April 13

Our Alaska adventure is with Adventure Caravans out of Livingston, Texas. The tour we are going on will last 58 days and starts in Great Falls, Montana on June 8.  Currently there are 23 RV's planning to be in our caravan.  Each caravan is led by a "Wagonmaster" and is followed up by a "Tailgunner."  The Wagonmaster is the first to leave each day.  He relays information about what is ahead and makes arrangements for campsites, tours, and events at each stop.  The Tailgunner is the last to leave each day and is available to help caravan members with mechanical problems they may encounter. Our tour will go through the Canadian Rockies in Alberta and British Columbia before entering the Yukon Territory and finally into Alaska.  As we begin the tour, I will post a day by day journal of where we are and what we are doing. 

Our Wagonmaster, Ken Adams, called us last week to get information and answer questions.  Ken is from Tacoma, Washington and has led trips to Alaska for the last 3 years.  He had lots of good advice.  Our daughter-in-law's grandfather, Jerry Hansen, was a Tailgunner with Caravan Adventures for several years.  He has also been a source of information, advice and help.  Last Saturday I spent the afternoon with Jerry.  He loaned us wheel bearings, trailer springs and other item we will possibly need.  He also helped me build a guard to put on the front of my truck to protect the headlights, radiator, and grill from rocks.  Thanks Jerry!

April 12
Preparations for our Alaska Adventure are starting in earnest.   Today I ordered CB radio equipment, made plans to have the pickup & trailer serviced - new tires, alignment, brakes check, etc.  Additionally we are getting all bills set up to be automatically paid, stopping the mail, arranging for yardwork to be done, etc.  Jenna is looking for easy and appropriate recipies and making lists of food and supplies we will need. So many things to do!!

We will be leaving May 31 and hope to return home on August 13