUL road!) would have been Two Medicine Lake, Swiftcurrent or Josephine Lake (Many Glacier region).

It amazes me that you, Pmount, and myself were all in this area within a couple of weeks of each other. We were there just about 3 or 4 days behind you, and believe me, the crowds weren't much better.


Donna

Quote:

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It amazes me that you, Pmount, and myself were all in this area within a couple of weeks of each other.

---

Great minds think alike!

Lifey

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lifemagician

Great minds think alike!

Lifey

---

Thinking back to our visit to Glacier NP in June brings cool thoughts! Today we were in Topeka, KS waiting for solar cars to pass by Brown vs Board of Education NHS with a heat index of 106! Glad we all got to experience Glacier NP this year! Thanks for bringing back cool thoughts!
Pat

Lethbridge, AB.

After leaving Waterton, I headed for Lethbridge AB. A pleasant trip on roads not too busy, nor too dull. When I arrived, my first visit was to the visitor centre. After chatting for while with the lady, getting brochures about the area, I mentioned that I was not sure how much I would be able to do, because my head was so sore. Eventually she convinced me to go to the ER. Can't live on Tylenol forever.

Result was that I was not critically ill, and was told I would live. However, what stunned me was their diagnosis that I was dehydrated. They wanted to put me on a drip, but I vetoed that and asked what alternative was available. They were quite happy for me to accept the prescription of 1 litre of water every hour, for a few days. Checked myself into Motel 6, and set about trying to drink 2 bottles of water every hour...... or 6.4 US galls per day. Lemon was the only flavouring permitted - nothing sweet allowed.. I was so pleased that I had stocked up on Mineral Water - Perrier and Pellegrino.

Think I managed about 10 litres in 24 hours - way short of what was prescribed, but after drinking nothing but water for three days, my headache had subsided. I kept up the water regime for many days, by which time I was really hankering for some coffee, tea, milk, anything but water.

The Motel 6 where I spent my three days is one of the best I have ever stayed in. It was the cheapest in town, spotlessly clean and came with fridge and microwave as well as excellent free wifi. Even better than all that was the fact that it did not have carpet on the floor. The timber (or look a like) floor was spotless. It was so nice not to have carpet, which can harbour all sorts of things and bugs - despite vacuuming.

As I started to feel better, I was able to go get some groceries and Canadian dollars. Then, on that last day, I went to have my hair done. That made me feel much better. The motel was very central and all these facilities were within a mile or so.... the bank and hairdresser were right across the road.

Lifey

Left Lethbridge quite late, as it took a while to pack up my van again. Headed straight for Calgary, a nice town I have enjoyed in the past, and did again this time.

It has surprised me that Canola is grown so far north, as it is in these regions. At home it is grown in quite a hot climate, but apparently it adepts quite well to the cooler shorter season. It sure made the country side look bright with Canola fields in flower right to the horizon.

There are two FJs in Calgary, in the past I have stayed at the southern end of town. This time the northern end was more appropriate. It was about six miles out of town, but on my way for the next day.

8th July.

Headed straight up the road to Red Deer, where again I planned to stay at the FJ. Had some time to look around, it is a bigger place than I had remembered. However, I cut the day short, and turned in quite early..... still drinking nothing but water!

These were days just to get from one place to another, taking it easy and slowly to give my head a rest.

(Odo - 144450)

Lifey

Yoho National Park.

[One of my hobbies has for decades been doing jigsaw puzzles. Last year I was doing a puzzle named Yoho NP. A beautiful picture, I decided to see where it is. When I noticed that it would not be all that far off my trip to AK, I resolved to put it on my list. So glad I did. The puzzle is on my kitchen wall.]

Rocky Mountain House was a lovely place to stop before heading into the mountains. After lunch I continued along highway 11 through the Rocky Mountain Forest Reserve to Banff NP, where I turned south. At Lake Louise I picked up highway 1, over Kicking Horse Pass and into Yoho NP. As if on cue, as I entered the mountains it started to rain.

