Boondocked—
Last night we boondocked in a pull-out right at the waters edge of Portage Cove in Haines, Ak. with a fast flowing waterfall across the road. A lovely spot and we were treated to a pretty sunset, shot through with tangerine and overhead there were eagles flying. Ah, life can be so good. This morning we woke to 56 degrees F. and it got dark last night (well more dark than daylight)! Could it be because we are moving south through Alaska or is it that the summer is tiptoeing away?
Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve—
The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is located just off the Haines Highway about 18 miles north of Haines, Alaska. Here we saw numerous eagles flying over the Chilkat River. There are lots of places to pull off the road and observe these majestic birds. We seem to never see enough eagles. They still cause us to reach for our cameras.
Haines, Alaska–
Spent much of yesterday morning chatting with a woman planning to fulltime RV on her own. She has a good set-up (a newer, reliable RV) but it just feels like the learning curve is steep. She’s staying in an RV Park in Haines and wants to start doing some boondocking. Well, she’s a former Critical Care Nurse as am I and, as I recall, doing that takes some nerves of steel and real determination. She’s anxious about being on her own and traveling in an RV. Ha! RVing is a “piece of cake” compared to being a Critical Care Nurse! She’ll be fine, just needs to build some confidence.
Then it was off to visit the cute little town of Haines. We were lucky as no cruise ship was scheduled to be in Haines on Thursday so we are going to miss the crowds. Someone mentioned that some of the gift shops/tee shirt shops might be closed because it is a non-cruise ship day. Oh well, somehow we’ll survive without another opportunity to buy a tee shirt!
We’re told that last winter this town got 25 feet of snow. The water of Portage Cove does not freeze but the rivers and lakes do. The local we chatted with said it started snowing in November and just didn’t stop so they were glorying in the beautiful, sunny day with a temp of 75 degrees F.! Met another local who works for a tour company and was going out to see if they can see any grizzlies along the river, which was exactly where we were going. It was interesting talking with her as she and her husband want to RV fulltime the way we are traveling.
The water of Portage Cove (the inlet that serves as a harbor for Haines) is a lovely blue/green as is the Chilkat River and the Chilkot Lake with all surrounded by beautiful mountains..
We spent much of the day at the Chilkat River and Lake watching the eagles overhead and fishermen plying the waters. Heard that the man counting the fish at the weir counted 3700 Chinook Salmon yesterday. The Pink Salmon haven’t started their run in Haines yet so we saw no bears along the river. The bear, we’re told, are attracted by the Pink Salmon as they swim closer to the surface so are easier for them to catch.
Plan–
Today we will take the ferry to Skagway, Alaska.
great photos as usual. For future reference, did you know there is a web group for women RVer’s who provide support/info for people like her? RVingwomen.org
Thank you RedRoadDiaries. We did know and suggested this to her. Be well and safe travels, Ann and Jerry
Sounds stunning and lots of fun! Yes life can be so good when you’re out in it! Glad you are enjoying. We look forward to talking soon. Xoxo
Yes, we are out in it. As are you in life with wonderful E ! Be well, Love.
How could anybody possibly keep up with counting 3700 salmon in a day. Great pics!
Ha!!! I thought the same thing but Jerry says they must have some kind of electronic counter as well. Glad you like the pictures. Be well and safe travels, Ann and Jerry