The Yeager's

We (Ruth and George) made this trip in 2000 with Jay, Dorcas, & 4 year old Jacob.  In 2002, we made the trip with Jacob & Christian (Seven weeks in a motor home with two seven year olds, best trip of my life, bar none.) This time we have Christian (now nine), Jacob (Will be nine on July 26th) and Tracey III, aka Cooter Bug (Age 7) Cooter has not been around us as much as the other boys and has a difficult time learning to get along with us.  (He has to learn, we were here first).  Ruth is 75 and I am 76, until August.

Our conveyance is a 1997 Georgia Boy Motor Home.  We have added an electric step, an electric awning and a dish antenna.  The last day of this trip, the step stopped working and we have not been able to get anything on the dish.  (Shall we try the awning?) Without a regular antenna, we receive Fairbanks stations very well.  We have an appointment to get the manifold fixed since it has started making noises. 

Day 1, June 9th.

Wednesday

We had a small going away assemblage at daughter Debby's house the afternoon of June 9th, then departed there at 5:30 p.m.  We stopped at a rest stop on I-65, south of Gary, IN. Total 201 miles. 

Day 2, June 10th.

Thursday

Most notable thing about this day, it rained all day.  Drove from 3:30 to 8 a.m. and took a nap.  There was no power in the house part of the motorhome.  Found Shabbona Creek RV sales, etc, Atkinson, IL.  The house battery was dead, since Ray had noticed a problem with battery, I had purchased a spare.  They changed the battery, using my spare.  Since this battery did not have the right connectors, they used their painted connectors and charged me $40.  Miles Today 510 , Total 711.  Gassed  up twice, $107 each time, Total $214.00.  Stopped for the night at a rest stop near Honey Creek, IA. 

Day 3, June 11th.

Friday

We continued north & west, then stopped at the 1880's village in the area where they filmed the movie "Dances with Wolves".  This is on I-90 at exit 170 in SD.  They have a display of props from the movie and the horse "Buck" (Movie name Cisco) that Kevin Costner used in the movie is there.  Buck is 31 years old.  The kids were really fascinated with this place, thought I was going to have to drag them away.  Proceeded directly into the bright sun to exit 110 and stopped for the night at Wall Drug Store's parking lot.  Miles 466,  Total 1177.   Gas  $124.70, Total $338.70. 

Day 4, June 12th.

Saturday

After Mamaw Ruth (First time out of the motorhome) took the boys for a short tour of Wall Drug Store, we proceeded to Crazy Horse Mtn in SD.  Took the scenic route, long way around on Hwy 16 A.  This has many "U" curves & numerous tunnels carved out of the rock.  We took pictures of the president's heads on Mt Rushmore on this route.  Sent some post cards today.  After the Crazy Horse tour, we went to Spearfish SD and took route 212 to Custer's National Monument for the tour.  Back on I-90 to a rest stop near Billings, MT where we spent the night.  During the day the air conditioner cover started breaking apart so I made a quick fix.  (Knew that duct tape would come in handy.) Miles 457,  Total 1634.  Gasoline  $140, Total $478.70. 

Day 5, June 13th.

Sunday

Mostly uneventful day, except the house battery has went dead again, did use the battery charger to get it up and running.  This was the second day for seeing many antelope.  Stopped at Conrad, MT and called George & Charles Jr - was not able to talk to them.  Proceeded to Sweetgrass, MT south point of the border and spent the night in the rest area.  Miles 481,  Total 2115 (Half way)  Gasoline  $86.85 Total $565.55. 

Day 6, June 14th.

Monday

With the battery problems, spent most of the day in Lethbridge and Calgary, checking with RV and GM dealers trying to get someone to check it for us, it was either Thursday or next week.  Stopped in Costco parking lot in Red Deer, AB, near another RV place and we started checking our set-up.  Could not find anything wrong, however during the night, the heater stopped and we found that nothing was working in the house.  Had bought a new spare battery today, jumped the house battery in the morning and everything worked as long as it was connected.  Appears that our rig is not charging the house battery.  Started the generator and put the charger on the house battery for awhile, then departed.  Miles 326,  Total 2441.  Gasoline  Can $168 - US $123.53 - Total $689.08. 