Seemed strange, but I had to pay to transit through Banff NP (where I was not going to stay), but was not charged for entry into Yoho NP (where I was planning to spend some time).

Again the visitor centre was my first stop. Two places were accessible, and they were two of the most popular. The upper two campgrounds were full, but there was ample space in the lower - Hoodoo - campground. It was self registration on a first come best dressed basis.

Spent some time in the little village of Field - where the visitor centre is. A lovely little place with probably half a dozen streets and a (freight only) railway crossing. The latter is an important feature of the town, as it cuts the town in half. When one of these mile or two mile long freight trains comes through, at a snail's pace. You can wait up to 20 mins to get to the other part of town. On the other hand, it was a great conversation piece, and small boys, and their not so small fellow travellers were kept entertained counting carriages and timing the passing of the lot.

By now it was mid afternoon, and pouring, and miserable. I enjoyed the scenery, as I had, from the car, as I headed down the mountain to the said campground. As I approached I decided that this was not the weather in which I wanted to enjoy a NP campground, and continued on to Golden, where there is a Husky truckstop.

Down the mountain I went, out of the park, only to face a sign stating Ten Mile Hill. I never did measure if it is actually 10 miles, but what I do know is that it is STEEP and winds down the mountain. A hell of a ride. Car in low gear, I still had to use the brakes.

Golden was welcoming, despite the continuing rain, with good wifi at Maccas and ample room at Husky with a whole block next to them for RVs, Trucks, Campers, etc.

Next morning it was back up Ten Mile Hill to go see the specific attractions I had been advised. First was Natural Bridge, which was really impressive and a good spot for great photos. Then onto Takakkawa Falls, 254 metres high and fed by Daly Glacier, 350 metres from the Falls. Took many photos here, from every angle, as I was able to get all around the area and almost to the base. If I had got any closer I would have been drenched.

Among some of the highest falls in North America and the third highest in Canada, the falls actually break a quarter of the way down, and continue to the valley floor. If it weren't for my love of jigsaw puzzles, I may never have seen them.

Another ride down Ten Mile Hill followed, and I continued my scenic ride to Sicamous, where I had stayed at the Husky last AK trip. They have a good restaurant, with great staff willing to please, and wifi!

Husky Sicamous BC

(Odo - 144955)

Lifey

I was just in many of those same places.

Yoho may also have been my favorite park in the Canadian Rockies. Field was a very nice place, and the town's two restaurant's were both amazing. I also loved Takakkaw Falls, and would have probably spent hours there, except I underestimated how close you'd be able to get to the falls, but between the water from the spray, along with the 55F temperatures, I started to get a little cool in shorts and a tshirt.

You didn't miss out on anything by skipping Hoodoo, as it was by far the worst campground I stayed at on my entire trip. Sites on the outside of the loop were ok, but the middle of the campground had about 20 sites crammed into an area where there should have been no more than 5 or 10.

I also got to enjoy 10 mile hill - including one round trip in a School Bus, as part of a rafting trip on the Kicking Horse that was based out of Golden.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Midwest Michael

... and the town's two restaurant's were both amazing.

---

So..... did you make a pig of yourself..... as you were invited to do?

Lifey

I'll just say this, I was seriously tempted to actually lick my plate.... but I refrained.

More days of just putting some miles away. Fortunately, all the way from Sicamous to Dawson Creek, via Prince George are national scenic highways. Along the Trans Canada Highway to Cache Creek, up the Cariboo Highway - BC-97 - to Prince George, where I spent the night at a Shell/FJ truck stop. Small, nice and clean, with excellent wifi, but no restaurant.

