Saturday, June 15, 2024

Summary

It is now over 2 weeks since we've been back and we've been meaning to complete this summary for our own benefit.  It still isn't complete, but it is as far as it might get.

Here's a summary of the trip:

(crossed out locations are the original plans we had before leaving Aurora.  The not crossed out locations are where we actually stayed).


DateLocationBlog LinkWhat we did/places we saw
MultipleDay 0Planned, planned some more and packed
5/10/2024Aurora, IL to Bondurant, IADay 1Saw Rick and Lisa
5/11/2024Bondurant, IA to Forest City, IA to Jamestown, ND
Bondurant, IA to Forest City, IA to Medina, ND
Day 2Picked up the RV
Visited Drekker Brewing Company
Saw the Worlds Largest Buffalo
Stayed in Medina City Campground
5/12/2024Jamestown, ND to Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Medina, ND to Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Day 3Explored the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP)
Hiked in the North Unit of TRNP
Saw buffalo and prairie dogs
Stayed in Juniper Campground in TRNP
5/13/2024Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Montana to Shelby, MT
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Montana to Cut Bank, MT
Day 4Met friendly folks at various stops
Passed lots of oil wells
Saw a very large penguin
5/14/2024Shelby, MT to Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Cut Bank, MT to Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Day 5Crossed into Canada
Saw the beautiful mountains and lakes of Waterton Lakes National Park
Saw big horn sheep and tons of deer
Hiked the Lineham hike and the Bertha Falls hike
Saw the first oil well in Western Canada
Ate at  the Thirsty Bear Kitchen & Bar
5/15/2024Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta to Banff National Park, AlbertaDay 6Warmed up at Radium Hot Springs
Saw lots of logging trucks and cut trees waiting to be processed
Saw black bear and big horn sheep
Drove through Kootenay National Park
Took the bus into Banff
Visited Banff Avenue Brewing Company and Three Bears Brewing
Confirmed we needed to change our travel route due to fires
5/16/2024Banff, Alberta, CanadaDay 7Stayed in Tunnel Mountain Village II campground
Hiked to the Hoodoos Overlook
Saw elk and deer
Drove the Lake Minnewanka loop and hiked Johnson Lake
5/17/2024Banff, Alberta, Canada to Jasper National Park, Alberta, CanadaDay 8Drove the Icefield Parkway from Banff to Jasper
Hiked the Lake Agnes Hike at a snowy Lake Louise
Saw the North Saskatchewan River
Visited Athabasca Falls
Refilled our tanks at the Jasper Brewing Company
Stayed in Whistler Campground in Jasper NP
5/18/2024Jasper NP, Alberta, Canada to Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada
Jasper NP, Alberta, Canada to Kitwanga, British Columbia, Canada
Day 9Spotted our first bears of the trip, plus moose
Drove the Yellowhead highway in Canada
Saw the Worlds Largest Fly Fishing Rod
Stayed at the Kitwanga RV Park
5/19/2024Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada to somewhere...
Kitwanga, BC to Watson Lake, Yukon, Canada
Day 10Drove the Cassiar Highway
Hung our sign at the Watson Lake Sign Post Forest
Saw about a dozen bears, including cubs
Lynda mastered using the Milepost book
Learned what frost heaves on the road are
Entered the Yukon Province
Stayed at the Nugget City RV Park
5/20/2024on road
Watson Lake, YK, Canada to north of Destruction Bay, Yukon, Canada
Day 11Drove on the Alaska Highway
Stopped in Whitehorse for lunch and visited the SS Klondike
Tasted a couple beers at Yukon Brewing in Whitehorse
Saw the Worlds Largest Wind Vane
Camped at Lake Creek Campground
5/21/2024Watson Lake, Yukon, Canada