Day 7, June 15th.

Tuesday

Drove to Dawson Creek, BC, checked into Tubby's Trailer Park, Raining (We stayed here in 2000).  Put the battery charger on the house battery overnight.  Mamaw fixed spaghetti for supper.  Boys bought a gallon of milk for $4.69.  While here everyone had a nice long shower.  Miles 476,  Total 2917.  Gasoline  Can $347.00 - US $255.04.  Total $944.12. 

Day 8, June 16th.

Wednesday

Got up to a nice sunny day after quite a few dreary, rainy days.  Everything was working in the house, shows fully charged battery.  Can't get satellite in the far north for some reason.  Checked Chevy, GMC and a RV place, all three said Thursday or next week.  Asked around and found that there is a solenoid switch that causes the house battery to charge.  Some guy told me to check with United Spring & Brake, maybe they could help with the problem.  Their manager started giving me the usual BS, so I stared him down & told him that about 15 places had given me the heave ho from the border at Couts, AB to Dawson Creek, BC.  He said wait a minute and he went & got Ernie, the shop manager.

Ernie listened to the problem and said: don't go away, I think I have a guy that can help.  I said, you are the first one that has listened to the problem and I won't be going anywhere! He came back with Brian.  He tested the switch and it was not sending any power to the house battery.  They looked around and found a solenoid switch that would work.  Brian had to go on a service call, another young man installed the switch and it worked.  10 hours later everything is still working.

We came through Stone Mountain Park saw caribou, deer, one bear and many sheep.  Stopped at rest stop near Muncho Lake for the night.  Miles 437,  Total 3354.  Gasoline  Can $202.01 - US $148.47 Total $1,092.59.   

Day 9, June 17th.

Thursday

Got up early and drove to Liard Hot Springs.  Soaked in the water for about 2 hours.  Weather is very nice, had breakfast and left.  Traveled to Mukluk Annies and had a nice Rib Dinner.  Again, no house power in our motorhome.  Put the battery charger on all night, even though it said the battery was fully charged.  Went with the boys for a boat ride on the lake, they got to feed the birds and Cooter got to drive the boat.  No phone service in this area.  Drove to within a few miles of Whitehorse, YT and spent the night.  Miles 351  Total 3705.  Gasoline  Can $195.00 - US $143.42, Total $1,235.91. 

Day 10, June 18th.

Friday

Drove into Whitehorse and found Wal-Mart; they tested the house battery and it was fully charged.  Looks like a wiring problem, so they put me in touch with Tony the Lone Wolf.  He tested and checked until he found that the painted connectors caused the connections to become corroded.  These were the ones I paid $40 to have installed in Illinois.  Apparently the new switch caused the battery to charge but the paint corrosion wouldn't let the power out! Tony cleaned the connections and everything works again.  Stopped in the rest area at Destruction Bay from 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. (our time, sun still up & so are the boys).  Miles 273,  Total 3978. Gas - Can $201 - US $147.73, Total $1,383.64.   

Day 11, June 19th.

Saturday

Entered Alaska 5 a.m., our time (2 a.m. their time) at Port Alcan.  Very little fuss at the border.  Drove until 7 a.m. (our time) and took a nap.  Now the electric step does not work.  Ate breakfast and then drove to Fairbanks.  Arrived at Pamela and Keith's at 1:30 p.m. their time, 4:30 ours.  The temperature is very hot and the next morning there was a picture of a clock showing 104 degrees.  Put $100 worth of Gas in the motorhome, was not full.  Miles 439, Gas $100.

Total is 4419 miles from our house in Indiana to Pamela's driveway.

