WOW! My new most used word!

As I start this post, it is a rainy cold day here  in HAINES, ALASKA!  OMG!  Can you believe it?  I’ve got potatoes baking in the propane and convection ovens, making some potato soup!  It’s a perfect day for it!

I left off last time on the drive from Muncho Lake to Watson Lake, where we saw a bunch of bison in and along the sides of the road – like a scene out of a magazine – only it was REAL and happening to Bill and I!

We pulled into Watson Lake and got set up for the night in a gravel area across the street from the Sign Post Forest, and right next door to the Northern Lights Centre.  The two places we wanted to see in this small Yukon town!

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The Northern Lights Centre is a planetarium that does shows about the northern lights.  I had set my alarm every night in Muncho Lake to try and see northern lights, to no avail, it just wasn’t happening.   Well – Bill quickly learned we wouldn’t be visiting the center either as they weren’t open for the season yet!  I was very disappointed!  We will be coming by here on the way out, but I’m sure it will be too late then!  Oh well!

We did decide to get some lunch at Kathy’s Kitchen, a short walk from where we were parked.  Linda and Steve had a craving for some Poutine, which I’ve heard of but never had, and wasn’t quite sure what it even was.  Turns out it’s French fries with a rich brown gravy and cheese curds.  Kathy’s Kitchen makes it with a shredded cheddar blend, but it was still pretty good. Bill and I ordered the fish wrap, Bill got a side of Poutine and I got the clam chowder, and we switched half way through.  It was YUMMY!

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We walked down to the local grocery to see what they had and picked up a few things.  Prices here are a bit higher than we’ve paid regularly, but we were expecting that.

Our next stop was the Sign Post Forest.  I think it will be easier to show pics of the poles with signs and license plates and other items, rather than attempt to describe it.

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We also took a quick tour of the visitor center – where we got a bunch of info on places to go and see and eat, etc., etc., etc. Yes – that much info!  The lady was very sweet but OMG – she went on and on and on – was very intense!  Linda eventually walked out – she said later she thought her head was going to explode!  We did get some good info mixed in though, which was nice.

We went home and had happy hour at Queenie, and after hanging out chatting awhile called it a night.

We were up and ready, and after filling up with fuel, we were on the road by 9!  We had hoped to get Queenie and Copper a quick bath, but the truck wash was full, so it will wait.

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on our way, we stopped here to stretch our legs and see waterfalls!

 

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I could post a ton more pics like this one – the view changes around every turn
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stopped again – this lake was as flat calm as I’ve ever seen
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not a cloud in the sky
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this is literally all the stuff I have on my lap at all times while we drive
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seeing wild horses was completely unexpected!

Next stop was Whitehorse and we parked for the night at the Walmart.  We went in and picked up a few items and on the way out the McDonalds called to me!  I suddenly had a massive craving (no – I am not pregnant!) and caved in and got a Big Mac and French Fries!  They were so yummy!  I know – YUCK!  I was so sick about an hour later – I could feel my arteries hardening!  I posted on FB – next time I say I want McDonalds – someone PLEASE tape my mouth shut til the feeling passes!  Thankfully that feeling only happens once every few years!

We were very excited to get to Haines, so we were once again up and on the road before 9am!  I kind of like this new leaf we are turning over!

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we happened upon this bridge during a potty/stretch our legs break

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Now – the part you’ve been waiting for – even though you didn’t know it!  The drive down to Haines!   This drive is why the title of the post is what it is – LOOK!

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one of the many stops we made – we simply needed to get out and look (please ignore how dirty Cooper and Queenie are!)

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hiking to the top
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view from the top!
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at another stop, we decided that I would ride with Linda for a little while, and Steven would ride with Bill – Steven wanted to get some pics of the back of Scoopy like he’s been taking of us!

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took this while riding with Linda – it’s such a HUGE window!

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stopped again to switch back – going to be crossing the border soon!
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the highest elevation still had plenty of snow on the ground

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back to the USA
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OMG! ALASKA!
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another stop – this is where the eagles gather in the fall for the salmon run

Since we were ahead of schedule (Linda & Steve really don’t have one – but we do!) we decided to stay in Haines for 5 nights.   Other than our 4 nights in Muncho Lake, we’ve been keeping a pretty quick pace, so our reward is 5 nights in the amazing place called Haines AK!  I was originally going to put all the Haines stuff into this post, but it’s just too much!  Instead, just a teaser for now!  Also, the “featured pic” at the top was taken in Haines, on our first day – our first Bald Eagle sighting!  Amazing!

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home for the next 5 days!

This is our first happy hour – courtesy of Steven Dempsey’s camera set-up on a tri-pod with a timer!  PERFECT!

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0 thoughts on “WOW! My new most used word!

  1. All I can say is…. Wow!!! I hope some day we not only have the opportunity to visit all the places you (and Tracy/Lee) are visting, but that we have the courage to drive on those mountains!!! So much we’d be missing if we don’t get over the fear.

    1. I’m sure you will Cheryl! The mountains take some getting used to, but you will do fine – don’t let it stop you! Read up on proper techniques for your truck and it will be ok!

  2. Wow is the best word! I am so enthralled by your travel post of this journey. I eagerly await each posting and love the photographs! Here’s to hoping that in the next 5 years we will get to take a very similar journey!

  3. Hi, we were in Haines on the way home from AK last summer and stayed in that same park I think. If it’s the one right on the canal/bay by the marina. Every day a bear would come down and swim in the water right there in front of us. I would like to suggest you take the Fast Ferry there to Juneau for the day. It is a fantastic ride, approx 2 hrs I think there, you then board a bus and get taken to down town Juneau for some shopping or whatever you choose then they pick you up and take you to Mendenhaul (sp) Glacier then pick up and take you back to boat for a ride home. Plenty of whale viewing and absolutely stunning scenery. Office is just on the Main Street there in one of the first store fronts. I loved Haines!

    1. We loved our time in Haines, and looked into going to Juneau – sadly the fast ferries weren’t running all the time yet and we couldn’t do it! Did get to Skagway for the day though! We plan to return on the way out – perhaps we will get to go then!
      Very cool about the bear swimming in front of your site! That must have been awesome!

  4. We’re a month behind you. Got to look again to see if we can work Haines into the return trip. Looks like another awesome stop, but it is a bit off our route. Safe Travels and looking forward to your next update!

    1. Thanks for reading, Jeff!
      We LOVED Haines! Watch for the next post – you will see why! We loved it so much we plan to stop again on the way out!

  5. Such gorgeous photos! Loving my vicarious journey to Alaska – thanks for sharing!!

  6. Hey Kelly. I was so excited to see your post today and see what you and Bill have been up to. Great pictures. WOW. Skagway is a neat town. Can’t wait to hear more about your Alaska adventures. Have a great week

    1. I am so glad we got to Haines! Beautiful ride down and the CG on the water was a great location. Notice I didn’t say great CG, but the nicer CG up the road (where we almost got jobs!) didn’t have the view! For us, it was all about location!

  7. Hopping on in on this blog from my lonely, boring day use COE work amp post!! What a trip of a life time…sure hope one day this plays in our cards!!

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