Final Push to Seward!

It was not the easiest thing I’ve ever done, packing up to leave Haines AK.  Bill and I were both feeling it, while at the same time, we knew it was time to move on to new places on down the road.  We were getting closer and closer to our final stop, Seward AK!

The ride back up to Haines Junction was uneventful, and even though the mountains were just as magnificent as they were on the way down, the pics didn’t come out quite as good, but I managed a few to share with you.

the grey in the sky reflected our mood as we drove out of town

I like this one b/c the mountains look like they have leaves glued on to them
the sky looked like it was trying to clear on and off throughout the day

We arrived in Haines Junction and filled up on fuel.  The prices there were much more friendly than in Haines.  We then continued on to our stopover for the night, Congdon Creek (thanks for the suggestion Steve and Dianne!) right on Kluane Lake near Destruction Bay.

We hit some bad spots in the road and had to slow way down for awhile.  Was probably the worst we had crossed so far, but we had been warned.   It was fine if you slow down, some people just flew by us when they had the chance, and we thought “How stupid is that?”  Not just cars and/or trucks but rigs (Motorhomes, Travel Trailers and 5th Wheels) too!  I wouldn’t want their repair bills b/c I’m pretty sure there will be something broken when they get wherever they were in such a hurry to get to.

When we came up on Kluane Lake, we noticed the strangest thing, and to be honest, still don’t know for sure what it was.  What do YOU think?

at first, we thought maybe smoke

Linda thought maybe dust
I think it is fog

When we arrived at the CG all the waterfront sites were filled up, so we choose 2 pull-thru’s and quickly got parked.  We had talked about maybe staying 2 nights if we had gotten waterfront sites but since we didn’t, we decided one night was plenty.

After Happy Hour and some dinner, the skies had mostly cleared.  We took a walk to see the lake.
We woke early (well I’ve been waking early every day) and watched Callie watch out the window while we had our coffee.  Sometimes that can be entertaining b/c she will see bugs or birds and it’s funny how her head quickly snaps back and forth, as she doesn’t know where to look first.
We were on our way to Tok by 8am!  We had thought the roads from the day before were bad – this section was not good either.  I don’t want to scare anyone off, but instead I will say – SLOW DOWN!  Be watching for dips and pot holes.  The gravel sections weren’t bad, fairly smooth actually, but you don’t want to be kicking up rocks.

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We had no signal at the CG, and when we got to the town of Destruction Bay, where there was a signal, I got a message from my friend, Tracy.  I had messaged her we would be at Congdon Creek in case they were able to catch up.  Her reply said they were on their way – but we had already left!  Crap!  Longer story short, they were able to catch up in Tok – and we all stayed behind the Chevron for free with a fuel fill-up!  The prices were higher there than at the other 2 stations in town, but for the extra $3.00 we had a safe place to stay the night!

we stopped here, in the Milepost it said this is where Swans hang out and nest – we saw one pair across the lake – too far away for a pic
skies were a bit gloomy
took this before Tracy & Lee arrived – not the nicest – but will do for dinner and sleeping!

After initial introductions (Steven & Linda hadn’t met Tracy & Lee before), Steven & Linda made a gracious exit to allow us to spend some time with Tracy & Lee, which was so sweet!  They knew Tracy & Lee had been having one crazy long day after another and, generally speaking, people aren’t able to fully relax when meeting new people for the first time.  I felt a little bad, like we were putting them aside, but they insisted, and I was very appreciative of their understanding.  Thanks guys!

Catching up with Tracy & Lee for a couple of hours was great but we were all tired so they retreated to their home and Bill and I went to bed!

All of us were up and ready to go by 9, and away we went toward the next stop, Glennallen.  We hadn’t realized that the worst of road conditions were yet to come!  Our little caravan had to slow down quite a bit in many areas.

we were on gravel for awhile, it was smooth, but rocks were flying everywhere
love this kind of shot
love how the clouds look in this one


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pulled over for some leg stretches and pic taking
my turn behind the wheel

After a small “oops” in directions, we pulled into Northern Nights CG in Glennallen.  We were greeted by Mark and quickly got set-up.  Linda & Steve were only staying the one night before going, on their own, to Valdez.  Since Tracy & Lee didn’t have to work the next day, we decided to stay 2 nights.

We noticed that a couple from RVillage, Shirleen & Hank, were staying at the CG, so we invited them to join us for Happy Hour.  Dinner was grilled steaks to celebrate Tracy & Lee’s new job and adventure in AK!

The next morning, it was sad “see ya soon” with Linda & Steven.  They were excited to be visiting Valdez, I wish we could have joined them.  It is truly amazing to me that we had never met before, although we do have friends in common, and we just clicked so well right away.  Sharing the experience of RV’ing to Alaska together was one we will never forget!  I am grateful for having met them and now being able to call them friends.  We talked about this so it is ok for me to say here, but Bill and I had all kinds of ideas on how to separate from them if needed, like if we didn’t like them or whatever – like a family ER, we decided to not go, etc. – so we didn’t just have to say “hey – we don’t like you so we don’t want to do this travel together thing”.  How ridiculous that seems now.  While we were in Haines, Steven was busting our chops and said he had called our new boss and quit for us!  Thanks guys for traveling with us and helping to make our drive a much better one!  We miss our Happy Hours and YOU!