Total gasoline cost one way:  $1,483.64. 

June 20th - 22nd

Sunday - Tuesday

Parked in Pamela and Keith's driveway, using their electricity.  Quite a coincidence, Keith took me to the shop to get his two weed whackers and picked up some gasoline.  I had never mentioned anything about the tall weeds and brush growing in his front yard!  Anyhow, I did go out and feed the local bloodsuckers for awhile.  For a dollar each, the boys started to pile the brush.  Cooter flaked out after he found the first sticker bush.

We were sitting in the shade of the motorhome talking about various medical things.  I said something about my #1 doctor, with the usual gesture, Pamela asked Jacob what he would do if someone tried to do that to him.  Before he could answer, Christian who was riding by on his bike, said: "I'd slap him up the side of the head"!

Keith and Pamela took us to the downtown Midnight Sun Festival and then to the Salmon Bake to eat salmon and steak. Sun is very visible most of the entire 24 hours, it has been in the nineties every day that we have been here.  (And we came here to beat the Indiana heat).

Alaska Vacation

June 23rd - 28th.

Wednesday - Monday

During this period, we took the motorhome to Gabe's Truck and Auto Repair where they inspected the manifold and estimated that it would cost 1500 to 1800 dollars to fix it.  They fixed the step - total cost this trip, $97.46.  I took the boys to Pioneer Park on two occasions so that they could ride their bikes.  They seemed to enjoy the outing since there is a little more room in the park.

This writing period is Wednesday through Monday and today is Tuesday, the 29th.  We will be planning to leave in the morning, spend the night in Wasilla, then move to Anchorage the next day.  We will try to find a place to camp so that Grandma can attend the convention with Keith and Pamela.  Friday, Pamela took me with her to the doctor.  I managed to tell him what a brat Pamela was as a child!!

Pamela had called and found that the other Pam was off work; so we went over there and visited her and Brendon.  Made arrangements to meet her and Brendon at Denny's 3 p.m. Saturday.  We went there about 2:50 and stayed until 4:30 or so.  She did not show up. (The boys really enjoyed the food).  We were disappointed but not surprised!

On Sunday, Keith took me and the boys to the IBEW picnic where we pigged out on chicken, ribs, watermelon, etc.  After that we went to Pike's Landing and watched the last race boat arrive after finishing the 800-mile race from Fairbanks to Galena and back.

Since this is summertime, they try to do everything they can in a short period of time, something going on all of the time.  We arrived here on the 19th and it has been in the nineties every day until yesterday (the 28th).  We have a new thing though, I went to town yesterday to pick up the new cover for the air conditioner and you could not see more than a block in downtown Fairbanks.  Seems they have about 54 wildfires burning and a LOT of the smoke finds its way to the valley where Fairbanks sits.

I was talking to the boys yesterday about the smoke and Christian pipes up and says: "One good thing, you don't see any mosquitoes".  Jacob is not feeling well, his right ear is bothering him.  Christian is homesick and would like to go home.  He says Cooter is bugging him and Jacob, being his normal pestering self, is not helping matters.

So far all of us together have two large piles of brush in the yard and Keith says he has a large yard again.  Can't burn the brush until there is a good rain, don't want to start number 55 wildfire.  We plan on being back here Monday the 5th July because we have an appointment to get the manifold leak fixed on the motorhome.  This will be expensive, might have to get a job.  Hopefully, after we get the motorhome repaired we can go look for some salmon.

June 29th - July 6th.

Tuesday - Tuesday

We spent the day Tuesday getting ready for the trip to Anchorage, and we departed Wednesday morning, June 30th.  The smoke from the wild fires was very thick.  We were more than half way to Anchorage before the smoke cleared up a bit.  Wednesday evening we attempted to hook up with an Internet acquaintance in Wasilla.  When this was not successful, we let the boys spend a few hours at a local playground and then spent the night at the playground.