North of Destruction Bay, YK to Fairbanks, Alaska
Day 12Bounced around on crazy sections of the Alaska Highway
Entered the USA
Saw moose and a baby moose
Visited North Pole, AK and chatted with some New Zealanders
Whetted our whistles at HooDoo Brewing Company in Fairbanks
Camped at Tanana Valley Campground
5/22/2024Whitehorse or Haines Junction, Yukon, Canada to Tok, Alaska
Fairbanks, AK to Denali National Park, Alaska
Day 13Took a short and creepy hike in Nenana
Drove the Parks Highway from Fairbanks to Denali
Succumbed to the pressure to stop at 49th State Brewing
Hiked Horseshoe Lake Loop and the McKinley Station and Triple Lakes Trails
Camped at Riley Creek Campground in Denali National Park
5/23/2024Tok, AK
Denali National Park, AK
Day 14Saw two moose at the Denali Visitor Center
Hiked the Mt. Healy Overlook hike
Took the Tundra Wilderness Bus Tour into Denali NP
Saw porcupine, caribou, a grizzly bear, a red fox, ptarmigan, Dall sheep and grouse
Ate dinner at the Prospectors Pizzeria
Lynda spied an awesome rainbow
Thought we saw Denali.  We didn't
Camped at the Savage River Campground in Denali
5/24/2024Denali National Park, AKDay 15Saw Denali for the first time
Hiked Rock Creek Trail and the Triple Lakes Trail
Brit joined us after a flight and ride on the Alaska Railroad
5/25/2024Denali National Park, AK to Girdwood (Bird Creek), AKDay 16Toured the Sled Dog Kennels in Denali
Saw more moose
Saw Denali as we drove south towards Anchorage
Stayed at Bird Creek Motel and RV Park
Met up with Dad and Carol
Tasted Ravens Ring Brewing Company and enjoyed the Mammoth Food Truck
Hiked part of the Turnagain Arm Trail
5/26/2024Bird Creek, AK to Homer, AKDay 17Drove the Sterling Highway to Homer
Hiked the Upper Kenai River Trail
Stopped at the Kenai National Wildlife Visitor Center
Hiked the Nature and Centennial Trails
Enjoyed a beer at the Homer Brewing Company
Saw a moose up close in Homer and an otter at Homer Spit
Grabbed dinner at Home Slice on Homer Spit
Camped on the Homer Spit
5/27/2024Homer, AK to Seward, AKDay 18Visited stores on the Homer Spit boardwalk
Saw our first Bald Eagle of the trip
Drove the Sterling Highway and Seward Highway to get to Seward
Hiked to the Glacier Overlook at Kenai Fjords National Park
Had dinner at the Seward Brewing Company
Camped at the Seward Municipality Campground
5/28/2024Seward, AKDay 19Took a National Park Tour through the Kenai Fjords company
Saw mountain goats, humpback whales, killer whales, puffins, bald eagles, sea otters and sea lions
Saw the Holgate Glacier and got up close to the Aialik Glacier
Ate at the Highliner Restaurant in Seward
5/29/2024Seward, AK to Girdwood, AKDay 20Returned the RV
Hiked the Bee Tree Loop
Saw another moose
Went to Girdwood Brewing
Stayed at our VRBO in Girdwood, AK
5/30/2024Girdwood, AKDay 21Went to Whittier through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
Hiked Horsetail Falls Trail in Whittier and a 5K Nordic Loop at the Alyeska Skip Resort
Saw the Portage Glacier
Stopped at the Begich Boggs Visitor Center
Went to Magnetic North Brewing Company
Dropped Brit off at the Anchorage airport for her trip home
5/31/2024Girdwood, AKDay 22Hiked the Byron Glacier Trail, despite seeing a black bear nearby
Saw several moose in Girdwood
Hiked at Potter Marsh
6/1/2024Girdwood, AK to Anchorage, AK to Aurora, ILDay 23Visited the Alaska Candy Store, looking for the worlds largest chocolate fall
Hiked at Point Woronzof Point and Earthquake Park
Learned a lot at the Alaska Public Lands Information Center
Lynda and dad ate reindeer in downtown Anchorage
Visited Ship Creek and Brewerks breweries
Departed Anchorage and returned home