After Linda & Steven drove away, we waited for Tracy & Lee to be done with their meeting with their new bosses.  When they came over, they were both excited b/c the meeting had gone so well! I am so happy for them that they have such a great situation and place in Alaska to spend the summer!  My only wish is that it wasn’t so far away from Seward!  AK is HUGE , so being in the same state doesn’t necessarily mean “nearby”.

We spent the rest of the day catching up on news and talking about how awesome it was to be where we are.  We pooled resources and Bill made us Shrimp Scampi for dinner, which was very yummy!  We were so busy eating and talking, I didn’t get a pic!  Thankfully – Tracy did and she generously shared!

Callie jumped up all by herselfl and made herself comfy!

The next morning it was time to move on.  The time with Tracy and Lee was too short, but we have plans for getting together later in the summer.

We aimed the rig at Anchorage and we were on our way!

some of the snow topped mountains blended right into the clouded sky

We had taken a lot of notes back in January when we visited with Bill & Linda, friends from RV Dreams.  They have been to Alaska a few times and were generous in sharing their knowledge with us while we were staying at Cedar Key, FL.  We had actually gotten a lot of advice from a lot of people about this trip and
put a good amount of it to use, but this next bit was – shall we say – extra yummy!   We pulled into Sheep Mountain Lodge, searching for some cinnamon buns!  We had saved our appetites for what we were told are BEST cinnamon buns in Alaska!  After a chat with the owner, a young man named Mark, and a peak at their breakfast menu, we quickly changed our minds and decided on a full breakfast! I asked Mark was his specialty was -whatare the most Alaskan things on the menu?  Without hesitation we placed our order for the Solstice Scramble (complete with locally made reindeer sausage) and sourdough pancakes.  And – a famous cinnamon bun to split for dessert!

The food did not disappoint!  Anyone going by NEEDS to stop and eat at this place!  YUMMY!  DELISH!  Thank you to Bill & Linda for the strongly stated suggestion!  We devoured all the scramble and half the pancakes and bought an extra cinnamon bun for the next day!

we had to split it!

After stuffing ourselves silly – we got back in the truck and continued on to Anchorage.  Our destination for the night would be Ship Creek RV Park, where friends, Lisa and Paul, whom we met while working at Amazon, are camp hosting for the summer.  They have a son in Anchorage and are expecting a new grandchild any day!


We started seeing signs of civilization right before Palmer.  We knew b/c our phones started chattering with text messages and FB notifications b/c after hours of “no service” we finally had a Verizon signal.

We arrived around 2pm and there were hello’s and hugs exchanged before we got set up in the site next to Paul & Lisa.  They had to work until 5pm so we didn’t hang around them too long.  Instead, after setting up and letting Callie out of her crate, we made a list and headed to Sam’s Club to stock up.

Putting this items away didn’t take very long and we walked over to Paul and Lisa’s.   We had a very delicious dinner, the main attraction was grilled salmon.  We hung out and caught up on what we’ve been up to since we said “see ya later” back in December.  To be honest, that seems like forever ago!  We also enjoyed yummy berry pie for dessert before saying goodnight.  It was a wonderful evening – it was great to see them!


The morning came early (I’m still waking at 6:15am’ish every day) and we decided to get a few items at Fred Meyer before heading down the Seward Highway, things we couldn’t get Sam’s.  It was our understanding that prices in Seward would be higher so it seemed like a good idea (a good idea that was later confirmed).

The ride down to Renfros was uneventful, with only a short distance of construction, which Gary warned us about.  The views for the drive were amazing!


We pulled into our new home for the next 4 months at 1:08pm, and we were quickly greeted by our new host and boss, Gary.  I all but bust into tears (ok, maybe a few fell) and he was so cool about it.  I was just overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude and for the awesome time we are going to have this summer!  I gave him a huge hug and just rode with the moment.  I am tearing up again as I type as the reality of my life is just blowing my mind in this moment.


I will leave you now with this thought:  consider your life – is this where you want to be?  I don’t mean just physical location.  I mean in YOUR LIFE!  If not, what, if anything, can you do to change it?  I realize this is more philosophical that I usually get, but if you don’t ever look at it – you may never realize what you are missing.  You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge.  If your life isn’t what you want it to be – change it!

29 thoughts on “Final Push to Seward!

  1. Great to see you guys got to your summer home safe and sound
    Love all your updates safe travels to you both 🙂

  2. DANG IT! Looks like we’ll miss the ‘best’ cinnamon buns – we’ve already booked the Whittier-Valdez ferry. Who has the 2nd best? Thanks again for your photos and descriptions so looking forward to our turn! You are a great scribe for this adventure. Safe Travels!