Thursday morning we drove 40 miles into Anchorage and stopped at the RV Park we knew as the Hilltop (now the Creekwood RV Park).  We had to wait for an hour or so for the 11 a.m. checkout to get a parking place. (The wildfire smoke had won the race to Anchorage).  Cost for 3 days was $78.00 ($26.00 per day).  We like this park because it is very near the Sullivan Arena.  We spent the rest of the day loafing and resting, while the boys rode their bikes in the park.  They did get quite a few scrapes and bruises from their bike wrecks.

Keith and Pamela drove down today, checked into their hotel and then visited with us.  On Friday, Pamela and Keith picked up Mamaw and took her to the convention.  While the boys were sleeping, I did the laundry.  When they woke up, we had breakfast and the boys rode bikes until about 5 p.m.  We fixed a meal and was eating when Keith brought Mamaw back and wanted to go out for pizza.  We had to take a rain check.

On Saturday, we did about the same thing until the convention let out, then Keith took us (Sans Pamela) out to have pizza.  Cooter wouldn't eat the pizza because it didn't have the toppings he wanted. Mamaw fixed him a $4.95 salad.  He left it on the table, untouched, because it didn't have Ranch dressing on it.  On the way back to the motorhome, we stopped at Fred Meyers and I bought two gallons of milk ($2.50 each) and 2 pies.  Cooter got a reprieve from going to bed without his supper, we had pie for dessert.

On Sunday, things started out the same way.  The three adults to the convention, the three boys sleeping, so I started breaking camp because we had to be out at 11 a.m.  I filled the water tank and got Christian to help me empty the waste tanks.  We pulled out and gassed up the motorhome for $1.95 per gallon.  This was the cheapest gasoline we have found on this trip.  We parked at Sullivan Arena where the boys played on the football field until Mamaw got out of the convention about 4:15 p.m.

We left Anchorage and stopped at Ft Richardson to show the boys the quarters where we lived in the sixties.  We took pictures of 456-D Dyea Ave. and 346-C Juneau Ave.  The museum was closed; so I couldn't show the boys all of the stuffed wildlife.  We proceeded north on the Parks Highway, stopped at McDonalds in Wasilla and had some sandwiches; then proceeded north until 9 p.m., when we parked at a pull off for the night.  I started driving again at 4 a.m. and arrived in Fairbanks at 8:30 a.m.

On the trip back, we ran into 4 or 5 good rain showers and when we got here, there was no smoke.  We spent the rest of the day resting and getting the motorhome ready for the 3-4 days in the shop.  Pamela and Keith drove home today, arriving about 6 p.m.  Tuesday morning early, I drove the motorhome to Gabe's to have the manifold fixed.  Since then I have been working on this journal.  Miles 798, Total 5217. Gasoline $93.00 Total $1,576.64.

July 6th - 8th.

Tuesday - Thursday

The rest of Tuesday, loafed around the house.  Wednesday Mamaw had to go get a blood test.  She went with Pamela and they did some shopping.  I called Gabe's, and they still have not started on the motorhome.  Called Fish & Wildlife and they reported that the pinks are running at Valdez.  Thursday morning I went to Gabe's and picked up some things from the motorhome.  They have pulled it into the shop.  Took a half gallon of milk back that was spoiled.  Exchanged it since it cost $2.99, bought it early Monday the 5th, expiration was the 11th, today is the 8th.

July 9th.

Friday

Spent most of the day around the house, then took the boys with me to get their game chargers from the motor home.  They had the motorhome about finished and said that it would be ready today.  Took the boys to McDonald's playland for an hour or so, then home to wait on the phone call to pick up the motor home.  Picked up the motor home about 5:30 and paid them $1622.88 for 2 new manifolds, all the bolts etc.  Got back to the house and found that they had pushed the vehicle thereby scratching the back and breaking the bumper.

July 10th.

