Travels with Jan & Ron: July 2024

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Additional news:

Additional News. The Mercedes dealer just told Ron it would be a month before they could look at the van!!!

I went in to use the restroom and met up with the employee who gave Duke treats yesterday, told him our sob story and he took me to the new general manager, AJ. The gen manager said, "give me a few minutes and I will see if we can get you in today." He's working on it and getting us a loaner car so we can return the rental". Asked him if there was any way we could stay on our RV. He's working on that, too. Thanks for your Prayers!!

P.S. Mercedes just gave us a loaner, a brand new all electric SUV. Want to buy it? $120,000+

Summary of 7/30/2024

Denali

Summary of yesterday's events.

Jonathan, the tow truck driver arrived. Our vehicle would not shift, so the back tires were locked. He did an amazing job of getting our 12,000 pound vehicle loaded using a pulley and slides under the tires. When I saw how long our vehicle was once loaded, I was worried.

He told us we could all ride in the truck with him. There was no leg room and Duke had the floor. I had concerns about no bathroom, no food and no water, but we did stop a couple of times for the restroom. Ron and I shared a bottle of water and a small pack of snacks. It took 8 hours to get to Anchorage. God bless him, Duke slept almost the entire way without being able to turn around.

Some scary times: 1)when the road was rough and we were going 55 mph, our RV bounced wildly and felt as if it might slingshot into the truck's cab. 2)Jonathan occasionally took both hands off the wheel when telling a story.

3)Jonathan liked to check his email or find you tube videos while driving

Some good times: 1) we saw Denali (Mt. McKinley!!!! First time Jonathan had seen it on a clear day, too

2) Jonathan was a talker and told us he met his wife online. She is from Peru, and he flew down to get her. He is the eldest of 8 kids.

3) We made it to Anchorage

7/30/2024

7/30/2024:

It took one hour for the tow truck to load the RV because RV wouldn't move out of park. Finally loaded, we left for Anchorage, packed into the cab of the tow truck with Duke on the floor. We sat in the truck for 8 hours before arriving in Anchorage. More details later. We are tired but safe.

Monday, July 29, 2024

7/29/2024

Trouble in paradise!! We left our campsite this morning and went to fill up with water. Our Mercedes was stuck in "park". Then all dash lights came on, wipers on, and warning messages kept repeating, and for at least an hour it wouldn't shut off. Because we are so far from Fairbanks, Mercedes helpline could not find us a tow. The only dealer in Alaska is in Anchorage, 416 miles away. After 5 hours, the engine started and we drove 30 miles before the Mercedes electronics went crazy and we had to pull over. After several phone calls, Ron found a transporter that will (maybe) take us to Fairbanks tonight and Anchorage tomorrow. Did I mention that it's still raining and Duke is still not feeling well? Thankfully we are safely off the road and have food and a bathroom! Prayers would be helpful!

7/28/2024

7/28/2024:

Duke has recovered! We drove 60 miles to Chena Hot Springs which were highly recommended. In addition to the wonderful outdoor springs, there is an indoor pool, several hot tubs and and ice museum plus a hotel.

Chena Hot Springs Road

Don't see these every day

Registration

Retired from service around 2016. Landed here and hoisted into position

Many of these snow removal vehicles

How much better can a campsite get

The springs

Wonderful

Camper registration

The grounds

An OLD Caterpillar

Our first campfire since leaving home.

7/27/2024

Rough night. Duke was sick (diarrhea) and had to go out frequently in the pouring rain. As soon as we were asleep, he was scratching at the door. One of us stayed with him all day. (Laundry, car museum, groceries). We did go to church together. No pics! Spending another night in Fairbanks in the Barnes and Noble lot.

Saturday, July 27, 2024

7/26/2024

7/26/2024:

RAIN as we headed for Fairbanks. We spent time at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors' Center and then traveled a few miles north of Fairbanks where Ron reconnected with a relative he hadn't seen since he was 10 years old. Rain is predicted for the next 5 days here. Our plan was Walmart overnight, but no RVs allowed! So we're are at Sportsmen's Warehouse instead.

7/25/2024

7/25/2024:

We drove up the 15 miles of road on which cars and RVs are allowed. We finally spotted our first moose and baby, although they were quickly moving in the brush. We spotted beautiful mountains and a railway bridge, but the elusive Denali never appeared even after a mile long hike.

Big moose/baby moose

Railroad bridge

7/24/2024

7/24/2024:

Denali, here we come. We are staying in the park.

On the way

Jagged peaks

Another mountain range

Loved the sign/ Didn't know the people

A unique RV

Sled dogs

Right after the demo

7/23/2024

7/23/2024:

We made a brief visit to Seward where Ron visited the harbor master. He is looking for Nordic Tugs that are not included in the Master database that he manages for Nordic Tug owners. He found one that appears to be in rough shape. We had lunch near the water and then headed back toward Anchorage. Staying in the Walmart in Wasilla.

Our lunch spot

Duke enjoying being outside

One ship in the harbor

Heading toward Anchorage

Monday, July 22, 2024

7/22/2024

7/22/2024:

Taken from Skyline Drive

We headed for Skyline Drive in Homer and then out to Homer Spit. Lunch at a local place and then on the road toward Seward. Staying at Crescent Creek Campground about 40 miles from Seward. Rain started this afternoon and continues tonight.

Home Spit

Everyone's got a plane

Driving out on the spit

Loved this little girl's energy

Our lunch spit

7/21/2024:

A busy day with church and laundry. Pay stations were blocking the road to church because it was salmon dip netting season. Only Alaska citizens can get a permit for dip netting on the beach but you need a permit to go to the beach, too. This 3 mile long beach has 20,000-30,000 people dip netting from this beach during sockeye salmon season.(We had to go around these pay stations). Sunset was at 11pm at the most westerly North American highway. We stayed at Halibut Campground near Homer.