Life's Journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, totally worn out, shouting "Wow...What a Ride!"

Monday, July 11, 2016

The Last Week Before Our Alaskan Adventure Begins

July 6-11, 2016


Last Wednesday we moved to Goose Bay Marina and Campground near Helena MT on Canyon Ferry Lake. This is a new campground with a multitude of site types, set up in a typical fashion, either circles or long rows and most sites have plenty of spacing. We took site C7 which was electric only, seeing as we were only there for 3 nights we knew we didn't need full hookups. One of the big reasons we stopped here was it was only about 20 miles from the nearest Costco, we needed to get some provisions before heading north. 
Soon after arriving and getting set up we made the Costco Walmart run, then we never left the campground except on our power walks. Afternoons spent outside reading, campfires after dinner and Dave drowning worms. The last of our kicking back days.


Scenes from around the campground








Scenes from our 7.2 mile power walk 





On Saturday we made the drive up to Great Falls to the caravan rendezvous at Dick's RV Park. We were all asked to be in a few days early so rig inspections could take place. Since we've been here we've been getting stuff done for our international travels. Wifi and phones are set for traveling into Canada, credit card companies notified and insurance stuff done. The truck got it's oil and differential fluid changed and other fluids checked.


Sunday morning the rig passed inspection by the tail gunner and we're ready to go. A meeting with the tail gunner and wagon master's wives to go over a few things, a happy hour meetup with those already here and it looks like it should be a good group of people. 22 rigs including the wagon master and tail gunners, 4 5th wheels and 18 motorhomes of various sizes, 47 people in the group. There's even another Grand Design Solitude 5th wheel, same make as ours,  on our trip, haven't seen too many these past few months. In talking with Shari, one of the wagon masters, it appears we have some mutual friends as they are also owners at Gulf Waters Beachfront Resort in Port Aransas TX, another one of those small world moments.

Sunday afternoon we decided to get a power walk in since we wanted to go out for a Chinese dinner. Looking at the map provided by the rv park showed a bike path that led down to the Missouri River, once we got there we found the Rivewalk loop path, by the time we got back to the rv we had walked 8 miles in just over two hours.












When ever we see old rail yards and train stuff I think of my dad, this rail yard was near the bike path.






We did go out to Maple Garden for a Chinese dinner, what a great choice in restaurants we made, portions are large enough to share or for a second meal. Took care of our Chinese craving for awhile and if we are ever in the area we'll go back, alas no pictures too busy eating the great food.

Monday a few last things got taken care of and tomorrow is the official first day of the caravan. Wednesday we head into Canada.

Until next time...

13 comments:

  1. Have fun, can't wait to read about your Alaskan adventures!

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    1. We are so ready to get the show on the road.

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  2. OK. Just sayin'. 8 miles in an hour is not walking of any kind! That's running! You guys are going to be skinny at the end of the summer :)
    So excited for you doing this trip. It's going to be a blast. Have fun!

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  3. Another Solitude, "get out!" Know you're counting the hours...woohoo!

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    1. Yep another Solitude, 2014 368rd from FL. Today is the official first day so guess it's here.

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  4. Thanks for the peek of Great Falls,and the Chinese Restaurant, I too am craving for Chinese food.
    Are your passports ready too, I did not see it in your things to be prepared of.
    You are off to an adventure of a lifetime, we wish you both all the fun and the salmon to catch.
    Enjoy but be safe its a lonely road up there.

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    1. If you're headed this way definitely try Maple Garden, we really enjoyed it. Our passport cards have been ready for a few years.

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  5. Really lovely views at your first campground. You guys must be in fabulous shape to power walk 7 and 8 miles in an hour. That's faster than I ever ran that far in an hour. That's a 7.5 minute mile. I'm in awe. And you take pictures too. Wow! Looking forward to seeing your travels north and how you like the Caravan company.

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    1. Thanks for catching that it was really two hours, we're good but not that good.

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  6. Have a terrific trip ... Alaska is such a fabulous place to visit.

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  7. Enjoy... can't wait to follow along!

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  8. Have fun. We took the Alaska Ferry from Bellingham to Haines when we went to Alaska. You will have such a great time.

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