  3. I really enjoyed your photos. We have spent 4 summers in AK and it is my happy place! Glad to see more snow than when we went up in Spring 2015. Isn’t Kluane Lake a beautiful color? We went to Haines for the first time at the end of our summer 2015. I really loved it there and especially enjoyed riding the fast ferry to Juneau for the day. I wished you would have gotten to go to the weekend market in Anchorage but maybe you will get a weekend off and need to go for supplies. It’s either go to Kenai to the Super Walmart & the Soldotna Fred Meyer or back to Anchorage. Enjoy your summer and keep the photos coming. If you get to Kenai with your rig, please try Beluga Lookout Lodge and RV Park. If you only visit Kenai for a day trip, ask about Old Town Kenai Tour and you can stop at Scout Park for a great view of the mouth of the Kenai River and Cooks Inlet view that is killer. This being right next door to the Rv park.

    1. Thanks for all the great suggestions – they will be added to the to do list! We know for sure we will be going to Denali, Homer and Glennallen (probably Valdez) for one of the weeks we are off. I’m sure we will get back to Anchorage for supplies (and maybe a haircut – do you know anywhere good?).
      Thanks again!

  4. So glad to hear that you made it safely with no problems 🙂 It’s all about the journey, now we get to hear about your job!

    1. Hi! Hope George is feeling better!

      I’ve already talked to Gary and he doesn’t mind me taking pics and blogging about the job – he’s great! The journey up was great!

  5. Welcome to your new home for the next 4 months. I have enjoyed your journey there. Hope it’s all you have hoped it will be. Can’t beat the photos you have taken to document the trip.

  6. It was great to see the picture of Paul and Lisa. I didn’t realize that they were also working in Alaska this summer. Maybe we should have looked for work in that direction!

    1. Thanks Karen! I knew b/c we are friends on FB! You could always look next year – it’s a must do trip – IMHO!

  7. Another great blog, Kelly & Bill. Callie looks like she’s gained weight from when we were together last…so beautiful.
    Morris says hello and tell you he really enjoys your blog and all the information you share.
    I have a high school sister who lives in Wasilla (approx. 45 min. from Anchorage). She met her husband while she was stationed in Anchorage as a Sgt. in the Army many years ago, fell in love with him AND ALASKA ! She has remained there since 1986. Her husband makes leather items by hand, hats, belts, gun holders, etc. I have heard her speak of some of the places you’ve mentioned in your blogs. They have shared pics over the years of moose in their yard feeding, and on their deck as well. Caution to traveling, moose really destroy a lot of vehicles there, according to my HS Sister.
    Morris and I are in our ‘Serenity’, our Happy Place at DSSP. Heading back tomorrow after six wonderful relaxing nights here. We’d stay on longer, but I have three medical appointments this week and I couldn’t make the travel back and forth, so we’ll just return to our primary home.
    We miss you both and we feel elated that you’re enjoying your journey, spending ‘quality’ time ‘all’ the time. Realizing some of the most precious things are not attainable by purchasing.
    Love, hugs & prayers for you. Can’t wait to hear how you enjoy your new positions as hosts.

    1. Good to hear from you and to learn you were able get away, even for a few days!

      I will have to weigh Callie – it may just be the angle of the pic – and she is quite fluffy!

      I believe you had told me before about your friend here in Alaska. I didn’t get a pic but we have seen moose – one was a little baby one!

      Thanks for getting in touch – Bill and I miss you and Morris and think of you both often! Please let us know how your doing! Hugs to you both!

  8. Hoping your time in Alaska will be great! Love reading your blog! Neil and I have been talking with Mike & Mandy lately…great couple! Just like all your RV Dreamer group! Made an impromptu decision to go to NJ to the Sea Pines CG! Some days of walking on the beach will give me some much need solitude. Miss you guys!

    1. Awe! We miss you too! Happy to hear you have Mike and Mandy there to chat with! They are a great couple!

      As much as Alaska is beautiful and a completely new experience, I do believe I will miss the Jersey Shore! It’s in my blood! I agree – it will be a great place to relax, there is nothing like ocean waves to help soothe a troubled soul! Enjoy!

  9. YEAH! How fantastic to be able to travel vicariously thru you this summer! Enjoy💕❤️

  10. What great experiences! We did an RV caravan through Alaska in 2014 and I am reliving it through your blog. What are you doing for workamping?

    1. We are camphosting and cleaning cabins – nothing terribly glamorous but Gary (our boss) is awesome and the location is the best!

  11. Glad you made it safely. Too bad you couldn’t get waterfront sites at Kluane but there’s a good chance when you head south. 😃 Enjoy your new careers!

    1. The waterfront sites were nicer views for sure, but the wooded pull-thru’s were easy in/out! We will probably try again on the way out!

  12. Loved the end of this post and you can get philosophical whenever you want!! It was so great spending our first day in our new home with you and if it’s any consolation I cried here as well. Something about that long trek and finally arriving in a place you can stay put for awhile had a huge impact on me too!! Love you honey

  13. Glad to hear you guys made it! The roads from Congdon to Tok were a challenge to say the least. Can’t wait to catch up to you guys and hang out for a couple days. We will let you know a more exact date as we get closer. We will see Lee and Trace in a couple days.

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