Saturday

Loaded up and started to Valdez to fish for salmon.  Emptied the waste tanks, filled up with water and gasoline for $100.00, then stopped at Gabe's and showed them the damaged vehicle.  They wanted it back to fix the damage.  Proceeded to Valdez, bought a 7-day fishing license for $30.00, gassed up the vehicle at a cost of $108.35 and parked it at Allison Point at $60.00 for 7 days.  The boys and I fished for awhile and I caught one pink salmon.  Miles 395, Total 5612.  Gasoline 208.35 Total $1785.29.

July 11th - 17th.

Sunday - Saturday

Fished every day for a few hours, salmon were hard to catch, except for three hours after low tide in the morning.  We cleaned and saved 25 fish to bring back to Fairbanks & can.  During this period, Cooter 4 fish, Jacob 16, & Christian 12.  Keith arrived on Thursday and caught 5 fish.  Total fish caught was 59.  Jacob got a call from his Dad that he had bought a ticket and Jacob was to fly home on Monday morning at 6:30 a.m.

At low tide, we walked the shore line and picked up lost lures, total about 70.  Just before we left, Christian & Jacob helped sell 38 lures for a dollar each.  We departed about 1 p.m. Saturday and stopped for two hours at Worthington glacier, arriving in Fairbanks about 9 p.m.  Ruth, Pamela & Keith departed before we did.  Miles 395, Total 6007.  Gasoline $109.00, Total $1894.29.

July 18th.

Sunday

Got up early & read the local paper, checked e-mail, then cleaned the 25 salmon (again) and put them into the freezer.  We all went to the Chena Hot Springs and soaked in the hot, etc, water for a couple hours, came back to town and had salmon, halibut and steak at the Alaska Salmon Bake.

Checked the airport to get details on Jacob leaving at 6:30 a.m. in the morning.  He must arrive there at 4:30 a.m., fly to Seattle, then to Chicago and be picked up by his dad.  I heard a conversation between Christian & Jacob, something like this: Jacob said something about not really wanting to leave us and fly back.  Christian piped up and said "I have the answer to that problem, just don't get on the plane!" Jacob goes on to say that his Dad spent all that money, so he was going to fly home to be with him.  Miles 141, Total 6148.

July 19th.

Monday

Awake at 4 a.m., arrived at the airport about 4:25 a.m. and checked Jacob in for his flight to Seattle and Chicago.  I was instructed to wait until the plane left.  At 6:31 a.m. plane #760 Alaska Airlines lifted wheels from the runway and I came back to Pamela's house.  (Very sad).

Ruth, Christian and me (With some help from Cooter) spent the rest of the day cutting and packing salmon into pint & half pint jars.  Pamela spent this time pressure cooking the fish.  (She knocked off at 3 a.m.).  Also we spent a lot of time looking for Cooter's glasses.  They were missing prior to our trip to Valdez.

July 20th.

Tuesday

Preparations for leaving included: Boys slept in the house so we could take the motor home to town.  We went to the Chevron station, dumped the waste tanks, filled up with water and had the vehicle serviced.

Mamaw had her blood checked and got her ID card at Ft Wainwright.  This post is really busy with all of the construction, etc.  Gasoline prices at the fort was $2.099, Sam's $2.059 and the rest of the town $2.099 to $2.239.  Had the vehicle checked for the damaged rear bumper and shopped at Sam's.

Loaded four cases of pint cans of salmon that Pamela had cooked.  Pamela timed the process, and it takes 7 hours to prepare and cook one batch of the food.  (No wonder salmon is so expensive)!

Prior to loading the boys bikes, I took them to Pioneer Park for their final Alaska ride.  Other than the lingering smoke, we have had excellent (very warm) weather during our stay in Alaska.  Gasoline $81.00, Total $1975.29.  Miles 32, Total 6180.

From Alaska to Indiana Return Trip

Day 1, July 21st.