Next day it was up the John Hart Highway to Dawson Creek. Made my way to the Mile '0' RV park - which now has a remote office for check ins - where I planned to stay for two nights. Nothing much else had changed in Dawson Creek. The visitor centre was already closed when I arrived. A trip downtown to get some supplies, then the laundry and dishes. Mile '0' campground has excellent camp kitchen and laundr6y facilities..... and they were in constant use. Their wifi was pretty good too.

It was here, in downtown Dawson Creek, that a vehicle threw up a stone which hit my 6 week old, $200 windscreen and put a large chip in it. I neither saw it coming, nor know which vehicle it was. We were after all on a paved highway. I better not repeat here what I said/thought!

They weren't particularly long days. I had ample time to pull over and take a break

(Odo - 145626)

Lifey

Stayed in the same RV park back in 2000. The little pioneer park that was nearby was very interesting for our daughters.

As you may know, windshield cracks are very common up there. Hopefully you were able to find someone that could repair it rather than have to replace it again?


Donna

The night of the 13th was actually spent in Fort Nelson, not Dawson Creek. The drive to Ft Nelson was smooth, not too much traffic as well as a complete absence of wildlife.

3G has not changed at all either. The restaurant, the wifi and the facilities are still the same, quite good, and popular. Given that it is the only decent RV spot in town. Those who stay there are for the most part transiting on their way north. The one thing which sets this place apart is the signs. You won't find a "SLOW - children at play" sign. Instead, there is an attractive sign saying "SLOW - grandparents at play"!

In 2012, on my return,, I noted (post #74) what appeared to be a 'new' section of the Alaska Highway. A section which I had not seen on my previous trips. Now it brought back all the memories of that trip.... the freshly cut rock, the rocky canyon and Folded Mountain.

Shortly after leaving Fort Nelson, there was, on the right hand side a finger board pointing to 'Old Alaska Highway' - read 'original Alaska Highway. I did not twig to its significance, until I was well and truly on the 'new' highway carved out of the rocky mountains. At Muncho, in fact right at Jack's Place, (see post #74 as above) the road returns to the 'old' highway.

In Watson Lake, at the visitor centre, there were quite a few people expressing their disappointment at not having seen any wildlife, safe for a small herd of bison at Laird River. A disappointment I shared. When speaking with the ever helpful staff, I was shown what work has already been done, and what is planned for the future, to 'straighten' a crooked road.

For me this is like a double edged sword, on the one hand, the new road is devoid of wildlife, not even mountain goats or dall sheep were seen. On the other hand, the original highway, now no longer sees all those big trucks and heavy transports. Let's hope that with the quieter original highway, wildlife will return to the area. It definitely should reduce the carnage of wildlife. Yes, it takes longer, and yes it is a more mountainous road, but back in 2004 and 2009 the wildlife - moose, grizzly, black bear, sheep and goats - were prolific along this section. Hopefully in future, those who choose to take the original highway will again enjoy the thrill of seeing all these wonderful creatures in the wild.

From the plans I could not make out if Jack's Place will be affected, or if it will still be part of the Alaska Highway. It would be a shame if future travellers were denied the hospitality of this old establishment. Enjoyed a hearty meal of soup and homemade bread. Among the many other facilities Jack provides are showers for CA$5.

Having stayed at the same RV parks as on my previous trips, I was disappointed that in Watson Lake, it had closed. There is another in town, but it is focused on RVs and expensive. At the visitor centre I was told that at the truck stop across the road from the 'sign forest' I could park for $20. They have a dozen or so hookup sites as well as room for those without hookups, and even tents if required. Very nice facilities with security code entry. Not a camping spot, but definitely a good place to stay overnight.

Tags (Husky) Watson Lake.

(Odo - 146215)

Lifey

[It is most frustrating/discouraging to continue these posts without being able to include photos.]

Mod Edit: What is the issue with the photos?

"Mod Edit: What is the issue with the photos?"

Everytime I go to upload photos - one at a time, I do, and all goes smooth. It says I have successfully uploaded it, and when I look in the album, there is nothing there. Been trying it for weeks.

