Adding states to our travel map

On Wednesday, August 25th we traveled the short distance from McMinnville, OR to Eugene.  Here in Eugene, we met up with Ron and Nancy again at Premier RV Resort (http://premierrvresorts.com/PRVR/(S(0dv3oka2p3zwdb55lskelvzz))/Pages/p0130LocationDetails.aspx).  The facilities here are great and the girls really enjoy having a pool available.  Mickey and I enjoy having a nice laundry and relaxing in the hot tub.  (Notice I said Mickey enjoys having a nice laundry, he's been helping with the laundry and doing a really good job.  It sure helps now that we've started school.)

Owl at Cascades Raptor Center

On Thursday, Mickey and the girls, along with Ron and Nancy went to the Cascades Raptor Center in Eugene (http://www.eraptors.org/).   They learned about the rescue, rehab, and release efforts at the center.  The girls took lots of pictures and came home to tell me how much they enjoyed learning about birds of prey and how the center helps them.

Eugene Celebration Parade

On Saturday we went to downtown Eugene for the annual Eugene Celebration.  We caught the end of a fabulous parade.  Had we realized what we were missing, we surely would have gotten there sooner.   The event emphasized community and sustainability.  Along with the parade, there were arts and crafts, a farmers market, and performers (singing, dancing, juggling, hacky sack).  The whole event was really earthy and funky.  It's so interesting attending local celebrations and tapping into the personality of new places.

Hitting the books!

We started school Friday with an orientation day to familiarize the girls with their new routine and ease us back into school.  Today was our first full day of school.  Our schedule looks something like this:

Breakfast at 7:00
Social Studies  7:30 - 8:30
English/Literature 8:45 - 9:45
Math 10:00 - 11:00
PE and Lunch, then
Science 1:00 - 2:00

We can be flexible when needed, but we'll follow this schedule for now. It's very early, but things are going well and the girls enjoy starting early in the day so we can have more free time in the afternoons.

While we're homeschooling, Mickey runs errands and scouts are interesting places for us to visit.  He's also in charge of science experiments and outdoor activities (ie: hunting and fishing).

Sorry it's been a few days since I've posted.  Hopefully when the girls start schooling later this week, I'll be able to get back on a daily routine.

We've been having a really good time in sunny Washington and now Oregon.  It's so nice to be out of the rain and finally feel like it's summer time.

On Thursday, August 19th, Mickey spent the day doing some minor repairs on the rig while the girls and I went in to Seattle to visit the EMP and Space Needle. The Experience Music Project /Science Fiction Museum (http://www.empsfm.org/) and Space Needle are located in Seattle Center, which made for a lot of fun without a lot a traffic.  The girls enjoyed the interactive stations at the EMP and even liked learning about "old timey" musicians such as Jimi Hendrix and the Supremes.  The picture to the left is of the girls in front of a sculpture in the lobby of the EMP.  The sculpture is made entirely of musical instruments and is over 2 stories tall.  I've posted the close-up picture below because we thought it was such a great wallpaper pic for music lovers.

View from top of Space Needle

View from the ground.



On Friday, we toured the Boeing facility in Everett, Washington (http://www.boeing.com/commercial/tours/index.html).  What a place!  The plant building itself is the largest building (by volume) in the world.  We were able to see aircraft in different stages of production.  We saw the new 787 Dreamliner, which should be in service sometime next year.  Our tour guild told us the demand for the 787 Dreamliner is so great, that if you ordered one today, it would be 7 years before it would be delivered.  A new passenger feature is the window.  It's larger than the average passenger window and has no pull-down shade.  The passenger controls the amount of light coming through the window electronically.   The facility was really impressive.  Wish I had pictures to post, but they have a no photo/video policy.  You can't even take a purse or cell phone on the tour.

On Saturday, we moved further south to Castle Rock, Washington. We met a really nice couple at camp, Les and Sally Barker.  We so enjoyed our visit with them and shared smores over the camp fire Saturday night.  They have such a cute little dog, Buddy.  Though he and Sophie didn't really hit it off.
Thanks so much to them for the travel suggestions and websites.