 

Some totals: 

Number of moose seen10+ moose
Number of bear seen15+ bear
Other notable animals seeOrca, Grey whales, puffins, sea lions, sea otters, caribou, mountain sheep
Number of hikes taken25+ hikes
Lynda's favorite hikeMt. Healy Overlook, Denali
Dave's favorite hikeUpper Kenai River Trail
Number of miles driven in RV4880 miles
Most miles in a day535 miles
Least miles in a day0 miles
Lynda's favorite day of driving
Dave's favorite day of drivingDay 10, Cassiar Highway
Number of campgrounds used15 campgrounds
Lynda's favorite campground
Dave's favorite campground
Number of breweries visited15 breweries
Lynda's favorite beerAlaskaveeza, 49th State Brewing Company
Dave's favorite beerAll Along the Briny, Brewerks
Favorite brewery sticker

Here is our packing list and what we used and didn't use.  We didn't spend much timing cleaning it up, but it covers the facts.

ItemsDid we use (Yes; No; No, but good to have)Notes
work stuff
watch chargerYes
phone chargerYes
solar charger?No
laptopYesUsed for blogging and work
extra monitorYesUsed minimally; probably not needed
laptop and monitor cordsYes
Way to connect laptop or tablet to TV - HDMI or CoaxNoDidn't watch TV
passports and global reentryYes
Lynda's kindle and remotesYes
Dave's tabletYes
ipassYesUsed only in Illinois in rental car
binderYesThis contained our notes, reservations, etc.  Good place to store papers too
notebookYesWrote gas purchases, notes
penYes
car lighter adapter plug?YesMostly we didn't need this since the RV had USB outlets
aux cordNoDidn't need because RV had USBC to Car Play
bungee cordsYesWe only needed 2-3 and took too many
velcro tiesNo
camper/hiking stuff
Milepost bookYes
Camping chairs (our old ones and leave there)NoWe didn't use because we don't like sitting by fires
Inverter? - 12V to 120; 450WYesUsed a few times to charge devices (laptop) while driving
Propane Grill ? Or sandwich griddleYesWe used an old camping grill and donated it in Anchorage
speakerYesWe used it a few times
whistleNo
Table?  Folding oneNoDidn't use because we didn't sit by fires
tripodYes
small tarpNoWe didn't take one
paracordNo, but good to have
outside lanternNo, but good to have
flashlight/chargerYesVery handy to have a good flashlight
headlights/chargerNo
duct tapeNo, but good to have
zip tiesNo, but good to have
car pillow/cushionYesBack pillow for driving
cards/gamesYes
Sign for sign post forestYes
Hardware & tool for signYes
head netting?No, but good to haveWe didn't use, but mosquitos were ferocious
beach towels?YesWe used at Radium Hot Springs
umbrellasNo, but good to haveRainjackets are a good substitute
large binocularsYes
small binocularsYes
waist packYes
first aid kit -bandages, ace bandage, moleskinYes
bug sprayNo, but good to have
