October 2022 Canlife Correspondence, Our Almost Monthly Newsletter
Back in the Lower 48!
As we re-entered Washington state just a few days ago, we reflected on all that we'd experienced along the way to and from our 50th state. It's a humbling and impossible task to try and encompass, in a few words, the enormity of this experience. We feel so fortunate and grateful to have been able to go and explore it for ourselves. Gas prices be damned, we aren't going to remember the extra money we spent, but seeing the sun shining on the Matanuska Glacier as we drive into autumn along the Glenn Highway -- that's with us for the rest of our lives.
Many of our worries about traveling along such a long a road, just the two of us, simply didn't become an issue. The road surface was rough at times, but nothing close to our imagination when we heard fear whispering in our ears. The bears were plentiful, but seemed uninterested in our presence. And Hamlet, our 65 year old trailer, handled everything the road threw at him with the same old reliable durability that we've enjoyed over the past 10 years of traveling with him. Who says you can't take a vintage camper to Alaska? He's already ready to turn around and go back!
We still have so much to share with you about Alaska, British Columbia, and the Yukon, so stay tuned even as we return to a more familiar backroads and camping sites. We did so much in the past 5 months, and yet we still left so many things for next time -- because THERE WILL BE A NEXT TIME! No single trip to Alaska -- no matter how long -- could possibly be enough time.
"There is one word of advice and caution to those intending to visit Alaska...if you are old, by all means go, but if you are young, wait. The scenery of Alaska is much grander than anything else of its kind in the world, and it is not wise to dull one's capacity for enjoyment by seeing the finest first."
These words, by Henry Gannett in 1899 as a member of the Harriman Alaska Expedition, seem hyperbolic at first blush, as if the Tourism Board of the young territory slipped him a C note to say a few kind words to the press about his experience, but after 3 months of our exploration of this expansive state, these words feel like an understatement.
Will you take his advice, and see whether you agree?
Nomad Blog of the Month: Creating Community on the Road
As we headed up north in the spring, we both assumed that we might have a rather introverted summer, as we knew only one person living in Alaska. We couldn't have been more WRONG! Alaskans and Canadians are some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet, and there are so many others on the road with you, that you will have to work hard to stay alone.
Finding community on the road is a real concern for anyone considering a nomadic lifestyle. If you aren't in one place for a very long time, how can you make any lasting connections? For folks fearful of the loss of friends, and community, the sense of isolation can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Here's how we've created community on the road.Videos of the Month: All About the Kenai
As we sift through mountains of images and video, we'll continue to share our RVing to Alaska series on our YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe while you are there to get notifications when we post new videos, too. Here are a couple more we finished this month...Kenai Peninsula Highlights from areas south of Whittier, AK -- from the Kenai River, Homer, and Seward -- some spectacular scenery!
Kenai Fjords National Park We had the great fortune of celebrating 2 very special anniversaries and another major milestone in this very special national park at the end of the Earth in Seward, AK! We explored this stunning park on foot, on a tour boat, and in our sea kayaks. It was not only our 55th park to visit, it is the LAST park to which we could drive our little Hamlet -- the rest require a flight or ferry. It's bittersweet to think that his lifelong journey to all the national parks is complete. Thank goodness we've left a lot undone in those parks; we'll just have to start over again, right?
Blog of the Month: Experience Hawai'i Like a Local: A Van Camping Guide to the Tropics
Our 2022 travels have encompassed both the 49th and 50th states in our union. In addition to Alaska this summer, we went to Hawai'i last winter and discovered how camping there in a van is like no other place we've traveled. There simply aren't many good online resources for camping across this amazing archipelago, so here's our contribution that was recently published in Northwest RVing.
RV Gear Review of the Month: Renogy ONE Solar Monitoring System & Smart Home Automation
The Renogy ONE, a new, all-in-one solar energy and smart home automation device can remotely monitor the energy you use everyday, help you become more energy efficient, allow you to switch lights and appliances on/off from afar, and send you alerts if the motion sensors detects movement inside your home or a window/door is opened while you are away. Whether your home is stationary, rolls, or floats, it's a great way to ease any worries you might have while away. Check out our video review and blog for more details. To save 10% off non-sale items with Renogy Solar, use our affiliate link and promo code "canlife" at checkout. This promo code can be used in the U.S., Canada, UK, and Australia.
While camping in British Columbia on our way down from Alaska, we joined in the Canadian spirit and celebrated their Thanksgiving, vegetarian style. The weather was pleasantly warm, the autumn color spectacular, and we couldn't resist the opportunity to pull out our OTZI grill and cook up some of our favorite fall recipes. Yes, you can make crepes on a grill!
Good News for the Environment: FAT BEAR WEEK!
Perhaps you've already heard of this fun event sponsored by the National Park Service featuring the many salmon-stuffed Grizzly Bears of Katmai National Park while they prepare for their long winter nap. Even if you have, did you hear about these two momma bears who formed a special bond? It's sure to make you smile -- check out their special story!
Official Wildlife Count!
Of course we kept count, and much to our surprise, Canada is where it's at when it comes to spotting these charismatic megafauna! So, if you drive to Alaska, take your time to enjoy them while traveling through the gorgeous country to our north.
We'll see you next time, Canada & Alaska!
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