On Sunday we went to Mount St. Helens (http://www.mountsthelens.com/).  It's been 30 years since the volcano erupted.   Sure doesn't seem like that long ago.  There are several visitor centers along Washington 504.  We stopped at three different sites and were pleased to find really good ranger talks at each stop.  We learned about the three different types of volcanoes ( shield, cinder cone, and composite).  Mount St. Helens is a composite volcano.  We also learned about wildlife living in the crater as well as the formation of the youngest glacier in existence forming inside the crater.  Unfortunately, it was really cloudy the day we visited, and the picture below is the best one we were able to take.  You can barely see the edge of the crater below the clouds.

Mount St. Helens

Along Washington 504 we also stopped at the Forest Learning Center (http://www.weyerhaeuser.com/Sustainability/MountStHelens).  It's a center sponsored by Weyerhaeuser where you can learn about the timber industry and it's efforts to protect the environment and help maintain this sustainable resource.

After dinner Sunday evening, Mickey and I were enjoying the movie Can Can, with Frank Sinatra and Shirley MacLaine.  I just love the old movies and their music.  The girls were watching with us, at least at first.  A few minutes into the movie, Katy went to her bed to read.  A few minutes after that, Hannah looks at me and says "Oh, I get it now.  This is an old people's High School Musical."  Needless to say, she didn't last long after that.  Apparently listening to Justin Bieber is much more entertaining.

Yesterday, we moved a little further south to McMinnville, Oregon.  We're staying at a really nice park, Olde Stone Village (http://www.oldestonevillagenw.com/rvpage.html).  The park has nice, wide,  paved sites, a heated pool, tennis and basketball courts, and is beautifully landscaped.  Again, I wish we could stay more than just a couple of days, but we have lots to see and do, so move on we must (tomorrow).

Today we had a great visit with my cousin George.  We hadn't seen each other in several years, so it was really nice to catch up.

Inside the "Spruce Goose"

George went with us to the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum here in McMinnville (http://www.sprucegoose.org/).  It's where Howard Hughes' " Spruce Goose" is on display.  Us girls aren't that into air planes, but it is a really interesting place.  The "Spruce Goose" is HUGE!  And the girls, as always, enjoyed the interactive stations.




Tomorrow we're headed to Eugene, Oregon.  We'll be meeting up with Ron and Nancy there.  We also have our last shipment of books waiting on us in Eugene, so school will be starting by the end of the week.  The plan is to spend at least a week, maybe 10 days in Eugene.  We need time to get acquainted with our new schedule (school til early afternoon, then sight seeing after). 

To our family and friends back home, we're thinking about and miss you all. 

Pike Place Market, Seattle, Washington

We're now staying in Everett, a suburb of Seattle, Washington.  The weather has been beautiful, in the 70s and 80s with bright sunshine.  We were so ready for this after weeks of clouds and rain.

Yesterday afternoon we visited the historic Pikes Place Market in Seattle(http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/visitor_info/market_history).   There are over 9 acres of fresh produce, flowers, sea food, and shops.  The picture above if from one of the sea food markets.  The workers help customers select just the right fish.  Then, they toss the fish to other workers behind the counter who catch them in butcher paper and wrap them.  If you look closely, you can see the fish flying through the air just under the big sign.

We enjoyed tasty berry smoothies, saw all kinds of great locally grown fruits and vegetables, and even tasted chocolate pasta.  And the flowers, they were so beautiful.  Isles and isles of fresh flowers. 

We plan to stay here a couple more days before heading south to see Mount St. Helen's, then on to Oregon.  The final shipment of books is waiting for us when we arrive in Eugene, so school will be starting for us soon.  The girls are both ready.

Burlington, Washington

We arrived in Washington State Sunday afternoon, making much better time than expected.  We did drive 12-14 hours straight for 3 days in a row, but it was worth it to get back to the USA. 