bear sprayYes
SunscreenYesWe didn't actually use it because it was mostly cloudy and we had long sleeves on most of the time.
sea sickness wrist padsNo
extra empty suitcaseYesNeeded this to get stuff home
hiking poles?Yes
multi-toolNo, but good to haveA regular knife might have been better
ScrewdriverYesUsed this to help pry off dump cap
bathroom/bedroom
Extra sheets or blanket?YesUsed when Brit joined us for 2nd bed
extra pillowYes
meds - zyrtec, aspirin,ibuprofen, benadryl, neosporin, tums?Yes
Toilet Paper - 6-9 rollsYesProbably needed just 3 rolls
shower caddy?YesUsed when we used campground showers
shampoo, conditioner, soapYes
contact stuffNo, but good to have
hand soapYes
electric toothbrushYes
hamperYesCollapsable hamper.  Can in very handy
laundry soap (sheets?)YesThe sheets worked great.
fabric softener sheetsYes
vitaminsYes
kleenexYes
extra towelsNo
clothing
warm hatYes
warm glovesYes
base layerYes
hiking bootsYes
shower shoesYes
water shoesNo, but good to have
plastic disposable glovesYes
gloves for sewer hosesNoWe used disposable gloves for sewer work
leather glovesYes
camp shoes/crocsYesUsed all the time in the RV
sunglassesYes
swimsuitYes
rain coatYes
sun hatYes
hiking pantsYes
light shirts - not cottonYesPacked 6 or 7 short sleeved shirts.  Didn't need that many
long sleeve shirts not cottonYes
ponchosNo, but good to have
socks and sock linersYes
pjsYes
watchYes
slippersYes
tote bag?Yes
kitchen stuff
fire blanketNo, but good to haveRV also had fire extinguisher
Water bottlesYes
plastic table cloths plus clipsNo, but good to haveThe tables we used were all clean enough
scissorsYes
tapeNo, but good to have
plastic silverwareYes
paper platesYes
paper bowlsYes
napkinsYes
paper towelsYesWe brought 2 rolls; probably only needed 1
dish soapYes
Trash Bags -kitchen size (5)NoGarbage cans in RV were small; didn't need these
reusuable shopping bags?YesFor shopping in Canada
plastic walmart bags?YesWe had about 20.  VERY handy
ZiplocsYes
matchesNo, but good to have
lighter?YesUsed to light grill and stove
Coffee PotYes
ToasterYes
tea kettleYesProbably didn't need since we had the microwave; used a couple times
Box for recyclablesYesWe used a soda box
old panNoThe RV came with a pan.  We didn't use a pan over fire
toasterYes
tupperwareYesWe took a couple contains left over from carryout
sanitizing wipesYesWe had a large container; didn’t' need that many
cook stove fuelYesBrought Two 1 lb tanks.  Only needed 1.
seasoning saltYes
chicken seasoningYes
sunflower seeds and cupYes
coffeeYes
tea bagsYes
protein barsYesBrought 20; Only needed about 8
3 gal h20YesWe bought water at Walmart after picking up RV
peanut butterYes
grilling utensilsYesJust needed a spatula
al foilYes
plastic wrapYes


