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RE: Bears and RV
This is a story of self-control and marksmanship with an itsy bitsy shooter by a woman against a fierce predator.
What is the smallest caliber you trust to protect yourself?
The Beretta Jetfire:
"While out hiking in Alaska with my boyfriend we were surprised by a huge grizzly bear charging at us from out of nowhere. She must have been protecting her cubs because she was extremely aggressive. If I had not had my little Beretta Jetfire with me I would not be here today!
Just one shot to my boyfriend's knee cap was all it took…….the bear got him and I was able to escape by just walking away at a brisk pace.
It's one of the best pistols in my collection
That's why we ban handguns in Canada, gives us all a sporting chance:B
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trigley
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04/23/13 12:09am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: GREAT ALASKAN HOLIDAY SPRING ADVENTURE 2013 IOWA/ALASKA
Hi Everyone!
Can't believe that it's getting so close to leaving for MSP. We still have a lot of work to do to get everything ready to go. Too much going on at work and exhausted on the week ends to start packing. Anyone up on the weather in BC or Yukon? I have been checking out www.yukonriverbreakup.com occasionally to see when they begin to post new pics of the Yukon River. We're gonna try the Dawson City trip again this year!
CGCan't speak for Northern B C or the Yukon but Alberta temperatures continue to be well below normal. Had another few inches of snow yesterday so all white again. In our area it was still 50% white anyway. Slowest spring I can remember and that includes more than I care to mention
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trigley
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04/14/13 05:21pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Family Rv Trip to Alaska? So many questions!
It's not just Banff\Jasper. There is Glacier National Park in Montana,
Waterton, Kootenay & Yoho National Parks, The Kananaskis, The Kootenays, beautiful country right through the Rogers Pass to Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands & the Sunshine Coast, to the north Wells Grey, The Northern Rockies, Liard Hot Springs, The Cassier, The Klondike, The Kluane and more and more.
I don't take anything away from Alaska, it is beautiful. But as you recognize it is a long way and costly.
When we went I said I am going North, how far I don't know. We had 6 weeks and did get as far as the Kinai but we had already seen much of the above and we are much closer than you.
My point is if you did not have a fixation on Alaska you could still have a beautiful trip. If you get to Alaska wonderful, if you don't you have a starting point for your next venture.
You are young. There is so much to see, go for it but be flexible.
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trigley
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04/10/13 09:43am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Question in traveling Highway 16
There are booths like the one Joe.b has shown at all entrances. If just driving through there will be a lane to the right so you don't have to stop.
But if you don't buy a pass and then stop, & get caught, they feed you to the bears;).
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trigley
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04/02/13 07:20pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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Just punishmenmt for misrepresentation
There have been several threads about the cold winter and late arrival of spring. Fortunately the State of Ohio is taking the matter seriously and commencing an action against those who should have prepared us for this situation.
Let's hope this prevents similar future negligance.:B
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trigley
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03/22/13 09:51pm |
Snowbirds
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RE: Heads up for Minnesota snowbirds
Weather forcast for March is below average temperatures.We still have plenty of snow on ground too. Take your time coming back.Life is good.
X2 and more coming tonight and tomrrow.
It passed by here today heading your way.
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trigley
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03/22/13 12:30am |
Snowbirds
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RE: Campgrounds near Lake Louise
There are several campgrounds with firepits in the National Parks. The problem is they are unserviced. Kicking Horse in Yoho National Park might be the best alternative in the Lake Louise area.
If you have a very large unit that might also be an issue in some of these campgrounds.
Tunnel Mountain Village 2 in Banff has electricity and firepits.
IMHO the Lake Louise area is the jewel and the choice is between services at Lake Louise or firepit at Kicking Horse.
Make sure you visit Takakkaw Falla & Emerald Lake in Yoho as well as Morraine Lake areas. If you have time the bus ride to Lake O'Hara would be a good day trip. You have to book in advance.
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trigley
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03/15/13 07:14pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Taking road trip to Banff/Jasper--ideas?
A couple of additions to SideHillSoups list.
Between Ft Steele & Canal Flats you will see a sign on your right (east) for Lussier Hot Springs.
This is a series of 2 or 3 small undeveloped pools on a river bank.
Road in (about 10 miles) is gravel with washboard but OK for your truck camper.
A few miles further in is an unserviced campground on a small lake. Quite a pretty area. The road goes further but there are blind spots and logging trucks so I got out of there. It was fine to the campground. Another road branches off to an area called "Top of the World". I haven't ventured in there.
There is another developed Hot Spring at Miette near the east gate of Jasper National Park.
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trigley
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03/01/13 10:41am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Bugs on the front of the 5th wheel from traveling
Keep the cap well waxed and use hot water with a bit of soap as soon as possible after you stop & they come off fairly easy. Once they bake on it is much harder.