We're staying in Burlington, which is north west of Seattle, at the Burlington KOA Kampground.  The girls are happy, the camp has a pool, basketball court, and mini golf.  There is also a great fresh produce market in town with all types of locally grown fruits and vegetables.  The cherries are especially good.

After spending Sunday evening resting up from our long drive, we were ready to explore again today.  We visited the SeaBear processing facility in Anacortes (http://www.seabear.com/?siteID=fuV90DddGlY-qEdvOtCUgUJ78D591ppW8w) and sampled some wonderful smoked salmon.  Katy and I loved it.  We bought enough to last a while and they ship.  Mickey and Hannah, well they weren't as impressed, but then they don't like seafood. 

  We spent the afternoon at Whidbey Island and took a boat tour of the Deception Pass area (http://www.deceptionpasstours.com/).  The tour included a history of the area and wildlife viewing.  We saw Harbor Seals, Blue Heron, Bald Eagles, and Porpoise.

Above is a photo we took on the boat tour.  If you look carefully, you can see a Harbor Seal sunning itself on a rock and a Blue Heron to the left.

Back at camp this evening, the girls and I played a couple of rounds of Mini Golf while Mickey made pasta with sausage and peppers. The weather was so pleasant that we were able to cook and eat outside tonight.  It's so nice to be back in the sunshine.  Finally feels like summer.

We'll be staying here at least one more day before heading to Seattle. President Obama will be in Seattle on Tuesday, so we're waiting for all that to be over before going into the city. 

Burlington, Washington

It's good to be back in the USA. Here are the girls enjoying some much missed Mexican Food in Burlington, Washington.

Hudson's Hope, BC

We left Skagway at noon on Thursday and traveled about 500 miles, spending the night at a rest stop near Watson Lake (took about 12 hours).

Yesterday we traveled another 500 miles (12 hours) and spent last night at a great little RV Park in Hudson's Hope, BC.  The Dupont Ent. RV Park is the nicest park we've stayed in.  The facilities are immaculate and each site has a lush, landscaped yard.  And the owners, Jean and Carmen, are great.  Makes me wish we weren't just passing through.

We'll be getting back on the road within the hour, 700 miles to go to be back in the lower 48.  That should put us in Washington fairly early on Sunday.

Skagway, Alaska

Overlook at Skagway, Alaska

We left Anchorage Sunday, August 8th and arrived in Skagway on Monday.  We made better time than expected, only stopping to sleep along Lake Kluane in Yukon Territory. 

Skagway was the port used by stampeders during the Klondike Gold Rush in 1897 and 1898.  It has a large collection of period buildings (mostly restored by the Parks Service).  Above is a picture of Mickey and the girls at the overlook above Skagway.  Note the cruise ships.  Today Skagway relies primarily on tourism, with a 5 month tourist season.  During those months the town has a population of about 3000 (not counting tourist).  During the winter, the population shrinks to roughly 800. 

Downtown Skagway shopping district

Being a nurse, I found the medical care situation really interesting.  They have recently built a medical clinic here in Skagway, but still do not have a full time physician.  The clinic is staffed by a PA and nurses.  The closest hospital is in Juneau, a 6 hour ferry ride or 1 hour flight in a small plane.  Transportation by either route costs approximately $100.  For emergent cases (heart attach, stroke, etc) medic-vac service cost $15,000.  Expectant mothers go to Juneau about two weeks before their due date and stay until the baby is a couple of weeks old.  That's something you expect to hear about in some foreign country. 

We've gone on a tour of Skagway in a classic car (1946 Cadillac limo), visited the Skagway Museum, shopped, and explored.  We found the Chilkoot Trail head (the first trail used during the gold rush).  We also spent two evening at the Tidal Flats near the old Dyea town site.  We were looking for bear feeding on salmon.  The first night they arrived after we left, and last night we were just about the last folks to leave and still didn't see any.  But we did see beautiful bald eagles and enjoyed gorgeous views of the mountains and Harding Glacier.