Expense Summary

This lists covers most of our expenses for the trip.  For most of the trip there were two people.  Near the end Brittney joined us and we met Dad and Carol joined us.  We stopped at a few more breweries than some people might, which resulted in higher expenses.  This does not include the tickets for our boat excursion and it includes our VRBO in Girdwood after we dropped off the RV. 

WhatDate PaidAmount
RV + CarRental Car to Ankeny5/10/2024$82.32 
Rental Car Gas5/10/2024$32.89 
RV Rental & Fees2/16/2024$2,600.34 
CDW Fees2/16/2024$809.10 
RV Mileage Overage5/30/2024$248.51 
Propane - Pincher Creek5/15/2024$8.82 
Propane - Jasper5/17/2024$10.96 
Propane - Ester5/18/2024$11.97 
Propane - final fill-up5/29/2024$22.46 
Dumping, Water, etc.
RV & Transportation Total$3,827.37 
LodgingMedina, ND - City Campground$20.00 
Theodore Roosevelt NP Juniper Campground$14.00 
Cut Bank, MT - Glacier RV Park5/13/2024$49.95 
Waterton Campground - 1 night2/19/2024$35.29 
Banff Campground - 2 nights2/18/2024$62.04 
Jasper Campground - 1 night2/18/2024$40.12 
Kitwanga, BC - 1 night5/18/2024$34.75 
Watson Lake - Nugget City RV Park5/19/2024$50.00 
Lake Creek, YK5/20/2024$20.00 
Tanana Campground, Fairbanks5/21/2024$45.06 
Denali - Riley Creek5/22/2024$38.50 
Denali Campground - 2 nights2/29/2024$77.00 
Bird Creek Campground4/21/2024$39.20 
Homer Spit Campground3/2/2024$48.53 
Seward Campground 2- nights4/21/2024$125.00 
VRBO in Girdwood4/21/2024$552.30 
VRBO in Girdwood5/15/2024$379.70 
Lodging Total$1,631.44 
OtherCash5/5/2024$120.00 
Flights Home2/12/2024$505.00 
National Park Pass5/12/2024$80.00 
Waterton Lake - Entrance Fee5/14/2024$16.11 
Radium Springs5/15/2024$25.68 
Laundry in Banff5/16/2024$7.50 
Parking in Banff5/16/2024$9.20 
Jasper - Entrance Fee5/17/2024$16.19 
Fairbanks Laundry5/21/2024$19.00 
Denali Tour5/22/2024$258.00 
Carwash in Fairbanks5/22/2024$10.00 
Denali Tour Tip5/23/2024$10.00 
Shirt at Homer Brewing5/26/2024$26.00 
Ornament in Homer5/17/2024$10.79 
Walmart, Anchorage - Souvenirs5/30/2024$34.56 
Whittier Tunnel5/30/2024$13.00 
Tea in Anchorage6/1/2024$20.00 
Coffee in Anchorage6/1/2024$7.25 
Sweatshirt in Anchorage6/1/2024$24.99 
Gifts at Alaska Wild Berry6/1/2024$27.31 
Other Total$1,240.58 
Food and EntertainmentDrekker, Fargo, ND$19.86 
McDonalds, central MT$9.00 
Village Grill, Cut Bank, MT$34.50 
Thirsty Bear, Waterton Lake, AB, Canada5/14/2024$46.22 
Banff Ave Brewing5/15/2024$39.18 
Three Bears Brewing, Banff5/15/2024$19.69 
Coffee in Banff during laundry5/16/2024$4.89 
RX Mart - Soda5/16/2024$4.07 
Jasper Brewing Company5/17/2024$44.79 
McDonalds, Prince George, BC5/18/2024$8.71 
RV Nugget - beer and two cookies5/19/2024$15.00 
Yukon Brewing5/20/2024$10.00 
Hoodoo Brewing, Fairbanks5/21/2024$47.40 
Ester - soda and coffee5/22/2024$7.00 
Healy - 49th State Brewing5/22/2024$60.00 
Prospector's Pizza5/23/2024$44.86 
Food Truck, Anchorage5/25/2024$45.00 
Ravens Ring Brewery5/25/2024$49.80 
Homer Brewing Company5/26/2024$34.80 
Homeslice Pizza, Homer5/26/2024$103.54 
Seward Brewing Company - Dinner5/27/2024$72.72 
Highliner, Seward5/28/2024$81.00 
Girdwood Brewing Company5/29/2024$27.60 
Coffee in Seward5/28/2024$13.86 
Brewerks, Anchorage6/1/2024$43.12 
Ship Creek, Anchorage6/1/2024$19.90 
Food & Entertainment Total$906.51 
SuppliesWalmart, Fargo$67.41 
Albertsons5/13/2024$23.45 
Albertsons5/14/2024$7.98 
IGA - Groceries5/16/2024$40.33 
Jasper Park Liquor - Local Beer5/17/2024$14.67 
Walmart, Whitehorse5/20/2024$43.15 
Carrs, Safeway, Girdwood5/29/2024$8.78 
Supplies Total$205.77 
GasGas 15/11/2024$65.45 
Gas - Jamestown5/11/2024$111.59 
Gas - by TRNP5/12/2024$125.29 
Gas - MT5/13/2024$74.17 
Shelby, MT5/13/2024$129.49 
Pincher Creek5/15/2024$73.36 
Banff5/16/2024$110.38 
Lake Louis5/17/2024$66.59 
Jasper5/17/2024$58.52 
Prince George, BC5/18/2024$125.88 
Smithers, BC5/18/2024$113.30 
Dease Lake5/19/2024$182.40 
Whitehorse5/20/2024$220.62 
Tok, AK5/21/2024$197.54 
Wasilla, AK (or somewhere in the area)5/25/2024$175.00 
Gas - Solnado5/27/2024$144.21 
Gas - final fill-up5/29/2024$91.13 
Gas Total$2,064.92 
Total$9,876.59 