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trigley
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02/28/13 04:23pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Alberta Trailer Restrictions??
Alberta overpasses & rules
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trigley
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02/18/13 10:19pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Cool attractions/camping ideas from Alberta to Ontario..
For the western route you describe you might consider some of the following assuming you don't plan to go as far as the mountains,
Western development Museum, Saskatoon or a subsidiary
Ukranian Cultural Centre east of Edmonton
West Edmonton Mall
Fort Edmonton
Reynolds Museum, Wetaskiwan antique cars and airplanes
Alberta Prairie Steam Tours, Stettler (train rides).
Royal Tyrell Museum, Drumheller Dinosaurs etc
Calgary Zoo
Heritage Park
Calgary Science Centre
Calloway Park
Dinosaur Provincial Park near Brooks,
Cypress Hills, recommend Fort Walsh on Sask side
Great Canadian Sand Hills near Liebenthal Sask. A bit difficult to find your way in but Kids love playing on the dunes. Don't take your trailer in as dunes are moving and roads can be impacted.
I realize there are a lot of Museums on this list but they are all different and some do have interactive programs for kids.
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trigley
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02/18/13 11:06am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: "Normal winter driving conditions" vs TV "reality" shows
WOW! I'm intrigued -- I had completely written off RVing in the Arctic in the dead of winter. I had thought that it was simply out of the question to tow a travel trailer in -30 degree weather with ice and snow on the road. Do you put chains on the trailer? Since my truck does not have a plug-in engine block heater, what does one do to keep the engine block from freezing? Are there campgrounds with hookups all along the route, all year long? (I can't imagine boondocking for more than a night in very cold weather -- I suppose I could run my generator all night long, but that doesn't sound like fun, even though I have a very quiet Honda 2000.)
As you can tell from the sidebar, I live in California, but I am not afraid of rugged conditions, as long as I am properly prepared and equipped and have done the required homework. And I really want to see Alaska and the Yukon in winter. So if towing in Alaska in winter is not impossible, that would open up a lot of possibilities! Obviously, Sue T. has done it. But Gary Haupt, a very adventurous person, just put away his RV for the winter. So what's the consensus?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
First remember Sue grew up in the Yukon. If you have not experienced
-40 I would suggest you do so first before trying it out in your trailer. Second Sue used a c class motor home. If I was doing that trip I would prefer a class c or van to a truck & trailer both for driving and for keeping the unit somewhat warm.
Would you tow a trailer over bad roads with a propane furnace running. It wouldn't be my choice and I am not sure you even could as propane will gel in extreme cold and winter conditions could make operations very difficult. Then when you did stop it takes forever to warm up a cold trailer.
I have lived my life in cold climates and have been winter driving for over 50 years. I live along Alberta highway 2 the route most follow to Alaska and the busiest stretch North of Salt Lake City.
Even with that experience I and many like me dread the highway during stormy periods. It is not that we lack confidence in our ability to drive under those conditions. The problem is that many feel they can continue to drive at 120kph or more . About a week ago we were coming home at night and began to see cars in the ditch. The road looked good but this is an indication of black ice. So I and many slowed to around 80kph (50mph) but others continued to pass at high speed. Why they thought these other drivers had hit the ditch is beyond me.
It is seldom we have a snowfall without someone being killed and it is often not the one causing the problem. I would prefer to drive in the Yukon where traffic is lighter and hopefully saner.
So yes I would strongly recommend a trip North in the winter but by plane. Should you wish to drive a block heater is not that expensive to have installed. I would forget the idea of towing.
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trigley
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11/17/12 10:57pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Your thoughts on waxing...
Once a year with Nu Finish. I do the decals as well just being careful to rub along not across the edge. The cap depending on usage.
I sold my 01 in 09 & it still looked great including the decals. Only thing that aged was the door which was a different material.
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trigley
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09/10/12 03:31pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Oregon dunes..in Yukon?
Hi,
They are under publicized to say the least, but quite impressive.
re the Great Sand Hills of SW Saskatchewan. Agree, few know of them. They are great to visit if you know how to get into them.
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trigley
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09/09/12 02:46pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Calgary in Sept-any must see spots?
Personally, I wouldn't bother going to Banff or Lake Louise at all.Too many tourists. There's a better place to go and that's Waterton National Park. The lake there(Cameron) is just as beautiful as Lake Louise. You're right in the mountains in Waterton, not miles away and there's not as many people.Stayed there for 12 days this time around and never get tired of it. Another place to stay around Calgary is in the Okotoks area. A 10 minute drive which is south of Calgary. We left Alberta on the 1st of Sept., and while talking to a man, in the Duty Free shop, about the weather, he said that it had gotten down to 17F one morning. That's why we leave towards the end of August, cause winter is coming. :) Have fun and enjoy your stay no matter where you go.