We're leaving Skagway this afternoon.  It will take us a few days to get through Canada.  There's been a forest fire burning along the route we need to take South, so we're not sure how much delay that will cause.  We are headed for Washington State and will try to post along the way.  If you don't see anything new, it's because we don't have service.  We'll be in touch as soon as we can.

Family Time and Fishing Trips

 Kids getting ready to board the plane Tuesday morning.

We had a great visit with family this week.  Andy, Austin, and Michael Austin flew in to Anchorage Monday night.  We got up at 5:30am Tuesday morning to be at Trail Ridge Air (http://www.trailridgeair.com/) for our fly in fishing trip.  We took two float planes into the Alaskan bush for 3 days of fishing at Lake Alexander.

 Mickey, Katy, Hannah, Michael Austin, and I took one plane, while Andy and Austin took another smaller plane. Here's a picture of us right before take off.  Mickey took this picture from the co-pilot's seat. 

Just before take off.

The plane was really loud, but we all wore ear plugs and did fine. Well, except Sophie, she hated it.  She shook and her little heart raced the whole time.  But she was fine as soon as we landed.  The kids really enjoyed the flight and watched out the windows constantly.

Austin and Andy taking off.

Mickey's view of the bush from the co-pilot's seat.

Our float plane touching down on Lake Alexander.

As soon as we landed and the gear was unloaded, the fishing began.  Mickey rigged up the poles and the kids couldn't wait to get started.  Here's Michael Austin reeling in the first fish with Uncle Andy's help.

Learning to cast by himself.

As usual, it rained.  Seems like we've had rain for at least a month.  But, we made the most of it and went out on the water when it was pretty ( and sometimes when it wasn't).  Below is a view of the lake with the mountains in the background.  This was taken on the water near our cabins.

We stayed in these cabins at Lake Alexander Lodge.  They were simple but nice and even had electricity during the day when the generator was running. 

Michael Austin showing off the bunk beds complete with mosquito nets.  The mosquitoes here in Alaska are huge.   We all smelled like Off within 10 minutes of being in camp.  The mosquito nets sure helped.

Michael Austin and Aunt Hannah

 

  Above is a picture of our group with Hans, the lodge's caretaker.  It was a pleasure meeting you Hans and thanks so much for the warm fires and use of the kitchen.  Look us up if you're ever back in Texas.

Fisher-woman, Katy

The guys spent most of their time fishing, while the kids and I fished (but not as seriously) and enjoyed time relaxing, reading, and playing games.

During dinner our last night, this moose appeared across the creek from the lodge.  She eventually swam across the creek and trotted up the bank right at our front door.  What a treat!

Our ride back to Anchorage.

 

Michael Austin trying not to miss a thing on the flight back to Anchorage.

On Friday, the men went on a day trip, while the kids and I went shopping.  They had a great time.  But you'll have to ask them who caught the fish.

 

We were entertained by Michael Austin at dinner before they caught their flight back to Texas.  Like his Papa says, he doesn't let the facts get in the way of a good story.

It was a great few days spent with family.  Thanks so much for coming to see us. 

Family's Here

Andy, Austin, and Michael Austin arrived safety this evening.  We had dinner and will be turning in early.  Up at 5:30am for our fly in fishing trip in the morning.  We'll be gone to a remote lake for 3 days of fishing and fun.  No electricity or other services, so I'll post again at the end of the week.

Arctic Thunder Air Show

Blue Angels

              
We're back in Anchorage at Elmendorf AFB.  The Arctic Thunder Air Show was here on base this weekend  (http://www.alaskaairshow.org/2009/12/08/welcome-to-arctic-thunder-2010/).  We went on Saturday and were fortunate to have the cloud cover lift enough to enjoy the show.  We saw the Canadian Snow Birds and the Navy Blue Angels,  just to name a few.  I must admit, Mickey was excited about going while the girls and I were skeptical.  But, we all agreed it was a great show.