Wednesday

Loaded up and departed about 9 a.m., picked up some ice and McDonald's food in Fairbanks.  Stopped at Tok and sent some postcards.  Proceeded to the Canadian border where they asked a few questions before allowing us into Canada.  Stopped at a gravel pit on the Duke River for the night.  Gasoline $66.00 Total 2064.99.  Miles 408, Total 6588. 

Day 2, July 22nd.

Thursday

No hurry today, drove to Mukluk Annie's for ribs, salmon, etc.  Took the boys on the boat ride while Mamaw did the laundry.  (Much to Mukluk Chuck's delight).  Cooter got to drive the boat; so now all three boys have driven it.  Spent the night.  Gasoline C-195.17 US $143.45, Total $2208.44.  Miles 319 (727 total return trip) Total 6907. 

Day 3, July 23rd.

Friday

Mamaw and me ate breakfast, filled the water tank, and dumped the waste tanks.  We stopped at the sign post forest in Watson Lake and the boys signs were still there.  (The ones we put up on the trip north).  Went to the Liard Hot Springs and soaked for a couple hours, then on to Toad River where we stopped for the night.  Gasoline C-200.00 US $147.00 Total $2355.44.  Miles 376 (1103) Total 7283. 

Day 4, July 24th.

Saturday

Continued on down the Alaska highway, stopped at mile "O" and sent some postcards.  Went towards Edmonton since we had promised the boys they could go to the mall.  Spent the night near the Little Smoky River on a roadside pullout.  Gasoline C-193.00 US $141.85.  Miles 577 (1680) Total 7860. 

Day 5, July 25th.

Sunday

Starting driving at 4 a.m., too wet and stormy, stopped for about an hour, then continued on towards Edmonton's West Mall.  Gassed up and ate pancakes after arriving about 9 a.m.  Mamaw took the boys into the mall, bought them $30.00 arm bands so that they could ride any of the rides without tickets.  They were in the mall for over 5 hours, upon their return, we drove to Nanton, BC and spent the night in a roadside park.  Gasoline C-157.00 US $115.40.  Total $2612.69.  Miles 480 (2160) Total 8340. 

Day 6, July 26th.

Monday

Drove to the border, (Coutts, AB, and Sweetgrass, MT).  US Customs asked us more questions than any of the other three stations on this trip, but they did not search us; after having searched the two cars ahead of us.  Drove to Billings, MT, and spent the night in a shopping area near "Fly In Lube".  Gasoline $213.77  Total $2826.46.  Miles 654 (2814) Total 8994. 

Day 7, July 27th.

Tuesday

To Fly in Lube for vehicle service at 7 a.m.  25 minutes later, we left after paying them $34.75.  Washed some of the road grime off of the motor home.  Drove until evening ran into a bad thunderstorm and pulled off near Presho, SD, and spent the night in a gas station parking lot.  Gasoline $102.01 Total $2928.47.  Miles 506 (3320) Total 9500.

Day 8, July 28th.

Wednesday

Beautiful day after running into a violent rainstorm in the early morning.  Proceeded to N Liberty, IA, and spent the night in the Jolly Roger Campground and boat launch facility.  The boys got to take a dip in the pool and we all cleaned up for the ride to home.  Gasoline $195.00 Total $3123.47.  Miles 583 (3903) Total 10,083.

Day 9, July 29th.

Thursday

Up early, brought the journal up to date, filled water tank and emptied the waste tanks.  Departed at 6 a.m., saw three deer in the field next to the campground.  Arrived at Mamaw Debby's house about 3:30 p.m.  The boys were so happy to be home that they almost demolished the door getting out of the motor home.  Jacob came over and the three boys stayed up all night playing.  We parked in Debby's driveway for the night and drove home the next morning.  Gasoline $121.00 Total $3244.47.  Miles 485 (4388-return trip)

Total roundtrip mileage:  10,568.

Total roundtrip expenses including gasoline:  $8028.69