I agree Waterton is beautiful. The reason it is so much quieter is that it is considerably further from Calgary or any large population centre. It is also the end of the road and the accessible area is small. That is why I didn't include it.
Banff on the other hand is the gateway to 4 large National Parks. Be aware the word Banff is the name of the town as well as a large National Park. The town is very touristy. If that is your thing great.
I believe the best part of the Park is the Lake Louise area including Morraine Lake and the east part of Yoho National Park. That would include Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake.
As with Pipeman most tourists do leave by the end of Aug. & a lot of the campgrounds close. So it should not be that busy.
The average Sept low in Calgary is 39F & Oct 29F, 17F is possible but very rare. Be aware the mountain areas may get colder.
I think Late Sept is an excellent time if you can adapt to the cooler temperatures. Snow has usually returned to the peaks making them more beautiful and there will be fall colours although recognize that there are a lot of evergreens.
I'm not sure if you knew what I meant by Larch trees. These are a conifer which turn yellow and shed their needles in the fall. You have to get up to 6,000 feet to see them. In the Lake Louise area this means taking a hiking trail such as Lake Agnes with a continuation to the Big Beehive.
Whatever you decide to do enjoy your trip.
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trigley
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09/09/12 09:56am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia & PEI
You are going to visit a lot of small communities. To find the best restaurant look for the one with all the cars out front or lots of patrons inside. Trust the locals. They know. We had many fine meals that way. Sheet Harbour, Perth Andover and Charlettown were among the more memorable and that was several years ago.
To find out local history stand on the waterfront. Some oldtimer will come along ready to talk forever.
When walking down the sidewalk try not to look across the street too often. It stops the traffic as they assume you wish to cross :).
We did not RV as we flew down and used B & B's and Inns and had a wonderful trip. We found the people really friendly.
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trigley
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09/06/12 10:45pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Calgary in Sept-any must see spots?
If you havn't been in this area before, Banff and in particular Lake Louise for sure. Possibilities to continue to Yoho, Kootenay or Jasper Parks.
The Kananaskis area would also be very pretty at this time. The Larches around the Highwood Pass would probably be in their fall colours.
In the other direction Drumheller and the Royal Tyrell Museum would be worth a visit. Badlands and dinosaur remains.
Don't be surprised if there is an early season snowstorm, particularly in the High country. Some nights may have frost.
Within the city itself there is an excellent zoo and the Heritage Park area might be interesting but IMHO they do not come close to the natural areas listed above.
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trigley
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08/29/12 12:12pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Protecting front of 5vr?
We did the trip last year and I applied no protection. About 10.000km including about 75km each way on the south end of the Dempster which is gravel (To Tombstone Territorial Park)& 160 km "Top of the World" which is broken pavement to dirt.
I have a few chips in the molding which runs across the bottom front of the RV below the front doors. I don't know how I could have covered that & I think I can probably replace it if I so choose.
I did pick up a bit of tar, I believe around Dawson City which I got at quickly & was able to remove reasonably easy.
No other damage except a couple of flats.
As soon as I got home & dropped the trailer off I picked up a big chip in my windshield, on pavement of course!
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trigley
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06/15/12 04:17pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Cover for the 5th. wheel Hitch??
I have a roll-n-lock cover on the bed of my truck that allows me to lock up the bed with the hitch in it.
x2
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trigley
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06/14/12 10:01pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: UPDATE: Alaska Hwy RE-OPENED Monday June 11 evening
Thanks for all your helpful info, Sue. We arrived in Fort Nelson, BC today and were in shock after finding out that all routes to AK were closed. We're nervous and disappointed that our first trip to AK may have to be aborted after so much planning and organizing. Well, we're lucky to be in a place with fuel, food, and water available. I feel bad for those who are truly suffering. Let's hope for everyone's sake that "a few days" will be realistic to repair the damage.
Sue is right. It is an important road and they will be working hard to get it open, It is early yet. We left Aug 4 last year for 6 weeks.
There was a heavy snow pack in many mountain areas this past winter. When that starts to melt in June the rivers always rise. Combine that with a heavy rain & problems arise. Click here for the 14 day weather outlook for Whitehorse. No major storms predicted but cooler than normal. This should help as it will delay the snow melt.
The next part of your trip usually has the most wildlife you will see along the highway. So take your time and spend some time at Liard Hot Springs. It is great. In the future it will be just one more part of the story.
It is a good reminder to always have some extra food & water along on a trip of that nature.
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trigley
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06/10/12 12:24am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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