Snow Birds

Snow Birds

Blue Angels

Blue Angels

Fairbanks and Denali

On Tuesday morning, July 27th, we went to the North Pole.  Yes, it is real.  We saw Santa's house and the reindeer.  The entire town has candy cane lamp posts and even the McDonald's arches sit atop candy cane posts. It's Christmas all year long and so pretty with the cool weather and tall trees everywhere.

We spent Tuesday afternoon on the campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks.  We visited the University of Alaska Museum of the North ( http://www.uaf.edu/museum/).  It was a great place to learn more about the native people and World War II's effect on their culture.

We also spent some time at the university's Large Animal Research Station (http://lars.iab.uaf.edu/index.php).  They do research with musk ox, caribou, and reindeer.  The musk ox shed Qiviut every Spring. It's one of the rarest fibers on earth and is currently valued at $25.00 per ounce.  An average musk ox will produce 5 pounds of Qiviut per year.  The native people use it for knitting to make hats, scarves, and sweaters.

We learned the difference between caribou and reindeer.  Reindeer are a subspecies of caribou and originated in Siberia.  Reindeer are domesticated and used for hauling freight or portage. Caribou, on the other hand, are not domesticated.  The photo is of a caribou.  Caribou have long thin legs that consist of bone and tendon, no muscle.  The lack of muscle in their legs allow their leg temperature to remain in the 50s while their body core temp is 105.  Very useful for running through thick snow.  The tendons in their legs make a clicking sound when they walk.  Caribou love to eat willow.

Tuesday evening we took a dinner cruise aboard a steamboat in the Chinook River at Fairbanks.  We had a nice meal of prime rib and salmon.  The picture below is of a traditional fish camp along the river.  There is a large fish trap in the river and salmon hanging to dry in the shelter to the left of the cabin. 

On Wednesday we did some shopping in downtown Fairbanks.  Now this is absolutely the place to find cold weather gear.  Hats and gloves and boots and coats of all kinds.   We're finding that it's really interesting to shop in places where the climate is so different from our own.  You see so many new things.

While in downtown Fairbanks, we went to the Ice Museum  

(http://www.icemuseum.com/).  We saw numerous ice sculptures and watched a film about the World Ice Art Championship held each year in Fairbanks (http://www.icealaska.com/).  We also watched a demonstration by one of the sculptors.

The girls and I spent some time at the Farthest North Girl Scout Council office.  We visited with the staff, bought some Farthest North Council patches, and received information on some of their badges.  For example, they have badges for ice fishing and dog mushing, just to name a few. The girls are working on the dog mushing badge now.  They thought it was really interesting to see the different badges available in this area. I think it has helped to renew their interest in badge work.

We did the El Dorado Gold Mine Tour outside Fairbanks (http://www.eldoradogoldmine.com/) on Wednesday evening.   This was a great tour with a train that took you through the mine where you could see the different layers and old gold mining equipment.  We also saw an operating sleuth.  The material that's left at the end of the sleuth process is called concentrate.  This concentrate is what we're using to pan for gold in the picture below.  By using concentrate, they guarantee that you'll find gold in your pan or they give you more concentrate. And sure enough, we all found gold.  Hannah did the best, she found $ 21.00 worth.

On Thursday we visited Denali National Park.  It was cloudy again, as it usually is here.  And you can only drive in 15 miles along the park road in your own vehicle.  There are bus tours that take you in farther, but with the weather, we opted not to do that.  It was disappointing to be here for a second time and still not get to see Mount McKinley.  It's been so rainy here that even the locals are saying "It's like we didn't even get a summer."

We did see a moose in Denali and that was exciting.  Sure made me wish for a larger zoom lens though.

Sophie continues to be a great little traveler.  She enjoys going and is very disappointed whenever she does have to stay behind.  Here's a picture of her settling in for a nap in the back seat.