Lifey

Robert Campbell Highway

There was no shortage of other travellers at Watson Lake visitor centre to give me advice and warn me that it is not a major highway, and would be very dangerous to attempt. Poor things, they don't know what they miss out on, with that attitude.

The staff though were much more encouraging, and even have a mile by mile running sheet for the road. Sure there was construction going on, which was a bit tricky, but about 50% is sealed, the rest is an excellent gravel road.

When I got to the turn off to the Tungsten mine, I pulled into the large roadside rest area and made lunch. As I was finishing the last few mouthfulls, I noticed that two other vehicles had stopped there, with a lot of men walking around.

As they got back in their trucks, I went out to speak with them before they left. I wanted to know what they knew about the road to the mine. So happened that they were on their way to work at the mine. Most assured me that it was an OK road, narrow and hilly with a fair amount of heavy truck traffic. It was three hours to the mine..... and three hours back again. Phew!!

They were glad I had come out of my vehicle, as they had been arguing among themselves as to what flag it was in the back window of my van. Only one got close by guessing it was NZ. Other guesses were so far out, that I told them they should have paid more attention in their geography lessons.

And then they were gone, in a cloud of dust.

I figured that if the road was busy with truck traffic, there would have to be sufficient room for two trucks to pass - so couldn't be all that narrow.

I did follow.... but only for about an hour. I was wrong. The road was narrow, but I did not see any vehicle while on it. I had been warned about convoys of large trucks. It is a good gravel road, some potholes, a bit of washboarding, and up and down hills the whole way. Along the way I saw the largest fields of fireweed I've ever seen - stunning. After about an hour there was a large area where lots of 44 gallon drums had been dumped. I took the opportunity to turn around. The road itself was no where near wide enough, even for a three point U turn.

That first night I pulled into a roadside clearing down by the rivers, under the Hoole River bridge.. Right at the spot where the Pelly and Hoole rivers come to flow as one. It was obvious I was not the first to stay here, as others had left the remains of their campfire, with all their thrash piled on it.

It rained that night, not something I was looking forward to on this gravel part of the road. When in the morning, I went to take a photo of the confluence of the two rivers, I noticed a paw print in the wet sand. A large paw it was, with large claws. I was told later that it was a grizzly. Obviously it had not been concerned about my presence. The photo I took of the river clearly shows the two rivers coming together, almost as if the waters are not mixing. The line is clearly visible.

The settlement of Ross River appeared as if there is nothing much there. At least, not that I could see with a quick drive through. Faro on the other hand was a different story. Here was a lovingly cared for visitor centre, where I was made most welcome, offered a cup of tea and generally shared in all they had to offer. Learned much in the adjoining museum of the Robert Campbell Highway, and the area's history going back eons.

And even here, in the back blocks of the Yukon, wifi was readily available - and free.

There was a supermarket and a few other general stores. From looking around and speaking with the ladies at the visitor centre, one got a sense of community. I was told about regular two day trips to Whitehorse for essentials and necessary appointments; and the challenges of winter driving.

I was by no means the only one on this road, and saw many RVs of all shapes and sizes parked in clearings at the roads' side.

From the works going on it was evident that it will not be long before the full length of this road is paved, and will no doubt become a regular alternative route for those heading to Dawson City.

Just south of where the road joins the Klondike highway is Coalmine Camp Ground - focused more on Tents than RVs. There were literally dozens of campers who were paddling the Yukon from Whitehorse to Dawson City - not as one group, but lots of small individually organised groups.

To facilitate a good experience, the campground has a large shelter, flywire screens all around, and full of picnic tables to seat more than 100 to eat, relax or just log into their wifi. A wide variety of hot food was available. In inclement weather this is available to tent campers. A nice place, very popular - even with RVs, though it only has room for some half dozen - and very reasonably priced.

(Odo- 146648)

Lifey