https://sidwellalaskanrvtrip2024.blogspot.com/2024/05/day-0-prologue.html

https://sidwellalaskanrvtrip2024.blogspot.com/2024/05/day-1-aurora-to-bondurant.html

https://sidwellalaskanrvtrip2024.blogspot.com/2024/05/day-2-bondurant-ia-to-forest-city-ia-to.html

https://sidwellalaskanrvtrip2024.blogspot.com/2024/05/day-3-medina-nd-to-theodore-roosevelt.html

https://sidwellalaskanrvtrip2024.blogspot.com/2024/05/day-4-theodore-roosevelt-national-park.html

https://sidwellalaskanrvtrip2024.blogspot.com/2024/05/day-5-cut-bank-nd-to-waterton-park-ab.html

https://sidwellalaskanrvtrip2024.blogspot.com/2024/05/day-6-waterton-park-ab-canada-to-radium.html

https://sidwellalaskanrvtrip2024.blogspot.com/2024/05/day-7-banff-all-day-no-travel-thursday.html

https://sidwellalaskanrvtrip2024.blogspot.com/2024/05/day-8-banff-to-jasper-iceway-parkway.html

https://sidwellalaskanrvtrip2024.blogspot.com/2024/05/day-9-jasper-alberta-to-kitwanga.html

https://sidwellalaskanrvtrip2024.blogspot.com/2024/05/day-10-kitwanga-british-columbia-to.html

https://sidwellalaskanrvtrip2024.blogspot.com/2024/05/day-11-watson-lake-yukon-to-lake-creek.html

https://sidwellalaskanrvtrip2024.blogspot.com/2024/05/day-12-lake-creek-campground-yk-north.html

https://sidwellalaskanrvtrip2024.blogspot.com/2024/05/day-13-fairbanks-ak-to-denali-national.html

https://sidwellalaskanrvtrip2024.blogspot.com/2024/05/day-14-denali-national-park-ak-thursday.html

https://sidwellalaskanrvtrip2024.blogspot.com/2024/05/day-15-denali-national-park-ak-friday.html

https://sidwellalaskanrvtrip2024.blogspot.com/2024/05/day-16-denali-national-park-ak-to.html

https://sidwellalaskanrvtrip2024.blogspot.com/2024/05/day-17-girdwood-ak-to-homer-ak-sunday.html

https://sidwellalaskanrvtrip2024.blogspot.com/2024/05/day-18-homer-ak-to-seward-ak-monday.html

https://sidwellalaskanrvtrip2024.blogspot.com/2024/05/day-19-seward-ak-kenai-fjords-national.html

https://sidwellalaskanrvtrip2024.blogspot.com/2024/05/day-20-seward-ak-to-girdwood-ak-and-rv.html

https://sidwellalaskanrvtrip2024.blogspot.com/2024/05/day-21-girdwood-ak-whittier-ak-thursday.html

https://sidwellalaskanrvtrip2024.blogspot.com/2024/06/day-22-girdwood-ak-friday-53124.html

https://sidwellalaskanrvtrip2024.blogspot.com/2024/06/day-23-girdwood-ak-to-to-anchorage-ak.html










Summary

It is now over 2 weeks since we've been back and we've been meaning to complete this summary for our own benefit.  It still isn'...